The government is making a significant investment in local enterprise growth through the newly launched Kwahu Business Forum, with the goal of supporting over 600 businesses by the end of President John Mahama’s current term.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, speaking to the media at Jubilee House on Monday, April 14, 2025, emphasized the administration’s strong support for the initiative.

“We are discussing it at the presidency because of the importance the President attaches to it. This is a project he wants to see succeed,” Debrah affirmed.

The forum, which debuted in Kwahu, is already attracting interest from financial institutions. According to Debrah, participating banks are expected to select five promising, bankable projects this year.

“The first strategy the bankers themselves suggested is that each bank that participates will choose five bankable projects for this year. And they expect that next year, when we return to Kwahu, they will invite those five beneficiaries to come and share their experiences,” he explained.

This model, if sustained, could significantly transform Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape. “If this continues for the next five years, with each bank selecting a minimum of five enterprises, I’m confident that by the end of the President’s four-year term, we’ll have over 600 enterprises to highlight as successes that President Mahama initiated,” Debrah noted.

While the forum is currently branded as the Kwahu Business Forum, there are aspirations for broader expansion.

“Even though the name is Kwahu Business Forum, I believe that in the future, it could become a national event, where business people from all over the country travel to Kwahu to interact with bankers and public institutions,” he said.

Debrah also hinted at expanding the forum’s scope to include agencies like the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“For example, it might be possible that next year, the Commissioner General of GRA could be present to explain to businesses the benefits and opportunities available to them,” he added.

Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku, at a High Court in Accra for defamation.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dr Adam Bonaa, has sued social commentator and Executive Director of Good Governance Advocacy Group, Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku, at a High Court in Accra for defamation.

According to court documents sighted by GhanaWeb, Dr Bonaa avers that Listowell, during a panel discussion on CTV in February 2025, veered off from the topic of discussion—the National Service Scandal—and made comments that attacked and impugned his character and reputation.

Among other claims, the plaintiff accused the defendant of making false and malicious statements, which, in their ordinary meaning, were understood by right-thinking persons to mean that his doctorate degree obtained from the Swiss Business School was fake, that he was a fugitive from justice and wanted in the United Kingdom, that he misconducted himself during his time at Wa Secondary School, and that he has no expertise whatsoever in security matters.

Dr Bonaa further alleged that Listowell’s comments were interpreted by right-thinking persons to mean that he was engaged in illegally supplying firearms to unknown persons to fight in the Bawku conflict, that he is irresponsible and does not provide for his retired father, and that he is unfit to occupy the role of Acting Executive Secretary for NCSALWS.

The plaintiff notes that attempts through a personal phone call with the defendant and a letter from his lawyers to get the defendant to apologize and retract his claims failed.

“The Plaintiff avers that the Defendant’s refusal to retract and apologize to him puts the Defendant’s malice beyond dispute, the obvious intent of the defamatory comments being to excite hatred, create public dislike, and expose the Plaintiff to public ridicule, contempt, and indeed to injure his reputation as a consummate security professional, a hardworking, responsible father, and a law-abiding citizen,” portions of the court documents stated.

While denying the claims by the defendant, Dr Bonaa averred that he has been greatly injured, as the allegations have brought his reputation into public scandal, odium, and contempt.

Dr Bonaa has thus asked the High Court to grant against the defendant a declaration that the claims by the defendant are defamatory, an order for the payment of five million cedis as general damages for defaming him, an order directing the defendant to retract and apologize for the allegations within seven days, a perpetual injunction against the defendant, aggravated or exemplary damages, as well as an award of costs, among other reliefs.

GA/KA

The Trump administration has said it is freezing more than $2bn (£1.5bn) in federal funds for Harvard University, hours after the elite college rejected a list of demands from the White House.

“Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges,” the Department of Education said in a statement.

The White House sent a list of demands to Harvard last week which it said were designed to fight antisemitism on campus. They included changes to its governance, hiring practices and admissions procedures.

Harvard rejected the demands on Monday and said the White House was trying to “control” its community.

It is the first major US university to defy pressure from the Trump administration to change its policies. The sweeping changes demanded by the White House would have transformed its operations and ceded a large amount of control to the government.

President Trump has accused leading universities of failing to protect Jewish students when college campuses around the country were roiled by protests against the war in Gaza and US support for Israel last year.

In a letter to the Harvard community on Monday, its President Alan Garber said the White House had sent an “updated and expanded list of demands” on Friday alongside a warning that the university “must comply” in order to maintain its “financial relationship” with the government.

“We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement,” he wrote. “The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”

Mr Garber added that the university did not “take lightly” its obligation to fight antisemitism, but said the government was overreaching.

“Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard,” he said.

Shortly after his letter was sent, the education department said it was freezing $2.2bn in grants and $60m in contracts to Harvard immediately.

“The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable,” it said.

“The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support,” the statement added.

The White House said in its own letter on Friday that Harvard had “in recent years failed to live up to both the intellectual and civil rights conditions that justify federal investment”.

The letter included 10 categories for proposed changes that the White House said were needed in order for Harvard to maintain its “financial relationship with the federal government”.

Some of the changes included: reporting students to the federal government who are “hostile” to American values; ensuring each academic department is “viewpoint diverse”; and hiring an external government-approved party to audit programs and departments “that most fuel antisemitic harassment”.

The letter orders the university to take disciplinary action for “violations” that happened during protests on campus over the past two years. It also demands an end the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies and programmes.

Since taking office, President Trump has put pressure on universities to tackle antisemitism and end diversity practices.

In December 2023, the president’s of top US universities were questioned in a tense congressional hearing in which they were accused of failing to protect Jewish students following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war two months earlier.

Claudine Gay, who was then president of Harvard, later apologised after telling the hearing that calls for the killing of Jews were abhorrent, but it would depend on the context whether such comments would constitute a violation of Harvard’s code of conduct.

That comment, as well as allegations of plagiarism, led her to resign from the post a month later.

In March, the Trump administration said it was reviewing roughly $256m in federal contracts and grants at Harvard, and an additional $8.7bn in multi-year grant commitments.

Harvard professors filed a lawsuit in response, alleging the government was unlawfully attacking freedom of speech and academic freedom.

The White House had previously pulled $400m in federal funding from Columbia University and accused it of failing to fight antisemitism and protect Jewish students on its campus.

When the $400m was pulled, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said: “Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding”.

Shortly after, Columbia agreed to several of the administration’s demands, drawing criticism from some students and faculty.

Earlier on Monday, a lawyer for an organiser of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University said her client had been arrested by immigration officials as he attended an interview as part of his application for US citizenship.

Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder who is due to graduate next month, was detained on Monday in Colchester, Vermont.

Others who took part in campus protests against the war, including Columbia University’s Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University’s Rumeysa Ozturk, have been detained in recent weeks.

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

Four men have pleaded guilty in Kenya to trying to smuggle hundreds of highly sought-after ants out of the country.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which is more used to protecting larger creatures, such as lions and elephants, has described this as a “landmark case”.

The contraband included giant African harvester ants, which are valued by some UK dealers at up to £170 ($220) each.

The case showed a “disturbing shift in trafficking patterns – from iconic mammals to lesser-known species that are vital to ecological balance”, the KWS said.

The suspects had concealed the creatures in “specially modified test tubes and syringes” which would have enabled the insects to survive for two months, the KWS said.

There was also a “calculated attempt to bypass security systems” by obscuring the contents of the tubes.

Photographs of the illegal haul shared by the KWS show hundreds of these containers packed with cotton wool, each with two or three ants.

The exact number of insects involved is still being evaluated but KWS spokesperson Paul Udoto told the BBC this was the country’s first case of “bio-piracy” on this scale.

The four suspects – two Belgians, a Vietnamese and a Kenyan – were arrested after what the KWS has described as “a coordinated, intelligence-led operation”.

It is believed that the intended destinations were the exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia.

The KWS said the demand for rare insect species is growing. Collectors keep them in special habitats, known as formicariums, and watch them build their colonies.

The giant African harvester ant – or Messor cephalotes – is the largest of its species and can grow to around 20mm, with the queen growing up to 25mm.

Pat Stanchev, the general manager of insect-dealing website Best Ants UK, said that it is their “big and beautiful size” that makes them attractive for those who want to keep them as pets.

He does not sell the giant African harvester ant but told the BBC that he is aware of people who try to pass on illegally imported insects.

In Kenya, the ants are protected by international biodiversity treaties and their trade is highly regulated.

“This prosecution sends a strong message that Kenya will enforce compliance… and marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s fight against unconventional wildlife crimes,” the KWS said.

The four men are due to be sentenced on Tuesday.

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

Public whistleblowing by Members of Parliament (MPs) in Ghana has emerged as a critical yet contentious aspect of governance.

While whistleblowing is often celebrated as a mechanism for transparency and accountability, its practice among MPs raises questions about motivations, credibility, and the broader implications for democratic governance.

Whistleblowing, the act of exposing wrongdoing within an organization or institution is often to promote accountability and prevent harm. Ghana’s Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), provides a legal framework for whistleblowing, emphasizing protection for whistleblowers and the promotion of probity in governance.

However, studies have highlighted weaknesses in the Act, including limited scope, inadequate protections, and challenges in implementation. Such issues include potential violations of the secrecy restrictions, a lack of specialized supervisory institutions to coordinate its execution, and insufficient instruction on the complexity of the law for the average Ghanaian of the Act, the inefficiency of the compensation or reward given to the informant, and the absence of precautions.

In the context of MPs, whistleblowing intersects with their oversight role, which involves scrutinizing government actions and advocating for transparency. According to research on parliamentary transparency, MPs’ actions can improve accountability when supported by reliable data and evidence. Nevertheless, the risk of opportunistic behaviour—where whistleblowing is used for political gains— and for fueling public distrust in state institutions and generally misinforming the public remain a concern.

In 2018, Hon. Kennedy Agyepong, former MP of Assin Central in the Central Region of Ghana, in his will and power to unveil investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and expose his alleged unscrupulous modus operandi aired his “Who watches the watchman” series. While this purportedly gave eager audience a glimpse into the operations of Anas, the serial rants of the MP led to the public unveiling and bastardisation of Anas’ Associate, Ahmed Hussein Suale, who was tragically murdered in 2019.

Between 2021 and 2024, the MP for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa held the public on edge with his exposes on former President Akufo Addo’s extravagant private jet travels, and financial malfeasance in the National Cathedral building project. Both instances revealed wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ monies by the Akufo Addo led government without cognisance of the country’s post Covid-19 economic crisis.

Two air ambulance operated by AirMed which landed in Ghana in March 2025 became the centre of a multifaceted controversy, reflecting the intricate challenges of misinformation and opacity. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the MP for Assin South, alleged that the aircraft’s arrival was tied to drug trafficking, particularly in the light of recent cocaine seizures. These claims rapidly escalated into a fervent public banter between the minority caucus in Parliament and the government. Subsequently, an attempt was made by the NIB to arrest the MP in his residence to assist in investigation which was foiled due to resistance by members of the minority.

Consequentially, the case of Hon. Kennedy Agyepong blowing the cover of Anas to expose his alleged shady dealings present ethical dilemmas in whistleblowing especially when it involves sensitive information and personal safety of journalists—whether they are corrupt or not. Likewise, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa’s revelations of reckless expenditure of taxpayers’ monies by the erstwhile government presents a dual nature of public whistleblowing used as a tool for accountability and potential strategy for political leverage by discrediting the very principle—protecting the public purse—upon which the Akufo Addo government won power in 2016.

And Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s recent remarks on the suspicious landings of the air ambulance flights demonstrates the risk of misinformation—unsubstantiated claims—in the name of exacting transparency through investigation, while evading invitations to assist in investigations.

By bringing corruption and poor management to light, whistleblowing can improve democratic governance. However, the veracity of claims and their underlying motivations determines the effectiveness. Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa’s expose on financial recklessness and Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s collocation of suspicion demonstrate how whistleblowing can be influenced by political considerations, although the former’s claims were verily validated.

Public whistleblowing by MPs is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability. MPs resort to public whistleblowing through the media because it could gather clout for their story and portray their essence of parliamentary work to their constituents and the public, but it must be exercised responsibly to avoid ethical pitfalls and political opportunism. The legal framework for whistleblowing must be strengthened to foster a culture of accountability.

Source: IMANI’s weekly Criticality Analysis of Governance Issues (CAGI

Antoine Semenyo’s goal after just 53 seconds was enough for Bournemouth to beat Fulham and claim their first Premier League victory in almost two months.

The Cherries enjoyed a lightning-fast start at Vitality Stadium as Semenyo bent a cool finish past Bernd Leno after snatching possession from Antonee Robinson.

Evanilson should have doubled the hosts’ lead 15 minutes later, but the Brazilian smacked Alex Scott’s cutback off the crossbar from close range.

Fulham lacked a clinical edge, with Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon and Joachim Andersen all missing solid chances to grab a leveller before the break.

Despite charging forward and carving better opportunities in the second half, the visitors could not find a way past Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made two strong saves to deny Alex Iwobi and Sasa Lukic.

Bournemouth felt they should have been awarded a penalty with 10 minutes of normal time remaining when Leno appeared to bring down Evanilson.

However, referee Michael Oliver judged the German keeper to have got a hand to the ball and the video assistant referee backed up the decision.

The victory – Bournemouth’s first in the Premier League since 15 February – moves them level on points with Fulham, although Andoni Iraola’s side leapfrog the Cottagers into eighth thanks to a better goal difference.

Both sides remain in a congested battle for European football next season, with Chelsea and Aston Villa placed sixth and seventh, respectively, six points ahead with six games remaining.

Eighth place is likely to be enough for a Europa Conference League qualification spot, as long as League Cup champions Newcastle and the winners of the FA Cup finish in the top seven.

After enjoying an impressive first half of the season, Bournemouth seemed to have suffered a drop in both confidence and momentum in recent months.

The Cherries were winless in their previous six league matches, while their one chance of a trophy was ended by Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Having scored the first goal in three of their past four games and come away winless, Bournemouth’s fans knew all to well that Semenyo’s early opener was not a guarantee of all three points.

But, despite having just 31% possession after half-time and facing a barrage of Fulham attacks, Iraola’s men stood firm – much to the delight of the home crowd.

Arrizabalaga, who has previously faced criticism for mistakes, was called into action with a brilliant diving save to stop Iwobi’s curling effort.

Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen – playing on his 20th birthday – shrugged off Raul Jimenez with a strong challenge in front of Bournemouth’s goal in the dying minutes.

With Fulham their closest rivals in the table, and tough fixtures against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City on the horizon, these three points were crucial to keep Bournemouth’s European dreams alive.

Fulham falter in race for Europe

After the highs of beating runaway leaders Liverpool in their last outing, Fulham looked stunned as they found themselves a goal down after less than a minute.

Marco Silva’s side slowly settled into the game, but they were ultimately punished for not putting away the few chances they had.

Weak headed efforts from Sessegnon and Andersen were saved comfortably by Arrizabalaga, while Muniz let Marcos Senesi and Huijsen off the hook when he failed to capitalise on miscommunication between the pair.

Muniz – looking to score in a fourth successive Premier League game – snatched the ball as the centre-backs deliberated over a simple pass before darting into the box and sweeping his strike wide.

Fulham felt Senesi should have been shown a red card when he caught Anderson with a studs-up challenge just before the break, but a quick VAR review backed up Oliver’s on-field decision to brandish only a yellow.

While the visitors improved after half-time, their chances were largely limited to edge-of-the-box strikes – and Leno was needed to stop Bournemouth from pulling out of reach with two fine saves to deny Alex Scott and Tyler Adams.

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Popular Ghanaian media personality and activist, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah

Popular Ghanaian media personality and activist, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, has announced a three-day demonstration scheduled for April 28th to 30th, 2025, to protest the Mahama-led government’s alleged failure to combat the illegal mining menace known as galamsey.

Under the rallying cry “Ghana’s Future Is Worth Fighting For,” Afrifa called on citizens from all walks to rise and speak out against what he described as a national crisis threatening the country’s environment, natural resources, and future prosperity.

The protest, which is being widely circulated on social media under hashtags like #GalamseyMustFall, #SaveOurGhana, and #GhanaDeservesBetter, aims to put pressure on government authorities to take decisive action against illegal mining operations that continue to destroy water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves across the country.

“Our water, our air, our land, our future! Let’s come together to protect Ghana’s environment from the devastating effects of galamsey,” Afrifa urged in a public message.

The activist emphasized that the movement is not only about protest but also about proposing practical solutions.

“We’re not just protesting, we’re proposing solutions. Join the conversation on sustainable development and environmental protection,” he said.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

Washington, Apr. 14, (dpa/GNA) – US President Donald Trump has offered car manufacturers temporary exemptions from his extensive tariffs, stating that they need more time to adjust their supply chains to produce parts in the United States.

Trump is currently considering how to assist some manufacturers but did not provide details on Monday on the specific measures or their duration.

Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on vehicles imported into the US, and at the beginning of May, tariffs on imported parts are also expected to follow.

Some vehicles from Mexico and Canada are already exempt under a North American trade agreement.

Shares of US automotive giants General Motors and Ford rose following Trump’s announcement.

Over the weekend, the Trump administration had already exempted electronic products like smartphones and laptops from China from its additional tariffs of 125%.

A major beneficiary of this move is Apple: The vast majority of iPhones are still built in China even though the company has expanded production in India and Vietnam. However, the White House emphasizes that the exemptions are temporary and that electronics are intended to fall under planned chip tariffs.

Trump was asked about Apple on Monday and said he is speaking with the company’s chief executive, Tim Cook, and will be flexible: “I don’t want to hurt anybody.” He said he recently helped Cook.

GNA

PDC

The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has highlighted what he describes as key differences between the “Feed Ghana” programme and the previous administration’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” initiative, stressing that the two initiatives are different.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, April 14, he underscored that during the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration, the Ministry for Food and Agriculture exceeded its 2024 budgetary allocation, spending over 7 billion cedis without achieving tangible results.

According to Dr. Otokunor, “Planting for Food and Jobs” lacked transparency, with inputs often being diverted, leading to the programme’s collapse.

He, however, reiterated that the Mahama administration’s “Feed Ghana” initiative will focus on policy efficiency driven by targeting and differentiation, ensuring that inputs are used efficiently to yield the needed results.

“It is totally different because if you look at the planting for food and jobs, which they claim they planted, but the food and the jobs never came, you would see that they were looking at an input support regime which was not transparent.

“Nobody knew where to get the inputs, the inputs were taken away by rent seekers, there was a selection problem, which we call adverse selection and that led to the total collapse of the policy. We just threw money away.

“What we are bringing differently is policy efficiency driven by targeting and differentiation. For example, if you want to give any farmer an input, the farmer has four acres of land, you don’t go giving him 10 acres of input because if you do, he will divert it.

“The Feed Ghana Programme is going to be more targeted, more specialised and diversified, and we believe it will yield the result that we all expect,” he said.

Agitations over MMDCE nominations nothing new – Otokunor

Ghanaian artiste Jahdone Ratty has released his EP, titled “Better Days.”

The EP is now available on all streaming platforms.

Released under his record label, Essoun Music, “Better Days” delves into themes of self-reliance and personal progress.

The EP comprises singles such as “Me alone”, “Lonely”, “Elevate”, “I know”, “Chance” and “Akoma.”

Better Days is accessible on all music streaming platforms.

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

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

The British High Commissioner to Ghana, H. E. Harriet Thompson, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak at his office in Accra, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and Ghana. The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss matters of mutual interest particularly in the security sector.

H.E. Harriet Thompson commended Ghana’s exemplary role in maintaining peace and stability in the West African region, noting the country’s contributions to regional and global peacekeeping efforts.

In his remarks, the Minister expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Ghana and the UK, highlighting ongoing collaborations in areas such as law enforcement training, counter-terrorism, and border security management.

Hon. Muntaka reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening ties to foster shared prosperity and security.

The meeting also touched on the importance of continued dialogue to address emerging challenges, including cybersecurity and transnational crime.

The courtesy call underscores the robust diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the United Kingdom, built on decades of mutual respect and collaboration.

Hundreds of people in northern Ghana, mostly older women, continue to live in fear and extreme hardship after being accused of witchcraft and forced from their communities, according to a new report published Monday by Amnesty International.

The report, “Branded for Life: How Witchcraft Accusations Lead to Human Rights Violations of Hundreds of Women in North Ghana,” reveals how more than 500 people—primarily women aged 50 to 90—are surviving in four informal “witch camps” with inadequate access to food, healthcare, safe housing, clean water, or economic opportunities.

“These accusations, often triggered by a death, illness, or even a dream, are rooted in misogyny and harmful stereotypes,” said Michèle Eken, Amnesty’s Senior Researcher. “They violate fundamental rights to life, safety, and non-discrimination.”

Victims told Amnesty how they were driven out of their communities by family or neighbors. Some were attacked, while others fled after being accused by village leaders. Fawza*, now in the Gnani camp, said: “My neighbor said he dreamt I was trying to kill him. That’s why he accused me.” Fatma* said she was accused after refusing to let the village chief marry her daughters.

The camps—some over a century old—are overseen by local religious leaders and offer basic refuge, but conditions remain dire. Alimata*, a resident, said: “Water comes down through the roof when it rains.” Once a shea nut harvester, she now relies entirely on others for food.

Amnesty criticized the government for failing to provide basic support or reintegration pathways for victims. “They have no means to support themselves, and yet there are no government programs to help them recover,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

Amnesty is urging the government to take immediate action—specifically to criminalize witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks through legislation, ensure access to justice and reparations for victims, close the witch camps with adequate support for residents, and launch a long-term campaign to end discriminatory beliefs.

The Ghanaian Parliament passed a bill in July 2023 criminalizing witchcraft accusations and related abuses, amending the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960. However, President Nana Akufo-Addo later declined to sign it, citing procedural issues. Amnesty called on President John Mahama’s new administration to reintroduce and enact such legislation as a priority.

“The government must act now,” said Genevieve Partington, Amnesty Ghana’s Country Director. “Ending these abuses requires more than laws—it demands a holistic approach that tackles stigma, provides protection, and helps victims rebuild their lives.”

*Names have been changed by Amnesty in the original report to protect identities.

The public sector has been defined and described variously in governance literature. A common understanding of the public sector makes reference to the part of the economy that is controlled, funded, and operated by the government at various levels – national, regional, or local. It includes government agencies, public institutions, and state-owned enterprises that provide essential services and infrastructure for the general public.

Governments across the world provide public services largely through the public sector machinery, making the sector a critical and fundamental pillar of any nation’s economic development. Adequate financing of the sector is, therefore, crucial to a country’s prosperity.

Public sector financing is the mechanism through which governments, funded primarily by taxes, allocate resources to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation infrastructure like roads and highways, airports, ports and harbors, systems infrastructure and public utilities.

In Ghana, public sector financing has been instrumental in driving economic growth, improving service delivery, and creating opportunities for sustainable development. However, the journey is not without its challenges. Insufficient funding is the main challenge, however, inefficiencies in fund utilisation, and limited accountability and transparency of fund utilisation often hinder the full potential of public sector financing. These challenges bring to the fore the need for innovative approaches, robust frameworks, and strategic partnerships to ensure that public funds are deployed effectively and efficiently to benefit the populace.

There is sufficient evidence from across the world that supports the fact that a well-financed and executed public sector is quintessential for economic transformation. By addressing these challenges head-on and leveraging the expertise of financial institutions, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and development. This article shares the transformative benefits of public sector financing, highlights the bank’s role within this ecosystem, and examines the emerging opportunities that can contribute to making Ghana’s public sector more efficient.

The benefits of public sector financing

Public sector financing serves as a catalyst for economic growth by ensuring the availability and efficiency of essential services. In Ghana, there have been significant investments in key sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation infrastructure, agriculture and public utilities. For instance, the construction of schools and hospitals, the development of roads and bridges, provision of clean water and electricity and the modernization of agricultural practices have all been made possible through public sector financing.

One of the most significant advantages of public sector financing is its ability to address market failures and provide public goods that the private sector may not prioritize. For example, the financing of healthcare equipment, such as dialysis machines, ensures that critical medical services are accessible to all Ghanaians, regardless of their economic status. Similarly, investments in education infrastructure and technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), prepare the next generation for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Moreover, public sector financing promotes inclusivity by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of Ghana’s economy. By providing access to capital and technical expertise, public sector financing empowers SMEs to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth of Ghana.

Private financing for the public sector

Banks play a very crucial role in mobilizing funds and facilitating financial intermediation. By channeling resources from areas of excess to areas in need, banks ensure that public sector financing reaches its intended beneficiaries. Many banking institutions in Ghana have collaborated with the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies to support large-scale transactions and infrastructure projects in critical sectors like the energy and transportation sectors (road construction).

Given the persistent funding gap in meeting public sector demands, private financing emerges as a crucial solution for supporting government service delivery. In Ghana, banks have consistently partnered with successive governments to bolster the public sector.

To efficiently support public sector growth, most banks have now put in place a dedicated Public Sector banking unit, which focuses on supporting Educational Institutions, the Healthcare Sector and government-owned businesses.

Agribusiness Banking is also a dedicated subsegment that supports the Agribusiness value chain to ensure economic growth and food sufficiency as well as banking, which supports traders. Banks, through these specialised units, have financed the construction of schools and hospitals as well as the procurement of critical medical equipment to support the healthcare sector.

Agribusinesses have been supported with processing plants and manufacturers of various goods have also been supported to ensure the country reduces its dependence on imported goods while increasing our exports. Exporters have been connected to partners overseas to help bring in more foreign exchange. Banks have also supported the real estate sector andthe financing of critical construction equipment for the infrastructure development of the country. These projects have not only improved service delivery but have also created employment opportunities and stimulated economic activity.

Opportunities ahead

The future of public sector financing in Ghana is full of opportunities. One area with immense potential is healthcare equipment financing. By supporting medical institutions with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure, we can improve healthcare delivery and save lives. 

Another promising opportunity lies in the integration of AI and technology in education. By collaborating with educational institutions, we can equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy. Additionally, infrastructural development remains a priority for most financial institutions, and they are committed to financing projects that enhance connectivity, trade, and economic growth.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) also present a viable model for accelerating development. By leveraging private sector expertise and resources, PPPs can deliver large-scale projects efficiently without straining public funds. Most financial institutions are well-positioned to support such initiatives, ensuring that they align with Ghana’s development agenda.

Public sector financing is a powerful tool for driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Ghanaians. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing transparency, we can unlock the full potential of public sector financing and propel Ghana toward sustainable development.

***

The author, Richard Kwabena Asare, is the Head of Public Sector Banking, Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana.

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Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, has downplayed concerns over recent agitations surrounding the nomination of some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

His comments follow protests by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters in areas such as Asante Mampong, Talensi, and Tema, expressing dissatisfaction with the nomination process.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, April 14, Dr. Otokunor described the reactions as typical of Ghana’s political climate, particularly during changes in government.

“This is not news. It’s been the usual experience whenever there is change of government and indeed it is not as if it is coming early. This year the situation has rather been a deviation from the norm where you get agitations all over,” he remarked.

He emphasized that this year’s nomination process has seen significant improvement compared to previous years, with nominees across 13 regions receiving full endorsement without any rejections.

“We have about 13 regions nominations and most of the nominees have received 100% endorsement and there have not been any single rejection of any of the nominees. The process has been exceedingly smooth from the beginning to the end,” he said.

Dr. Otokunor attributed this success to a more rigorous and merit-based selection process implemented under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.

“It is because of the rigorous process that has been put in place to select our nominees or president nominees this time around. These few isolated incidents are something that was expected,” he noted.

He further emphasized that decision-making at the Presidency would not be influenced by panic or personal sentiments, stressing that the unrest in certain areas stems from unfounded fears rather than valid concerns.

“But clearly you cannot depend on anybody’s fear to make a decision. The announcements in these areas have not been made. People are just living in their own fears,” he concluded.

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Walter Anankatoti Awaala, a distinguished Level 300 law student at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Law Students Union (LSU).

His entry into the race has generated considerable excitement among the student body — a testament to his formidable reputation and unwavering commitment to student leadership.

Born into humble beginnings, Walter’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. An alumnus of St. Augustine’s College (APSU), he has defied the odds to chase his dreams, proving that dedication and hard work pave the path to success.

Walter’s academic excellence is matched only by his proven leadership credentials.

As a key member of the UPSA Law School Senate, he has played an instrumental role in shaping policies and enhancing the academic experience for his peers, ensuring that the voice of every law student is heard.

Walter’s leadership extends beyond campus borders. In his capacity as Vice President of the Federation of African Law Students (UPSA Chapter), he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to unite and represent law students across Africa, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.

His administrative acumen was further honed during his tenure as Chief of Staff for the Law Students Union, where he worked closely with the executive team to advance student interests and streamline governance processes.

In addition to his leadership and administrative roles, Walter has distinguished himself as an adept advocate.

Representing student clients at the SRC level and excelling in moot court competitions — including the prestigious Philip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition National Qualifying Rounds — he has consistently showcased his exceptional legal argumentation and advocacy skills.

As Walter embarks on his ambitious campaign for the presidency of the Law Students Union, his blend of academic prowess, leadership experience, and a compelling personal narrative positions him as the frontrunner in a competitive race.

His vision for a more inclusive, dynamic, and united student body resonates deeply within the UPSA Law School community, marking him as a rising star poised to effect meaningful change.

With the elections scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2025, many law students have named Walter Anankatoti Awaala as the best man for the job and the clear frontrunner in the UPSA Law School presidential race.

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The IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno

The Kusaug Traditional Council, led by the esteemed Bawku Naba, Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his visit to Bawku and his commitment to investigating the incident that led to one fatality and several injuries.

According to the Traditional Council, this gesture demonstrates the IGP’s dedication to transparency and accountability, aligning with the Council’s values of preserving community identity and promoting development.

In a statement signed by David Adoliba, Secretary to the Overlord, the Kusaug Traditional Council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and stability in Bawku, echoing the sentiments of the Zug-Raan, who has consistently called for peace and unity in the area.

“We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential in resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace. We urge the youth to remain calm, avoid destructive actions, and trust the justice system. Let us work together towards peaceful advocacy and meaningful dialogue to address concerns and achieve accountability,” the statement said.

The Traditional Council urged the public to have faith in the justice system and allow the law to take its course.

“With this trust, we call on the Inspector General of Police to direct the Divisional Command to deploy police personnel to resume their normal duties in Kusaug. The Kusaug Traditional Council remains committed to collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders, working tirelessly to promote peace and security in Bawku.

“We call on all parties to prioritize peace and unity, echoing the Inspector General of Police’s vision of collective action and dialogue during his recent visit to Bawku. By working together and engaging in constructive discussions, we can effectively resolve the conflict and restore stability in Kusaug,” the statement concluded.

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Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão has lauded Ghana’s role in promoting stability across the region.

Mr. Simão who paid a courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak at his office in Accra, commended Ghana for its consistent efforts in maintaining peace domestically and contributing to regional security frameworks.

“Ghana has been a beacon of stability in West Africa and its contributions to peace and security are deeply valued,” Simão remarked, highlighting the country’s leadership in conflict prevention and resolution initiatives.

In response, the Hon. Minister expressed gratitude for the United Nations’ unwavering support over the years. He reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to ensuring that its citizens continue to live in an environment of peace and security.

“Ghana remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its people and supporting efforts to foster harmony in the region,” the Minister stated, underscoring the government’s proactive measures to maintain law and order.

Another key focus of the meeting was the Accra Initiative, a regional framework aimed at addressing security challenges, including terrorism and violent extremism, in West Africa. Both parties acknowledged the importance of revitalizing the initiative to enhance its effectiveness in tackling emerging threats.

They pledged to collaborate closely to ensure the initiative’s revival, with a shared vision of strengthening coordination among member states to promote sustainable peace.

The Ministry of the Interior and UNOWAS agreed to maintain open channels of communication to ensure the successful implementation of shared objectives, including the rejuvenation of the Accra Initiative.

Ghana on Monday announced it was banning all foreigners from trading in its local gold market as part of sweeping reforms aimed at boosting foreign exchange reserves and stabilising the local currency.

The ban takes effect on May 1 and grants exclusive authority to a new state body, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), to regulate and control artisanal and small-scale gold mining in a country where illegal mining has become a major issue.

“All foreigners are hereby notified to exit the local gold trading market not later than 30th April, 2025,” said GoldBod spokesman Prince Kwame Minkah in a statement.

Foreigners may however “apply to the GoldBod to buy or offtake gold directly from the GoldBod”, he said.

Many Chinese nationals have been active in Ghana’s informal mining and trading ecosystem, and along with Ghanaian nationals have been repeatedly accused of illegal activities including unauthorised gold exports and environmental degradation.

Ghana, the largest gold producer in Africa, derives more than a third of its gold output from small-scale miners. Industry experts believe the move could transform the country’s multibillion-dollar artisanal and small-scale (ASM) mining sector.

ACTOR and creative industry advocate, Isaac Kofi Arthur, is calling on industry stakeholders to establish a standardised payment structure to ensure fair compensation for the work of Ghanaian actors.

The implementation of such a policy, he said, would economically empower the actors since the current system wasn’t favouring young actors especially.

In an interview with the Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, April 8, Isaac Arthur said that has been the standard practice in other countries but Ghana was lagging behind in introducing such an initiative to improve the lives of actors.

He blamed the Ghana Actors Guild for this, noting the Guild’s many challenges including its court cases which have resulted in the absence of a formidable leadership to make productive policies, stifling the industry’s progress.

“As a creative industry advocate and an actor myself, I think there are many things wrong with our film industry and that is why I’m advocating Ghanaian actors to have fixed rates for roles.”

“There should be payment for those who play lead, supporting and extra roles or even for A-list actors and actresses. Unfortunately, that is not happening and film producers are taking advantage of the porous system.”

“There are young actors and actresses who are paid as low as GH¢150 for playing extras. Now the question is, ‘how do you expect someone to spend the whole day on set and get paid just GH¢150? If the person takes out transportation cost, how much will be left to depend on?”

“All these are happening in the movie industry, yet the Ghana Actors Guild is in court fighting over executive positions,” he lamented.

The Ghanaian film industry is facing a plethora of challenges and some industry players have not shied away from pointing them out. (Read also: Traditional music not ‘colo’ —Sherifa Gunu, Women who enhance their body lack self-confidence, says Yvonne Nelson)

In a recent interview with the Graphic Showbiz, actress Beverly Afaglo expressed her disagreement with how producers prioritised personal ‘connections’ over talent.  

She noted the practice was worrisome as it negatively impacted the industry because quality was being compromised in favour of friendships and affiliations.  

Giving his take on that, Isaac Arthur agreed with Beverly, adding that the unprofessionalism that is negatively affecting the industry could be prevented with an active and effective Ghana Actors Guild.

“It’s a pity that getting roles as an actor doesn’t depend on talent but on connections. That is obviously affecting the quality of production and it goes a long way to affect the industry in

The newly constructed feeder is designed to improve the quality and reliability of electricity

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has commissioned a new 11KV feeder at Teshie New England, marking a significant step toward enhancing power supply in the region.

The newly constructed feeder is designed to improve the quality and reliability of electricity, significantly reducing instances of power outages and low voltage that customers in Teshie, Tseaddo, Chain Homes, and surrounding areas have been experiencing.

Ing. Bismark Otoo, Regional General Manager of the Accra East Region, explained that the construction of the new feeder aligns with ECG’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality, and reliable electricity to consumers.

He noted that the existing feeder serving the area was overloaded, resulting in frequent outages and low voltage due to high demand.

“We recognized that customers in this enclave were facing regular outages and low voltage because of the excess load on the old feeder. With this new feeder, some customers will be transferred to relieve the load on the old one, meaning they will no longer experience frequent outages and low voltages,” he stated.

Ing. Otoo made these remarks during the technical commissioning of the new feeder at the Trade Fair site in Accra on Friday, April 11, 2025.

He emphasised that the Accra East Region is committed to promoting local economic growth by ensuring a stable power supply throughout the area.

He further explained that the commissioning of the new feeder would bring convenience to customers who rely on electricity for their businesses, thereby boosting economic activity in the region.

The Accra East Region aims to enhance customer satisfaction through various development projects tailored to meet electricity needs. The new feeder forms part of a broader initiative to reduce downtime and improve the overall customer experience in Teshie New England, Tseaddo, Chain Homes, and nearby communities.

Ing. Otoo also highlighted that the project would facilitate quicker fault detection and isolation, allowing engineers to restore power more swiftly in the event of a disruption.

He added that the Accra East Region has undertaken several projects to improve service delivery and ensure customer satisfaction.

Residents present at the commissioning event expressed their gratitude for the initiative, highlighting the positive impact it is expected to have on their daily lives.

The Kusaug Traditional Council, under the leadership of Zug-Raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has expressed appreciation for the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s recent visit to Bawku, describing it as a significant step toward restoring trust and accountability.

This comes in the wake of a deadly incident that claimed one life and injured several others.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 14, and signed by Secretary to the Overlord of the Kusaug Traditional Council, David Adoliba, the council welcomed the IGP’s commitment to a thorough investigation, highlighting that his gesture aligns with their long-standing values of community development, identity preservation, and transparency.

“The IGP’s presence and assurances reflect his dedication to justice and the protection of lives, which resonates with our vision for lasting peace in Kusaug,” the statement read.

The council reiterated its unwavering commitment to peace and unity in Bawku, urging the youth to remain calm and eschew acts that could escalate tensions.

“We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential in resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace,” it stated.

Calling on the IGP to instruct the Divisional Police Command to redeploy personnel in the area, the council said it is ready to work hand-in-hand with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure stability returns to Kusaug.

“We call on all parties to prioritize peace and unity, echoing the IGP’s vision of collective action and dialogue,” the statement added.

The council urged the public to have faith in the justice system, emphasizing that peace can only be sustained through lawful means and open dialogue.