By Francis Kwabena Cofie 

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA – Mr Ibrahim Faila Fussein, the Municipal Chief Executive for La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, has urged residents to remain united and support to achieve the development aspirations of the municipality. 

He said this was needed to help build the foundation of progress for the area. 

Mr. Fussein gave the advice at the maiden community engagement held at the Queen and Peace Catholic Church at Madina in Accra.  

It was attended by opinion leaders, assembly members, traditional leaders, the clergy, civil society groups, religious groups, among others. 

The rationale of community engagement was to seek a common consensus on how to achieve the development of aspirations of the municipality. 

It was also to assess the five months of stewardship of the present local administration and solicit input from participants on the strategy for future progress. 

The Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936) specifically sections 40, 41 and 42 mandates that all district assemblies hold community engagements. 

The MCE outlined key strides made by the assembly in areas such as sanitation and environmental health, revenue mobilization, education, and health among others.  

Touching on the 24-hour economy, he announced that efforts were underway towards the local implementation of the flagship economic policy of the government in the municipality.  

To this end, he hinted that Zongo Junction would be transformed into a vibrant, safe, and well-regulated commercial hub operating productively around the clock, with coordinated services, lighting, and policing. 

He said expected outcomes would include extended economic activity and job opportunities within a safer, cleaner, better–lit trading environment. 

Mr Fussein indicated that there would be a stronger link between LANMMA and the national 24-hour economy agenda and increased confidence for investors and youth entrepreneurship. 

“We are now at the consideration stage and very soon, we will hold a stakeholders’ engagement to design a local implementation,” he stated. 

He described baseless and malicious allegations making the rounds within certain quarters that he was involved in the sale of public lands.  

“By law as in section 236 of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), the Municipal Assembly has a responsibility to protect state land within its jurisdiction against encroachment and unauthorized occupation,” he said. 

Mr Fussein said La Nkwantanang Madina would continue to remain peaceful, adding that “we would not allow reckless talk to divide our front or create fear among the people. “ 

“I will continue to serve with humility, honesty and courage while prioritizing accountability because it is at the heart of leadership,” emphasized. 

Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for the area, commended the MCE and the assembly for organizing the event, describing it as a viable medium of accountability and bringing direct information to the people.  

He said information and development were at the center of politics and that such forums help bring accurate information to the people, which was critical to making informed judgements and decisions by the people.  

Mr Sosu questioned the logic of using nine months to repair what somebody has destroyed in the long stretch of eight years, saying “It is important to bring the right information to the doorstep of the people to make their own judgements.” 

He mentioned his social and human development programmes including education and health, which have been implemented in the last nine months, and that he has been dedicated to this cause since the inception of the present administration.  

He said as part of his social intervention policies, about 7,000 people were impacted in the last four years at the job centre, a creation by his outfit.  

He indicated that, this year, the outfit began the Madina Chamber of Commerce, a scheme by which about 100 businesses in the municipality would be identified and formalized to potentially receive international business connections and opportunities to boost their operation and profitability. 

Mr Sosu said he continued with his free legal support scheme and urged residents to avail themselves at legal offices on Thursdays to receive free legal aid support on matters they were just contesting, including all legal cases. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade 

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications, has stated that on Wednesday, November 12, President John Dramani Mahama will officially launch the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme in Kumasi.

While details of the programme have not been fully disclosed, it is expected to focus on community development and youth empowerment initiatives in line with the government’s social intervention agenda.

The week will culminate on Thursday, November 13, with the Finance Minister presenting the 2026 Budget in Parliament.

The budget is anticipated to include far-reaching policy initiatives aimed at economic growth, job creation, and social welfare improvements, as well as strategies to strengthen fiscal discipline and resource mobilisation across key sectors.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu described the week as “very important,” emphasising that these events collectively highlight the government’s commitment to accountability, development, and public engagement.

Helicopter crash: Full report to be presented to National Security Council on Monday

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By Kingsley Asiedu

The General Secretary of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, Gifty Loveluck Naana Fianu, has clarified that the prices of vehicle spare parts are not directly linked to fuel prices, but rather to the high import duties and related costs faced by importers.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with NewsGhanaonline, Mrs. Fianu emphasized that while recent reductions in fuel prices have been welcomed, they do not translate into automatic decreases in the cost of spare parts.

“Our goods depend on the dollar rate and import duty. The dollar rate is now stable, which is good for us, but the duty remains very high, and it’s not making things easy,” she said.

She explained that numerous expenses are incurred before imported goods reach the local market — from visa fees and air tickets to freight charges, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHAPOHA) fees, and demurrage costs.

“When the Ports Authority works out the duty for you and you delay payment, extra charges start to build up after one week, and if you still can’t pay after two weeks, demurrage begins. Later, penalties follow, and finally, your goods risk being auctioned,” Mrs. Fianu lamented.

She appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise of instituting a fixed exchange rate system for importers, which she believes would stabilize spare parts prices and ease the financial burden on traders.

“If there is a fixed rate, it will help us a lot. We also urge the government to work with banks so that they can lift our containers from the ports to a safe place while we negotiate payments. The demurrage we pay doesn’t even stay in Ghana; it goes elsewhere,” she noted.

While commending the government’s overall performance, Mrs. Fianu urged authorities to urgently address inefficiencies at the ports to help traders reduce operational costs and prevent further hardship.

She also appealed to customers to exercise patience and negotiate prices reasonably, stressing that the market remains flexible through bargaining.

“When petrol prices come down, it doesn’t mean spare parts prices must also drop. Please, when you come to buy, bargain. There’s a lot that goes into bringing these parts to your doorstep,” she said.

Mrs. Fianu concluded by urging the government to review import duties to make them more affordable, saying that only then will the prices of spare parts reduce significantly.

By [Kingsley Asiedu], Accra

The curtain has fallen on the three-day Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Triennale conference in Accra, with African education ministers, experts, and policymakers pledging to “walk the talk” on advancing inclusive, sustainable, and technology-driven education across the continent.

The conference, which began on October 29, brought together delegates from more than 40 African nations, development partners, and international organizations under the theme “Walking the Talk: Actualizing Sustainable and Inclusive Education for Africa and Beyond.”

The closing ceremony featured the endorsement of key policy recommendations and renewed commitments to strengthen foundational learning, enhance digital literacy, and boost domestic education financing.

Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Education Reform

Speaking at a press conference after the official closing, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak, thanked ADEA and participating countries for their confidence in Ghana’s ability to host such a continental event.

“All too soon, this very memorable event has come to an end,” Apaak said. “We are prepared to walk the talk. The knowledge and expertise shared here show that Africa has the human resource and the brains needed to address our educational challenges.”

Apaak highlighted Ghana’s priorities in digital literacy, artificial intelligence in education, and early childhood development. He said the government is committed to integrating AI in both teaching and learning while safeguarding against potential misuse.

“AI is now the talk of our time. We are making strenuous efforts to deploy it not only for learners, but also for teachers and school leaders. However, we must ensure the necessary safeguards so that it becomes a catalyst for positive outcomes,” he said.

The deputy minister also underscored the government’s renewed focus on foundational learning and mother-tongue instruction, noting that early education in familiar languages improves comprehension and learning outcomes.

“It was never about dropping English,” Apaak clarified. “We are adopting a bilingual approach that recognizes the importance of local languages in early education while maintaining English as a medium of instruction. This is about enhancing learning, not excluding anyone.”

On education financing, Apaak echoed Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s earlier remarks, stressing the need for African nations to mobilize domestic resources for education.

“We cannot always look outside for funding. If we believe education is the most important factor in national development, then we must find the resources ourselves,” he said, referencing Ghana’s Education Trust Fund (GETFund) as a model.

ADEA Calls for Action Beyond

Accra

ADEA Executive Secretary Albert Nsengiyumva praised Ghana’s leadership and called for concrete follow-up to the policy commitments made during the Triennale.

“Our challenge now is to ensure that what we have discussed here does not end in reports and declarations,” Nsengiyumva said. “The Triennale should be the beginning of implementation, not the end.”

He highlighted several key takeaways, including the launch of a new Foundational Learning Transformation (FLiT) Facility, designed to strengthen the capacities of education ministries to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes.

Nsengiyumva urged African governments to take greater responsibility for education financing and to adopt innovative models such as public-private partnerships and results-based funding.

“The era of big donor funding is fading. Africa must lead in financing its education sector. This is about ownership and accountability,” he said.

He also emphasized the need to integrate vocational and technical training into secondary education to better align with labor market demands.

“We cannot continue producing graduates without employable skills. We must prepare young people to compete in the job market, not just in the classroom,” Nsengiyumva added.

Key Policy Recommendations

Adopted

Dr. Araba Osei Tutu, one of the conference rapporteurs, presented the summary of outcomes and policy recommendations under eight thematic areas.

Among the key resolutions were:

Ÿ Reimagining Financing for Education: Commit at least 20% of national budgets to education, develop a continental education financing framework, and improve transparency in fund management.

Ÿ Strengthening Foundational Learning: Prioritize multilingualism, invest in data-driven education planning, and scale up contextualized teaching methods.

Ÿ Transforming Secondary and Technical Education: Align skills training with labor market demands and promote STEM and digital skills.

Ÿ Repositioning Higher Education and Research: Encourage cross-country collaboration, invest in research and innovation, and promote responsible use of AI.

Ÿ Using Evidence and Digital Technology: Build robust data systems and strengthen policymakers’ capacity to use data effectively.

Ÿ Inclusive Education and Climate Adaptation: Institutionalize second-chance education and promote gender-responsive and climate-resilient school infrastructure.

“Africa has the expertise and the knowledge. What we need now is to take the next steps—to walk the talk,” Dr. Osei Tutu said.

Looking Ahead

ADEA officials announced that the conference resolutions will be compiled and circulated among member states for further input before the final communiqué is presented to African education ministers and the African Union.

Nsengiyumva said ADEA will continue to act as a “facilitator and convener,” supporting member countries in implementing the recommendations.

As delegates departed Accra, the mood was one of optimism and shared responsibility.

“Education is not just the business of teachers or ministries. It is about all of us—the future of our continent and our children,” Nsengiyumva concluded.

About the ADEA Triennale:
The ADEA Triennale is the continent’s premier high-level forum on education and training in Africa. Held every three years, it provides a platform for policymakers, researchers, and development partners to share knowledge and shape policies that drive educational transformation across the continent.

By Muyid Deen Suleman 

Kumasi, Nov. 9, GNA – Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has warned that the escalating threat of illegal mining, if not urgently mitigated, could “engulf the entire nation” and jeopardize Ghana’s future. 

Addressing the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Dinner held at the Jubilee Auditorium in the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene characterized the menace as a “mafia-like” operation that had insidiously proliferated, undermining the nation’s environmental integrity, governance structures, and ethical standards. 

“We are increasingly resembling a mafia scenario, where, if we are not exceedingly vigilant, it’s bound to engulf us all,” the Asantehene cautioned.  

He stated that “We must approach this issue with utmost seriousness. We tend to trivialize it or dismiss its gravity, but it is indeed critical.”‎ 

He interrogated why successive governments and political figures had faltered in taking decisive measures against illegal mining, insinuating that political expediency and the quest for electoral support had obstructed the requisite bold actions.‎ 

“I have pondered whether it is due to political considerations, the pursuit of votes that we are unable to implement resolute decisions regarding these offenders,” he remarked. ‎ 

The Asantehene implored chiefs, local authorities, and the media to assume proactive roles in exposing and combating illegal mining activities within their domains.‎ 

He said that the issue continued to afflict areas within his own traditional jurisdiction and has instructed his chiefs to adopt stringent measures to safeguard their lands from devastation.‎ 

Otumfuo commended journalists who had jeopardized their safety to report on environmental degradation and corruption, emphasizing that their efforts were vital in fostering transparency and accountability.‎‎ 

He also lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed commitment to safeguarding press freedom and media protection, as highlighted in the President’s address. 

“You have the assurance that you will be safeguarded,” the Asantehene said, urging the media to persist in upholding professionalism and integrity.‎‎ 

The Asantehene conveyed his gratitude to the GJA national and Ashanti regional executives for hosting this year’s awards in Kumasi, deeming it a significant honour for the Ashanti Kingdom.‎ 

He revealed that although the event coincided with traditional observances such as Dapaa and Akwasidae, he chose to attend personally out of profound respect for the Association. 

‎‎“The date selected was traditionally inappropriate for me as today marks Dapaa and tomorrow is Akwasidae. However, due to my high regard for the GJA, which holds a special place in my heart, I resolved to be present,” he stressed 

The Asantehene noted that the diversity and professionalism exhibited by award recipients, particularly female journalists, attested to the Association’s promising future.‎‎ 

He congratulated all awardees for their accomplishments and unwavering commitment to credible journalism.‎ 

He rewarded both female and the overall journalist of the year with and amount of GHC 25,000 each in recognition of their hard work.  

GNA  

Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Christian Akorlie  

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been elected President of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) at the organisation’s 9th Biennial General Meeting held in Accra last week.

Mr. Bagbin accepted the continental role and pledged to promote integrity in public life and support Africa’s collective fight against corruption.

The election comes a few weeks after the Speaker was appointed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, joining seven other parliamentarians from around the world.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Bagbin commended the outgoing President and Board Members of APNAC for their service, describing their leadership as a firm foundation for the new administration.

“The Network remains thankful for their dedication, collective wisdom, and lasting contribution,” he said.

The Speaker pledged to work closely with legislators across Africa to advance APNAC’s objectives, noting that progress in the fight against corruption would depend on unity and cooperation among member parliaments.

“Collective effort is vital to strengthening parliaments, improving accountability, and building a continent where integrity is upheld as a standard practice,” Mr. Bagbin stated.

The IPU President, in an earlier statement, said Mr. Bagbin’s “integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust with all parties” informed his appointment to the Russia-Ukraine peace Task Force.

The IPU Task Force, which was established in March 2022, has so far held more than thirteen meetings and conducted diplomatic missions to Kyiv and Moscow.

As part of his duties, Mr. Bagbin will attend in-person meetings during IPU Assemblies and take part in hearings and discussions with both Ukrainian and Russian parliamentary delegations.

The African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption is a continental body that brings together legislators dedicated to tackling corruption through parliamentary oversight, policy reform, and institutional accountability.

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.

Ato Forson (M) with an entourage at the site

Ahead of the 2026 Budget presentation, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has given assurances that work is set to resume on the stalled Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment site, in 2026.

In a post on his X handle on November 8, the minister, who had paid a visit to the site, reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalise the space for thousands of traders and families.

He noted that the contractor will return “early next year” as the government concludes its ongoing debt-restructuring exercise.

“I journeyed to Takoradi yesterday to inspect the abandoned Market Circle project. Standing at the heart of this vibrant city, the site reminded me of the immense promise it holds for thousands of traders and families.

“I’m pleased to assure our compatriots there that the contractor will return to the site early next year as we conclude the ongoing debt restructuring,” he said.

President Mahama pledges to complete stalled Takoradi Market Circle project

The Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment, initiated to transform the commercial hub in the twin-city of Sekondi‑Takoradi in the Western Region, has faced repeated delays.

The project, which was launched in 2022, was touted as a major commercial infrastructure investment in the region.

The project was suspended in March 2023 as part of a government decision to meet the conditionalities set by the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.

In September 2025, the contractor claimed that the suspension of works had cost up to €30 million.

With the visit coinciding with the upcoming budget, Minister Forson’s pledge signals that the project will be among the government’s infrastructure priorities.

However, this promise hinges on the conclusion of Ghana’s debt-restructuring process.

See the post below:

Ahead of the 2026 Budget Presentation on Thursday, November 13, 2025, I journeyed to Takoradi yesterday to inspect the abandoned Market Circle project.

Standing at the heart of this vibrant city, the site reminded me of the immense promise it holds for thousands of traders and… pic.twitter.com/8IeQ6eSKFl

— Cassiel Ato Forson (PhD) (@Cassielforson) November 9, 2025

ID/AE

Watch the promo to GhanaWeb’s latest documentary, which uncovers the evolution of ‘kayamata,’ an exploitative practice fueled by love charms and manipulation, titled, “The Dark Side of Kayamata,’ below:

Amid the menace of a highly dysfunctional Ghanaian society where systems do not work and everyone is in pursuit of his or her personal parochial interests, a Ghanaian Professor is calling for a moral awakening to save the Nation from itself.

The US-based Ghanaian professor of accounting and legal practitioner, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, widely known as Prof Kwaku Azar, has observed that Ghana is currently a nation sinking under its own choices.

He has therefore issued a piercing reflection on Ghana’s struggle with illegal mining and corruption, arguing that the country’s problem is not a lack of laws, policies, or speeches, but a lack of conscience.

In an emotional social media post sighted by The High Street Journal, Prof. Azar said Ghana’s predicament is the “arithmetic of selfishness,” warning that until citizens undergo a quiet personal evolution, which is a change of heart and mindset, the nation will continue to suffer the disorder and dysfunction it has created for itself.

“The antidote is not grand speeches, new slogans, or more laws that will go unenforced. It is a quiet personal revolution, choosing the common good even when no one is watching,” he noted.

Galamsey: Trading Tomorrow’s Water for Today’s Cash

Taking a cursory look at the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, he noted that it is a reflection of the country’s moral crisis. Prof. Azar lamented how Ghanaians knowingly destroy their own future for short-term gain.

He stressed that everyone knows galamsey poisons our rivers and destroys our farmlands, yet too many close their eyes because a cousin, a brother, or a financier benefits.

“We trade tomorrow’s water for today’s cash and act surprised when the taps run dry,” he lamented.

He argued that the fight against galamsey cannot be won merely through enforcement or new regulations when the public mindset still tolerates and even protects wrongdoers. “If enough people think, ‘I must get mine,’ then no one ends up with anything worth having,” he warned.

The Root of the Problem: Selfish Ambition

Prof. Azar traced Ghana’s corruption and dysfunction to what he called the eclipse of “we” by “me”. He explained that this is a culture where personal gain trumps collective good.

He said when the pursuit of me eclipses the concern for we, the results are predictable, which are the erosion of trust, the decay of institutions, and the normalization of dysfunction. He explained that the country’s biggest tragedy is not only in the acts of corruption or environmental destruction, but in the “quiet consent of citizens who see wrongdoing and shrug.”

Quoting the Bible, he cited James 3:16: “For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” He noted that selfish ambition has become Ghana’s “national creed,” turning disorder into a way of life.

Public Office and Everyday Hypocrisy

The professor also took aim at Ghana’s political culture, where public office is often seen as a personal inheritance rather than a public trust. “We cheer those who loot smartly, justify those who share the loot, and vilify those who expose it,” he lamented.

He extended this hypocrisy to daily life, from bribing police officers to breaking traffic rules, saying that the nation’s moral decay is visible everywhere.

“The road is a daily referendum on our respect for rules. We speed, overlap, ignore red lights, and curse the police, all in the name of urgency. Each of us is in a hurry; collectively, we go nowhere. The chaos on our roads mirrors the chaos in our politics: everyone competing to get ahead, few caring about direction,” he continued to vent.

According to him, grand anti-corruption campaigns and “stop galamsey” slogans are meaningless if citizens themselves keep bending the rules for personal gain.

A Call for Personal Accountability

Prof. Azar believes Ghana’s transformation will not come from government pronouncements but from personal responsibility, from ordinary citizens deciding to do what’s right even when no one is watching.

For him, a nation changes not when leaders preach virtue, but when citizens practice it. He stressed that until we see that our good is bound up in the common good, our misery will continue to exceed our means.

“And as long as selfish ambition remains the engine of our choices, James’s warning will echo in every sector of our national life, disorder, and every evil practice,” he emphasized.

The Takeaway

Prof. Azar’s reflections are about the soul of a nation. He is emphatic that this is not the time for more laws, slogans, and campaigns will keep failing. He believes that unless citizens confront the mindset that excuses selfishness as survival.

He stresses that Ghana’s healing will begin not in Parliament or at a rally, but in the quiet decisions made by individuals to do right, even when it costs them.

Read More

When the morning mist settles over the cocoa farms of the Eastern Region, 57-year-old Mary Bampoh, in Akim Potroase, walks through rows of tall, green trees that stretch beyond sight. Her feet brush against fallen cocoa pods, and her eyes light up as she points to new trees growing among her cocoa.

“Before, I harvested only two bags every season,” she said. “Now, I get 15 to 20 bags. My cocoa farm is now money.”

For Mary and thousands of farmers across Ghana, the secret to better harvests is trees.

For decades, cocoa farming has been one of Ghana’s main drivers of deforestation. But that story is changing. Through the United Nations REDD+ initiative — Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation — farmers are learning to grow cocoa while restoring the very forests their livelihoods depend on.

With support from the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the African Forest Forum (AFF), farmers are being trained to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices that boost productivity while reducing pressure on forests.

“When this initiative came, they built my capacity on many things,” said Collins Akonnor, a cocoa farmer in Atewa West.

“We used to get just a few bags of cocoa. Now, we get much more. It has really helped to reduce poverty in our communities.”

Farmers receive tools such as cutlasses, Wellington boots, pruners, and motorized mist blowers, along with training in alternative livelihoods like beekeeping and mushroom cultivation. These efforts reduce the need to clear more forest for farming.

Planting hope across communities

Across four districts — Atewa East, Atewa West, Abuakwa South, and Denkyembour — more than 21,000 cocoa farmers from 166 communities have benefited from the programme. About 8,000 are women, and over 1,000 are people living with disabilities.

Each acre of a cocoa farm can hold 60 to 70 cocoa trees. Under the REDD+ system, farmers plant at least 20 shade trees per acre, creating a canopy that keeps the soil moist and protects biodiversity.

“They say trees compete with cocoa, but that’s not true,” Mary said. “The shade makes the cocoa grow better, and the environment is cooler.”

Beyond farming, communities are seeing broader improvements. According to a board member at the Forestry Commission’s Hotspot Intervention Areas, Reginald Osei Akoto, the programme has provided eight mechanised boreholes and 549 dual desks for local schools.

“These communities are improving both their livelihoods and their environment,” he said. “We’re seeing real social change because of forest protection.”

Reginald added that Ghana is making steady progress toward its carbon reduction goals.

“In 2019 and 2020, Ghana’s target was to reduce 10,000 tonnes of carbon, and we achieved about 8,000 tonnes. The following years have been even better.”

The bigger picture — Ghana’s cocoa forest REDD+ programme

Launched in 2019, Ghana’s Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme is the world’s first commodity-based initiative to reduce deforestation caused by cocoa farming.

The programme operates across seven regions — Western, Western North, Central, Bono, Ahafo, Ashanti, and Eastern — identified as Hotspot Intervention Areas (HIAs). Each HIA serves as a unit for local planning and benefit-sharing.

“The goal is to stop cocoa expansion into forest lands and encourage tree planting within cocoa farms,” said Ivy Ashiley, Benefit-Sharing Officer at the Ghana National REDD+ Secretariat.

“This helps reduce deforestation and improves yields at the same time.”

Through REDD+, communities can earn performance-based payments for protecting forests and reducing emissions. The initiative combines environmental protection with social benefits such as education, clean water, and alternative livelihoods.

From local action to global climate goals

The REDD+ initiative is not only transforming cocoa landscapes — it is helping Ghana meet its national and international climate commitments.

Under the Ghana National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, Ghana has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, create over one million jobs, and avoid 2,900 deaths due to improved air quality by 2030.

Forests play a key role in this target, serving as both carbon sinks and sources of livelihood.

By restoring degraded lands and integrating trees into cocoa farms, Ghana is contributing to global goals under the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Globally, more than 56 countries have adopted REDD+ as a tool to balance development with climate protection — and Ghana’s program is now seen as a model for others to follow.

Partnerships driving change

According to the Regional Coordinator for Africa at the Global Landscapes Forum, Amos Amanubo, Ghana’s progress shows what can happen when farmers, scientists, and policymakers work together.

“The work being done here is inspiring,” he said. “Communities are proving that indigenous knowledge and modern science can work hand in hand to fight climate change.”

The Forestry Commission, Cocoa Board, local governments, and international partners continue to collaborate to ensure sustainability and transparency in benefit sharing — a key principle of REDD+.

Ghana’s cocoa sector serves as a livelihood for over 1.5 million households and contributes billions to the national economy. But for years, its growth came at the cost of forests. Now, through REDD+, farmers are reversing that trend.

“The trees on our farms help the cocoa grow better, protect the environment, and even bring back birds,” Mary said. “We are farming differently now — and we are proud of it.”

As the world faces rising temperatures and shrinking forests, Ghana’s REDD+ story offers a hopeful example: that with the right support, local action can deliver global results.

“Without trees, there is no cocoa. And without cocoa, there is no life for us,” Mary said.

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.

Delft Imaging Ghana LTD, in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Ghana via, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP), has successfully concluded the ORIO Project – Accelerating Case Detection of Tuberculosis in Ghana.

The closing ceremony was held at the Alisa Hotel, Accra, and graced by the Dutch Ambassador to Ghana as the Guest Speaker, alongside key dignitaries from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Invest International, Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council, National Radiology Association (NRA),  Radiation Protection Institute (RPI), and several media organizations.

Launched as a bilateral Ghana–Netherlands partnership, the €21 million ORIO Project was designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and accelerate the early detection and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in line with the WHO End TB Strategy.

Project Achievements

Through the ORIO Project, Delft Imaging has:

• Supplied and installed 52 multifunctional digital X-ray systems nationwide.
  • Including 29 solar-powered containerized systems, 19 fixed-room X-ray systems, 2 mobile screening vans, and 2 portable units.
• Established a nationwide tele-radiology platform, enabling real-time image sharing and second opinions across healthcare facilities.
• Integrated Artificial Intelligence (CAD4TB) software to support automated TB detection from chest X-rays.
• Delivered comprehensive capacity building initiatives for:
  • 70 local engineers, 13 regional equipment managers, 5 second-line engineers,
  • 50 IT managers, 48 radiographers, 16 radiologists, and over 340 doctors and physician assistants across the country.
• Provided long-term maintenance and support, ensuring sustainability through a structured three-tier support model involving local, regional, and international teams.
• 

These efforts have enhanced TB detection, improved access to quality diagnostics, and empowered local health professionals with the latest digital imaging technology.

Event Highlights

The project closing ceremony marked a major milestone in Ghana’s progress toward universal access to modern tuberculosis (TB) screening technologies. Held on 6th November 2025 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the event celebrated the successful completion of the ORIO Project – Accelerating Case Detection of Tuberculosis in Ghana, highlighting its transformative impact on the country’s healthcare landscape.

The Dutch Ambassador to Ghana served as the Guest Speaker, commending the strong Ghana–Netherlands partnership and reaffirming the Netherlands’ continued commitment to advancing health innovation and diagnostic excellence in Ghana.

A central feature of the event was a plenary discussion, moderated by ace media journalist, Mr. Bernard Koku Avle, one of Ghana’s most respected broadcasters and thought leaders. Mr. Avle skillfully led the session titled “A 360° Reflection of the ORIO Project: Highlights, Successes, Lessons Learned and Challenges – Aligning with National TB Imaging Needs”, which examined the project’s impact and sustainability within Ghana’s health system.

The distinguished panel comprised:

• Elsie Appeadu, Managing Director, Delft Imaging Ghana LTD.
• Nicholas Adjabu, Head, Biomedical Engineering Unit (BEU), Ministry of Health
• Andrews Neequay, Biomedical Engineer, Ghana Health Service – BEU
• Emmanuel Akrobotu, Compliance Officer, National Radiology Association (NRA)
• Bernard Ziem, Representative, National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP)
• Professor Stephen Inkoom, Representative, Radiographers and Public Institutions (RPI)

The discussion offered a holistic reflection on the ORIO Project—its achievements, challenges, and long-term impact. Panelists highlighted how the project has strengthened TB case detection nationwide through the deployment of 52 multifunctional digital X-ray systems, including solar-powered containerized units, mobile screening vans, and AI-assisted imaging technology (CAD4TB). They also noted how the integration of a tele-radiography platform has connected health facilities nationwide, enabling real-time collaboration among clinicians and radiologists.

Looking Ahead – Phase II Proposal

Building on the remarkable success of the ORIO project, Delft Imaging has submitted a comprehensive proposal for Phase II of the project. This next phase envisions equipping 150 hospitals nationwide with state-of-the-art digital X-ray systems, AI-driven diagnostic tools, and tele-radiography solutions, ensuring that all underserved areas gain access to timely and accurate diagnostic services.

Invest International Capital has expressed strong interest in supporting this initiative through a 100% concessional financing package from the Netherlands, structured as a 50% term loan facility and a 50% DRIVE grant, worth approximately EUR 30 million from the Dutch Government.

We appeal to the Government and the Ministry of Finance to consider this proposal for incorporation into the upcoming 2026 budget. By doing so, the Government would not only strengthen the diagnostic capacity of our healthcare system but also complement the achievements of the ongoing ORIO project, creating a seamless continuum of modern, efficient, and patient-centered radiology services.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has warned that the escalating threat of illegal mining, if not urgently mitigated, could “engulf the entire nation” and jeopardize Ghana’s future. 

Addressing the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Dinner held at the Jubilee Auditorium in the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene characterized the menace as a “mafia-like” operation that had insidiously proliferated, undermining the nation’s environmental integrity, governance structures, and ethical standards. 

“We are increasingly resembling a mafia scenario, where, if we are not exceedingly vigilant, it’s bound to engulf us all,” the Asantehene cautioned.  

He stated that “We must approach this issue with utmost seriousness. We tend to trivialize it or dismiss its gravity, but it is indeed critical.”‎ 

He interrogated why successive governments and political figures had faltered in taking decisive measures against illegal mining, insinuating that political expediency and the quest for electoral support had obstructed the requisite bold actions.‎ 

“I have pondered whether it is due to political considerations, the pursuit of votes that we are unable to implement resolute decisions regarding these offenders,” he remarked. ‎ 

The Asantehene implored chiefs, local authorities, and the media to assume proactive roles in exposing and combating illegal mining activities within their domains.‎ 

He said that the issue continued to afflict areas within his own traditional jurisdiction and has instructed his chiefs to adopt stringent measures to safeguard their lands from devastation.‎ 

Otumfuo commended journalists who had jeopardized their safety to report on environmental degradation and corruption, emphasizing that their efforts were vital in fostering transparency and accountability.‎‎ 

He also lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed commitment to safeguarding press freedom and media protection, as highlighted in the President’s address. 

“You have the assurance that you will be safeguarded,” the Asantehene said, urging the media to persist in upholding professionalism and integrity.‎‎ 

The Asantehene conveyed his gratitude to the GJA national and Ashanti regional executives for hosting this year’s awards in Kumasi, deeming it a significant honour for the Ashanti Kingdom.‎ 

He revealed that although the event coincided with traditional observances such as Dapaa and Akwasidae, he chose to attend personally out of profound respect for the Association. 

‎‎“The date selected was traditionally inappropriate for me as today marks Dapaa and tomorrow is Akwasidae. However, due to my high regard for the GJA, which holds a special place in my heart, I resolved to be present,” he stressed 

The Asantehene noted that the diversity and professionalism exhibited by award recipients, particularly female journalists, attested to the Association’s promising future.‎‎ 

He congratulated all awardees for their accomplishments and unwavering commitment to credible journalism.‎ 

He rewarded both female and the overall journalist of the year with and amount of GH¢25,000 each in recognition of their hard work.  

Source: GNA  

Hadash Homes, suppliers of premium duvet sets in Ghana, has signed a one-year brand ambassadorial deal with social media influencers Felicity Adepa Houston and Khadijah Houston, popularly known as “Houston wives” in Accra.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the company staff, Inside Life CEO, Dr. Michael Houston and “Houston wives,” several enthusiastic fans who gathered to celebrate the landmark partnership.

Hadash Homes is a household name that provides authentic duvets and other interior items that help to elevate one’s bedroom decor. The company has served several households with quality and affordable home designers with exceptional customer care.

As part of their exclusive ambassadorial duties, the two will spearhead an extensive promotional campaign across multiple social media platforms and outdoor events. They will also create and post brand-related content, always.

The CEO of Hadash Homes, Hadawiya Titi, highlighted the brand’s dedication to innovation and its mission to inspire positive change in homes.

According to her, the company hopes the collaboration with the “Houston wives” will enhance its visibility and boost sales across its product range, which includes duvets and many more.

“The unveiling of our new brand ambassadors embodies the values and spirit of Hadash Homes. Their inspiring story and passion for excellence resonate with our vision of togetherness for a brighter future “, she stated.

More than 900,000 people have been evacuated in the Philippines ahead of Typhoon Fung-wong, which is expected to make landfall on Sunday evening.

The storm was upgraded to super typhoon with sustained winds of around 185 km/h (115mph) and gusts of 230km/h (143mph), according to the country’s meteorological service.

The eastern Bicol region was the first part of the Philippines to be directly hit by the storm on Sunday morning, with Luzon – the country’s main population centre – expected to be hit by Sunday night.

Fung-wong – known locally as Uwan – comes days after an earlier storm, Kalmaegi, left a trail of destruction and nearly 200 people dead.

Several schools have either cancelled classes on Monday or moved them online, while nearly 300 flights have been cancelled.

Fung-wong is expected to weaken after making landfall somewhere between the districts of Baler and Casiguran, but it is likely to remain a typhoon as it travels over Luzon.

Over 200mm of rain is forecast for parts of Luzon, with even 100-200mm in the Metro Manila area. This is expected to cause severe flooding and landslides.

Eastern parts of the Philippines have already begun experiencing heavy rains and winds, a weather official said on Saturday evening.

While much of the country is expected to be affected, there are particular concerns about those areas that could take a direct hit, including Catanduanes, an island in the east of the Bicol region, where extreme conditions were reported on Sunday morning.

Residents there, as well as in other low-lying and coastal areas, had been urged to move to higher ground by Sunday morning.

In the Aurora region, in eastern Luzon, BBC News spoke to Hagunoy, 21, who works at one of the dozen hotels which line the coast in Sabang.

He said police had repeatedly visited in recent days to ensure all guests were evacuated ahead of the storm. The hotels were all deserted on Sunday morning.

While the tide had risen sharply, Hagunoy said he would stay as long as he could to guard the property, before riding his motorbike home to safety.

Staff had secured the gates and tied windows shut with rope to try to stop the glass from shattering in the wind.

In central Aurora more than 200 people arrived at a shelter in a sports centre. Many parents have brought young children, too young to remember Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 6,000 people when it struck the Philippines in 2013.

Fung-wong has also forced the suspension of rescue operations following the passage of Kalmaegi, one of the strongest typhoons this year.

Heavy rainfall sent torrents of mud down hillsides and into residential areas. Some poorer neighbourhoods were obliterated by the fast-moving flash floods.

At least 204 people are now known to have died in the Philippines as a result of the earlier storm, while more than 100 are still missing.

Five people also died in Vietnam, where strong winds uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and smashed large windows.

The Filipino government declared a state of calamity across the country after Typhoon Kalmaegi and in preparation for the coming storm.

It has given government agencies more power to access emergency funds and fast-track deliveries of essential goods and services.

For some Filipinos, the devastation wrought by Kalmaegi has left them even more anxious about the storm to come.

“We decided to evacuate because the recent typhoon brought floods in our area, and now I just want to keep my family safe,” Norlito Dugan told the AFP news agency.

He is among those who have taken shelter in a church in the city of Sorsogon in Luzon.

Another resident, Maxine Dugan, said: “I’m here because the waves near my house are now huge.”

The Philippines – located near the area where Pacific Ocean tropical weather systems form – is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to cyclones.

About 20 tropical cyclones form in that region every year, half of which affect the country directly.

Climate change is not thought to increase the number of hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones worldwide.

However, warmer oceans coupled with a warmer atmosphere – fuelled by climate change – have the potential to make those that do form even more intense. That can potentially lead to higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and a greater risk of coastal flooding.

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.

John Mahama (M) with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Ashanti Minister Dr Amoakohene (in purple)

The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has successfully held the 29th edition of its annual awards ceremony.

The event, which honors the outstanding and exceptional contributions of journalists and media personnel in the country, was held at the Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region.

Otumfuo fumes over galamsey menace, blames politics for Ghana’s decline

The 2025 event was on the theme: “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey.”

It was attended by several distinguished personalities, including President John Dramani Mahama, who served as the Special Guest of Honour; and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, among other government officials and dignitaries.

Photos shared by Opemsuo Radio and sighted by GhanaWeb showed the president in the company of the Asantehene, who was adorned in rich kente fabric, symbolic of his royalty.

Other photos also captured the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, in the president’s company as well as the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

Godwin Asediba named 2025 Journalist of the Year

The event saw Godwin Asediba of TV3 honored with the overall award of the 2024 Journalist of the Year.

See some of the photos below:

MAG/AE

Watch as GhanaWeb wins Best Media Company (Digital) at Africa Best Business Awards

Karela United will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Dreams FC to the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale on Sunday afternoon, following their 4-2 defeat to Asante Kotoko in Kumasi last weekend.

The Pride of the North have shown flashes of quality this season but remain inconsistent, alternating between strong home performances and costly lapses on the road.

Karela currently sit seventh on the Ghana Premier League table with 12 points from eight matches (W3, D3, L2), scoring nine and conceding 10 goals, one of the highest defensive tallies in the league.

Head coach Nurudeen Amadu will be focused on tightening his team’s backline while maintaining their attacking threat. At home, however, Karela have been impressive. They are unbeaten in four home games (W3, D1), keeping three clean sheets and conceding just once at the Aliu Mahama Stadium. That solidity, combined with their strong record against Dreams FC, three wins in their last five home meetings, gives them cause for optimism.

Dreams FC, on the other hand, arrive buoyed by a morale-boosting 2-0 win over FC Samartex 1996 but remain just one point above the relegation zone in 15th place. Away from home, they have struggled significantly, losing all four matches so far. Coach Winfred Dormon hopes his side can end that poor run against a Karela team difficult to beat on their turf.

The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford A. Abbey, has reaffirmed management’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Ghana’s cocoa sector.

During a working visit to the Seed Production Division (SPD) and Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) in the Breman District of the Central Region, Dr. Abbey acknowledged the sector’s ongoing financial challenges but assured staff that strategic measures are being implemented to restore stability and improve welfare.

He urged employees across all COCOBOD subsidiaries and divisions to contribute actively to management’s vision, emphasizing that collective effort and cost efficiency are vital to achieving organizational goals.

Dr. Abbey also cautioned against fertilizer smuggling, noting that such practices undermine productivity and delay financial recovery. He called on staff to ensure inputs are used responsibly to support national cocoa production targets.

Accompanied by senior management members and Hon. Alhassan Kobina Ghansah, Member of Parliament for Breman Asikuma who is also a member of the Board of Directors of COCOBOD, Dr. Abbey encouraged staff to maintain their commitment to building a resilient and sustainable cocoa industry.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour is the Ghana Journalists Association President

Correspondence from Ashanti Region

At the 29th GJA Awards, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour lauded Ghana’s leaders for their pivotal roles in fostering peace and stability, emphasising that a tranquil environment is fundamental for national development and the effective fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

The ceremony, attended by a distinguished gathering including former President John Dramani Mahama, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, and IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, among other dignified individuals, celebrated the media’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s future.

The awards ceremony which was held in Kumasi, Ashanti region, was designed under the theme; “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role Of The Media In Promoting Peace, Security And The Fight Against Galamsey.”

President Dwumfour commenced his address by underscoring that peace is an essential commodity that cannot be sold or bought cheaply and that development can exist in the absence of peace.

He then turned to commend the exemplary efforts of national leaders in securing this vital peace.

The GJA President offered high praise to President John Dramani Mahama for his “standing intervention in nominating the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to lead mediation efforts in the Boko conflict.

Dwumfour noted that this move has successfully helped to ensure relative calm and stability as we speak. He expressed belief that this traditional-led peace mediation model can be extended to other conflict-prone areas across Ghana, thereby fostering the peace necessary for development to thrive.

Consequently, he urged continued government support for such traditional-led peace efforts and the expanding unity and deepening national cohesion.

Dwumfour also highlighted a significant improvement in the relationship between the Ghana Police Service and the media. He specifically commended the Inspector General of Police, Dr Christian Tetteh Yohunu, for his efforts in maintaining a cordial rapport.

Dwumfour stated, “I, on behalf of the National Executive and the Fourth Estate of the Realm, we commend the Inspector General of Police, Dr Christian Tetteh Yohunu for maintaining a cordial rapport.”

He expressed confidence that this renewed trust will ensure that journalists feel safer working with the police even in sensitive security environments, a development crucial for robust reporting on security matters, including the galamsey fight.

While celebrating these strides in peace and security relations, Dwumfour reiterated the critical importance of a united front against the devastating effects of galamsey.

He reminded the audience that despite the progress in peace-building and security collaboration, the fight against illegal mining remains a significant challenge, requiring continued vigilance and collective action.