By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 12, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, has pledged his full support for the establishment of the National Defence University by the Ghanaian Military. 

He said to support the National Defence University to realise its full potential, this specialised institution would run strategic academic courses to support government’s efforts for strategic high education for qualified Ghanaians, civilians, and the military. 

“Talking about academics in relation to the Ghana Armed Forces, I am particularly elated about the coming on stream of the National Defence University with a Presidential Charter,” President Mahama said in his address at the graduation of the Regular Career Course 63 of the Ghana Military Academy at Teshie, near Accra. 

President Mahama granted the Graduating Officer Cadets of Regular Career Course 63, the President’s Commission into the Ghana Armed Forces. 

He noted that the Presidential Charter provided the Ghana Armed Forces the mandate to explore and facilitate extensive teaching and learning towards more effective national defence and security.  

“Conceptually, as one of the constituent colleges of the National Defence University, the Ghana Military Academy will receive the needed facilities to achieve its mandate.” 

The President reiterated that the intervention would actualise the upgrading of the commissioning course to a postgraduate diploma, status for newly commissioned officers; saying, “So, when the officers are commissioned, they will come out with a postgraduate diploma.”  

He said the Ghana Military Academy had remained resolute and well-focused in achieving its mandate, notwithstanding some challenges it faces.  

The President said the Academy had a very rich history of training many of West Africa’s great and famous military leaders and the National Defence University would be another opportunity to incorporate a mainstream military discipline and doctrine in their people, pursuing higher education.  

He said the Minister for Defence had informed him that the Ghana Military Academy as they see it today had only undergone its first phase of expansion and was awaiting a second phase and a third phase.  

President Mahama said complementing the need to make the facilities more functional, he would give attention to their urgent requirement for a sports complex with a modern gymnasium and a swimming pool, and the construction of an outer perimeter road to facilitate training in the Academy. 

Touching in instability in the West African sub-region, President Mahama said: “Our sub-region is affected by the scourge of terrorism. Terrorist attacks close to our northern border have become a regular feature. Ghana is also not immune from the influence and effects of the complex challenges posed by the global security environment.” 

This, he said, was due to globally non-state security actors were becoming or in some instances had already become central and pivotal.  

He explained that the situation required a comprehensive approach to state security, and one could not underestimate the importance of active participation of all citizens in the security and stability of their state.  

“As citizens of Ghana, we must recognize that the nature of contemporary threats that confront us demand that we do not perceive our security services as the exclusive institutions responsible for our safety and security.” 

The President urged Ghanaians to support the security services and the Ghana Armed Forces with information that was useful and intelligence that was helpful that would advance their work rather than retrogress it.  

GNA 

LAA 

By Erica Apeatua Addo,  

Akyempim (W/R), April 12, GNA – To bridge the digital gap and equip pupils with essential Information Technology (IT) skills, GASO Petroleum Limited, has donated desktop computers, laptops and accessories, projectors and pen drives to two Basic Schools in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality.  

The beneficiary institutions are Adieyie Municipal Assembly Basic School and New Tokunaso Basic School.  

Speaking at the presentation, Mr Isaac Asante, the Managing Director of GASO Petroleum Limited, said as partners of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, and as part of their community engagement and social responsibility initiatives, they decided to support the communities they worked in.  

He said GASO operates in Obuasi, Tarkwa, Damang and other mining communities in Ghana, and they were committed to ensuring that their host communities benefit from their operations. 

Mr Asante said: “We chose ICT because of the critical role it plays in the development of children, particularly in today’s digital age. We expect our pupils to have a strong foundation in computer skills by the time they enter the university, so it opens more career opportunities for them.”  

In addition, he announced that the company would adopt the ICT department of the two schools and provide more assistance to ensure that they were fully equipped.  

The Managing Director said: “This donation is just the beginning. We are pleading with the team from Iduapriem Mine to identify areas where the schools needed further help. For instance, if it’s internet connectivity, we will work on it to ensure both schools benefited more from the ICT equipment” 

Mr Asante revealed that only 40 per cent of basic schools have access to ICT, saying, “We believe that corporate bodies should support government to develop the country’s ICT sector.” 

Mr Stephen Adjei, Senior Manager-Sustainability, observed that the ICT equipment donated would enhance the learning experience and equip pupils with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 

He urged all contractors to emulate the example set by GASO and explore ways to support their host communities, adding, “by working together and contributing to our communities, we can drive a meaningful change and create a better future for all.”  

Mr Adjei thanked the donors for their generosity and commitment to empower communities, saying, “let us continue to work together to drive positive change through sustainable partnership.”  

Mrs Catherine Andoh-Mensah, Municipal Director of Education, explained that computers provided access to information, develop basic skills, improve upon communication and enhance teaching and learning.  

“This time ICT teaching will not be an abstract thing because pupils can now see, touch, and play with gadgets. This will make learning enjoyable and effective,” she said. 

Mrs Andoh-Mensah said this initiative would not only provide access to various learning tools but also foster a collaborative environment to enable pupils to develop essential skills in research, reading and studying.  

She noted that although the donated items should be kept in good condition, the pupils should be given the chance to experiment and learn with proper supervision.  

GNA  

JP/BM 

Accra Lions staged a late comeback to beat Basake Holy Stars on matchday 27 of the Ghana Premier League on Saturday, April 12.

Hamzata Musah and Lucky Nwafor scored two second-half goals to turn the game around for Accra Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium after Prince Tweneboah had scored for the away side.

Tweneboah opened the scoring for Holy Stars after just five minutes played to put his side in the lead.

Holy Stars held on and protected their lead as they went into the break on the winning side.

The second half started on a good note for the visitors, who continued to create chances in the early part, but they were unable to add to their lead.

With 20 minutes to go, the home side grew into the game.

Hamzata drew them level in the 72nd minute before Nwafor completed the comeback six minutes later.

The win meant Accra Lions avoided losing both league encounters against Holy Stars this season, having lost their earlier meeting.

All three points also mean Lions move out of the relegation zone ahead of Sunday’s fixtures, just one point above the danger area.

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.

Accra, April 12, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the “Feed Ghana Programme”, the flagship initiative of his government at Techiman in the Bono East Region.

The “Feed Ghana Programme” is designed to boost food production through the implementation of modern farming techniques, strengthen agricultural infrastructure and establishment of agro-industrial zones throughout Ghana.

The President stressed the need for bold and decisive actions to be taken in order to elevate agriculture to a central position in the country’s economic transformation.

More to follow.

GNA

Tech giants like Apple and Samsung, whose mobile phones dominate the US market, will breathe a sigh of relief from the reprieve.

Some hard drives, memory chips, flat-panel displays and other electronics are also exempted.

Economists have warned that Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal” tariff scheme would significantly drive up the prices of popular consumer electronics items sold in the United States, many of which are manufactured abroad in places like China.

While Trump paused most country-specific tariffs for 90 days following a plunge in global stock markets earlier this week, a 145% levy remains in place for Chinese imports.

The revised policy was issued without any publicity by the White House. It was communicated in an updated trade policy notice posted on the agency website on Friday night.

China on Friday raised counter-tariffs on US goods from 84% to 125%.

GNA

PDC

President John Mahama has launched the Feed Ghana Programme, a major government initiative aimed at boosting food production, reducing the country’s dependence on imports, and creating jobs across agriculture-related sectors.

At the official launch of the Feed Ghana Programme in Techiman, the capital of the Bono East Region on Saturday, April 12, the President outlined its various components and also stated that the initiative targets institutions, especially Senior High Schools, to venture into commercial farming.

Speaking at the launch, President Mahama said, “Feed Ghana is a development project, popularly referred to as Yeridua, to reduce imports from neighbouring countries. We’ll invest in controlled environmental farming, including the use of greenhouse technologies and urban and peri-urban agriculture.”

The first component of the programme is focused on backyard and community gardens. The President encouraged Ghanaians to grow vegetables in their homes to improve nutrition and reduce food costs.

“We will do backyard gardening,” he said. “Everybody will be encouraged to get some land near your house or behind your house and have a garden where you grow tomatoes, garden eggs, okra, onions, and pepper. We have done this before.”

He reminded the public of Ghana’s past experiences during the Operation Feed Yourself era.

“For those of you who grew through the Operation Feed Yourself years, you remember that your parents used to have backyard gardens. And so when you went there to pound fufu, sometimes you didn’t have to go to the market. You just go into the garden, you pluck some nyadua, take some pepper, some onion, tomato, and then go and make the soup and pound the fufu.”

He added, “We’ll encourage community gardens to enhance nutrition and household incomes.”

The second component of the Feed Ghana Programme is institutional farming, aimed at encouraging Senior High Schools and other institutions with available land to venture into crop and livestock farming.

President Mahama explained, “We’re going to encourage not only households and communities to grow vegetables like tomatoes, pepper, garden eggs, and thereby reduce household food costs and increase self-reliance, but we’re also going to encourage institutions such as Senior High Schools with available lands to be supported to venture into crop production and livestock farming.”

He added, “So all our schools that have land available, you’re going to use some of that land for agricultural purposes. You’ll grow vegetables to improve the food of the students in their kitchen. You’ll have cows, goats, sheep, so that you can provide meat for our children in school. This will complement the school feeding programme and encourage students to view agriculture as a viable career.”

According to the President, several institutions have already shown interest in the initiative.

“Amongst them we have the National Service Scheme, who are going to activate their national service farms so that national servicemen will be engaged in agriculture. Amongst them is the Ghana Prison Service. The Ghana Prison Service is going to activate the prison farms and use the prisoners for agricultural production.

“The National Youth Employment Agency is also a collaborating institution. Faith-based organisations, churches, and mosques several have come to us and said that they are willing to go into agriculture and agri-processing,”he said.

The third major component of the programme is the revitalisation of Ghana’s poultry industry through the Nkukor Kitin Kitin initiative.

President Mahama stressed the urgency of reducing poultry imports. “Ghana imports almost 400 million dollars’ worth of chicken every year. This we all must be ashamed of.”

The Nkukor Kitin Kitin project will support the entire poultry value chain. “Our Poultry Farm to Table project, popularly referred to as the Nkukor Kitin Kitin programme, which is going to be implemented in collaboration with the Poultry Farmers Association, will support hatcheries, feed mills, veterinary services, and poultry processing centres.”

“This year we’re going to register 50 anchor farmers who will be supported to produce four million birds, which will be equivalent to 10,000 metric tonnes of chicken,” he said.

Additionally, a supplementary plan will see 55,000 households across the country supported to produce 500 birds each year. “We believe that this will rear over one million birds and thereby improve the incomes of women and the nutrition of their children,” the President said.

To support all aspects of the Feed Ghana Programme, President Mahama announced the deployment of thousands of agriculture professionals.

“We signed an MOU to deploy 5,000 agriculture and veterinary graduates to support the institutional programme, as vacancies arise, these graduates will be absorbed permanently into the public service, bridging the gap between research and on-farm practice,” he said.

President Mahama also mentioned that the Feed Ghana Programme includes the Grains and Legumes Development Project, the Vegetable Development Project, and Livestock Development alongside the poultry revitalisation effort. These projects, he said, are designed to raise agricultural productivity, ensure food self-sufficiency, and create sustainable employment for Ghanaians.

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.

Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy is beginning to take form, with state institutions like the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) already implementing new operational shift systems.

Though still in its early stages, the move marks a significant shift in public sector service delivery, aimed at boosting productivity and creating more job opportunities.

Both the DVLA and GPCL have rolled out pilot versions of the policy, operating round-the-clock services in selected departments. At GPCL, the company has restructured its operations into three distinct shifts: morning, evening, and overnight. This change ensures that publishing operations continue seamlessly through the night. DVLA, on the other hand, is also operating a 24- hour shift system and it already having the impact with clearance of 2 years backlog of driver’s license.

The Chief Executive of GPCL, Nana Kwasi Boatey  tells TV3 that internal restructuring was key to the transition. “We haven’t done massive recruitment yet, but we’ve hired a few extra hands and reallocated our workforce into the different shifts. It’s a continuous operation now, and the staff have adjusted well,” he said.

Similarly, at the DVLA, staff were reorganized to accommodate night shifts, with contract staff brought on board to support the rollout. According to the CEO of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey the policy’s success so far has hinged on staff training and the gradual introduction of new systems. “We’re taking it step by step. The aim is to ease congestion during the day and allow more flexibility for our clients,” he said.

Despite these early steps, both institutions acknowledge that full implementation of the 24-hour policy will require more resources, especially in staffing, logistics, and energy costs. There’s also the question of long-term sustainability and whether other government agencies will follow suit.

The 24-hour economy policy has been touted as a game-changer, especially in the run-up to the 2024 elections, with the NDC promising it as a pathway to economic transformation and youth employment. While some critics have questioned its feasibility, institutions like the DVLA and GPCL are offering a glimpse into how such a policy might work on the ground.

For now, the success of the pilot programs at DVLA and GPCL will likely inform broader national implementation. As the government considers expanding the policy, citizens and business owners alike will be watching to see whether the shift system can truly deliver on its promises.

Six days after being condemned for their performance in the derby stalemate at Old Trafford, Manchester City roared back from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace in a thrilling encounter at Etihad Stadium.

After their defence had been badly exposed for Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards to put the visitors into a comfortable lead, City hit back after Palace had a third goal ruled out by a close call from the new semi-automated offside technology.

Outgoing City skipper Kevin de Bruyne was at the centre of the astounding reversal of fortunes.

First De Bruyne levelled as he deceived Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a superb 33rd-minute free-kick. Omar Marmoush levelled before the break with his seventh goal for City, then Mateo Kovacic drove De Bruyne’s lay-off into the bottom corner a minute into the second half.

James McAtee finally found the target after wasting a couple of excellent chances on his first Premier League start, dashing on to Ederson’s punt downfield before rounding Henderson and applying the finish.

Nico O’Reilly’s deflected effort completed the scoring as City hit five goals in a home Premier League game for the first time this season. It was a thrilling way to end an uncharacteristic run of six City games which had produced a total of 10 goals.

More importantly, it took them back into fourth spot in the Premier League and applied the pressure on Chelsea and Newcastle in the scrap for Champions League qualification.

There was some bad news as goalkeeper Ederson went down after feeling a pain in his leg as he went to make a routine second-half clearance and had to be replaced by Stefan Ortega.

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.

An unidentified individual released irritant gas on Saturday at the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the northern German city and considered the largest model train exhibition in the world.

The incident left 46 people with minor injuries, according to a police spokesman. Those affected suffered mild respiratory irritation. One person was taken to hospital; the rest were treated at the scene.

The fire brigade evacuated the building in the Speicherstadt district but cleared it for re-entry half an hour later.

The perpetrator remains unknown, though a cartridge was found at the scene, the spokesman said.

The Miniatur Wunderland’s model railway area currently spans more than 1,600 square metres. The exhibition, which features a track length of approximately 17,000 metres, is set to expand further in the coming years.

In early March, the 25-millionth visitor was welcomed.

The project was started by brothers Gerrit and Frederik Braun in 2001 and has been growing ever since.

In 2024 alone, almost 1.6 million people from all over the world visited the model railway landscape with its many world-famous attractions – like Italy’s Venetian lagoon, the Grand Canyon in the United States and Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle – in miniature.

Source: dpa

Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah

Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah of the Africa Institute on Governance and Security (AIGS), has called on the government to deploy the needed resources to restore law and order at Bawku, amid rising tension.

He made the urgent call during an interview on TV3 on April 11, 2025, while speaking to the ongoing crisis in the Upper East regional town.

The former spokesperson on governance and security under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government emphasised that the conflict does not only threaten lives, but also impacts the economic activities of natives.

He cautioned the government that if the conflict is not resolved in a timely manner, it could pose a security threat to the nation.

“We are saying that the Bawku conflict is not just a regional issue, but a national security threat which can destabilise the country because of the location of Bawku to Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries,” he said, expressing deep concerns over the crisis.

He consequently called for swift action to resolve the long-standing ethno-political dispute.

“We are calling for a comprehensive and inclusive approach in the resolution of the long-standing conflict rooted in the history of the Mamprusis and the Kusasis,” he said.

He pleaded with other mediators to employ an all-inclusive approach to end the conflict.

“We are also calling for mediation efforts, led by His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to provide all the support needed to curb the conflict in the Upper East Region. We need traditional leaders; the Civil Society Organisations, and all stakeholders be engaged in resolving the crisis.

“We are also asking them to find the root causes of the long-standing crisis, and find long-term solutions by addressing chieftaincy disputes, land ownership issues and economic marginalisation problems in the region,” he said.

He also appealed to the government to roll out empowerment programmes for the youth in the region so that they will not be easily lured by malicious and influential people to engage in unfruitful ventures.

VPO/AE

Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:

By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 12, GNA – President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic during his three-day State Visit to Ghana, visited the resting place of Ghana’s founding President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah in Accra. 

The mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur, houses the mortal remains of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia Nkrumah.  

President Pavel during his visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum was accompanied by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the champion of African liberation struggle and Pan-Africanism and a global icon continues to inspire world leaders.  

In the year 2000, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was voted Africa’s “Man of the Millennium” by listeners to the BBC World Service, being described by the BBC as a Hero of Independence, and an international symbol of freedom as the leader of the first African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule. 

President Pavel defied the rains in Accra to pay his respects to the global icon.  

He noted that his visit to Ghana could not be concluded without a visit to the resting place of Ghana’s Founder. 

President Pavel is the first world leader to pay a State Visit to President John Dramani Mahama, after his inauguration for a second term on January 7, 2025. 

GNA 

LAA 

President John Dramani Mahama has outlined the major interventions under the newly launched ‘Feed Ghana Programme’, a flagship initiative aimed at modernizing agriculture, boosting food security, and supporting Ghana’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the official launch of the programme in Techiman on Saturday, April 12, Mr. Mahama said the initiative is a critical component of his broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which is designed to create jobs, reduce food inflation, and improve livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices.

He announced four key interventions under the programme:

1. Promotion of Smart Agriculture: Mahama stated that the government will establish Farmer Service Centers across the country. These centers will provide mechanization services, quality inputs, financing, market access, primary processing, and training for farmers.

Additionally, the programme will create “farm banks” or land banks in designated irrigable zones to support young agricultural entrepreneurs and boost national food production.

2. Grains and Legumes Development Project: The second intervention focuses on scaling up the production of maize, rice, soybean, and sorghum. These crops will be cultivated for local consumption, agro-processing, and export.

Special emphasis will be placed on sorghum due to its potential as a raw material for the brewing industry. The project will also support the feed industry, which is essential to poultry and livestock production.

3. Vegetable Development Project – ‘Yiridya’: To reduce vegetable imports from neighboring countries, the programme will promote controlled environment farming using greenhouse technology, as well as urban and peri-urban agriculture.

Mahama encouraged schools and households to establish vegetable gardens to grow tomatoes, onions, garden eggs, okra, and peppers. He recalled the success of past initiatives such as “Operation Feed Yourself,” highlighting how backyard gardens once played a key role in household food security.

“We will encourage community gardens to enhance nutrition and household incomes,” he said.

4. Institutional Farming: The final component aims to engage schools, especially senior high schools with available land, in crop and livestock farming. The goal is to improve the quality of meals served to students and reduce food costs.

Institutions will be supported to raise livestock such as goats, sheep, and cattle to supplement the School Feeding Programme. Mahama added that the initiative will help students view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.

President Mahama emphasized that these interventions will revitalize the agricultural sector, enhance self-reliance, and position Ghana as a key player in regional food markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Bawku conflict: IGP visits gunshot victims

…..

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President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, has pledged his full support for the establishment of the National Defence University by the Ghanaian military.

He said to support the National Defence University to realise its full potential, this specialised institution would run strategic academic courses to support government’s efforts for strategic high education for qualified Ghanaians, civilians, and the military.

“Talking about academics in relation to the Ghana Armed Forces, I am particularly elated about the coming on stream of the National Defence University with a Presidential Charter,” President Mahama said in his address at the graduation of the Regular Career Course 63 of the Ghana Military Academy at Teshie, near Accra.

President Mahama granted the Graduating Officer Cadets of Regular Career Course 63, the President’s Commission into the Ghana Armed Forces.

He noted that the Presidential Charter provided the Ghana Armed Forces the mandate to explore and facilitate extensive teaching and learning towards more effective national defence and security. 

“Conceptually, as one of the constituent colleges of the National Defence University, the Ghana Military Academy will receive the needed facilities to achieve its mandate.”

The President reiterated that the intervention would actualise the upgrading of the commissioning course to a postgraduate diploma, status for newly commissioned officers; saying, “So, when the officers are commissioned, they will come out with a postgraduate diploma.” 

He said the Ghana Military Academy had remained resolute and well-focused in achieving its mandate, notwithstanding some challenges it faces. 

The President said the Academy had a very rich history of training many of West Africa’s great and famous military leaders and the National Defence University would be another opportunity to incorporate a mainstream military discipline and doctrine in their people, pursuing higher education. 

He said the Minister for Defence had informed him that the Ghana Military Academy as they see it today had only undergone its first phase of expansion and was awaiting a second phase and a third phase. 

President Mahama said complementing the need to make the facilities more functional, he would give attention to their urgent requirement for a sports complex with a modern gymnasium and a swimming pool, and the construction of an outer perimeter road to facilitate training in the Academy.

Touching in instability in the West African sub-region, President Mahama said: “Our sub-region is affected by the scourge of terrorism. Terrorist attacks close to our northern border have become a regular feature. Ghana is also not immune from the influence and effects of the complex challenges posed by the global security environment.”

This, he said, was due to globally non-state security actors were becoming or in some instances had already become central and pivotal. 

He explained that the situation required a comprehensive approach to state security, and one could not underestimate the importance of active participation of all citizens in the security and stability of their state. 

“As citizens of Ghana, we must recognize that the nature of contemporary threats that confront us demand that we do not perceive our security services as the exclusive institutions responsible for our safety and security.”

The President urged Ghanaians to support the security services and the Ghana Armed Forces with information that was useful and intelligence that was helpful that would advance their work rather than retrogress it. 

Source: GNA

Government plans to legalise ‘okada’

Some commercial motorbike riders, popularly known as “Okada” riders, in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region are calling on the government to reconsider a provision in the new Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating their business.

The proposed law, which seeks to amend the existing Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180), stipulates that Okada riders must be at least 25 years old and belong to a recognised union.

However, many young riders are worried that this provision will take away their livelihood.

Atsu Mortey, a 21-year-old Senior High School graduate who has been riding Okada since he finished school at 17, expressed his concerns.

“The okada business is the only job I know how to do, and it has been my source of income since I graduated,” Mr. Mortey said.

He added: “If the government doesn’t reconsider this provision, many of us will be rendered jobless.”

Philip Nyamor, a 23-year-old Junior High School dropout, echoed Mortey’s sentiments. Nyamor, who has been riding Okada for several years, said the business has enabled him to support his younger sister, who is currently studying in the Sogakope Senior High School.

“We urge the government to look at this provision again,” Nyamor said.

He added: “Not all of us have the opportunity to go to school. This is what we do for a living, and we are ready to acquire the necessary licenses and documents. But we plead that the government reconsider the age limit.”

Some riders also expressed concerns that if the age limit is not revised, it could lead to an increase in robbery and social vices in the district.

“A man must hustle,” they said. “We are not asking for a handout, but we want to be given the opportunity to work and provide for our families.”

The riders have appealed to the government to review the provision and consider the impact it will have on their livelihoods. They are willing to comply with other provisions in the legislative instrument but are pleading for a reconsideration of the age limit.

The Ghana News Agency observed that the Okada business has become a vital source of income for many young people in the district.

Many have turned to okada riding as a means of survival, especially those who have dropped out of school or are unable to find formal employment.

The proposed law has sparked a heated debate in the district, with some residents calling for the government to reconsider the age limit provision.

Others at Mepe and Battor in the North Tongu District have argued that the law is necessary to regulate the okada business and improve road safety.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The government should consider alternative livelihoods for okada riders who may be affected by the new regulations. This will help to mitigate the impact of the law on their livelihoods.”

The Ghana News Agency will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

UN Tourism has taken another major step towards advancing South-South cooperation in tourism development with the successful hosting of the 2nd UN Tourism Africa & The Americas Summit in Livingstone, Zambia.

Building on the foundation laid in Punta Cana last year, this year’s summit outlined concrete strategies to implement the Punta Cana Declaration, focusing on innovation, technical cooperation, connectivity, investment, and enhancing tourist confidence and safety.

Bringing together key leaders from Africa and the Americas, the summit reflected a growing movement of cross-continental unity. In his opening address, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili described the event as “proof of the enduring commitment of Africa and the Americas to cooperate across borders and oceans.”

“Now, with recovery complete, we look to the future,” he told the packed room of ministers and tourism stakeholders. “Our theme today reflects our priorities. We must build a more resilient tourism sector — and do so through the key pillars of connectivity, investment, and workforce development.”

Strong recovery and new momentum

The Secretary-General celebrated the resilience of the tourism sector, citing UN Tourism’s latest data. In 2024, Africa welcomed 74 million international travellers, a 12% increase over 2023 and 7% more than in 2019. The Americas saw 213 million arrivals, representing 97% of pre-pandemic levels.

“Our latest data makes clear the huge potential of tourism – as well as its resilience,” Zurab noted. “This is a sector that not only survived the pandemic – it’s bouncing back stronger and more united.”

“Africa and the Americas are not just connected by history and culture – they are now connected by ambition, opportunity, and a shared vision for inclusive growth through tourism.”

Connectivity, Investment and Skills

Pololikashvili outlined three strategic pillars that will guide the next phase of South-South tourism development: improved connectivity, increased investment, and accelerated human capital development.

On connectivity, he said:“This is a proven way to build opportunities for economic and cultural exchange. We are committed to working with our Member States to boost connections within regions and between regions.”

On investment, he emphasised: “Between 2019 and 2023, Africa and the Americas welcomed over $40 billion in foreign direct investment across 520 greenfield projects, generating around 150,000 jobs. But there is massive room for further growth.”

“More than half of recent tourism investments now lean toward environmentally conscious projects, showing our shared drive for sustainability in line with the 2030 Agenda.”

On skills development, he stressed the importance of youth: “By focusing on training and skill-building, we’re giving our people, especially the youth, the means to succeed in today’s competitive world.”

He also praised the Travel Hospitality & Tourism Education Summit held in Lusaka the day before:

“It was striking that all stakeholders – from both the public and private sectors – agreed on the importance of human capital development. We are proud to support our Member States in making this happen.”

Real action on South-South cooperation

The Summit also showcased progress in implementing the Punta Cana Declaration, particularly in fostering tourism investment between regions. UN Tourism reported that between 2019 and 2024, Africa invested approximately USD 3.9 billion in 36 projects across the Americas, while Latin America and the Caribbean matched this with 34 projects in Africa.

To build on this, UN Tourism announced plans for a Biennial Africa-Americas Tourism Investment Conference, designed to connect public and private stakeholders, stimulate cross-border investment, and align capital with sustainability goals.

Innovation, education and future talent

A major theme was preparing for the future through education and innovation. Pololikashvili highlighted efforts such as the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality in Livingstone and a forthcoming start-up competition called “Bridges of Innovation” to spotlight sustainable and inclusive tourism enterprises.

“Education, investment, and cultural exchange were the cornerstones of the Punta Cana Declaration. This Summit is our chance to build on those foundations—and build a tourism sector that works for everyone,” the Secretary-General said.

“We will make sure that tourism not only preserves our shared heritage but, more importantly, lifts living standards across borders.”

Additionally, UN Tourism aims to reach 2,000 beneficiaries through new WhatsApp-based professional development courses in both regions.

Enhancing connectivity and security

Addressing structural barriers to tourism, the summit spotlighted efforts to improve air connectivity through partnerships, such as the new work plan with INGUAT (Guatemala) and the upcoming 2nd Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, to be held in Angola in July 2025.

Tourist safety was also a priority. The ongoing Safety of Destinations Initiative (SAFE-D) was discussed, designed to strengthen public-private collaboration, promote crisis preparedness, and build confidence in travel to both regions.

A shared roadmap forward

As the summit drew to a close, the message was clear: the Africa-Americas partnership in tourism is no longer aspirational – it is operational. Through joint strategies in education, innovation, investment, and connectivity, the two regions are laying down the pathways to a tourism sector that is not only resilient but also inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.

“I’m extremely excited about our upcoming conversations,” Pololikashvili concluded. “Together, we are mapping out new pathways for sincere and authentic cooperation between Africa and the Americas.”

Ghanaian boxing prospect Jonathan Mbanugu, known in the ring as Jon Power, is grappling with the haunting aftermath of a tragic fight that ended in the death of his opponent, Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olusegun Olanrewaju.

The 22-year-old pugilist is now at a crossroads, unsure whether he will lace up his gloves again.

What was supposed to be an exciting international showdown ended in heartbreak on March 29, after just two rounds of action.

Olanrewaju, aged 40, collapsed against the ropes and lost consciousness. Immediate attempts by ringside medical staff and paramedics to revive him proved futile.

He was rushed to the nearby Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital but was pronounced dead minutes later. What was meant to be a stepping stone in Jon Power’s blossoming career quickly descended into horror.

Post-mortem results have since confirmed that the Nigerian pugilist died of cardiac arrest, according to media reports in Nigeria citing the Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBoC), Oluremi Aboderin.

However, in Ghana, officials have declined to publicly release the report until a High Court judge ratifies it.

Investigation

Nonetheless, the fallout from the incident is far from over. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation this week inaugurated a seven-member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the fight.

Authorities in Nigeria are also demanding answers from the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), citing concerns about the conditions under which the bout was sanctioned.

Back in Accra, Jon Power is struggling. Two weeks on from the tragic fight at the Bukom Arena, the psychological weight of that night continues to torment him.

His once-promising career hangs in the balance, as he questions whether he has the mental fortitude to ever step back into the ring.

Adding to the trauma is the wave of vitriol directed at the young boxer on social media. A viral video captured Jon Power speaking to ring announcer Mohammed Amin Lamptey moments after the fight. In it, he appeared unaware of the full gravity of what had happened and expressed joy over the victory—one that has since been struck from the records.

Upon realising the seriousness of the situation, Power quickly changed tone and offered prayers for his opponent’s recovery, though it was tragically too late.

“He is very sad, down and distraught and has been struggling to cope with what has happened,” said his manager, Gordon Frimpong of Osebor Boxing Management and Promotions.

“All the people insulting Jon Power are shameless and inconsiderate. Who says he was excited? These things always happen in sports and this is not the first time [in boxing] and it certainly wasn’t Jon’s fault.”

Mr Frimpong revealed that Jon Power’s mother has been emotionally shattered by the incident and has urged her son to quit boxing altogether.

In response, the promoter and a team of veteran trainers visited the boxer’s home in a bid to console and counsel him through the trauma.

“We showed him videos of similar tragedies in boxing to let him know he’s not alone and that even the greats have walked this difficult path,” he disclosed to the Daily Graphic.

“These interventions have helped lift some of the guilt from his shoulders. He’s beginning to heal, and we believe he’ll return to the ring soon. This is his livelihood—we can’t let one tragic event end his future.”

Trauma and support

Boxing is a sport that demands immense physical and mental resilience. Jon Power’s ordeal underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address both the physical and psychological well-being of boxers and other athletes—particularly those facing traumatic experiences or navigating the challenges of early retirement.

Indeed, the sport is no stranger to such heart-wrenching stories. British legend Barry McGuigan remains haunted by the death of Young Ali, who fell into a coma and died weeks later following their 1982 fight in London.

The tragedy shaped McGuigan’s life and spurred him to successfully campaign for tighter medical protocols around boxing matches in the UK.

Chris Eubank, another British icon, still carries the burden of his brutal 1991 clash with Michael Watson. Though Eubank won the fight, Watson suffered catastrophic brain injuries and spent 40 days in a coma.

The guilt altered Eubank’s entire approach to boxing—he avoided knockouts and sought points victories in his subsequent bouts.

In a tearful reunion years later on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, Eubank apologised to Watson, who gracefully responded: “Let’s move on… we are born warriors, we are real.”

Nigel Benn, the ‘Dark Destroyer’, lived with a heavy conscience for over a decade after his 1995 slugfest with American Gerald McClellan, who was left permanently disabled.

Benn later found peace through faith and eventually reunited with McClellan at a charity dinner in London in 2007, where emotions ran high but forgiveness prevailed.

Now, Jon Power finds himself in similar emotional territory. His story adds to the long list of boxers whose careers have been derailed by tragedy—not through fault or malice, but by the brutal realities of the sport.

For the Ghanaian boxing authorities, the incident sparked urgent calls for reform. The ongoing inquiry into Olanrewaju’s death is expected not only to determine what went wrong at the Bukom Arena but also to propose reforms to safety protocols for professional fights to safeguard the health of boxers.

The tragic events of March 29 have, sadly, become another chapter in boxing’s bloodstained history — but they may yet spark overdue reforms in the sport in Ghana.

For Jon Power, his road to recovery — both personal and professional — will be long, but the story of how he faces and overcomes this moment could ultimately define him.

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