Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, has issued a firm directive to court registrars across the country, urging them not to assign any juror to more than one court during the 2025 criminal assizes, which officially began today nationwide.

“The following administrative directions already exist for presiding judges and registrars of high courts where trials on indictment are to be held to assist in speedy and effective trials,” the Chief Justice stated at the opening of the criminal session in Accra.

“Please ensure that under no circumstances is any juror placed on the list of more than one court, thereby eliminating the possibility of any juror being involved in cases pending in more than one court,” she added.

She further directed that trials must be conducted daily and concluded within a few days to ensure swift case disposal before a new trial begins.

The Chief Justice urged judges to strictly observe the Effective Case Completion Planning Strategies of 2019, found in the 2017–2020 1 SCGLR 422, as well as the Practice Direction on Jury Trials, which came into effect in May 2024.

These directives build on major reforms to Ghana’s jury system unveiled at the Law Complex in Accra by the Chief Justice. Notably, the pool of eligible jurors has been broadened to include citizens from the private sector, ending the long-standing practice of relying mainly on public sector clerical staff and teachers.

The reform aims to bring greater fairness, transparency, and efficiency to Ghana’s criminal justice system.

Other reforms taking effect with the 2025 criminal assizes include:

• Continuous daily hearings from start to finish for each case.
• Full disclosures by the prosecution before jury empanelment, in line with the Supreme Court decision in Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie v. The Republic.
• Use of assessors for certain cases to reduce jury burden.
• Strict attendance enforcement for jurors and accused persons.
• Enhanced coordination with police and prison officers for timely appearances and evidence presentation.
• Orders to compel witness attendance when necessary.

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The collaboration aims to enhance the technical capacity of Agricultural Extension Officers

In a bid to boost food security and promote sustainable farming practices in Ghana, the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture.

The agreement, signed on April 10, 2025 at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences Conference Hall in Accra, will see the rollout of a training programme for Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) from April to September 2025.

The initiative begins with a five-week pilot phase, laying the foundation for broader nationwide implementation.

The collaboration aims to enhance the technical capacity of AEOs, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills to support farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and promote environmentally sustainable practices across Ghana.

Director of BNARI, Professor Michael Osae, and Ms Gabriella Grüner, FAO Project Coordinator at Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.

Describing the partnership as a significant milestone, Prof Osae said the initiative would play a crucial role in transforming Ghana’s agricultural extension services.

“This partnership marks the beginning of a vital learning journey aimed at strengthening the capacities of our Agricultural Extension Officers who are key to the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector,” he stated.

Prof Osae stressed the importance of extension officers as vital links between research institutions, policymakers, and farmers, ensuring the effective dissemination and adoption of new technologies and best practices at the grassroots level.

“Their responsibilities go beyond providing advice. They empower farmers with the skills and knowledge to increase productivity, enhance food safety, adapt to climate change, and improve livelihoods,” he added.

The training will cover critical areas such as extension methodology, agricultural knowledge and information systems, business planning, cooperative models for small-scale farmers, and postharvest management techniques.

Ms Grüner expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration and its long-term benefits for Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“We are proud to collaborate with Ghana through BNARI to share Hungary’s expertise in agricultural innovation. Strengthening extension services is crucial to building resilient food systems, and we are confident that this programme will have a lasting impact,” she said.

Drawing from Hungary’s experience in Uganda, where a similar model led to significant improvements in agricultural outcomes, Ms Grüner reiterated Hungary’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and sustainable development.

She also highlighted Ghana’s inclusion among 48 countries benefiting from Hungary’s scholarship programme, noting that over 400 Ghanaian citizens have already participated.

The ceremony was attended by officials from GAEC, the Hungarian Embassy in Accra, Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and other key stakeholders in agriculture and scientific research.

MA

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Aflivie (GAR), April 16, GNA – Government has commissioned a 253.26 kilowatts peak (KWP) mini-grids electrification system to light up three island communities at Ada in the Greater Accra Region. 

The initiative will benefit about 3,700 residents at Aflivie, Alorkpem and Azizakpe in the Ada East District.  

The Aflivie mini-grid, with a capacity of 110 KWP, is the biggest in the country.  

Mr John Abdullah Jinapor, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, who commissioned the system, said it would provide adequate, uninterrupted electricity supply to the Island dwellers as well contribute to energy equity and inclusion. 

The mini-grid electrification is sponsored by the Swiss Government under the Ghana Energy Sector Support Project.  

The facility would promote brisk economic and social activities, especially for the tourism and hospitality industry, Mr Jinapor said. 

It would also increase the country’s efforts to achieving universal access to electrification. 

“With the coming on stream of about 60 megawatts (MW) solar projects-10MW at Yendi, and 50MW at BPA Generating Station this year, Ghana’s renewable energy installed capacity will increase to close to about 260 MW,” he said. 

The Minister said the Government was working on other initiatives to light up other 150 Island communities with a population of about 250 residents. 

He said all the projects would feed into the ongoing global conversation of sustainability, improving health and reducing emission, which renewable energy offered. 

“We need to implement measures that will help keep temperatures from going up, and technologies such as solar energy, wind energy, hydro, thermal, gas-fired thermal, nuclear power, e-mobility, which are very low-carbon energy technologies, will contribute significantly towards addressing these global goals,” he said. 

Mr Jinapor said the Government had resolved to light up all 200 Islands and 2000 lakeside communities through mini-grid electrification, which would cater for over a quarter of a million people in the long term. 

In the medium term, thus by 2030, the Government had targeted to serve more than 150 Island communities with smart mini-grid electrification systems.  

Madam Simone Giger, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, said the project represented the Swiss Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, especially access to power to unlock economic opportunities for the underserved.  

She said her government would scale up mini grid initiatives under the Swiss-Ghana Article Six Cooperative Agreement, under the Paris Agreement. 

GNA 

ABD 

Accra, April 16, GNA – The Accra Ubuntu Lions Club, as part of its High Impact Hunger Project, has handed over two projects to the Nutrition and Rehabilitation Center (NRC) of the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital to enhance service delivery.

The projects include the construction of a Skills Training Shed to empower mothers and the Renovation of the Corn Milling Room to help serve the nutritional needs of the hospital.

The Club, in November 2024, also donated items and refurbished the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre of the hospital to help improve the well-being of children with malnutrition.

Lion Edwina Judith Safee-Boafo, the Club President, speaking at the event, said the successful completion of Phases 2 and 3 of the projects highlighted the power of collective action and the profound impact of dedicated service.

She expressed gratitude to all volunteers, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the High Impact Hunger Project.

“We are incredibly grateful to you all for joining us this morning and supporting this High Impact Hunger Project. As we hand over these two projects, we remember the Lions International motto ‘we serve”.

“Together, we have opened new possibilities and brought hope to many. Let us continue this journey with renewed vigor, knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the lives of the children we serve,” she added.

Lion Dr. Seth Tele Hassan, Chairperson of the Project, giving an overview of the project, said until the tenure of the current executives ends in June 2025, they would continue with their Adopt-a-Child initiative.

The Adopt-a-Child initiative aims to provide nutritious food, both ready-to-use therapeutic feed and other nutritious food, for the children to help rehabilitate the malnourished ones.

Dr Hassan said the Club, in consultation with the hospital, revealed that it would cost about Ghc100.00 to feed a child, saying, “So we are collecting funds through our usual channels to be able to gather enough to buy the feed for the children.”

The Project Chairperson said even though the project had ended, the relationship between the hospital and the Club was a solid one, and as such, they would visit the place when the need arose to support them.

He called on people who were motivated, talented, had time, and could apply their funds to support others to join them on this journey.

“Accra-Ubuntu Lions Club is just one out of many Lions Clubs. So wherever you are, there’s a Lions Club. Reach out to them and assist in any way you can.”

“It might not be you personally who benefits from it, but you never know who close to you might benefit. And at the end of the day, we’ll have a healthy, wealthy country,” Dr Hassan stated.

Lion Dr Helena Asamoah-Hassan, the District Governor, commended the Club for the initiative and for ensuring that they saw to the successful completion of the project.

She said what the Club had done satisfied six of their global conducts, which include humanitarian, youth, environment, vision, reducing childhood cancer as well as hunger, and urged the hospital to put the facilities to good use while ensuring proper maintenance.

Dr Asamoah-Hassan urged the Club to always embark on impactful projects to help humanity.

Dr Margaret Neizer, the Acting Medical Superintendent of the hospital, on behalf of the staff and management, expressed gratitude to the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club for the gesture, adding that this goes beyond the nutritional needs of the hospital.

Dr. Louisa Ademki Matey, the Accra Metropolitan Director of Health Service, said the gesture met the vision of the Ghana Health Service to address the Sustainable Development Goals 1,2, and 3.

SDG 1 talks about No Poverty, 2- Zero Hunger, and 3-Good Health and Well-being.

The High Impact Hunger Project, a flagship initiative in the Club’s 2024/2025 service year, seeks to promote the health and well-being of children battling malnutrition.

GNA

CA/

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana have jointly pledged to intensify efforts in the fight against the smuggling of Coca-Cola products into the country, as both institutions raise alarm over the detrimental impact of illicit trade on local industry and revenue generation.

This renewed commitment was announced during a high-level courtesy visit paid today by the Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana, Mr. Felix Gomis, to the Commissioner of the Customs Division, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, and the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong.

During the visit, it was revealed that over $700,000 worth of Coca-Cola products—approximately 150,000 crates—are smuggled from Nigeria into Ghana every month. This, officials say, significantly undermines the competitiveness of local production, threatens jobs, and erodes national tax revenue.

Addressing the issue, Brigadier General Annan emphasized the importance of Coca-Cola as a multinational manufacturer and development partner in Ghana’s economy. He acknowledged the damaging effects of smuggling on legitimate businesses and assured the beverage company of GRA’s readiness to respond.

“We understand the adverse impacts smuggling has on business, undermining fair competition and also affecting sales and revenue,” Brigadier General Annan stated. “But I wish to assure you that the Customs Division views this concern with the utmost seriousness. We are committed to working with you and other stakeholders to devise effective strategies to tackle smuggling… Through collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement strategies, we can significantly reduce this menace.”

Mr. Gomis expressed appreciation for the GRA’s openness to collaboration, describing the visit as an important step in strengthening partnerships that benefit the nation’s economy.

“It is indeed a pleasure to have been received here in such a big audience… Coca-Cola has been in this country for the past 30 years… We continue to believe in investing heavily in the country so that we can sustain employment,” he noted.

He highlighted recent investments including local production of canned beverages that were previously imported. However, he lamented the challenges posed by the smuggling of foreign Coca-Cola products into Ghana and called for immediate action.

“We have no doubt that with the close collaboration that we have had with GRA… this is a big opportunity for us to reinforce our collaboration for the mutual benefit of the country,” Gomis said.

The Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong also reaffirmed the GRA’s commitment to protecting legitimate businesses, emphasizing that Ghana’s broader economic recovery depends heavily on empowering local industries and generating domestic revenue.

“At the end of the day… it is your business growing, your business flourishing, that will generate the necessary taxes… For every revenue that is lost, we are denying a child somewhere in this country an opportunity to go to school, or access good healthcare,” Mr. Sarpong remarked.

He praised Coca-Cola for its longstanding contribution to Ghana’s industrial landscape and encouraged continued collaboration.

“See this visit as the beginning of a collaborative effort… We are committed to work with you, as well as the entire private sector, to make sure that these areas that hinder your goods and businesses are minimized so you can freely perform your business activities in the right way,” he concluded.

Ghana has adopted comprehensive e-waste regulations and standardised

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has successfully concluded a two-day regional training aimed at strengthening the oversight capabilities of Operational Focal Points (OFPs) across West Africa.

Held from April 10–11 in Accra, Ghana, the training brought together 23 OFPs and their staff from 13 countries, marking a significant milestone in GEF’s efforts to enhance project accountability and impact in the region.

The initiative is part of GEF’s broader “Financial and Training Support to GEF OFPs in Africa on Project Oversight” program, under its Country Engagement Strategy for the GEF-8 Replenishment Period.

It is being implemented with support from the Tropical Biology Association (TBA), which is working with OFPs in 25 African countries, 14 in West Africa and 11 in Southern Africa, between January 2025 and April 2026.

Designed to increase national ownership of GEF-funded environmental projects, the training equipped participants with knowledge and tools to effectively plan, manage, and oversee their respective GEF portfolios.

“GEF is currently revising its co-financing policies to reflect national priorities, making the fund more relevant and impactful,” Omid Pahizkar, Operations Officer at the Global Environment Facility said during one of the sessions.

To reinforce the theory with practical exposure, participants visited an e-waste separation site at Agbogbloshie in Accra, part of the Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Program (AEHPMP).

The site provided valuable insights into how Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the project’s lead agency, is implementing GEF-funded initiatives on the ground.

“This visit is part of a broader effort to transfer skills and ensure GEF OFPs take greater ownership of their project portfolios,” Director of the Tropical Biology Association Dr Rosie Trevelyan said.

The AEHPMP, a GEF-supported regional initiative operating in Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya, seeks to reduce environmental health risks associated with pollutants, particularly in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and electronic waste (e-waste).

In Ghana, the program has already collected over 800 tons of e-waste through a network of 7,000 local vendors, contributing significantly to improved air quality in areas like Agbogbloshie.

According to Ghana’s EPA, the country has adopted comprehensive e-waste regulations and standardized operating procedures for all collected items, including batteries, turbo plastics, and cables.

The site visit left a strong impression on participants, many of whom expressed a desire to replicate Ghana’s regulatory and operational models in their home countries. Several also called on Ghana’s EPA to share its expertise more widely across West Africa.

Beyond environmental benefits, participants praised the program for creating local employment while promoting sustainable practices.

The training was co-hosted by Ghana’s GEF Operational Focal Point Office and is expected to foster deeper collaboration between the GEF and its country partners, ensuring more effective delivery and oversight of environmental projects in the region.

The Ursula Foundation, has come to the aid of Labone Senior High School following a fire outbreak that ravaged the girls’ dormitory, leaving dozens of students displaced and essential supplies destroyed.

In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity and support, the former MP and Minister’s foundation donated a wide range of essential relief items to the school. The donation included 100 pieces of 25kg bags of rice, 100 plastic chairs, 20 bags of mattresses, 50 bags of 50kg maize, 3 bags of 100kg gari, and 4 bags of 100kg beans, the supplies is aimed at alleviating the immediate challenges faced by the school.

The items were presented on behalf of the foundation by some of its leading members namely, William Adu, Faustina Kisse and Rita Appiah, during a brief ceremony held on the school’s campus. Accompanying the foundation executives, were other members of the 1982 year group school’s alumni association which the founder of the Ursula Foundation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu happens to be part.

Presenting the items to the school, Mr. William Adu, conveyed the heartfelt sentiments of members of the foundation and expressed deep sorrow upon hearing of the fire incident and the foundation’s unwavering commitment to support the school in any way possible.

“The foundation was devastated by the news of the fire and immediately resolved to extend help. This school helped shaped our founder, and in times like this, we believes it is our responsibility to stand with the institution that helped shaped the founder to become who she is today,” Mr. Adu said.

The donation was warmly received by the school’s headmistress, Madam Rejoice Acolor, who expressed immense gratitude on behalf of the school’s management, staff, and students. She described the gesture as not just timely, but deeply inspiring.

“This donation could not have come at a better time. We were struggling to reorganize resources after the incident, and this support brings hope, comfort, and a sense of renewal to the students who were most affected,” she said.

The president of the 1982 year group, Mr. Gabriel Annor, also commended the foundation and Mrs. Ursula Owusu for their generosity and strong sense of community. He called on other alumni and stakeholders to emulate her example.

This act of compassion speaks volumes about the values instilled in us here. As a year group, we are encouraged and will continue to explore ways to support the school during this difficult time,” he stated.

The school community, still reeling from the aftermath of the fire, welcomed the donation with cheers and heartfelt appreciation, as students and teachers alike gathered to witness the presentation.

The contestants for Big Chef Junior Season 4 will be unveiled on Sunday April 27, 2025.

This season’s journey kicked off with a call for audition with over two hundred basic school pupil across the nation sending in their videos to be a part of the most talked about young culinary show.

After an intense selection process, 12 outstanding contestants made it through the heat, earning the golden apron to represent their schools and their communities in this year’s competition.

These young culinary prodigies are bubbling with excitement and energy, ready to dazzle the judges and viewers with their skills in the kitchen.

The launch and unveiling of the 12 contestants of the season 4 of Big Chef Junior 2025 will be live on Joy Prime and streamed on all Joy Prime social media platforms, giving fans a front-row seat.

Adding flavor to the launch, viewers will be treated to live performances from some of Ghana’s favorite artists making it a feast of entertainment you simply cannot afford to miss.

Brace yourselves for a thrilling season of creativity, competition, and culinary magic for Big Chef Junior Season 4 2025 is ready to serve!

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.

Edward Ato Sarpong, Managing Director of ADB

The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has joined the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate cross-border payments among African countries and strengthen regional trade and financial integration.

Through this partnership with PAPSS, businesses and individuals can now send money instantly across African countries such as Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

This service is now available at all ADB branches, and it is seamless, real-time, and cost-effective.

In his remarks on the service expansion, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong emphasised the Bank’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for national and regional economic growth.

He indicated that initiatives like PAPSS have the potential to transform Intra-African trade in line with the agenda of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

“We are dedicated to providing our customers with cutting-edge financial solutions that promote economic growth. Our partnership with PAPSS is a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey, ensuring that businesses and individuals can send and receive payments across Africa with speed, security, and efficiency,” the MD said.

Ato Sarpong noted that through this collaboration, ADB PLC aims to leverage PAPSS’s advanced payment infrastructure to drive financial inclusion, promote seamless transactions cross-borders, and support Africa’s economic growth.

He added that the days of convoluted currency conversions and exorbitant transaction fees are a thing of the past and urged businesses and individuals to take advantage of PAPSS to transact business directly across Africa in local currencies to foster regional trade and development.

Ato Sarpong indicated that ADB’s extensive branch network across Ghana positions the Bank as the ideal partner to facilitate the settlement of cross-border transactions for businesses seeking to leverage the benefits of PAPSS.

How PAPSS works

PAPSS offers a seamless and efficient solution for cross-border payments. The platform enables real-time transactions using local currencies, thus eliminating currency conversions and reducing transaction fees and exchange rate risk.

Businesses can make direct payments to suppliers, partners, or customers in other African countries through the PAPSS online platform.

Former Asante Kotoko winger Douglas Nkrumah

Former Asante Kotoko winger Douglas Nkrumah has revealed that he turned down Hearts of Oak to join Kotoko after receiving a lucrative offer from the Reds.

According to him, he initially agreed to terms with the Phobians but switched to Kotoko after the Accra-based side delayed finalising the deal.

Although he did not disclose the exact amount, Nkrumah stated that Kotoko offered him double what Hearts of Oak had proposed, adding that he bought a land with his earnings from the deal.

“Hearts of Oak’s offer was for three years, but Kotoko’s, which was higher, was for two years. The money was good, and I bought some land.

“Hearts and I had agreed on salary, signing-on fees, and bonuses, but I hadn’t signed yet. I played in the Top Four and the Confederation Cup for them, but they were dragging their feet,” he explained on the Gajio Podcast.

Despite not signing for the 21-time league champions at the start of his career, he eventually joined them in the 2007/2008 season after leaving Kotoko.

Reports claim that Kotoko refused to extend his contract due to his demand for a GH¢200 signing-on fee.

Douglas Nkrumah remains one of the Ghana Premier League’s cult heroes, having left his mark with both Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. He was known for his set-piece prowess and quick feet.

He is also one of the few players to have scored directly from a corner in the GPL, following his goal for Hearts of Oak in a 2-0 win over Sporting Mirren in 2008.

EE/BB

Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong

In a strategic move to strengthen Ghana’s tourism sector, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Madam Naomi Borley Alabi as the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Finance and Administration at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC).

Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President in a letter addressed to Madam Alabi congratulated her on her new appointment.

Madam Alabi’s appointment marks a powerful step toward innovation-driven leadership, ethical governance, and operational excellence in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.

She brings to the fore a wealth of experience in administrative leadership.

Her appointment is expected to enhance GTDC’s capacity to mobilize resources effectively for investment in tourist undertakings and services, aligning with the company’s mandate to promote sustainable quality tourism in Ghana.

The GTDC, established in 1972, operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and serves as the investment wing of the Ministry, playing a pivotal role in attracting both foreign and local investments in the tourism industry.

The company’s core functions include promoting and mobilizing resources for investment in tourist undertakings, seeking equity participation in joint ventures, and providing financial and technical assistance for small businesses in the tourism sector.

Madam Alabi will serve under the leadership of Professor Kobby Mensah, the newly appointed CEO of GTDC.

Prof Mensah, a renowned marketing strategist and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School, is widely recognized for his expertise in political and destination marketing.

His innovative contributions, such as the development of the Destination Legon Tourism Marketing Exhibition, have significantly advanced digital tourism initiatives in Ghana.

A dual-qualified lawyer, Madam Alabi is qualified to practise in both England and Wales and Ghana.

She holds an LLB from the University of Portsmouth, an LLM and Legal Practice Course (LPC) from the University of Law (UK), and a Post-Call Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law, having been formally called to the Ghana Bar.

She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

During her time at the University of Portsmouth, she served as President of Amnesty International, leading student campaigns for human rights-an early indication of her enduring commitment to justice, equity, and ethical leadership.

Madam Alabi’s leadership experience includes Executive Secretary of the Consumer Advocacy Centre, Board Member of Best Assurance Company Ltd, Chief Legal Consultant at Moorgate Lane Solicitors and Lecturer at Accra Metropolitan University, where she continues to contribute to legal education and professional training.

Madam Alabi has also led and contributed to pioneering European Union-backed initiatives, including the DigiGrad Africa Project and the Next Level Skills for Student Leaders (NELS) under the Erasmus Programme.

The initiatives have become models for advancing digital education and youth leadership across Africa.

A pan-African thought leader, Madam Alabi is a published author and seasoned conference speaker, widely respected for her insights on corporate governance, digital innovation, and education reform.

The Director of Communications for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagba, has stated that the party will not make public the findings of the 12-member committee that investigated its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking to JoyNews after the party’s leadership received the report from the committee, chaired by Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Ahiagba explained that the report is intended for internal use only.

“It is an internal document that will guide the party’s reform process and help position us for victory in 2028. So, while it may not have been explicitly stated, it is clearly implied that the document is not meant for public consumption,” he said.

He added, “There are ways our supporters will be made aware of the key issues without the report being officially released to the public.”

Mr Ahiagbah stressed that the recommendations outlined in the findings will play a critical role in shaping the party’s actions and strategies leading up to the next election.

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.

The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), a member-based trade association that promotes trade between the UK and Ghana, has concluded its Grand Challenge Programme workshops in Kumasi, where policymakers were urged to introduce urgent reforms to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana.

The event was held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with the aim to develop and propose technological, social, or financial solutions to address key challenges in Ghana’s agriculture and energy sectors.

The workshop brought together innovators and key figures from the agriculture and energy sectors to discuss strategies for creating a more conducive business environment.

The industry experts included Mawuli Kobla Amedofu, Supply Chain Lead at DEXT Technologies; Prof. Joseph Oppong Akowuah from the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering; Dr. Gifty Boakye Appiah from KNUST’s Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Extension; Franklin Eshun from Ghana TVET Service; and Dr. Makafui John Bedzra, Innovation Manager, KNUST College of Engineering.

The workshop also featured a live pitch session where over 15 participants received constructive feedback on their ideas, and masterclasses on Intellectual Property, Investor Readiness, and Commercialisation facilitated by Nuna Attipoe – Koranteng & Koranteng; Kingsley Agyekum – Fidelity Bank; and Mawuli Ocloo of SalesRev, respectively.

Urgency in pursuing innovation

The session, themed “Policy as an Enabler for Creating an Innovation-Friendly Environment,” focused on addressing barriers to entrepreneurship and promoting systemic changes to encourage business growth.

Franklin Eshun of Ghana TVET Service observed that young people in Ghana often lack urgency in pursuing innovation, largely due to a relatively comfortable environment where basic needs are met.

“If you find yourself in a situation where you are close to extinction, you are close to being taken off the surface of the earth completely, you would be pushed to do things for yourself. And that is what I think is affecting us because most of the time, whatever we want to use, we find. And once you are finding them, you find them readily. You are not so hungry to do something for yourself. And that is what is affecting what we do here,” he said.

For Dr Gifty Boakye Appiah, getting young people to pursue innovation begins with challenging themselves to think differently to bring about the change society seeks.

She, therefore, urged young innovators present to seek out similar events such as the Grand Challenge Workshop, where opportunities abound for innovative thinking and funding avenues.

“The idea starts with you and thankfully, there are a lot of hubs and accelerators you can leverage on, where you will be guided on how to bring your idea to fruition, help you streamline it, and give you all the support you require.

“Even if they don’t have direct funding, the hubs and accelerators know where to direct you to acquire the funding you need to enable you contribute to the change we are looking for”, she remarked.

Representatives from government agencies shared details of ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting startups and small businesses.

Among them is the Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS), introduced by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

This three-stage licensing system helps small businesses improve product safety and quality while ensuring compliance with public health regulations.

Additionally, the HAPPY Project, implemented by the Ghana Enterprises Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Co. Ltd, aims to empower 15,000 young entrepreneurs.

The initiative focuses on post-production activities within key agricultural value chains such as rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry.

The UKGCC Grand Challenge Programme

The UKGCC’s Head of External Relations, Worlase Afatsiawo, shared during her opening remarks that the Grand Challenge Programme seeks to encourage and support innovation that addresses pressing national and sectoral challenges, and foster collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the private sector.

She added that the programme further seeks to provide capacity-building and funding opportunities to innovators to refine and scale their solutions, as well as create a sustainable pipeline of investable, commercially viable, and impactful projects.

“In addition to the mentorship and guidance received from industry leaders at the workshop, shortlisted applicants will also receive the opportunity to pitch for spots in a United Kingdom roadshow—offering international exposure and investment opportunities,” she concluded.

According to Mrs Afatsiawo, the workshops, held in both Accra and Kumasi, will be followed by a public invitation for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to submit proposals.

She urged aspiring contestants to look forward to the announcement on the UKGCC’s social media platforms.

The UKGCC Grand Challenge falls under the Sankore Programme, a United Kingdom Government-backed initiative under the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH).

Sankore focuses on strengthening West African innovation systems and scaling impactful solutions in West Africa and beyond.

Fuel prices to reduce at the pump

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are expected to reduce the prices of petroleum products from April 16, 2025.

This reduction comes as the second consecutive price reduction this month.

According to the pricing outlook report, the price of petrol may reduce by 1.5 percent to sell a litre for GH¢14.88.

Diesel is also expected to reduce by 0.3 percent to sell at GH¢15.50.

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also expected to go down by 0.3 percent, to sell at GH¢17.45.

Due to trade tensions in the US, the price of crude oil is currently trading at US$64 a barrel.

SSD/MA

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