In the Assin Central District of Ghana’s Central Region, cocoa farmers gather not just to discuss yields and prices, but to collectively chart survival strategies against a climate that no longer follows familiar patterns.

Under the shade of cocoa trees in Assin Fosu, members of a local farmers’ cooperative discuss rainfall forecasts, soil health, and how to safeguard their livelihoods from increasingly unpredictable weather.

“We cannot continue farming the same way,” says Samuel Torbi, a leader of the Assin Fosu Cocoa Farmers’ Cooperative, a group turning shared vulnerability into collective resilience.

Samuel owns a 17-acre cocoa farm bordering a forest reserve. In good years, his farm produces about 300 bags of cocoa, enough to support his household. After more than 20 years in cocoa production, he says farming has remained his economic backbone. Yet climate change now poses the greatest threat to that stability.

“You’re supposed to plant cocoa in March, but when the dry season extends unexpectedly, the young plants die,” he explains. “Climate change is now our biggest challenge in cocoa farming.”

Across Ghana, climate variability is rewriting the rules of farming. According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, average temperatures have increased by about 1°C over the past 30 years, while rainfall has become increasingly erratic. The World Bank estimates that climate change could reduce Ghana’s agricultural productivity by up to 7% by 2050 if adaptation measures are not scaled up.

This poses a direct threat to smallholder farmers, who account for over 60% of Ghana’s agricultural workforce and produce nearly 80% of the country’s food, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

In regions such as the Upper East, Northern, Bono, Ahafo, and parts of the Central, prolonged dry spells, flash floods, and soil degradation are driving down yields, raising production costs, and deepening food insecurity.

Cocoa, Ghana’s leading agricultural export and a livelihood for over 800,000 farm families, is particularly vulnerable.

Cooperatives as engines of climate adaptation

Amid these challenges, agricultural cooperatives are emerging as a quiet but powerful force in Ghana’s climate response. Once viewed primarily as vehicles for market access and bargaining power, cooperatives are increasingly functioning as hubs for climate-smart agriculture, information sharing, and risk management.

Agricultural researchers note that farmer-based organisations are gaining relevance because they provide a structured platform for engagement with government agencies, research institutions, and development partners.

Dr Victor Owusu, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography Education, University of Education, Winneba, whose research focuses on agrarian food systems and livelihood resilience, describes climate change as a planning nightmare for farmers.

“The erratic nature of the weather makes agricultural planning extremely difficult,” he says. “This is where cooperatives become critical. While climate science informs policy, farmers also possess indigenous knowledge that has sustained their livelihoods for generations. Cooperatives create a space where scientific knowledge and local experience can work together.”

In Assin Fosu, change began with targeted training sessions supported by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Ghana Cocoa Biard (COCOBOD), and local NGOs. Farmers were introduced to climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices such as mulching, crop rotation, shade tree integration, improved seed selection, composting, and rainwater harvesting.

Abdul Rahman Ayiku Tetteh, the Pruning, Irrigation and Cocoa Management Systems Coordinator at the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD, describes cooperatives as essential allies in reaching farmers efficiently.

“Climate change is affecting production and wellbeing,” he explains. “We educate farmers on planting disease-resistant varieties, integrating shade trees, and protecting cocoa from direct sunlight. When cooperatives are involved, information spreads faster and adoption rates improve.”

CHED estimates that farms practicing recommended shade management and pruning techniques can improve productivity by 15–25%, even under climate stress.

The Assin Fosu cooperative has 72 active members, meeting monthly to review production data, welfare concerns, and business performance. Special farmer business schools provide hands-on training in climate-smart practices.

“We now understand that cutting down trees worsens climate stress on cocoa,” Mr. Torbi explains. “Shade trees improve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and protect yields.”

Beyond agronomy, the cooperative has introduced group savings schemes, bulk input purchases, and shared irrigation support, reducing individual costs by up to 20%, according to members.

“Before, I couldn’t afford fertiliser,” says Sala Iddrisu, a cocoa farmer and mother of two. “Now we buy together and support each other.”

Some members have also committed portions of their land to tree planting and carbon sequestration initiatives under REDD+ programmes, contributing to Ghana’s emission reduction targets while restoring degraded landscapes.

Policy shift toward bottom-up solutions

Experts say cooperatives are central to scaling climate adaptation across the country.

According to Dr Victor Owusu, for decades, agricultural governance in Ghana has largely followed a top-down model, limiting local participation in policy design and implementation.

“We’ve realised that the top-down approach towards dissemination of information, such as climate change, availability of subsidies for farmers, including fishers, there’s a big gap communication gap, most of the information or the intended materials do not get to the people who are supposed to be using this information and other materials for their work to benefit their welfare.

“So gradually, we are moving towards a bottom-up approach where government and other agencies are now recognizing the importance of empowering local cooperatives to also be actively involved in the management and governance of agriculture, food value chain,” he observed.

Ghana’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Climate Resilient and Green Economy Strategy explicitly recognise farmer-based organisations as key actors in adaptation and mitigation efforts.

However, challenges remain. Access to climate finance, long-term technical support, and research partnerships continues to constrain cooperative growth.

Dr Owusu says empowering farmer-based organisations and local cooperatives will get them more involved in the management of the food value chain, especially in taking interest in climate change and its ramifications on the local agriculture sector.

“The agriculture sector is directly under the mercy of climate change, because we talk about farming, they depend on the mercies of the weather; the rainfall and the temperature. When we talk about the fishing, it’s also the same.

“So information dissemination is very important, when we are talking about climate change and climate information, so that these farmers will be able to use this information for their planting season and other important information that will help them to sustain their various businesses,” he stated.

Back in Assin Fosu, farmers are preparing for the next planting season. They are testing cover crops to restore soil fertility, composting organic waste, and experimenting with drought-tolerant cocoa seedlings.

“We are no longer just surviving,” Mr Torbi says. “We are adapting and leading.”

As climate change tightens its grip on Ghana’s food systems, one lesson is becoming increasingly clear: resilience is not built solely through technology or central policies, but through empowered communities working collectively.

In that future, agricultural cooperatives are not just participants; they are climate champions, shaping sustainable pathways for rural Ghana.

This article is written as part of a collaborative project between JoyNews, CDKN Ghana, and the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability at the University of Ghana, with funding from the CLARE R41 Opportunities Fund

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Mankessim – In a bid to provide skill training for the youth, the Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu Foundation (OFAF) was officially launched, culminating in the graduation of 55 artisans from its maiden training programme.

Held under the theme “The Future Is Handmade,” the event at Mankessim in the Central Region on Saturday, December 27, 2025, highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, vocational education, and hands-on skills in promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.

The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of traditional authorities, political leaders, Christian clergy, and representatives of Islamic missions, reflecting broad-based support for skills development as a tool for community transformation.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of the Foundation and Deputy Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), Fatimah Amoadu, recounted that OFAF was established in Accra about ten years ago but later relocated its operations to the Ekumfi Traditional Area to directly support the local community.

“This foundation started in Accra about ten years ago, but it was important to bring it home to Ekumfi to support my own people and help them build sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

A native of Ekumfi Immuna and Srafa, Amoadu explained that her decision to return home was driven by a desire to empower young people, particularly girls, through sustainable skills training rather than short-term support.

“Our focus has always been on teaching young girls how to fish rather than giving them fish,”she explained. “When you equip someone with a skill, you give them dignity, independence, and a future.”

She disclosed that 100 girls from Ekumfi were enrolled in an artisanal training programme four years ago, of whom 55 have now successfully graduated, while the remaining trainees are still undergoing instruction.

The trainees received instruction in hairdressing, fashion design, and baking, equipping them with employable skills for sustainable livelihoods. To further support them in launching their vocations, Amoadu presented the graduates with sewing machines, hair dryers, gas ovens, and other start-up items.

The Paramount Queen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Nana Benyiwa VI, commended Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu for her initiative and investment in human capital development.

“What our daughter has done is wonderful,”she said. “We ask God’s blessings upon her life so that whatever she touches will prosper.”

Nana Benyiwa VI urged the graduates to make good use of the opportunity. “To the graduates, what you have received is a great opportunity. Use it to work so that others will also benefit from you,” she advised.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Ekumfi Srafa and Sumankwahen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Nana Nyeiku VII, appealed to the foundation to consider including boys in future skills training programmes. “When you look at the beneficiaries, they are not fairly balanced,” Nana observed. “There’s no boy amongst them. I suggest boys must be considered in subsequent programmes.”

Representing the Central Regional Coordinator for the Apprenticeship Programme, the Deputy Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kojo Gyamfi, described the OFAF training initiative as being in line with the vision of a Mahama-led government, which seeks to train between one and five million youths in various skill sets nationwide.

“Youth unemployment can only be tackled when skills development is prioritised,” he emphasised. “Initiatives like this play a critical role in complementing government efforts.”

He underscored that the foundation’s activities align perfectly with the government’s vision to train youth with employable skills to ameliorate unemployment in Ghana.

Appealing for more such opportunities, Mr. Gyamfi urged well-meaning Ghanaians to emulate and replicate the efforts of Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu in their respective communities, noting that private initiatives remain crucial in complementing government empowerment programmes.

The launch and graduation ceremony marked a major milestone for the Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu Foundation, reinforcing the role of vocational skills and community-driven initiatives in tackling youth unemployment. With plans to expand its training programmes, the Foundation is poised to continue empowering more young people in Ekumfi and across the Central Region through practical skills development and entrepreneurship.

By Kwaku Afriyie

A senior project engineering expert has commended the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Mahama, for the government’s bold and transformative Big Push Initiative, particularly its unprecedented investment in nationwide road and infrastructure development.

In a formal press statement dated December 26, 2025, Engr. Surv. Dr. Dr. Ebenezer Gyamera—Southern Sector Chairman of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Ghana and Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast—described the initiative as a demonstration of visionary leadership with the potential to accelerate economic growth, enhance regional integration, create jobs, and improve access to essential social services across the country.

While applauding the scale and pace of ongoing road construction works, Dr. Gyamera underscored the need for proactive measures to address the social, environmental, and technical challenges associated with large‑scale infrastructure development. Such measures, he noted, are crucial for strengthening public safety, boosting public confidence, and ensuring long‑term sustainability.

He highlighted six key areas requiring urgent attention:

1. Dust Pollution and Public Health

Dr. Gyamera observed that extensive earthworks and pavement construction generate significant dust, especially in urban and peri‑urban communities. Prolonged exposure, he cautioned, poses serious respiratory health risks, disrupts businesses, and reduces overall quality of life. He recommended regular water spraying, strict enforcement of environmental management plans, and enhanced monitoring of contractor compliance.

2. Utility Lines and Services

Road construction, he noted, often interferes with underground and overhead utilities such as water pipelines, electricity lines, fiber‑optic cables, and sewer systems. He called for improved coordination with utility service providers prior to construction, supported by accurate utility mapping, to minimize service disruptions and avoid costly reworks.

3. Alternative Routes and Traffic Management

Construction activities frequently lead to congestion and extended travel times. Dr. Gyamera emphasized the need for clearly marked and well‑maintained alternative routes, effective traffic signage, and robust public information campaigns to reduce inconvenience for road users and commercial transport operators.

4. Pedestrian Crossings and Road Safety

Expressing concern about road projects passing through densely populated settlements without adequate pedestrian crossings, he warned that the absence of temporary and permanent crossings exposes residents—particularly children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—to significant safety risks. He urged the provision of footbridges, zebra crossings, walkways, and traffic‑calming measures.

5. Protection of Surveying Pillars and Geodetic Controls

Dr. Gyamera highlighted the destruction of national survey pillars and geodetic control points during road construction due to poor identification. Describing these as critical national assets for land administration, mapping, and infrastructure development, he recommended mandatory collaboration with licensed surveyors and the Lands Commission to identify, protect, or re‑establish such markers where necessary.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Community Relations

He stressed the importance of early and continuous engagement with traditional authorities, local assemblies, professional bodies, and affected communities. Transparent communication on project timelines, compensation, access arrangements, and safety measures, he said, would promote project ownership, reduce conflicts, and strengthen public trust in the Big Push Initiative.

Dr. Gyamera reaffirmed his support—and that of allied professionals—for government efforts aimed at delivering sustainable, inclusive, and professionally executed infrastructure development across Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Women in Engineering at IET Ghana, Engr. Mrs. Adjoa Aginba Tetteh Gyamera, urged contractors and government agencies implementing the Big Push Initiative to prioritize women’s participation. She noted the growing number of women in the engineering profession and called for deliberate efforts to encourage their involvement in a field traditionally dominated by men, citing their strong attention to detail and technical competence as valuable contributions to national development.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Savannah Region has intensified fire safety education and preventive measures to ensure a safe and fire-free Christmas season.

In Salaga, the Safety Department of the Fire Station took fire safety awareness to the airwaves, partnering with Kanyiti FM to educate listeners on fire prevention practices during the festive period. The initiative, led by Municipal Fire Commander DOII Norbert Adiale, was aimed at reaching a wider audience.
In Sawla, the Fire Station Safety Team conducted practical fire safety training for students of D/A Junior High School ahead of the Christmas break. Students were taught basic fire safety principles, how to use fire extinguishers effectively, and the “Stop, Drop and Roll” technique, accompanied by live demonstrations.

At Buipe, the Fire Safety Team, in collaboration with the Fire Safety Task Force, engaged traders at the Central Market and congregants of the Church of Pentecost. The team emphasized that fire safety is a shared responsibility and encouraged households to acquire fire extinguishers.
Meanwhile, the Damongo Municipal Fire Command intensified routine night market patrols to identify and eliminate potential fire hazards during and after the festive season.

These combined efforts highlight GNFS’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through public education, community engagement, and proactive enforcement across the Savannah Region.

In Ghana today, investing is no longer a luxury reserved for elites, fund managers, or high-income earners. It has become a necessary response to inflation, currency volatility, rising living costs, and widening income inequality. From young graduates and working-class households to professionals in Accra’s corporate corridors, the conversation has shifted from whether to invest to how to invest wisely.

Across several in-depth reports and analyses by Accra Street Journal, The High Street Business, and Accra Business News, one message consistently emerges: financial survival in Ghana increasingly depends on informed, disciplined, long-term investing rather than speculation or short-term gains.

This editorial brings together those perspectives into a single, comprehensive investment narrative.

Safe First Steps: Why Beginners Gravitate Toward Low-Risk Investments

For first-time investors, fear is often the biggest obstacle. According to Accra Street Journal, beginners in Ghana overwhelmingly prioritise capital safety over high returns, especially after past financial sector clean-ups and collapsed informal schemes.

Treasury bills, money market mutual funds, and fixed deposits consistently rank as the safest entry points. These instruments offer:

• Predictable returns
• Low volatility
• Government or regulated institutional backing

As The High Street Business has observed, safety builds confidence. Once trust is established, investors are more likely to diversify.

Why Treasury Bills Continue to Dominate Accra’s Investment Culture

Despite the growth of fintech and alternative assets, treasury bills remain deeply embedded in Accra’s investment behaviour.

Accra Business News notes that treasury bills appeal to:

• Salaried workers
• Traders parking excess cash
• SMEs managing liquidity

Their popularity stems from simplicity, accessibility, and the psychological comfort of government backing. In an economy prone to uncertainty, predictability remains a powerful currency.

Demystifying Mutual Funds for Everyday Ghanaians

Mutual funds have quietly become one of Ghana’s most important financial bridges between savers and investors.

According to Accra Street Journal and The High Street Business, mutual funds succeed because they:

• Pool small contributions
• Offer professional management
• Spread risk across multiple assets

For many Ghanaians, mutual funds represent their first experience with structured investing, particularly money market and balanced funds. They remove complexity without removing discipline.

Why Real Estate Still Anchors Ghanaian Wealth

Despite market cycles, inflation, and financing challenges, real estate remains one of Ghana’s most trusted long-term investments.

Accra Street Journal highlights that property investment thrives because it aligns with:

• Population growth
• Urbanisation
• Cultural preference for tangible assets

Whether through rental income, land banking, or commercial property, real estate continues to serve as both a hedge against inflation and a store of value. While entry costs are higher, confidence remains strong.

Investing With Just GHS 100: The Power of Small Beginnings

One of the most damaging myths in Ghana’s financial culture is that investing requires large sums.

Accra Business News and Accra Street Journal has repeatedly emphasised that small, consistent investments outperform delayed lump sums over time. With as little as GHS 100, individuals can now access:

This accessibility has quietly transformed investing from an elite activity into a mass-market habit — particularly among younger, tech-savvy Ghanaians.

.

Why Long-Term Investing Outperforms Short-Term Hustles

Short-term trading, quick flips, and speculative schemes often dominate social media narratives. But data and experience tell a different story.

According to Accra Street Journal and researched by The High Street Business, long-term investors benefit from:

• Compounding
• Reduced emotional decision-making
• Lower transaction costs

In Ghana’s volatile economic environment, patience has consistently outperformed timing. Wealth is built slowly, quietly, and systematically — not through constant buying and selling.

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Passive Income and the Accra Professional Class

Accra’s professional class increasingly recognises the limits of salary dependence.

As Accra Street Journal reports, professionals are turning to:

• Rental property
• Dividend-paying investments
• Dollar-denominated assets
• Structured businesses

Passive income is no longer about luxury; it is about resilience. In a city where costs rise faster than wages, secondary income streams provide stability and choice.

.

Why Young People Struggle to Start Investing

Ironically, those who would benefit most from early investing are often the least involved.

Accra Business News backed by Accra Street Journal identifies key barriers:

• Low starting incomes
• Rising living costs
• Financial literacy gaps
• Fear of loss

Youth investing struggles are not rooted in apathy, but in structural and psychological constraints. Without targeted education and accessible products, this gap will persist.

Dollar Investments as a Shield Against Cedi Instability

Currency depreciation has reshaped investment thinking in Ghana.

According to Accra Street Journal backed by The High Street Business, dollar-denominated investments have become essential not for speculation, but for wealth preservation. When the cedi weakens, dollar assets:

• Retain purchasing power
• Protect long-term savings
• Stabilise portfolios

This explains the growing interest in dollar funds, foreign securities, and offshore assets among both individuals and businesses.

Investment Realities for Working-Class Ghanaians

Perhaps the most overlooked investors are working-class households.

Accra Street Journal notes that working-class investing focuses on:

• Safety
• Liquidity
• Discipline

Treasury bills, mutual funds, pension schemes, cooperatives, and structured savings remain the most suitable options. For this group, investing is not about wealth creation alone — it is about survival, dignity, and future security.

Across all income levels, professions, and age groups, one truth is clear: Ghana’s economic realities demand smarter financial behaviour.

From beginners seeking safety, professionals building passive income, young people overcoming barriers, to working-class households preserving value, investing has become a national necessity rather than a personal choice.

As consistently highlighted by Accra Street Journal, The High Street Business, and Accra Business News, the future belongs not to the fastest traders or loudest hustlers, but to disciplined investors who understand risk, value time, and commit to long-term thinking.

In Ghana today, the greatest financial risk is not market volatility — it is staying out of the market entirely.

Source Used: Accra Street Journal

• Former Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor has opened up about why he chose to represent Togo over Ghana
• Despite having the opportunity to play for Ghana at the junior level, Adebayor struggled with communication, which played a key role in his decision
• He disclosed that during his time in the Ghanaian national team camp, he didn’t understand the dominant languages spoken

Emmanuel Adebayor’s international football journey could have taken a different path, as he once had the opportunity to represent Ghana at the junior level.

However, the former Arsenal and Manchester City star opted for Togo due to a significant language barrier that left him feeling isolated in the Ghanaian camp.

In a recent interview, Adebayor explained how he excelled as a leader during his youth, captaining his school, district, and regional teams.

His performances earned him a call-up to Ghana’s junior national team, but his time in camp proved challenging.

Read also

Mesut Ozil Makes Surprise Pick When ‘Settling’ Ronaldo and Messi GOAT Debate

Why Adebayor ditched Ghana for Togo

The dominant languages spoken were Twi and Ga—both of which Adebayor did not understand—making communication with teammates and coaches nearly impossible.

Feeling disconnected, he made a bold decision to leave camp in the early hours of the morning, boarding a bus back home to Togo.

“In interschools, I was captain, then we played inter-district; I was captain, then we played inter-region; I was captain at the time,” Adebayor said.

Then I got the opportunity for the national team; we went to camp in Accra. When I went to camp, they were speaking Twi and Ga. I couldn’t understand. So around 4 a.m., I carried my bag and carried my box, and the first trotro we call a bus ‘going towards Lome, back home.’”

Adebayor leads Togo to their first World Cup

Determined to make an impact, Adebayor debuted for the Togolese national team in 2000 and went on to become their all-time top goal scorer, per Ghanasoccernet.

Read also

AFCON 2025: Mbappe identifies trophy favourites after watching Morocco vs Mali match

His leadership and skill propelled Togo to their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006, a historic achievement for the nation.

Two years later, he was named African Player of the Year, solidifying his legacy as one of the continent’s greatest footballers.

Although he never played for Ghana, Adebayor’s choice to represent Togo shaped his incredible career. His story is a testament to resilience and adaptation, proving that football careers often take unexpected yet rewarding turns.

Adebayor sponsors education of 2 young farmers

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Emmanuel Adebayor continues to make a lasting impact in his homeland, Togo, through his philanthropic efforts.

The 2008 African Player of the Year has taken a step further by sponsoring the education of two young farmers working under his initiative.

Inside Asamoah Gyan’s $250,000 Mercedes-Benz bus

YEN.com.gh earlier featured Asamoah Gyan’s Mercedes-Benz bus, which is one of the ex-Ghana striker’s expensive cars.

The former Sunderland attacker, who recently turned heads with a wonderful gospel performance, is one of the richest former Ghana internationals thanks to lucrative contracts he signed with clubs such as Al Ain and Shanghai SIPG.

Source: YEN.com.gh

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Engineers and Planners and Dzata Cement, Ibrahim Mahama, has extended support to persons with disabilities through a donation to the Disabled Christian Fellowship International and the Accra Rehabilitation Centre.

The donation, made on Wednesday, December 24, through Engineers and Planners Corporate Limited, formed part of the company’s humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable groups during the festive season.

Items presented included 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of corned beef, 20 cartons of mackerel, and 20 cartons of cooking oil.

Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Executive Director of the Disabled Christian Fellowship International and immediate past President of the Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA), Francis Adjetey Sowah, expressed deep appreciation to Mr Mahama for coming to the rescue of people living with disabilities. He said the timing of the donation was very important to its members.

According to Mr Sowah, many persons with disabilities struggle to access basic food items, especially during festive celebrations. He noted that the donation would bring relief and a sense of inclusion to beneficiaries who are often overlooked.

He praised Mr Mahama for remembering the disability community at a time of joy, describing the act as worthy of emulation.

He further said the support had renewed hope among members of the fellowship, adding that the gesture would remain memorable to them.

“This recognition gives us strength, dignity, and a sense of belonging,” he indicated.

The items were presented on behalf of Mr Mahama by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, who reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities.

He revealed that Engineers and Planners Company Limited are considering future initiatives focused on capacity building and innovative programmes for the disability community.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

A senior Republican on the US House armed services committee has said that the country’s recent military strikes in Nigeria and Syria are consistent with American foreign policy to combat Islamic extremism that have existed across Donald Trump’s two presidential terms.

Mike Turner, an Ohio congressman, said on Sunday that the strikes are a “continuation of our conflict with [the Islamic State]”.

“It’s been, you know, around the world, Iraq, Syria. You’re seeing it now in Nigeria,” Turner said.

Turner denied that the strikes represent a different second-term approach to military force. With respect to the Islamic State (IS), he told ABC’s This Week, US policy is “very consistent” in defeating it whether in Iraq, Syria or “here in Nigeria”.

Turner said the US is “seeing that [IS] around the world has not been defeated but will continue to be a target and something that, with our allies, we’re going to have to continue to respond to or they’re going to continue to be a threat”.

His comments came three days after the Pentagon launched a cruise missile strike on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria during what Trump later called a “Christmas present” for IS militants in Nigeria.

The president later amplified his comments on WABC radio in New York, calling IS “butchers” who “got a very bad Christmas present”. Trump, referring to the persecution of Christians in the region, said he “told Nigeria, and I told the people around Nigeria, that if you do it, you’re going to get hit.”

US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said on X that Trump had made it clear that “the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end”. He added that the defense department, which the Trump administration has rebranded the war department, “is always ready, so [IS] found out tonight – on Christmas. More to come.”

The consistency of the US approach, Turner said, applied to the its position on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Turner said the Russian president Vladimir Putin’s Christmas Day strikes in Ukraine and overnight on Saturday were a reminder “that we can’t be for this”.

“When we address the issue of whose side we’re on, you can’t be America first and be pro-Russia,” Turner remarked. “Russia is a self-declared adversary of the United States. They are mercilessly killing Ukrainians and trying to take Ukrainian land. So, the president has rightly said we need to end this war.”

Imagine waking up one day only to discover your birthday has been… stolen. Shocked? Or as I would say, “shock-prised?”
Come along as I tell you a story.

Recently, during a journalism fellowship in Cairo, Egypt, I met Sakina – a calm, brilliant, soft-spoken Nigerian colleague I fondly teased as my “noisy West African neighbour.” Within days, we bonded like siblings who had known each other for years.

Sakina was turning a year older during the training. A continental birthday, I joked – how many people get to celebrate a new age across 15 African nationalities? But what made this even more special was the backstory.

Life had not been entirely smooth growing up. She grew up in an environment where birthdays were simply not priority – not because they couldn’t afford them, but because they were not something the family really valued. Still, she always admired those who were celebrated when they turned a year older.

And life did not pause for her either. After school, marriage came early and with it came full responsibility mode – caring, nurturing, building a home and celebrating others, even when she herself had rarely experienced that joy firsthand. She handled it with grace, faith and strength, never complaining – only living.

So when a few of us – led by the ever-energetic Munan’ye from Kenya – decided to make this one memorable, it wasn’t just a party. It was redemption. It was love. It was Africa at its best.

Our hosts graciously sponsored a beautiful cake. As usual, I appointed myself official paparazzi. The plan was perfect: reconvene quietly at the hotel restaurant, call Sakina in unsuspectingly and explode into joy.

And oh, Africa delivered!

The minute she walked in, Munan’ye grabbed her hand and the room erupted into singing. The happiness on Sakina’s face was priceless. She laughed, shed some tears and glowed all at once. I nearly cried behind the camera. It was pure joy – her very first real birthday celebration.

And then… drama.

Just when the cake was ready to be cut, our Congolese brother Jay suddenly announced, in his best broken English,

“We have two birthdays today! Sakina and our sister from Mauritania!“

Two? Since when? All day, we only knew of one birthday on our WhatsApp group. Eyes widened. Mouths froze.

Shock was written all over Sheila’s face as she drummed away with two plastic bottles, and the same look was plastered on her compatriot Emmanuel, our ever-faithful backing vocalist from Malawi. Meanwhile, Gaël from Côte d’Ivoire bounced around in pure excitement – understandably so, since he didn’t speak much English and couldn’t follow things as closely as Caroline from Kenya or Kheiti from Morocco.

Even now, when I replay the video in my mind, I still see it vividly: Munan’ye stood there like an Egyptian mummy carved in disbelief. But hey, we are Africans. If one birthday is good, two must be better. I told myself: Let’s celebrate both. Unity, right?

Except something didn’t sit well with me.

This ‘second celebrant‘ – let’s call her Mia – was suddenly shy, resisting, hesitant, almost guilty. Her Algerian friend, Jack Toronto, however, pushed her into cutting the cake alongside Sakina.

The candles were blown. The cake was sliced. And then came another twist – Jay again announced publicly that Jack Toronto sponsored the cake.

Interesting.

After the celebration, the ‘interrogation committee‘ on our WhatsApp group got to work. Questions flew. Stories changed. Facts twisted. Eventually, the truth crawled out like a guilty cat.

Then came the moment of clarity – South Africa’s Aka and Zambia’s Chichi calmly dropped the ultimate evidence: screenshots of Mia’s passport bio page, clearly showing her birthday was nowhere near April. Case closed.

There was no second birthday.
Mia’s birthday was in July, not April.
Jack Toronto didn’t buy the cake.

And yes – they deliberately hijacked Sakina’s moment.

To make it worse, when organisers – thinking they had “wronged” Mia – later gave her another cake, she and Jack Toronto ate it secretly by the poolside like a Netflix crime scene.

But here is the twist of grace.

The only person not angry… was Sakina.

She laughed. She thanked everyone. She wrote:

“I have received love from all over Africa today. Yes, there was drama – but what is a birthday without a plot twist? I am happy. Truly happy.“

That day, a Nigerian woman standing calmly in the middle of African confusion taught me one of life’s greatest lessons:

Kindness loses its meaning the moment ego hijacks it.

And unity shines brightest when we choose grace over chaos.

We wanted to give Sakina a birthday. In the end, she gave us something far greater – maturity, forgiveness, humour and strength.

Her birthday may have been ‘stolen,‘ but she left Cairo with something thieves can never snatch: dignity, love and a continent full of brothers and sisters who will never forget her.

Because sometimes, Africa’s greatest stories are not in the headlines we write – but in the humanity we live.

Emmanuel Dzivenu is a broadcast journalist with The Multimedia Group Limited, specialising in human interest journalism with a strong focus on disability, education, health and climate reporting. His work spans television, radio, and digital platforms, producing in-depth documentaries, special reports and feature stories that spotlight underreported communities and national issues.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Jaiden Osei is a co-founder of Supercar Spectacle

Jaiden Osei, the co-founder of Supercar Spectacle has lauded the events patronage and turnout during its maiden edition.

The recent Supercar Spectacle event held at the Borteyman Sports Complex showcased some of the world’s most luxurious and high-performance vehicles, attracting a remarkable turnout of car lovers and enthusiasts.

Osei expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “People really love cars, and that was evident at the turnout for Supercar Spectacle.”

The event featured a stunning array of supercars, providing attendees with the opportunity to admire and interact with some of the finest automotive engineering available today.

The success of the Supercar Spectacle reflects not only the growing interest in luxury automobiles but also the event’s ability to unite car enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

Osei highlighted the passion of the community and the importance of creating spaces where automotive culture can flourish.

The Supercar Spectacle has set a new standard for automotive events in Ghana, and with Osei at the helm, the future looks bright for car lovers.

Watch videos from the first edition of the Supercar Spectacle:

Influencing in Ghana has moved far beyond just posting cute selfies and waiting for brand deals to locate you.

It’s now a full-blown career path, with creators shaping conversations around fashion, tech, politics, lifestyle, comedy, and even education.

From TikTok skits filmed in single rooms to Instagram reels shot in traffic on the Osu stretch, Ghanaian influencers are proving that creativity can thrive anywhere.

But let’s be honest: influencing is not all soft life and free PR packages. It takes consistency, strategy, thick skin, and sometimes explaining to your auntie that “yes, this is work.”

Algorithms change, trends expire, and netizens will humble you quickly if your content is boring. To survive, you need more than vibes; you need intention.

As we enter a new year, aspiring influencers should treat their pages like small businesses. Growth doesn’t come by chance; it comes by planning, experimenting and sometimes embarrassing yourself for the plot. If you’re serious about becoming a successful influencer in Ghana next year, here are 10 resolutions to guide you.

Read also

How to live on GH¢1,000 a month at the University of Ghana in 2026

1. Pick a niche as a Ghanaian influencer

You cannot be a food reviewer on Monday, a relationship therapist on Tuesday, a prophet on Wednesday, and a fashion icon on Thursday. Choose one main lane and own it.

People should know why they are following you, not be confused every time you post.

2. Post consistently as a Ghanaian influencer

Yes, the likes are low. Yes, only your friend and one stranger commented. Post anyway. Consistency trains the algorithm and builds discipline. Today it’s 200 views; tomorrow it’s 200,000. Rome was not built with one viral video.

3. Invest in camera as a Ghanaian influencer

You don’t need an iPhone 15 Pro Max Ultra Plus, but please use only clean audio and steady videos. Natural light is free, and so is standing still. Your content may be funny, but if it looks like CCTV footage, people will scroll.

4. Learn trends, don’t become copy-paste Ghanaian influencer

Read also

Ronaldo, Salah and 7 Famous Footballers Who Don’t Have Tattoos

Jump on trends, but add your personality. Ghanaian audiences can smell imitation from afar. If everyone is dancing, maybe you can add commentary. If everyone is joking, maybe you exaggerate. Be familiar, not forgettable.

5. Engage like Ghanaian influencer, not celebrity already

As a rising influencer, you must reply to as many as you can, if not all. Like posts of your top followers and other influencers for brand visibility.

Laugh with your audience. Influencing is social media, not silent media. The people supporting you early are the same ones who will defend you when Twitter is dragging you.

6. Take breaks from validation

One day your post will blow; the next day it will flop terribly. That’s normal. Don’t delete your entire page because one reel did not perform. Protect your mental health; algorithms have moods too.

7. Treat brands like business, not begging

As someone who aspires to be among the best influencers in Ghana, stop sending messages to brands to advertise their product. Create a media kit, know your value, and communicate professionally.

8. Learn to tell Stories, not just post content

Read also

Ghanaian lady shares four vital tips for fresh university students

People connect to stories, not just aesthetics. Whether it’s how you started, what you failed at or why you love what you do, storytelling builds loyalty. Viral moments bring followers; stories make them stay.

9. Be online, but have a life offline

Influencing should add to your life, not consume it. Touch grass. Talk to real humans. Live experiences give you better content anyway. Plus, burnout is not cute and cannot be filtered.

10. Start now, not next month

The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Post the video. Write the caption. Embarrass yourself a little. That’s how every successful influencer started.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Poisoning Beyond Accident
Poison any substance that can cause harm or death when introduced into the body exists in many forms in Ghana: pesticides, household chemicals, contaminated food, and environmental toxins. While many exposures are unintentional and accidental, poison has also been implicated in deliberate acts of harm often born out of conflict, jealousy, personal vendettas, or social tensions. These intentional cases are less common in official crime reports but remain part of public discussion and concern.

What Poisoning Looks Like in Ghana
Accidental and Environmental Poisoning

Healthcare data show that poison exposures are not rare in Ghana. Health facilities record an average of about 20 poison-related cases per month, involving accidental ingestion of harmful substances such as household chemicals, bleaching agents, pesticides, and drug overdoses. These can affect children, adults, and even agricultural workers.

Environmental contamination such as mercury and cyanide pollution from illegal mining (galamsey) also exposes communities to poison through water, soil, and food chains. This is sometimes described by activists as a kind of “silent poisoning” of entire populations, with long-term health consequences.

Intentional Poisoning: Crime and Conflict

Confirmed and Reported Cases
While deliberate poisoning is not the dominant form of homicide in Ghana, there have been reported incidents that suggest some individuals have used poison to harm others:

At a social gathering: A man identified as Kojo Aquaye allegedly died after consuming poisoned food and drinks at a naming ceremony in the Central Region. Locals speculated that frustration with his behavior particularly theft when intoxicated may have motivated those who served him poison. Police investigations were ongoing.

Family tragedy: A teenager in the Assin-Praso area allegedly poisoned his own newborn son with weedicide a tragic act reportedly intended to avoid the responsibilities of parenthood.

Alleged poisoning and theft: Social media reports described an incident where a gatekeeper allegedly poisoned his employer (though details are unverified and based on a victim’s account online).

Such cases highlight how poison, often readily accessible as household or agricultural chemicals, can be misused in criminal acts.

Legal Consequences
Under Ghanaian criminal law, administering poison with harmful intent is a criminal offence. If someone maliciously causes poison to be taken by another, and endangers life or causes harm, they may face severe penalties.

Cultural Perceptions and Social Beliefs

In Ghanaian communities, stories and beliefs about poisoning often blend fact and folklore. Some people believe that jealous rivals, wealthier relatives, or people with grudges might resort to poisoning to harm successful or “undesirable” individuals. While many of these narratives circulate informally particularly on social media and in personal testimonies they reflect a wider societal anxiety about trust, safety, and interpersonal conflict.

There are also traditional beliefs involving spiritual or supernatural forms of harm, such as curses (often discussed in relation to terms like duabɔ), which psychologically overlap with concerns about poisoning but do not necessarily involve actual toxic substances.

Poisoning in Social Conflict: Rumors vs. Reality

It’s important to differentiate anecdote and rumor from confirmed legal cases:

Rumors and fear: Many Ghanaians recount stories of people being poisoned due to jealousy, targeted harm, or social enmity. These stories often spread through word of mouth or online platforms but may lack official confirmation.

Official reporting: To date, systematic crime statistics do not show poisoning as a leading method of murder compared with firearm or knife violence in Ghana. Confirmed criminal poisoning cases are rarer and typically attract significant media coverage when they occur.

Despite this, the fear of poisoning persists shaping how people view food, offerings from others, and even social hospitality.

Broader Public Health Context
Aside from criminal use, poisoning remains a significant public health concern in Ghana:

Children accidentally ingesting harmful substances is a frequent issue.

Misuse of pesticides contributes to both accidental and intentional poisonings.

Environmental contamination (e.g., from galamsey) exposes entire communities to toxic chemicals.

These challenges point to a need for stronger education on safe handling of chemicals, better food safety practices, and robust poison control systems.

Conclusion: Navigating Fear and Facts
Poisoning in Ghana occupies multiple realms:
It is a public health issue, seen in accidental exposures and environmental contamination.

It appears in isolated criminal incidents, where individuals have allegedly used poison to cause harm.

It also exists in social narratives and cultural beliefs, where fear and rumor sometimes outpace verified facts.

Understanding poisoning in Ghana requires balancing evidence and perception: acknowledging real cases and risks while challenging unverified claims that can fuel fear and mistrust.

Key takeaway: Intentional poisoning does happen in Ghana, but it is relatively rare and often sensationalized. Most poison-related harms are accidental or environmental. Efforts to prevent poisoning accidental or deliberate should emphasize public education, legal enforcement, and community awareness.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical Science communicator.
Private Investigator and Criminal
Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,
International Conflict Management and Peace Building. Alumni Gandhi Global Academy United States Institute of Peace.

[email protected]
+233-555-275-880