2025 closed fishing season dates announced

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has announced the dates for the 2025 Closed Fishing Season, a key government initiative aimed at restoring Ghana’s dwindling marine fish stock.

In a press release dated June 23, 2025, the Ministry revealed that industrial trawlers will be banned from fishing between July 1 and August 31, 2025, while semi-industrial inshore vessels will observe a one-month closure from July 1 to July 31.

The directive, issued in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission, forms part of national efforts to ensure the sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries industry, which supports millions of livelihoods and contributes significantly to the country’s food supply.

“These measures are in line with Ghana’s national fisheries strategy and global best practices aimed at the regeneration of fish stocks in our oceans,” the statement said.

While marine canoe fishers have been exempted from the closed season, the Ministry insists this does not free them from other fishing regulations.

They are required to respect traditional fishing holidays, such as the no-fishing Tuesdays, and to avoid illegal practices like light fishing, as well as the use of harmful chemicals and explosives.

“Undersized nets, explosives, light fishing, and all forms of IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing will not be tolerated,” the statement stressed.

The Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), in collaboration with local and national authorities, will be on high alert during the season to crack down on violators.

The Ministry has warned that strict penalties will be imposed on individuals or groups that flout the rules.

It is also working with scientists and environmental experts to evaluate the long-term impacts of the closed season. Plans are underway to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to further support Ghana’s fisheries sustainability goals.

Local assemblies, fisheries associations, and community leaders are being called upon to raise awareness and ensure compliance.

The Ministry believes that through collective responsibility and adherence to the rules, Ghana can secure a healthier, more resilient fisheries sector.

DR/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi is former Board Chair of GIIF

Lawyers for Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi have filed a motion at the Accra High Court seeking to halt his ongoing trial on constitutional grounds.

The former Board Chair of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) is standing trial alongside the Fund’s former Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Asamoah, for willfully causing financial loss to the state, intentional dissipation of public funds, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

In their application, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi’s legal team is urging the High Court to strike out the charges, describing them as premature.

They are also invoking Article 130(2) of the 1992 Constitution, asking the court to refer key constitutional questions to the Supreme Court for interpretation.

Article 130(2) requires lower courts to suspend proceedings and refer matters to the apex court if questions arise regarding the interpretation or enforcement of the Constitution, or whether an enactment exceeds constitutional powers.

Specifically, the defence wants the Supreme Court to determine whether Sections 1 and 7 of the Public Property Protection Law (SMCD 140) are consistent with Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.

Section 1 of SMCD 140 prescribes up to ten years’ imprisonment for the intentional dissipation of public funds and up to five years for other forms of misuse.

Section 7 extends criminal liability to directors, officers, and partners of institutions for offences committed by their organisations, unless they can prove the offence was committed by someone else or that they exercised due diligence.

The defence is also seeking a stay of proceedings at the High Court pending the Supreme Court’s determination of the constitutional questions.

The High Court has adjourned the case to July 9, 2025, for a ruling on the motion.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have amended their case, withdrawn four witness statements, and now intend to rely on eight witnesses in total.

JKB/MA

EXCLUSIVE: GhanaWeb investigation uncovers far worse environmental scare than digging for gold

Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has described the widespread pollution of land and water bodies with plastic waste as a grave threat to the survival of Ghanaians.

According to him, Ghana has escalated from producing 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually to over 1.1 million tonnes. Of this amount, only 9% is recycled, while approximately 50% remains uncollected.

This, he noted, results in the frequent blockage of drains and gutters, with large amounts of plastic waste washed into rivers and other water bodies.

Dr Muhammed warned that if the situation persists, fisherfolk may soon catch more plastic than fish when they go to sea.

Speaking at the Environmental Sustainability Summit in Accra on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, he said the public health risks and economic cost of plastic pollution are estimated at over US$6 billion annually which translates to 11% of Ghana’s GDP.

“The issue of plastic waste is a serious danger to our survival. It clogs our drainage systems, pollutes our water bodies, and it’s projected that in the next 10 to 15 years, we could have more plastics in our water than fish,” he stated.

“The fish we consume may already contain plastic. Public health risks and the economic costs are huge, over $6 billion each year,” the minister added.

Dr Muhammed indicated that MESTI is working on legislation for mandatory extended producer responsibility which will require plastic producers to contribute financially to the collection and recycling of their products.

He said government is actively exploring environmentally friendly local alternatives to plastics as part of its broader sustainability agenda.

SA/MA

Ambolley, known for his genre-defying blend of highlife, funk, jazz, and early rap, is embarking on his first-ever US tour, bringing the soulful rhythms of Ghana to American stages.

Organised under the auspices of US concert agencies ArtDontSleep and Jazz is Dead, the tour will see Ambolley perform his ground-breaking 1975 debut album, Simigwa Do, in full, backed by his eight-piece ensemble, The Sekondi Band from Ghana. The tour is not only a celebration of Ambolley’s storied career, but a revival of the golden threads of African music heritage on global platforms.

“It’s more than a performance, it’s a cultural transmission; it’s history in motion,” said one fan after a recent show in New York.

A musical milestone

Originally recorded with Ghana’s Uhuru Dance Band in 1973 and released two years later on Capeside Records, Simigwa Do introduced a new soundscape to Ghana’s highlife scene. Ambolley fused highlife with elements of funk, disco, and spoken word, an early precursor to modern rap music. Despite its innovation, the album was banned from airplay by Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for allegedly containing vulgar lyrics.

“They never called me to explain what the song means,” Ambolley said. “They just banned it. In Fanti, Simigwa Do means ‘I’m seated on my throne as a king, feeling proud and comfortable.’ There’s nothing vulgar about it. Listeners drew their own meaning.”

The album’s 50th anniversary marks a significant moment in Ghanaian music history. Ambolley’s eclectic style and stage presence have earned him a loyal following not only in Ghana, but also across the African diaspora, including in Colombia’s coastal city of Cartagena, where his sound continues to influence the local champea music scene.

The legacy of simigwa

Born in Sekondi, in Ghana’s Western Region, Ambolley grew up surrounded by music. Inspired by his father’s flute-playing and local dance bands such as the Broadway Dance Band, he mastered the guitar and drums at a young age. He joined his first band, Tricky Johnson’s Sextet, at just 15, before moving on to the Railway Dance Band, where he was mentored by Ghanaian music giants Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor.

Ambolley’s fusion of traditional highlife with jazz improvisation and funk grooves became known as simigwa music, a style he pioneered and continues to champion today. His music, often laced with satire, social commentary, and infectious humour, speaks to both everyday joys and deep-rooted political concerns.

Highlife: A living tradition

Ambolley’s US tour also renews interest in Ghana’s highlife music, a genre with deep historical roots. According to Ghanaian musicologist Professor John Collins, highlife emerged in the late 19th century, shaped by military brass bands (adaha), working-class drumming traditions (konkoma), and recreational dance styles like osibisaaba. It evolved through colonial influences and local innovation, eventually splitting into “guitar band” and “dance band” forms post–World War II.

Dance band highlife was originally associated with the Ghanaian elite, hence the term “highlife”, music for the affluent. Over time, the genre diversified, incorporating regional rhythms and spawning subgenres such as palmwine highlife, burger highlife, and kpanlogo highlife.

Ambolley’s work reflects this diversity, rooted in his Nzema heritage and the musical traditions of Ghana’s coastal towns. With over 30 albums to his name, including The Message, Simigwa Soca, and Burkina Faso, his contributions have earned him accolades worldwide. These include a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards, recognition from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in California, and a Grand Medal at the 2024 Ghana National Honours and Awards.

A cultural ambassador

More than five decades since his debut, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley remains a vital force in global music. His US tour not only honours his own legacy, but also offers audiences a powerful window into Ghana’s past, present, and future sounds.

As Ambolley himself puts it: “In Ghana, E.T. Mensah would sing about abele (maize). In America, James Brown would sing about mashed potatoes and popcorn. That’s why I put food in my music. Because nobody can live without food.”

The Ghanaian economy has showed early signs of potential out-performance in 2025

Despite projections that Ghana’s economy will grow between 4.5% and 4.8% by the end of 2025, IC Research has indicated that the country’s GDP could surpass these estimates.

In its paper titled “Ghana’s Q1 2025 Real GDP Growth: Green Shoots in Tight Soil”, IC Research noted that the strong performance of the economy in the first quarter of 2025 suggests a higher-than-expected growth rate.

According to the report, the Ghanaian economy showed early signs of potential out-performance in 2025, as real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth defied the negative impact of fiscal restraint and posted a better-than-expected result in the first quarter of 2025.

Overall, real GDP growth reached 5.3% year-on-year, compared to 4.9% recorded in the same period of 2024.

“We foresee full-year 2025 overall growth likely exceeding our upper-band forecast of 4.8%. However, we have opted to maintain our current forecast range of 3.8% – 4.8% as we await the extent of fiscal drag on the second quarter 2025 performance,” the report stated.

The research firm highlighted that, excluding the oil and gas sector, which contracted during the period, non-oil real GDP grew by an impressive 6.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025.

“This reflects strong underlying momentum in the real economy and has significantly boosted our optimism about Ghana’s growth outlook for 2025, despite the downside risks posed by fiscal tightening,” the report added.

Growth in the first quarter was driven by several key sectors, including Fishing (16.6%), ICT (13.1%), Finance and Insurance (9.3%), Transport and Storage (8.6%), Trade (7.1%), Crops and Cocoa (6.7%), and Manufacturing (6.6%).

IC Research also noted that the agriculture sector delivered a surprising 6.6% growth in the first quarter of 2025, largely due to robust growth in the high-weight crops sub-sector (6.7% year-on-year). This, the report said, is likely contributing to the declining trend in annual food inflation observed since February 2025.

“We note that the impressive performance in the crops sector has yet to reflect the government’s ongoing investments in agriculture, which aim to support lower food inflation,” it emphasised.

SSD/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Salim Adams

THE GHANA Football Association (GFA) has banned Accra Hearts of Oak and Legon Cities FC from transfers over their failure to honour financial commitments.

The Phobians were handed a transfer ban following their failure to settle an outstanding $70,000 owed to New Edubiase United FC for the transfer of midfielder Salim Adams.

The ban was handed down as Hearts failed to meet the May 31, 2025 deadline set by the GFA for it to pay the remaining $50,000 of the deal and another $20,000 representing 40% a future transfer.

Hearts bought Salim Adams from New Adubiase for a total fee of $120,000 and only managed to pay $50,000 upfront, with the remaining $70,000 spread over a period of time.

The player joined MLS side FC Cincinnati in 2022, in a loan deal that could fetch Hearts up to $1 million. The deal however fell through and Adams returned to Hearts, leaving Hearts with no option but to raise the remaining $70,000 on their own.

Having failed to settle the outstanding debt., management of New Edubiase petitioned the GFA about the matter after which Hearts was given up to May 31 to settle the outstanding debt.

The club recently tried to pay $20,000 out of the money but the this was rejected by New Edubiase which insisted on the full sum owed.

The transfer ban means Hearts of Oak would not be able to register any new players until they settle the debt. Any further delays could also present additional sanctions on the club that is struggling financially.

Communications Director of the club, Kwame Opare Addo, says the club is working around the clock to resolve their issues with New Edubiase.

Legon Cities

Legon Cuties on the other hand have been banned for failing to pay a total of GH₵29,000 to their former player Francis Nuer Addo dating back to October 2021.

The GFA had ordered Legon Cities to pay the player the outstanding salaries and benefits, covering the period from October 2021 to October 2022 but the club failed to do so, leading to the ban.

The ban will disrupt the transfer plans of the team that was relegated to the Division One League after finishing in 17^th place last season.

BY Gibril Abdul Razak

John Jinapor (5th from the left) with the members of the newly appointed Governing Board of the VRA

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has officially inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Board of the Volta River Authority (VRA).

At a brief ceremony held at the Ministry, he charged them with the critical responsibility of repositioning the Authority at the forefront of Ghana’s evolving energy sector.

In his address at the ceremony, the Minister of Energy underscored the board’s pivotal role in advancing Ghana’s energy transition agenda.

He emphasised their key tasks of improving VRA’s operational efficiency, optimising hydro and thermal assets, and spearheading renewable energy initiatives that align with the Authority’s core mandate.

The Minister assured them that the Ministry would provide the necessary support.

He noted that the President had absolute confidence in the board members’ capabilities and expected them to lead the Volta River Authority in driving reforms in the power sector.

“The Ministry will give you the needed support. The President has absolute confidence in the capabilities of the members of this board. As a board, you should lead VRA to champion the reforms in the power sector,” he stated.

The board has assured that they will provide strategic leadership and direction to restore VRA’s position as a premier power generator in the sub-region and Africa.

DR/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

In recent days, the presence of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Ghana, collaborating with local authorities to facilitate the extradition of Ghanaian citizens implicated in romance scams, money laundering, and related crimes, has sparked debate.

Some Ghanaians question whether the United States has the legal right or jurisdiction to pursue arrests on Ghanaian soil.

However, under international law, including the passive personality principle, and through bilateral agreements, the U.S. possesses a legitimate basis for jurisdiction over these crimes, and Ghana’s cooperation reflects its obligations under international and domestic legal frameworks.

This article explores the legal justification for U.S. jurisdiction, the applicability of the passive personality principle, and the reasons behind Ghana’s compliance through its Ministry of Interior and Ghana Police Service.

Understanding the crimes and their transnational nature

Romance scams and money laundering are transnational crimes that exploit digital platforms to target victims across borders. In the Ghanaian context, recent reports indicate that suspects, including high-profile individuals like Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng (aka Kofi Boat), are accused of participating in a criminal syndicate known as “The Enterprise.”

This group allegedly orchestrated Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance scams, defrauding U.S. victims of over $100 million between 2013 and 2023. These schemes typically involve perpetrators posing as romantic partners or business associates to manipulate victims into transferring funds, which are then laundered through complex networks of bank accounts, often spanning multiple jurisdictions.

The transnational nature of these crimes creates jurisdictional challenges, as perpetrators operate in one country (e.g., Ghana) while victims reside in another (e.g., the U.S.). International law provides  mechanisms to address such issues, allowing states to assert jurisdiction based on various principles, including the passive personality principle, and to cooperate through extradition treaties.

Jurisdiction under international law: The passive personality principle

International law recognizes several bases for a state to exercise jurisdiction over criminal acts, including territoriality, nationality, universality, and the passive personality principle.

The passive personality principle allows a state to assert jurisdiction over crimes committed abroad when its nationals are victims, regardless of where the crime occurred or the nationality of the perpetrator.

This principle is particularly relevant to the Ghanaian extradition case, as the alleged crimes targeted U.S. citizens, causing significant financial harm within U.S. borders.

Under the passive personality principle, the U.S. has a legitimate interest in prosecuting individuals who harm its nationals, even if the criminal acts were orchestrated from Ghana. For example, romance scams often exploit vulnerable U.S. citizens, particularly the elderly, through false promises of love or investment opportunities. The resulting financial losses amounting to millions of dollars directly impact U.S. citizens and the U.S. economy, justifying U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 3184, further supports this by allowing extradition for crimes committed against U.S. nationals abroad, even in the absence of a treaty, provided certain conditions are met.

The passive personality principle is increasingly accepted in international law, particularly for crimes with significant cross-border impact, such as cybercrime and fraud. While some states historically viewed this principle with skepticism due to concerns over sovereignty, its application has gained traction in cases involving terrorism, trafficking, and financial crimes.

The U.S. reliance on this principle aligns with global trends, as states seek to protect their citizens from transnational
 criminal networks.

U.S. Jurisdiction under domestic and international law

Beyond the passive personality principle, U.S. jurisdiction is grounded in domestic law and international agreements.

The crimes in question, wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy are federal offenses under U.S. law (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § § 1343, 1956, 1957). These statutes apply extraterritorially when the conduct causes harm within the U.S. or involves U.S. financial systems.

For instance, funds from romance scams were allegedly transferred to U.S. bank accounts controlled by the syndicate, implicating U.S. financial institutions and triggering federal jurisdiction.

The U.S. also invokes jurisdiction based on the effects doctrine, a corollary to the passive personality principle, which allows prosecution of foreign nationals whose actions produce substantial effects within the U.S. The $100 million in losses suffered by U.S. victims constitutes a significant effect, justifying U.S. legal action.

Additionally, the U.S. and Ghana are bound by international obligations to combat transnational organized crime, including money laundering. Both countries are members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which sets global standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT).

Ghana’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749), criminalizes money laundering and mandates cooperation with foreign authorities, aligning with FATF recommendations. This shared commitment facilitates U.S.-Ghana collaboration in
 investigating and prosecuting such crimes.

Extradition: Legal framework and bilateral booperation

Extradition is the process by which one state surrenders an individual to another state for prosecution or punishment. It is governed by treaties, domestic laws, and international principles.

The U.S. and Ghana have a longstanding extradition treaty, which provides the legal basis for the current operation. Ghana’s Extradition Act, 1960 (Act 22), further enables cooperation with foreign states, including the U.S., to arrest and extradite individuals wanted for crimes abroad.

The extradition process begins with a formal request from the U.S., typically conveyed through diplomatic channels (e.g., the U.S. Embassy in Accra). The request must demonstrate that the offense is extraditable under the treaty, that there is probable cause, and that the evidence supports the charges. In this case, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York indicted the suspects in May 2023 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, providing the
 legal foundation for the extradition request.

Ghana’s compliance is evident in the actions of its Ministry of Interior and Ghana Police Service.

On March 18, 2025, Ghana’s Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, signed an arrest warrant, authorizing the detention of the suspects. The Ghana Police Service, in coordination with Interpol and the FBI, executed the arrests on June 13, 2025. This joint operation underscores Ghana’s adherence to its extradition treaty obligations and its commitment to combat transnational crime.

The principle of aut dedere aut judicare (“extradite or prosecute”) also applies. Under international law, states are encouraged to either prosecute offenders within their jurisdiction or extradite them to a state willing to do so. Ghana’s decision to extradite rather than prosecute locally may reflect the complexity of the case, the U.S.’s stronger evidentiary position, or the desire to maintain robust bilateral relations.

Ghana’s cooperation: Legal and policy considerations

Ghana’s active participation in the investigation and extradition process is driven by legal, diplomatic, and policy considerations. First, Ghana is legally obligated under its extradition treaty with the U.S. and its domestic Extradition Act to assist in such cases. Failure to comply could strain diplomatic relations and undermine Ghana’s reputation as a cooperative partner in global law enforcement.

Second, Ghana has a vested interest in combating cybercrime and money laundering, which harm its international standing. Romance scams, locally known as “sakawa,” have been a persistent issue, tarnishing Ghana’s image as a hub for cybercrime. By cooperating with the FBI, Ghana signals its commitment to addressing these crimes and aligning with global Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism standards.

Third, the Ministry of Interior and Ghana Police Service ’ s involvement reflects Ghana’s institutional capacity to handle transnational investigations. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and Interpol’s Ghana unit have previously supported similar operations, demonstrating Ghana’s ability to coordinate with international partners.

Finally, Ghana’s cooperation may be influenced by mutual legal assistance frameworks. The U.S. and Ghana have a history of collaboration through the FBI’s Legal Attaché office in Accra, which facilitates evidence-sharing and joint investigations. This partnership enhances Ghana’s law enforcement capabilities while enabling the U.S. to pursue justice for its citizens.

Addressing public concerns: Sovereignty vs. Global Justice

Public skepticism about U.S. jurisdiction often stems from concerns over sovereignty. Critics argue that foreign intervention infringes on Ghana’s authority to handle its citizens’ crimes.

However, extradition does not violate sovereignty; it is a consensual process rooted in treaties and mutual respect for legal systems. Ghana’s voluntary cooperation with the FBI reflects a sovereign decision to uphold international obligations and protect global financial systems.

Moreover, the passive personality principle ensures that states can protect their citizens without overstepping jurisdictional boundaries. The U.S. is not asserting authority over Ghanaian territory but seeking to hold individuals accountable for harming U.S. nationals. Ghana’s compliance demonstrates a recognition that transnational crimes require collective action, transcending national borders.

Conclusion

The FBI’s operation in Ghana to extradite citizens involved in romance scams and money laundering is firmly grounded in international law, particularly the passive personality principle, which allows the U.S. to assert jurisdiction over crimes against its nationals. U.S. domestic laws, bilateral extradition treaties, and Ghana’s Extradition Act provide the legal framework for this cooperation. Ghana’s Ministry of Interior and Ghana Police Service are complying due to legal obligations, diplomatic considerations, and a shared interest in combating transnational crime.

Far from undermining sovereignty, this collaboration exemplifies how states can work together to address global challenges, ensuring justice for victims and upholding the rule of law.

By leveraging international legal principles and fostering cooperation, the U.S. and Ghana are sending a clear message: transnational criminals cannot evade justice by hiding behind borders.

This case serves as a precedent for future efforts to tackle cybercrime and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.

Writer’s email: [email protected] 

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

By James Amoh Junior

Accra, June 24, GNA – ActionAid Ghana and Civil Society stakeholders have reiterated calls for urgent reforms in climate financing, energy transition and local ownership of development processes.

This comes as the country faces rising climate impacts, mounting public debt and energy insecurity.

The call formed part of discussions at a National Civil Society–Government Dialogue on Development Financing and Food System Reform held in Accra.

The dialogue, which was organised by ActionAid Ghana, brought together government officials, civil society actors, development partners and academics to examine how Ghana can build a resilient and inclusive green economy.

Held on the theme: “Reviewing Development Financing for People and Planet,” the dialogue aimed to confront systemic barriers and propose sustainable financing models for a climate-resilient future.

Stakeholders described the climate crisis as not just an environmental issue, but one with serious economic and social implications.

Mr Denis Gyeyir, Resource Economist and Africa Senior Program Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), who provided sobering statistics, said climate shocks were projected to reduce the income of poor households by up to 40 per cent by 2050.

Flooding already displaces 45,000 people annually; and Ghana’s transport infrastructure could suffer a $3.9 billion loss within a decade, he disclosed.

“Our climate financing gap remains above $15 billion, and unless we close it, our future is at risk,” he warned.

Dr Robert Bright Mawuko Sogbadji, Deputy Director, Ministry of Energy, outlined several green initiatives by the government, including solar-powered mini-grids, a Green Transition Fund, and the development of a Renewable Energy Authority.

He also noted the removal of import taxes on electric vehicles and a partnership with ECOWAS to develop green hydrogen production.

“These steps are designed to make Ghana a regional leader in sustainable energy,” Dr Sogbadji said, and that “The energy future is green, and Ghana must lead with both vision and capacity.”

Despite these advances, the participants emphasised the need for stronger domestic action and community-led solutions.

Mr John Nkaw, Country Director, ActionAid Ghana, reiterated the call for systemic reform in how Ghana mobilises and allocates resources.

“We cannot achieve climate resilience on borrowed money. Development financing must prioritise the needs of the people and the planet, not only those of creditors and corporations,” he said.

He called for an end to illicit financial flows, stronger corporate tax accountability, and expanded investment in gender-just, locally owned solutions.

Mr Wilberforce Laate, Development Specialist, Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD) described agroecology as a critical element of climate resilience.

“Agroecology is not just about farming. It is about dignity, independence, and economic sustainability. It reduces reliance on expensive inputs and builds community resilience,” he said.

Mr Charles Vandyck of West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) stressed the need for accountable and innovative financing.

“Borrowing is not a sustainable model. We need to fund our future using tools that align capital with our development values,” he said.

The civil society leaders resolved to invest significantly in green energy and agroecology, integrate green budgeting into national and local policies and promote inclusive energy access through youth employment and community ownership.

They called for structural inequalities in domestic and international finance to be addressed.

GNA

Edited by Christian Akorlie

June 24, 2025

Dr Emmanuel Addai and his co-author Ama Kyeremaa Preko

A Ghanaian researcher at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Dr Emmanuel Addai, has called for a globally inclusive approach to the development and deployment of self-driving cars, with a particular emphasis on accessibility for people with disabilities.

Delivering a presentation at the AMS Spring Western Meeting 2025, Dr Addai unveiled a comprehensive mathematical model that integrates user interaction, accessibility adoption, vehicle dynamics, control systems, and safety redundancies to evaluate how self-driving vehicles (AVs) can be equitably designed and adopted across different communities.

“The future of autonomous transportation must be inclusive by design. Our model evaluates not just the technical performance of self-driving cars, but how policy, public awareness, and AI ethics impact adoption rates among vulnerable populations,” he noted.

He explained that the study employed advanced socio-computational modeling and Latin Hypercube Sampling–Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (LHS-PRCC) techniques to conduct sensitivity analyses. It also included rigorous mathematical validation through existence-uniqueness and stability analyses.

Additionally, simulations from the model demonstrated how targeted interventions, such as accessible infrastructure policies, inclusive AI training data, and community engagement, can significantly enhance adoption rates among persons with disabilities.

Dr Addai’s work provides data-driven insights for urban planners, policymakers, and AV manufacturers.

He advocates for cross-sector collaboration to ensure that the benefits of AI and autonomous mobility are distributed equitably across populations, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where disability-friendly infrastructure remains underdeveloped.

“This is not just about technology. It is about dignity, opportunity, and the right of every person, including persons with disabilities, to benefit from AI-driven mobility,” he emphasised.

His co-author, Ama Kyeremaa Preko, a mathematics educator based in Oregon, added that the model offers scalable implications for policy and curriculum design, particularly in STEM education for underrepresented communities.

Dr Addai is therefore encouraging African governments, especially Ghana, to invest in inclusive AI and transportation models that align with global standards.

Stakeholders are raising concerns about the increasing effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on students on various tertiary institution campuses, calling for stronger collaboration in protecting students, especially female students, from such incidents.

According to them, women are the most affected by GBV, often unable to open up or report cases due to stigma and confidentiality issues.

Speaking at a Gender-Based Violence Awareness Programme on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the IDL Conference Center at KNUST, Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Adjei, Deputy Registrar and Head of the KNUST Counseling Center, emphasised the importance of raising awareness of GBV among students.

She highlighted the stigma and societal misconceptions surrounding GBV and noted that women’s lives are often shattered and left stagnant after such incidents, while men tend to recover more quickly.

She called for collaborative efforts to intensify awareness and encourage women to speak up in GBV cases so they can receive the necessary support and assistance.

“People face numerous challenges when it comes to reporting harassment, largely due to stigma and the way we are socialised. Men are often seen as assertive and able to defend themselves, while women are expected to be quiet and submissive. This affects their confidence levels,” she said.

Adding, “When a woman reports harassment, people question what she wore or why she was there, but none of that justifies sexual abuse. More often than not, it is women who suffer emotionally and psychologically, not to say men don’t, which is why we must work together to prevent such incidents.”

On his part, Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of the Perfecter of Sentiments (PoS) Foundation, expressed concern about the rising cases of GBV and sexual harassment on university campuses.

He attributed the issue to ignorance and a lack of understanding of what constitutes harassment, as well as the low level of seriousness attached to such incidents.

He stressed the need for education and sensitisation to help prevent such occurrences on various campuses.

“We’ve observed that many harassment and GBV incidents on campuses stem from the patriarchal nature of our society and general ignorance. The Foundation embarked on this initiative to educate students and create much-needed awareness,” he stated.

Mr Owusu commended KNUST for its sexual harassment policy and the establishment of a Gender Center, applauding the university’s robust system for addressing harassment and GBV.

He urged other institutions to emulate KNUST’s example to promote student growth and development.

The programme was organised by KNUST’s Directorate of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Perfecter of Sentiments (PoS) Foundation, with funding from AmplifyChange.

It forms part of efforts to engage and empower students and stakeholders on the critical issue of gender-based violence and to foster a safer, more inclusive university environment.

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