Dr Ladislas Prosper Agbesi and Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais

The Pan African Business Forum (PABF) is calling on all African countries to unconditionally endorse and support the candidacy of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the nominee of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The election is scheduled to take place in Madrid, Spain, on May 30, 2025.

If elected, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais would become the first female Secretary-General of the UN agency responsible for promoting sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

The UNWTO also champions tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, while offering global leadership in advancing tourism knowledge and policy.

In a letter signed by Dr Ladislas Prosper Agbesi on behalf of the PABF Executive Committee and addressed President John Dramani Mahama, the Forum stated its strong belief that Ms. Al Nowais is the most suitable candidate for the post, based on her extensive professional and personal accomplishments.

According to the letter, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is a highly qualified leader with more than 16 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Her deep hands-on knowledge and executive leadership in this space position her well to advance and support global tourism initiatives.

PABF emphasised that she is widely regarded as one of the UAE’s most accomplished tourism and hospitality leaders.

In addition to her executive career, Al Nowais currently serves as:

Chairwoman of the Tourism Working Group at the Abu Dhabi Chamber

Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council

Member of the Advisory Board of the UAE Tourism Council

Board Member of Trustees at Les Roches Hospitality Academy

Through these roles, she drives policy advocacy, economic inclusion, and education in the tourism industry. She is also considered an inspirational figure in the UAE and a world-class executive with superior knowledge of global tourism and hospitality practices.

Although Ghana is currently backing Ambassador Muhammad Adam as its candidate for the UNWTO Secretary-General role for the 2026–2029 term, PABF is urging Ghana to reconsider and instead support Al Nowais. The group argues that aligning with the UAE candidate could enhance mutual growth in the global tourism sector.

PABF attributes the UAE’s recent success in tourism development to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Under his guidance, the UAE has launched the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, both of which have significantly increased tourism’s contribution to the country’s non-oil GDP, visitor numbers, and job creation.

“These initiatives have propelled the UAE to global recognition as one of the world’s most vibrant tourism destinations,” Dr. Agbesi wrote. “They have also paved the way for the emergence of exceptional UAE leaders such as Ms. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, who has been nominated for the position of Secretary-General of UNWTO.”

On the campaign trail, Al Nowais has shared a vision “to lead UN Tourism in promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that stimulates economic growth and enriches global communities”—a mission aligned with the UNWTO’s core values.

Shaikha Al Nowais is a distinguished figure in global tourism and hospitality, with significant experience in corporate governance, sustainability, audit, and economic development.

As Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, she has led teams to forge strategic partnerships, promote inclusivity, and optimize operational efficiency. Her remit includes the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, where she has championed sustainable tourism initiatives.

She holds a degree in Finance from Zayed University and brings over 16 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, positioning her with the strategic vision required to lead and support global tourism transformation.

Introduction

In the bustling and rapidly transforming urban landscapes of Ghana, especially in major city centres like Accra and Kumasi, the heartbeat of economic resilience can be found not just in skyscrapers or shopping malls, but on the pavements, sidewalks, roundabouts, and traffic intersections. Here, street vendors and hawkers form a vibrant, dynamic, and often overlooked urban tapestry, one that is as resilient as it is essential.

These enterprising individuals, predominantly women and the youth, populate the informal sector with remarkable tenacity, braving harsh weather, regulatory crackdowns, and infrastructural limitations to earn a living. Their stalls, carts, and baskets may seem ordinary to the untrained eye, but they tell a deeper story: one of survival, creativity, informal innovation, and the right to urban space.

To some observers, street vending presents an urban management dilemma associated with congestion, sanitation concerns, and bylaw violations. Yet, to the vendors themselves and to countless families who rely on the daily income it provides, this informal economy represents more than commerce. It is an ecosystem of livelihoods, a platform for socio-economic mobility, and a silent but powerful force that underpins urban survival in cities where formal employment opportunities remain insufficient.

As a Spatial Planner and Planning Officer within the Ministry of Local Government, I am compelled to advocate for a paradigm shift in how we understand and respond to this reality. Informality is not an aberration of urban order; it is, in fact, the organic response of citizens navigating economic exclusion and institutional gaps. Rather than being treated as a nuisance or impediment to modernisation, street vending must be acknowledged as a legitimate, evolving component of the urban economy. It offers a critical lens through which we can evaluate our planning frameworks, regulatory structures, and developmental priorities.

To relegate these economic actors to the periphery of urban planning is to ignore the very soul of our cities. It is time we adopt a more generous, informed, and place-based approach one that reframes informality not as a problem to be eradicated, but as an opportunity to co-create inclusive cities that reflect the realities of all who inhabit them. This is the call to action: to reimagine our urban futures with the informal sector at the centre of planning discourse, innovation, and transformation.

What do the Laws and Policies Say?

The regulation and governance of urban informality in Ghana, particularly the phenomenon of street vending and hawking, are grounded within a broader legal and policy framework that, while often fragmented in implementation, provides a foundation for inclusive urban development.

At the heart of this framework lies the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the responsibility to ensure order, safety, and sanitation in their jurisdictions. Yet, this same Act goes beyond mere enforcement duties; it also entrusts local authorities with the critical mandate to promote equitable development that responds to the needs of all segments of the urban population, including those operating outside the formal economic grid.

Complementing this is the Draft Final National Urban Policy Framework, Ghana’s flagship policy on urban development. The policy makes a conscious shift from conventional urban planning approaches by recognising the informal economy not as a marginal entity, but as a significant and enduring component of Ghana’s urban landscape. It articulates the necessity of building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, principles that align closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11. Notably, the policy emphasises the need to integrate the informal sector into broader urban strategies, acknowledging that informality, in its many forms, is not merely a symptom of underdevelopment but a structural reality that requires targeted policy responses.

While less direct, the Streetism Policy Framework, which primarily focuses on safeguarding vulnerable children living and working on the streets, also touches on the broader socio-economic conditions that give rise to street-based livelihoods. Many of these children are embedded in informal economies either as helpers to hawkers or through their own small-scale selling activities. Thus, policies targeting street children inadvertently intersect with the larger dynamics of urban informality and survival strategies. The lessons here are significant: if the street serves both as a marketplace and a makeshift home for the urban poor, then our response must go beyond enforcement and delve into structural solutions that foster dignity and opportunity.

Together, these legal instruments and policy documents illustrate that Ghana possesses a normative basis for embracing a more inclusive urban planning philosophy. However, the critical challenge lies not in the absence of policy, but in the operational will and creativity required to translate policy ideals into localised, actionable urban solutions. This is the policy and planning juncture at which street vendors and hawkers must be consciously included, not as afterthoughts, but as co-architects of our urban futures.

What Other African Cities Are Doing:

Across the African continent, cities grappling with the complex dynamics of informality have begun to adopt progressive and context-sensitive strategies that recognise the informal economy not as a nuisance, but as a powerful force for urban inclusion, resilience, and economic vibrancy.

In Kigali, Rwanda, a city often lauded for its orderliness and rapid urban transformation, local authorities have pioneered an initiative that integrates street vendors into the formal urban economy by establishing designated vending zones equipped with standardised kiosks, vendor identification cards, and uniforms. This approach has not only helped regulate informal commerce but has also enhanced safety, cleanliness, and accountability, without stripping traders of their livelihoods.

In South Africa, the city of Durban provides a more participatory and socially rooted example through the Warwick Junction Urban Renewal Project. Here, urban planners, architects, and municipal authorities collaborated directly with local street traders to reimagine one of the busiest market intersections in the city. Instead of displacing vendors, the project focused on redesigning and upgrading trading spaces, offering improved infrastructure such as weather-protected stalls, sanitation facilities, and waste disposal systems, while preserving the organic economic activity that had flourished in the area for decades. This model stands as a testament to the power of inclusive planning and the importance of engaging stakeholders as co-creators in urban design.

Similarly, in Nairobi, Kenya, where rapid urbanisation has placed immense pressure on public infrastructure, transport authorities have creatively integrated informal trading into the design of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Recognising the inevitability of informal vending in and around transport corridors, planners designated specific vending zones with clearly defined access schedules, allowing hawkers to operate during off-peak hours. This innovative model reduces conflicts between pedestrians, traders, and commuters while preserving the economic opportunities that such spaces naturally generate.

These African experiences underscore a profound lesson: informality is not inherently at odds with regulation. Rather, when governments adopt an empathetic, consultative, and context-driven approach, regulation can coexist harmoniously with support, yielding safer, cleaner, and more economically inclusive cities.

Towards a Localised Ghanaian Model

Towards the development of an inclusive and sustainable urban future, Ghana stands at a critical juncture where the old model of punitive enforcement of street vending must give way to a more empathetic, pragmatic, and co-creative approach. The realities on the ground, especially in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, point to the fact that street vendors are not anomalies to be cleared off the pavements, but citizens with agency, resilience, and legitimate economic contributions that urban planning must accommodate rather than displace.

First and foremost, urban authorities should consider the establishment of designated vending zones within strategic commercial and transportation nodes. These zones, thoughtfully integrated into the broader city plan, would be outfitted with essential amenities, waste management systems, potable water, shaded structures, public lighting, and rest areas. By offering secure and organised environments, city authorities can ensure both order and dignity for vendors while enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of urban spaces.

Secondly, the success of any planning intervention rests upon the principle of participatory urban governance. It is imperative that informal workers and their associations are actively engaged in the decision-making processes that affect their daily lives. When vendors are consulted in planning committees and policy formulation, their unique insights contribute to crafting more grounded and effective solutions. Such an inclusive approach not only builds trust but ensures that regulations are more likely to be adhered to because they emerge from dialogue rather than imposition.

Moreover, the concept of time-sharing urban spaces has already been successfully tried in cities like Nairobi holds significant potential for Ghana. City authorities could designate specific urban corridors, particularly in high-footfall areas, for vending during off-peak hours. This flexible use of space helps decongest critical pedestrian walkways and vehicular routes during the busiest times, while still preserving economic opportunities for hawkers and small-scale traders.

In addition to physical and regulatory interventions, there is a pressing need to invest in the capacity building and financial empowerment of street vendors. Initiatives such as training workshops on hygiene, product presentation, customer service, and financial literacy should be institutionalised across municipalities. These efforts could be coupled with increased access to microcredit through state initiatives like the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) or the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), enabling traders to grow and formalise their businesses progressively.

Finally, Ghana must embrace the transformative power of digital inclusion in informal commerce. With mobile money already widespread, vendors can be encouraged and supported to adopt digital payment platforms. This reduces the risks associated with cash transactions, enhances transaction transparency, and positions informal traders to engage more fluidly with formal financial institutions. Partnerships with fintech firms and municipal IT departments can help in rolling out training, platforms, and support systems tailored for this group.

Conclusion: From Obstruction to Inclusion

The phenomenon of street vending in Ghana must be reimagined not as an impediment to urban progress but as an indispensable part of the nation’s social and economic fabric. Far from being a nuisance, street vending represents a lifeline for thousands of households supporting families, fuelling local economies, and injecting vitality into urban life. These informal actors are not just surviving in the city; they are shaping it, enriching it with their presence, goods, and entrepreneurial ingenuity.

To treat informality as synonymous with illegality is to fundamentally misread the role it plays in urban development. Informality is, in truth, a parallel economic ecosystem dynamic, adaptive, and rooted in the lived realities of the people. It is an organic response to the rigidities and exclusions of the formal sector, and as such, demands recognition, accommodation, and strategic integration. The informal economy is not beneath the radar of governance; it is a frontier where innovation and inclusion must meet.

Ghana stands to benefit immensely by reframing how we manage and plan for this sector. Through thoughtful, localised planning grounded in cultural context, economic reality, and participatory principles, we can turn what many view as disorder into a catalyst for urban transformation. Our cities can draw powerful lessons from sister cities across the African continent, where progressive models of inclusion like designated vending zones, participatory planning processes, and time-shared spaces have successfully balanced regulation with opportunity.

As the pressures of urbanization intensify, the challenge before us is not to eliminate street vending, but to channel its potential constructively. This is the moment for city authorities, urban planners, development practitioners, and policymakers to show bold leadership. It is time to shift from punitive enforcement to co-creation, from marginalisation to empowerment, and from reaction to anticipation.

In embracing street vendors as integral actors in the urban space, we uphold the dignity of labour, honour the entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaian citizens, and lay the foundation for cities that are not only economically vibrant but also socially just. This is not just a matter of planning; it is a matter of principle, equity, and shared vision. By transforming our mindset from obstruction to inclusion, we can build a future where Ghana’s urban centres are places of opportunity for all, formal and informal alike.

–
Dennis Akemdaga Amoah
Spatial Planner
0248270145

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 Iddi Yire

Accra, May 24, GNA – The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has advocated reconstituting the Electoral Commission’s (EC) appointment frameworks to ensure its independence.  

Reverend Matthew Gyamfi, the GCBC’s President and Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, made the appeal during a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra.  

The bishops were at the Presidency to congratulate the President on his massive victory in the December 7, 2024, general election and to present a litany of issues of national concern for his attention, such as the menace of illegal mining, educational reform, governance and electoral reforms. 

Rev Gyamfi also called for reforms in electoral security deployment protocols and the creation of an independent commission for democratic integrity with prosecutorial powers and institutionalize civil service charter to protect public servants. 

He recommended the establishment of a biennial inter-party forum led by faith-based and traditional authorities. 

He informed the President that Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, were just returning from a meeting in Darka, Senegal where all the Catholic Bishops of West Africa, the ECOWAS region including Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Burkina Faso were present.  

He noted that they had very passionate discussions on the ongoings in our sub-region, views from the ground, from all the bishops. 

This, he said, was why they were compelled to speak to the growing sense of disillusionment among the people in the sub-region and even in their country.  

Rev Gyamfi reiterated that trust in democratic institutions was waning and electoral participation, while still robust by global standards, had declined from 85 per cent in 2016 to 60.9 per cent in 2024. 

He said this downturn in electoral participation tells a lot and underscores a growing sense of disengagement among the electorate, particularly and dangerously among the youth.  

6 / 7

He noted that the reduced turnout reflects broader concerns about the efficacy of democratic processes in addressing pressing national issues; adding that more worryingly, many young Ghanaians now express disaffection with politics as a vehicle for real change. 

He said the perception that politics was transactional and exclusive must be confronted.  

“We must make democracy work, not just periodically at polls, but persistently through policy, equity, and inclusion,” he said. 

He said further: “Mr President, we have national unity challenges. Political polarization has intensified, deepening mistrust between ethnic, regional, and partisan lines. Land disputes, chief tenancy conflicts, and vigilantism persist in flashpoint areas. Electoral violence persists in our democracy.”  

Rev Gyamfi said even though Ghana had successfully conducted nine elections between 1992 and 2024 and peacefully transferred power from one government to the other on four occasions in the fourth republic, yet electoral violence had been an enduring feature across all general elections and most by-elections in the country.  

Rev Gyamfi said the CDD Ghana report indicated that during the election 2024, there were 76 incidents, 24 were cases of destruction, seizure, vandalism and invasion of public facilities, while 46 were injuries with six deaths. 

He said there were also allegations of partisan dismissals and political vindictiveness against successive regimes, all of these regimes for these 32 years. 

The bishops appealed to President Mahama to use the massive support that Ghanaians had given him the mandate and even the ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) control of Parliament, to use the occasion, the opportunity, and the chance to rationalize Article 71 payments and link public service remuneration to national equity. 

He urged the Government to prioritize labor-absorbing infrastructure projects, expand and depoliticise Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEA) programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and passing campaign funding regulations with independent audits. 

He said reflecting on these developments, it becomes imperative for both church and states to collaborate more closely in fostering civic education and engagement.  

He said by reinforcing the values of participatory governance and accountability, they could work towards revitalizing public trust and ensuring that democracy serves the prosperity of all Ghanaians. 

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“As shepherds of souls, we do not seek to govern, but we are called to guide, to remind, and to raise our voice when the nation’s conscience trembles,” Rev Gyamfi said. 

He added: “Mr President, let us build a politics that serves not itself, but the people. A politics that is not about the survival of the fittest, but about the flourishing of the weakest. A politics where governance is not only performance, but a moral vocation.” 

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah 

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana has decided to maintain the policy rate at 28 percent, following its 124th scheduled meeting.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing in Accra on Friday, May 23, 2025, the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Johnson Asiama, stated that the decision was reached unanimously after a thorough assessment of recent economic developments.

Read the full speech delivered by the Governor below:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the press. Thank you for attending this press briefing of the Monetary Policy Committee, following the 124th regular meetings which evaluated recent economic developments and assessed the risks to the inflation and growth outlook.

This briefing is meant to share with the press a summary of the key discussions and the Committee’s decision on the monetary policy stance as part of our commitment to transparency and accountability. Global economic developments in the first four months of the year were characterised by low growth prospects, unsynchronised disinflation outcomes, and restrictive global financial conditions, driven largely by significant headwinds associated with the trade policy shifts in the United States.

The potential spillover effects of the imposition of the trade tariffs by the United States and counter-tariff measures have heightened policy uncertainty, weakened investor sentiments, and lowered global growth prospects.

In the event, monetary policy decisions by central banks have been mixed, reflecting divergence in inflation outcomes. While some countries have adopted tighter-for-longer stance, others have cut policy rates, citing gradual ease in inflation towards central bank targets.

On the domestic front, the Bank’s high frequency real sector indicators point to a sustained pickup in economic activity. The updated Composite Index of Economic Activity increased by 2.3 percent year-on-year in March 2025, compared with 1.0 percent over the same period last year, mainly driven by exports, credit to the private sector, and construction activities.

In addition, the Ghana Purchasing Managers’ Index rose above the 50-benchmark as output and new orders increased, signaling improved growth prospects. Based on easing inflationary pressures and optimism about macroeconomic conditions, the latest confidence surveys showed significant improvement in consumer and business indices, the highest in the last seven years.

Headline inflation has declined consecutively in the first four months of the year by 2.6 percentage points to 21.2 percent in April 2025, driven by both food and non-food inflation.

A confluence of factors, including tight monetary policy stance, stepped-up liquidity sterilization efforts, downward revisions in ex-pump petroleum prices, and exchange rate stability have supported the gradual decline in inflation.

The Bank’s core inflation measure, which excludes energy and utility prices, as well as inflation expectations of consumers, businesses, and the banking sector point to easing inflationary pressures.

Fiscal policy implementation so far has been broadly aligned with the 2025 Budget. In the first quarter of 2025, provisional data on budget execution indicated that although revenues fell below target, some expenditure rationalisation took place to accommodate the revenue shortfall.

The primary fiscal balance (on commitment basis) has also improved in the first quarter. At the end of March 2025, the stock of public debt stood at GH¢769.4 billion (55.0% of GDP), compared with GH¢726.7 billion (61.8% of GDP) at end-December 2024. Continued maintenance of a strict fiscal consolidation for the 2025 Fiscal Year will further strengthen the ongoing recovery process and firm up macroeconomic stability.

The external sector has continued to improve, with a record provisional current account surplus of US$2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, driven mainly by higher prices and increased production volumes of gold and cocoa, and strong remittance inflows.

The current account surplus, together with net outflows in the capital and financial account, resulted in an overall Balance of Payments surplus of US$1.1 billion.

The strong external performance resulted in significant reserve accumulation. Gross International Reserves (GIR) amounted to US$10.7 billion in April 2025, equivalent to 4.7 months of import of goods and services. Broadly, the external sector outlook remains favourable, largely anchored on expectations of increased gold and cocoa export receipts, as well as inflows from remittances.

The cedi has rebounded strongly against the major trading currencies driven by a combination of factors, including tight monetary policy stance, ongoing fiscal consolidation, record reserve accumulation, strict enforcement of foreign exchange market rules, and improved market sentiment.

In the year to May 21, 2025, the cedi had appreciated against all the major currencies – 24.1 percent against the US dollar, 16.2 percent against the British pound, and 14.1 percent against the euro.

The latest forecast points to continued easing of inflationary pressures on the back of tight monetary policy stance, exchange rate stability, and fiscal consolidation. Inflation is expected to ease faster towards the medium-term target in the first quarter of 2026 as opposed to the second quarter as earlier envisaged, barring unanticipated shocks.

Despite these positive developments, the Committee observed that the current level of inflation remains high relative to the medium-term target and will require maintaining the tight stance to reinforce the disinflation process. Under the circumstances, the Committee, by a unanimous decision, maintained the policy rate at 28.0 percent.

Additional Policy Measure

The Committee decided to amend the Dynamic Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) as follows:

• The CRR for all banks will now be maintained in their respective currencies.

This means that foreign currency reserves for foreign currency deposits and domestic currency reserves for domestic currency deposits.

This policy measure will become effective on June 5, 2025.

Accra, May 24, GNA – Qatar Charity, a leading international non-governmental organization, has commissioned a community development project under its Health, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative in the Obrayeko Bawjise community in the Awutu Senya West District.

The initiative includes the construction of a furnished clinic, a shallow borehole, and a housing facility aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare for the local population.

The ceremony was attended by community members, traditional leaders, and government population and led by the Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West and Deputy Minister of Works and Housing.

Also present were the District Health Director, Dr. Gerald Felix; Mr. Talala Eghan; and representatives of Qatar Charity.

The newly inaugurated facilities comprised a 25-meter shallow borehole, a 150-square-meter fully furnished clinic equipped with an outpatient department (OPD), consultation rooms, a laboratory, and a delivery suite.

Additionally, a 50-square-meter housing unit was built to accommodate medical staff.

Speaking at the ceremony, Madam Tetteh-Agbotui expressed her deep appreciation to Qatar Charity for its substantial contribution to improving healthcare and living conditions in the community.

She emphasized the importance of community ownership and urged residents to take good care of the new infrastructure.

“The development of this clinic and related facilities is a major step forward in enhancing the quality of life for the people of Obrayeko Bawjise,” she noted.

“We encourage all residents to maintain and make effective use of these assets.”

Dr. Gerald Felix, representing the District Health Directorate, assured community members and stakeholders that efforts would be made to operationalize the clinic swiftly to maximize its benefits.

He pledged the directorate’s commitment to providing the necessary personnel and resources to run the facility effectively.

Representatives of the Country Director of Qatar Charity, Mr. Hasan Ali Owda reiterated the organization’s dedication to rural development and social interventions.

He thanked community leaders for their collaboration and trust, stating that continued responsible use of the new facilities would encourage further support from the charity.

“We believe that if this facility is well utilized and maintained, it will serve as a model for future WASH projects in similar communities,” he stated.

Traditional leaders, including the Gyaasehene, Naa Adeimah II; Queen Mother Naakyei Gyanodei; Queen Mother Naakyei Adobah IV; and Zongo Chief Tijani Musah, were in attendance to bless and welcome the projects.

The queen mothers expressed their joy at the quality of the clinic, particularly the medical equipment.

“We expected a clinic, but what has been delivered exceeds our expectations. We are grateful,” they said.

Residents warmly welcomed the new clinic, borehole, and housing, expressing their gratitude to Qatar Charity during a tour of the facility.

Many highlighted their admiration for the well-equipped laboratory and delivery suite, calling the project a major turning point in the community’s development.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (Right) meets with EBID President, Dr George Donkor (Left)

The Minister for Finance and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has held his maiden meeting with the President of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, in Accra.

The meeting focused on the Bank’s performance and broader efforts to promote regional reintegration within ECOWAS.

Dr Donkor delivered a detailed presentation on the state of EBID, highlighting the institution’s significant progress, recovering from previous losses and now charting a positive financial trajectory.

As of the end of 2024, EBID had committed $4.5 billion in investments across the sub-region and is working towards securing improved ratings from international credit agencies.

Addressing the regional political context, Dr Forson reaffirmed the position of the ECOWAS Heads of State on the importance of reintegrating the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries that have exited the regional bloc.

He emphasised that their return is crucial for regional cohesion and sustainable development.

Dr Forson urged stakeholders to emulate the commitment of former President John Dramani Mahama, who is spearheading diplomatic efforts to bring the AES nations back into the ECOWAS fold.

He described President Mahama’s engagement as a demonstration of strong leadership at a critical time for the region.

The meeting marks a renewed drive by the leadership of EBID to deepen collaboration with member states and to advance inclusive economic growth across West Africa.

1. This will be direct and straight forward… no allegoric narrations. This is because the Cry Baby needs another knock and each time he refuses to heed the lesson from the previous knock, the next knock must be harder.

2. Mr. Incongruous Cry Baby has no sense of shame at all. Having failed to attract attention for some time now, Mr. Cry Baby [Incongruous is his first name] has once again started screaming. This time, the forum for his most infamous screams is Joy FM’s Top Story programme, not his favourite forum [and you know where].

3. Without any sense of compunction, Cry Baby “incongruously” lamented thus:

“If there are any group of people who have politicized this process it is the NDC government. Look at the band of lawyers representing the petitioners. Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, Mr. Thaddeus Sory a lawyer who has gone on record as representing all NDC figures in the past 8 years, and who is very much associated with the NDC, Oliver Barker- Vormawor a young man who worked with President Mahama in his office.”

4. That, indeed, is most incongruous. Who I ask, are the band of lawyers representing the Suspended Chief Justice? In just about a month you! Yes, Mr. Cry Baby has personally appeared in two of the four suits directly involving proceedings for the Chief Justice’s removal.

5. You were appointed Deputy Attorney-General by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo—hardly a coincidence. That appointment itself was incongruous. Your elevation to Attorney-General was even more so.

6. Do you recall the host of card-carrying NPP lawyers who surrounded you, not as a private legal practitioner, but as Attorney-General, during the Supreme Court proceedings on the vacant seats case?

7. And yet, without any shred of moral scruple, you allege that I represent an individual (Dan Ofori) solely because I am NDC-affiliated? Even though I represented this client long before the suspended Chief Justice was elevated to the Court of Appeal?

8. Allow me to refresh your memory on my legal diversity: Mr. Ambrose Dery—your colleague Minister—was my pupil master. Together, we defended Mallam Yusuf Isa, who was appointed by President Kufuor.

9. I shared a night at the Police Headquarters with Hon. O.B. Amoah, an NPP stalwart, during a politically sensitive case. I defended accused persons in the Issa Mobila criminal trial, a matter that became a major campaign point for the late President Mills.

10. The firm Kulendi @ Law can attest to the massive support I gave them in the Ghana @ 50 case. Were those accused persons in the Ghana @ 50 case NDC officials?

11. Ask Hon. Kwaku Kwarteng, I represented him in a matter easily perceived as political and anti-NDC. None of the cases I have cited involve the NDC, yet here you are, painting me with a partisan brush.

12. I am a professional, bound by Rule 65 of our legal ethics to represent anyone who retains me, subject only to certain exceptions. If your memory is programmed to interpret everything through an NDC lens, you have my sympathy.

13. In the light of all this, Mr. Cry Baby ridiculously boasted:

“If there is any Attorney-General who, from the start of his appointment, has stood up for the judiciary and spoken against attacks on the judiciary, it is myself.”

14. Your present battle is clearly incongruous. It has nothing to do with principle; it is a blatant effort at self-preservation. Even in that same Joy FM interview, Evans Mensah observed that you appeared before the Supreme Court—presided over by the suspended Chief Justice—under highly suspicious circumstances. And now you claim to be standing on principle?

15. As Attorney-General, you benefited from a stream of unanimous and often controversial decisions in politically charged cases. You were routinely excused for legal oversights that, in earlier years, would have drawn a scathing rebuke from the Supreme Court.

16. For the record: I went against my personal principles and appeared on several radio stations to defend the judiciary, despite being directly involved in related matters. I made it clear I would take action against anyone who maligned the judiciary—without any expectation of recognition.

17. And yet again, without hesitation, you proclaimed:

“It is about time good men of this country stood up for what is righteous and what is right.”

18. If all men in Ghana behaved like you, where will the good men be to be fighting a blasphemous cause you have the temerity to call “righteous and what is right?”

19. How can a Minister for Justice:
• Defend a Supreme Court ruling where an ex parte order was granted within two hours of filing—without hearing the other party?
• Communicate directly with an accused person behind the back of their counsel?
• Coach an accused person to implicate a co-accused?

20. Your initial injunction in the Assafuah proxy case was dismissed. Now, you reappear with the appropriate party and file yet another injunction. The audacity is staggering.

21. There is no Attorney-General who has contributed more to the low rating of the judiciary than you. You are the only Attorney-General who has never lost a case etc. What has changed?

22. No Attorney-General has done more to erode public trust in the judiciary than you. You wear your record of “never losing a case” as a badge of honour. What has changed now?

23. As I once asked: how did your legal acumen suddenly improve just because you became Attorney-General? Now that the mystique of that office has left you, you cling to a 3-2 loss as some kind of moral victory, because at least it wasn’t unanimous.

24. Let me say this clearly: stop the tantrums. The next “knock” may not be a gentle tap. It will land like a sledgehammer… In a hard cast-like manner, don’t be silly…

By Thaddeus Sory

Ahmed Ibrahim is the Minister of Local Government, Religion and Chieftaincy Affairs

Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Religion and Chieftaincy Affairs, says Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will play a central role in the government’s industrialisation drive.

He stated that the government planned to allocate 80 per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), approximately $2 million annually, to be disbursed directly to Assemblies to drive local economic growth.

He made the announcement at the third edition of the Made in Ghana Business Summit, held on the theme, “Promoting Regional Industrialisation and Business Integration in Ghana.”

The summit aimed to foster the consumption of locally made goods and services to drive national economic growth.

Organised by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, the event brought together Chief Executives, captains of industry, business leaders, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the country.

Ibrahim said decentralising resources empowers MMDAs to identify and invest in region-specific opportunities, aligning with the President’s vision for a nationwide “24-hour economy.”

He noted that key initiatives to drive economic growth in local communities include the Feed Ghana Programme, promoting food sovereignty through schools and community farms and the “Nkuko Kitikiti” Poultry Initiative.

The Minister said that due to the 24-Hour Economy Market prototype, the government will allocate 20 per cent of DACF funds, approximately GH₵825 million, to establish round-the-clock business hubs in every district, featuring warehouses, security services, and childcare facilities.

He disclosed that traditional leaders were collaborating with MMDAs to resolve land disputes and create agro-industrial land banks, while infrastructure improvements aim to attract private investors.

In the bid to enhance local consumption, he said the government intended to mandate public institutions to prioritise locally made goods.

Sam Ato Gaisie, Founder of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, emphasised the critical need for industrialisation and agribusiness in Ghana.

He said these sectors were crucial for the nation’s economic progress.

Gaisie stated that the “Made in Ghana Business Summit” was a vital platform for stakeholders to converge, share ideas, and strategise on advancing the economy through these priority areas.

He also stressed the importance of Technical and Vocational Training (TVET), advocating for the establishment of at least one major industry in each region to create jobs.

This, he said, would address unemployment challenges, especially given the influx of graduates.

Gaisie noted that such regional industries, tailored to local products, could employ thousands, counteracting job scarcity exacerbated by technological advancements in industrial processes.

play videoDr Johnson Pandit Asiama is the BoG Governor

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that, effective June 5, 2025, commercial banks will be required to hold cash reserves in the original currencies in which deposits were made.

According to the Central Bank, this policy adjustment is intended to strengthen financial sector stability and improve the transmission of monetary policy.

The decision follows the BoG’s amendment of its Dynamic Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) framework, which currently stands at 14%.

Previously, the CRR mandated banks to hold all reserves in the domestic currency (cedi) as a measure to tighten liquidity and stabilize inflation.

The BoG made the announcement during the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) press conference held on May 23, 2025.

“The Committee decided to amend the Dynamic Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) as follows: The CRR for all banks will now be maintained in their respective currencies. This means that foreign currency reserves will back foreign currency deposits, and domestic currency reserves will back domestic currency deposits. This policy measure will take effect on June 5, 2025,” the Governor said.

The revised policy aims to address concerns related to reserve requirements. Starting in June, foreign currency deposits will be backed by reserves held in the corresponding foreign currencies, while cedi deposits will continue to be backed by cedi reserves.

The Central Bank explained that this measure is also intended to reduce currency mismatches on bank balance sheets and minimize systemic risks, thereby supporting macroeconomic stability.

Additionally, in light of current inflationary pressures and exchange rate developments, the BoG decided to maintain the monetary policy rate at 28%.

“The latest forecast points to continued easing of inflationary pressures, supported by a tight monetary policy stance, exchange rate stability, and fiscal consolidation. Inflation is now expected to ease faster and reach the medium-term target in the first quarter of 2026, rather than the second quarter as previously projected, barring any unanticipated shocks,” the Governor said.

“Despite these positive developments, the Committee observed that the current level of inflation remains high relative to the medium-term target and thus decided to maintain the policy rate at 28.0%,” he added.

SSD/MA

A 22-year-old British national, Browne-Frater Chyna Jada, has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly attempting to export 17.92kg of suspected cannabis, valued at $232,960.

She faces charges of attempted exportation of narcotic drugs, conspiracy to commit a crime, and unlawful possession or control of narcotic drugs without lawful authority.

The court, presided over by Mrs Susan Eduful, did not take her plea.

It indicated that officials of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) were awaiting an analytical report from the Ghana Standards Authority.

The charges and facts were read to Browne-Frater in open court.

Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi, holding brief for the prosecution, opposed a bail application, citing the accused as a flight risk.

He further stated that an accomplice, identified as “Joey”, remained at large.

Defence counsel, however, applied for bail, arguing that Browne-Frater had reliable sureties and would not interfere with investigations.

The application was denied.

The prosecution informed the court that witnesses in the case are NACOC officers stationed at Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport.

Browne-Frater, born on 27 October 2002, is a British citizen holding a valid United Kingdom passport issued on 15 January 2021 and due to expire on 15 January 2031.

She was scheduled to board British Airways flight BA 2066 from Accra to London.

NACOC stated that it had received intelligence from foreign counterparts regarding a drug trafficking syndicate smuggling Thai-grown cannabis into the United Kingdom.

Browne-Frater was identified as a person of interest and placed on the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Stop List.

On 18th May 2025, at about 06:40 hours, GIS officials apprehended her at the airport’s departure hall and handed her over to NACOC officers.

Upon interrogation, Browne-Frater claimed she had checked in one suitcase but was unaware of its contents.

Officers traced and offloaded the suitcase from the aircraft.

Browne-Frater was escorted to the NACOC Arrival Office, where the suitcase—bearing a tag in her name—was opened in her presence.

Thirty-two vacuum-sealed slabs of a plant-like substance suspected to be cannabis were retrieved.

A field test conducted on the substance tested positive for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component in cannabis. The total weight was 17.92kg.

Browne-Frater was arrested and taken to NACOC Headquarters for further investigation.

In her statement, she claimed she was invited to Ghana by her boyfriend, “Joey”, who packed the suitcase in her absence.

She said she was informed the suitcase contained “Kpoo Keke” alcoholic beverage, Alomo Bitters, and spices.

Browne-Frater has denied knowledge of the narcotic haul. Her accomplice, “Joey”, remains at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend him.

The seized exhibit was sealed in the presence of Browne-Frater and will be sent to the Ghana Standards Authority for further analysis.

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.

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has assured football fans and stakeholders that a new headline sponsor for the Ghana Premier League (GPL) will be announced soon.

This comes in the wake of the abrupt termination of betPawa’s sponsorship deal, which left the country’s premier football competition without a title sponsor. The betting company had initially signed a three-year agreement with the GFA, including provisions for annual renewal. However, the deal was unexpectedly discontinued just three months into its duration.

With just three rounds of matches remaining in the 2024/25 GPL season, Okraku—who also serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)—revealed during an interview with GHOne TV that efforts are well underway to secure a replacement.

“The Ghana Football Association has been working around the clock to get sponsors for the league, and it will come soon,” he stated confidently.

The GFA is optimistic that the incoming sponsorship will help rejuvenate the league, restore financial support, and boost morale among clubs and fans alike.

play videoDr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor

Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has assured the public that Ghanaians can expect to see reductions in the prices of goods and services in the coming weeks, following the recent appreciation of the Cedi against the US Dollar, provided market competition is strong.

Speaking at the 124th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press conference in Accra on Friday, May 23, 2025, Dr Asiama acknowledged concerns about the delayed impact of the Cedi’s gains on retail prices.

He explained that the lag is partly due to the timing of stock purchases by traders.

“You can understand that some people stock their goods at a higher exchange rate, and so naturally, even with the appreciation, it takes a while for you to see that adjustment,” Dr Asiama said.

“However, rest assured that you will see the adjustment certainly so long as there is competition, so long as it is not a monopoly, and we will see that kind of phenomenon very soon,” he added.

On the sustainability of the Cedi’s appreciation, Dr Asiama said the BoG had carefully reviewed the dynamics behind the currency’s movement and found no indication that it would harm Ghana’s competitiveness in real terms.

“The Cedi appreciation has to be put into proper context. Much as you want to have Cedi stability in nominal terms, the important thing here is to ensure that in real terms, the Cedi is not appreciating persistently,” he said.

“The MPC went into a lot of deliberations, looked at the real movement of the exchange rate, and we think that where we are now, we don’t have that problem of real appreciation that would adversely impact our competitiveness,” he explained.

Dr Asiama however emphasised that the recent appreciation of the Cedi is market-driven and not the result of direct intervention by the central bank.

“The appreciation is largely driven by the markets, it is not something that the central bank is using its reserves for. If you look at the data pack we have put out, you can see that our reserve programme is growing, so we are not using our reserves to intervene in the market,” he noted.

He credited the gains to sound economic policy and positive international inflows, adding, “For us, it is about maintaining exchange rate stability.”

Before responding to the questions, Dr Asiama announced that the MPC had decided to maintain the policy rate at 28 percent, signaling the BoG’s continued cautious stance in the face of inflation risks and external uncertainties.

MA

Private legal practitioner Nii Kpakpo Samoa has asserted that no aspect of the ongoing proceedings to remove suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo can legally be made public under the current constitutional framework.

His remarks come in response to comments by Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who has opposed the in-camera nature of the hearings.

Dame, who also serves as the legal representative for the Chief Justice, argued that the hearings should be held publicly due to the intense scrutiny and reputational harm already suffered by Justice Torkornoo.

“It cannot be a secret. There ought to be light on the proceedings because she has already been damaged in the public domain,” Dame told Citi News on Thursday, May 22, emphasizing that transparency is essential to ensuring fairness, particularly given the political and public interest in the case.

However, speaking during a panel discussion on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, May 24, Kpakpo Samoa disagreed, insisting that the Supreme Court has already offered a definitive interpretation on the matter.

“The interpretation as it stands now from the Supreme Court is that in-camera is in-camera, and they have given very sound reasons why it is from the beginning to the end,” he said.

He further explained that the constitutional requirement for in-camera proceedings is designed to safeguard both the subject of the investigation and the integrity of the process.

“But here is also the flip side of it,” he added. “If I am the subject of the petition and I elect to make it public, am I exercising a personal right against a constitutional provision that says no? That is something the court may have to look at.”

Nonetheless, Samoa maintained that unless the Supreme Court revises its position, the process must remain confidential.

“If you try to injunct the process, according to the Supreme Court ruling, you are seeking to subvert the Constitution,” he added.

Godfred Dame: Chief Justice removal probe must be public

Professor of Food Integrity Engineering at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ernest Teye, has proposed the establishment of a mobile food integrity laboratory to help improve food safety detection onsite and reduce the incidence of food fraud in the country and sub-region.

The proposed mobile lab is a compact, bag-sized unit that combines a hand-held device with a well-tested algorithm capable of assessing both the authenticity and quality of food items in real time.

The portable device employs rapid, non-destructive and chemical-free technology, allowing for onsite testing without the need for a full laboratory setup.

Professor Teye explained that the innovation offered a safe, affordable and multi-purpose solution that could be used on various food products.

It is designed to assist regulators, producers, processors and exporters in verifying the integrity of food commodities at different points along the supply chain.

Visit, impact

Prof. Teye showcased the innovation during a presentation session with the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, who was on a working visit to the university.

Prof. Teye showcased the innovation during a presentation session with the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, who was on a working visit to the university.

The visit aimed to strengthen academic, industrial and research collaborations between UCC and institutions in the United Kingdom, especially in innovative research addressing societal challenges.

The UCC engineer mentioned that the mobile food integrity lab would be crucial in addressing the increasing prevalence of food adulteration, particularly in markets where laboratory infrastructure is inadequate or absent.

“The mobile lab will empower our food monitoring systems to act swiftly and effectively, especially in underserved areas,” he said.

Findings

Citing findings from recent studies, Prof. Teye revealed that up to 35 per cent of certain food products sampled from major markets were found to be adulterated.

These included honey, tomato paste, juice, turmeric, oregano, gari and vegetable oil.

Per his research conducted in 2022 showed that over 25 per cent of rice, powdered milk, honey, palm oil and tomato paste samples collected from urban markets failed food integrity tests.

“These are not isolated issues.

We are increasingly finding adulterated food items in both locally produced and imported products.

This mobile lab provides a proactive solution,” he stated. 

As a general measure, he advised the public to consume food with shorter supply chains by eating local, and to support the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) by following its safety protocols.

He demonstrated the effectiveness of the technology using samples of palm oil, rice, turmeric powder, cocoa beans, pineapple and tomatoes.

Opportunities

Ms Thompson commended UCC for its commitment to practical, impact-driven research and reaffirmed the British High Commission’s support for continued partnerships with UK research institutions.

She further mentioned that there were enormous opportunities from UK-funded research programmes, which UCC could take advantage of, adding, “We will continue to support such meaningful partnerships.”

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.