By Emelia B. Addae

Asamankese (E/R), April 17, GNA – The Cocoa Health and Extension Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has mobilised cocoa farmers in the Asamankese district to revitalize efforts toward increasing cocoa production, following a significant decline in national output lately.

According to data on cocoa production in Ghana, the country’s cocoa yield peaked at one million metric tonnes in the 2010/2011 season.

However, this remarkable output dropped to about 650,000 tonnes in 2022/2023, with a further decline to 450,000 tonnes in 2023/2024.

In response, the Division is prioritising farmer engagement by distributing four million hybrid cocoa seedlings, early bearing and disease-resistant, aimed at boosting productivity and reversing the falling trend.

Addressing participants in Asamankese, Dr. Solomon Koomson, the Eastern Regional Manager of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division, said that the seedlings would be allocated to farmers whose farms are properly shaded and assessed by Cocoa Extension Agents.

He noted that proper measurement of farmland was essential for optimising agricultural input use and standardising output levels.

Dr. Koomson also underscored the importance of adopting the best farming practices in response to climate variability.

He encouraged farmers to apply organic fertilizers, practice mulching, and interplant cocoa with plantain and other food crops to provide necessary shade for young cocoa plants.

Additionally, he said potassium-based fertilizer would be distributed to cocoa farmers in the Eastern Region this year, explaining that this would help enhance plant resilience, improve water absorption, and strengthen crops against environmental stressors such as drought.

He urged farmers to adhere strictly to guidance from Cocoa Extension Agents on fertilizer application rather than relying on unauthorized sources.

“Using fertilizer for its intended purpose, complying with recommended agronomic practices, and embracing scientific farming methods are essential to maximizing yields, maintaining cocoa bean quality, and improving incomes,” he stated.

Mr. Michael Sesi, Union Manager of the West Akyem Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited, called on farmers to actively participate in sensitization and training programmes to help improve their knowledge in the sector.

He stressed that farming is a business that requires informed, strategic decision-making to thrive.

He also encouraged individual farmers and cooperatives to join the union to benefit from free training initiatives and other incentives to improve farming practices.

The rally brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Municipal Food and Agriculture Department, to reinforce support for sustainable cocoa farming in the Eastern Region.

GNA

DL/KOA

Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has credited Ghana’s 5.7% growth rate to what he describes as the solid foundation laid by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

His assertion follows the 4th review meeting between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Ghanaian government.

In a written piece, Awuku accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of presenting flawed statistics concerning the country’s growth in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presentation, as well as President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation address, in a bid to antagonise the NPP administration.

“The aftermath of the 4th review meeting between the IMF and the government of Ghana has put to rest the false allegations by the NDC. The NDC claimed the economy was in tatters. They claimed the IMF programme had been breached, but the numbers are telling a different story and it is not one the NDC wants to hear,” Awuku wrote.

He attributes the Staff Level Agreement reached after the 4th review of the IMF program to the tough strategic decisions made during the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

Awuku highlighted Ghana’s economic resilience, citing the IMF report:

“According to the IMF report, Ghana’s economy grew by 5.7% in 2024, far above the projected 4%. That’s not just recovery, that’s resilience. The mining and construction sectors surged, gold exports boomed, and remittances strengthened our external position. Today, our international reserves sit at a remarkable $8.9 billion, the highest in recent years.”

Awuku emphasised that the facts point to the NPP laying the groundwork for Ghana’s comeback.

“So while others spin tales of crisis and mismanagement, the facts keep pointing back to one truth: the NPP laid the groundwork for Ghana’s comeback and the NPP will surely come back better in 2028,” he added.

Minority too eager to stay relevant – Vanderpuye

The government of Ghana has taken control of the Damang mine operated by Gold Fields Ltd. after rejecting the company’s application to extend its 30-year lease.

This move comes just days before the lease’s expiration on 18th April 2025, as the West African nation seeks to implement stricter mining policies aimed at reducing the influence of foreign companies in its mineral-rich sector.

Gold Fields, a Johannesburg-based multinational, had hoped for an automatic renewal of its lease through its subsidiary Abosso Gold Fields Ltd. However, Ghanaian authorities cited several reasons for the rejection. These included the company’s failure to provide verifiable mineral reserves in its renewal application and the lack of a budgetary allocation for exploration.

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This decision reflects a broader shift in Ghana’s mining policy, moving away from the traditional practice of automatically renewing mining leases.

The government’s policy aims to ensure more transparency and accountability in the sector while ensuring that companies meet specific criteria before operating within the country’s borders.

The Ghanaian government has long been vocal about its desire to maintain control over its mineral resources, particularly as the mining sector continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.

The Damang mine, which has been in operation for over three decades, is a key part of Gold Fields’ global operations and has contributed to the company’s growth.

However, Ghana’s rejection of Gold Fields’ lease renewal could signal a shift in how foreign mining operations are handled in the country.

Authorities have indicated that future mining contracts will be granted based on strict adherence to regulations and a commitment to exploration and resource development.

Gold Fields has not publicly commented on the decision, but the company faces significant implications as it seeks to maintain its foothold in Ghana.

As the government assumes control, it will likely oversee operations at Damang while assessing the mine’s mineral potential and future economic viability.

This move is likely to raise concerns among foreign investors about the stability of mining contracts in Ghana.

However, the government appears committed to ensuring that its natural resources benefit the nation’s economy and meet international standards of environmental and economic sustainability.

As Ghana continues to assert more control over its mining industry, it is expected that other companies operating within the country will closely monitor the situation.

The government’s focus on improving transparency and accountability in the sector could serve as both a challenge and an opportunity for future investments.

Ghana was ranked third among nine African countries with the most expensive bread prices in April 2022.

The report indicated that the price of a loaf of fresh white bread, weighing approximately 500 grams, cost an average of $0.79 (GH¢6.00) in Ghana.

Nigeria, however, ranked first with the highest bread prices in Africa where a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) was sold at an average price of $1.12 (GH¢9).

Read the full story originally published on April 20, 2022, by GhanaWeb

Ghana has been ranked third among nine African countries with the most expensive price of bread, according to a report by Business Insider Africa.

Bread is a common staple food that is widely consumed and always in high demand in Africa.

The report, which compiled data from Numbeo, a leading global database of consumer prices said a loaf of fresh white bread, which weighs about 500 grams, costs an average price of $0.79 (GH¢6.00) in Ghana.

In first place however, was Nigeria which was ranked with the most expensive price of bread in Africa with a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) going for an average of $1.12 (GH¢9).

In South Africa, which came in second place, the same loaf of bread (500g) costs an average of $0.98 (GH¢7.45).

The increasing cost of the staple food has been attributed to its high demand and other macroeconomic factors such as supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange constraints.

The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia, according to global economic institutions, has been predicted to likely result in an imminent food crisis in Africa especially.

This is because most African nations that make bread source their grains which include wheat from Ukraine. Russia, on the other hand, is among the world’s largest wheat exporters.

Also, the ongoing war has resulted in raft sanctions placed on Russia which could potentially impact wheat exports to key countries.

See the list of 9 African countries with the most expensive prices of bread

Credit: africa.businessinsider.com [Data Source: Numbeo]

Inflation and Bread price hikes in Ghana

From Saturday, April 2, 2022, prices of bread in some parts of the country increased significantly from an initial GH¢6 for a loaf of bread to around GH¢8.

The increment according to the bakers was due to price hikes in flour, sugar, eggs, margarine, and other key ingredients used for making bread.

Meanwhile, recent figures released by the Ghana Statistical Service showed national inflation for March 2022 hit 19.4 percent – a 3.7 percentage point higher than the 15.7 percent recorded in February 2022.

This huge spike in inflation was largely driven by hikes in food prices, transportation, and housing.

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The President’s nominee for the District Chief Executive position for Ellembelle in the Western region, Joseph Agyekum, has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the 52 assembly members in the area.

In an election conducted and supervised by the officials of Ellembelle District Electoral Commission on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Joseph Agyekum secured all the votes cast, representing a unanimous 100 per cent endorsement by the assembly members.

This is the first time a president’s nominee has secured 100 per cent in Ellembelle district since the inception of the district.

Joseph Agyekum is the current Constituency Secretary for Ellembelle NDC. He is a teacher and a businessman.

In his acceptance speech, Joseph Agyekum expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for giving him the opportunity to serve the good people of Ellembelle district.

He also commended the assembly members for reposing trust in him.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank our able assembly members for reposing confidence in me and I also thank all members and executives of NDC for their support”, he showed appreciation.

He promised to serve the district diligently and support President John Mahama’s vision to drive development in the Ellembelle district.

He pledged his total commitment to work closely with the assembly members and also opinion leaders in the district.

He called on the good people of Ellembelle district to rally behind him to succeed.

“I need every one in our district support, let us remain in peace and unity and I cannot fail the good people of Ellembelle”, he stated.

He thanked the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and pledged to work closely with the MP to drive development in the area.

On his part, the Presiding Member (PM), Charles Kwesi charged the DCE to serve with humility and always think about development agenda of the district.

He pledged to work tirelessly with the DCE to ensure the smooth running of the assembly.

He took the opportunity to swear-in the new government appointees of the assembly on behalf President John Dramani Mahama and urged them to support President John Mahama’s policies in the district.

The Acting President of Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Nana Bronya Kofi IV who is also the chief of Basake, commended the assembly members for overwhelmingly endorsing Joseph Agyekum as the Ellembelle DCE.

He described the endorsement as unprecedented and historic “this is the first time a president’s nominee has received such an endorsement, it has never happened in our district before”.

“I’m very excited today and I can see that everybody is happy especially the assembly members and I believe you will support our DCE to succeed”, he stated.

He appealed to all chiefs and pastors of the district to rally behind the DCE to succeed.

Joseph Agyekum was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, April 4, 2025.

The colourful event was held at Nkroful, the district capital of Ellembelle and monitored the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson and the NDC Western Regional Chairman, Nana Toku.

The event was also graced by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Evalue-Ajomoro Gwira, Kofi Arko Nokoe, Nzema East MCE, Herbert Kuah Dickson, Jomoro MCE nominee, Benedict Boadi, Ellembelle District Police command, other state security, the media and among others.

In the current business environment of Ghana and the broader African continent, securing the right talent is not merely a human resource function but a strategic necessity.

The individuals we bring into our organisations significantly influence our capacity to innovate, adapt, and thrive. In my experience leading a recruitment agency in Ghana, I have observed that mastering the art of hiring is pivotal for organisational success.

Here are key considerations and best practices tailored to the Ghanaian and African context to ensure effective recruitment.

1. Understanding the Local Talent Landscape

Ghana boasts a youthful and vibrant workforce, presenting opportunities and challenges for employers. While the abundance of young talent is promising, a notable skills gap exists between industry requirements and job seekers’ competencies. This disparity underscores employers’ need to invest in comprehensive training and development programs to bridge this gap and cultivate a workforce equipped for contemporary challenges.

Understanding the Skills Gap

Recent studies have illuminated the extent of this skills mismatch. According to the Ghana Youth Barometer 2024 Report, only 40.3% of youth believe that the education system adequately prepares them for the future. The report emphasizes a notable deficiency in practical skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, research by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) underscores a significant gap between the knowledge and skills provided by the education system and those demanded by the labor market. This misalignment contributes to high rates of underemployment and unemployment among Ghanaian youth.

To address these challenges, employers can adopt several strategies:

● Collaborative Training Programs: Partnering with educational institutions to design curricula that reflect current industry needs ensures that graduates possess relevant skills upon entering the workforce.

● Internships and Apprenticeships: These programs offer hands-on learning opportunities and allow students and recent graduates to gain practical experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

● Continuous Professional Development: Implementing ongoing training initiatives helps current employees stay updated with evolving industry trends and technologies, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

● Mentorship Schemes: Establishing mentorship programs connects less experienced employees with seasoned professionals, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill enhancement.

2. Cultural Fit: Aligning Values and Vision

In Ghanaian corporate culture, communal values and respect for hierarchy are emphasised. Ensuring that potential hires resonate with the organization’s core values and cultural nuances is essential. A candidate’s ability to integrate seamlessly into the company’s culture can significantly impact team cohesion and productivity.

The Significance of Cultural Fit

Cultural fit refers to the alignment between an individual’s values, beliefs, and behaviours and those of the organisation. Assessing cultural fit is crucial during the hiring process because it ensures new employees can easily adapt to the organisational culture and work well with the existing team.

To ensure alignment between potential hires and organisational culture, consider the following approaches:

● Clearly Define Organisational Values: Articulate the company’s mission, vision, and values to both current employees and prospective candidates. This clarity helps attract individuals who naturally align with the organization’s ethos.

● Incorporate Behavioral Interview Techniques: Utilize interview questions that explore how candidates have handled situations reflecting the company’s core values, particularly those emphasizing communal collaboration and respect for hierarchy.

● Provide Realistic Job Previews: Offer candidates insights into the company’s working environment, expectations, and cultural norms to help them self-assess their fit within the organization.

3. Leveraging Data-Driven Recruitment Strategies

The advent of technology has revolutionised recruitment processes globally. Adopting data-driven recruitment strategies in Ghana enables organizations to make informed hiring decisions. Utilizing analytics to assess candidate competencies, predict job performance, and identify potential retention risks can enhance the quality of hires.

To effectively adopt these strategies, organizations should:

● Invest in Technology: Implement Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruitment software that collect and analyze data throughout the hiring process.

● Define Key Metrics: Establish clear recruitment metrics aligned with organizational goals, such as time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and quality-of-hire.

● Train HR Personnel: Equip human resources teams with the necessary skills to interpret data analytics and apply insights effectively.

4. Collaborating with Specialized Recruitment Partners

Navigating the complexities of talent acquisition in Ghana can be daunting. Partnering with specialized recruitment agencies offers access to extensive networks and industry insights. These agencies possess the expertise to identify and attract candidates who have both the requisite skills and align with the organization’s culture and long-term objectives.

Advantages of collaborating with specialized recruitment agencies

● Access to a Broad Talent Pool: Specialized agencies like Jobberman maintain extensive databases of qualified professionals across various sectors, enabling organizations to tap into diverse candidates, including those with niche skill sets.

● Industry-Specific Expertise: These agencies have a deep understanding of specific industries, allowing them to effectively match candidates’ competencies with the unique demands of the sector.

● Efficient Recruitment Processes: Leveraging their experience and resources, recruitment agencies streamline the hiring process, reducing time-to-fill and allowing internal teams to focus on core business activities.

● Enhanced Candidate Screening: Through rigorous screening and assessment procedures, agencies ensure that only candidates who meet the organization’s criteria and exhibit cultural fit are presented, thereby improving the quality of hires.

● Cost-Effective Solutions: By minimizing the risks associated with bad hires and reducing turnover rates, specialized recruitment partners contribute to long-term cost savings for organizations.

5. Emphasizing Employer Branding

A strong employer brand is a magnet for top talent in a competitive job market. Organizations should actively showcase their values, culture, and employee value propositions. Engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives, promoting success stories, and maintaining a positive workplace culture can enhance the organization’s reputation and attract high-caliber candidates.

Here are key strategies to enhance employer branding.

● Showcase Company Culture and Values: Clearly communicate your organization’s mission, values, and culture through various channels, including your website, social media, and job postings. Highlighting what makes your workplace unique helps potential candidates assess their fit within the company.

● Highlight Employee Success Stories: Share testimonials and stories of current employees who have thrived within your organization. This not only humanizes your brand but also provides tangible examples of career growth and satisfaction, appealing to prospective candidates.

● Maintain a Positive Candidate Experience: Ensure that your recruitment process is transparent, respectful, and efficient. A positive candidate experience reflects well on your employer brand and can lead to favorable word-of-mouth recommendations.

Conclusion

Securing the right hire in Ghana requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses understanding the local talent landscape, ensuring cultural fit, leveraging technology, collaborating with recruitment experts, fostering continuous learning, and strengthening employer branding. By integrating these strategies, organisations can build robust teams capable of propelling sustained growth and success in the Ghanaian and African markets.

–

This article was first published on www.jobberman.com.gh

Year-on-year producer inflation rate

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has reported a year-on-year producer inflation rate of 24.4 percent for March 2025, down from 27.6 percent recorded in February 2025.

This marks a slowdown in the rate at which ex-factory prices of goods and services are increasing.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change over time in the selling prices of goods and services as received by domestic producers and indicates that month-on-month producer inflation between February and March 2025 stood at 0.6 percent, lower than the 1.5 percent seen the previous month.

A sectoral breakdown shows that producer price inflation in the industry sector, excluding the construction sector, decreased from 42.9 percent in February 2025 to 36.3 percent in March 2025.

In the construction sector the rate declined to 15.4 percent in March 2025, while in the Services sector it stood at 7.2 percent during the same period.

Sector-specific insights

Industrial PPI

The Industry sector remained the main driver of producer inflation, recording a year-on-year inflation rate of 36.3 and representing a 6.6 percentage point decrease relative to the rate recorded in February, with a month-on-month change of 0.7 percent.

Industrial producer price inflation in the Mining and Quarrying sub-sector declined by 9.2 percentage points to 35.4 percent, compared to 44.6 percent in February 2025.

The Manufacturing sub-sector increased by 2.0 percentage points to 22.8 percent in March 2025 with Electricity and Gas sub-sector recording an inflation rate of 5.1 percent representing a decrease of 4.6 percentage points from 9.7 percent in February 2025.

The Water supply, sewerage and waste management sub-sector recorded an inflation rate of 4.8 percent.

Construction PPI

The year-on-year rate of construction producer price inflation for March 2025 was 15.4 percent, representing a 0.4 percentage point decrease from February 2025 (15.8 percent). The month-on-month change between February 2025 and March 2025 was 0.1 percent.

On sub-sector basis, inflation in Construction of buildings decreased by 1.6 percentage points from 15.9 percent in February 2025 to 14.3 percent in March 2025. The Specialised Construction activities sub-sector recorded inflation of 17.9 percent in March 2025 compared to 18.5 percent in February 2025.

The Civil Engineering sub-sector recorded no change in its inflation rate, remaining at 15.7 percent for March 2025.

Services PPI

The year-on-year services producer price inflation is 7.2 percent, representing a 0.6 percentage point decrease from February 2025 (7.8 percent) with a month-on-month change of 0.2 percent.

Inflation in the Transport and Storage sub-sector decreased by 2.3 percentage points from 22.7 percent as at February 2025 to 20.4 percent in March 2025.

The Accommodation and Food Services sub-sector rate decreased by 6.5 percentage points from 29.1 percent in February 2025 to 22.6 percent in March 2025, and the Information and Communication sub-sector recorded an inflation rate of 4.1 percent.

By Christopher Arko,
17 April

Flag of Ghana (photo credit: Kaufdex via pixabay)

The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), tasked with assessing and proposing amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, has received over 500 online and in-person submissions to assist its work. The committee, made up of legal and governance experts, will focus on identifying key areas of the Constitution that need updating to align with the country’s evolving democratic and socio-economic realities. In addition, it is to carefully examine past recommendations, identify necessary changes and create a clear roadmap leading to meaningful constitutional amendments. The Secretary to the CRC, Dr Rainer Akumperigya, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency, said the stakeholder engagements had, so far, been fruitful. The committee has received written submissions from groups, including the National Commission for Civic Education, past officers from the Electoral Commission and Non-Governmental/Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with a lot of expertise in the natural resources sector, such as the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, he said. From academia, Professors Kwame Gyan, Kofi Quashiga and Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, all from the University of Ghana, have presented proposals to the Committee. The Institute of Economic Affairs, which was represented by two notable personalities, former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye, and former Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo, also presented written submissions to the group. A lot of engineers and institutions have presented proposals.
Read the full article here: Ghana News Agency

Okudzeto Ablakwa meets High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, Hawa Daipi

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana and Singapore will continue to maintain their Visa Waiver Agreement.

According to him, this agreement is aimed at deepening the cooperation between the two countries particularly in trade, skills education and IT.

In a post shared on Ablakwa’s X page as sighted by GhanaWeb Business after meeting with the High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, Hawa Daipi, Ablakwa expressed gratitude for the long-standing peaceful cooperation between the two countries.

“I thank the High Commissioner on behalf of President Mahama and the people of Ghana for the special invitation from Singapore President, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam to President John Mahama to pay a state visit to Singapore” he posted.

The Singaporean High Commissioner to Ghana, Hawa Diapi, also acknowledged the relation between the two countries and pledged his country’s commitment to foster a more peaceful and lasting cooperation.

SP/AME

Indeed a great honour meeting with the High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, His Excellency Hawazi Daipi.

It’s refreshing that Ghana and Singapore will continue to maintain our Visa Waiver Agreement.

We have also agreed to deepen our cooperation, particularly in trade,… pic.twitter.com/5jRHRAWT1N

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) April 14, 2025

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Attractive News Blog of Thursday, 17 April 2025

Source: Andre Mustapha NII okai Inusah

SIC Insurance PLC has paid an insurance to GCB Bank PLC

SIC Insurance PLC has paid an insurance claim of GH¢1,54 million to GCB Bank PLC under the bank’s Bankers Blanket Policy.

At a brief ceremony held at GCB’s head office in Accra, a cheque was presented to the bank’s Deputy Managing Director (Finance), Socrates Afram, by the Acting Managing Director of SIC Insurance PLC, James Agyenim-Boateng.Financial literacy courses

In his remarks, Mr. Agyenim-Boateng expressed appreciation to GCB Bank for its continued business relationship with SIC Insurance PLC over the years.

He reaffirmed the insurer’s financial stability and commitment to timely claims payment, urging both the business and insurance communities to prioritise doing business with SIC.

“SIC Insurance PLC is financially strong, pays claims promptly and values its clients. Apart from this bullet payment to GCB Bank, we have recently paid over one million dollars (US$1m) in claims to a client in Accra; and seven hundred and eighty thousand dollars (US$780,000) to another company in Tema,” he revealed.

Financial literacy courses

“At SIC Insurance PLC, we value our relationship with GCB Bank. We take our promises seriously, as they are sacred. Continue to stand by us and when tough times come, we will chase you with your cheque to come and present it to you,” he added.

On his part, Mr. Socrates Afram said the bank cherishes its relationship with SIC Insurance PLC, describing it as mutually beneficial to both institutions.

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for an integration of all divisions of the Service to enhance its operations and progress.

According to him, the lack of integration of the divisions of the GHS to enable them to work in close collaboration over the past years had slowed its progress.

He said that the integration of the various divisions of the GHS to enhance its operations and progress could be achieved through collective collabora­tion and the inclusion of staff participation.

Prof. Akoriyea made the call at the annual performance review of the GHS held at the Health Promotion Division in Accra yesterday.

The purpose of the perfor­mance review was to assess the performance of the GHS last year to identify the progress that was made, the challenges faced, and also profess solutions to the challenges.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Akoriyea said the situation where some of the divisions were under-resourced as compared to others was not encouraging.

He, therefore, urged the Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation divi­sion to ensure that resources were pulled for the benefit of all the workers of the various divisions and ensure their integration.

Furthermore, Prof. Akoriyea charged the directors of the vari­ous divisions to promote inclusive participation of workers and also ensure that they deliver services effectively.

“My attention has been drawn to the fact that some of you the directors, deputy directors and programme managers of the various divisions often ignore the GHS staff who have been employed to work with you and rather give the job to volunteers,” he stated.

“I am also well informed that there are drivers who have never gone on a trek while they are other drivers who are always on trek. That is not a good thing, and we need to change. We need to do things where every GHS worker participates actively to enhance its operations and progress,” Prof. Akoriyea added.

The Ag Director General also promised to ensure the equal allo­cation of resources to the various divisions, especially the research and development division in order to enhance their research work.

Moreover, he said that the re­search centres across the country, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Navrongo University would now be affili­ated to the GHS to enable staff who conduct research to become associate professors and not consultants.

Prof. Akoriyea promised to oversee the rebounding of the GHS and prioritise the welfare of staff of the Service.

There were presentations by the directors of the various divisions of the GHS during the review to assess their perfor­mance last year.

Some of the divisions that were present at the performance review were the Health Promo­tion Division, the Human Re­source Division, the Institutional Care Division, Family Health Division, Research and Devel­opment Division, Public Health Division, Policy, Planning, Mon­itoring, and Evaluation Division and the Office of the Director General of the GHS.

BY BENJAMIN ARC­TON-TETTEY

In the wake of dwindling donor support, the Board Chairman of the newly launched Development Insights Hub, Prof. Peter Quartey, is urging the government to strengthen monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to drive industrial development.

Prof. Quartey, who also serves as Director of the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), believes mentoring Ghana’s youthful population is key to achieving this goal.

Speaking at the Hub’s inaugural ceremony, he noted that building the skills and competence of young people will lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and long-term development.

“Every policy or every strategy has to be monitored and evaluated. If you look at a lot of government programmes, we do not monitor enough. The idea of this is to get young people to get into the evaluation base because they are the future generation .We are equipping them for evaluation by equipping them the needed requirement,” he said.

“It is also good for the nation because as a country we need to be evaluating programmes so that we see where there are gaps so we quickly fill the gaps. We do not have to wait till the end and realize it has failed,” he added.

For his part, the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darko, emphasized the Service’s renewed commitment to strong policy direction, noting that it remains central to driving continuous national growth and development.

“The civil service has an overarching mandate which is to assist the government in the formulation and implementation of public policies and mandate. What we have observed is that we need to consistently design the policies and programmes with M&E in mind. This should not be seen as an afterthought,” he reiterated.

Development Insights Hub is a not-for-profit organization established in 2022 with a broad –based vision, inclusive, equitable and sustainable development of Africa with active participation of women, youth, minorities and the vulnerable.

Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized that the reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day initiative is a collective responsibility, urging all citizens to prioritize cleanliness as a national duty.

According to the minister, the Sanitation Day and the newly introduced National Sanitation League should serve as reminders that personal hygiene must become an integral part of Ghanaian social culture.

He stressed that individuals should adopt hygiene as a lifestyle rather than an occasional practice.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during a courtesy call on Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams—Chairman of the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC) and General Overseer of Action Chapel International—Ibrahim called for greater collaboration in combating plastic waste and sachet litter.

He highlighted the importance of waste segregation at the household level to facilitate recycling efforts for rubber and plastic materials.

The minister further announced that the official launch date for the National Sanitation Day would soon be made public to ensure mass participation.

He noted that Christian leaders he had engaged with during his tour expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, and discussions are ongoing with the President to determine the appropriate date for the event.

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams endorsed the initiative, advocating for National Sanitation Day to be considered a call to duty for all citizens.

He pledged his support as NACCC Chairman, stating, “This is a laudable idea, and we pledge our support. We have to be intentional, and it should be a national effort to achieve this goal. It is a difficult task, but through collaboration, we can succeed.”

During Ibrahim’s visit to the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Apostle Eric Nyamekye also commended the initiative, emphasizing its importance in addressing environmental challenges.

“Sanitation is affecting all our rivers, and so it is commendable that the President has prioritized a National Sanitation Day. If we bring all stakeholders on board, I am confident we will succeed,” he said.

The minister also engaged the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit his support for the sanitation campaign.

AM/KA

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