Dr David Wuaku has announced plans to support the youth of South Dayi in pursuing academic programmes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The financial consultant announced the Peki Easter Festival on Saturday, 19th April 2025, noting that the initiative aims to assist young people in the district who are interested in acquiring ICT skills.

According to him, the support is targeted at young individuals from the district who wish to pursue qualifications in ICT at the tertiary level, with assistance available each academic year.

Dr Wuaku added that funding for the project has already been secured, and a team of academic experts is prepared to roll out the programme. A proud native of the district, Dr Wuaku emphasised that the scheme was originally part of his vision and campaign promise during his bid for the Council of State seat representing the Volta Region. Although he was not elected, he remains committed to fulfilling that vision, starting with the South Dayi District.

He explained that the goal of the initiative is to help produce some of the best IT experts globally, pointing out that many of the world’s most successful individuals are in the IT sector.

Dr Wuaku also used the occasion to call on all indigenes of South Dayi to unite for the growth and development of the district.

He urged them to rise and take their rightful place in politics, academia, commerce, and all other fields of human endeavour, as they have always done in contributing to the progress of the district and Ghana as a whole.

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At this year’s Apetorku Gbordzi Festival in the Akatsi South District of the Volta Region, the people of Dagbamate once again showcased their remarkable spirit of self-reliance — but also issued a heartfelt appeal for long-overdue government support.

Speaking during the festivities, Torgbui Klu Agudzeamegah II, Chief of Dagbamate, noted that while his people have built their schools, electrified their community, and established a modern health centre, they are unable to construct their roads.

“We do almost everything for ourselves,” Torgbui said to rapturous applause. “But our roads are now our biggest enemy. They’re destroying our vehicles, increasing accidents, and making it difficult to transport goods to market. This, we cannot fix on our own. Roads are simply too capital-intensive.”

Celebration with a purpose: A future for the youth

Though the festival was deeply spiritually—centered on renewing vows to God and seeking blessings, it also celebrated a major milestone in youth development.

The community commissioned a newly built Vocational Training Centre and held a sod-cutting ceremony for a hostel facility that will house apprentices from near and far.

“This project is close to our hearts, because not every young person can go to university,” the Chief explained. “But that should not mean they are left behind. With a trade, they can take care of themselves, their families, and their future.”

The centre, already operational, can accommodate around 100 students. The planned hostel, once completed, will house up to 200 apprentices in 128 self-contained rooms — each shared by two occupants and equipped with sanitation facilities.

Leading without support

Torgbui Klu used the occasion to voice concern over how Dagbamate’s resilience and initiative are often misunderstood by the authorities. “Because we do things ourselves, they assume we don’t need help. But that’s unfair,” he said. “Even our electrification project — we funded most of it. Our streetlights, our clinic, our school buildings — we did all that with our own hands and resources.”

As a striking example, the Chief described how the community built and equipped its health facility, complete with a modern laboratory.

Only after the centre was completed and staffed did the government officially recognise it and upgrade it from a CHPS compound to a health centre, taking over staffing responsibilities.

“That’s the only visible support we’ve received from the government,” he said. “And while we’re grateful for it, we need more — especially for our roads.”

A call for partnership, not pity

Torgbui Klu Agudzeamegah II emphasised that Dagbamate is not seeking handouts, but rather a partnership with the government to amplify the impact of their efforts, especially in areas that are beyond their capacity.

He commended the current government’s focus on technical and vocational education, noting that the community’s efforts are well aligned with the national vision. “We are ready to help train the youth. But we need support to expand — more classrooms, better facilities, and safe roads to bring in students from across the region.”

The bigger dream: An industrial hub

Looking ahead, the Chief shared his bold vision to transform Dagbamate into an industrial and commercial hub. “If we develop, people will come — whether they have to swim or fly. But we must have roads to get there,” he said.

As the Apetorku Gbordzi Festival came to a close, one message rang loud and clear: Dagbamate stands as a beacon of grassroots-led development. But even the most self-reliant communities, as Torgbui Klu passionately conveyed, need timely and fair support from the government to truly thrive.

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By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah  

Accra, April 20, GNA – The Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise to ban illegal mining (galamsey). 

He reminded the President of his pledge to put an end to galamsey activities, including those in forest reserves, within his first 120 days in office.  

“The Catholic Church is concerned about galamsey activities because they are ‘killing’ the public,” he stated on Easter Sunday during a homily at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra.  

“The Ghanaian public placed a big trust in you. This trust is ephemeral; we can easily forget. Mr. President, know this: eyes are watching you.  

“…We take this promise seriously because galamsey is killing us. 120 days, yes, you crossed the 100 line a few days ago, and you are left with less than 20 days.  

“We want to remind you; we voted you into office because of your stance on galamsey and many other evils plaguing our country. In fact, you displayed the high ethical standard we need in our politics in Ghana. We think you can do it,” he said. 

Archbishop Kwofie revealed that illegal miners from across West Africa, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, and Guinea, were reportedly living in Abrewa Nne Nkran.  

He called for action to clear forest hideouts used for illegal activities, saying, “Let’s have men like Nana Bosompem, men with integrity and courage, who would not ask where we went right or wrong in the legal system, and our forestry will return to normal.” 

Speaking on Easter, Archbishop Kwofie reflected on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which he said caused “great excitement and commotion.”  

“Never before has someone reported news such as this. It has never happened in our common history, and indeed no one understood it. But Christ has risen to put to shame those who said there was no resurrection,” he noted. 

Archbishop Kwofie explained that Christ’s resurrection symbolised the resurrection of humans, calling all to rise from the tomb of injustice and wickedness.  

“This is dying to the ‘old man’ of injustice, wickedness, infidelity, and disrespect, and rising to the ‘new man’ of justice, respect for one another, and faithfulness in everything we do.  

“That is why we are told in the second reading to clear out the old yeast and seek the things of above (Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8),” he said. 

Archbishop Kwofie  noted that many empty tombs exist in Christians’ lives, symbolising the starting point of vital new growth. 

“Jesus indeed turns our bad times into great blessings. He makes His story of resurrection our story. This is the story of Easter; our sadness turns into joy! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia and a Happy Easter,” he said. 

The congregation, mostly dressed in white to signify victory over death, celebrated Christ’s resurrection on the third day after His death.  

Unlike the somber ambience of Good Friday, Easter Sunday was filled with joyful singing and dancing, marking new beginnings. 

Songs performed during the celebration included “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” “Christ Arose,” “Thine is the Glory,” and “Yesu Adi Nkunim,” among others. 

GNA 

KAS 

Kiev/Moscow, Apr. 20, (dpa/GNA) – Moscow and Kiev traded allegations of Easter ceasefire breaches on Sunday with both sides reporting mass drone and artillery attacks.

In his afternoon update, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi Russian said Russian shelling and the use of kamikaze drones had been observed.

“The most active Russian operations this morning have been carried out in the Pokrovsk and Siversk directions. In these and several other areas of the frontline, Russia continues to use heavy weaponry,” the general said in reference to Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

He said there had been 26 assaults in the 12 hours up to noon (0900 GMT).

“Either [Russian President Vladimir] Putin does not have full control over his army, or the situation proves that in Russia, they have no intention of making a genuine move toward ending the war, and are only interested in favorable PR coverage,” he said, in reference to Putin’s unilateral declaration of an Easter ceasefire.

Ukraine was taking a “symmetrical approach” to Russian actions, Syrskyi said.

Putin on Saturday had said the ceasefire would cover 30 hours over Easter Sunday, lasting until midnight Moscow time (2100 GMT Sunday), prompting scepticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky on Sunday reiterated his proposal to extend the ceasefire for 30 days to “give peace a chance.”

But he added: “We will act in accordance with the actual situation on the ground.”

By Sunday evening, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Russian state media that Putin had not given any order for an extension.

There had been 387 instances of shelling and 19 assaults by Russian forces between 6 pm on Saturday and midnight, Zelensky said. Drones were used by Russians 290 times, he added.

For its part, Moscow charged that Ukrainian forces with continuing their attacks. These attacks, in the Donetsk region among other areas, had been warded off, the Defence Ministry said.

The ministry said there had been dozens of drone attacks and that hundreds of artillery shells had been fired overnight by the Ukrainian side. The attacks had targeted the border regions of Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod, among others, it said.

“There are deaths and injuries among the peaceful population and damage to civilian buildings,” the ministry statement said. Details of casualties were not given.

GNA

PDC

President John Dramani Mahama has called for sound economic policies to empower entrepreneurs and foster a thriving business environment in Ghana.

In a Facebook post reflecting on his time spent in Kwahu during the Easter festivities, Mahama expressed admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of local business leaders.

He extended his gratitude to Kwahu business executives, CEOs, and heads of financial institutions for their commitment to driving economic growth.

Mahama emphasised the importance of creating policies that unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs and bring tangible success to their efforts.

He reaffirmed his determination to “reset Ghana” and establish an environment where businesses can flourish, highlighting the critical role of entrepreneurship in building a robust local economy.

Read also

Easter festivities: Akufo-Addo, Mahama meet in Kwahu

By Jesse Ampah Owusu 

Mpraeso (E/R), April 20, GNA – Exhibitors and participants at the Kwahu Business Forum have commended the Government for providing a platform to connect and engage stakeholders in the business sector. 

They have also urged the Government and state institutions to integrate the concerns and suggestions raised at the Forum into policies for the sector. 

The two-day Forum, themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” was held at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region.  

The Forum, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of Ghana’s Small and Medium Enterprises. 

Mr. Ernest Twum Barima, CEO of Adepafie Market Company Limited, appreciated the Forum for creating a platform to showcase products to the public.  

He noted that it also enabled them to interact with government officials at their exhibition centers, discuss their businesses and the challenges they faced. 

Mr. Barima expressed hope for the establishment of similar platforms nationwide to connect with more customers. 

Mr Kojo Osei, Head of Marketing, Empire Domus Company Limited, also an exhibitor, said the initiative would help open the country’s business sector to investors. 

He stated that, so far, he had had an appreciable number of people visiting his stand on the sidelines of the Forum. 

Madam Dorcas Ntiamoah, a resident of Kwahu-Mpraeso and a participant in the Forum, said that the event had significantly opened the community by attracting government officials and financial institutions to the area.  

She noted that this development could positively impact the local economy of Kwahu, particularly the hospitality and tourism sectors within the enclave.  

“We appeal to government to ensure the continuity of this so that it does not become a one-day-wonder, but something that will be done annually to help the local economy here,” she added. 

GNA 

KAS 

Ms. Rafatu is contesting for one of the three positions reserved for other members elected by congress. This move demonstrates Inusah’s commitment to contributing to the development of sports in Ghana and her willingness to take on a leadership role.

As a seasoned sports leader, Rafiatu brings a wealth of experience to the table if elected. Her tenure as President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union and the Secretary General of the Ghana Triathlon Federation has equipped her with the skills and knowledge in sports administration. Her involvement in the GOC would undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the committee.

The Ghana Olympic Committee plays a vital role in promoting sports development in Ghana. With Inusah’s potential election, she would be part of the decision-making body that shapes the future of sports in the country. Her leadership skills and passion for sports would undoubtedly make her a valuable contributor to the GOC board.

The election of new members to the GOC board is a significant event in the Ghanaian sports calendar. The outcome will determine the future direction of sports in Ghana and the leadership that will guide the country’s athletic endeavors.

Rafatu’s candidacy is an exciting development, and her potential election could have far-reaching implications for Ghanaian sports

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.

Thousands of foreigners studying in US universities across the country have been hit by far-reaching visa revocations by the Trump administration, and many Ghanaians have been affected.

The Trump administration has started a wave of actions removing immigrants, including those living in the country legally. Some citizens have also been affected by what some analysts describe as ‘far-reaching and uncontrolled’ decisions by US immigration officials. Some of the targeted students have been accused of participating in anti-Israel protests, for some, no reasons have been given, including the Ghanaian students, whose details are not known because the affected universities have not released their details. However, sources in the US have confirmed to Ghana Business News that indeed, some Ghanaian students have been affected.

The Trump administration is alleging that these students are spreading anti-Semitism and pro-Hamas sentiments on campus. But students, lawyers and activists have all refuted the claims.

For some students, their visas were revoked for minor legal infractions, like a speeding ticket or other traffic violations.

By the last count, conservative estimates put the number of student visas revoked to nearly 1,500. But according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s count, more than 4,700 student visas have been removed from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement-maintained database known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS).

Types of student visas

To study in the US, an applicant needs a student visa. There are categories of visas for individuals from other countries intending to study in the US. There is the F-1 visa, which is used by students attending an academic institution like a high school or college.

There is the much less common one – the M-1 visa which is given to people entering the US for vocational training.

Educational institutions must first be certified by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit, or ICE, through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, known as SEVP before they can accept students with those visas.

There is also the J-1 visa – known as the “exchange visitor” visa. This visa permits not just academic study but also has a “cultural component” supervised by a US organization approved by the State Department. There is a list that includes thousands of educational institutions that are permitted to accept applicants on this visa. Professors, researchers and physicians typically come to the US on this visa.

While the J-1 visa has a lot of requirements attached, some students prefer that because it allows their spouses to work while in the US.

Additionally, all the three types of educational visas use a government online database called SEVIS – the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System – to allow colleges and universities to provide legally required information to the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security about international students at their institutions. That information includes the student’s address and confirmation of their academic work.

As the unprecedented action of the Trump administration continues, defying court orders, these students are being asked by immigration authorities to self-deport.

With these students in limbo, it is yet to be seen how their home governments would respond.

By Emmanuel K Dogbevi

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for a departure from what he describes as partisan favoritism in youth empowerment.

He has advocated instead for a system that prioritises merit, innovation, and potential over political loyalty.

He emphasised the importance of fairness and inclusivity in creating opportunities for young Ghanaians.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, he stated:

“We must take a hard look at how we extend opportunity, particularly to the youth. They must not be supported only when they wear party colours; they must be supported when they demonstrate potential, creativity, and drive.”

Afenyo-Markin further emphasised that the future of Ghana should not be built on political partisanship but anchored in meritocracy.

“Ghana’s future cannot be built on partisan loyalty; it must be built on merit. Those who deserve opportunity must be given the opportunity, regardless of political affiliation. That is how we build a nation, that is how we foster healthy competition, and that is how we drive progress,” he added.

RAD/EB

Meanwhile watch as Edward Bawa explains reason for decline in Ghana’s oil production below:

Sulemana Nafiu scored a stunning goal for Nations FC as they eased past Asante Kotoko 2-0 at the Abrankese Stadium in the Ghana Premier League.

The hosts were seeking their fifth straight victory, and it took them 15 minutes to score.

Nafiu unleashed a brilliant curler from the left flank, to beat Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare and put Nations ahead.

The goalscorer turned assist provider with a lovely piece of skill to wriggle away from his markers before providing a cross for Emmanuel Annor to tap home on the stroke of halftime.

Nations FC held on firmly to secure all three points and move up to second on the table with 51 points.

Up next for Kassim Mingle’s side is a trip to face Berekum Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Kotoko have now suffered back-to-back defeats and are winless in their last four.

Their title charge is slipping away from their grasp as they sit fourth with 47 points.

The Porcupines will hope to return to winning ways at home against Aduana FC.

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.

I was thrilled when I got nominated for a three-week training conference for young African journalists in Cairo, Egypt.

Pharaoh’s Egypt. Mo Salah’s country. Land of the Great Pyramids and temples carved in stone. My heart danced not just at the thought of standing in the shadows of ancient wonders, but at the promise of expanding my worldview as a storyteller rooted in the continent.

I was excited to learn. To soak in new knowledge that would sharpen my craft and deepen the quality of my reporting on Africa. I was excited to travel – a brief escape from the everyday grind and a chance to increase my air miles. But most importantly, I looked forward to meeting fellow journalists from across the continent – to spark friendships, share ideas, and perhaps collaborate on stories often overlooked by the global media.

Before the trip, I already had a dozen story ideas buzzing in my notebook. I imagined what it would feel like to brainstorm with someone from Algeria or Malawi or Kenya – connecting dots between Dakar and Dar es Salaam through storytelling.

You see, conventional wisdom has not been kind to Africa.

The dominant global narrative still paints a tired picture of the continent: a canvas of poverty, corruption, conflict, and dependence. The headlines rarely show Africa’s resilience or brilliance. Rarely do we hear of the African countries driving innovation, engineering climate solutions, or reshaping global markets.

But that’s the Africa I see.

Botswana now cuts and polishes its own gem diamonds, keeping more value at home. Rwanda is assembling smartphones under the Mara Phones brand, proudly marked Made in Africa. Kenya revolutionised mobile finance through M-Pesa. Ghana uses drones to deliver blood and medical supplies – the first country to do it at national scale. Nigeria’s Paystack, a homegrown fintech company, caught global attention when it was acquired by Stripe for over $200 million. South Africa hosted a BRICS summit. Morocco built the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant. Egypt expanded the Suez Canal in just a year, doubling its capacity.

There is no shortage of African excellence. But like a Ghanaian proverb says, “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.“

Africa’s stories have too often been told from outside – filtered through foreign eyes. That’s why I went to Cairo with a clear mission: to write our stories. Together.

At the training, it was heartwarming to meet fellow journalists from the North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. We were bound by ink, truth, and the love of our continent. The sessions were intense. The conversations rich. The cultural exchanges – music, jokes, accents – brought colour to our days. Despite the 3,700 kilometers between Accra and Cairo, I felt at home.

Then came that moment.

The one that unsettled many of us.

A quiet shift. A subtle discomfort.

We had been grouped to work on a mock assignment: creating a checklist for journalists covering conflict zones. We chose a North African colleague (not Egyptian) to present on our behalf. During his presentation, the lecturer prompted him to expand on a point, and that’s when it began:

“That Black African girl…” he said, gesturing to a colleague.

The first time, we blinked. Maybe it was a slip. A poor choice of words.

Then it came again.

“The Black girl,” he repeated. “That Black African girl.“

Not once. Not twice.

It was jarring. In a room of Africans – Black, white, Arab, mixed – he chose to single out a colleague, repeatedly, by race.

Our lunch discussions turned fiery. What did he mean? Why was it necessary? Would he have said “that white African girl?” And was this how we saw each other?

We were there to build bridges. But old walls stood tall.

His words, though perhaps not intended to harm, pulled back the curtain on an uncomfortable truth: that the ghosts of colonialism and racial superiority still linger, even among us  – the young ones who should be leading the charge for unity.

We often speak of racism as something exported from the West. But what happens when it’s whispered within the borders of Africa? When Africans look at each other and still see divisions carved by skin tone?

The history is long and tangled.

In South Africa, apartheid left a wound that still aches. In Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, colonial systems created hierarchies that pitted race against race – and sometimes, Africans against one another. In many countries, white or Arab Africans still hold disproportionate access to wealth, land, and opportunity. And in some spaces, Black Africans still feel “othered” – even on their own continent.

This is not to cast blame on any one region or group. But it is to confront a painful reality: that the African dream of unity is often disrupted not by language or policy – but by perception.

It is one thing to fight for Africa’s global image. It is another to look within and ask: Do we truly see one another as equals?

Because if we don’t… who will?

In Cairo, I met brilliant minds. I also faced a difficult truth. The path to African solidarity is not only about economic integration or shared infrastructure – it is about learning to dismantle the silent prejudices we carry. The ones passed down. The ones we deny. The ones we don’t talk about in public.

So I will return home with my mission perhaps intact, but with new questions in tow:

Can we truly tell the African story together if we still see each other through the eyes of difference?

Will the lion ever write its story…if it doesn’t first learn to read its own reflection?

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

Emmanuel is also an experienced producer and showrunner, having led high-impact youth dialogues, street debates, and multi-platform campaigns that shape public discourse. His storytelling is grounded in rigorous research, community engagement, and visual depth, making his work both relatable and policy-relevant.

For inquiries or collaborations, contact Emmanuel Dzivenu at [email protected]

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 middleweight Shakul Samed vehemently protested a referee’s decision to halt his fight against Mexico’s Saul Morales with just 45 seconds remaining in their six-round bout at the WBC Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

Samed, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, was leading on all three judges’ scorecards but appeared fatigued in the final round when the stoppage occurred.

“Because I am Black, the officials want to cheat me,” Samed asserted post-fight, while his coach, Elvis Robertson, condemned the ruling as a “clear robbery.” Team Samed filed an official protest with the WBC, though the boxer remains on standby for his weight category pending review.

The controversy overshadowed mixed results for Ghana’s delegation. Super lightweight Samuel “No Chance” Quaye fell to Canada’s Wilcox Spencer via unanimous decision (54-60, 55-59, 55-59), while Enoch Tettey Tetteh lost his match shortly after compatriot Holy “The Jaw Breaker” Dorgbetor secured a split-decision victory (58-56, 56-58, 59-56) over Ukraine’s Oleksandr Solomennikov. Dorgbetor, now unbeaten in 12 fights, advanced to the June 2025 round of 16, where he will face South Africa’s Bekizizwe Maitse, who defeated Colombia’s Rodolfo Puentes unanimously.

Gabriel Cofie, another Ghanaian contender, did not compete but was placed on standby for June’s tournament phase.

Dorgbetor’s win initially buoyed Ghana’s prospects, but subsequent losses and Samed’s disputed stoppage underscored the challenges faced by the team. The incident has reignited debates over refereeing consistency in high-stakes tournaments, particularly in bouts involving African fighters. Samed’s allegation of racial bias, though unverified, reflects broader concerns about equity in boxing officiating, a topic increasingly scrutinized by global sports bodies.

The WBC has yet to issue a formal response to the protest. Meanwhile, Dorgbetor’s progression offers Ghana a continued foothold in the competition, balancing the team’s setbacks with resilient performances in a sport where margins between triumph and turmoil remain razor-thin.

President John Dramani Mahama

Political analyst John Osae-Kwapong has established that President John Dramani Mahama is using the early days of his second term to chart a more intentional and reform-focused direction for Ghana.

Speaking on Asaase Radio, Osae-Kwapong remarked, “There are some key things you can do within your first 100 days — like putting your government together and signalling what kind of policies you intend to pursue.

“As to the transformative effect, it takes more than 100 days. Sometimes it takes more than a year before citizens begin to feel the material impact.”

According to him, the President’s decisions so far reveal a thoughtful strategy aimed at redefining his leadership style and delivering results.

“I believe he’s making a genuine effort to make his second presidency look and feel different,” he said. “The people he’s selected and the places he’s assigned them suggest a deliberate attempt to do better. One area Ghanaians are watching closely is the rollout of Mahama’s much-talked-about economic policy, the centrepiece of his campaign message. “It’s a major outstanding policy issue.

“We are still waiting to see how it will be fleshed out and implemented. During the campaign, this was the centrepiece — the one policy expected to transform and strengthen the Ghanaian economy,” Osae-Kwapong stressed.

He added that while citizens shouldn’t expect immediate miracles, the intent behind the President’s early moves shouldn’t go unnoticed.

“There is a feeling that lessons have been learnt, and while we may not see transformation overnight, the early signals matter — they set the pace for what’s to come,” he said.

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has robustly defended the government’s One Million Coders Programme, dismissing critiques that label it a short-term political gesture.

During an interview on Morning Starr, the minister framed the initiative as a cornerstone of Ghana’s long-term digital transformation strategy, rooted in both national development goals and personal convictions.

“This is serious business for me. It won’t fail, I won’t fail,” George asserted, citing his track record of forward-thinking advocacy. He drew parallels between the coding initiative and his earlier push for family values, referencing a recent UK Supreme Court ruling on April 16, 2025, which he claims aligns with positions he championed four years prior. “The West is now arriving at conclusions I highlighted in 2021,” he stated, though he did not elaborate on the specific ruling.

Central to the program’s rollout are partnerships with global and local tech entities. George highlighted collaborations with C-squared, a Google-affiliated infrastructure company, to provide high-speed internet connectivity for training centers. Additionally, the state-owned National Information Technology Agency (NETA) will extend last-mile connectivity to Community Information Centres (CICs), ensuring reliable internet access for coders in underserved regions. “We’re dedicating resources to guarantee these facilities have the infrastructure needed to succeed,” he emphasized.

The initiative, part of Ghana’s broader digital agenda, aims to equip citizens with tech skills amid rising demand for software developers across Africa. George’s assurances come amid lingering public skepticism about government-led tech projects, many of which have struggled with sustainability. Critics point to past initiatives that faltered due to funding gaps or logistical challenges, though the minister insists this effort is insulated from such pitfalls through structured partnerships and phased implementation.

Ghana’s tech landscape has seen incremental growth, with startups raising record funding in recent years. Yet, systemic barriers like uneven internet access and limited digital literacy persist. The success of the coding program may hinge on the government’s ability to maintain stakeholder engagement and adapt to evolving tech demands a challenge George acknowledges but remains confident in overcoming.

As debates over digital equity intensify, the minister’s blend of personal conviction and institutional collaboration reflects a broader trend of African nations leveraging public-private alliances to bridge technological divides. While the initiative’s long-term impact remains uncertain, its prominence in national discourse underscores the increasing centrality of digital skills in Ghana’s economic aspirations.

Prof Florence Abena Dolphyne, first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana

Professor Florence Abena Dolphyne, the first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has opened up on the challenges she faced during her historic tenure.

In a recent interview with Joy News, she revealed that her ambition was often met with skepticism, even from fellow female colleagues.

“It’s funny, people just looked at me as something else, you know, even some of the female lecturers. Oh, she’s too ambitious and like, if you are female, ambition shouldn’t be part of your vocabulary”, she noted.

Prof. Dolphyne clarified that she did not actively pursue the position. Rather, others recognised her leadership potential and nominated her for the role.

“It’s not as if I went and said, oh, I want to be pro-vice chancellor. I mean, people came and said, would you, you know, do you mind if we nominate you to do this and that, because they’ve seen you, the way that you operate, the way you relate to people”, she remarked.

She emphasised that her relationship with students, particularly male students, played a crucial role in her career progression.

“Most of the young men, particularly, just saw me as a mother who had a listening ear for their little problems. You’d be surprised how many felt comfortable opening up to me.

“They would come to me with issues they wouldn’t even discuss with their own friends. They also brought matters they felt were important for the university community, and we would talk through how to resolve them. We went ahead and implemented those solutions together,” she shared

She continued, “I think one of the advantages I had was that male students saw in me a mother figure or elder sister figure they could trust. That trust made them open up about a wide range of issues. And that was part of what helped me rise to that pedestal, the faith and trust they had in me.”

Prof. Dolphyne served the University of Ghana for 36 years, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the institution in 1958. She later obtained a PhD in Phonetics and Linguistics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, in 1965.

JKB/EB

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below: