The World Conference of Mayors Inc. led by its founder Johnny L. Ford, its president Jimmie Gardner, and on Sunday,March 30, 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to partner the Relevant Achievers Impacting Nations (RAIN Foundations), an international missions-based organization headed by the renowned Ghanaian Author Ralph Antwi. 

The historic ceremony was preceded by the National Youth Shakers Conclave & Awards 2025 – Ghana Edition held on Saturday March 29, 2025, at The Palms Convention Center in Accra, Ghana.

Changemakers from across the 16 regions of Ghana were present to be inspired and empowered. Youth shakers from various sectors of society were awarded. 

The partnership between The World Conference of Mayors Inc. and RAIN Foundations has an overriding objective of preparing young people all over the world to prepare for the mantles of leadership.

RAIN Foundations, through its global youth empowerment initiatives, will create a global network of youth shakers to help secure a better future.

The World Conference of Mayors is a global organization that brings together mayors from around the world. The goals of this great organization are trust, trade, tourism, technology transfer, twin cities, treasury, and training.

The organization is partnering RAIN Foundations to host the National Youth Shakers Conclave & Awards 2025 in twenty-five countries this year, as well as the Global Youth Shakers Conclave & Awards.

Ghana’s $4.3 billion export industry is at a crossroads as the United States slaps a 10% tariff on Ghanaian products, a move that could cripple industries benefiting from duty-free access under
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

For years, Ghanaian exporters, especially in the textile, cocoa, and agricultural sectors, have relied on the US market to stay competitive. Now, as tariffs threaten to erode their pricing advantage, experts say AfCFTA is Ghana’s best bet for survival.

However, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government of neglecting AfCFTA, citing inadequate funding and policy direction. While the previous administration launched a National AfCFTA Policy Framework, the current budget fails to prioritise its implementation, raising concerns that Ghana is not positioned to take full advantage of intra-African trade.

A well-implemented AfCFTA strategy could help Ghanaian businesses pivot away from US dependency by unlocking continental trade opportunities. The apparel industry, for instance, could target South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, while processed cocoa and yams could find new markets in North and East Africa.

Yet, the biggest challenge remains government inaction. Industry players argue that without investment in trade infrastructure, financial support for exporters, and aggressive market expansion efforts, Ghana may lose out on the full benefits of AfCFTA.

The US tariffs serve as a wake-up call—Ghana must decide whether to cling to an uncertain future in Western markets or fully embrace the AfCFTA vision. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Ghana’s export sector sinks under external pressure or rises through intra-African trade resilience.

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Enzo Fernandez scored as Chelsea beat Tottenham to move into the Premier League’s top four and boost their hopes of Champions League football next season.

Defeat for Spurs piled more pressure on head coach Ange Postecoglou – whose side stay 14th, and remain on course to finish outside the top 10 for the first time since 2008.

The Blues, boosted by the returns from injury of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, dominated proceedings at Stamford Bridge, but they were frustrated by a goalless first-half having missed plenty of opportunities.

They carried the same threat after the interval and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Fernandez headed home Palmer’s inch-perfect delivery.

Moises Caicedo swept a crisp volley past Guglielmo Vicario moments later, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside in the build-up following a four-minute VAR review.

Tottenham then had an equaliser ruled out after substitute Pape Matar Sarr fired in from 20 yards out.

Referee Craig Pawson, advised by VAR to have a look at the pitchside monitor, overturned his decision after watching the Spurs midfielder catch Caicedo with his studs before taking aim.

The result moves Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League, knocking reigning champions Manchester City down to fifth and Newcastle to sixth.

Maresca’s side set up for big run-in

The Blues were in scintillating form from the off as they returned to action following the recent international break.

They were unlucky not to score in the first minute, when Jackson hit the post after Micky van de Ven’s attempted clearance rebounded off the forward’s shin.

The home fans were quick to celebrate when they though Malo Gusto had scored with a fierce strike before quickly realising it had rifled into the side-netting.

Vicario made a superb fingertip save to deny Jadon Sancho, while Jackson continued to cause Van de Ven and Cristian Romero all sorts of problems with darting runs towards the Tottenham penalty area.

And it was the two Spurs centre-backs who were caught off guard when Fernandez drifted easily between the pair and leapt highest to direct Palmer’s cross in.

A strong end to the season is well within reach for Enzo Maresca’s side.

Bolstered by the return of key players from injury, a Champions League spot is in their sights, while the chance for silverware in the Europa Conference League seems a genuine possibility.

Pressure piles on Postecoglou

After looking lacklustre for much of the game, Tottenham’s surge forward in search of an equaliser came all too late.

Son Heung-min was agonisingly close to netting an 89th-minute leveller as he slided in to reach Brennan Johnson’s cross, but Robert Sanchez scrambled across his goalline brilliantly to deny the Spurs captain.

While Chelsea constantly hassled their visitors, Tottenham looked panicked in defence, sloppy in possession and struggled to fashion many clear-cut chances.

Vicario, meanwhile, provided little reassurance to his backline with multiple wayward passes and an inability to command his box convincingly.

Frustrations boiled over on the stroke of half-time when Cristian Romero’s shove on Levi Colwill caused a maul as players squared up to each other.

But Tottenham were unable to channel their emotions into anything worthwhile.

And in the wake of this defeat, Postecoglou’s future at the club becomes all the more uncertain.

Some away fans directed chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” at the Australian manager, who becomes the first-ever Spurs boss to lose his first four fixtures against Chelsea.

But there is still hope for success in the Europa League – and a first trophy since 2008 – with a quarter-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt next week.

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Countries around the world threatened to ratchet up a trade war with the United States as President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs ignited fears of steep price increases in the world’s largest consumer market.

The penalties announced by Trump on Wednesday triggered a plunge in world financial markets on Thursday and drew condemnation from other leaders reckoning with the end of a decades-long era of trade liberalisation.

But there were conflicting messages from the White House about whether the tariffs were meant to be permanent or were a tactic to win concessions, with Trump saying they “give us great power to negotiate.”

The U.S. tariffs would amount to the highest trade barriers in more than a century: a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and higher targeted duties on some of the country’s biggest trading partners.

That could jack up the price for U.S. shoppers of everything from cannabis to running shoes to Apple’s iPhone. A high-end iPhone could cost nearly $2,300 if Apple passes the costs on to consumers, based on projections from Rosenblatt Securities.

Businesses raced to adjust. Automaker Stellantis said it would temporarily lay off U.S. workers and close plants in Canada and Mexico, while General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab said it would increase U.S. production.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the United States had abandoned its historic role as a champion of international economic cooperation.

“The global economy is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday,” he said as he announced a limited set of countermeasures.

Elsewhere, China vowed retaliation for Trump’s 54% tariffs on imports from the world’s No. 2 economy, as did the European Union, which faces a 20% duty.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for European countries to suspend investment in the United States.

Other trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, Mexico and India, said they would hold off on any retaliation for now as they seek concessions.

Washington’s allies and rivals alike warned of a devastating blow to global trade. Japan, one of the United States’ biggest trading partners and its largest foreign investor, is now facing a “national crisis”, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told parliament.

The tariffs “clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a statement.

“It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy. We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty,” Georgieva said.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and senior trade adviser Peter Navarro both told cable news programs on Thursday the president would not back off, and that the tariff increases were not a negotiation.

Trump then appeared to contradict them, telling reporters, “The tariffs give us great power to negotiate. Always have. I used it very well in the first administration, as you saw, but now we’re taking it to a whole new level.”

Stocks suffered a global meltdown, the U.S. dollar crumbled and oil prices were set for their worst week in months as analysts warned the tariffs could upend supply chains, hurt corporate profits and push the world economy towards recession.

The Dow fell nearly 4%, its biggest one-day percentage loss since June 2020. The S&P 500 lost nearly 5% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq declined nearly 6%, its worst day in percentage terms since the pandemic era of March 2020.

American companies with significant overseas production took a hit. Nike shares lost 14% and Apple fell 9%.

Asian shares struggled to recover as their markets opened on Friday with Japan’s Nikkei down 1.85%, extending its 2.8% slide from Thursday. Chinese markets were closed for a holiday.

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The country’s fragile export strategy has been laid bare as the United States slaps a 10% tariff on Ghanaian goods, a move the Minority Caucus in Parliament says could cripple key industries and threatens thousands of jobs.

The Caucus has condemned the government’s lack of a clear policy response, warning that exporters, especially those in the apparel, cocoa, and yam sectors, will bear the brunt of this sudden trade shift.

The tariff, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, comes as a retaliation against Ghana’s 17% average tariff on U.S. imports.

While it remains unclear if the measure will directly affect Ghana’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) status, the financial implications are already raising alarms.

Under AGOA, Ghana enjoys duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 6,700 products, including textiles, agricultural goods, and manufactured exports.

The imposition of tariffs means Ghanaian products, once competitive due to AGOA benefits, will now face additional costs, making them less attractive in the U.S. market.

Key Sectors at Risk

• Apparel Industry: Over 5,000 young workers rely on exports to the U.S. The new tariff threatens jobs and profits in a sector that has long struggled to gain a foothold in international trade.

• Cocoa Exports: While raw cocoa beans enter duty-free, processed cocoa products (powder and paste)—which make up nearly 30% of cocoa exports—stand to be hit by the tariff, reducing incentives for value addition.

• Yams: A staple of Ghanaian exports to the U.S., yams currently enjoy AGOA benefits. A 10% tariff could erode this advantage, reducing the appeal of Ghanaian yams in American markets.

The Minority Caucus has accused the government of failing to prioritise export diversification, leaving Ghana overly dependent on the U.S. market.

The NPP administration had initiated policies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and reduce exposure to global trade shocks.

However, the NDC government, they argue, has neglected these efforts, offering no clear plan to counter the U.S. tariff.

“How will the government respond to this sweeping tariff? We have yet to see any specialized program to support exporters or expand Ghana’s production base,” the Minority statement read.

Despite efforts to increase exports to ECOWAS countries through the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative—leading to a rise in the trade of iron rods, ceramics, and plastics—the broader export strategy remains weak.

The Caucus also noted that budget allocations for AfCFTA implementation have been disappointingly low, signaling a lack of commitment to economic resilience.

To cushion the impact of the tariffs and safeguard Ghana’s exporters, the Minority Caucus is demanding immediate action:

• Diversification of Export Markets: Fast-track AfCFTA implementation and reduce overreliance on the U.S. by boosting intra-African trade.

• Government Support for Exporters: Provide financial assistance, training, and market intelligence to help businesses adjust.

• Product Diversification & Value Addition: Shift focus from raw material exports to processed goods to increase profitability and global competitiveness.

• Diplomatic Engagement: Open urgent negotiations with the U.S. to clarify the tariff’s impact on AGOA and push for a reduction or elimination of the new charges.

• Policy Clarity: The government must provide a definitive roadmap on how it plans to navigate the tariff shock and protect Ghanaian businesses.

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Some officers of the Ghana police service

The Central Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the transportation of electricity cables believed to belong to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The suspects, Mohammed Sulemana and Iddrisu Basit, both driver’s mates of an articulated truck, were arrested on April 1, 2025, at Gomoa Awombrew in the Central Region.

A press release issued by the Police Public Affairs Directorate and shared with the Ghana News Agency stated that the truck, with registration number GC 7410-11, was found parked at Gomoa Awombrew, loaded with 28 rims of ECG cables.

“Officials from ECG, led by their Operations Officer, Mr. David Ackom, confirmed the ownership of the cables but stated that no such consignment was expected in the area,” the release noted.

“The truck remains under police guard at Gomoa Awombrew, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the truck driver, Zibo Imoro, who is currently on the run,” it added.

Further investigations are ongoing.

A protest march has been held in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, against a recent spate of reports of men raping children.

Over the last two months, Zambians have been shocked by several cases of child rape, some of which resulted in death.

Among the most horrific reports was that of a father allegedly raping his seven-year-old daughter while she was admitted to hospital for cancer treatment.

There have also been reports of a five-year-old allegedly being raped by a gang of four men, while another father was jailed for raping and infecting his six-year-old with genital warts, a sexually transmitted infection.

Zambia’s Justice Minister Princess Kasune-Zulu has called for the castration of child rapists as an extreme measure to deter perpetrators and protect children from abuse.

“How low can we go as a nation? How low can we go as a society? What is happening is sickening. It is beyond laws now – it is up to us as Zambians to interrogate why our morals have decayed,” she recently told parliament.

Following the reports, civil society organisations, musicians, and individuals held a protest march on Thursday, calling for the government to amend the law to introduce tougher punishments for child rapists.

In a petition handed to Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, they demanded the law be changed so that those accused of child rape are not granted bail.

In response, Nalumango said the issue concerns everyone and that Zambians must take a stand.

A musician who took part in the protest march told the BBC that “we need to create a safe environment for our children”.

Daputsa Nkhata-Zulu, also known as Sista D, added that child rapists should be castrated “for the safety of children and also to deprive them of the pride of manhood because they don’t deserve it.”

In just the last three months of 2024, Zambia recorded more than 10,000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) involving children, according to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation. These were mostly in the capital, Lusaka.

More than 32,000 people received counselling for GBV last year, according to the Zambia Police 2024 annual GBV data analysis.

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The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested eleven persons at Fichser near Bunsu, over alleged illegal mining, popularly known as “Galamsey”.

A police press release issued by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Foster Owusu said the suspects were made up of nine Ghanaians and two Burkinabes, were arrested on April 2, 2025, based on a formal complaint.

The release gave the names of the Ghanaians as Kwaku Owusu, 42, Philip Tetteh, 52, Abdul Raham, 27, Philip Duvor 40, Joseph Asare, 32, Charles Manu, 35, Joseph Araboga, 32, Daniel Bangah, 20 and Amoaho Isaac, 25, whilst the Burkinabes were Jey Done, 40 and Adomah Bouba, 25.

“The Police also recovered one excavator, which has since been impounded,” it added.

All the suspects, it said, were in Police custody and being processed to face Justice.

“We would like to assure the general public, especially the communities within the Eastern South Regional Police Command, that the Ghana Police Service remains resolute in fighting crime and maintaining law and order in the country, it stated.

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Accra, April 03, GNA- The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Mr Ahmed Ibrahim has hailed Zoomlion Ghana Limited for the unparalleled sanitation infrastructure in West Africa amidst a strategic collaboration to tackle Ghana’s waste management crisis, particularly plastic. 

The Minister speaking to the media in Accra, underscored the indispensability of Zoomlion’s cutting-edge facilities, which positioned Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable waste solutions.  

“The kind of sanitation infrastructure that Zoomlion has invested – both in municipal solid, liquid waste and robustness of the recycling waste management plants is so unparalleled,” he noted. 

Mr Ahmed commended Zoomlion for it’s nationwide network of modern recycling plants, faecal waste management systems, and sewage-to-resource technologies, which converted waste into compost and charcoal.  

These facilities, he noted, aligned with Ghana’s 2016 ban on ocean dumping of faecal waste, a policy enacted under former President John Dramani Mahama that halted hazardous coastal pollution.  

“Before Zoomlion, faecal waste flowed freely into the sea that caused diseases such as cholera. Their infrastructure is now our lifeline,” he emphasized.  

The Minister, however, raised alarms over a crippling 1.2 billion Ghana cedis debt owed to Zoomlion by the government, inherited from the previous Akufo-Addo administration.  

According to him, this debt had been a significant concern for the government, adding that despite this, “we are closely collaborating with Zoomlion to address Ghana’s waste management challenges.” 

“We are collaborating closely with Zoomlion to address waste management challenges in the country, particularly focusing on recycling plastic waste,” he added.  

He stressed the necessity for the government to forge a solid partnership with private waste management firms and urged Zoomlion not to relent on their efforts to complete their waste infrastructure transformation agenda. 

He called for intensified advocacy to curb reckless waste disposal, particularly in water bodies critical for domestic and agricultural use.  

“Zoomlion’s work goes beyond just sweeping our streets, it’s about safeguarding national health and environmental sustainability,” he asserted, rallying support for stronger public-private partnerships. 

GNA 

LAA

By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 03, GNA – Ahead of the second Kwahu Business Forum, Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency on Thursday, met with the managers of key state-owned financial institutions. 

The meeting, which took place at the Presidency, is part of preparations towards the Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19, on the theme: “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector”. 

The forum is designed to serve as a platform for dialogue between financial institutions and private sector players.  

It will also highlight investment opportunities, discuss policy interventions, and chart a path towards building a more resilient and competitive business landscape in Ghana.  

Mr Debrah, an accomplished Kwahu businessman himself, reiterated President Mahama’s commitment, as pledged in his campaign promise, to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.  

The discussions, centered on fashioning out practical and tailor-made financial solutions to challenges confronting Ghanaian businesses.  

The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) also explored innovative support mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives for entrepreneurs to nurture their investments from traditional retail commerce into major-scale industrialization projects.  

They also touched on how to tap into financial tools to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Ghana’s economy, to compete globally. 

Key among those present at the brainstorming session were Mr Sylvester Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Exim Bank; Mr Ato Sarpong, Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank; Mr Doliwura Zakaria, CEO of the National Investment Bank (NIB) and Mr Francis K. Arthur the CEO of Ghana Export Promotions Authority. 

The rest were Mr Daniel Wilson Addo, the Managing Director of the Consolidated Bank Ghana; Mr Farihan Alhassan, Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Commercial Bank; Mr Michael Abbey, Chief Executive of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, Dr Randolph Nsor-Ambala, CEO of Development Bank Ghana and Mr Seth Terkper, the Presidential Advisor on the Economy. 

GNA 

LAA

Paris, April 03 – French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated France’s position, expressed at the highest levels of government, supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

“Just a few months ago, we made clear our position: the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, as a direct consequence of the Moroccan autonomy plan,” Barrot stated during a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

“There are no other realistic or credible solutions today,” he stressed, emphasizing that this is part of “a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of the United Nations, and we support UN efforts towards this dialogue.”

In this context, Barrot underlined that he will have the opportunity “to discuss this in a few days with my Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Paris.”

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously expressed this stance in a message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI in July 2024, affirming that “France considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”

Macron had reaffirmed “the unwavering position of France on this issue of national security for the Kingdom” and asserted that his country “intends to act in alignment with this position both nationally and internationally.”

Macron also reaffirmed this position during a historic address before the Moroccan Parliament on October 29, as part of his state visit to the Kingdom.

“And I reaffirm it here before you. For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this question must be resolved,” the French Head of State underlined.

Mental health expert at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Francis Yeboah

A mental health expert at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Francis Yeboah, has warned the public against confusing symptoms of psychosis with spiritual revelations.

Speaking on Joy Prime on April 2, 2025, he explained that individuals who claim to hear from God may, in fact, be experiencing hallucinations and in need of medical attention.

Francis Yeboah pointed out that symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, auditory hallucinations (hearing voices), and visual hallucinations (seeing things), can lead to behaviors that may be mistaken for spirituality.

“There are many people who claim that God has called them, but it’s not God, it’s insanity calling them. With auditory hallucinations, the person hears voices; with visual hallucinations, they see things. For example, they might say they see three people when, in reality, there are only two,” he said.

However, he explained that in highly religious societies like Ghana, such experiences are often mistaken for divine messages.

“People often give strange directions because we’ve made ourselves so spiritually minded that anything spiritual becomes unquestionable. When they give these directions, you might not even question their validity. But in psychiatric settings, we bring people back to reality,” he said.

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The Hon. Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has called for strengthening of security in the country through collaboration. He highlighted the crucial role of collaboration between the government and religious leaders in promoting peace, social cohesion and security across Ghana.

In an engagement with the Christian Religious Leaders in Kumasi, Hon. Muntaka acknowledged that maintenance of Peace and security in the country is a collective responsibility hence the need for engagement with key stakeholders to share ideas to promote peace and security.

‘Your influence in fostering peace and unity is invaluable. I urge you to continue preaching messages of love, forgiveness and hope from your pulpits. Together, we can create a Kumasi and indeed a Ghana that is safer, healthier and more secure for all,’ he stated.

Hon. Muntaka acknowledged the growing concern of drug abuse in the country, which threatens communities and endangers youth.  He urged Christian leaders to continue preaching messages of love, forgiveness, and hope, while also supporting initiatives that offer treatment and rehabilitation to those in need.

He sought partnership in bolstering the Ghana Prisons Service and Ghana National Fire Service to enable them address challenges like overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.

Hon. Muntaka commended Christian bodies for their support, particularly the Church of Pentecost, which has built modern facilities to equip inmates with trades like farming and tailoring.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with Christian leaders, ensuring an open-door policy to foster peace and understanding.

This partnership aims to promote social cohesion and security, recognizing the vital role religious leaders play in maintaining harmony within communities.

The meeting was attended by the Ashanti Region representatives of the Christian Council, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Archdiocese and the National Association of Christian and Charismatic Churches amongst others.

President of the Ghana Evangelical Missions Association, Rev. Kwame Ahlijah, has called on Ghanaians to fully embrace technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as key drivers of national progress.

He warned that Africa is still suffering from the consequences of being left behind in the Industrial Revolution, and Ghana must not repeat history by failing to engage with AI and digital transformation.  

Speaking at the 34th General Meeting of the society, Rev. Ahlijah cautioned that complacency and resistance to technological advancements will only widen Ghana’s gap in the global digital economy, making it harder for the nation to compete on the international stage. 

“Technology is not the enemy—it is the future. If Ghana fails to harness AI, we risk being sidelined in the global economy,” he indicated.

He further called for strategic partnerships between the government, private sector, and missionary organizations, stressing that collaboration is essential for Ghana’s economic and social development. 

“We must equip Ghanaians not just spiritually, but also intellectually and technologically, to compete on the global stage,” he added.

Addressing national security concerns, Reverend Enoch Nii Narh Thompson called for proactive peace building efforts, urging Christians to play a role in conflict resolution and reconciliation.

As part of its broader mission, the Evangelical Society of Ghana is expanding its nationwide outreach efforts.

The society aims to engage more communities, promote social transformation, and empower Ghanaians through faith-driven initiatives and technology integration.

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The suspects

An articulated truck transporting cables suspected to be part of the missing Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) containers has been intercepted at Gomoa Awombrew in the Gomoa Central Constituency of the Central Region.

The Central Regional Police Command confirmed the story and said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the transportation of the cables

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, was the first to post the story on his Facebook wall.

According to him, the truck broke down in the community, and the residents, who were suspicious of its content, quickly alerted the Swedru Divisional Police Command.

The police, with the help of ECG officials, inspected the cargo, and the driver was unable to provide clear details about the goods’ origin or destination, while the waybill was also suspicious.

ECG officials, after a thorough check, confirmed the cables matched their missing stock, leading to the arrest of the two.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Sulemana and Iddrisu Basit, are both driver’s mates of the articulated truck.

The police said the truck, with registration number GC 7410-11, was found parked with 28 rims of ECG cables onboard.

According to a statement from them, ECG officials, led by their Operations Officer, David Ackom, confirmed the cables’ ownership but noted that no such consignment was expected in the area.

The truck is currently under police guard at Gomoa Awombrew while efforts are underway to arrest the truck driver, one Zibo Imoro, who is currently on the run.

This development comes amid growing controversy surrounding the disappearance of over 1,300 containers of ECG items at the Tema Port.

Following an intelligence-led operation by National Security, 14 individuals, including four Ghanaians and 10 Chinese nationals, have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi

A delegation from the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has held discussions with the new leadership of National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) in Accra aimed at strengthening food security in Ghana and the sub-region. 

The visit was also intended to consolidate existing relationship between Ghana’s National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

The two-member visiting team also held similar discussions with Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku. 
Since 2017, Ghana’s NAFCO has been holding emergency food stocks for the regional economic bloc after winning a competitive bid as part a comprehensive action for a regional food security reserve supported by the European Union (EU) and being implemented by the Lome-based RAAF. 

The Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF), Mr. Mohamed Zongo commended NAFCO and the Ghanaian government for being worthy partners in the food security agenda.

He said through the Regional Food Security Reserve concept, ECOWAS has carried out 23 interventions to forestall famine and insecurity in countries such as Niger, Mali, Sierra Leone, Cameroun and Ghana where some 70,000 metric tones of different grains and cereals were handed over to governments in beneficiary countries. 

Mr. Zongo hinted of a decision by RAAF to scale-up its reserves in Ghana in the course of the year.

The Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, commended ECOWAS for prioritizing the food security needs of the subregion and expressed the readiness of NAFCO to deepen its relations with RAAF for the common good of the subregion. 

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, Mr. Osmond Amuah asked RAAF to consider strategic supports to Ghana towards the enhancement of its storage facilities and management. 

Mr. Zongo was accompanied by the Head of the Regional Food Security Reserve Division, Mr. MalickBen Iddris Lompo.   

Present at the meeting were some management team members of NAFCO including Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel J.K Arthur; Head of Operations, Mr. Arnold Kojo Akah, Head of Finance, Mr. Titus Tawiah and Head of Human Resources, Mad. Rebecca Mensah.

In September last year, Ghana received 500 metric tonnes of cereals from the ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve to help its national response strategy following a drought that affected major grain supply areas in northern Ghana. 

The delivery of maize, sorghum, millet, and rice increased the resilience of populations facing food insecurity. 

The Reserve is the third pillar of ECOWAS’ regional storage strategy, adopted by its 15-member nations on February 28, 2013, in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire by ECOWAS Heads of States.