Last week, President John Dramani Mahama relieved In­spector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare of his duties. He was appointed as the acting IGP of the Ghana Police Service by former President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo on July 21, 2021, effective August 1, 2021, and was confirmed as the substantive IGP on October 8, 2021, at the age of 51. He took over from James Oppong Boanuh, who had served since October 2019.

It is an action by the President that has sparked a national reac­tion, characterised by widespread jubilation among a cross-section of the members of the Police Service. It is believed that police officials whose nefarious activities were curtailed by the former IGP ex­pressed joy because they will now have the means to return to their unpatriotic acts. Others believe that Dr Dampare stepped on too many toes regarding promotions and transfers.

Late last year, 10 police officers filed a lawsuit to block their trans­fers to the then Inspector-Gen­eral of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare. The officers contended that the decision undermined their professional stability and failed to align with the standard administra­tive processes of the police service.

Born on July 14, 1970, Dr Dampare is a Chartered Accoun­tant and police officer. He was the 25th IGP, and the youngest in the Fourth Republic of Ghana and the eighth youngest since Ghana gained independence. Dampare served as the IGP until March 13, 2025, when he was removed from office and replaced by Commis­sioner of Police (COP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

His appointment made him the youngest person to occupy the position in Ghana’s Fourth Repub­lic. His tenure has been marked by significant reforms, including modernisation efforts, community policing, and enhanced security strategies.

The former IGP’s tenure has been marked by notable achieve­ments and some criticisms. While many have lauded his efforts to reform and modernise the Ghana Police Service, several concerns have been raised regarding his leadership.

There are allegations of fa­vouritism and division within the service. For example, a retired senior police officer publicly criti­cised him, labelling his leadership as “incompetent and disruptive.” Agordzo accused the former IGP of fostering division within the police ranks and practising favouritism in promotions and assignments.

He was also accused of central­ising the communications system of the service, describing it as unhealthy and a form of restricting information flow to the headquar­ters in Accra. This move faced criticism from stakeholders who argued that it hindered efficient communication and responsive­ness at regional and district levels.

Some critics, including a retired Commissioner of Police, accused Dr Dampare of prioritising public image over substantive policing. They described his actions as “eye servicing,” suggesting that his initiatives were more about appearance than effective law enforcement.

Despite these criticisms, it’s essential to acknowledge that leadership roles, especially in law enforcement, often attract diverse opinions. While some have raised concerns about Dr Dampare’s methods and decisions, others have defended his tenure, highlighting his commitment to transforming the police service and enhancing public safety.

The Ghana Police Service was created by the colonial admin­istration as a Police Force to be primarily used to protect their interest, which included in some cases against the citizenry. After it received legal backing through the Police Service Act, of 1970 (Act 350) after independence and buttressed in the 1992 constitution, the Ghana Police Service is now beaming with positivity across the entire nation.

Among other roles, the service is to primarily prevent and detect crimes planned, in a larger view, ensure the total maintenance of law and order and, importantly, to enhance effective co-existence be­tween the Police and the citizenry to promote safer communities.

To help solve these crime menaces, the Ghana Police Service launched the community policing unit in 2011 aimed at educating the public on its concepts and functions in making the commu­nities safe to live in and devoid of criminal activities.

IGP Dampare’s desire to intensify these initiatives by his predecessors was a kind of com­munity-based policing strategy that fostered collaboration between personnel of the service and local authorities to enforce law, order and security in metropolises, municipalities, and districts across the country. Such collaboration also enabled the public to identify, prioritise and address pertinent issues of crime in their various communities.

This effort was not only to in­crease police visibility in communi­ties but also ensured that personnel worked more in collaboration with opinion leaders and state agencies to sustain law and order. In inter­sections in most cities, the police are seen buttressing the citizenry’s confidence.

What was more amazing was the Snatch Them Young Police Initia­tive (STYPI). The former IGP and members of the Police Manage­ment Board regularly engaged the pupils and opinion leaders across the country to interact and sensitise the populace in the area on policing.

The hearty interaction with the schoolchildren saw the pupils speak openly about their security concerns and their view of the po­lice. According to the former IGP, the initiative represents a signifi­cant step towards building a safer and more trusting society while laying the foundation for mutual respect between the Police and the citizenry regardless of their age.

The establishment of the Ghana Police TV. An effective com­munication tool that has by far enhanced police-citizen engage­ment, which aims at “Engaging the people for safer communities.” Is phenomenon. The implemen­tation of programmes aimed at restoring public trust in the police, such as the ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative, significantly improved Police-Civilian Relations.

In Ghana today, the public appears to be increasingly regaining confidence, trust, and respect in the police, and this has contributed to the reduction of crime in the country.

For instance, in 2023, Ghana registered the lowest crime index of 44.5 since 2019. The index mea­sures the level of crime in a given country or city. This means that, at the said date, crime in Ghana was considered as being on a moderate level. In 2019, the level of crime in the country registered a peak of nearly 52 points.

The Ghana Police Service indeed exists to deliver services in crime prevention detection, apprehen­sion, and prosecution of offenders consistent with the expectations of Ghana stakeholders for maximum protection, safe, secure and peace­ful communities in the light of the values of the service which require personnel honesty and firmness but fairness, in their activities thus ensuring effective working partner­ship with the general public and not the opposite.

Public engagement to under­stand and appreciate this and to win the support and confidence of the citizenry is paramount, and kudos to the former IGP for his various initiatives towards this.

President Mahama did not relieve Dr Dampare of his duties as the IGP for any negative doings. The president thanked him rather for serving his country. It is a norm for all presidents to work with service commanders who are considered faithful and trusted to their cause.

Don’t let us demonise him. He has played his part and duly paid his dues. The loud applause greeting his exit must not mean he is a devil. It should rather serve as a notice to all and even the new IGP. In the words of President Mahama, that I have come to love so much, “Abaa yɛ de bɔ Takyi no, yɛ de bɛ bɔ Baah”.

BY NANA SIFA TWUM (PHD)

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, outlining a framework for strategic collaboration between the two UN entities. 

The agreement, formalized in a signing ceremony on 18 March 2025 in Addis Ababa, aims to drive sustainable agriculture, regional integration, and climate resilience, while fostering innovation for economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth across the continent.

The MoU was signed by Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support) of the ECA, and Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization -FAO. This agreement builds on past collaboration under a previous MoU that entered into force on January 31, 2017, for five years.

“ECA and FAO recognize the benefits of increased partnership, cooperation and interaction for promoting sustainable development in Africa, particularly in the areas of agriculture, climate change, trade and economic diversification and food security. This MoU is even more timely as it is being signed on the margins of the 2025 Conference of Ministers of Finance on making the African Continental Free Trade Area work for Africans,” said Mr. Pedro.

The agreement comes against the backdrop of emerging shifts and increased vulnerabilities to climate change, requiring renewed focus on the transformation of agrifood systems. Furthermore, the recent re-design of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) through the Kampala Declaration and its associated 10-year Strategy and Action Plan. The Declaration is set for implementation from 2026 to 2035 and aims to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems across the continent. Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement whose implementation is on course provides opportunities to invest in quality agrifood systems.

With the need for quality investment in agrifood systems, and increasing vulnerabilities to climate change, the two organizations aim to update their collaborative framework to address these evolving challenges more effectively.

Mr Pedro said that with agri-ecological zones that were once food baskets becoming more arid due to climate change, the collaboration with FAO will play an important role in coming up with the kind of foresight analysis on the interface between climate and food security that can help countries cope.

“We must seize the opportunity to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems and tackle the impact of climate change on food systems. We can strengthen resource-driven industrialisation and diversification and achieve net zero goals,” he stressed.

For his part, Mr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General for Africa, emphasized the importance of the MoU, stating, “This MoU comes at a historic juncture where the socio-economic landscape is changing dramatically. It gives us the opportunity to rethink how we can best support member states by optimally utilizing our assets, collaborating efficiently, and ensuring agri-food system transformation and sustainable development.” He also noted that FAO and ECA have numerous opportunities to work together toward the shared goal of improving food security and agroeconomic development.

The MoU also outlines cooperation in developing strategies for data, statistics, technology and innovation; regional integration, economic diversification and sustainable industrialization; just energy transition and access to clean energy to enhance food security; and climate change, biodiversity, and water resources management. The MoU commits both organizations to joint initiatives addressing these priority areas.

Source: ECA

A feature by Auberon Jeleel Odoom  

Accra, March 21, GNA – Papafio Kwei, an 11-year-old boy from Accra-Chorkor, is the heart of his community. His laughter fills the air as he chases after a football at the local park, often sidelined yet brimming with enthusiasm. His love for painting and drawing reflects his creativity, but his parents, prioritising conventional academic success, gently steer him towards improving his English proficiency. 

Born on March 21, 2012—a date that coincides with World Down Syndrome Day—Papafio was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. His parents, Atswei and Nii Kwei, were overwhelmed by mixed emotions: joy at his arrival, yet uncertainty about his future. As a nursery teacher and small business owner, respectively, they struggled to find reliable information on education and healthcare. 

 They soon realised that many other families faced similar challenges, from isolation to a lack of clear guidance on raising a child with Down syndrome. 

Determined to secure a better future for their son, the couple sought early intervention therapies and enrolled him in an inclusive preschool, where he thrived socially and academically. Yet, systemic barriers persisted. Access to specialised healthcare, inclusive education, and broader community acceptance remained significant hurdles, not just for Papafio but for many others like him across Ghana. 

Bridging the Gaps in Ghana’s Support Systems 

Every year on March 21, the world observes World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) to promote awareness, advocate for the rights of persons with Down syndrome, and champion their inclusion in all aspects of society. This year’s theme, “Improve Our Support Systems,” highlights the urgent need for Ghana to enhance its policies and services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

Although progress has been made in disability awareness and inclusive education, critical gaps remain. Families continue to struggle with limited access to quality healthcare, inclusive schools, and specialised therapies tailored to the needs of individuals with Down syndrome. The stigma surrounding the condition also prevents many from receiving the support they need. 

To address these challenges, stakeholders must prioritise: 

Full Implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy: Ensuring children with Down syndrome learn alongside their peers with adequate support from trained educators. 

Expansion of Specialised Healthcare Services: Providing routine check-ups and therapies designed for individuals with Down syndrome, who often face multiple health conditions. 

Comprehensive Public Awareness Campaigns: Combating stigma and fostering greater acceptance and understanding of Down syndrome within communities. 

Strengthening Family Support Networks: Establishing robust groups where parents and caregivers can share experiences, resources, and strategies to support their children. 

Government and NGO Collaboration: Fostering stronger partnerships between governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society groups to coordinate efforts in supporting individuals with Down syndrome. 

A Call to Action 

On this World Down Syndrome Day, Ghanaians are urged to stand in solidarity with families like Papafio’s by advocating for stronger support systems.  

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, participate fully in their communities, and pursue their dreams without barriers. 

Get Involved 

Participate in local events and activities that promote Down syndrome awareness. 

Share stories like Papafio’s on social media using the hashtags #SupportPapafio and #WDSD2025. 

Advocate for policies that improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

The author is the Executive Director of Inclusion Ghana 

GNA 

BAS  

Ghana’s economy is projected to experience sustained growth in 2025, with GDP projected to expand by 5.4% year-on-year, according to insights shared by the Head of Africa Research at Standard Bank Group, Jibran Qureishi.

Speaking at the Stanbic Economic Series webinar themed “The Economy Under a New Era,” Mr. Qureishi highlighted the factors driving the optimistic outlook.

According to him, “Ghana’s GDP growth has shown remarkable resilience, reaching 5.8% y/y in 2024, up from 2.9% y/y in 2023. This is the fastest growth the economy has achieved since 2021, and we expect this momentum to continue, with growth projected at 5.4% y/y in 2025 and 5.7% y/y in 2026.” He identified the mining sector, particularly gold, to remain a key driver of growth.

The Head of Research emphasized the significant role of the mining sector in Ghana’s economic recovery. “There has been a notable pickup in mining activities across the country, with gold leading the charge. Additionally, the revival of underperforming mines, such as Obuasi, and the anticipated launch of a large lithium facility around 2026/2027, are expected to further bolster growth,” he explained. 

However, Mr. Qureishi also noted challenges in other sectors. “While mining is thriving, non-mineral sectors like manufacturing and real estate continue to face headwinds. Agriculture productivity was also impacted by the dry spell in Northern Ghana last year, which weighed down growth in that sector,” he said. 

Despite these challenges, Mr. Qureishi expressed confidence in Ghana’s economic trajectory. “The revival of key mining operations and the potential for higher-than-expected growth in 2026 underscore the resilience of Ghana’s economy. However, it is crucial to address issues, such as arrears in the energy sector and fiscal policy imbalances, to sustain this growth momentum,” he cautioned. 

On the currency front, Mr. Qureishi projected a weakening of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar, potentially reaching GH¢16.4 to $1. He highlighted structural concerns regarding foreign exchange (FX) flows, noting that mining and cocoa revenues, which are the largest sources of FX, are directed to the Bank of Ghana rather than the interbank market.

“This reliance on the central bank to manage FX flows and clear dollar backlogs underscores the need for prudent economic management,” he said.

Nonetheless, Mr. Qureishi remained optimistic with the economic prospects of the country highlighting the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Source: GNA

The government is set to launch a comprehensive digital platform that will integrate all 21 ministries, providing young entrepreneurs seamless access to information on programs, funding opportunities, and investment prospects.

Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, unveiled the initiative at the AgriBiz Youth and Women Dialogue in Accra, highlighting its potential to streamline access to government-backed programs and drive youth-led economic growth.

“We are creating a digital platform where all ministries will showcase their programs and funding opportunities. This will enable young people to make informed decisions about where to invest and how to develop their businesses,” Opare Addo stated.

The initiative comes at a time when Ghana’s youth unemployment rate stands at 19.7%, with 57% of the population under 25. Experts believe targeted interventions are critical to equipping young people with the tools needed to succeed in business and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, Daniel Antwi, Executive Director of Africa Skills Hub, emphasized the transformative power of agribusiness in driving economic development.

“This is not just a conversation; this is a defining moment. We must reimagine agribusiness as a catalyst for growth and ensure young people and women have the resources, capital, and access they need to thrive,” Antwi asserted.

He called for bold leadership and strategic investments to empower youth and women-led agribusinesses by facilitating access to land, capital, and technology. He stressed that innovation in food production, processing, and trade could significantly boost the economy and create sustainable livelihoods.

Afua Ansre, UN Women Ghana’s Country Representative, reinforced the urgency of engaging young people in agribusiness, citing the potential of technology-driven solutions to reshape the sector.

“We must change the perception of agribusiness and ignite passion among our youth. Across Africa, young entrepreneurs are leading agritech innovations, from drone-assisted irrigation to AI-driven soil analysis and digital marketplaces. These advancements are unlocking new economic opportunities,” she said.

Africa Skills Hub, a leading enterprise support organisation, continues to drive youth and women’s economic empowerment through skills development, entrepreneurship training, and business incubation.

Its programs have impacted thousands of young entrepreneurs across Ghana, equipping them with the expertise to build sustainable businesses and contribute to national development.

With the upcoming digital platform, the government aims to bridge the information gap, foster innovation, and position young entrepreneurs at the forefront of economic transformation.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will hold its 123^rd 3-Day Meeting starting from Monday, 24^th March, 2025, after which the Committee will announce its decision on the benchmark Policy Rate (PR).

At its last two meetings held in November and March, the MPC kept the PR unchanged at the previous rate of 27.00%, decisions that the Committee indicated were in response to higher inflation risks.

As was to be expected, the opinion of the public was divided as to the justification for these decisions, depending on where they perceived the relative risks to lie with respect to economic instability, on the one hand, and economic growth and employment, on the other hand.

The MPC faces an even more challenging decision this time round in the midst of persisting difficult economic environment, characterised by high inflation, unstable currency, still high debt, high unemployment and sub-optimal growth, amid a myriad of problems.

Inflation has been stuck in the low twenties for more than two years, recording 23.2% in 2023 and 23.8% in 2024, with the latest rate at the end of February being 23.1%, all of them much higher than the BoG’s target of (8+/-2)%.

In the last two years or so, the cedi has depreciated markedly by 28% in 2023, 19% in 2024 and 5.4% between January 1 and March 18 this year. While this year’s depreciation is lower than the 6.2% recorded in the same period of 2024, it is still significant.

The overall fiscal deficit was -5.2% of GDP (on cash basis) in 2024, slightly above the limit of -5.0% in the suspended Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). Economic growth in 2024 was, notably, significant at 5.7% (up from 3.1% in 2023), fuelled by the services, construction and mining sectors.

Against this generally gloomy economic backdrop, the Minister of Finance, on Tuesday, 17^th March, presented the Government’s first Budget and Economic Policy for 2025 to Parliament.

The key macroeconomic projections in the Budget included: i) Fiscal deficit (cash) of -4.1%; ii. End-of-period inflation of 11.9%; iii. Economic growth of 4.0%; and iv. Gross international reserves of at least 3 months of import cover.

The Minister also reported the existence of a substantial amount of Government payment arrears to the tune of GHS67.5 billion (or 5.7% of GDP) and equally substantial indebtedness of several State-Owned Enterprise (SOEs).

The national public debt was reported to stand at GHS726.7 billion (USD49.4 billion) or 61.8% of GDP at the end of 2024, even after benefiting from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the accompanying external debt restructuring.

The figures generally point to an economy that is slowly emerging from a crisis, while remaining fragile and vulnerable, as the Minister noted in his presentation.

The Bank of Ghana’s primary objective is widely known to be price stability. However, what is probably not so well known is the fact that the Bank is also enjoined to promote stabilisation of the exchange rate and economic growth, among other secondary objectives.

In spite of the Bank’s mandated multiple objectives, however, it has limited instruments to achieve them. Indeed, the Bank’s overriding instrument, the PR, has to be engaged almost exclusively as an economic stabiliser and economic stimulant as the situation demands.

This goal-instrument limitation confronting the BoG highlights the importance of collaboration between the Bank and Government so that the latter can also bring on board its arsenal of fiscal instruments to achieve the desired macroeconomic outcomes.

The collaboration should critically entail alignment of monetary policy and fiscal policy so that the burden of economic stabilisation or stimulation as may be required does not disproportionately fall on either of the two policies.

Unfortunately, in the past, fiscal policy has been mostly loose amidst fast-growing expenditures and lagging revenues. The widening expenditure-revenue gaps have exerted marked strain on prices and the exchange rate.

Meanwhile, the ever-increasing size of recurrent expenditure has consistently squeezed capital expenditure (CAPEX), with a drag on economic growth. In the circumstance, monetary policy has shouldered a disproportionately high burden of both economic stabilisation and stimulation, a difficult balancing act.

As the MPC meets next week, it will once more be confronted with the difficult decision of where to place the PR with the aim of influencing the economy towards the best inflation and growth outcomes.

While it has long been the wish of many economic watchers that interest rates would begin to unravel to elicit lower cost of credit and engender investment and growth, such an outcome is unlikely at the MPC’s next meeting, given the difficult and uncertain economic environment. The fact is that, on the one hand, economic growth is doing better, pointing to incipient economic recovery.

However, on the one hand, inflation remains elevated, while the exchange rate, although exhibiting relative stability lately, remains vulnerable. The vulnerability of the exchange rate has been heightened by the sharp drop of over 10 percentage points in Treasury Bill rates in the last few weeks, which threatens causing investors to flee in search of foreign exchange as a safer haven.

It would be helpful to avoid further precipitous fall in Treasury Bill rates so as to stem their divergence from other money market rates. This should be done through close coordination of Government’s debt management and Bank of Ghana’s liquidity management. Meanwhile, cuts in foreign aid by Western governments and emerging trade wars risk unsettling foreign exchange markets, calling for local vigilance.

My consideration of the several foregoing competing factors leads me to the conclusion that the balance of risks in Ghana currently lies more with inflation than economic growth. I am, therefore, inclined to expect the MPC to go for a hike in the PR by 100 basis points from 27.00% to 28.00%.

This decision should give a clear signal to the markets about the Committee’s commitment to deal decisively with inflation and bring it under control in the foreseeable future. The decision should also help to anchor inflation expectations, while helping to counteract second-round effects generated from the supply and cost drivers of inflation, particularly food, energy and transportation.

It is worth pointing out here that targeting these supply and cost drivers would help ease the pressure on the PR. It is, therefore, encouraging to note that both the Minister and the Governor have signalled their intention to collaborate to achieve optimal outcomes for inflation, interest rates and economic growth. END

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