Chief Executive Officer of Goldboard, Sammy Gyamfi

GoldBoard’s Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has earned high praise from President John Mahama for the institution’s outstanding achievements since its inception.

Launched on April 2, 2025, the Ghana GoldBoard has swiftly established itself as a formidable force in the gold trading sector, with its mandate to oversee and regulate gold trading activities in the country yielding impressive results.

President Mahama, speaking at a recent event in the Ahafo Region as part of his national “Thank You” tour, lavished praise on Gyamfi’s leadership, declaring, “Mr. Sammy Gyamfi is the Chief Executive of the Ghana Goldbod that is doing wonders already.”

This glowing endorsement is a prove to the institution’s remarkable strides, which have garnered widespread public support and admiration.

The GoldBoard’s impressive performance has been accompanied by a significant strengthening of the local currency, with the cedi appreciating substantially against the US dollar.

From a high of nearly GH¢16 to the dollar last year, the cedi has now stabilized at around GH¢10 to the dollar, a development that has been met with optimism by citizens and market observers alike.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to sustaining the cedi’s rebound, emphasizing ongoing efforts to bolster the local currency and maintain its competitiveness in the global market.

The institution’s remarkable achievements under Sammy Gyamfi thus far are a powerful indicator of its potential to drive economic growth and development in Ghana, and its future prospects appear bright.

Accra Lions will be fighting for their Premier League survival when they welcome eighth-placed Dreams FC to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Lions find themselves deep in the relegation scrap following a turbulent campaign that has seen them suffer 15 defeats,  the joint-second most in the league. Last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Hearts of Oak in the capital derby only added to their woes, leaving them 15th on the league table with 35 points from 32 matches. With just two rounds remaining, every point counts for Reiner Kraft’s men as they seek to avoid the drop.

Despite their overall struggles, Accra Lions can draw confidence from their outstanding recent form at home, where they’ve registered five straight victories. That home resilience will be crucial as they look to extend their dominance over Dreams FC,  a side they’ve beaten in all three of their previous home encounters since gaining promotion. Those wins include a narrow 1-0 victory last season, a thrilling 3-2 result in 2022/23, and a 1-0 triumph in their debut top-flight season.

Accra Lions have netted 32 goals this season but remain leaky at the back, conceding 38, the second-highest tally in the league. With survival hanging in the balance, they’ll need a composed defensive performance paired with clinical finishing to keep their top-flight hopes alive.

Dreams FC head into the weekend in solid form, having picked up three wins, a draw, and one loss in their last five matches. That run has seen the Believers rise to 8th in the table with 46 points.

The Medical Superintendent of the Suntreso Government Hospital, Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku, has called for urgent intervention to improve the hospital’s infrastructure and boost healthcare delivery.

Despite significant challenges, he affirmed management’s commitment to enhancing services.

A critical concern is the acute lack of space across several departments, including the emergency unit, outpatient department (OPD), children’s block, and eye clinic—which currently operates from an improvised structure.

In an interview with Channel One News, Dr. Agyarko-Poku said, “If you look at the OPD, we have just four consulting rooms, with so many doctors, sometimes we adjust and have two doctors in one consulting room. That is a major constraint. We have a small place for Ear, Nose and Throat, and dental.”

The Mother and Baby Unit is also under strain. Vera Owusu, Deputy Head of the unit, noted, “Apart from space, we also need logistics, we need monitors.”

Located in the Ashanti Region, the Suntreso Government Hospital serves several communities within the Kumasi metropolis and beyond. Its accessibility makes it a preferred alternative for patients who cannot endure the long wait times at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

One of the oldest public health facilities in the region, Suntreso plays a key role in regional healthcare delivery. However, growing patient numbers and infrastructure deficits have severely strained its capacity, especially in high-demand departments.

Patients are also affected by the poor condition of the hospital compound—dusty during the dry season and muddy in the rains. Seasonal downpours have continued to damage key hospital buildings, further disrupting operations.

Ghana’s mining sector posts record GH₵17.7bn revenue in 2024

…..

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

Third-placed Asante Kotoko welcome Medeama SC to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday in crucial matchday 33 encounter of the Premier League, with both sides eyeing strong finishes in what has been a fiercely competitive campaign.

Kotoko’s title hopes suffered a significant blow last weekend after a frustrating goalless stalemate away to fellow contenders Gold Stars FC,  their tenth draw of the season. The Porcupine Warriors now sit five points adrift of leaders Nations FC, with 55 points after 32 matches. Though the league crown appears out of reach, Abdul Karim Zito’s side remain firmly in the race for a top-three finish and will be determined to maintain momentum at home.

Kotoko boast an impressive record at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, going unbeaten in their last five home matches (W4, D1), and conceding only twice during that run. With 12 wins, two draws, and just two losses from 16 home games, they are the second-best home side in the league this season. Their overall campaign has seen them score 33 goals while conceding 22, and Sunday presents an opportunity to notch a 13th home victory and bolster their top-four credentials.

Medeama SC, currently sixth with 50 points, enter the penultimate round knowing they cannot be overtaken but have a real chance to leapfrog Hearts of Oak into fifth place. The Mauve and Yellow have been the league’s most potent attacking side, netting a league-high 41 goals while conceding 29. However, their Achilles’ heel has been their poor away form. They head into Sunday’s fixture on the back of eight consecutive away defeats,  a run that leaves them with the most losses (12) among the top-half clubs.

Despite their away struggles, Medeama will be keen to end their dismal road record and grab all three points to keep their top-four ambitions alive. Historically, recent meetings between the two sides at Baba Yara have been closely contested. Since the 2020/21 season, each side has won twice in their last four league meetings in Kumasi. Kotoko claimed narrow 1-0 wins in the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons, while Medeama earned a 2-1 victory in 2020/21 and a 2-0 win in 2022/23.

Featured

www.skysports.com

Sports News

May – 31 – 2025 , 22:27

2 minutes read

The Aviation Social Centre turned into a sea of energy and celebration on Saturday night as football lovers wrapped up Hitz FM’s electrifying Rep Ur Jersey event with a pulsating afterparty.

Following PSG’s stunning 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, fans, particularly PSG supporters and neutrals, stayed behind to keep the energy alive.

DJs from Hitz FM took over the turntables, blasting back-to-back hits that got the crowd dancing deep into the night.

While some Inter fans looked visibly heartbroken, the overwhelming mood was one of celebration and community.

Clad in colourful jerseys, supporters jammed to Afrobeats, highlife, dancehall, and amapiano tracks, waving flags and singing along.

The afterparty crowned what had been a packed day of activities—from FIFA game tournaments and basketball showdowns to a lively football gala.

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.

Official artwork of the show

The Saturday, May 31, 2025, edition of UTV’s United Showbiz programme is live, with Empress Gifty serving as the host.

This edition features a panel discussion on the week’s major entertainment headlines.

Regular pundits MC Yaa Yeboah, Ola Michael, Bullgod and Nana Romeo are present to help the discussion on the show.

Also on the show are musicians Amarado and Rap Fada who bring insight to the discussions surrounding the various issues.

UNITED SHOWBIZ WITH EMPRESS GIFTY 31/05/25 https://t.co/WjRMqKRK44

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 31, 2025

KA

Featured

ghanafa.org

Sports News

May – 31 – 2025 , 22:33

1 minute read

Featured

Jemima Okang Addae

May – 31 – 2025 , 22:18

1 minute read

Parliament has ratified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management.

The ratification was spearheaded through a joint memorandum by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, and the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.

This move marks Ghana’s formal endorsement of the global agreement adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022. The pact aims to eliminate harmful subsidies that drive overfishing and IUU activities, particularly in overexploited waters and on the high seas. It introduces binding prohibitions on subsidies linked to IUU fishing and depleted fish stocks, with transitional provisions for developing countries like Ghana.

Speaking on the ratification, the Minister, Emelia Arthur stated: “The ratification of this Agreement aligns with Ghana’s Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026), our national blueprint to restore marine fish stocks, enhance data collection, and improve enforcement. It also supports our broader efforts to build a resilient, equitable fisheries sector.”

Ghana’s fisheries sector remains a key pillar of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing to food security, nutrition, and foreign exchange earnings. However, the sector faces persistent challenges including declining fish stocks, overcapacity, and environmental degradation.

The timing of the ratification is significant, as it aligns with the Fisheries Ministry’s plans to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—a crucial measure for replenishing stocks and sustaining coastal communities.

According to the memorandum submitted to Parliament, the agreement also seeks to create a level playing field for Ghana’s artisanal and semi-industrial fishers, who often face stiff competition from heavily subsidised foreign fleets, particularly from China, Japan, and the European Union.

The ratification brings Ghana closer to fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which calls for the elimination of harmful fisheries subsidies by 2025. Following parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture will transmit the instrument of ratification to the WTO Secretariat. Simultaneously, the Ministry is revising national fisheries laws to align with the agreement’s provisions.

Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare added, “This is not just a trade agreement; it is a pact to protect the future of Ghana’s marine resources and the millions who depend on them. It signals Ghana’s role as a responsible flag and coastal state committed to sustainability, fairness, and international cooperation.”

The government has assured stakeholders that the implementation process will include broad consultations, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building programmes to ensure effective enforcement and stakeholder buy-in.

This development strengthens Ghana’s leadership in sustainable fisheries governance and highlights its dual commitment to environmental stewardship and economic resilience, particularly as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mahama pledges 200,000 hectares to boost cocoa production

…..

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

Paris St-Germain’s brilliant teenager Desire Doue delivered an inspired display as they delivered a masterclass to thrash Inter Milan in Munich and win the Champions League for the first time.

The 19-year-old confirmed his status as one of the game’s new young superstars as Luis Enrique’s side capped a brilliant campaign by sweeping Inter aside in a blaze of attacking football.

Doue helped PSG on their way to history by setting up Achraf Hakimi for a simple finish after 12 minutes, adding the second eight minutes later with a shot that deflected off Inter defender Federico Dimarco.

Luis Enrique, who becomes only the sixth coach to win this tournament with two different clubs after his 2015 triumph with Barcelona, saw his thrilling team pick Inter apart. Any doubt about the outcome was removed when PSG got the third goal their performance deserved after 63 minutes.

Ousmane Dembele’s flick released Vitinha, who played in Doue for a composed finish as he became, at 19 years and 362 days, only the third teenager to score in a Champions League final – after Patrick Kluivert for Ajax in 1995 and Carlos Alberto for Porto in 2004.

PSG were outclassing Inter in devastating style, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia running clear to beat Yann Sommer, to send Luis Enrique running down the touchline in a dance of ecstasy.

The agony was not over for Inter, who lost to Manchester City in the 2023 final. PSG substitute Senny Mayulu, himself still only 19, became the fourth teenager to score in a Champions League final, adding a fifth goal four minutes from time.

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.

Professor Kingsley Nyarko is the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso

Member of Parliament for Kwadaso and former Deputy Education Minister, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, has strongly criticised the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for its handling of the case involving Chairman Wontumi.

Professor Nyarko described EOCO’s actions as a “total abuse of power” and “political intimidation,” reminiscent of Ghana’s military junta era.

He expressed particular concern over the ‘outrageous’ bail condition of 50 million Ghanaian cedis, which he believes violates Article 14(4) of the Constitution.

The MP urged President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and put an end to what he termed “political persecution” and “majoritarian tyranny.”

He emphasised the need for the government to focus on critical national priorities rather than engaging in politically motivated harassment.

While acknowledging that no one is above the law, Professor Nyarko stressed the importance of treating everyone fairly and affording them due process.

He warned that the current approach risks undermining Ghana’s democracy and reverting to oppressive governance styles of the past.

Referring to historical precedents, he recalled the 2003 case involving Victor Salome, where bail was granted following proper legal procedures, underscoring the need for consistency and fairness in the application of justice.

The MP further emphasised that the government should focus on critical national priorities such as job creation, improving living standards, and ensuring reliable power supply rather than engaging in politically motivated harassment.

Professor Nyarko also highlighted that no individual, including Chairman Wontumi, is above the law.

However, he insisted that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and afforded due process.

He cautioned against conflating unrelated issues such as Wontumi’s public display of wealth with criminality, as suggested by some NDC supporters, and called for investigations and court proceedings to be transparent and just.

Professor Nyarko called on all stakeholders to recommit to democracy, transparency, and respect for human rights, emphasising that this kind of political intimidation and abuse of power must stop to maintain peace, stability, and trust in institutions.

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

The eight states, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, will increase their joint daily production by 411,000 barrels in July, according to a statement.

The decision was taken “in view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals,” the group said.

In recent months, the eight states had already decided on an increase of 411,000 barrels each for May and June. The industry standard barrel contains 159 litres of oil.

The latest move was expected by the markets and is therefore unlikely to have a major impact on oil prices, Commerzbank analysts predicted before the decision.

OPEC+ unites the Vienna-based Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) under the leadership of Saudi Arabia with partners such as Russia.

Together, they are responsible for around 40% of global oil production. According to the group’s latest data, OPEC+ produced around 40.9 million barrels per day in April.

In recent years, the eight core states of the cartel cut their production by 2.2 million barrels. Since April, the group has begun to gradually reverse the decrease.

GNA

PDC

The Aviation Social Centre in Accra is packed to capacity as football fans from across the city gather to watch the UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Hitz FM’s highly anticipated Rep Ur Jersey event.

With jerseys of every kind on full display, ranging from Inter and PSG to Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, and more, the venue has transformed into a vibrant sea of colours, chants, and football passion.

The final match is currently underway, and the crowd is glued to the giant screen, cheering every pass, save, and near goal.

The attendance has exceeded expectations, with fans trooping in hours before kickoff to secure a good spot and participate in the day-long games and activities.

Earlier in the day, the venue buzzed with excitement as fans took part in FIFA video game competitions, basketball, tennis, and the much-loved football gala.

Now, as the main event unfolds, the energy in the arena has hit fever pitch.

Flags and jerseys are waving, and every shot on goal is met with thunderous applause depending on which side of the final fans are rooting for.

Security and event staff are on high alert to manage the large crowd, and sponsors have set up booths offering refreshments, freebies, and giveaways to enhance the fan experience.

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.

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

Joseph Dumolga Blog of Saturday, 31 May 2025

Source: Elom Joseph Dumolga

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a new and significantly favourable cocoa producer price will be unveiled in August 2025, offering a major incentive to farmers across the country.

Speaking during his Thank You tour in the Ahafo Region on Saturday, May 31, President Mahama assured cocoa farmers of his administration’s commitment to revitalising the cocoa sector, which he said has faced significant setbacks in recent years.

“Plans are underway to revamp the collapsed cocoa sector,” the President stated.

“Incentives will be provided to our hardworking farmers to increase cocoa production. We aim to add 200,000 hectares of cocoa to Ghana’s output in order to increase the income of our farmers.”

Addressing a gathering of farmers and community members, President Mahama disclosed that the Chief Executive of COCOBOD had briefed him on preparations to announce the new cocoa price in August.

“To cocoa farmers, the COCOBOD Chief Executive has informed me that in August, they will announce the new cocoa producer price. And I can assure you, the price is going to be a very, very, very good price,” he said.

Encouraging more Ghanaians to venture into cocoa farming, he added, “So those of you who don’t have cocoa farms, go and start looking for land and start planting cocoa.”

The President’s remarks come as part of a broader government strategy to rejuvenate Ghana’s agricultural base and empower rural communities.

The promise of a favourable cocoa price is expected to energise cocoa-producing regions and restore confidence in the industry.

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.

By Eric Appah Marfo

Accra, May 31, GNA – Dr Daniel Adjei, a Mental Health Professional, has urged Ghanaians to confront stereotypes associated with mental health by speaking out and seeking professional help when in need.

Delivering a keynote address at the maiden edition of the Mental Health Forum (MHF 2025) held in Accra on Saturday, Dr Adjei underscored the urgent need to prioritise mental health in national discourse, stressing that “there is no health without mental health.”

He described the theme:“Beyond Stigma – Changing the Mental Health Narrative in Ghana,”as not merely a slogan, but a national call to empathy, compassion, and decisive action.

“As a psychiatrist and a teacher, I’ve sat with many, both old and young, who carry burdens the world refuses to see,” Dr Adjei said.

“Some speak through tears. Others sit in silence and many wear their pain behind a smile, pretending to cope in a society that often tells them to be strong or play harder.”

He said mental illness should not be misconstrued as a curse, weakness or moral failure, but recognised as a medical condition akin to malaria or diabetes, which deserved urgent, dignified, and respectful care.

Dr Adjei revealed that over two million Ghanaians currently lived with mental health conditions, yet only a fraction received appropriate care due to the limited number of facilities and professionals, and the overwhelming barrier of stigma.

He called for open dialogue, improved access to mental health services, and policy reforms to make care accessible and affordable.

He emphasised the need for sustainable funding, integration of mental health education in schools, and mental wellness promotion in workplaces.

“Our children must learn about mental health as a normal part of life. No child should be allowed to grow up thinking that the pain they carry is a crime or a weakness,” he noted.

“And at our workplaces, we must see those places as places well enough to be recognised and protected and shouldn’t be ridiculed or punished.”

Dr Adjei encouraged Ghanaians to use the country’s strong community, cultural and religious networks as tools for healing rather than stigmatisation.

Ms Jahara M. Osman, Founder of the Premier Rehabilitation Centre and Convener of MHF 2025, in her welcome address, said the event was birthed out of a personal desire to create space for honest conversations around mental health.

Sharing her experience of living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), she described as challenging having to navigate life with a neurodivergent condition in a society that often misunderstood such experiences.

“For a long time, I thought the chaos in my brain was normal. I only realised how calm the world could be after receiving my first dose of treatment. That is when I knew I had been surviving, not living,” she said.

Ms Osman said mental health was not always a disease but a form of neurodiversity that required understanding and support rather than judgment.

She called for increased awareness, particularly among parents in rural communities, to recognise early signs of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism in children.

“If I, born in Kumasi into a relatively privileged home, struggled to get help, how much more someone in a deprived village in Bawku? We must educate our mothers because they see the signs before anyone else does,”she added.

Ms Osman expressed concern over the mental health struggles among students and the elderly, highlighting conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s,which often went unaddressed.

The MHF 2025, Ghana’s pioneering national event dedicated to mental wellness, is organised by the Premier Rehabilitation Centre to elevate the conversation around mental health, break stigma, and bridge the gap between awareness and action.

The Forum offered a brave space for open dialogue, expert insight, personal storytelling, and collective healing.

Its objectives include raising awareness of mental health realities in Ghana, promoting education and tools for wellness, fostering open dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, and empowering youth voices.

It also aims to support access to mental health services through post-event outreach programmes.

GNA

Agnes Boye- Doe

BUDDING Ghanaian musician Mickey Lux has heaped praises on Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, crediting him as a major inspiration for young acts in the music industry.

Mickey Lux expressed his admiration for Stonebwoy’s contributions to the Ghanaian music scene, highlighting his role in using his grass to grace music story to encourage and pave the way for younger artistes. 

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, May 26, Mickey Lux mentioned that he has been a great admirer of Stonebwoy and his greatest wish would be to be mentored by him.

 “Stonebwoy is the biggest inspiration for young acts. He has shown us that with hard work, dedication and a clear vision, we can achieve greatness in this industry.”

“Beyond music, I equally admire Stonebwoy’s personality, leadership and influence in the music industry,” he said. 

He stated that being mentored by Stonebwoy would be a dream come true, because he sees him as the perfect role model for young artistes seeking to build a sustainable and influential career.

“We all saw his humble beginnings and how, for over a decade and a half, he is still running in the top spot of Ghana’s music. It’s not easy to be adjudged Artiste of the Year of the Ghana Music Awards 10 years after wearing the title. 

“Stonebwoy won it in 2015, repeated the feat in 2024 and was in contention for it again this year. That’s what consistency is all about and having him as a mentor will really shape my career path as an up-and-coming artiste,” he said. 

When asked if he’s made any attempt to reach out to his idol, he told Graphic Showbiz he was at the moment focused on picking inspiration from Stonebwoy from afar to build his own brand and when there was the need to reach out for further guidance, he would gladly do so. (Read Mastering stagecraft is crucial for success – DJ Ashmen advises young artists)

“Artistes are constantly evolving. Right now, my team and I are concentrating on establishing me as an Afrobeat artiste. However, when the time comes for me to transition into Dancehall, that’s when I’ll make the move to connect with Stonebwoy,” he added.

Signed to BKC Music, Mickey Lux, who is label mates with Kweku Flick, announced his presence on the music scene with his maiden song, Aye, in 2023. Just like every young artiste, he craved for attention and it appears that expectation was met when a video of Burna Boy saying he was in love with his talent and wished to see him went viral. 

Mickey Lux said even though he couldn’t confirm the authenticity of the said video, he gained more followers and boosted his music at the time. 

“That Burna Boy video brought me some attention. I noticed my numbers started climbing up, and I received unexpected calls from media houses,” he said. 

Mickey Lux, real name, Michael Owusu Frimpong, began his music career after senior high school and has since dropped songs including Aye, Soja and Only You. Even though he isn’t a household name yet, he admits the growing attention is mentally stressful sometimes.

By Jibril Abdul Mumuni 

Accra, May 31, GNA- The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with CrossBoundary Advisory, has launched the Bridge-in Agriculture Programme, an initiative designed to provide loans at lower interest rates for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture.

The programme aims to offer loans to agricultural SMEs at a maximum interest rate of 7 per cent, significantly lower than the prevailing rate of 35 per cent offered by commercial banks.

The agricultural-focused programme was launched in Accra and included an exhibition and success stories from partners such as Tropical Snacks, Gustav Restaurant, and Wobil Technologies.

Ms Fanta Code, Managing Director of CrossBoundary Advisory, stated that SMEs in Ghana’s agriculture sector faced major obstacles, including a lack of finance, volatility, and insufficient credit history. 

She highlighted that although agriculture contributed 20 per cent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product and employed 40 per cent of the population, the sector received only 10 per cent of the total financing, approximately $2 billion.

Ms Code noted that the situation underscored the significant financing gap within the agriculture sector, leaving SMEs with substantial financial challenges.

According to Miss Code the Bridge-in Agriculture programme was designed to incentivise banks for a five-year period to lend to agriculture and adjacent sectors. 

“While specifically targeting underserved populations, with the hope that after five years, banks will continue lending to these sectors based on the experience, learnings, and relationships gathered through the programme,” she said.  

She said through Bridge, several banks were receiving zero per cent interest repayable loans from the Mastercard Foundation.

Ms Code added that Bridge-in Agriculture Programme aimed to achieve a bold and ambitious target of impacting 400,000 young people, 70 per cent of whom would be women.

Mr. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, said the programme aligned deeply with the Ministry’s agenda and the Feed Ghana Programme.

The Programme sought to ensure year-round production, improve productivity, and scale food systems resilience. 

He said the Bridge-in Agriculture Programme complemented these efforts by directly targeting the structural bottlenecks that limited agricultural productivity, particularly access to affordable capital and technical skills.

The Minister, however, emphasised that despite these prospects and initiatives, players in the agriculture sector must explore how to address the financing gap. 

He said the Programme represented not just an intervention but a strategic breakthrough, allocating $87 million through partner banks to support agribusiness.

GNA

Christian Akorlie

As the effects of climate change become more visible across Africa, people are turning to trusted sources to understand what is happening and what they can do.

In Egypt, both international and national media are trusted equally. Citizens also rely heavily on scientists and universities to get clear and honest information about climate change.

In South Africa, local media is the most trusted source. However, many South Africans also believe in information coming from international media and educational institutions.

Moroccans show a strong preference for international sources. They trust international media more than their local media. They also believe more in international scientists and international NGOs than in their local ones.

In Botswana, people get their climate change information from both local and international media. At the same time, nearly half of the population also turns to schools and universities to learn more.

The trend shows that across Africa, people want facts and trustworthy information about climate change. Whether from the media, scientists, or schools, the goal is the same — to understand the climate crisis and find ways to protect their communities and environment.

The findings were contained in a survey done online which asked people what they think about climate change, how concerned they are about the environment, and whether they support climate solutions. It also tested people’s awareness of methane emissions — a powerful greenhouse gas that causes about 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.

The survey was commissioned by the Global Methane Hub to understand public support for cutting methane pollution. Methane comes from oil and gas, landfills, and livestock, and reducing it is one of the fastest ways to slow down climate change.

USA, other parts of the world, also look to local media for climate change information

In the United States, many people first get climate information from local or national media. However, more than 20% of Americans say they do not get any climate change information at all.

In Britain, people trust local and national media first, followed by British scientists.

The French mainly listen to French media, but many also turn to NGOs – both local and international – for updates on climate issues.

In Germany, people rely on both local and international media, as well as scientists. But they trust local community leaders and international leaders less when it comes to climate information.

In Argentina, almost everyone (92%) is getting climate information, mostly from local media, which they prefer over international outlets.

Brazilians also prefer local news over international sources when learning about climate change, by a big difference of 18 percentage points.

In Colombia, over a third of the people get their climate updates from international NGOs, showing they are open to hearing messages from global groups.

In Mexico, people use both local and international media about equally, making them more open to global media messages than other Latin American countries.

In the Middle East, people in Oman mostly trust international and local media for their climate information.

In Asia, people in Indonesia also turn to local and international media. They also trust scientists and schools.

In the Philippines, the most trusted sources are local media and schools. Filipinos were the most likely to say they learn about climate change in school.

In Kazakhstan, two out of five people get climate information from local and international media.

In Pakistan, most people use local and national media, but about one-third also listen to local scientists.

What This Means

The findings show that while people in different countries trust different sources, most are using local media to learn about climate change. In most places, local media remains the most important way for people to receive climate information. They also show that people are ready to take action, especially when they understand how methane reduction can protect their communities and the planet.

But as global warming affects every country, it’s also important for international organizations, scientists, and schools to work together to share clear and honest information.

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.