About 26 million citizens remain at risk due to their dependence on traditional cooking fuels, such as charcoal and firewood—a growing threat to both public health and the environment.

This warning was echoed by stakeholders during the German Embassy’s Climate Talks 2025, held in Jamestown, Accra, with a call to action for a national shift towards clean cooking solutions.

Currently, about 75 percent of Ghanaian households rely on solid biomass fuels for cooking—a situation experts describe as a looming public health and environmental crisis.

This is because high dependence on charcoal and firewood contributes significantly to household air pollution, deforestation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental implications

Speaking on the environmental implications, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, emphasised that the country is losing about 2 percent of its forest cover annually to deforestation, mainly due to large-scale extraction of wood for charcoal production.

“An estimated 14.9 million tonnes of trees are felled annually for charcoal and firewood. At this pace, we risk losing forests in key charcoal-producing regions within two decades.

“Close to 70 percent of households in Ghana depend on either charcoal or firewood. That is roughly about 26 million people. This is not only an energy issue—it is a serious environmental and health challenge,” he noted.

Mr Bosu warned that, if the current trend continues unchecked, Ghana could lose vast portions of its forests within the next two decades.

Health implications

On the health front, Dr Richard Bright Danyoh of the Ghana Paediatric Society described unclean cooking as a “real and visible killer”—saying exposure to smoke from traditional cooking fuels is equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes daily.

He cited World Health Organisation (WHO) data showing that household air pollution is responsible for 2.5 million deaths globally each year, exceeding deaths from malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis combined.

“The effects are severe, especially for pregnant women and young children. We’re seeing increased rates of asthma, allergies, pneumonia, and even congenital malformations. About 52 percent of birth defects may be linked to household air pollution from unclean cooking.

“In Ghana alone, household air pollution leads to about 16,000 premature deaths annually. Women and children are the most vulnerable. Babies exposed to smoke during pregnancy may be born with developmental issues,” Dr Danyoh explained.

He called on the health sector to become more proactive in the fight for clean cooking by integrating it into health education.

“Prescription does not end with medication. Prescribing clean air is one of the best medicines,” he urged.

Steps

In response to these risks, Chairperson of the Ghana Alliance for Clean Cooking (GHACCO), Sarah Naa Dedei Agbey, stressed that the country has made some progress but needs to accelerate its efforts.

GHACCO, established in 2012 following a World Bank dialogue, has been instrumental in raising awareness and pushing for policy reforms.

“When we began, 85–90 percent of Ghanaians were using biomass for cooking, and LPG penetration was as low as 15 percent. Today, thanks to public-private interventions and civil society advocacy, we are seeing improvements. But we must now take giant steps. Clean cooking is not a luxury—it is a right,” Ms Agbey stated.

She disclosed that the country is in the final stages of developing a Clean Cooking Policy and Strategy, including an investment prospectus to determine the financial commitment needed to scale up clean cooking access across the country.

Public-private partnerships

From the private sector perspective, Portfolio Manager at Green Wangara Ventures, Kwabena Owusu-Sarfo, highlighted the need for blended financing and patient capital to scale clean cooking ventures.

“This sector faces fragmented supply chains and high initial costs. Most investors want high returns, but clean cooking businesses often have lower margins. We need to de-risk these investments to attract private capital,” he noted.

Mr Owusu-Sarfo advocated stronger public-private partnerships to bridge financing gaps and create demand for cleaner cooking options.

Adding to this, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions (ISEES), who also serves as a cookstove entrepreneur, Lovan Owusu-Takyi, pointed to financing as the biggest hurdle for manufacturers and consumers alike.

“Banks will not lend to clean cooking businesses, but grants and incubation hubs, like the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre and GIZ’s projects, have helped. Still, we need long-term, low-cost financing to scale production and reach rural users,” he emphasised.

Mr Owusu-Takyi also noted that affordability on the demand side must be addressed through community savings models and microfinance.

“The end-users of clean cookstoves often cannot pay upfront. We have introduced ‘save-to-own’ models that help people acquire improved stoves over time. Carbon financing could also help manufacturers lower costs,” he added.

Climate Talks

German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, commended the dialogue’s impact and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s green transition.

“I was shocked by the health data. This goes beyond climate—it’s about saving lives. Awareness is important, but we must now focus on solutions, especially financing. The upcoming Clean Cooking Strategy is a step in the right direction,” he said.

The Climate Talks series, an initiative of the German Embassy in Ghana and Joy News, aims to deepen public understanding of climate challenges and create space for collaborative action towards the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The next session is expected to move beyond Accra to engage communities in other regions and climate-vulnerable areas.

GUTA President, Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), alongside allied trade organisations, has strongly condemned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for cautioning GUTA President Dr Joseph Obeng against using his honorary doctorate title, describing the action as a malicious attempt to discredit his reputation.

In a statement issued on Monday, 19 May 2025, GUTA called GTEC’s caution an overreach of authority and an “unwarranted, malicious attempt calculated to cast aspersions on the person and the dignity of a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been pivotal in transforming the economic narrative of our country.”

The association demanded that GTEC retract its press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the reputational harm caused.

“We request that GTEC retract its misplaced press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the unwarranted reputational harm caused,” the statement said.

The controversy stems from GTEC’s recent directive urging Dr Joseph Obeng to refrain from using the “Dr” title, which he earned through an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity conferred by Alpha International Theological Seminary (AITS) on April 24, 2016 for his contributions to human development and private enterprise.

GUTA emphasised that Dr Joseph Obeng’s honorary title is a “well-earned recognition of his decades of service to national development, private enterprise advocacy, and economic empowerment.”

The statement further asserted, “We assert that the trading community will not countenance any further attempt to denigrate the dignity of our leader or any of our leadership. The informal sector demands and deserves respect.”

The association urged GTEC to exercise discretion, engage stakeholders before issuing such statements, and recognise diverse pathways to leadership beyond academic credentials.

“Dr Joseph Obeng is not merely a representative of traders; he is a symbol of resilience, service, and visionary leadership in Ghana’s economic landscape,” the statement read.

GUTA and its allies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), expressed solidarity with Dr Joseph Obeng, vowing to protect his right to be honoured and defend all leaders who serve Ghana with integrity.

GA/KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

A trader has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly collecting GH¢242,500 under the pretense of supplying 500 gallons of cooking oil but failing to deliver the product.

Samuel Owusu Amoako, 36, charged with defrauding by false pretences, pleaded not guilty.

The court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, granted him bail of GH¢150,000 with three sureties.

The prosecution informed the court that Amoako brought GH¢50,000, which was handed over to the complainant.

The case was adjourned to June 2, 2025.

The prosecution said the complainant, Cornelius Kusi Amoako, is self-employed and resides in Baatsona, while the accused, who is unemployed, lives in Teiman.

On June 14, 2024, the accused allegedly demanded and received GH¢242,500 through his Fidelity Bank account—registered under the name J.S.B Logistics Limited at the Madina branch—under the pretext of supplying the complainant with 500 gallons of cooking

Each gallon was priced at GH¢485 and was to be delivered to Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

After receiving the money, Amoako allegedly failed to supply the oil and went into hiding.

Efforts by the complainant to locate him proved futile.

In June 2024, Amoako directed the complainant to collect the oil from an individual named Ali in Dormaa-Ahenkro.

The prosecution stated that upon the complainant’s arrival in the town, the expected consignment was not available.

The complainant reported the matter to the Baatsona Police on March 27, 2025.

On April 20, 2025, he received information that Amoako had been arrested in Sampa, Bono East Region, for a similar offence.

With police assistance, Amoako was arrested and brought to Accra for investigations.

During interrogation, he admitted to the offence in his caution statement in the presence of an independent witness, the prosecution said.

Source: GNA

Labour Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Gamey and Gamey, Austin Gamey, has

Labour consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Gamey and Gamey, Austin Gamey, has urged employers to adjust their pay policies to be commensurate with employee productivity to ensure satisfaction.

Speaking at a labour law forum in Accra, organised by The Business Executive, the renowned labour consultant said: “Now that business predictability is reasonably assured, it is for employers and unions to come together, work collaboratively to raise productivity levels, and pay the workers well by matching pay with productivity.”

According to him, once productivity levels are high, they will impact company revenue—thereby affecting the economy’s bottom line.

He said the workers of a company are integral to its success, stressing that effective communication between employer and employee can translate into higher productivity.

He therefore urged cooperation between labour and management to ensure success and progress in business.

“If labour and management cooperate and work together in a way that promotes the company’s financial health, safety, and health, while people have assurance of a good income, they will take their destinies into their own hands,” he said.

He stressed: “It is important that all parties work together to generate enough income that can be ploughed back into the business for growth. That way, everybody will be satisfied. Nobody will feel cheated. It is all about work and happiness.”

The forum’s purpose was to equip participants with adequate knowledge about the operationalisation of the labour law, how to resolve differences early, and build the needed capacity to apply the law in workplaces to prevent work stoppages and enhance productivity.

While delivering a lecture at the forum, the lawyer urged employers and employees alike to familiarise themselves with the labour law and how to apply it, saying: “The labour law is social legislation written with the mindset of helping the employer and the worker to work together collaboratively.”

The law explicitly defines the roles of both employer and employee. Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), is the primary legal framework that governs employment in Ghana. It provides for a 40-hour working week or 8 hours per day, where overtime is allowed but requires compensation.

Commenting on the labour shifts about to be witnessed when the 24-hour economic policy is fully operationalised in Ghana, the lawyer urged the government not to amend the country’s labour laws—stressing that there are already provisions in the legal framework for shift work.

“Our labour law is adequate enough to take care of that because we have a three-shift system in the law already,” he said.

He, however, urged the government to explore enhancing the law with some regulations.

According to him, introducing a legislative instrument (LI) to expatiate on the 24-hour economy would suffice. “You do not even need to amend the law,” he added.

While commending the proposed 24-hour economy and the prospective benefits it will have for the Ghanaian economy and workforce, the labour consultant cited an example from his related experience in Kenya, which has a sleepless economy.

“It is real. I was in Kenya recently to do a presentation on productivity, and we went to a shop at about 1am to buy things to prepare for our journey. So, if they don’t run a 24-hour economy, how do you get what you want at 1am?” he shared.

He therefore asserted: “Any nation that wants to be competitive in the world has no choice other than to operationalise a 24-hour economy”—emphasising the timeliness and relevance of the John Mahama administration’s 24-hour economy proposal.

“It’s a good thing that has been brought. I am sure we will embrace it and make it work,” he added.

However, dispelling fears that when the 24-hour economic policy—which has the potential to increase demand for labour—is implemented, employers may use contracts to exploit vulnerable workers, he classified those as rumours, saying: “I have heard that, but it’s not true. If you must employ, you employ.”

File photo of a flooded area

Data on Ghana’s flood crisis from 1935 to 2023 has revealed that a total of over 3,000 deaths related to floods have occurred.

The data shared by TV3 also shows that over 700,000 people have been displaced by floods in the past 88 years, while a whopping $1billion economic loss has been recorded.

The data further indicated that there were 18 separate flooding incidents in 2015 including the fatal June 3 fire and flood disaster that claimed over a hundred lives.

2023 recorded the highest flooding incidents in recent times with 20 cases recorded.

1935 was the first time Ghana’s capital recorded massive flooding. 24 years later in 1959, another flooding incident in Accra was recorded.

The Northern Region recorded its share of the flooding in 1995 during which the havoc caused was huge.

In the June 2015 disaster, over 150 persons lost their lives, Damages caused by the disaster was estimated at over $100million, while over 10,000 people were displaced.

Heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18, 2025, brought Accra and its surrounding municipalities to a standstill leaving three people dead.

The downpour, which began around 3:00 pm and lasted over three hours, flooded neighborhoods including Ofankor Barrier, Weija, Kaneshie, Labadi, First Light, Dzorwulu, Adabraka, Adentan-Dodowa, and parts of Tema. Severe flooding was reported in the Adjei-Kojo Kanewu area of the Tema West Municipality.

Major roads were rendered inaccessible, including the stretch between Awudome Roundabout and Awudome Cemetery, with the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange completely submerged.

Several vehicles broke down in the floodwaters, forcing local youth to step in and assist stranded drivers, helping to prevent accidents near open drains and potholes hidden beneath the water.

The situation worsened during the evening rush hour, leaving many commuters stranded for hours.

KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

“Who would have thought that Mahama will come back again and be president of Ghana?” That was the rhetorical question the 2024 NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, posed.

Interacting with members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF) as part of his Thank You Tour of the UK, the former Vice President said the outcome of the 2024 election stunned even the most seasoned observers of Ghanaian politics.

“Nobody would have thought that, but that is exactly what happened,” he said, shaking his head. “His fourth go at it, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024, he won in 2024, like he did in 2012.”

Dr. Bawumia used the opportunity to reflect on what he called a historically rare political phenomenon: a former president returning to power after being voted out.

“Our political history suggests that it is usually very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana. I don’t know why that is, but Ghanaians want you to come more than once.”

He traced the pattern: “John Agyekum Kufuor came back in 2000 after 1996. President John Mills tried in 2000, 2004, and then won in 2008. Nana Akufo-Addo also went three times before he won. Mahama’s win in 2012 was unusual.

“Remember, our whole strategy in 2012 was to face Mills. Then Mills passed away. May his soul rest in peace. The NDC switched to Mahama. They played funeral songs all the way to victory. We couldn’t even campaign properly, it would have looked insensitive.”

Now, he said, the NDC’s 2024 win was not a matter of strength but of opportunity.

“The NDC has used Mahama again and again. But in 2028, they will have to bring a new candidate. I believe we will have an advantage, all things being equal, over that new candidate.”

Dr. Bawumia was also frank about the NPP’s internal failings.

“There’s no doubt… we didn’t get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong. On my own behalf, on behalf of the party and the government, I apologise to all of you for us not getting things right that we should have gotten.”

Still, he was confident that the NPP had learned its lessons.

“If, by the grace of God, we have another opportunity, I believe that we will get many things right because we’ve learned the lessons of where we are going. I’m very optimistic about 2028.”

He dismissed what he described as false promises made by the NDC to win power in 2024, arguing that within just a few months of taking office, the government was being exposed.

“They said they were going to bring down the cost of kenkey and the cost of living. I don’t know, have you noticed the reduction in prices in Ghana?” he asked rhetorically. “No. Prices are rather going up.”

He continued: “They lied to cocoa farmers. They said they would raise the price of a bag of cocoa from ¢3,100 to ¢7,000. Now they say they had the wrong information. Cocoa farmers are not happy.

“They said galamsey would stop. It’s rather increasing. Teachers were promised that the licensure exam would be abolished. Now they say they won’t touch it. Double track? They said they’d end it within the first year. Today, they say 2027.”

Dr. Bawumia was particularly scathing about the NDC’s flagship promise.

“They told us about a 24-hour economy. This is their flagship policy. But it didn’t appear in their budget. And how can you have a 24-hour economy with dumsor at the same time?”

He suggested that just a few months into the NDC’s administration, “they are getting exposed,” and warned that dumsor, or power outages, are “likely to get worse.”

But he also made a case for reflection.

“You remember that when Kufuor left office, he wasn’t very popular. But today, he is one of the most admired presidents in our history. I believe that while people sit down and reflect over the next four years, especially when they contrast what NDC is doing, people will appreciate the work Nana Akufo-Addo’s government also did for Ghana.”

Ending on a hopeful note, Dr. Bawumia declared, “These are the reasons I believe we have a good shot at the 2028 election. I believe that we are in a very good position to win this election, and we should be very, very enthusiastic. I want to count on all of your support.”

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.

In a moment that captures a decade of impact, leadership, and innovation, Yara Ghana Limited has been honoured with the prestigious Agribusiness of the Decade award at the Millennium Excellence Awards, Africa’s most prestigious awards ceremony for recognizing and supporting achievements in sustainable development, held under the royal patronage of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.

This monumental recognition is a tribute to Yara Ghana’s unwavering commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape of Ghana.

Over the past decade, the company has championed excellence in crop nutrition solutions, market development, cutting-edge research, farmer empowerment, and sustainable agricultural practices all of which have directly contributed to national food security and the socio-economic development of farming communities.

Since its establishment in 2007, Yara Ghana Limited has grown to become a leading crop nutrition solutions company with a mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, and a vision of building a collaborative society, a world without hunger and a planet respected.

To meet these commitments, Yara Ghana works closely with partners throughout the whole food value chain to develop more climate-friendly crop nutrition solutions. In addition, the company is committed to working towards sustainable mineral fertilizer production providing farmers with critical knowledge and support thereby contributing to food security and nutrition for all.

In the year 2022, following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, and recognizing the impact to food security as a result of unavailability of affordable fertilizer, Yara International ASA committed and donated USD20 million worth of fertilizers, equivalent to 18,000 metric tons i.e. 360,000 bags of high-quality premium YaraMila Actyva fertilizer to Ghana under the initiative “Yara Grow Ghana” through Yara Ghana Limited.

This donation benefited over 100,000 smallholder farmers, by reducing farmers’ input cost per acre by 33.3%, improved livelihoods, and brought about market systems development approach for productive smallholder farmers to build resilience and sustainability.

This contributed to national food production. The Initiative did not only help avert food insecurity across Ghana but also served as a catalyst for a larger continent-wide commitment to increase food system resilience, grow food security, and prevent hunger for 60 million people in Africa.

The Initiative created jobs for over 500 youth and provided vital agronomic knowledge to boost productivity and support farmers effectively. Overall, the Grow Ghana Initiative has been a success story, contributing to agricultural sustainability and prosperity in Ghana, the initiative also has led to increased staple crop productivity, resilient farming systems, and economic impact within the country.

Speaking after receiving the award, Madam Theresa Randolph, Country Manager of Yara Ghana, thanked the organizers for the recognition stating.

‘We are humbled and honoured to be named Agribusiness of the Decade. This award is not just for Yara Ghana it belongs to the hardworking farmers who rise every morning to grow the food that feeds our nation. This award goes to the team, our partners, and every individual who believes that agriculture can be a force for economic development’.

At Yara, we firmly believe that the future of agriculture in Ghana lies in building a system where knowledge, technology, and resources are readily accessible to farmers at every level. And for us to achieve the Yara Ambition of “Growing a Nature-Positive Food Future” through environmentally sustainable food production systems, we need to extend knowledge transfer of better ways of farming to maximize production and profitability, with less impact on the environment, natural resources, and innovative ways of dealings with climate change.

As Ghana and the African continent move toward greater agricultural sustainability, Yara Ghana stands as a beacon of what agribusiness leadership should look like: visionary, responsible, and relentlessly dedicated to feeding the future.

SOURCE: YARA GHANA

Former Vice President and 2024 NPP flag bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, says the governing NDC will not be able to survive its own lofty promises now that it holds the reins of government.

Speaking during his UK Thank You Tour in London, where he engaged members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF), he said, “It’s not easy to do propaganda when you are in government. It’s very easy to do propaganda in opposition.”

Dr. Bawumia, who led the New Patriotic Party into the 2024 general election, said the NDC’s campaign was fuelled by “stories and lies” that are already unravelling just five months into their administration. “

They told so many lies in opposition,” he said.

“They said when they come, they will bring down the cost of kenkey and the cost of living. I don’t know, have you noticed the reduction in prices in Ghana? No. Prices are rather going up, whether you are looking at cement or other things.”

He accused the new administration of misleading farmers, teachers, and the general public.

“They also lied to cocoa farmers that they are going to increase the price of a bag of cocoa from ¢3,100 to ¢7,000…Today, they are saying they had the wrong information.”

On education promises, he said, “They told teachers that once they get into office, the teacher licensure exams will be abolished. Today, they are telling them they won’t touch it again.”

Dr Bawumia didn’t spare the NDC’s flagship 24-hour economy policy. “Of course, we all knew it was a joke,” he said.

“They really had big, big billboards trying to convince Ghanaians that for every job, they were going to have three people doing the job… Today, it’s completely missing in their policy.”

The former Vice President scoffed at the feasibility of running such a policy amid Ghana’s power crisis.

“How can you have a 24-hour economy with dumsor at the same time? You can’t.”

He suggested the NDC’s performance will work in favour of the NPP come 2028.

“I think the NDC in government is being exposed in just five months, and by the time they hit four years, you will see a big clamour for the NPP to come back into office.”

But Dr. Bawumia also struck a reflective tone about the NPP’s own failings in government.

“There’s no doubt…we didn’t get everything right,” he admitted. “I apologise to all of you for us not getting the things right that we should have gotten.”

Still, he expressed strong confidence in a political comeback.

“I am very, very optimistic about 2028… I believe that we will get many things right because we’ve learned the lessons of where we are going.”

He argued that history favours returning candidates over first-timers.

“Our political history suggests that it is usually very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana.”

He cited the example of John Agyekum Kufuor, John Mills, and Akufo-Addo—all of whom needed multiple runs to clinch victory.

“Now the NDC will have to bring a new candidate. I believe we will have an advantage, all things being equal, over that new candidate coming in 2028.”

Dr. Bawumia also believes that with time, the legacy of the Akufo-Addo administration will be appreciated.

“When Kufuor left office, he wasn’t very popular. But today, he’s one of the most popular presidents in our history. That is the same way I believe people will reflect and appreciate the work Nana Akufo-Addo’s government did.”

He ended his remarks with a rallying call: “I believe that we are in a very good position to win this election, and we should be very, very enthusiastic. I want to count on all of your support.”

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.

Prophet Nicholas Osei alias Kumchacha

Prophet Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Kumchacha, has called on pastors to comply with the ongoing ban on noisemaking in Accra, imposed by the Ga Traditional Council to prepare for the Homowo festival.

The ban, effective from 12 May to 12 June 2025, prohibits drumming, loudspeakers, clapping in religious settings, and other noisy activities across the Ga State.

In an interview on Okay FM, Kumchacha urged his fellow pastors to respect traditional authorities and adhere to the law to maintain peace.

“The one month will soon be here, and once the one month is over, we will have every right to use our instruments. So I will plead with my colleague pastors to give reverence to our traditional leaders and obey the laws for peace to reign,” he said.

He emphasized that Jesus, whom Christians proclaim, is a symbol of peace hence the need for all Christians to promote peace by obeying rules and regulations.

“If the person you are following is for peace, you have no reason, like other pastors do, to engage in actions that will provoke or promote violence,” he said.

The call by Kumchacha comes amid reports of enforcement actions, with the Ga Traditional Council summoning 15 churches for violating the ban by using loudspeakers and engaging in noisy activities.

GA/KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Despite growing buzz on social media about a drop in cement prices—particularly GHACEM 32R—retail checks across the market tell a different story.

Traders say the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi has not translated into lower prices at the counter. GHACEM 32R is still retailing at around 120 cedis per bag.

At a time when the cedi is enjoying one of its strongest runs in years, expectations are high that the cost of goods—especially imported and other critical products like cement—will follow suit.

But traders in parts of Accra have dismissed the claims making the rounds online, saying cement prices have not only held steady, but in some cases, seen slight increases over the last two quarters.

As of February 2025, cement prices had surged by 9 cedis to sell at GHS 120.

“There hasn’t been any price reduction. I even placed an order at 105 cedis per bag, and I’m yet to receive it—so all those reports are just hearsay,” Atta Boafo- a retailer opined.

David Nartey another retailer rejected the social media claims stating that:”I received my goods today and the factory price is GHS 120 and I retail it at GHS 130.”

They argue that factors such as high transport costs, rising input prices, and supply chain constraints continue to weigh on pricing—making it difficult for recent currency gains to reflect immediately at the retail level.

“We understand clinker is in short supply, so if there’s enough of it—and that combines with the stable exchange rate—it could push prices down and offer some relief,” another retailer added.

For most of the traders they impressed on the government to help address the issue of clinker shortages before consumers can think of any price reduction.

GUTA President, Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), alongside allied trade organisations, has strongly condemned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for cautioning GUTA President Dr Joseph Obeng against using his honorary doctorate title, describing the action as a malicious attempt to discredit his reputation.

In a statement issued on Monday, 19 May 2025, GUTA called GTEC’s caution an overreach of authority and an “unwarranted, malicious attempt calculated to cast aspersions on the person and the dignity of a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been pivotal in transforming the economic narrative of our country.”

The association demanded that GTEC retract its press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the reputational harm caused.

“We request that GTEC retract its misplaced press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the unwarranted reputational harm caused,” the statement said.

The controversy stems from GTEC’s recent directive urging Dr Joseph Obeng to refrain from using the “Dr” title, which he earned through an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity conferred by Alpha International Theological Seminary (AITS) on April 24, 2016 for his contributions to human development and private enterprise.

GUTA emphasised that Dr Joseph Obeng’s honorary title is a “well-earned recognition of his decades of service to national development, private enterprise advocacy, and economic empowerment.”

The statement further asserted, “We assert that the trading community will not countenance any further attempt to denigrate the dignity of our leader or any of our leadership. The informal sector demands and deserves respect.”

The association urged GTEC to exercise discretion, engage stakeholders before issuing such statements, and recognise diverse pathways to leadership beyond academic credentials.

“Dr Joseph Obeng is not merely a representative of traders; he is a symbol of resilience, service, and visionary leadership in Ghana’s economic landscape,” the statement read.

GUTA and its allies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), expressed solidarity with Dr Joseph Obeng, vowing to protect his right to be honoured and defend all leaders who serve Ghana with integrity.

GA/KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

A dispute with regional implications

GUTA President, Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), alongside allied trade organisations, has strongly condemned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for cautioning GUTA President Dr Joseph Obeng against using his honorary doctorate title, describing the action as a malicious attempt to discredit his reputation.

In a statement issued on Monday, 19 May 2025, GUTA called GTEC’s caution an overreach of authority and an “unwarranted, malicious attempt calculated to cast aspersions on the person and the dignity of a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been pivotal in transforming the economic narrative of our country.”

The association demanded that GTEC retract its press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the reputational harm caused.

“We request that GTEC retract its misplaced press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the unwarranted reputational harm caused,” the statement said.

The controversy stems from GTEC’s recent directive urging Dr Joseph Obeng to refrain from using the “Dr” title, which he earned through an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity conferred by Alpha International Theological Seminary (AITS) on April 24, 2016 for his contributions to human development and private enterprise.

GUTA emphasised that Dr Joseph Obeng’s honorary title is a “well-earned recognition of his decades of service to national development, private enterprise advocacy, and economic empowerment.”

The statement further asserted, “We assert that the trading community will not countenance any further attempt to denigrate the dignity of our leader or any of our leadership. The informal sector demands and deserves respect.”

The association urged GTEC to exercise discretion, engage stakeholders before issuing such statements, and recognise diverse pathways to leadership beyond academic credentials.

“Dr Joseph Obeng is not merely a representative of traders; he is a symbol of resilience, service, and visionary leadership in Ghana’s economic landscape,” the statement read.

GUTA and its allies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), expressed solidarity with Dr Joseph Obeng, vowing to protect his right to be honoured and defend all leaders who serve Ghana with integrity.

GA/KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Foster Awintiti-Akubi, Head of Partnerships and Government Relations for Africa Fintech Summit,

Ghana is poised to significantly boost its economy by hosting the 14th Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS), scheduled for October 8th to 10th, 2025, in Accra.

With over 1,500 delegates expected from across the continent, the summit is projected to generate approximately $1.3 million for the Ghanaian economy through hotel bookings and various other economic activities.

Mr. Foster Awintiti-Akubi, Head of Partnerships and Government Relations for the Africa Fintech Summit, highlighted the substantial economic benefits during an event hosted by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra.

He emphasized that bringing this prestigious fintech event to Ghana underscores the nation’s growing prominence as a financial technology hub in Africa.

Mr. Awintiti-Akubi stated that beyond the immediate financial gains, the summit is also expected to catalyze further investment in Ghana’s thriving fintech sector.

He noted that the summit would provide a crucial platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations—further solidifying Ghana’s position in the African fintech landscape and attracting future economic opportunities.

Ghana’s tech industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, standing out as the only top-five African destination for venture capital growth in 2024, with an impressive 26 percent increase—even as overall tech funding across Africa declined.

This growth is largely attributed to its robust fintech sector, particularly in payment solutions.

The announcement also marks the official launch of a strategic partnership between AFTS and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The Bank of Ghana has called for increased collaboration in promoting fintech and digital initiatives to enhance Africa’s economic integration.

It stated that fintech is bridging access gaps, particularly for underserved and remote communities, and that cross-border digital payments are gaining traction—promising to ease trade frictions and accelerate regional commerce.

Sesame Street and Netflix have struck a deal that will see the popular US television show appear on the streaming platform, while still being available on the free-to-air channel PBS.

Netflix said the iconic programme is a “beloved cornerstone of children’s media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning”.

From later this year Netflix will offer its 300 million subscribers around the world a new 56th season of the show and 90 hours of previous episodes.

Sesame Street was facing an uncertain future after entertainment giant Warner Bros Discovery, which owns the HBO platform, did not renew its deal with the half-century-old programme.

Under the deal, PBS will get access to episodes on the same day they are released on Netflix.

In the late 1960s, Sesame Street co-founders Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney approached Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education with a novel way of teaching American children.

A team led by a developmental psychologist worked with the Sesame founders to analyse childhood psychology and produce entertaining lessons.

They worked with Muppets creator Jim Henson to create characters like Big Bird, with a set made to look like an urban street.

Since its first airing on 10 November 1969, millions of children have grown up with the show’s theme tune “Can you tell me how to get, how get to Sesame Street?”

Over the decades, the programme and its characters have gained a life beyond the small screen.

Popular character Elmo stepped into the public policy spotlight in 2002, when he was invited to discuss music education at Congress.

During a child obesity epidemic in the US in 2006, Sesame Street aired Health Habits segments designed to teach kids about diet and exercise.

The Cookie Monster declared cookies a “sometimes food” and taught children about a balanced diet.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also visited Sesame’s studios to film a segment on healthy eating.

Netflix has been increasing its focus on children’s content, which accounts for 15% of viewing on its service.

It also announced on Tuesday that new episodes of Peppa Pig and a mobile game with puzzles and colouring activities would be coming to the platform.

The animated show is centred on the adventures of a four-year-old piglet called Peppa who lives with her family in a fictional British town.

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.

Dr Apaak, exchanging pleasantries wit the UK Trade Envoy to Ghana, Bellavia Janet Ribeiro-Addy (MP)

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, received the UK Trade Envoy to Ghana, Bellavia Janet Ribeiro-Addy (MP), at the Ministry on Monday, May 19, 2025.

The meeting primarily focused on Transnational Education (TNE), with the aim of strengthening the UK-Ghana educational partnership and exploring additional areas for deeper collaboration.

Dr Apaak was supported by the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai; the Director for Tertiary Education, Dr. Emmanuel Newman; and officials from the Ministry’s Protocol Department.

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude to the UK Envoy for selecting Ghana as a partner in Transnational Education.

“On behalf of the Minister, I would like to express our appreciation and emphasize that this partnership will be mutually beneficial. We are committed to doing our part, based on the conversation we’ve had and our shared expectations,” Dr Apaak said.

“We are also encouraged by your willingness to support us. You mentioned capacity building and building on what has already been achieved in phase one — we are ready for phase two. We genuinely want to position Ghana as an educational hub. Our country is politically stable, and our economy is doing relatively well,” he added.

Dr Apaak further assured the Envoy of the Ministry’s openness to continued engagement. “Our doors are always open for any clarifications. We are available to provide the necessary information so that we can make meaningful progress that benefits us all.”

“We want to see real impact — it’s not just about awarding degrees,” he emphasized.

For her part, the UK Trade Envoy to Ghana, Bellavia Janet Ribeiro-Addy (MP), expressed appreciation to the Deputy Minister for hosting her and for engaging in discussions on Transnational Education.

“I just want to thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us and for your willingness to support Transnational Education and the creation of partnerships between institutions,” she stated.

Dr Omane Boamah [L] and Stan Dogbey have been criticised for their lack of empathy

A member of the Communications Team of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Tabitha Ayillah, has heavily criticised Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe and Minister of Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah for their apparent lack of empathy toward victims of Sunday’s floods.

The two government appointees have come under heavy criticism after choosing to discuss football on their social media platforms at a time when parts of the public were stranded and others displaced following five hours of heavy rainfall in Accra.

Their failure to use their platforms to sympathise with struggling Ghanaians was roundly condemned by many netizens.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Metro TV on Monday, May 19, 2025, Tabitha Ayillah said the two politicians should learn to show concern for the very Ghanaians who stood in queues for hours to vote them into power.

“Where is the empathy from people who should be concerned about the livelihoods of Ghanaians? I say this because the Chairman of the anti-flood committee set up by the President, who is also the Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Dogbe, and the Minister for Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah, were on social media talking about football while people had no place to sleep and others were struggling to get home after going out.

“You have these insensitive people, who hold sensitive positions in this administration, talking about football on their social media handles. I just checked their profiles to see if they had issued any statement to empathise with the people or to outline plans to address the situation—I saw nothing.

“And you ask yourself: are these the leaders we chose to govern this country? We saw the charade; we saw them in an aircraft claiming to be doing feasibility studies or whatever, all funded by taxpayers. Yet, when the people are in need, they are on social media talking about football. It is sad and shameful that those we call our leaders engage in such behavior.”

Heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18, 2025, brought Accra and its surrounding municipalities to a standstill leaving three people dead.

The downpour, which began around 3:00 pm and lasted over three hours, flooded neighborhoods including Ofankor Barrier, Weija, Kaneshie, Labadi, First Light, Dzorwulu, Adabraka, Adentan-Dodowa, and parts of Tema. Severe flooding was reported in the Adjei-Kojo Kanewu area of the Tema West Municipality.

Major roads were rendered inaccessible, including the stretch between Awudome Roundabout and Awudome Cemetery, with the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange completely submerged.

Several vehicles broke down in the floodwaters, forcing local youth to step in and assist stranded drivers, helping to prevent accidents near open drains and potholes hidden beneath the water.

The situation worsened during the evening rush hour, leaving many commuters stranded for hours.

Where is the empathy? It’s sad and shameful – Tabitha Ayillah vents at Stan Dogbe & Omane Boamah for discussing footbal amid #AccraFloods#GoodMorningGhana #MetroTV pic.twitter.com/cuabWNwtJW

— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) May 19, 2025

KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Foster Awintiti-Akubi, Head of Partnerships and Government Relations for Africa Fintech Summit,

Ghana is poised to significantly boost its economy by hosting the 14th Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS), scheduled for October 8th to 10th, 2025, in Accra.

With over 1,500 delegates expected from across the continent, the summit is projected to generate approximately $1.3 million for the Ghanaian economy through hotel bookings and various other economic activities.

Mr. Foster Awintiti-Akubi, Head of Partnerships and Government Relations for the Africa Fintech Summit, highlighted the substantial economic benefits during an event hosted by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra.

He emphasized that bringing this prestigious fintech event to Ghana underscores the nation’s growing prominence as a financial technology hub in Africa.

Mr. Awintiti-Akubi stated that beyond the immediate financial gains, the summit is also expected to catalyze further investment in Ghana’s thriving fintech sector.

He noted that the summit would provide a crucial platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations—further solidifying Ghana’s position in the African fintech landscape and attracting future economic opportunities.

Ghana’s tech industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, standing out as the only top-five African destination for venture capital growth in 2024, with an impressive 26 percent increase—even as overall tech funding across Africa declined.

This growth is largely attributed to its robust fintech sector, particularly in payment solutions.

The announcement also marks the official launch of a strategic partnership between AFTS and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The Bank of Ghana has called for increased collaboration in promoting fintech and digital initiatives to enhance Africa’s economic integration.

It stated that fintech is bridging access gaps, particularly for underserved and remote communities, and that cross-border digital payments are gaining traction—promising to ease trade frictions and accelerate regional commerce.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has mounted a strong defence of his government’s controversial decision to ramp up gold purchases instead of relying solely on loans.

Speaking to members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF) during his Thank You Tour of the UK, the 2024 flagbearer of the NPP, described the move as a choice between economic sovereignty and dependency.

“$5 billion in gold or $3 billion in loans – we chose sovereignty,” he declared, arguing that the Bank of Ghana’s gold purchase program was the bedrock of the cedi’s current strength.

“In two years, Bank of Ghana had bought $5 billion worth of gold,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“Remember, we were going to the IMF just for $3 billion, and going through all sorts of hoops. But in two years, we had bought $5 billion.”

He said the results were unmatched.

“We increased the gold reserves in Ghana from 8.7 tons to 30 tons. So, 65 years after independence, we only had 8.7 tons, but in just two years, we went to 30. That is a big backing for the currency.”

He explained why the gold path was more logical. “Why I went for gold is that you don’t need to export to get gold. You need to export cocoa to get foreign exchange, timber, and oil, you need to turn it abroad. But as for gold, you just need to dig it or pay for it with cedis. So it was a much easier way to do it.”

Dr. Bawumia also dismissed any credit to the opposition for the recent appreciation of the cedi.

“If you are to ask the NDC to point out exactly what policy they have implemented that has resulted in the appreciation of the cedi, they cannot tell you one.

“Not sort of talked about, but actually implemented. They only passed their budget in March. They’ve not even issued any contracts and paid for anything.”

He stressed that the foundation of the current cedi performance lies in decisions made under the NPP.

“People, after all the noise of the election, are paying attention to our reserves. That is one thing which we have built to 30 tons. They have been in office so far, they’ve not even increased it by one ton. Not a single one ton.”

Dr Bawumia pointed to three main drivers of the cedi’s performance: Ghana’s gold-backed currency, global dollar weakness, and fiscal restraint under the current administration.

“The US dollar itself is on the decline globally. If you go to Zambia, for example, the Kwacha has gained a lot of ground also because you have the US dollar declining in value.”

He claimed the current government’s inaction is also playing a role.

“They are not spending. If you are managing an economy, you have to pay your bills. They are not paying IPPs, for example.

“This is why the dumsor is so acute. And they are not paying contractors. When you are not spending, there is less pressure on your currency.”

Dr Bawumia warned that the sustainability of the current macro stability depends on how the new administration manages what has been built.

“I believe that it is clear that what we put in place – and I believe this is going to be there for a long time – should help us maintain stability in the currency. But we’ll see how they manage it going down the road.”

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.