One watermelon costs around GH¢50 cedis

A Clinical Research Coordinator at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) in Accra, Susan Adu-Amankwah, has expressed concern over the rising cost of food in Ghana.

According to her, prices have increased astronomically, making life difficult for many Ghanaians.

She made these comments in response to recent discussions about the state of healthcare in Ghana.

Speaking in a video shared by 3news on X, she said, “We need to look at healthcare holistically, not just in terms of hospitals. I mean, yes, you want to do the political bit with Agenda 111 and all that, but how are you equipping people? What primary healthcare programs are being put in place to help people take control of their health themselves? You understand? Food is too expensive in this country.”

Adu-Amankwah noted that the price of a single watermelon now ranges from GH¢50 to GH¢150, which is unaffordable for civil servants earning around GH¢3,000 a month.

“Yesterday, I wanted to buy a watermelon, it starts from 50 cedis and can go as high as 150 cedis. A single watermelon! If you’re a civil servant earning GH¢3,000 cedis a month, how can you afford to buy a watermelon for GH¢100 or even GH¢50 cedis? You understand? But we need fruits in our lives.

“Have you tried buying bananas lately? Do you understand that food is expensive? The government needs to look at our health holistically,” she added.

Ghana’s inflation rate stood at 23% at the end of March 2025.

SSD/MA

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By Jerry Azanduna 

Techiman, (Bono East), April 25, GNA – Mr Sebastian Sandaare, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has reaffirmed the government commitment to retool public health facilities to improve quality healthcare service delivery nationwide. 

He said there was the need to improve the nation’s health systems to achieve useful health outcomes. 

Mr Sandaare, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Dafiama,Bussie/Issa Constituency in the Upper West Region, said this when the Committee visited the Techiman Holy Family Hospital in Bono East. 

The visit was to enable the Committee members including Professor Dr Titus Beyou, the MP for Lambussie and Mr Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, the MP for Pru East, to assess the operations of the facility. 

Mr Sandaare said the visit would enable the Committee to produce a comprehensive report that would guide the government to improve conditions of the various public health facilities and to facilitate the provision of quality healthcare service delivery. 

He commended the hospital management, staff and health workers for their efforts in providing quality services, assuring them of the government’s readiness to tackle emerging challenges impeding healthcare service delivery nationwide. 

Dr Peter Yeboah, the Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), said the facility remained committed to collaborate with the government to improve health outcomes. 

He said the hospital was a major referral facility in the Bono East Region and served as a Specialist Training Facility for both medical officers and nurses, as well as a research centre and called for increased government support in retooling the place for its effective delivery of services to these communities. 

Dr Yeboah said the facility required clinical infrastructure and a medical education centre to be able to efficiently deliver its mandate and called for extensive support from all stakeholders. 

GNA 

DEN/CAA 

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has personally financed the cost of the party’s nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’.

The tour, which began on Wednesday, 23rd April, is aimed at expressing appreciation to party faithful and supporters for their efforts during the 2024 general election, despite the party’s defeat.

Dr Bawumia’s gesture has been widely acknowledged within the party as a sign of his continued commitment to its unity and future prospects.

The tour comes in the wake of the release of the Mike Ocquaye report, which provided an in-depth analysis of the factors that contributed to the NPP’s loss in the December 2024 polls.

The report, commissioned by the party’s leadership, outlines both internal and external issues that affected its electoral fortunes.

Dr Bawumia, according to close sources, believes that connecting directly with the grassroots is a vital step towards rebuilding the party’s strength and morale.

Regions across the country are expected to host events as part of the tour, with senior party officials, Members of Parliament, and regional executives accompanying Dr Bawumia.

At each stop, the flagbearer is expected to deliver messages of appreciation, unity, and renewal.

The tour also offers a platform for frank discussions between party leadership and the base, as the NPP prepares for internal reforms and future contests.

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.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance

Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has presented a comprehensive plan to investors aimed at addressing Ghana’s significant accumulation of government payables in 2024, while reinforcing fiscal discipline and transparency across public financial management.

Speaking at a meeting with investors in Washington, D.C., USA, Dr Ato Forson highlighted key reforms and policy actions underway to restore confidence in Ghana’s fiscal framework and stabilise the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

Auditing payables and commitments

At the heart of the plan is a government-commissioned audit of all outstanding payables and commitments. The Ministry of Finance has engaged the Auditor General, along with two independent audit firms, for an intensive eight-week review.

“The objective is to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of these claims,” the Minister explained.

“The findings will guide the implementation of corrective actions to resolve any irregularities and improve accountability going forward,” he added.

Strengthening commitment controls

To prevent the recurrence of unapproved expenditures, the government has amended the Procurement Act. Effective April 3, 2025, no government contract will be approved without prior commitment authorization from the Ministry of Finance.

“This measure is critical for enhancing spending controls and ensuring full compliance with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act,” the Minister stated.

PFM Act amendment and fiscal rules

The government has also amended the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), introducing two major fiscal rules. The first is a debt rule targeting a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio to 45% by 2035. The second is an operational rule mandating an annual primary surplus of at least 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis.

An Independent Fiscal Council has been established to monitor adherence to these rules and to enhance transparency and credibility in public finance.

Enforcing compliance and oversight

To institutionalise fiscal discipline further, the Ministry has operationalised a new Compliance Division tasked with monitoring how Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) comply with fiscal commitments. A newly appointed Director now leads the division’s efforts.

Additionally, the government will introduce a Public Financial Management Commitment Control Compliance League Table to publicly rank MDAs based on their expenditure control performance.

Restoring confidence

“These actions underscore our commitment to resolving legacy financial obligations, enforcing spending discipline, and creating a transparent and credible financial management system,” the Finance Minister stated, assuring investors of the government’s determination to maintain stability and support long-term growth.

play videoBusinessman, Hassan Ayariga and host of BizTech, Sisl Prempeh

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have consistently proven to be the backbone of every economy, contributing approximately 70% to national GDP.

In Ghana, SMEs represent around 80% of the workforce, breaking barriers and transforming the landscape of production and manufacturing.

On today’s episode of BizTech, hosted by Sisl Prempeh, Founder of the All People’s Congress (APC) and businessman Hassan Ayariga shares his insights on the importance of fully financing SMEs through adequate funding, regulatory reforms, and technical support.

Speaking with Sisl Prempeh, Ayariga emphasised the need for financial institutions to provide substantial support and financing initiatives tailored to young entrepreneurs.

He further stressed that the time has come for the government to develop a comprehensive funding catalogue to assist SMEs.

Addressing the recent imposition of a 10% U.S. import tariff, Ayariga called for increased investment in local production to strengthen Ghana’s industries.

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Ranking Member on Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Interior, Rev John Ntim

The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has called on the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to clarify the status of prosecutions for major cocaine busts earlier this year, following NACOC’s latest seizure on April 24, 2025.

In a post on his social media pages on Friday, April 25, 2025, the Assin South Member of Parliament sought clarity on the status of previous busts, while raising concerns over the lack of updates.

According to him, while the agencies have been quick to provide updates on relatively small busts, there has yet to be any significant attempt to arrest and prosecute individuals behind major busts estimated to be valued at $350 million and $150 million, respectively.

“How far with the prosecution of the half-a-billion-dollar cocaine busts? Now, we hear commendable commitment from NACOC towards making our ports a no-go zone for drug trafficking. The question to NACOC and NIB is: what happened to the prosecution of traffickers of big busts totaling half a billion dollars earlier this year? There’s a good update on the prosecution of small busts of 89.74 kg. When will the prosecution of suspects in the big busts of $350 million and $150 million begin? When will armed operatives storm their houses to arrest them for prosecution?” he questioned.

NACOC announced on Thursday that it had intercepted 73 slabs of suspected cocaine weighing 89.74 kilograms at Swiss Port, bound for the Netherlands, marking another multimillion-dollar bust.

Fordjour noted the public’s interest in fighting drug trafficking and emphasised the need for all drug busts to be addressed with equal measure, without any attempt to shield culpable persons.

“We are all concerned and collectively support the call for zero tolerance for drug trafficking and, therefore, demand that big busts not be shielded while small busts are showcased. Big busts must be prosecuted with the same alacrity as the small busts,” he stated.

GA/AE

Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges

Ghanaian Paralympian Zinabu Issah continues to make headlines, this time clinching gold in the women’s F57 discus throw at the WPA 2025 Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco.

Issah delivered a remarkable performance, registering a throw of 29.25 meters a personal best that shattered her previous record of 26.66 meters set at the same venue during the 2024 Grand Prix. This feat marks a significant leap from her earlier performance of 24.39 meters in the Paris 2024 Paralympic qualifiers.

The record-breaking throw not only earned her the top spot on the podium but also cements her status as one of Ghana’s top para-athletes. Her performance is expected to strengthen her case for qualification to global events such as the WPA 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Zinabu Issah’s rise is a testament to her relentless drive and dedication, continuing to inspire many within Ghana’s Paralympic movement.

COCOBOD CEO Dr Randy Abbey

The Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), who is currently on a three-day working tour of the Western North and Western South Cocoa regions, could not hold back his frustration at some happenings at one of the agency’s facilities.

Dr Randy Abbey was left fuming when he discovered a large amount of imported cocopeat abandoned at the Sefwi Boako cocoa station in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality of the Western North Region.

He wondered whether the managers of the cocoa station would import such a huge amount of cocopeat, which is used in the cultivation of cocoa, when the cocoa season is virtually over.

The acting CEO could be seen lambasting the managers in the video of the incident, which has since gone viral.

“Were you the one who said that you needed X number of bags before they brought them here?… You were just there, and they brought it.

“So, it’s not as if you needed and made a requisition… Did you make a requisition? So, you were just there, and they dumped it on you. And you obviously don’t have need for it this year. You don’t have need for it this year, do you?” he questioned.

He added, “So, these things would be here till next season… What kind of nonsense is this? Because when you did that report, you said you had done 90%. Exactly. So, why would they bring all these things here? Why do we import all these things? We’re just importing things that we didn’t need, and you come and dump these things here.”

Watch the video below:

The CEO of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey fumes after discovering a large amount of imported cocopeat abandoned at the Sewhi Boako cocoa station in the sewhi Wiaso Municipality of the Western North Region. pic.twitter.com/66BCkG7Ovz

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) April 24, 2025

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Counselor Bola Akinsanya is President of the Ogun Indigene Forum – Ghana Chapter

The President of the Ogun Indigene Forum – Ghana Chapter, Counselor Bola Akinsanya has commended Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for his bold and visionary initiative to empower over 5,000 farmers in Ogun State with agricultural inputs and machinery.

With food security now a critical and pressing national issue, Akinsanya in a chat from his base in Accra, Ghana’s capital opined that the empowerment drive deserves not only commendation but also national recognition. The Ogun Indigene Forum, Ghana Chapter, is a coalition of professionals, artisans, and youth committed to the socio-economic growth of Ogun State.

According to Akinsanya, the initiative transcends ordinary gestures, emphasizing that it represents a significant shift from short-term palliative measures to sustainable economic development. In his statement to the press, he highlighted that Senator Yayi’s agricultural empowerment program is a long-term productive investment, standing in stark contrast to the widely criticized “stomach infrastructure” often associated with political cycles, where food is distributed for temporary relief. This initiative, he noted, is not about consumption; it is about capacity-building. It is not about charity; it is about economic revival.

Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most promising sectors for employment, wealth creation, and rural development. By equipping thousands of farmers with the tools and resources they need to succeed, this initiative directly contributes to Nigeria’s broader agenda of achieving food sufficiency, reducing import dependence, and promoting agribusiness as a viable path to prosperity.

Furthermore, empowering farmers at scale creates a ripple effect across the agricultural value chain—from production to processing, packaging to distribution—generating opportunities and stability for thousands more indirectly connected to the sector.

Akinsanya stated that Senator Yayi deserves applause not just for what he has accomplished but for what he continues to build: a model of leadership that recognizes empowering people to work and produce as the true infrastructure of any thriving nation. He described this as “the kind of leadership our generation craves—leadership that transcends election cycles and empowers citizens toward economic freedom, social stability, and national pride.”

He concluded by urging more public servants, philanthropists, corporate leaders, and Nigerians in the diaspora to take inspiration from this initiative, stating, “Nigeria doesn’t need more handouts—it needs more hands empowered to create.”

Vincent Ekow Assafuah

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has filed an application at the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to reverse President Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The application, filed yesterday, wants the apex court to issue an order blocking the operation of the warrant for suspension of the Chief Justice.

President John Mahama, on April 22, 2025, suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo following the setting up of a five-member committee to probe the three petitions calling for her removal from office.

The suspension followed the finding of prima facie by the Council of State following the forwarding of the three petitions by the President.

Details have now emerged that two more petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal from office have been forwarded to her by the President, bringing the number to five petitions against her.

Justice Torkornoo has denied the allegations in the three petitions against her, which has led to the President suspending her.

She described them as unfounded and points out, for instance that, in spite of the allegations made against her, no evidence has been provided to substantiate them.

Reversal Application

Mr. Assafuah has filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the removal processes, and followed it up with an application for injunction seeking to restrain the President and the Council of State from concluding the processes of the first three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

While that is pending, the President went ahead to suspend the Chief Justice, compelling the MP to file another application asking the apex court to reverse the President’s decision pending the determination of his case before it.

The application is seeking “An order restraining any step or action from being purportedly taken as part of the processes for the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146 or in any manner until the hearing and final determination of the instant action.”

It is also seeking “An order suspending the operation of the warrant for suspension of the Chief Justice purportedly issued by the President under Article 146 or in any manner until the hearing and final determination of the instant action.”

BY Gibril Abdul Razak

Featured

Suleiman Mustapha

Apr – 25 – 2025 , 06:43

2 minutes read

The Acting Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Bismark Owusu Nortey, has launched a stinging critique of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme initiated by the former President Akufo-Addo, labelling it as one that was “perpetrated on fraud” and exploited by opportunists at the expense of farmers.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Friday, April 25, Nortey called for a critical look into how government-led agricultural interventions are often turned into money-making avenues for well-connected individuals, rather than genuine lifelines for farmers.

“The issue about how we seem to use such programmes to serve as an opportunity for people to make money at the expense of beneficiaries is something that we need to look at. The PFJ offered an opportunity for people to rip the state and make money at the expense of farmers. I think the PFJ was perpetrated on fraud,” he said.

According to Nortey, PFJ’s challenges began at the very start of procurement, where he alleged that several companies with no background in importing fertilisers were awarded contracts. These questionable contracts, he argued, opened the door for systemic abuse.

“There were several companies that were not into the import of fertilisers but somehow had contracts to bring fertilisers,” he stressed.

He further described how the distribution process also failed farmers. Stating that, “People who were not farmers were given fertilisers, to the extent that some of them were smuggled out of the country. Invoices were generated, receipts were made, and forms were filled to indicate that a particular district was supplied with fertiliser, while in fact, they were not.

This, to him, was evidence that PFJ, which was launched as a flagship programme to boost food production, was compromised at multiple levels.

“The expectation is that the Feed Ghana Programme should not go that way. I am hopeful that we should see some remarkable gains, food prices stabilising, and the challenges facing the agriculture sector well, we should solve half of them with this programme,” he added.

Ghana is positioning itself to become a leading African nation in terms of emerging technology companies.

Currently, the country is deliberating the Innovation and Startups Bill, which was introduced in 2020. This bill presents an opportunity to foster gender inclusivity and encourage the establishment of more female-led startups.

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations in Ghana states that the bill aims to promote creativity, innovation, and new technologies, while also boosting competitiveness and adding substantial value.

Additionally, the bill is designed to provide startups with tax incentives, streamlined registration, and easier access to funding, addressing a common challenge that has hindered the growth of many startups.

Supporting the longevity of women-led startups Women are integral to Ghana’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, yet the World Bank estimates that only 44% of local MSMEs are owned by women.

A World Bank report indicates that Ghana has made considerable progress in narrowing the gender gap, especially in business, where 65% of women are part of the labor market, compared to 63% on average across sub-Saharan Africa. However, most women-owned businesses still struggle with access to key resources needed to enhance productivity and increase revenue, particularly in rural areas.

Josiah Eyison, an innovation strategist and co-founder of iSpace Foundation, emphasizes that the Innovation and Startups Bill is a crucial step toward creating an environment conducive to the growth of startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators. He believes one of the bill’s main priorities is gender inclusivity, ensuring that women-led startups receive the support necessary to thrive.

“The gender disparity in tech is a global issue, and Ghana is no different. Cultural and societal biases, limited access to funding, lack of mentorship, and workplace challenges are some of the key factors behind this divide,” Eyison told Connecting Africa in an interview.

“Addressing these issues requires policy-driven interventions, industry-wide commitment, and cultural shifts to encourage more women to pursue and sustain careers in tech,” he added.

In 2003, the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) was founded as a partnership between Ghana and India to stimulate growth within the tech industry. Since then, GI-KACE has played a key role in empowering women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), promoting gender equity through initiatives like eSkills4Jobs and the annual Females in ICT (FEMITECH) conference, and providing women with the skills to start and manage tech businesses.

Eric Adjei, CEO of Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), told Connecting Africa that the Innovation and Startups Bill provides the necessary framework for furthering startup growth and increasing female participation in the sector.

“This bill is a crucial step toward promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. By establishing a structured framework for startups, it fosters a more supportive environment for growth, investment, and technological progress,” Adjei stated.

“If properly executed, the bill could provide incentives for women-led startups, improve access to funding, and offer mentorship programs—essential measures in bridging the gender gap in tech. Inclusive policies will encourage more women to enter and excel in the sector,” he added.

Ensuring successful implementation of the bill While Ghana has introduced several initiatives to promote gender parity, such as the Affirmative Action Act and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, these efforts have not fully addressed gender equality, particularly in tech and business.

Despite not being entirely dedicated to empowering women-led startups, the Innovation and Startups Bill is set to be a significant step forward for women in business and STEM.

“While the bill is a positive development, its success in promoting gender inclusivity will depend on well-thought-out policies and strong enforcement. Focused initiatives such as grants, specialized training, and leadership opportunities for women in tech will be critical in addressing the gender imbalance,” said Adjei.

Eyison added that having more women in tech correlates with increased diversity of thought, better problem-solving, and higher economic growth, all of which can be achieved if the bill fulfills its intended purpose.

“If properly implemented, the bill could lay the groundwork for gender inclusivity through financial incentives, market access, and training programs. However, policy alone is not enough; there must be strong execution, monitoring, and accountability to ensure that these provisions lead to tangible outcomes,” Eyison noted.

Ensuring gender equity within tech Many African countries, including Ghana, have learned from the negative impacts of gender bias. To ensure no discrimination occurs, both Adjei and Eyison argue that the bill must include solid countermeasures.

“Encouraging STEM education for young girls, setting up mentorship programs, and ensuring equal funding opportunities for female-led startups are essential steps. Increasing women’s involvement in tech will introduce diverse perspectives, fuel innovation, and contribute to the country’s digital transformation,” said Adjei.

Eyison emphasized that while the Innovation and Startups Bill represents a bold step toward addressing the challenges faced by startups and innovators—especially women in tech—successful execution is crucial.

“To drive greater female participation in tech, we must focus on early-stage STEM education, ensure equitable access to funding for women-led startups, provide industry mentorship and networking, promote inclusive hiring practices in tech companies, ensure equal pay, offer family-friendly work environments, and establish public-private partnerships,” Eyison concluded.

Ethel Delali Cofie, CEO of EDEL Technology Consulting, believes Ghana is on the brink of a transformative moment for its entrepreneurial ecosystem but must approach the bill with both optimism and caution.

“Ghana must ensure that the Startup Bill is not just a policy on paper but a fully functional system with clear timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability structures,” Cofie said.

“If Ghana can create an inclusive and enforceable Startup Bill, it could position itself as West Africa’s leading startup hub, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable jobs for future generations,” she added.

According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, Ghana ranks third in Africa in terms of female-led ventures. If passed into law, the Innovation and Startups Bill is expected to increase the number of women entrepreneurs in the country’s tech industry.

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