The chiefs and people of Adjiekrom in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region have enstooled Jean-Claude Mukadi, the Interim National Director of World Vision Ghana, as the new Development Chief of Adjiekrom in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.

Jean-Claude Mukadi, who will be known in the traditional circle as Nkosohene Nana Adjei, was awarded this honor due to the continuous support from World Vision Ghana to the community.

In the area of health, education and sanitation, World Vision Ghana, over the years, has supported the Adjiekrom community, ensuring a safer space for inhabitants.

According to Chiefs and people of the area, they couldn’t have shown their appreciation in any way other than to honor the Interim National Director of World Vision Ghana for the show of love and continuous support.

The short, colourful ceremony at the Adjiekrom Community Park on Friday, April 11, was followed by the coronation of the Dade Manste of Adjiekrom Nene Victor Basta Asare.

Speaking to Channel One News, Dade Manste of Adjiekrom Nene Victor Basta Asare, acknowledged the significance of support from World Vision Ghana to their community.

“It is indeed a great day for all of us, it is a homage and an honor given to him because of the way World Vision Ghana is dealing with the communities around, especially here at Adjiekrom. When you visit our community, you would see toilet facilities, portable water and other social amenities which were given to us by World Vision Ghana.

“When it comes to schools in our community, too, you will see World Vision always supporting these schools with reading and learning materials as well as organizing training programmes for these teachers. So, we are happy to make him the Development Chief to strengthen our ties with them and improve our relationship with World Vision Ghana,” he said.

On his part, Nkosuohene Nana Adjei, who was overwhelmed by the gesture and honor done him by the traditional leadership, affirmed his commitment to supporting the growth of the community.

“I am grateful to you all for adopting me in your community and for making me a Chief in this beautiful community. I want to assure you that myself and World Vision Ghana and its partners will continue to support the community,” he pledged.

Nkosuohene Nana Adjei, who was adorned in kente regalia and beads, cheerfully danced ‘kete’ as the crowd cheered on their new Development Chief.

E/R: Joint Police-Military team arrests seven galamseyers

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President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Feed Ghana Programme, a national initiative aimed at boosting local food production, creating jobs, and reducing the country’s reliance on imported food.

The programme was officially introduced in Techiman, Bono East Region, on Saturday, April 12  2025.

Speaking at the event, Mr Mahama said the initiative, popularly referred to as Yeridua, is centred on practical farming approaches that involve households, schools, communities and institutions.

“We’ll invest in controlled environment farming, including greenhouse technology and urban agriculture,” he said. “But we’re also going back to the basics encouraging every household to grow what they can eat.”

Mr Mahama urged families to cultivate small backyard gardens. He said growing common vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, garden eggs and okra at home could help cut food costs while improving diets.

Recalling the “Operation Feed Yourself” campaign of the 1970s, he noted that backyard farming was once common and could be again.

“For those of you who grew up during the Operation Feed Yourself era, you remember how your parents had backyard gardens. So when it was time to pound fufu, there was no need to visit the market. You just stepped outside and picked some nyadua, pepper, onion and tomato to make the soup,” he said.

Beyond households, Mr Mahama said the programme would also involve Senior High Schools, particularly those with land. These schools, he noted, will be supported to grow food and rear animals to support their kitchens and supplement the school feeding programme.

“You’ll grow vegetables to improve the meals and raise cows, goats and sheep to provide meat for students,” he said. “We want students to begin to see agriculture not just as a subject in the classroom but as meaningful work they can take up.”

He added that the National Service Scheme, Ghana Prisons Service and National Youth Employment Agency would all take part in the rollout. Religious groups, he said, had also expressed interest in participating.

Another component of the programme is the revival of the national poultry initiative. Under this arrangement, 50 anchor farmers will receive support to produce four million birds, equivalent to about 10,000 metric tonnes of chicken. In addition, 55,000 households will each be helped to rear 500 birds annually.

“Ghana imports nearly 400 million dollars’ worth of chicken every year. That is something we should not be proud of,” Mr Mahama said. “This project is going to change that.”

To support these activities, the government plans to deploy 5,000 agricultural and veterinary graduates across the country.

Mr Mahama said they will be assigned to schools, communities and institutions, and will be absorbed into the public sector as job openings become available.

He also mentioned other parts of the programme, including grain, legume, vegetable and livestock farming projects.

Mr Mahama said the broader goal is to help the country return to a culture of self-reliance and build a stronger food system that works for everyone, from farmers in rural areas to families living in cities.

“This is about feeding ourselves again and making farming part of our everyday lives,” he said.

Kumasi, the second most industrialized city in Ghana after Accra, was once celebrated as the Garden City. However, for decades, it has been engulfed in filth. Sanitation and waste management remain persistent challenges that require urgent and sustained intervention.

In 2021, the Government of Ghana secured US$74 million from the World Bank to improve water and sanitation services nationwide. Part of this funding was earmarked for the Greater Kumasi Sanitation and Water Project, which aimed to provide 30,000 household toilet facilities for low-income residents in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area.

Former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, made that announcement during the World Toilet Day celebrations in Kumasi on November 21, 2021.

In 2022, Kumasi also received 2.5 million euros in support from the European Union through the Holistic Reinforcement for Sustainable Development initiative, a 30-month project that was launched to improve the city’s sanitation. At the launch, the former Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, noted that sanitation had become the second most pressing issue in the region, after roads.

“When the president gave me the opportunity to represent him in the Ashanti region, I did a survey to identify the top challenges of the region and among the first three was sanitation. The first was roads, the second was security, and the third was sanitation. But as I speak, sanitation has moved to second after roads,”  he stated.

Year after year and administration after administration, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has initiated and launched various programmes geared towards making Kumasi clean and green. Yet, these initiatives are yet to reflect on the streets of the city.

The latest to join the fight against the sanitation crisis in the region is the new Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.

In just one month, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has twice pledged to address the region’s mounting sanitation challenges, raising public expectations for swift and tangible action.

On March 6, 2025, while speaking to the media during a cleanup exercise as part of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations, Dr. Amoakohene announced that a proposal to penalise sanitation offenders was under consideration.

He further hinted at deploying sanitation officers—graduates from the School of Hygiene—as compliance enforcers, particularly within the Central Business District, to ensure adherence to sanitation regulations.

“There is equally a selection on my table concerning the deployment of sanitation officers… You litter, you pay. We can even generate funds from there,” he said.

He acknowledged possible concerns about leakages and misuse of such levies but stressed the need for collective commitment to restore Kumasi’s image as the Garden City.

“Once we put our heads together… with that unity of purpose we should be able to achieve same.”

A little over a month later, what became of that proposal? Was it tabled, shelved, or simply forgotten?

Fast forward to April 12, 2025, and Dr. Amoakohene is back in the headlines during a regional Sanitation Day exercise, this time revealing a different tactic: the use of CCTV cameras to monitor and catch those dumping refuse at unauthorised locations.

“We have redirected some of our cameras from the signals department to capture images and footage from these areas,” he said. “Anyone caught… will be dealt with.”

This pivot raises questions about follow-through on his earlier proposal. With no updates on the deployment of sanitation officers or penalties for offenders, the public is left wondering whether these initiatives are mere rhetoric or part of a cohesive, long-term plan.

The region’s sanitation woes, particularly in areas like Adum, Asafo, Roman Hill, and Kejetia, are glaring. Indiscriminate dumping and littering remain rampant, especially in the central business district.

Clearly, the solution lies not just in promises, isolated campaigns, or the launch of initiatives and programmes but in sustained discipline, enforcement of sanitation laws, and transparent policy implementation.

Until then, the fight against poor sanitation in the Ashanti Region remains a revolving door of pledges and the launch of initiatives and programmes, without progress.

Mahama outlines key interventions under ‘Feed Ghana’ to transform Agriculture

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The Bono Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recovered GH¢835,579.69 in revenue for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) from January to March 2025.

According to the 2025 first quarter report, issued by the Commission and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, the PURC also had an adjustment totalling GH¢16,263.74 for consumers in the same period.

The commission received a total of 263 complaints from both service providers and consumers, it stated, saying, 257 of the complaints were successfully resolved.

It revealed that “NEDCo receives the highest number of complaints of 239 representing 90.88 percent,” saying the Ghana Water Limited also received 23 complaints while only a complaint was lodged against a consumer.

The Report stated that, “During the period under review the office organised 20 public education programmes, enabling it to interact with 2,836 consumers and distributed 795 flyers across the Bono and Ahafo Regions.”

It explained that the commission focused more on ‘regulatory relevance’ that sought to promote regulatory excellence and thereby improve consumer welfare in the Bono and Ahafo regions.

Throughout the quarter, the office implemented proactive and strategic measures that contributed to significant progress in regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and the overall provision of utility services in the regions.

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The 60th anniversary training of the Union of African Journalists (UAJ) opened in Cairo with a forceful appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza, setting a bold tone for a gathering of young journalists from across the African continent.

Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, a long-time UAJ member and former African Union official, condemned the ongoing killing of journalists in Palestine and urged African journalists to take a united stand.

“To date, more than 100 journalists in Palestine have been killed in cold blood. These journalists were not only killed in the line of duty, but some were killed alongside their children, some even in front of their families. What is happening in Gaza must be condemned. We must take a stand,” Ambassador Haggag said.

He highlighted that Israel now ranks second globally in the number of journalists killed, according to the International Federation of Journalists in Brussels, most of them being Palestinian. Ambassador Haggag stressed that except for Palestinian journalists, no international media is reporting from inside Gaza.

Africa’s Longstanding Solidarity with Palestine

The opening session reaffirmed the African Union’s historic support for Palestine, with Ambassador Haggag noting that the issue has always been first on the agenda of AU summits. He commended South Africa for initiating a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.

He also pointed to the backlash African countries face for such stances. “Various groups that support Israel have imposed sanctions on South Africa and others, simply for speaking out,” he said.

In line with this solidarity, participants in the UAJ training will have the opportunity to interact with the Ambassador of Palestine to Egypt, as the programme explores African media’s role in global justice movements.

A Pan-African Training Ground for the Next Generation

The three-week-long training marks 60 years of continuous journalist development by the UAJ. It brings together young journalists from across the continent, including JoyNews’ Emmanuel Dzivenu, to explore topics that blend traditional journalistic values with emerging storytelling techniques.

The curriculum includes sessions on:

• Economic integration and free labour organisation in Africa
• Soft power and the African identity
• Protection of African journalists in hostile environments
• Creating compelling digital content, especially short-form reels for social media
• Cross-border collaboration and news exchange

Ambassador Haggag reflected on his efforts as Egypt’s ambassador to Kenya and Ethiopia to strengthen media collaboration between East Africa and North Africa. He encouraged current participants to build new networks across borders:

“We ensured that Egyptian newspapers would publish weekly columns about African news, and Kenyan papers like The Nation would carry columns on Arab affairs. This is the kind of collaboration we must revive.”

Ghana’s Voice on the Gaza Conflict

Ghana, like many African countries, has called for restraint in the Middle East. In 2024, then President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo expressed concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, urging both sides to respect international law and protect civilians. He has reiterated Ghana’s support for a two-state solution.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, President Mahama said: “Ghana supports a two state solution to the conflict. A peaceful and stable Israel, coexisting with a sovereign Palestinian State. To this end we call for an immediate cessation of construction of settlements in the Palestinian territories.”

Bridging African and Arab Narratives

In closing, Ambassador Haggag urged Egyptian journalists to connect more deeply with their African counterparts and vice versa. “You must collaborate,” he said, emphasizing that the future of African journalism depends on shared stories, shared struggles, and shared solutions.

The UAJ has also arranged cultural activities and sightseeing for participants to explore Egypt’s rich historical sites during the training.

As the war in Gaza continues to test the world’s conscience, the UAJ’s 60th anniversary training has become more than a skills workshop – it is a platform where Africa’s youngest journalists are being encouraged to find their voice on the frontlines of truth, justice, and global solidarity.

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Security expert Col Festus Aboagye (rtd)

A security analyst, Col Festus Aboagye (rtd), has described NPP’s Rev John Ntim Fordjour’s allegations as lacking substance and a ploy to sway Ghanaians.

He labelled the sequence of events that have characterised the allegations as a failed “April Fool’s” attempt.

Col Aboagye explained that it is cunning to set such an agenda without a correct factual basis and evidence.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points show on April 12, 2025, he said; “And I’m saying that if this is the caliber of people who govern Ghana, then we are doomed because you don’t eat ‘abenkwan’ [palm nut soup] and go to bed and dream and wake up and tell Ghanaians that you have intelligence that some drugs have been trafficked into the country or money has been laundered. So, that is a broad picture.”

The security analyst also tackled how the government has been responding to the issue.

He lamented the lack of transparency and proactiveness of the various institutions whose mandate is to deal with such a matter, i.e the police, the Financial Intelligence Centre, EOCO, and the Narcotics Control Commission.

“And up until today, the government has been reacting to an April Fool’s agenda that has been set by the Reverend Ntim Fodjour, which is very unfortunate once again because our political culture is not brief. It’s not to update, it’s not to inform. We keep things until we are forced, then we come and chip in something.

“But assuming that there is intelligence, I would wish, based on what I see in the media, you have a regional minister or you have a Minister of State, you have an IGP or you have a police CID boss. You have the chief or the head of Narcotics Control Commission lined up before the press. The politician will issue a political statement,” he said.

He added, “The police will come in with the criminal investigation aspects. The narcotics control will pitch in with the narcotics side. The Financial Intelligence Center or EOCO will come in with the money laundering side.”

On April 1, 2025, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, said the Minority caucus intercepted an intelligence indicating that an air ambulance landed in Ghana without any referral of patients.

According to them, two flights suspected to be carrying cocaine and an undisclosed amount of cash landed in Ghana between March 20 and March 25, 2025.

SSD/AE

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John Awuah is the President of the Ghana Association of Bankers

John Awuah, President of the Ghana Association of Bankers, has urged policymakers to use clear and simple language when communicating national economic policies to ensure public understanding.

He noted that complex economic terminology often alienates citizens, limiting informed financial decisions.

Speaking at a financial literacy conference in Accra, Mr Awuah stressed the need for holistic financial education to drive Ghana’s economic transformation.

The conference highlighted the crucial role of rounded financial education in driving Ghana’s economic transformation, bringing together industry leaders and key stakeholders.

It was on the theme, “Building Wealth, Changing Lives, Strengthening Communities through Personal and Financial Education.”

Mr. Awuah emphasized that wealth creation depended not only on personal savings and investments but also on broader economic conditions such as inflation, exchange rates, and fiscal policies.

“The recent domestic debt exchange programme was a stark reminder that even prudent personal financial management can be undermined by macroeconomic instability,” he said.

Many Ghanaians, he noted, struggled to understand how such policies affect their lives due to technical jargon.

“When people understand how inflation erodes their savings or how exchange rate fluctuations impact prices, they can make better financial choices,” he added.

Mr. Awuah also advocated for public education, urging government officials and economic managers to simplify complex concepts into relatable terms.

He underscored the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing financial literacy, noting its potential to provide tailored advice and close knowledge gaps, particularly for underserved populations.

However, he cautioned that technology must be supported by clear and effective policy communication.

Awuah called for greater collaboration between financial institutions, educators, and policymakers to promote economic literacy.

“Financial empowerment begins with understanding. If we want a society where wealth is sustainable and inclusive, we must ensure that macroeconomic policies are accessible to everyone, not just experts,” he stated.

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The Staff Union of the National Service Authority (NSA), under the National Service Authority Staff Union (NASASU), has condemned what it describes as attempts by political party foot soldiers to hijack the operations of the Authority.

In a press release dated April 11, 2025, and signed by NASASU Chairman, Ayirebi Adubofour, the Union expressed concern over growing political interference in the Authority’s internal affairs, particularly regarding staff recruitment and transfers.

The Union warned that such interference undermines democratic principles, erodes public trust, and compromises the integrity of state institutions.

“We strongly condemn the practice of political party foot soldiers attempting to hijack the National Service Authority. This phenomenon undermines the principle of democracy, erodes public trust, and compromises the integrity of our institutions,” the release stated.

The Union reiterated that all recruitment and internal transfers are governed by the National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119), the Public Services Commission Act 1994 (Act 482), and Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution.

NASASU urged the youth of the Western Region, where tensions have reportedly arisen, to exercise restraint and allow the Management of the Authority to function within the confines of the law. It also called on the NSA Management to strictly adhere to the guiding legal and institutional frameworks and maintain the integrity of the Authority.

Additionally, NASASU appealed to the government to shield public institutions such as the National Service Authority from undue political influence and advised political parties to refrain from using the Authority as a tool for partisan gains.

The Union’s statement concludes by asserting that the Authority’s mandate must remain independent and professional, urging all stakeholders to respect its legal status and statutory responsibilities.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the European Union (EU) amid global trade uncertainties.

“Both China and the EU are major economies in the world and staunch supporters of economic globalisation and free trade,” he stated, stressing the importance of collaboration to protect the international trade environment and oppose unilateral, coercive actions.

President Xi, during a meeting in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighted the strong economic relationship between China and the EU, noting their combined economic output exceeded one-third of the global total.

“The two sides have already formed a strong economic symbiotic relationship,” he said.

Xi reiterated China’s support for the EU’s unity, development, and growth. 

“In the current context, it is of great practical significance to strengthen the China-EU partnerships of peace, growth, reform, and civilisation. China and the EU should see each other as partners and embrace open cooperation,” he added.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in global trade, following the United States’ tariff policies under President Donald Trump’s administration. 

The White House recently announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from all foreign countries, prompting retaliatory measures from China and the EU.

President Trump defended the policy as a move to bolster the US manufacturing and industrial base.

In response, the Chinese Government stated: “As the second largest economy and second largest market for consumer goods, China is committed to opening ever wider to the world, no matter how the international situation changes.”

President Xi remarked in the meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez, “There are no winners in tariff wars. Going against the world will only lead to self-isolation.”

On China-Spain relations, President Xi stressed the importance of mutual support and respect, particularly on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Prime Minister Sánchez acknowledged the steady growth of China-Spain ties over the past 20 years and praised China’s contributions to global prosperity and stability. 

“Spain values its relationship with China, and firmly upholds the one-China policy,” he said.

Prime Minister Sánchez expressed Spain’s readiness to deepen cooperation with China in trade, investment, innovation, green energy, education, culture, and tourism. 

“The Spanish side stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with China, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, scientific and technological innovation, green energy and other sectors, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, and tourism to elevate bilateral relations to new heights,” he assured.

The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis during their meeting.

Source: GNA

Chinese President Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the European Union (EU) amid global trade uncertainties.

“Both China and the EU are major economies in the world and staunch supporters of economic globalisation and free trade,” he stated, stressing the importance of collaboration to protect the international trade environment and oppose unilateral, coercive actions.

President Xi, during a meeting in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighted the strong economic relationship between China and the EU, noting their combined economic output exceeded one-third of the global total.

“The two sides have already formed a strong economic symbiotic relationship,” he said.

Xi reiterated China’s support for the EU’s unity, development, and growth.

“In the current context, it is of great practical significance to strengthen the China-EU partnerships of peace, growth, reform, and civilisation. China and the EU should see each other as partners and embrace open cooperation,” he added.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in global trade, following the United States’ tariff policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The White House recently announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from all foreign countries, prompting retaliatory measures from China and the EU.

President Trump defended the policy as a move to bolster the US manufacturing and industrial base.

In response, the Chinese Government stated: “As the second largest economy and second largest market for consumer goods, China is committed to opening ever wider to the world, no matter how the international situation changes.”

President Xi remarked in the meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez, “There are no winners in tariff wars. Going against the world will only lead to self-isolation.”

On China-Spain relations, President Xi stressed the importance of mutual support and respect, particularly on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Sánchez acknowledged the steady growth of China-Spain ties over the past 20 years and praised China’s contributions to global prosperity and stability.

“Spain values its relationship with China, and firmly upholds the one-China policy,” he said.

Prime Minister Sánchez expressed Spain’s readiness to deepen cooperation with China in trade, investment, innovation, green energy, education, culture, and tourism.

“The Spanish side stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with China, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, scientific and technological innovation, green energy and other sectors, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, and tourism to elevate bilateral relations to new heights,” he assured.

The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis during their meeting.

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Zeqblog Blog of Sunday, 13 April 2025

Source: Okine Isaac

 Gold Coast Refinery, the biggest refinery in West Africa, has offered 15 per cent share of its profit to the government as its contribution towards the streamlining of the country’s gold sector.

The carried interest which would be handled by the newly constituted Gold Board on behalf of the country is in recognition of the support the refinery received from the government during its establishment, and the desire to streamline gold trade across the entire value chain.

“We offer the Republic of Gha­na, represented by Gold Board, 15 per cent as carried interest. I announce here, in my capacity, as the Chairman of the Board and CEO, and this is a gift from us to Gold Board,” he emphasised.

The Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Dr Saed Deraz, announced this when the Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Com­pany and the newly established Gold Board, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, paid courtesy call of him at his office in Accra on Wednesday.

The visit was to afford Mr Gyamfi to assess the operations of the refinery which is the second biggest on the continent as well as ascertain its capacity in terms of the volume of gold it could refine in a day.

It was also to explore ways by which Gold Coast Refinery can support the government’s agenda of adding value to the country’s large deposits of gold before exporting it.

Dr Deraz said he appreciated very much the support of the President towards the establish­ment of the refinery and believed it was time to also support his vision of developing the entire value chain of the gold trade in the country.

He stated that the visit by the CEO of the Gold Board present­ed a big chance for the two entities to cooperate for the development of the sector up to its peak.

“We followed his vision to build this refinery. He would like to add value to the gold. He would like to organise the gold sector. He doesn’t like the idea that just everyone exports the gold ore outside just so the nation doesn’t lose,” he concluded.

On his part, Mr Gyamfi indi­cated that President John Dra­mani Mahama was determined to restructure and streamline the gold trading sector of Ghana.

He noted that it was on that basis that the Ghana Gold Board was established to structure, regulate and streamline the gold trading sector that had been estab­lished.

Mr Gyamfi further explained that the objective of the new enti­ty was to optimise the full benefits of gold for the country across the entire value chain.

“The act has been passed, meaning that the Gold Board is now inexistence and has taken over the functions and powers of PMMC, but we are yet to com­mence business.

We are currently making prepa­rations to commence business by the first week of May, where we will commence the purchase and export of gold over there, with the main purpose of raising the much-needed foreign exchange for Ghana to stabilse our currency,” he revealed.

Additionally, Mr Gyamfi stated that it would also support gold re­serve accumulation by the Bank of Ghana, however, very key to the functions of the Gold Board was the pursuit of value addition.

This, he said, made operations of entities like the Gold Coast Refinery very essential, adding that, “His Excellency has directed us to put in place the necessary measures and move the country away from the export of dory bars to bullion, and also to make allocation from the gold we buy to support those who are involved in the downstream fabrication of gold.”

 BY CLIFF EKUFUL

Kantamanto Market plays a crucial role in Ghana’s informal economy

The leadership of Kantamanto Market has publicly rejected assertions made by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), describing them as misleading and unrepresentative of the true voices within the market.

In a statement issued by the market leadership, they reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, sustainability, and their ongoing partnership with The OR Foundation.

According to the Kantamanto Market leadership, GUCDA represents only a small segment of the secondhand clothing trade — mainly importers — and not the diverse community of small-scale retailers, head porters (kayayei), tailors, upcyclers, and resellers who drive the market’s daily operations.

“GUCDA does not represent us,” the leadership emphasised, reiterating a previous public declaration and calling on the media and development stakeholders to make this distinction clear.

The leadership also expressed strong support for The OR Foundation, highlighting its years of collaboration with Kantamanto retailers.

They noted that the OR Foundation has earned the community’s trust through consistent support, including fire recovery aid, upcycling training, public health initiatives, and research carried out in partnership with market workers.

“Their estimate that around 40% of clothing that enters the market becomes waste is not misinformation — it is an accurate reflection of our daily experience,” the leadership asserted.

They also explained that traders often have no control over the contents of imported clothing bales, which frequently contain torn, stained, outdated, or excess items that are difficult or impossible to sell.

“Waste is not a smear campaign — it is the reality we confront every day,” the leadership said, dismissing GUCDA’s suggestion that the issue was an attack on livelihoods.

The leadership emphasised that the waste problem was systemic, stemming from overproduction in the Global North.

“Kantamanto and Ghana are not dumping grounds by choice, but by design. The global fashion system creates this imbalance, and until that is addressed, local traders will continue to bear the burden,” they said.

Responding to GUCDA’s claim that their strike action represented the interests of Kantamanto traders, the leadership strongly disagreed, noting that prominent individuals featured in GUCDA’s campaign were importers and not the traders who deal with the day-to-day labor and risks of selling secondhand clothes.

“We reject any effort to erase the voices of those who work hardest to sustain this market,” the statement said, adding that attempts to incite protests were undermining the progress being made through local and international collaboration.

The leadership declared that Kantamanto Market remains open and active despite recent challenges, including a devastating fire earlier in the year.

They credited the OR Foundation for providing essential support, such as construction materials and emergency financial aid, to over 9,000 people.

“Our resilience is strong, and our market is vibrant. We welcome all partners who want to trade, collaborate, and invest in a sustainable future,” the statement concluded.

GA/AE

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The fight for survival continues as Legon Cities, deep in the relegation zone, host defending champions Samartex 1996 in a must-win encounter at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday.

It’s another season of struggle for the Royals, who currently sit 17th on the Ghana Premier League table with just 22 points from 25 games. Their record of six wins, four draws, and 15 defeats leaves them with little margin for error as the campaign enters its final stretch.

Home form has been their saving grace—every one of their six victories this season has come at home, including a memorable triumph over Asante Kotoko on matchday six.

However, they’ve also drawn four and lost four times on home turf. On the road, they’ve been dismal—no wins, two draws, and 11 losses.

In their last five matches, Legon Cities have managed five points, but dropped points against struggling side Accra Lions, Karela United, and Young Apostles have severely dented their survival hopes.

Samartex, meanwhile, are six points off the top four. It’s been a season of mixed fortunes for the reigning champions, who have drawn more games (11) than they’ve won (8).

Their away form hasn’t been convincing either, with only two wins in 12 outings (W2 D6 L4), though they head into this game motivated by a 2-0 win over Accra Lions last weekend.

The Timber Giants will hope to make back to back wins against Legon Cities this season as they defeated them by a narrow 1-0 win at home on matchday 10.

Cities are three points adrift of 15th-placed Karela United and will be keeping a close eye on their fixture against Aduana FC.

For Legon Cities, this is more than just another fixture—it’s a fight for survival. For Samartex, it’s an opportunity to add to their away tally and edge closer to the top four.

Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT at the University of Ghana Stadium.

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Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has said that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is demanding the return of some 27,000 tons of food supplies borrowed by Ghana in 2018.

According to the minister, he has pleaded with ECOWAS for a one-year grace period to raise the credited food items for repayment.

“Recently, leaders from ECOWAS came to our office. They said Ghana owes them rice and maize of about 27,000 tons, which we borrowed in 2018, and that they are asking that we refund it,” he disclosed during the launch of the government’s Feed Ghana Programme on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Techiman.

“Mr. President, I have, in your name, pleaded that once we commence the Feed Ghana initiative, we will come and repay the loan in one year’s time,” he added.

He described the programme as a game-changing initiative aimed at steering Ghana toward food sufficiency and urged every citizen to get on board and eschew politicisation of the policy.

The Feed Ghana policy is a flagship initiative by the John Dramani Mahama government aimed at modernising agriculture, boosting food security, and supporting Ghana’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, President Mahama said the initiative is a critical component of his broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which is designed to create jobs, reduce food inflation, and improve livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices.

ECOWAS demands 27,000 tons of maize and rice that the government of Ghana borrowed in 2018 – Agric Minister reveals pic.twitter.com/PmAeIBw6Fu

— Mahama 2024 president (@CitizenTechiman) April 12, 2025

GA/MA

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In a time when public confidence in leadership is often undermined by tales of extravagance and mismanagement, Professor Rasford Gyampo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), is setting the pace for an austere and principled leadership style.

In an exclusive interview with Adomonline.com, Professor Gyampo revealed a series of decisive measures he has implemented to rescue the financially-strained Authority.

According to him, these efforts are not only part of an ethical commitment but a practical necessity to restore the institution’s financial stability and credibility.

“I travel economy class – and so will everyone else”.

“I believe I am the only CEO in Ghana at the moment who travels abroad with an economy class ticket,” Prof. Gyampo stated.

“I do so because the current financial position of my organisation makes it unethical and unthinkable for me to be opulent.”

This symbolic yet powerful gesture has come to define the new culture he is cultivating at the GSA—one rooted in accountability, fiscal discipline, and shared sacrifice.

“I am of the firm belief and conviction that CEOs and Managers of organisations that run at a loss must have no business enjoying largess that goes with their positions,” he added.

Inheriting a cash-strapped Authority

Prof. Gyampo took over leadership of the GSA amid a significant financial crisis, largely stemming from a sweeping government policy under the Mahama administration.

The policy involved the consolidation of excess funds from various government agencies to meet pressing national financial obligations, including the payment of bondholders.

While effective from a national budgeting standpoint, the initiative left institutions like the Ghana Shippers Authority severely cash-strapped.

“This meant the Authority suddenly became cash-strapped,” Gyampo explained. “So as CEO, I had to offer an innovative response to cut expenditure to ensure that the organization survives.”

Bold cost-cutting measures

In response, the new CEO has rolled out a comprehensive cost-cutting strategy. Key among these measures include:

Terminating and renegotiating contracts: Several pre-existing contracts were either cancelled or renegotiated to secure better value and lower prices for services.

Suspension of staff incentives: Some staff allowances and incentive packages have been put on hold temporarily.

Strict travel regulations: All foreign travel has been suspended unless it is deemed essential to the work of the Authority.

When such travel is necessary, every staff member—from senior executives to junior employees—must travel economy class.

“Even on the few occasions I have had to travel, I have flown economy, and this will continue,” he emphasized. “We must rethink the practice where very ordinary people who get political appointments suddenly develop an over-bloated sense of themselves.”

A new model for public sector leadership?

Professor Gyampo’s bold stance is particularly noteworthy given the perception of endemic waste and entitlement in several state-owned enterprises.

Though it’s early days yet, many see the Ghana Shippers Authority as a potential success story—one that could demonstrate how moral leadership and prudent management can breathe new life into a struggling public institution.

As the GSA navigates its path to recovery, all eyes will be on Professor Gyampo and the transformative agenda he has begun to set in motion—one economy-class flight at a time.

The number of operational STC buses is deemed insufficient to meet growing commuter demands

The Ministry of Transport has raised concerns over the limited capacity of Intercity STC Coaches Limited, revealing that the once-proud national transport company currently has fewer than 60 operational buses.

This revelation comes amid increasing public frustration over worsening traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours, which has significantly extended travel times for Ghanaians nationwide.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe lamented the current state of affairs and called for urgent intervention.

According to him, the number is deemed insufficient to meet growing commuter demands.

“The Ayalolo buses, I’m told, are operational, but unfortunately, they fall under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Metro Mass Transit and Intercity STC are under the Ministry of Transport,” he explained.

“It [STC] has been a worry for us in the Ministry and the government. STC, which all of us used to travel with pride, cannot boast of 60 buses that are effective and can run any distance without trouble on the way,” the Minister added.

Mr. Nikpe assured that the government is working to procure additional buses to augment the fleet and restore the company’s ability to serve the public effectively.

“We have fewer than 60 buses that are fit for purpose. We are working hard to ensure that we bring in more buses to augment what they have; otherwise, what we have now is not able to satisfy Ghanaian travellers.”

Intercity STC has a storied history dating back to 1909, when it was established as the Government Transport Department to serve the logistical needs of the central government.

In 1965, it was restructured into the State Transport Corporation (STC) to operate commercial passenger services and later expanded in 1968 to include a haulage division.

In June 1995, STC became a limited liability company under Ghana’s Companies Act and was rebranded in October 2003 as Intercity STC Coaches Limited.

Despite its legacy as a trusted public transport provider, the company has faced operational challenges in recent years, largely due to aging fleets and inadequate resources.