By Jesse Ampah Owusu, GNA 

Accra, April 19, GNA – Participants at the second Kwahu Business Forum have called on financial institutions to lower interest rates and ease collateral demands on loans.  

The majority, comprising entrepreneurs and business owners, argued that high interest rates and excessive collateral requirements prevent access to financial assistance and hindered business growth.  

The remarks were shared during a Q&A session at the Business Forum, which focused on the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.” 

They raised the concerns during a question-and-answer session at the forum, which focused on the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” held at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Kwahu South Municipality. 

President John Dramani Mahama, together with Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff and other government officials opened the event, which brought together financial institutions, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for the growth of the sector.  

Mr. Eric Kwaku Boateng, President of the Ghana Automobile Dealers Association, said that high interest rates on loans deterred businesses from accessing facilities to support their ventures.  

He noted that most entrepreneurs failed to meet banks’ collateral demands, leading to business collapse, and urged banks to revise their policies to support businesses. 

Mr. Sampson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, appealed for tailored financial solutions t enhance business. 

“Setting up or running a business in Ghana is not easy. We urge financial institutions to open up to our business community and provide access to tailored financial services,” he said.  

Awingobit also called on the Government to create marketplaces and enhance access for exporters and importers. 

Mr. Takyi Addo, Director of Communications for the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers, urged the Government to address high import duties and the depreciating Cedi.  

He said that high import duties, coupled with interest rates, stifled the growth of local businesses. 

Madam Eunice Ohui Hlordjison, CEO of Ephphatha Ghana Limited, urged the Government to implement supportive regulations for the local business sector. 

 She noted that the current business environment did not favor unemployed graduates aiming to start their own businesses, due to a lack of financial products from the state or banks. 

GNA 

KAS 

Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has urged communicators of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to protect President John Mahama and his appointees from what he described as “empty noises” from critics who, in his view, know little to nothing about the governance of a country.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marked exactly 100 days of the John Dramani Mahama–Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang administration.

There has certainly been no dull moment during the first 100 days of the administration, with the government’s statements and actions becoming major talking points almost daily.

In its bid to fulfill promises made to Ghanaians, the government has taken several actions—including the arrest and raiding of homes of some former government officials—which have sparked public debate and, in some cases, division.

However, speaking during a panel discussion on TV3 monitored by GhanaWeb, Prof. Gyampo, a former lecturer at the University of Ghana, emphasized the need for party communicators to mount a robust defense of the government to allow the President the peace of mind to effectively govern the country.

“It is too early for the Mahama government to be tolerating the bad press that people have started generating. I urge the ruling party and its communicators to begin to activate all ‘mouth cameras’ so that we can offer a strong regime defense and ensure that the President has peace of mind amidst the needless noise from those who know next to nothing about governing a country,” Prof. Gyampo said.

He added: “I know President Mahama is focused, but whether you like it or not, he is human. So, sometimes he may be distracted or affected by some of this needless noise from people who don’t understand governance. Therefore, all ‘mouth cameras’ must be activated to shield the President and his appointees from such distractions.”

“So, Edudzi and co., you need to start doing some of these things. Otherwise, they will continue to throw mud. They may not know how to govern, but they can still throw enough mud that, eventually, it begins to stick in the minds of the public. Meanwhile, we are aware of the kind of positive things the government is doing.”

Prof. Gyampo, Acting CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority, urged NDC communicators to be more vocal in defending the government against baseless criticisms from uninformed individuals to enable the President work with a sound mind. pic.twitter.com/5siWRHU7Tx

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) April 19, 2025

KA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tameklo, has warned members of the party against engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey or face the full rigours of the law.

According to the lawyer and politician, President John Mahama will deal ruthlessly with any member or supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who engages in any illegal activity that destroys water bodies and farmlands in the pursuit of gold for personal gain.

In recent weeks, the government has intensified its efforts to halt galamsey through various measures, including the deployment of the army to galamsey sites, where many arrests have been made.

There have been allegations that some members of the NDC, emboldened after the party assumed power on January 7, 2025, are heavily involved in galamsey.

Speaking during a panel discussion on TV3 on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Edudzi Tameklo, who is also the Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC, warned party members engaged in galamsey to cease their activities, emphasizing that no party official will come to their aid if they are arrested.

“If you are an NDC person and you decide to go and do galamsey, you are on your own. President Mahama will deal with you brutally. Once you make up your mind that you are going to do this, remember that you are an enemy of President Mahama. You are also an enemy of his government and of the NDC. At that point, you are an environmental terrorist.

“So, if you decide to do any of these things, don’t for a minute assume that something will happen and there will be a call for ‘order from above.’ If you are expecting someone to respond to that order, you won’t find Dr. Omane getting involved.

“So, please, in the name of God, there are a lot of legitimate businesses you can do as an NDC member in this government. Don’t be the one to cause problems for Mahama’s government,” Tameklo stated.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed. 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/DbmYhSJF41

— Esi ⚖️ (@EsinamJean) April 19, 2025

KA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

play videoThe forum explored ways to enhance and support Ghana’s business landscape

The Kwahu Business Forum has taken place at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Eastern Region, where experts gathered to discuss national economic strategies and policies.

The event featured high-profile personalities, including President John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and other key members of his economic team.

Themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” the forum explored ways to enhance and support the growth of Ghana’s business landscape.

The initiative is part of a government agenda to accelerate local enterprise development, with a target of supporting over 600 businesses by the end of President Mahama’s current term.

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of various financial institutions shared insights on improving the country’s economic prospects.

Renowned governance experts and economists also participated as panelists and discussed how the financial sector can help stimulate business activity and strengthen the national economy.

The event attracted significant public interest, coinciding with the ongoing 2025 Kwahu Easter festivities.

Meanwhile, there are plans to transform the Kwahu Business Forum into a national platform that attracts entrepreneurs from across the country.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah hinted at future collaborations, including potential involvement from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other key public institutions.

With strong presidential backing and growing public-private collaboration, the Kwahu Business Forum is poised to become a key driver of entrepreneurship and economic transformation in Ghana.

Watch a live stream of the event on GhanaWeb TV below:

The Saturday, April 19, 2025, edition of UTV’s United Showbiz programme is live, with Empress Gifty discharging her duties as host.

Today’s show is featuring panelists discussing the major entertainment issues of the week.

MC Yaa Yeboah, Bullgod and Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo have been billed as pundits.

Ola Michael, Vida Adutwumwaa and musician Akese Brempong are also on the bill to bring some nuance to the conversations about the respective issues.

UNITED SHOWBIZ WITH EMPRESS GIFTY 19/04/25 https://t.co/S07HRxswEm

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) April 19, 2025

KA

By Francis Ofori

Accra, April.19, GNA- The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has announced that over 20 candidates will vie for top positions in the upcoming elections slated for Saturday April 26,2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre. 

The tall list candidates will seek to run the affairs of the Olympic movement for the next four years in a highly anticipated-elective congress.  

Renowned Sports Administrator and former Captain of Ghana’s Hockey National team, Richard Akpokavie would be in contention for the presidency position against Mr. Michael Odum Aggrey, former President of Ghana Golf Association. 

The two candidates are hopeful of securing the enviable slot after months of intense campaigning with loads of promises being whispered into the ears of delegates.

Elsewhere, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, President of the Ghana Table Tennis Federation, Mr. Frederick Lartey, President of Ghana Taekwondo, Mr Bawa Fuseini President of Ghana Athletics, and Mr Samuel Tetteh Ayer from the Security Services Sports Association (SESSA), would run unopposed for the first Vice President, Second Vice President, Deputy Secretary-General, and representative of affiliated bodies positions respectively. 

The persons named above have been automatically elected to their respective positions awaiting swearing-in. 

This is because article 14 (a) of the guidelines to the GOC elections states that, “Where at the close of nomination for election to the Board of GOC; Only one candidate is nominated for a position, the candidate shall be declared elected”.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, outgoing president of the Ghana Olympic Committee speaking at the last extraordinary congress over the weekend called on delegates to elect competent leaders who will uplift the image of the association in the next four years. 

He said voting for individuals based on their credibility, integrity, selflessness as well as their records and achievements would go a long way to ensure that the good brand of the GOC would be maintained. 

Full list of candidates 

President

Richard Kofi Apkokavie

Michael Odum Aggrey

1st Vice President 

Michael Odum Afadzinu

2nd Vice President 

Frederick Lartey Otu

3rd Vice President 

Ernest Danso

Mohammed Mahadi

Secretary-General

Mohammed Baadae Sahnoon

Mohammed Muniru Kassim

Assistant Secretary-General 

Bawah Fuseini

Treasurer 

Evans Yeboah 

Isaac Aboagye Duah 

Assistant Treasurer 

Bernard Quartey

Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman 

Aurora Commodore-Toppar

Representatives of Olympic Sports (Five to be elected)

George Lamptey

Delphina O. Quaye 

Prosper Harrison Addo

Richmond Rexford Quarcoo

Albert Kyei Frimpong

George Tettey

Benjamin K.D. Asante

Kamal Sulley

Representative of non-Olympic Sports (One to be elected)

Abdul Hayye Yartey

George Owusu Ansah

Representative of Affiliated Bodies (One to be elected)

Samuel Tetteh Ayer

Three other members to be elected by Congress

Emmanuel Djani Nikoi

Emmanuel Owusu Ansah-Asare

Michael Ntow Ayeh 

Nathaniel Johnson 

Edwin Amankwah 

Rafatu Inusah 

Philip Elikem Ameku

Leonard K.Okyere 

GNA 

KOA

By Iddi Yire

Mpraeso (E/R), April 19, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday assured businesses that the Government will reduce the cost of borrowing by reforming credit systems and supporting blended finance instruments. 

This is to stimulate economic growth and to help strengthen businesses and industries. 

The President also announced that the Government would retool the financial sector to serve the real economy—not just government borrowing or speculative trading. 

President Mahama stated this in his opening remarks at the Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region. 

The Kwahu Business Forum, which is the brain child of President Mahama, is a major initiative to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of Ghana’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  

It is a direct response to the government’s vision of expanding Ghana’s private sector capacity, especially in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors of the economy.  

As a non-partisan national development agenda, the Kwahu Business Forum brings together business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, and major industry players to network, share experiences, and explore ways to raise capital or leverage available products from financial institutions.  

The maiden forum, held during the 2024 Easter festivities at Mpraeso, the capital of Kwahu South District of the Eastern region, successfully brought together business magnates and young entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and expectations with the then-candidate John Mahama. 

The Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum is on the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector”. 

“We will also launch a national venture capital fund to support youth-and women-led businesses, and introduce regulatory reforms that encourage banks and financial institutions to lend to productive sectors of the economy,” he said. 

The President reiterated that financial inclusion would be at the heart of this agenda.  

“No economy can grow if its people remain excluded from formal financial systems. We will work with banks, fintechs, and mobile money operators to expand access to financial services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.” 

The President said the future of business in Ghana must be digital, green, and inclusive.  

“We are entering logistics, and public safety—for businesses to operate around the clock. This will boost an era where digital infrastructure is as important as roads and bridges,” he said. 

President Mahama said as part of the Government’s 24-Hour Economy strategy, they would create the conditions—through reliable electricity, productivity, create jobs, and expand opportunity across the country; stating that however, transformation also requires skills.  

This, he said was why they were introducing a Jobs and Skills  

Compact—bringing together government, industry, and academia to align education and training with the needs of the job market.  

President Mahama said the Government would provide incentives to companies that create sustainable, decent jobs, and support youth entrepreneurship to unlock the creativity of the young people. 

“Our vision is a Ghana where no young person needs to leave their hometown in search of opportunity. Where communities like Mpraeso, Nkawkaw, and Abetifi become hubs of innovation, enterprise, and decent work,” President Mahama said. 

“To truly enable business growth, we must go beyond economic policy. It requires a firm commitment to rule of law, political stability, and respect for contracts and property rights.” 

President Mahama said it also required a responsive, corruption-free public service that would see the private sector not just as a revenue source, but as a development partner. 

“That is why fora like this are essential. They allow us to listen, to engage, and to create policies that work. Your insights and innovations are critical to the national reset we envision,” the President said. 

He noted that the future of Ghana would not be determined by Government alone; and that it would be determined by their ability to build partnerships—between state and private sector, between finance and innovation, and between leadership and the people. 

“The Kwahu Business Forum is more than an event—it is a call to action. Let us work together to build a Ghana that is competitive, productive, and inclusive. A Ghana that creates opportunity for all.” The President stated. 

Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, Kwahu Abetifihene and Adontenhene of Kwahu Traditional Area, urged Kwahu citizens to take advantage of the Forum, to have more businessmen and women from the area. 

He appealed to President Mahama to complete the only Government Hospital project at the Kwahu Traditional Area, sited at Abetifi, which was started by his previous administration nine years, but came to standstill following a change in Government in 2017. 

GNA 

GRB  

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama, for initiating the Kwahu Business Forum, which continues to shape the future of business in Ghana.

“This initiative is crucial not only for promoting dialogue but also translating those conversations into tangible actions that can propel us toward a brighter economic future,” the Minority Leader stated.

He was delivering his remarks at the opening of the Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region.

The Kwahu Business Forum, which is the brainchild of President Mahama, is a major initiative to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of Ghana’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

It is a direct response to the government’s vision of expanding Ghana’s private sector capacity, especially in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors of the economy.

As a non-partisan national development agenda, the Forum brings together business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, and major industry players to network, share experiences, and explore ways to raise capital or leverage available products from financial institutions.

The maiden forum, held during the 2024 Easter festivities at Mpraeso, successfully brought together business magnates and young entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and expectations with the then-candidate John Mahama.

The Second Edition of the Forum is on the theme: “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector”.

Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the contribution of all the industry players, who were present at the Forum, saying, “Let this be the beginning of sustained support for entrepreneurship in Ghana, so that together, we can forge a path toward a brighter and more prosperous economic future”.

He urged entrepreneurs and businesses at the Forum to take full advantage of the opportunities before them, encouraging them to boldly invest in their dreams, as the foundation of a collective future

Mr Afenyo-Markin urged political leaders to remain committed towards supporting local entrepreneurs and the private sector and to work together to build a business ecosystem where success is driven by merit, hard work, and opportunity, not by politics.

He described the Forum as an important platform that continued to inspire fresh thinking about Ghana’s economic future, while reminding Ghanaians that the future of their nation was deeply intertwined with the active participation of the private sector, particularly the strength of its indigenous businesses and the vision of its entrepreneurs.

He reiterated that Ghana’s economic future would depend heavily on the strength, agility, and resilience that were timely and foundational.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said no economy could thrive where access to finance remained for their indigenous enterprises to scale up and succeed.

“When we empower local businesses with the capital and confidence they need to grow, we do more than boost productivity; we open up new pathways for job creation,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

In a country where youth unemployment remained one of its most urgent national challenges, building a strong and inclusive financial ecosystem was not just an economic imperative; it was a social one as well.

He said as someone who had spent over two decades not only in public service but also in private and the weight of challenges that every Ghanaian entrepreneur must carry.

“I understand what often-unpredictable road of private enterprise, and so I know firsthand the thrill of opportunity it means to raise capital, to innovate through constraint, and to stay resilient in the face of enterprise, I understand the hurdles that define the entrepreneurial journey,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said he had walked the shifting market dynamics and a fragile entrepreneurial ecosystem, and these personal experiences had deepened his conviction that entrepreneurship was not just a livelihood, but it was nation-building.

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.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish a National Venture Capital Fund aimed at supporting youth and women-led businesses across Ghana.

Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the President revealed that the fund will serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, providing critical financial support to help young people and women scale their businesses.

He further noted that the government will introduce regulatory reforms to encourage banks and financial institutions to increase lending to the productive sectors of the economy.

“We will launch a National Venture Capital Fund to support youth and women-led businesses and introduce regulatory reforms that encourage banks and financial institutions to lend to the productive sectors of the economy. In all of this, financial inclusion will be at the heart of our agenda. No economy can grow if its people remain excluded from the formal financial system,” he said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s private sector and ensure inclusive economic development.

SP/MA

Featured

Diana Mensah

Apr – 19 – 2025 , 21:07

1 minute read

At the second edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, President John Dramani Mahama shared some challenges Ghanaian entrepreneurs face when trust and reliability are compromised in business.

He recalled a story from his early years in politics when he decided to support a relative by buying a bus to start a transport business, a decision that ended in failure.

“I bought a bus for a relative to run transport business so that he can look after the family at home and stop disturbing me on my small parliamentary salary. And they gave it to a driver who was a relatively good anytime you saw the bus, the bus had more load on top of it than in the bus”, he narrated.

He detailed how the axle of the bus eventually broke down, marking the start of a frustrating ordeal.

“The axle broke down, and it was the most regrettable experience in my life. When the axle broke down, they came to me to buy a new axle, anytime the bus broke down, they would come to me to come and repair it. And it was costing me more to repair the bus,” he stated.

He mentioned this incident to point out how difficult it is to find trustworthy people to work with these days.

“This driver used to live in the family house. While he was driving the bus, he procured the land, he started to build a house. The house reached lintel level when the bus finally broke down, and by then I had had enough. So, I refused to repair the bus and decided to dispose of it. And so, I sold the bus.

“This was like several years, maybe more than 10 years ago. And since I sold the bus, where the building reached lintel level, it is still at lintel level even till today. And so, what he says is very serious, getting trusted people to work with”, he stated.

The two-day forum, which is themed, “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” is designed to serve as a platform for dialogue between financial institutions and private sector players.

It convened policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore innovative strategies for economic development and private sector empowerment in Ghana and across Africa.

JKB/EB

GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028

The second edition of the Kwahu Business Forum has successfully taken place at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region.

Held under the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” the forum served as a strategic platform to ignite entrepreneurial growth and strengthen the capacity of Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

An initiative championed by President John Dramani Mahama, the Kwahu Business Forum forms a core part of a broader, non-partisan national development agenda aimed at expanding private sector capacity, particularly within agro-processing and manufacturing.

The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of building a more resilient and inclusive economy through SME empowerment.

The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, and key players in the financial industry. One of the highlights of the event was the presence of the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who added a valuable bipartisan perspective to the discussions.

This year’s event builds on the momentum of the maiden edition, which was held in 2024 during the Easter festivities in Mpraeso.

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.

play videoElizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced plans to revive nearly collapsed industries in the country as part of efforts to promote strategic value addition.

This initiative aims to scale up production to meet both domestic and international market demands.

Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Trade Minister revealed that the government will partner with the private sector to establish three state-of-the-art garment factories.

According to Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, these factories are expected to create 27,000 jobs for the country’s growing unemployed youth population.

“The ministry is promoting strategic value addition, reviving struggling industries, and scaling up production for both domestic and international markets. Under this initiative, we plan to establish, with support from the private sector, three state-of-the-art garment factories. Each will have the capacity to employ 9,000 people, creating a total of 27,000 jobs under the 24-hour economy policy,” she stated.

The theme for this year’s Kwahu Business Forum is “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.”

SA/MA

What happens when a country is staring at an apparent mental health crisis but its people just don’t know what to do?

What do you do when a loved one informs you they are considering suicide? I want you to ponder your answer as you read through this piece. In Africa, the most common reaction is to call out the person with suicidal thoughts who has just opened up about how they are feeling.

“Don’t be silly!” – they’ll be told if lucky. If they are male, the default is to question where the potency of their masculinity has gone. “Are you not a man?” – they’ll be asked. Often even, the person is grilled over their reason for feeling suicidal. Almost to say there are stronger reasons for considering suicide or instances when it’s okay to take one’s own life.

Questions like: “Are you the first person to suffer a heartbreak?” or “why kill yourself over a girl?” as seen in the many public reactions to the unfortunate passing of Nicholas Kumi Dankwah – a freshman at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana.

Nicholas allegedly hanged himself in his room at a university hostel after his 3-month old relationship with his girlfriend went south. A purported suicide note he left behind indicates he tried everything to make the relationship work, albeit unsuccessfully. This comes less than two years after a third year student in the same university succumbed to suicide.

As news of this latest incident went viral, it became apparent that the deceased might have opened up to someone about his suicidal thoughts, especially to his estranged girlfriend.

In fact, a photo which has since gone viral shows Nicholas was on a video call with his friends, essentially watching him go through with the act. Without prejudice, this takes me back to my opening question – what do you do when a loved one tells you they are considering suicide?

In the United Kingdom, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.

In Ghana, who do you call? I have seen so many posts and hashtags online encouraging people to speak up or open up to someone when they feel distressed. Unfortunately, not many people have the capacity to process or even know what to do with such information. So what is the point in anyone speaking up when the people they could supposedly speak to, do not have the capacity to handle the information?

While you continue to ponder your answer, here’s another question for you. What will you do when a loved one says they have severe chest pains or a deep cut to their wrist? Of course, even without a medical degree, or specialist training, calling an ambulance immediately or trying to get them to the hospital for treatment is at the top of the list of things to do.

Despite being strongly linked with mental disorders such as depression and chronic anxiety, many suicides happen impulsively during crisis situations when people feel incapable of dealing with the pressures of life. This may be financial issues, relationship problems, or loss (of family or friends).

More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, with up to 73 percent of these deaths happening in low and middle income countries like Ghana. According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people aged 15 – 29 years.

It is instructive to note that for every suicide case, there are many failed attempts and even more people who considered harming themselves. Given the numbers involved, there is no denying the fact that this is a major public health situation needing urgent attention.

So why does it feel like a helpless situation when we hear someone contemplating suicide?

It is, in part, because of the absence of a suicide prevention plan in Ghana – a national strategy which will among other things empower individuals, institutions, communities and the government to adequately respond to suicide as the crisis which it is fast becoming.

The government, courtesy a private members bill sponsored by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, decriminalised attempted suicide only in April 2023.While that is a crucial first step towards suicide prevention, Ghana is dealing with the unintended consequence of treating suicide as a criminal offence – the struggle to seek help when feeling suicidal even where help exists – still lingers.

We must understand that we are all different people, some stronger and more resilient than others. So much so that, even after considering the thought of how empty life will be after losing a loved one, they are able to pick themselves up and move on. But not everyone makes it past that phase without help. That is why making suicide prevention resources available and accessible at every level in the society cannot and should not be considered secondary as it currently is.

With timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented. This must begin in schools, work places, churches and every other group or groups of places where people interact.

The WHO recommends coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics and the media. These efforts, it says must be comprehensive and integrated given the multifaceted nature of suicide.

In the case of Ghana, government must immediately initiate the processes for the drafting and implementation of a national suicide prevention strategy. This strategy must among other things, include:

• Duty of care and mandatory safeguarding policies: This will require organisations to institute clear monitoring and reporting channels including gatekeeper training programmes where managers, teachers, and other individuals in positions of authority are trained to identify early signs of withdrawal and distress for timely interventions. These programmes increase awareness and confidence in identifying at-risk individuals, especially in workplace and school settings, and directing them to appropriate support services.
• Brief Interventions and Follow-Up Contacts: Simple, structured conversations paired with ongoing contact – such as phone calls, text messages, or visits – can have a significant impact in preventing suicide. Often used after someone has presented in crisis or been discharged from care, these follow up contacts provide connection and continuity. This could reduce repeat attempts and promote long-term engagement with mental health services.
• School-Based Mental Health Education: We must invest in integrating mental health education into school curricula to equip young people with essential skills to understand, manage, and talk about mental health. This helps to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behavior, and enable early identification of students who may be struggling.
• Digital Tools and Crisis Helplines: As we transition into an increasingly virtual society, online mental health tools and 24/7 crisis helplines provide accessible, anonymous support for individuals experiencing distress. These platforms can include self-assessment tools, chat support, and immediate connection to trained professionals.

It’s not a guarantee that people will not succumb to suicide but, these strategies, when implemented at scale as part of a deliberate national suicide strategy, will present would-be victims with a fighting chance and the appropriate support system to go through it.

While we wait for this government-backed intervention, I ask again — what do you do when a loved one informs you they are considering suicide?

–

The writer, Manuel Koranteng is a journalist, mental health advocate and the Founder of MentaPulse Africa, which is Africa’s first employee mental health and wellbeing advocacy organisation based in Accra, Ghana.

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately reassign the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, following his controversial threat to use corporal punishment against traders flouting city directives.

The Party described the Mayor’s comments threatening to “beat” traders who defied the Assembly’s order as “inhumane” and “irresponsible,” arguing that such an approach to sanitising Kumasi’s central business district renders him unfit for office.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong-Kumankumah, the CPP’s Flagbearer in the 2024 Presidential Election, firmly condemned the Mayor’s comments, insisting that the use of corporal punishment is unacceptable and ineffective in addressing urban challenges.

“The welfare of humanity should be at the centre of every policy that we implement,” she said, urging the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to prioritise dialogue and stakeholder engagement in its decongestion efforts.

As an alternative approach, Nana Sarpong-Kumankumah recommended the creation of employment opportunities for women and the youth as a long-term solution to the congestion challenges caused by petty trading.

“Carrying things on the head and sitting in the scorching sun to sell is inhumane and shameful for this nation. It is the responsibility of the Government to create decent employment for the people. We have failed the people,” she stressed.

The CPP’s call follows a recent press conference held by the Kumasi Mayor, where he announced a two-week ultimatum for traders operating along pavements and roadsides in the central business district to vacate the area.

He warned that failure to comply would attract severe sanctions, including threats of physical assault, a statement that has since drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.

In addressing the broader issue, the CPP urged the KMA to adopt a data-driven approach in tackling street trading, stressing the need for proper planning.

“Cleaning Kumasi should be backed by data. We should know the number of people on the streets and what they do. We cannot address the problem without proper planning backed by data,” Nana Sarpong-Kumankumah added.

A multi-stakeholder approach is being proposed in proffering solutions to challenges hindering cocoa production and its trade.

National Project Manager of Green Commodity Programme at UNDP, Mathias Edetor, believes empowering the local community is the first step towards dealing with environmental challenges hindering cocoa production among others.

He said it is the project’s firm belief that “when the grassroots is firm, we can work together to fight issues of unhealthy environmental practices and promote climate-smart cocoa production”.

He spoke to JoyNews on the sidelines of a training event for executives within the Hotspot Intervention Areas (HIAs) under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme aimed at building capacities to drive collaborative multi-stakeholder action.

Ghana produced 531,000 metric tons in the 2023/2024 cocoa season, an amount experts claim to be below the country’s capacity.

To Mr. Edetor, the decline could be attributed to multiple factors which include climate change and other environmental challenges in the landscape.

It was for these reasons the Green Commodities Programme with funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) teamed up with multiple stakeholders to identify solutions to improve cocoa production and trade as well as transformation of agricultural systems.

Mr. Mathias Edetor said equipping executives with adequate knowledge to deal with stakeholder analysis in the landscape would promote sustainable cocoa production.

Participants in the training programme also sharpened skills in reporting and data management skills, ability to leverage Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for the multi-stakeholder collaboration.

They were also trained to identify and leverage opportunities for sustainable investments that support both environmental conservation and economic development.

Also the training impressed the need for the HIA executives to effectively engage and manage farmer cooperatives, private sector actors, and government institutions.

Mr. Sylvester Mensah, a training beneficiary, enumerated some beneficiary communities that have derived from the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP) through education provided by the HIA executives’ education.

“Some communities have commenced afforestation, climate-smart agriculture and land restoration processes to enhance productivity and nature conservation,” he said.

Others include farming inputs and community projects, including potable drinking water and schools support.

Mr. Mensah is hopeful the supports provided them through the Green Commodities Programme will help them to work better with partners and stakeholders for the communities to derive more benefits under the GCFRP and other investments coming into the cocoa-forest landscape.

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.

There were illegal miners from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, Guinea and parts of Northern Ghana living in Abrewanekran.
Nana Bosompem

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Ghana’s new President, H E John Dramani Mahama has marked his first 100 days (on Wednesday, April 16, 2025) in office with a wave of commendable achievements. 

The pace has been swift, the direction clear, and the results – at least so far – reassuring to many Ghanaians. But behind every successful leader is a team, and several ministers have emerged as key drivers of this early success. 

From bold digital reforms to economic relief, environmental protection to legal accountability, these individuals have begun shaping a presidency that seems ready to deliver.

One name that stands tall in this early chapter is Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation.

He is, notably, the only minister to have held a comprehensive press briefing outlining his vision and roadmap. And true to his word, he has already launched the ambitious One Million Coders Program — an initiative designed to equip one million Ghanaian youth with relevant digital skills.

Recognizing the burden of high data costs on citizens, he has also inaugurated a committee to find sustainable solutions to reduce the cost of data in Ghana.

His in-depth understanding of the telecom space, digital ecosystem, and tech landscape has strongly vindicated the president’s choice.

As the administration hits this symbolic 100-day milestone, Samuel Nartey George stands out as a true pacesetter.

Equally impactful has been Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance. One might call him one of the president’s “mighty men” — and rightly so. He has introduced what is now dubbed the Relief Budget of the Fourth Republic, removing taxes that had become Equally impactful has been Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance.

One might call him one of the president’s “mighty men” — and rightly so.

He has introduced what is now dubbed the Relief Budget of the Fourth Republic, removing taxes that had become thorns in the flesh of businesses and the general public, including the COVID-19 levy, betting tax, E-levy, and the emissions tax.

In addition to that, he’s ensured the payment of accumulated arrears owed to nursing trainees and secured a permanent funding for the Free SHS program — a cornerstone of educational equity in the country.

His international recognition was cemented when he was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.

Dr Forson has proven his mettle and continues to hold the fort with integrity and competence.

In the natural resources sector, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has taken a firm stand against illegal mining, or galamsey.

His proactive interventions have led to the retrieval of some forest reserves, and he has unveiled the Blue Water Guards — a youth-led taskforce mobilized to defend Ghana’s water bodies.

While Ghanaians wish for faster results in curbing illegal mining, there is no doubt that Armah Kofi Buah is working with dedication and tact, and his impact is beginning to show.

The pursuit of justice and accountability has also been central to the administration’s agenda, and Dr Dominic Ayine, Minister for Attorney General and Justice, has taken clear steps to walk that talk.

Following the president’s promise to hold former government officials accountable for misappropriation of funds, Dr. Ayine has held a press briefing to update the nation on ongoing investigations and legal actions.

His calm demeanor, deep understanding of legal intricacies, and swift responses are earning him praise both within legal circles and among ordinary Ghanaians. He is fast becoming a symbol of the president’s commitment to good governance and rule of law.

In the defense ministry, Dr Edward Omane Boamah has been steadily working to reposition the military in the fight against illegal mining.

His consistent updates on military operations, especially via his social media platforms, have given the public a rare window into the role the armed forces are playing in the national effort to reclaim our lands and rivers.

His swift move to procure food supplies for the military and his openness about the inherited food debt left by the previous administration have also been well received.

His transparency and timely communication have brought a new level of public engagement to the ministry.

And then there is Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a standout in Foreign Affairs and International cooperation. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the first 100 days of the Government have seen a dynamic shift in Ghana’s diplomatic posture.

He has strengthened bilateral ties, and restored a level of pride and energy in Ghana’s Foreign Missions. His engagements have been strategic, people-centred, and rooted in Ghana’s broader development goals.

Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa has also become a voice for ethical leadership, advocating for accountability, and ensuring that Ghana’s image abroad reflects the discipline and progress happening at home.

Together, these ministers have formed the backbone of the president’s early success. Their actions show a government not just committed to power, but to purpose — one that understands the urgency of the moment and the expectations of the people.

The first 100 days are only the beginning. But if this pace is maintained, and the vision remains clear, Ghanaians may well be witnessing the birth of a transformative era.

Author: Ephraim Ofori Numosuor, Financial Economist | Research & Policy Analyst: [email protected]

Telephone: 0248803710

A few years after Independence, Article 44(3) of the First Republican Constitution of 1960 gave our President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the constitutional authority to dismiss the Chief Justice without giving any reason. Article 44(3) provided as follows:

“The appointment of a judge as Chief Justice may at any time be revoked by the President by instrument under the Presidential seal.”

Today, under the Fourth Republican 1992 Constitution, the President still has power—this time under Article 146—to sanction the removal of a Chief Justice when an impeachment process is set in motion.

“I do not write to assess the merits of the present petitions against the Chief Justice, for I know next to nothing about their contents,” an observer writes.

“However, I write because I am deeply concerned about an emerging trend: that with each electoral transition, we may soon expect a new Chief Justice or a new Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. We are drifting into dangerous territory—one where those in power can begin to lay claim to the ownership of constitutionally created offices.”

The independence of the anchors of state governance is at stake.

Kwame Nkrumah once set a precedent when he removed judges who acquitted Ako Adjei and others in a treason trial. He subsequently replaced them with judges who secured a conviction during the retrial.

In our more recent past, former President Nana Akufo-Addo received a petition for the removal of the then Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei. She was impeached.

Many of us either sat silent or protested, depending on our place along the political divide. Charlotte Osei was perceived to be aligned with the previous NDC government.

Needless to say, the petition to impeach her surfaced after the NDC lost power.

So, have we reaped the whirlwind? Have the chickens come home to roost?

Today’s Chief Justice is perceived by some elements of yesterday’s opposition as an ally of the NPP. Does the desire to remove a Chief Justice—or indeed any judge—arise simply because their rulings do not align with the expectations of the political class?

We must guard against this.

The onslaught against judicial independence and other constitutionally created offices will, in the end, hurt us all.

There is no doubt that the impeachment process under Article 146 can be abused by any President, especially through a Council of State largely appointed by the same President.

That said, there is room for hope.

The Council includes a former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Sophia Boafoa Akuffo (CJ Retired), whose vast neutrality and knowledge of the law could be a steady hand in these turbulent times. She has the mettle for it—or perhaps, she ought to.

We witnessed her independence of mind when she publicly criticised the Government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, despite being nominated and supported by that same government during her elevation to the office of Chief Justice.

I expect no less of her now, should she conclude that her intelligence and experience are being drowned out by numbers and political convenience.

In the end, the independence of the Judiciary and other constitutional institutions needs a safe berth—for the waters are stormy.

If Her Ladyship Sophia Boafoa Akuffo (CJ Retired) is indeed the embodiment of judicial integrity, her response to this unfolding process will be telling.

It will indicate whether prejudice was an ingredient in the impeachment stew, or whether reason and fairness prevailed in its preparation.

Be that as it may, there is an urgent need for constitutional reform to ensure that future Chief Justices are not held hostage by the political manipulation of Article 146.

Perhaps the leadership of the Bar will speak to this matter. Our elders and senior colleagues have remained silent for far too long.

The independence of the Judiciary—and all other constitutional offices—must be protected at all times.

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Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, has announced plans to revive nearly collapsed industries in the country to promote strategic value addition.

This initiative aims to scale up production to meet both domestic and international market demands.

Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the trade minister revealed that the government will partner with the private sector to establish three state-of-the-art garment factories.

These factories, according to Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, are expected to create 27,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

“The ministry is promoting strategic value addition, reviving deformed industries, and scaling up production for both domestic and international markets. Under this initiative, we aim to establish, with the help of the private sector, three state-of-the-art garment factories, each with the capacity to provide 3,000 job positions, creating a total of 27,000 jobs under the 24-hour economy policy,” she stated.

The theme for this year’s Kwahu Business Forum is “The Future of Business: The role of the financial sector.”

SA/MA