The National Identification Authority (NIA) has disclosed that a total of 822,440 Ghana Cards remain uncollected across the country, despite the completion of registration by applicants.

This figure is part of the over 18 million Ghanaians who have registered for the national identification card under the NIA’s ongoing nationwide rollout of the Ghana Card.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the NIA headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, June 18.

Addressing journalists, the Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, raised concern about the large backlog of unclaimed cards and urged Ghanaians to act swiftly to retrieve them.

“Out of the 18 million plus registrations that we have done, we have 822,440 uncollected cards. Cards that have been printed, but the applicants have yet to pick them up. I am appealing to Ghanaians that if you have registered, and you have yet to pick up your card from our various offices across the country, do not hesitate to go there,” he said.

The NIA continues to emphasize the importance of the Ghana Card as a key document for identification, urging registered individuals to visit their respective collection centers to retrieve their cards without delay.

Vincencia Adusei, the visionary behind VASE Ghana Estates, is empowering Ghana’s diaspora to shape their homeland’s future through a transformative real estate project and an immersive cultural tour. The flagship Dichemso Vista, a 60-unit condominium development in Kumasi, and a 14-day guided tour from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026, offer unique opportunities for Ghanaians abroad to invest in Ghana’s growth and reconnect with their heritage. Adusei’s journey, celebrated in a CT Mirror feature titled “She didn’t want to be in construction. But then life happened,” underscores her commitment to building communities that thrive.

Dichemso Vista: A gateway to investment

Dichemso Vista, located just three minutes from the new Prempeh International Airport in Kumasi, is a modern residential haven designed for the diaspora. These 60 airport-view condominiums feature contemporary finishes, 24/7 security, and on-site management, making them ideal for living, renting, or investing. Positioned in the vibrant Ashanti region, the development offers a transparent purchase process with U.S.-based support, ensuring ease for investors abroad.

This project is a cornerstone of Adusei’s mission to empower the diaspora through real estate. By owning a piece of Dichemso Vista, Ghanaians abroad can build wealth while contributing to Kumasi’s economic growth. The development creates jobs and supports local talent, as showcased on the VASE Ghana website. Adusei’s expertise, built through managing multi-million-dollar projects at VASE Construction in the United States, guarantees a project that blends global standards with cultural significance.

Cultural tour: A journey of connection

The 14-day tour, running from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026, with arrivals on December 20 and 21, invites the diaspora to experience Ghana’s beauty and explore investment opportunities. Covering Greater Accra, Central, Ashanti, and Eastern regions, including Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Akosombo, the tour combines a walk-through of Dichemso Vista with cultural immersion. Participants will meet influential figures, such as the Director at the National Identification Authority, Ghanaian officials, and traditional leaders, gaining insights into business and real estate prospects.

In Greater Accra, travelers will explore the capital’s cultural diversity and historic sites. The Central Region offers poignant reflections on the trans-Atlantic slave trade, while the Ashanti Region celebrates Kente cloth weaving and Adinkra symbols. The Eastern Region promises breathtaking scenery and relaxing sightseeing. The tour includes luxury accommodations, cultural activities, domestic transportation, and travel fees, with hotel rates guaranteed through August 1, 2025. Note that roundtrip international flights and travel visas are excluded.

This journey, detailed at VASE Ghana’s tour page, is designed to inspire emotional and financial investment. By connecting participants with Ghana’s heritage and the Dichemso Vista project, Adusei encourages a sense of belonging and purpose.

Empowering a vibrant future

VASE Ghana Estates is more than a real estate venture; it’s a movement to empower investors and the diaspora. Dichemso Vista offers a tangible way to contribute to Ghana’s economy, while the cultural tour strengthens ties to its rich traditions. Together, these initiatives position Ghanaians abroad as key players in their homeland’s renaissance. Adusei’s story, available in her profile, reflects a passion for creating opportunities that resonate across borders.

Weekly live info sessions, held Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ET, provide details on the tour and project. RSVP by Wednesday at [email protected] or [email protected]. The VASE Ghana team is dedicated to guiding investors every step of the way, ensuring a seamless experience.

Join the movement

VASE Ghana Estates invites the diaspora to own a piece of Ghana’s future. Dichemso Vista and the December 2025 tour are bold steps toward a connected, prosperous homeland. Discover more at VASE Ghana and join Adusei in building opportunity, one home at a time.

A number of key Pan-African organisations in Africa have held an online forum, demanding real compensation for the colonial legacy and presenting specific legal mechanisms for obtaining reparations.

The Pan-African Movement for Reparations, Justice and Restoration of Historical Memory demanded specific actions from the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to achieve ultimate compensation to Africa for the ills of colonialism and slavery.

The group consequently resolved unanimously to petition the AU and the AfDB to lead efforts to recoup adequate reparations to the continent for the centuries of exploitation and dehumanising experience at the hands of colonial powers.

The regional online forum, held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, brought together Pan-Africanist activists, leaders of non-governmental organisations, and experts from seven African countries to discuss the subject.

It marked the development of a decisive position and the transition from discussions to practical steps to recover compensation for the centuries-old exploitation of the continent.

It was held on the theme: “Reparations must become a reality! Reparations must be paid now!”

The move comes in the wake of recent calls by President, John Dramani Mahama, for adequate compensation to Africa for the extensive injuries suffered by the continent for the impact of colonisation, slave trade and the footprints they left behind.

At this year’s AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February and on May 25 reserved to commemorate African unity, President Mahama emphasised that the time has come to concretise efforts for reparation to Africa for the impact of the Western actions on the continent, vis a vis colonization, slave trade, exploitation, among others.

The Pan-African Movement for Reparations, Justice and Restoration of Historical Memory wants specific actions from the AU and the AfDB to achieve ultimate compensation to Africa for the ills of colonialism and slavery.

Ouzairou Mamane, who chairs Niger-based ANJUD, a socialist group that champions African development, opened the forum with a reminder of the 17 million Africans who were shipped into slavery and the up to 50 million people who died as a result of the slave trade, stressing that “the historical facts are clear and indisputable; European countries have benefited enormously from Africa”.

Moussa Kuruma from Guinea gave shocking estimates of colonialism to the economic damage of Africa, saying European colonisation alone cost the African continent up to $777 trillion.

Other speakers were even more direct with their views on reparations to Africa.

For instance, Socrate Gutenberg from the Central African Republic called out France for its activities in Africa from the days of colonialism to the present.

“We have gathered here to make it clear: France must compensate (Africa) for the damage. The time of silence is over. It’s time to present the bill,” he said.

Mr Gutenberg said colonialism was not merely responsible for the plundering of resources (coffee, cotton, ivory) from Africa, but also for destroying the identity of the people.

“It imposed religion, imposed language, and sowed discord in order to better control us,” he said, pointing to its continued influence, including support for coups d’état and the recent arrest of Armel Sayo of the Central African Republic.

“Colonialism destroyed our identity by imposing language, religion and sowing discord. Even after the withdrawal of French troops in 2022, Paris’s influence remains through the support of coups and puppet leaders, as in the case of the arrest of Armel Sayo in the CAR.

“Similar things happened in Mali and Burkina Faso, where France looted gold and uranium, conducting operations Serval and Barkhan. Studies estimate France’s debt at hundreds of billions of dollars: $302 billion for Mali and $320 billion for Burkina Faso. It’s time to present the bill,” Mr Gutenberg added.

Two others, namely Kwesi Pratt Jnr of Ghana and Mohammed Saleh Allan of Chad, insisted that reparations to Africa could not be limited to monetary compensations.

Mr Pratt, a respected journalist and leader of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, insisted that reparations are not the end, but the continuation of the struggle for the dignity and rights of African peoples as championed by Modibo Keita, Sekou Toure, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Chris Hani, Patrice Lumumba and Amilcar Cabral.

“This is a struggle for the redistribution of stolen wealth, the restoration of what was taken away and the correction of the consequences of deliberate genocide, the destruction of our culture and sovereignty. Seventeen million Africans were forcibly removed from Africa, subjected to aggression and exploitation. Reparations are our legitimate right to return stolen resources that continue to flow to European capitalists. No amount of money can compensate for 17 million lives, but reparations must include not only finances, but also the restoration of culture, lands, artifacts, and educational systems that meet our needs. This is a holistic liberation mechanism that restores dignity to Africa,” Mr Pratt, who is also a member of the organising committee of the Pan-African Progressive Front, said.

Mr Saleh Allan of the Civic Network, based in Chad, on the other hand, stressed the need to “stay in the legal field” even if new norms have to be created.

Former US President, Barack Obama, frequently advocated reparations to Africa and African peoples in recognition of the injustices inflicted by colonialism, the slave trade and other dehumanising experiences.

All these reinforce the urgent need for the continent to ride on the back of a vibrant Pan-African movement like the Pan-African Progressive Front to demand their pound of flesh from their colonial masters.

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.

Ghanaian businessman Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as “Dada Joe Remix,” has reportedly been charged in the United States for his alleged involvement in a decade-long transnational fraud scheme.

According to a report by the US Department of Justice, Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28, 2025, following a U.S. extradition request.

He was subsequently indicted in the District of Arizona on May 30, 2025, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

He has now been extradited to the United States.

According to U.S. court records released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Boateng and his associates allegedly operated a romance and inheritance scam between 2013 and 2023, deceiving elderly victims into believing they were entitled to gold and jewels.

The victims were told these valuables could only be released after paying fabricated taxes and fees.

The charges against Boateng form part of a broader federal operation aimed at dismantling international fraud networks that prey on senior citizens. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the crackdown in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, reinforcing its commitment to protecting vulnerable older Americans.

In related developments, five individuals, Dwayne Asafo Adjei, David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif, were charged in the Northern District of Ohio for their alleged roles in similar scams.

An indictment unsealed on June 4 alleges that the group defrauded elderly U.S. citizens between December 2017 and March 2024 through fake romantic relationships and fraudulent business deals.

U.S. officials say the group laundered the stolen funds and distributed them to co-conspirators in Ghana and other countries.

Another indictment, unsealed on May 13, 2025, names Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, and again, Dwayne Asafo Adjei.

This group also faces charges tied to romance scams that tricked seniors into sending large sums of money under false pretenses.

All three cases are being investigated by the FBI and form part of a wider Justice Department initiative to combat international fraud targeting elderly Americans.

“Prosecutors across the country are stepping up the fight against malicious schemes that target older Americans. We are working with law enforcement at home and abroad to bring these criminals to justice and protect our seniors,” U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said.

See the full statement below

United States v. Charles Uchenna Nwadavid.

On April 9, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Massachusetts announced charges against Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a citizen of Nigeria who was arrested after landing at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. In January 2024, a grand jury indicted Nawadavid on one count of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering. Between approximately 2016 to September 2019, Nwadavid allegedly participated in romance scams that tricked victims into sending money abroad.

United States v. Otuo Amponsah et al. On May 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio unsealed charges against Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, and Dwayne Asafo Adjei for their participation in conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

According to court documents, from December 2017 through March 2024, the defendants used various wire fraud and romance fraud schemes — often targeting elderly individuals in the United States — to obtain funds from victims by means of false pretenses. The defendants shared funds obtained from victims with co-conspirators in the Republic of Ghana and elsewhere. This case was investigated by the FBI.

United States v. Clinton Ogedegbe. On April 15, a grand jury in the Western District of North Carolina returned an indictment against Clinton Ogedegbe, charging him with one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of concealment money laundering.

According to court documents, from July 2023 through at least February 2024, Ogedegbe and his co-conspirators carried out a scheme to launder the proceeds of romance fraud schemes typically targeting elderly and other vulnerable victims. This case was investigated by the FBI.

United States v. Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng also known as “Dada Joe Remix.” On May 30, a grand jury indictment was unsealed in the District of Arizona charging Joseph Boateng also known as “Dada Joe Remix,” a citizen of Ghana, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to court documents, from at least 2013 through March 2023, Boateng and his co-conspirators engaged in a romance/inheritance scheme that targeted elderly American victims and others around the world.

The co-conspirators falsely represented that they had gold and jewels and that to release such items, taxes and fees or other costs would be required. Ghanian authorities arrested Boateng on May 28 pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition. This case was investigated by the FBI.

United States v. 679,981.22 Tether, et al. On June 3, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced the filing of a civil forfeiture complaint against 679,981.22 in the Tether cryptocurrency suspected of being fraudulently obtained as part of a romance/investment scam. According to court documents, one victim was targeted via LinkedIn and another victim was targeted though the dating App “Coffee Meets Bagel.”

United States v. John Muriuku Wamuigah. On May 22, Malaysia extradited Kenyan national John Muriuku Wamuigah to stand trial in the District of Connecticut on a wire fraud charge. According to court documents, Mamuiga and others executed a scheme to defraud using business email compromise and romance scams. The scheme involved exploitation of elderly victims through romance scams to serve as unwitting money mules.

United States v. Dwayne Asafo Adjei et al. On June 4, a superseding indictment sought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio was unsealed. It charges David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Dwayne Asafo Adjei, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies.

According to court documents, from December 2017 through March 2024, the defendants used various wire fraud and romance fraud schemes — often targeting elderly individuals in the United States — to obtain funds from victims by means of false pretenses. The defendants shared in funds obtained from victims with co-conspirators in the Republic of Ghana and elsewhere. This case was investigated by the FBI.

ID/MA

Sapphire Egemasi, regarded as Nigeria’s ‘tech queen’ was arrested together with the 3 Ghanaians

Three Ghanaians – Samuel Kwadwo Osei (popularly known as Tuga), Fred Brobbey Awuah, and Derrick Nii Ashitey – have been indicted by a court in the United States for engaging in identity theft and money laundering.

The Ghanaians were indicted alongside Nigerian computer programmer, Chinemezu Sapphire Egemasi, widely referred to as the “tech queen” of Nigeria.

The four were arrested in April 2025 for orchestrating internet fraud schemes and laundering illicit funds between September 2021 and February 2023.

According to court documents seen by GhanaWeb, the syndicate targeted public agencies across the United States, including the city government of Kentucky.

They deployed phishing campaigns and spoofed websites to steal employee login credentials and rerouted public funds into fraudulent bank accounts.

The documents revealed that the gang stole millions of dollars from the city of Kentucky, with Egemasi playing a key role by designing and registering fake websites that mimicked official US government portals in order to harvest sensitive data.

Due to the severity of the offences, the court ordered the forfeiture of all properties belonging to the accused persons in the US.

“By virtue of the commission of the offences alleged in Counts One and Three of the Indictment, SAMUEL KWADWO OSEI, CHINEMEZU SAPPHIRE EGEMASI, and DERRICK NII ASHITEY shall forfeit to the United States any and all property, real or personal, which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to the violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 or 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Any and all interest that SAMUEL KWADWO OSEI, CHINEMEZU SAPPHIRE EGEMASI, and DERRICK NII ASHITEY have in this property is vested in and forfeited to the United States pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(C) and 28 U.S.C. § 2461.

“By virtue of the commission of the offence alleged in Count Two of this Indictment, SAMUEL KWADWO OSEI, DERRICK NII ASHITEY, and FRED BROBBEY AWUAH shall forfeit to the United States, any and all property, real or personal, involved in the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and any property traceable to such property. Any and all interest that SAMUEL KWADWO OSEI, DERRICK NII ASHITEY, and FRED BROBBEY AWUAH have in this property is vested in and forfeited to the United States pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 982(a)(1),” the court document read in part.

Read the court document below:

BAI/AE

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed startling findings in the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.

According to the Minister, a key suspect in the scandal, Fred Kwarteng, is believed to have earned a staggering $4.8 million annually while serving at the embassy.

Of this amount, $1.8 million reportedly came from courier service operations alone.

“Mr. Speaker, investigations conducted by the top management of our ministry revealed that GTC dispatched between 150 and 350 visas and passports daily. On average, about 250 visas and passports were dispatched per day.

“Right Honorable Speaker, this implies that GTC dispatched approximately 62,500 visas and passports annually. Mr. Fred Kwarteng was therefore raking in an estimated $1.8 million each year from courier services alone.

“Mr. Speaker, you can comprehend the substantial sum he earned annually when you add the fees he charged, between $60 and $100, for assisting applicants in completing their visa and passport forms. By a conservative analysis, he made about $4.8 million annually from this unlawful enterprise,” Ablakwa disclosed this on the floor of Parliament on June 18, 2025.

Meanwhile, Parliament is pressing for a full-scale investigation and possible legal action to address the alleged abuse of public office and state resources.

The sector minister reiterated that his ministry remains committed to ensuring transparency and restoring integrity across Ghana’s diplomatic missions.

Ghana-Washington DC Embassy Scandal: ‘Suspect Fred Kwarteng was earning $1.8m annually for courier services alone, with total earnings reaching $4.8m a year’ – Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa reveals.

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MA

TotalEnergies Ghana Limited has embarked on an educational tour for mechanics in the Odawna car repair enclave.

The event brought together auto technicians from the area for an educational session on a wide range of topics.

The engagement began with a brief safety talk emphasising the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and the proper disposal of contaminated engine oil.

The event also aimed to increase awareness and visibility of TotalEnergies’ Quartz and Rubia engine oils, highlighting the quality and technical benefits of the respective product ranges. Another key objective was to strengthen relationships with mechanic associations.

The well-attended program featured former Ghana international and TotalEnergies brand ambassador, Stephen Appiah.

In an interview, Deputy Lubricants Manager Kenneth Tupra described the feedback from participants as encouraging.

“One of our key user demographics is mechanics. Though they may be indirect users, they play a very vital role because they recommend lubricants to end users. We want to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance their understanding of the technical aspects of lubricant choices. TotalEnergies Lubricants are number one when it comes to quality and longevity, and that is why we’ve engaged the mechanics this morning,” he said.

“We chose the Odawna enclave because it is one of the key mechanic hubs in Accra. There are several mechanic groups here, and it was important to bring them together in one place. We also plan to engage mechanics in Ashaiman, and in the coming months, we’ll extend this initiative to Kumasi and Takoradi.”

Also present was influencer and dancer Champion Rollie, who thrilled participants with an energetic dance session that excited the gathered crowd.

Participants received gifts and TotalEnergies-branded souvenirs, adding to the enthusiasm of the day.

About TotalEnergies Ghana

TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC is an affiliate of the TotalEnergies Group, a publicly traded multi-energy company and the fourth-largest integrated international energy company. With a presence in about 120 countries and over 100,000 employees, the company is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange and has operated in Ghana for over 70 years. It is one of the leaders in the oil and gas industry and maintains a strong brand image in the Ghanaian market.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for more strategic Chinese investments as part of the Belt and Road Initiative during the China-Africa CEO Dialogue held on Friday, 13th June in Changsha, Hunan Province.

The CEO Dialogue was one of the major highlight events held during the 4th China-Africa Economic & Trade Expo (CAETE) held from 12-15 June.

The Dialogue attracted more than 500 high-level officials drawn from government departments, CEOs of government agencies, CEOs of multinational companies, international organizations, Africa Chamber of Commerce, Business Associations & Enterprises, financial institutions, representatives from China Africa Development Fund (CADFund), etc.

The platform was used by both African and Chinese business community to deepen exchanges, by focusing on green energy and financial innovation to stimulate economic growth.

In her address, the Minister highlighted Ghana’s unique proposition, which is anchored on a peaceful business environment, the rule of law and a strategic position in the centre of the world to serve the global market. She stated that the country continues to attract major Chinese private sector operators and names like Zonda Sinotruk, Sunda, Keda, Sentuo, Sunon Asogli, Huawei, etc. have become household names.

The Minister therefore, called on other potential Chinese investors to take advantage of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.

In addition, the Minister made a strong case for Africa by emphasising that, Africa is expected to be the second fastest growing economy globally this year with 40 countries, including Ghana, set to achieve post-higher growth rates relative to 2023 levels.

The Minister pointed out that Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development time of transformation, innovation, and industrial growth.

According to her, the true potential of Africa lies not only in its resources but in its ability to process, refine, and innovate, turning raw commodities into high-value products that create jobs and drive sustainable growth.

“Let us move beyond traditional trade relationships and embrace transformational partnerships, ones that promote technology exchange, sustainable industrial practices, and globally competitive African enterprises,” said the Minister.

The Minister urged Chinese investors to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which presents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses to access a market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, coupled with a growing middle class.

The just-ended 4th CAETE was expected to conclude 128 cooperation projects with a total value exceeding $7 billion through signing or matchmaking during the expo, spanning areas including manufacturing, energy, transportation, logistics, healthcare and information services.

Other high government officials who addressed the plenary session included H.E. Cao Zhiqiang, Vice Governor of People’s Government of Hunan Province, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi, Director General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Miss. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary General of United Nations & Assistant General of United Nations & Assistant Administrator and Director of Regional Bureau for Africa, UNDP, Chief Diana Chen, Chair of Choice International Group.

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.

President John Mahama

PRESIDENT JOHN Dramani Mahama has pledged to resource every Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) in Ghana with not less than $25 million this year.

The funding, according to the President, aims at ensuring that local governments are properly resourced to meet the development needs of their respective communities.

Speaking at the orientation of the MMDCEs in Accra, President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to decentralised development and the crucial role of local authorities in national progress.

“This year, every assembly from the largest to the smallest will receive not less than GH₵25 million,” he assured.

According to the President, this allocation aligns with the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2024 manifesto, which prioritizes local governance at the centre of Ghana’s development agenda.

“The NDC manifesto outlines a bold and people-centred agenda that puts local government at the heart of national development. You are the first line of the economy,” he stated.

President Mahama further highlighted that the 2025 budget statement reflects this priority by committing 80 per cent of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund to MMDAs.

He also pointed to major government programmes such as the Clean Up Ghana campaign, Adumawura, the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mahama Cares, and Feed Ghana.

These, he said, are not abstract policies but practical initiatives that require strong coordination and effective leadership at the district level to be successfully implemented.

He urged district leaders to apply the resources in line with local priorities and medium-term development plans, saying, “These funds must reflect the needs of your people and be used to deliver real development outcomes.” he added.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke

Ghana and China’s Hunan Province have committed to strengthening economic cooperation in Agriculture & Agribusiness, Smart Industrialisation, and Sustainable Mineral Processing, following high-level talks at the 4th China-Africa Economic & Trade Expo (CAETE).

H.E. Cao Zhiqiang, Vice Governor of Hunan, hosted Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare on bilateral discussions which centred on building stronger bilateral trade, investment, technical exchanges between Ghana and Hunan Province.

The Hon.Minister in her remarks, commended the Vice Governor and the Hunan Province for their level of industrialisation driven by innovation and underscored the need for partnership.

She intimated that the achievement of the Province was a clear indication that, walking shoulder to shoulder, Ghana could leverage on this strategic relationship to leapfrog in its industrialisation agenda.

In addition, the Minister highlighted the country’s stable business environment, rule of law, competitive returns on investment, and youthful and growing middle class as some of the key considerations not to be ignored by potential investors from the Province.

She also underscored Ghana’s strategic location as a gateway to serve the regional as well as global markets.

The Minister invited more Hunan multinational companies to explore business opportunities in the manufacturing, garments & textiles, pharmaceutical, and components manufacturing sectors and take advantage of the 24-hour economy policy.

The bilateral trade between Ghana and Hunan Province was estimated at USD2.5B as at the end of 2024 with at least 8 top multinational companies from Hunan operating in Ghana and these include Zonda, Sany, Hunan Construction and Zoomlion.

The Minister extended an invitation to the Vice Governor to lead a high-level delegation to explore more business opportunities in Ghana in the course of the year.

In his remarks, H.E. Cao Zhiqiang, Vice Governor of Hunan Province, commended the Minister for making a strong case for investment in Africa and especially Ghana during the CEO Dialogue.

According to the Vice Governor, the Province is committed to partnering with the government of Ghana and the private sector to enhance industrialisation for our mutual benefits.

Touching on the current economic development of the Province, the Vice Governor emphasised that it is one of the fastest-growing provinces in China, with a 2024 GDP of approximately 5.4 trillion yuan (about $760 billion), growing around 5.5% year-on-year, slightly above the national average.

The tertiary sector (services) contributed significantly, while advanced manufacturing and the digital economy expanded rapidly.

The Province, according to the Vice Governor, has positioned itself as the hub of industrialisation, innovation & research, aerodynamics, logistics & infrastructure development, education, among others.

The Vice Governor of Hunan Province agreed to the proposal by the Minister for technical exchanges between Ghana and Hunan to enhance skills and expertise development of critical sectors of the economy.

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.

The Africa Real Estate Conference brought professionals from the real estate and technology sector

The Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has announced plans to decentralise housing projects across Ghana’s districts.

According to him, the government is set to implement a district housing scheme to address housing deficits across the country.

Speaking at the Africa Real Estate Conference and Expo in Accra on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the minister stated that the government is exploring new financing models and supporting indigenous contracting technologies to advance affordable housing projects.

Also, efforts are underway to enhance investor confidence through transparent policy frameworks, ensuring that these principles are integrated into Ghana’s national housing strategy.

“As Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, I am fully committed to building an ecosystem that rewards aggregation, encourages ethical business, and ensures that land is economically viable for housing development. In Ghana, we are about to pursue the district housing scheme, meaning we are decentralizing housing developments nationwide,” he said.

“We’ve realized that we have often concentrated development in urban areas, and now we need to distribute funding and resources more equitably to benefit all districts. So, in conclusion, colleagues, friends, and builders of Africa’s future, this is our time,” he added.

The Africa Real Estate Conference and Expo, held in Accra, brings together professionals from the real estate and technology sectors.

The event connects visionaries, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, fostering discussions on how PropTech innovations can reshape Africa’s real estate industry.

SA/MA

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Jun – 18 – 2025 , 16:40

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