Ghana’s largest domestic airline, PassionAir, announced on Thursday that operational challenges have forced the cancellation and delay of flights across its entire route network, leaving passengers stranded and businesses scrambling to adjust.

The carrier, which operates from its hub at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, did not specify the nature of the challenges but confirmed the disruption has affected services to all six destinations it serves: Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Wa, Sunyani, and the capital.

“PassionAir is currently experiencing operational challenges affecting our entire route network. As a result, some flights have been cancelled while others are experiencing delays,” the airline said in a statement. “We apologize to our passengers who have been inconvenienced by these disruptions. We fully understand the frustration and inconvenience this has caused, and the potential impact on your travel plans.”

The disruption has exposed the fragility of Ghana’s domestic aviation sector, where a limited number of carriers serve high demand routes. PassionAir, which transported more than 386,000 passengers in 2023 and commands roughly 51 percent of the domestic market, plays a critical role in connecting business executives, entrepreneurs, and traders to the northern and middle belt regions.

For many Ghanaians, domestic air travel represents the only practical option for timely intercity movement. Road infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and journeys that might take an hour by air can stretch into many hours by road due to poor conditions and persistent traffic congestion.

Business travellers heading to commercial centres in Tamale, Kumasi, and Wa reported missed meetings, delayed transactions, and lost opportunities as they struggled to rebook flights or find alternative transport. The ripple effects extended beyond individuals to small and medium enterprises that rely on efficient air connections to move goods and personnel.

PassionAir said its team is working to resolve the underlying issues and restore normal services as quickly as possible. The airline emphasized that passenger safety and wellbeing remain its guiding priorities throughout the disruption.

The incident marks another challenging moment for Ghana’s domestic aviation industry, which has weathered fuel supply concerns, technical incidents, and weather related disruptions throughout 2025. In July, the airline warned passengers of potential cancellations after the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirming a temporary jet fuel shortage at KIA.

Industry observers say the latest disruption underscores the need for stronger resilience measures in Ghana’s aviation sector, including improved fleet maintenance strategies, backup aircraft arrangements, and more robust supply chain coordination.

PassionAir, which began commercial operations in August 2018, operates a fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. The airline has previously been recognized for promoting gender diversity in aviation, including operating Ghana’s first all female crew flight and employing the country’s youngest female commercial pilot.

Passengers affected by the current disruptions are advised to contact PassionAir’s customer service team or monitor the airline’s official channels for updates on rescheduled services.

Former Power Minister Dr. Kwabena Donkor has identified weak corporate governance as the fundamental cause of business failures across Ghana’s indigenous sector, calling for urgent reforms in how directors are appointed and trained.

Dr. Donkor, currently serving as Chairperson of the Ghana Amalgamated Trust PLC (GAT) Board, told The High Street Journal that poor governance practices afflict both state owned enterprises and private indigenous companies, with Ghanaian banks representing the worst cases.

According to the governance consultant, many Ghanaian businesses are built on personal loyalty rather than competence, creating a pattern where family members and friends receive director appointments despite lacking the capacity to steer companies effectively.

“At the heart of our business failures, whether state or private, is poor corporate governance. Absolutely poor corporate governance. And I don’t mince words,” Dr. Donkor stated. “Whether in the indigenous private sector or in the state sector, poor corporate governance has been the bane of our underdevelopment.”

He explained that business owners often appoint relatives and friends as directors even when they lack basic qualifications. This practice, he noted, directly contravenes the Companies Act (Act 992), which stipulates clear responsibilities for directors that many appointees neither understand nor fulfill.

The former minister argued that this approach to director appointments reflects what he described as a national discomfort with expertise. Instead of appointing skilled professionals who can challenge decisions constructively, many business owners select directors who simply agree with them, resulting in what he termed “appointments that border on mediocrity.”

Dr. Donkor said this circle of underqualified leadership creates a boomerang effect, producing corporate boards that cannot read financial statements and consequently make poor decisions that weaken institutions. He emphasized that Ghanaians appear uncomfortable with knowledge, particularly when making appointments, often prioritizing unnecessary personal control over institutional competence.

The governance expert, who holds a PhD from the University of Bristol and an MBA from Lancaster University, pointed specifically to Ghana’s banking sector as evidence of governance failures. He noted that the collapse of seven indigenous banks in recent years was attributed partly to boards and senior management who were either inactive or engaged in activities serving personal interests rather than institutional growth.

“We seem to be a people afraid of knowledge, a people uncomfortable with knowledge, especially when it comes to appointments,” Dr. Donkor observed. “We are uncomfortable with knowledge. And so we make appointments that border on the mediocre, either because we want to exercise unnecessary personal control.”

Dr. Donkor, who is a fellow of the Institute of Directors Ghana (IoD Gh), directed sharp criticism at the organization itself, arguing it cannot be absolved from the country’s poor governance situation. He said the Institute has been “too quiet” in terms of public advocacy and must lead a national push for stronger governance standards.

According to him, the Institute should champion reforms, educate the public, and force a national conversation on how directors are appointed and trained. “Unfortunately, the Institute of Directors, of which I’m a fellow, has been too quiet in terms of public advocacy. They will have to enhance their public advocacy by bringing the mainstream issues of corporate governance to the fore,” he stated.

The IoD Gh, initially founded in 1999 and re registered in 2019 under the Professional Bodies Registration Decree 1973 (NRCD 143), defines its mission as promoting high levels of skill, knowledge, professional competence and integrity among directors. However, the organization has faced criticism for perceived ineffectiveness in enforcing governance standards despite its stated mandate.

Recent analysis published in The Business and Financial Times highlighted several factors impeding the Institute’s effectiveness, including weak enforcement mechanisms, insufficient training programs, poor advocacy, and broader societal challenges such as corruption and nepotism that undermine merit based governance.

The Institute recently inaugurated five new council committees in November 2025 to strengthen its governance structures and operational effectiveness. IoD Gh President Mary Asare Yeboah described the committee establishment as reflecting a proactive approach to addressing complex governance issues and strengthening oversight functions.

To address Ghana’s governance challenges, Dr. Donkor advocates for reforms modeled on systems used in countries like Namibia, where director appointments are regulated and individuals must pass corporate governance examinations before being considered for state board positions.

He argues Ghana needs a framework that ensures directors understand their roles, prioritizes competence over personal loyalty, links remuneration to performance, and builds a pool of qualified leaders for both state and private institutions. Without such reforms, he warns, the cycle of business collapse and stagnation will continue.

Dr. Donkor’s comments come as he chairs the seven member GAT Board, inaugurated in August 2025 by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem. The board has pledged to create a financially sustainable banking sector while ensuring profitability and delivering dividends.

The former Pru East Member of Parliament, who previously served as Power Minister from 2014 to 2015 and as Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, has consistently spoken about leadership failures across Ghanaian society. In July 2025, he told Starr FM that the country has experienced catastrophic leadership failures extending beyond politics to traditional rulers, religious leaders, professionals and business executives.

He cited examples of pioneering Ghanaian contractors and companies that failed to survive beyond their founders’ tenure due to lack of sustainable succession plans and weak institutional governance frameworks.

The former minister insists that fixing governance failures requires stronger regulatory oversight where regulators must enforce rules, demand competence, and hold boards accountable. He maintains that without objective, competence based appointments backed by rigorous training and certification requirements, Ghana will continue struggling to nurture generational and multinational businesses comparable to successful African enterprises.

Dr. Donkor’s critique reflects growing concern among governance experts that Ghana’s inability to build sustainable indigenous businesses stems not from lack of entrepreneurial spirit or capital, but from fundamental weaknesses in how companies are governed and how leadership is selected and developed.

His call for the Institute of Directors to assume a more visible advocacy role highlights tensions between the organization’s stated mission and public perceptions of its impact on Ghana’s corporate governance landscape, particularly following high profile business failures in the banking and other sectors.

The Institute said budget ambitions may fall short without clearer spending commitments

Government needs stronger policy backing to deliver on its targets for growth, jobs, and economic transformation in 2026, according to the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER).

The Institute said budget ambitions may fall short without clearer spending commitments, especially on infrastructure and agriculture.

Speaking at a post-budget media engagement, ISSER Director, Professor Robert Darko Osei, said the global environment offers little support for Ghana’s growth plan. He noted that world economic expansion has been slowing since 2022, with growth expected to ease to 3.1 percent next year.

“There isn’t a very big jump in the global economy that we can derive dividends from,” he said.

Professor Osei said Ghana’s sharp disinflation trend reflects the impact of domestic policies, adding that the country has made progress on stabilising prices. But he cautioned that tight conditions also affect growth.

Government expects the economy to expand by 4.8 percent in 2025, down from 5.7 percent this year despite strong first-half data. He questioned whether the projected slowdown reflects actual activity on the ground, saying ISSER had “not seen anything to suggest a drastic slowdown”.

Growth in 2025 has mainly come from services, led by ICT and financial services. ISSER expects the sector to soften next year, keeping overall growth at about 4.8 percent.

Professor Osei warned that this pace will not be enough to reduce poverty or deliver the expected gains in welfare. “We certainly have to increase the rate of growth if we are to meet targets,” he said.

On the fiscal front, Ghana recorded a significant improvement with the deficit narrowing to 2.8 percent of GDP. But the gains were driven by lower expenditure rather than stronger revenue.

Professor Osei said spending cuts were concentrated in capital expenditure, which fell far below targets at an estimated 1.7 percent of GDP. He described the level as worrying, noting that infrastructure investment is essential for productivity and long-term transformation. He added that even the 2026 projection of 2.9 percent remains “way below what we need”.

ISSER also flagged the absence of clear budget allocations for government’s planned ‘Big Push’ infrastructure programme, including the Accra–Kumasi highway.

Professor Osei said intentions must be reflected in actual fiscal provisions. “If it’s the term that is going to drive infrastructure development, then this intention must be reflected in your guidance,” he said.

Monetary indicators have improved with lower interest rates, easing inflation, and stronger reserves. Private sector credit has picked up, but ISSER said high non-performing loans still limit lending conditions. “One in five of us will go for loans, so we are all part of the problem,” Prof. Osei said, urging further reforms to bring NPLs down.

The Institute also pointed to persistent structural problems in agriculture. While the sector recorded strong growth across crops, cocoa, livestock, and fisheries, weak processing, marketing gaps, and limited value-chain investment continue to hold back the sector’s wider impact.

Professor Osei said initiatives such as renewed investment in oil palm must address the entire value chain, not only production.

He added that reforms in the cocoa sector are positive, but long-standing concerns about its cost structure and sustainability remain. Issues around regional trade policy, smuggling, and exchange-rate effects also pose challenges to jobs and competitiveness.

“Productivity-enhancing investments need to happen,” Prof. Osei said, adding that without firmer measures the budget’s targets for growth, jobs, and transformation will be difficult to attain.

A scene at the solo exhibition

Absa Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Africa’s creative economy with the unveiling of a striking solo exhibition by Ghana’s 2023 Absa L’Atelier Ambassador, Edward Lawerh Dugbartey.

The exhibition, titled “The Things the Street Made Beautiful,” opened at The Mix Design Hub in Accra and continues the bank’s long-standing tradition of supporting emerging artistic talent across the continent.

The showcase forms part of the Absa L’Atelier Pan-African Visual Arts Money Museum (VAMM) Exhibition Series, an initiative that offers young artists a platform to tell African stories through bold, innovative, and culturally resonant visual expressions.

Representing Ghana on the continental stage, Edward Lawerh’s work delves into themes of resilience, human experience, and the hidden beauty of everyday street life. His unconventional use of fabric, aged photographs, image transfers, and even insecticide solutions as artistic material creates layered pieces that capture memory, identity, and the poetry of survival.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Paul Bayliss, Senior Specialist Art Curator at Absa, described the artist’s work as “a powerful interpretation of the African lived experience — honest, emotional and visually compelling.” He emphasised Absa’s continued investment in nurturing talent, noting that the L’Atelier programme remains one of the most influential art development initiatives in Africa.

Ghana has consistently excelled within the Absa L’Atelier ecosystem, producing five winners since 2019, demonstrating the country’s growing impact on contemporary African art. As a 2023 Ambassador, Edward Lawerh received year-long mentorship, professional development, and continental exposure, culminating in this highly anticipated solo exhibition.

Reflecting on his journey, Edward expressed gratitude for the platform Absa provided.
“This exhibition captures the stories we often overlook — the textures, emotions, and lives found on our streets. I am honoured to share these narratives and to represent Ghana through Absa L’Atelier.”

The exhibition adds to Absa’s wider efforts to empower young African creatives, offering them visibility, resources, and pathways to international artistic engagement. Through initiatives like L’Atelier, the bank continues to champion the role of art in shaping social dialogue and cultural identity.

St. Theresa’s Catholic Hospital in the Nandom Municipal of the Upper West Region has achieved a remarkable 91% score in the 2025 annual peer review assessment for district hospitals, marking a significant improvement from last year’s 76–78%. This performance underscores the hospital’s commitment to quality healthcare and continuous improvement.

The assessment, held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the hospital’s conference hall, included officials from Lawra Hospital, Gwollu Hospital, Wellembelle Hospital, and a supervisory team from the Regional Health Directorate.

Dr. Sebastian Yidana Ninimiya, Medical Superintendent of St. Theresa’s Hospital, revealed that the review covered eight thematic areas, including governance, clinical practices, infection prevention and control, quality improvement initiatives, client care, and clinical services. He described the outcome as a testament to the hospital’s strong systems and commitment to delivering quality healthcare.

“While we celebrate this progress, we are not complacent. Our goal is 100%, and we believe there is always room for further improvement,” Dr. Ninimiya said. He also noted staffing as a major challenge, with the hospital employing about 75 casual workers monthly at a cost of over GH¢100,000 from internally generated funds. Despite this, the facility maintains high standards of care.

Representing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Nandom District Office, Municipal Manager Mr. Francis Baghr commended the hospital’s efforts and emphasised the importance of linking residents’ health insurance cards to their Ghana Cards for seamless access to healthcare.

Anyagre Jonathan, Regional Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases at the Upper West Regional Health Directorate, described the hospital’s 91.55% score as outstanding and praised management and staff for addressing past challenges and implementing measures that strengthened service delivery.

The review event was chaired by Ko Naa, Naa Domepeh Gyireh I, who represented the Nandom Naa. He encouraged staff to maintain their hard work and momentum. Retired staff were also present, reflecting the strong foundation laid by earlier generations of healthcare workers.

The annual peer review serves as a vital tool for assessing performance and guiding improvements in healthcare service delivery, with St. Theresa’s Hospital setting a commendable benchmark for other district hospitals in the region.

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Ghana’s present food situation is a reminder of Bob Marley’s philosophical observation. “In the abundance of water,” he sang, “the fool is thirsty.”

How can a country experiencing food glut have a single citizen facing hunger because “food is scarce” and “prices are high”? This is the paradox of Ghana that compels me to suggest that we throw out all the PhDs and double-Masters degree holders and place the economy in the hands of market women and spare parts dealers. The starkest illiterate trader will not preside over such incomprehensible and totally unacceptable economic failure.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that Ghana’s purchases of milled rice on international markets increased by 77.41%, from 620,000 tons in the 2021/2022 marketing year to 1.1 million tons in 2024/2025.

Meanwhile, over here in Ghana, we have so much rice that they are going bad!!!

While “experts” insist that Ghana cannot do without rice imports, it is very clear that the present glut is a direct result of the high volumes of rice imports. It is big business and the gossip is that top party financiers own those businesses. We’ve seen an example in the recent past where a party kingpin, in addition to being a rice and sugar importer, also had power, being a board member of the ports authority, to control the level of duties payable.

Why wouldn’t Ghana always be food import-dependent? The country’s hunger is somebody’s wealth.

In September this year, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, announced that the government had released GH¢100 million to the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus food crops from farmers in the wake of existing and anticipated bumper harvests. The announcement came amid mounting concerns from farmers nationwide over the surplus of maize, rice, and eggs, which has caused significant post-harvest losses and economic hardship across the agricultural sector.

Providing details on how the GH¢100 million allocation had been utilised, Mr Osmond Amuah, NAFCO Deputy CEO, at a press briefing in Accra, revealed that NAFCO had so far purchased 60,000 bags of rice, 120,000 bags of beans and 10,000 bags of gari across different regions of the country.

But the problem persists. So, two months later, on November 12, President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative, directed the Minister of Finance to release an additional GH₵200 million to purchase surplus maize from farmers affected by the glut.

But there are signs and hints that the President’s directives could turn out to be mere words.

Several months after the announcement of the GH¢100 million intervention, a journalist who has travelled to a number of rice-producing communities revealed that farmers in some areas still had mountains of unsold rice. He specifically mentioned Nasia, the famous rice town. He was contributing to a discussion of the issue on an Accra radio, THIS WEEK, specifically on Wednesday.

If the journalist was exaggerating or lying, what about the farmers themselves? Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Bismark Owusu Nortey, told the media that despite the announcement, there has been little evidence of NAFCO purchasing produce directly from farmers.

“I have not had any report from any farmer saying he or she has experienced or witnessed NAFCO buying their produce, which is why we are a bit worried about where the GHC 100 million went to,” he said.

Mr Nortey emphasised that “no clear data indicates which districts benefited from the initiative.

“The 100 million cedis that was released, our information is that NAFCO has bought some rice, but the details are quite sketchy because we do not know where those rice sacks were bought from. I’ve not heard from my farmers or farmers elsewhere stating that they had their produce bought by NAFCO, but we know NAFCO has bought because we’ve seen some pictures of some rice being labelled with the NAFCO logo, so we just wanted more clarity on that,” he explained.

HE URGED NAFCO TO PUBLISH A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT WERE AWARDED CONTRACTS, INDICATING WHERE THE RICE WAS PURCHASED AND IN WHAT QUANTITIES. WITH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OF GHS200 MILLION, THERE MUST BE CLEAR TIMELINES AND TRANSPARENCY ON HOW IT WILL BE DISBURSED.

Far from calling anybody a liar or accusing anybody of sleeping on their job, my appeal goes to the Chief of Staff at the Presidency. To Julius Debrah, I say, “The efficiency of government appointees is a direct function of the President’s Chief of Staff’s effectiveness. Here is your biggest challenge, Julius. If, under your watch as the coordinator and/or supervisor of appointees, there is evidence that ministers and MMDCEs are not performing, very soon, somebody will be tracing the inefficiency and bottlenecks to one source: you”.  

While at it, we should be careful not to throw money at the problem. In Ghana, money intended for the good of the people has ended up in real estate owned by Presidential appointees.

This is the whole genesis or raison d’etre of ORAL.

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

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

Ghanaian officials and Nigerian customs officials engage during the counterpart’s visit to Ghana.

Nigeria and Ghana have renewed their commitment to deepen customs cooperation in a move aimed at reshaping West Africa’s trade and security landscape.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have pledged stronger collaboration to curb illicit trade, protect national revenues, and advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The renewed partnership underscores a shared resolve to confront increasingly sophisticated criminal networks exploiting gaps in border management across the sub-region.

Momentum for the new cooperation followed a high-level working visit to Accra by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on November 3, 2025.

In a meeting with Brigadier-General Glover Annan, Commissioner-General of Ghana’s Customs Division, both leaders stressed the urgency of enhancing operational coordination.

Adeniyi warned that Africa’s customs systems must overcome decades of fragmentation, noting that limited harmonisation, weak intelligence-sharing, and inconsistent enforcement have repeatedly allowed smugglers to thrive.

Ghanaian authorities expressed strong support for the renewed cooperation, commending the reforms the NCS has undertaken in automation, modern enforcement tools, and accountability.

Brig-Gen Annan said Ghana is ready to align with and learn from these improvements, signalling a shift toward collaboration rather than competition in regional customs operations.

Both sides acknowledged that although a Memorandum of Understanding on customs cooperation has been in place since 2001, rapidly changing trade patterns and emerging threats require an updated and more comprehensive framework.

They emphasised the need to revise the MoU to reflect technological advancements, current border realities, and modern enforcement standards.

A refreshed agreement, they said, would help streamline cargo movement, eliminate duplication, and strengthen efforts to tackle cross-border criminal activity.

A major priority identified during the engagement was intelligence-sharing.

With smuggling networks becoming more organised and transnational, the two countries pledged to boost intelligence integration to enable real-time information exchange and coordinated enforcement.

This enhanced cooperation is expected to close security gaps along key trade corridors and safeguard revenues currently lost to illicit trade.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of regional integration under the AfCFTA.

With the AfCFTA Secretariat headquartered in Accra, the two countries recognised their responsibility to ensure that West Africa’s customs systems support the continent’s free-trade agenda.

Strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana is expected to reduce trade barriers, simplify clearance procedures, and facilitate the smoother movement of goods—boosting intra-African trade and enhancing the region’s competitiveness.

The renewed partnership complements broader continental initiatives such as the Customs–Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), supported by Afreximbank and the World Customs Organisation, which seeks to strengthen transparency, modernisation, and enforcement collaboration among African customs agencies.

Officials expect the Nigeria–Ghana partnership to serve as a model for other African countries working to balance trade facilitation with border security.

As West Africa confronts the escalating threats posed by illicit trade, the strengthened alliance between the NCS and GRA marks a significant step toward securing borders, protecting revenue, and improving trade efficiency.

With both administrations committed to modernisation, harmonisation, and enhanced intelligence-sharing, traders and businesses can anticipate faster and more predictable cross-border processes—laying the foundation for a more integrated and resilient regional trade environment.

Accra, Nov. 20, GNA – The Jospong Group of Companies has initiated discussions with the Government of Namibia on a potential partnership to advance integrated waste management and accelerate green job creation.

The engagement took place at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where the delegation was hosted by Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Indileni N. Daniel, a release copied to Ghana News Agency said..

The meeting highlighted Jospong’s expanding leadership in Africa’s circular economy and environmental sustainability landscape, with both parties describing the engagement as “the beginning of a promising strategic collaboration.

“The Jospong delegation was led by Mr. Noah Gyimah, Chief Investment Officer, and Ms. Betty Brown Nyadu, General Manager of Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP).

They presented Jospong’s waste transformation model, an advanced recycling and waste processing system recognised for its scalability, efficiency, and strong socioeconomic impact.

Mr Gyimah explained that the model successfully processes multiple waste streams, including solid and liquid waste, demonstrating a comprehensive solution for rapidly urbanising African cities currently facing critical waste management challenges.

He explained that Jospong operates 32 waste recycling plants across Ghana and had expanded partnerships into Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso.

Mr Indileni N. Daniel expressed optimism about the potential partnership and described Jospong’s work as a model aligned with Namibia’s environmental and industrialisation (agenda).

“We are not just looking for a waste solution. We are looking for a solution that fits our context, one that empowers communities, creates sustainable jobs, contributes to climate goals, and builds pride in African innovation,” she said.

“We want to understand how Namibia can adapt this model and scale it. The opportunity to turn waste into value, to create hundreds of green jobs for young people, and to help reduce carbon emissions is significant,” she added.

Ms Betty Brown Nyadu said that Jospong’s Technology was designed to operate efficiently, while integrating community impact, value recovery, and strong job creation potential.

She assured the minister that the technology and model had been tested at scale and continue to expand because they remained effective and adaptable.

Many COP participants described the dialogue as one of the most promising public-private engagements discussions related to South-South climate innovation partnerships at COP30, according to the release.

GNA

Edited b Beatrice Asamani Savage

News

2 Hrs Ago

MINISTER OF Trade and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj has announced plans to launch an inaugural test flight from TT to Ghana.

He made the announcement at a post-Cabinet media conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.

The minister said the government is looking at an Ethiopian airline charter and is in consultation with the government of Ghana to execute the plan. He explained the frustrations of crossing the Atlantic, noting that flights to the African and Indian continents takes days.

“A flight from Piarco to Accra going to Ghana takes two days,” he said. “Republic Bank has 40 branches in Ghana and they are concerned because a two-day trip is expensive and time consuming.”

He said the government is looking at “all options” to establish flights between the Caribbean and the African continent.

“We would love if CAL would take a flight from Piarco to New York to Accra, but this is an inaugural test flight. We aren’t expecting that it will be a full flight going across but once we set that and we see what is possible, the sky is the limit.”

He said everyone is pleased with the fact that the government is exploring ways to open up the African market.

“We are looking at a free-trade agreement with Ghana and TT and Caricom and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowac), which has a market of 450 million people. So yes we are looking at it.”

He said the fact that Ghana has appointed its first ambassador to TT, who is in the country and has presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a sign that Ghana is also interested in opening up the market.

Maharaj had expressed his plans for growing trade relations between TT and African nations after his swearing-in, in May.

He told reporters that West Africa alone is home to a market of 470 million people, but the biggest challenge is the difficulty behind visiting the African countries.

“If you cannot visit you cannot do business,” he said back in May. “We have to open that market and negotiate.”

Dr Audrey Smock Amoah is the Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission

The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, has called for a stronger, more coordinated national approach to tackling Ghana’s human capital challenges.

Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee meeting on Ghana’s National Human Capital Development Strategy (HCDS) in Accra on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Dr Amoah emphasised that the country’s long-term socio-economic transformation hinges on its ability to develop, empower, and retain a productive workforce.

“Ghana’s quest for socio-economic transformation cannot be divorced from its commitment to human capital development,” she said. “With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change, Ghana has no option but to strategically invest in its people to build the skills, competencies, and capabilities needed to drive innovation and sustainable national development.”

Dr Amoah highlighted several pressing challenges, including demographic pressures, persistent labour-market mismatches, the continuous outflow of skilled professionals, and fragmentation across sectors. She noted that addressing these issues requires strong, coordinated leadership across ministries and agencies.

“The urgency of this strategy cannot be overstated. We are confronted with demographic pressures, labour-market mismatches, an ongoing outflow of skilled Ghanaians, and increasing fragmentation across sectors. These challenges make coordinated ministerial support not just desirable but absolutely necessary,” she stressed.

She reiterated NDPC’s call for robust multi-sectoral collaboration involving government institutions, industry, academia, and research organisations to drive the HCDS forward.

Co-Principal Investigator and Country Research Manager at Thrive, Dr Kwabena Tandoh, described the HCDS as a transformative blueprint for national progress from 2026 to 2057. He underscored priority areas such as early childhood development, quality education reforms, strengthened parental engagement, improved teacher motivation, and integrated health and social programmes.

He noted that while Ghana is gaining recognition as a regional leader in early childhood development, significant bottlenecks remain. Dr Tandoh emphasised that the strategy aims not only to advance economic growth but also to promote equity, empowerment, and locally driven solutions.

Principal Planning Analyst at NDPC, Peter Porekuu, outlined the core components of Ghana’s Human Capital Development Strategy. He stressed the importance of building a modern workforce equipped with critical thinking, STEM competencies, and the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

According to him, the strategy involves reviewing existing policies, addressing misalignments, and ensuring that training and education systems respond effectively to industry needs. He also identified key national challenges such as weakening family systems, rural–urban inequalities, skills mismatches, infrastructure deficits in emerging regions, gender and pay disparities, cultural barriers, and the persistent brain drain.

The HCDS places strong emphasis on improving learning outcomes, health, skills development, and productivity. It aligns with the President’s Resetting Ghana Agenda, which prioritises rebuilding the foundations of the economy, strengthening institutions, restoring productivity, and ensuring that people remain at the centre of national development.

Thursday’s meeting marks an important step in strengthening coordination across key sectors, including education, health, jobs, and social protection, and advancing a unified strategy to accelerate Ghana’s human capital development.