John Kojo Williams, Co-founder of (CSR) West Africa

The Co-founder of the Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) West Africa, John Kojo Williams, has called on the private sector to actively partner organisations seeking support to implement sustainability projects or impactful social causes in Ghana.

Williams was speaking to a section of the media after sharing practical sustainability funding strategies as a panellist at the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 14th National HIV/AIDS Partnership Forum under the theme: “Harnessing Domestic Resources to end AIDS by 2030”.

Key partners and stakeholders of the Commission attended the event, which was held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on October 22, 2025.

Williams explained: “Post-COVID and in many parts of the world, reports indicate that global official development assistance is waning and slowing down due to a multiplicity of factors such as political and economic challenges affecting donor countries, shifting priorities and other geopolitical considerations.

“So, countries in the Global South, like Ghana, are encouraged to look inwards, especially to their private sector, to fund social causes and sustainability projects.”

The reduction in the level of official development assistance being experienced by countries in the Global South, according to the Centre for CSR, West Africa, presents a unique and brilliant opportunity for key players in the private sector to partner organisations like the Ghana AIDS Commission to achieve its ambitious but possible objective of ending AIDS in Ghana by 2030.

“It is amazing that CSR and sustainability projects often help unlock opportunities that will contribute positively to the bottom lines of companies when they actively and strategically immerse themselves in these interventions.

A lot of businesses have become admired brands, and their fortunes and patronage have improved significantly due to their commitment to supporting social causes,” Williams revealed.

As the highest policy-making body on HIV/AIDS, Ghana AIDS Commission, operating under the Office of the President, provides effective and efficient leadership in the coordination of programs and activities to provide support, guidance and leadership for the national response to HIV and AIDS in Ghana.

Research indicates that public-private partnerships have been instrumental in enhancing healthcare initiatives across Africa, improving access to treatment, testing, and prevention services.

In Ghana, continued collaboration is critical to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and ultimately ending AIDS by 2030.

Williams emphasised the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Ghana.

“The private sector plays a pivotal role in any nation’s development. Key players in the private sector should open up to collaborations, partnerships and innovative solutions to sustain and scale up Ghana’s HIV/AIDS responses,” he stated.

As Ghana moves toward a vision of an AIDS-free generation, joint efforts between the private sector and the Ghana AIDS Commission are more vital than ever to ensure sustainable, long-term impact.

Tragedy as farmer drowns while seeking loan to send child to SHS

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Electricity Company of Ghana logo

The President of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), John Awuni, has attributed the persistent financial challenges facing the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to weak financial management rather than low tariffs.

His remarks follow recent findings by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which flagged widespread financial indiscipline and operational inefficiencies within ECG.

According to the PAC, the power distributor failed to account for significant public funds, engaged in unapproved expenditures, and exhibited poor internal controls, issues that continue to erode public trust.

Speaking to GhanaWeb Business on October 29, 2025, Reverend Awuni said such practices not only undermine confidence in ECG’s operations but also place an unfair burden on consumers.

“FABAG has taken keen notice of the PAC’s revelations. These findings confirm what we’ve consistently maintained: ECG’s financial woes are not primarily due to inadequate tariffs, but rather stem from poor financial management, revenue leakages, and operational inefficiencies,” he stated.

GRA confirms SML Ghana delivered on contractual obligations, refutes claims of ‘no work done’

Awuni urged the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Commission to conduct immediate performance audits and introduce robust accountability measures to ensure the prudent use of public resources.

He also called for a suspension of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) ongoing and future tariff review processes, advocating instead for an “efficiency-first” approach.

Under this model, any tariff adjustments would be tied to measurable improvements in ECG’s performance.

FABAG further recommended that ECG publish a clear roadmap outlining cost-cutting measures, strategies to reduce system losses, and reforms aimed at strengthening financial discipline and operational effectiveness.

SA/MA

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Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza

Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has assured Parliament that work on the Kasoa–Winneba Road is progressing steadily.

He stated that the contractor has not slowed down, contrary to complaints from some Members of Parliament and residents about delays in the project.

Responding to concerns raised in the House, Agbodza explained that the contractor remains on schedule to complete construction by 2027, adding that the project is proceeding in accordance with the agreed timelines.

He acknowledged, however, that the ongoing works have caused some inconvenience to motorists and residents.

To address this, the Ministry, he said, would work closely with the contractor to make sections of the road more motorable during the construction period to ease travel challenges.

“The Ministry is aware of the concerns of road users, and we are engaging the contractor to improve accessibility even as construction continues,” the Minister assured.

The Kasoa–Winneba Road, a critical link on the Cape Coast–Accra corridor, is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and improve trade and transportation upon completion.

Ukrainian firefighters tackled a blaze at a house destroyed in a Russian drone attack in the village of Chernechchyna.

An entire family — a married couple and their two young sons — have been killed in an overnight Russian drone attack in Ukraine’s north-eastern Sumy region, local officials have said.

Regional head Oleh Hryhorov stated that a residential building was hit in the village of Chernechchyna. The bodies of the two children, aged four and six, and their parents were later recovered from the wreckage.

Ukraine’s air force reported that its units shot down 46 out of 65 Russian drones across the country — but there were 19 direct hits in six locations. Russia’s military has not commented. In a statement, it said 81 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight in five Russian regions, with no casualties reported.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a post on Telegram on Tuesday morning, Hryhorov accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting a residential building in Chernechchyna. He said the loss of an entire family was “a tragedy that we will never forget or forgive.”

Ukraine’s State Emergencies Service (DSNS) later reported that two residential buildings were partially destroyed in the village. It also posted photos showing firefighters tackling blazes after the Russian strike.

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its aerial assaults on Ukraine, regularly launching hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. Ukraine has long urged its Western allies to provide it with advanced air defence systems to cope with almost daily Russian strikes.

Kyiv has also been seeking Western missiles capable of hitting major Russian cities far from the front line, arguing that such weapons would weaken Russia’s military industry and pressure President Vladimir Putin to negotiate.

Last week, US Vice-President JD Vance said Washington was considering Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which — if supplied — would put Moscow and other major Russian cities within reach of Ukraine’s military.

On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced: “We have agreed with Ukraine that a total of $2bn (£1.7bn) will be spent on drones now. This allows Ukraine to scale up and to use its full capacity. And of course, it will also allow the European Union to benefit from this technology,” she added.

US President Donald Trump and Europe have been leading efforts to end the war — but Putin has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire. Kyiv and its allies accuse the Russian president of stalling tactics as his troops continue making slow progress on the battlefield, despite reports of very high combat casualties.

— BBC

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RNAQ Holdings and Quick Angels Limited launched a GH₵300 million Scale-Up Fund on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Auditorium, marking what industry observers describe as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s entrepreneurial financing landscape.

The initiative, themed “Scaling Dreams, Building Structures,” targets existing Ghanaian small and medium enterprises ready to expand sustainably and compete globally. Unlike traditional startup funding, this fund focuses exclusively on businesses that have already proven their viability and are positioned for growth.

President of RNAQ Holdings, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, stated that Ghana doesn’t lack talent or ideas but often lacks the capital and systems to scale. Speaking to entrepreneurs, investors, and government representatives at the launch event, he emphasized that scaling requires more than courage; it demands structure, discipline, and strategic capital alignment.

Quick Angels Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Lamptey described the fund as a bridge between potential and prosperity. He revealed that over 300 Ghanaian-owned enterprises across agriculture, manufacturing, technology, fashion, and renewable energy sectors have already applied, collectively requesting more than GH₵1.3 billion in growth capital.

The response demonstrates significant pent-up demand for growth financing among established businesses. Nearly 40 percent of applicants are female-led businesses, reflecting the initiative’s gender-inclusive approach and the growing presence of women entrepreneurs in Ghana’s business ecosystem.

Quick Angels’ track record provides credibility to the ambitious initiative. The firm has invested in several successful Ghanaian brands, including Pizzaman-Chickenman, which has expanded to over 100 outlets nationwide, Sankofa Natural Spices, Lynx Entertainment, Pinkberry Ghana, and Burger King franchises. These portfolio companies collectively employ thousands of Ghanaians and have redefined their respective sectors.

Lamptey emphasized that Quick Angels offers more than money. Partnership includes governance frameworks, mentoring, and operational discipline to help businesses not just rise but endure. This hands-on approach distinguishes the fund from traditional lending institutions that typically demand collateral young entrepreneurs can’t provide.

The philosophy underpinning the Scale-Up Fund challenges conventional Ghanaian business thinking. Quaye pointed to global examples where successful entrepreneurs own relatively small stakes in their companies yet achieve billionaire status. Elon Musk owns approximately 13 percent of Tesla, Jeff Bezos holds about 10 percent of Amazon, and Bill Gates retains just 1 percent of Microsoft, yet their wealth remains substantial because they focused on building greatness rather than maintaining total control.

This shared ownership model, common in advanced economies, allows companies to raise significant capital through multiple investors’ contributions. When diverse individuals own stakes, they bring unique strengths and resources, making businesses more resilient against future challenges. The approach represents a cultural shift in Ghana, where business ownership traditionally concentrates in family hands.

Quick Angels, recognized as Ghana’s first institutionalized angel investor company, has invested over GHS 500 million across more than 30 Ghanaian-owned businesses since its founding. The portfolio demonstrates breadth, spanning quick-service restaurants, natural spices manufacturing, medical facilities, creative industries, telecommunications, and cosmetics.

The Scale-Up Fund application process remains open through the RNAQ Holdings website, with selected entrepreneurs receiving opportunities to pitch directly to investment decision-makers. The fund targets Ghanaian entrepreneurs between ages 20 and 45 who operate existing businesses ready for systematic growth.

Quaye’s vision extends beyond individual success stories to institutional systems that create an enduring pipeline of business growth. He argued that Ghana’s economic story won’t be written by speeches or promises but by partnerships formed, ideas backed, and businesses built with proper structure.

The initiative arrives as Ghana pursues economic transformation through private sector development. With traditional banking often inaccessible to growing businesses without substantial collateral, equity financing fills a critical gap in the capital ecosystem. Young entrepreneurs with viable businesses but insufficient assets now have alternative pathways to expansion capital.

Both speakers at the launch event stressed that funding alone won’t guarantee success. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate clarity about their numbers, business models, and missions. They should articulate not only what they’re building but what problems they’re solving and how their businesses can endure beyond the next 12 months.

The Scale-Up Fund represents RNAQ Holdings’ commitment to removing individuals from company structures and replacing them with systems that last. This philosophy extends Quaye’s broader vision of building wealth through sustainable structures rather than personality-driven enterprises.

As Ghana navigates economic challenges, private equity initiatives like the Scale-Up Fund offer hope that local businesses can scale sustainably, create employment, and compete regionally and globally. The question now shifts from whether capital exists to support growing businesses to which entrepreneurs will demonstrate the discipline, structure, and vision to attract and effectively deploy that capital.

The report, which assessed mercury and other heavy metals in mining areas across six regions

Airborne mercury levels in some small-scale mining communities across Ghana have risen to alarming levels – more than 150 times higher than global safety limits, according to a new national study by Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report, which assessed mercury and other heavy metals in mining areas across six regions, described the situation as an escalating environmental and public health emergency.

At Wassa Kayianko in the Western Region, mercury vapour averaged 1.84 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) – surpassing the global safety limit of 1 µg/m³ by 84 percent.

The highest reading recorded was 150.2 µg/m³, indicating extreme exposure risks for residents.

Dr Esmond Wisdom Quansah, Country Director-Pure Earth, warned that gaseous mercury poses immediate danger because it is directly inhaled into the body. “Mercury in its gaseous state is more deadly – the effects can be instantaneous,” he told B&FT.

The Mercury and Other Heavy Metals Impact Assessment, conducted between August 2024 and September 2025, covered the Ashanti, Western, Eastern, Savannah, Central and Western North Regions.

Water samples from Lake Amponsah (Western North), Asiakwa (Eastern) and Nyamebekyere (Western) contained mercury levels up to 0.01 mg/L – ten times Ghana’s national limit.

Soil samples from Konongo Zongo (Ashanti Region) contained an average of 56.4 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, exceeding the global soil guideline of 10 ppm. Other sites Prestea, Dakrupe and Konongo Odumase – also showed contamination well above permissible levels.

Food crops such as spinach and tomatoes recorded mercury levels between 0.01 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg, within WHO/FAO limits. However, Dr. Quansah cautioned that without testing for methylmercury – the most toxic form – the real dietary risk may be underestimated.

The study also found lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) contamination threatening both soil and water quality.

Water from Asiakwa contained 0.47 mg/L of lead, far exceeding Ghana’s drinking-water limit of 0.01 mg/L. Fish from Konongo Zongo and Akwaboso (Central Region) contained lead concentrations up to 2.8 mg/kg, surpassing the WHO/FAO guideline of 0.3 mg/kg.

In addition, soil arsenic levels reached 10,060 ppm in some locations – more than 40 times the international guideline of 25 ppm. Water samples from Konongo Odumase, Nyamebekyere and Ankobrah showed arsenic concentrations up to 3.3 mg/L – far above the WHO limit of 0.01 mg/L.

Dr Quansah warned that exposure to mercury, lead and arsenic can cause IQ loss in children, neurological damage, reproductive complications, kidney and liver failure and even death. He cited findings by Pure Earth and UNICEF linking chronic lead exposure to miscarriages and stillbirths.

He stressed that the report’s aim is not to create fear but rather urge authorities to act swiftly. “This is a call for urgency, not panic – we must protect Ghanaians’ health and the environment,” he said.

While acknowledging ongoing government efforts, Dr Quansah called for faster policy reforms and stronger enforcement. He also encouraged the adoption of mercury-free mining technologies already implemented successfully in Peru, Colombia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

When it comes to public accountability, Ghana still relies far too much on trust where verification is required. In modern governance, integrity cannot be assumed; it must be proven.

That is why asset declaration should no longer be a bureaucratic ritual, but a National Intelligence Bureau (NIB)–led process — one that certifies every public officeholder before they assume power.

This reform has now become urgent and non-negotiable. In recent months, Ghanaians have witnessed an alarming flood of corruption scandals — theft, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds — by officials entrusted with national resources. Practically every week brings a new revelation of misappropriation or unaccounted wealth. These incidents are not isolated; they are symptoms of a system that lacks transparency, verification, and deterrence. Without structural reform, the moral and fiscal cost of corruption will continue to erode national credibility and trust in governance.

I have seen how effective such systems can be. When I went through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) clearance process for a public role in New York City, it was exhaustive — a full audit of my financial, professional, and personal integrity. It was not red tape. It was a firewall against corruption. Ghana — and every democracy that values public trust — deserves the same.

Beyond Paperwork: Making Integrity Verifiable

Let us be candid: Ghana’s current asset declaration regime has become largely ceremonial. Politicians fill out forms, deposit them at the Audit Service, and move on. There is little verification, minimal follow-up, and no serious deterrent.

Yet asset declaration is not about appraising how much someone is worth; it is about transparent disclosure of interests. It is not asset valuation — it is asset accountability. The goal is to establish a clear, factual baseline of what a public official owns before entering office. Without that baseline, there is no objective way to detect unexplained enrichment later.

By knowing what officials own at the start, citizens and oversight bodies can more easily track changes that suggest corruption. Asset declaration, then, is not an exercise in curiosity but a preventive instrument of integrity.

The BNI, with its investigative powers, access to financial intelligence, and authority to coordinate across agencies, is uniquely suited to own and certify this process. What Ghana needs is not more paperwork, but institutional verification.

A BNI-Certified System for Public Trust

Here is what a reformed system would look like:

• Every public office candidate — from minister to district assembly member — must undergo NIB-led asset verification before assuming office.

• Any undisclosed, inconsistent, or unverifiable asset leads to automatic disqualification.

• Completion and certification by the NIB becomes a constitutional prerequisite for appointment, election, or swearing-in.

This approach moves Ghana from a reactive anti-corruption model — one that prosecutes after damage is done — to a preventive framework that blocks the unqualified and the compromised from public service altogether.

Other nations already do this effectively. In Singapore, public officials are required to make detailed disclosures to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), whose oversight is both confidential and uncompromising. South Korea’s Public Service Ethics Act demands annual declarations cross-checked against tax and property databases. And in the United Kingdom, ministers and senior civil servants must submit conflict-of-interest statements to independent ethics advisers, with sanctions for omissions.

The FBI model used in the United States is just one example; these systems share a simple philosophy — prevention is stronger than prosecution.

The Economics of Integrity

Corruption is not merely a moral failing; it is an economic inefficiency. It inflates project costs, distorts market competition, and deters both local and foreign investment. Investors watch governance standards the way bond traders watch inflation — with acute sensitivity.

When public officials’ wealth cannot be explained or verified, markets lose confidence in the institutions that regulate them. Conversely, a NIB-certified asset declaration system would tell citizens and investors alike that Ghana is serious about transparency.

Integrity is not an abstract virtue — it is economic capital. Clean governance reduces transaction costs, increases investor confidence, and raises the credibility of national institutions.

The Moral Imperative

There is also a deeper moral truth. Public service is not a private opportunity; it is a public trust. To hold office is to place one’s personal interests in escrow — to say, “I have nothing to hide, and I invite scrutiny.”

If heaven, as the saying goes, is for the pure in heart, then public office should be for the transparent in assets. A NIB-certified declaration process is not just the best way to clean governance — it is the only way to it.

No assets, no office. The only way to heaven.

Author Bio

Hene Aku Kwapong is a CDD Ghana Fellow, a former Wall Street executive, and Founder of the National Blue Ocean Strategy Initiative (NBOSI – nbosi.org). An MIT-trained engineer, his commentary focuses on institutional reform, transparency, and the economics of public trust.

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