Dr Rashid Pelpuo is the Employment minister

The Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called for a national movement to prioritise worker health and mental well-being as central pillars of Ghana’s economic development.

Speaking at the Ghana Health and Labour Summit on October 9, 2025, under the theme: Mobilising against Non-Communicable Diseases: The role of workplaces in safeguarding employee wellbeing, the minister said the country must “move beyond normal relations and take immediate, decisive actions” to build a healthier, more productive workforce.

He warned that the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), workplace stress, and poor lifestyle habits pose significant threats to national productivity.

“Non-communicable diseases now account for over 43% of all deaths in Ghana. These are not just statistics; they represent mothers, fathers, innovators, and professionals who drive our nation forward,” he said.

The Minister noted that when workers are unwell, the cost is borne not only by families but also by companies and the national economy through lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses.

“A healthy workforce is the bedrock of productivity in our economy,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to aligning labour reforms with technological changes and global workplace standards.

Human capital pivotal to economic transformation – Labour Minister

Referencing the 2025 Gallup Workplace Report, which ranked Ghana among the least thriving workforces globally, the minister described the findings as “a powerful indicator of low engagement and high stress”, one that demands urgent policy action.

He emphasised that the ministry is implementing systematic workplace reforms aimed at transforming offices and factories from “spaces of stress and decline into engines of empowerment and sustainable growth.”

At the summit, the Minister launched the Ghana Workplace Health Declaration and the Employee Safeguarding Toolkits, which he described as practical instruments to embed health and well-being into corporate governance and labour contracts.

“Well-being is not a luxury or a reward to be granted. It is a prerequisite for a successful nation, and the foundation upon which our flagship 24-hour economy policy will be hinged,” Dr Pelpuo said.

SP/MA

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By Anthony Adongo Apubeo

Vunania (U/E), Oct. 11, GNA – WaterAid Ghana, a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) focused organisation, has reiterated the need for sustained investment in the empowerment of girls. 

Ms Fauzia Aliu, an Advocacy, Campaigns, and Inclusion Manager at WaterAid Ghana, who made the call, said supporting girls to realise their potentials was key to building a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Ghana. 

Ms Aliu made the call on behalf of Ms Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, the Country Director of WaterAid Ghana at a community durbar held at the Vunania Junior High School (JHS) in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. 

The theme for this year’s commemoration; “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” highlights the leadership, resilience, and determination of girls who continue to drive positive change in their communities despite numerous challenges. 

The event was part of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project, a five-year initiative (2021–2026) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by a consortium led by Right to Play, in partnership with WaterAid Ghana, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), and FHI 360. 

The SHARE project seeks to promote gender equality and empower women and girls by strengthening access to adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, improving menstrual health management and gender-responsive WASH facilities in schools, as well as building girls’ confidence and leadership skills. 

Ms Aliu said in the Upper East Region, many girls continued to face barriers such as teenage pregnancy, early marriage, limited access to education and health information, as well as the absence of safe water and sanitation facilities in schools to ensure menstrual hygiene.  

She, however, commended the courage of girls who continued to pursue education and leadership despite these obstacles. 

She also commended the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Education Service (GES) for their commitment towards promoting girls’ education and well-being, through adolescent health and menstrual hygiene education, and counselling programmes, adding that these initiatives were helping to make schools safer and more inclusive for girls. 

Ms Aliu also expressed appreciation to traditional and community leaders for their efforts towards discouraging child marriage, promoting girls’ education, and addressing harmful cultural practices.  

“When traditional authority, government institutions, and civil society work hand in hand, our girls have a stronger chance to thrive,” she stated. 

Ms Aliu said the SHARE project had contributed to empowering girls to speak up for their rights, stay in school, and pursue their dreams, and reaffirmed WaterAid Ghana’s commitment towards ensuring that every girl had access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene both at home and in school. 

“Clean water and dignity are not privileges, but fundamental human rights that enable girls to learn with confidence, manage their menstruation safely, and stay healthy,” she stated. 

She encouraged parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to continue playing their roles in nurturing and protecting girls, adding “empowering girls is not the job of one organisation, it is a collective responsibility.” 

Madam Pamela Adamwaba Buntugu, the Sub-Coordinator of the Kassena-Nankana Municipal School Health Education Programme, stated that the failure of parents to honour their responsibilities, was the major cause of teenage pregnancy and child marriage. 

She called on parents to be open to their adolescent children, particularly girls, to ensure that they provided them with the needed sexual health and reproductive education required to make informed decisions. 

In a speech read on his behalf, Pe Asagpaare Aneakwoa Dennis Balinia Adda II, the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, reminded his subjects that child marriage was criminalised in his traditional area, and warned that perpetrators would be dealt with according to the law. 

GNA 

Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo 

The Kenyan Catholic Church has introduced a new brand of altar wine for Holy Mass after the previous one became widely available in local bars.

Simply labelled Mass Wine, the new sacramental drink bears the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and an official signature to certify its authenticity.

“The newly approved wine is not for sale at any business outlet, but is imported and owned by the KCCB, and only distributed to the dioceses,” Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria told the BBC.

The move has been welcomed by the Catholic faithful, who believe that the previous brand had lost its sanctity due to its widespread use outside the church.

Wine is used during Mass where – according to the teaching of the Catholic Church – it is “transubstantiated” into the blood of Jesus Christ and then drunk by the priest as part of the Holy Eucharist ritual. At many churches, it is given to the congregation as well as part of Communion.

The composition of the wine is regulated by the Catholic Church’s Canon Law, according to Archbishop Muheria.

“Vigilance on the quality and standards of the wine and hosts [Communion wafers] used in the Mass is given to the Catholic bishops of the country. This is reviewed from time to time,” the archbishop added.

The old wine, which was distributed by a local alcohol manufacturer, was widely sold in liquor shops, hotels, bars and supermarkets.

“It has become common that unfortunately, the former wine is readily available in secular outlets and bars,” Archbishop Muheria told the BBC.

After exploring several wine options, the Catholic Church in Kenya settled on a South African vintage.

The new wine was officially introduced for the first time to thousands of worshipers during this year’s National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Kenya’s Nakuru area on Saturday.

“This is the only wine that will be used in Mass celebrations across the country, going forward,” said Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the KCCB chairman, as he held a bottle of the new sacramental wine.

He directed all Catholic churches in the country to discontinue use of the old wine and urged priests to familiarise themselves with the new distribution guidelines and authorised outlets.

“The newly approved wine is not for sale at any business outlet,” said Archbishop Muheria, adding that the new drink was imported and owned by the KCCB.

“This assures purity from source.”

The label on the new wine reads: “The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands will become our cup of joy” – a reflection of the wine’s sacred purpose.

Altar wine, popularly known as divai in Swahili language, is consumed differently across dioceses, depending on the liturgical season and the level of church activity.

Demand peaks during Easter, Christmas, and other major religious events.

Some members of the Catholic community welcomed the introduction of the new wine, expressing concern that the old was being sold casually in shops like any ordinary drink, diminishing its sacred significance.

“It is a valid step toward preserving the sacredness of the Eucharist and ensuring that only properly prepared wine is used for Mass,” one Catholic told BBC.

More than 80% of Kenya’s 50 million poeple identify as Christians. Of these, around 10 million – about 20% of the total population – are Catholic, according to government statistics.

Other Christians belong to a variety of evangelical churches and other denominations, including the Anglican Church of Kenya and the Presbyterian Church.

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.

Kofi Bentil (L) has accused Sammy Gyamfi (R) of buying gold from illegal miners

The Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has questioned the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, over his outfit’s gold purchases.

During The Key Points program aired on TV3 on October 11, 2025, Bentil alleged that 85% of GoldBod’s gold purchases come from illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey.

The IMANI Vice President argued that the practice undermines the nation’s efforts to combat galamsey, which is why he declined to honor President John Dramani Mahama’s invitation to meet with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Trump announces 100% tariffs on China from November 1

“We continue to buy gold from illegal miners who constitute 85% of small-scale miners, and yet we claim we are fighting galamsey. When I declined to attend the president’s meeting with civil society organisations, I posted my suggestions on Facebook. One is that we should dismiss all DCEs whose areas have galamsey operations. If I don’t see DCEs being sacked, I will not believe President Mahama is serious about fighting galamsey,” he stressed.

During the discussion, Sammy Gyamfi called into the program to rebut the claims, clarifying that GoldBod purchases gold only from licensed small-scale miners.

He stated that Kofi Bentil’s claims are spurious and should be disregarded by the public, as the government remains committed to the fight against illegal mining.

“GoldBod doesn’t buy gold from illegal miners. We only deal with licensed small-scale miners. GoldBod does not buy gold directly from small-scale miners,” Gyamfi said.

Meanwhile, the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, also emphasised the government’s commitment to sourcing gold responsibly.

“There is no government policy to purchase gold from illegal miners. If for nothing at all, the international community is very interested in the source of our gold,” he assured.

The galamsey menace has become a major talking point in the country, as pressure mounts on the government to declare a state of emergency.

SB/MA

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Comoros, Ghana’s opponent for the final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, have arrived in Accra for the encounter. 

The players and technical team landed at the Kotoko International Airport late on Friday evening from Abidjan. Comoros travelled from Ivory Coast to Ghana following their matchday 9 clash with Madagascar, a game they lost 2-1 and effectively lost out on qualifying for the tournament.

The team will hold a mandatory training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon before the game on Sunday.

A pre-match presser will also be held for the team at the press centre of the Accra Sports Stadium for tomorrow’s match.

Although, Comoros have nothing to take from the game, the match is expected to be keenly contested as Ghana seeks revenge following their back-to-back defeats against the Islanders.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars needs at least a point to finish top of the table with points advantage despite having a healthy goals lead over second-place Madagascar.

The Black Stars will be making it to their fifth World Cup barring any shocking update.

Credit rating agency, Moody’s

International ratings agency Moody’s has upgraded Ghana’s long-term foreign currency credit rating from Caa2 to Caa1,

The agency attributed the development to stronger prospects for debt reduction and macroeconomic stability under the country’s ongoing IMF-supported reform program.

Moody’s also revised Ghana’s outlook to stable from positive, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s fiscal trajectory.

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Ghana on fifth ECF review

In a statement issued on Friday, October 10, 2025, Moody’s said the upgrade reflects continued fiscal consolidation, progress in debt restructuring, and improved foreign reserve buffers, which have strengthened Ghana’s capacity to meet external obligations.

“Greater macroeconomic stability and favorable external dynamics are supporting more controlled funding costs and foreign exchange reserve replenishment,” the agency noted.

According to Moody’s, Ghana’s debt metrics are now on a clearer path toward sustainability, supported by prudent budget management and reforms under the IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

Meanwhile, Ghana’s economy continues to show signs of solid recovery in 2025, with single-digit inflation, a firmer cedi, and renewed investor confidence. Additionally, the government continues to post primary surpluses and tighten expenditure controls in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Framework.

The latest upgrade by Moody’s is expected to lower borrowing costs, boost market sentiment, and improve access to international capital markets, which are key steps toward sustaining growth and completing ongoing debt restructuring efforts with private creditors.

MA

Young Apostles will be hoping to continue their fine start to the Ghana Premier League when they hosts winless Basake Holy Stars on Sunday at Wenchi Sports Stadium. 

Fresh off victory from their trip to Eleven Wonders, Young Apostles could make it back-to-back wins by inflicting more misery on Holy Stars, who have drawn two and lost one in three matches.

Meanwhile, the hosts have won two games and drawn one in four matches to sit fifth on the table.

Young Apostles will rely on prolific striker, Richmond Opoku, the leading scorer in the new campaign to continue his exploits with support from Hussein Issah and Ramzy Abubakar.

Holy Stars will be looking for inspiration in forward Bismark Teye and the experienced Prince Tweneboah.

The two sides have however met twice in the Ghana Premier League, each sharing a win at home. Holy Stars defeated Young Apostle 3-0 with the latter also securing a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture last season.

Both teams survived the drop after a nerve-wracking end to last season and will be hoping to avoid a similar situation in the ongoing campaign.

The convenor of the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Ing Dr Ken Ashigbey, has stated that Ghana’s gold exports may soon be rejected by international markets due to widespread contamination caused by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

According to a report by 3news.com, Dr Ashigbey urged both the government and well-meaning individuals to take decisive action to address the galamsey menace, which he described as a growing threat to the country’s mining credibility.

Speaking on The Key Points show on Accra-based TV3 on Saturday, October 11, 2025, he stated, “Our gold may soon be rejected on the international market due to the increasing scale of contamination by illegal miners.”

Ghana must ensure data-driven mining – Dr Ken Ashigbey

He further called on the National House of Chiefs to hold accountable any traditional leaders allegedly involved in or enabling illegal mining activities.

“We need the National House of Chiefs to start calling out Chiefs who are complicit in the illegal mining activity. We may also have to consider confiscating lands from Chiefs who are involved in or given our lands to illegal miners,” he said.

GTEC declares Kenneth Ashigbey’s doctorate invalid, orders him to drop the title

VKB/MA

Meanwhile, catch this week’s episode of Nkommo Wo Ho, packed with showbiz gist and street buzz here!

By Ewoenam Kpodo

Ho, Oct 11, GNA- Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister has reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme, aimed at maximising resource utilisation through shifts.    

Speaking at the 12th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards/Councils, Chief Directors and Chief Executives of the Public Services of Ghana in Ho, the Minister emphasised the ambitious programme’s potential to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and increase productivity in the region and the entire country. 

“We are ready to partner with you. And as indicated, when it comes to the 24-Hour Economy programme of His Excellency President Mahama, Volta Region is key – talking about Volta Economic Corridor Project (expected to transform Lake Volta into a logistics and production powerhouse), which is a flagship programme for government. We are ready to work together so that we develop Volta Region, reset this region, and reset Ghana for a better tomorrow.” 

He said the Coordinating Council, the interface between the assemblies (the people) and the institutions, ministries and departments had decided to apply a three-point agenda for the region, the first being to ensure peace and stability of the region in order to make Volta Region the best investment destination.  

“Two, to build the capacities of the municipal and district assemblies in the region in order that they can deliver on their core mandates, including local economic development and job creation. And last but not the least, is to collaborate with ministries, departments, agencies in order to ensure His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for this region is achieved within record time. 

…I have seen all the shakers and movers of our public sector here. So, we are ready to collaborate with you and make sure that President Mahama’s vision for Volta Region, and not only Volta but the entire nation is achieved.” 

Mr Gunu flaunted the tourism credentials of Volta, mentioning among others, the Mount Afadja, Wli Waterfalls and Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary inviting all to take a tour of the region saying, “There is no single municipal or district assembly in this region without one or two tourist sites.” 

The conference held on the theme, “Strengthening the Public Sector Leadership and Governance to Enhance Service Delivery,” saw presentations including on the 24-Hour Economy, disclosing it was being built on three pillars; production transformation, supply chain efficiency, and human capital development.  

Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, emphasised the need for a 24-Hour Economy, where services were accessible around the clock.  

“I would like to use the 24-Hour Economy as a practical case study rather than just a slogan. It is a test of whether our institutions can deliver services reliably, digitally, and around the clock. Citizens and businesses must be able to apply for permits, pay taxes, clear goods, access health and emergency services, and obtain information with speed and certainty at any hour. 

He bemoaned institutional fragility that had had negative consequences including trust deficit and said the 24-Hour Economy was a non-threatening way to “rebuild capability, trust and collaboration.” 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade 

The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako Mensah, has urged the Mahama-led administration to declare illegal mining hotspots as security zones to effectively tackle the galamsey menace.

Speaking with Selorm Adonoo on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 11, Mr. Adomako Mensah argued that designating certain galamsey areas as restricted security zones would yield better results than calls for a nationwide state of emergency.

“For me, my point is that certain areas must be declared as major security zones. People should be barred from going into those areas. It’s as simple as that. The data is there, we all know, where the mining and galamsey are ongoing.

He emphasised, “I’m sure the National Security is aware of it. Simply stop everybody from going into those particular areas as quickly as possible; otherwise, we will be back with this same discussion. We need to double up.”

The MP also cautioned government officials and communicators against self-praise and political blame in addressing the issue, urging them instead to focus on practical solutions to end the destructive practice.

….

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Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says Ghanaians should expect prosecutions in corruption-related cases within a year or more as the government takes time to follow due process and build airtight cases.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 11, during discussions on the topic “ORAL: Legal Delay or Deal-Cutting Sabotage?”, Mr Kotoko explained that the government is determined to ensure justice is served without loopholes that could undermine prosecutions.

“Government is being meticulous to make sure that due process is followed and that you get watertight evidence so that when prosecution begins, it can be unturnable. You don’t want a situation where someone can punch holes here and there,” he said.

He noted that while defendants may mount legal defences, prosecutors must ensure their cases are grounded on indisputable facts.

“We understand the judicial processes — no matter how tight you have prepared your docket, somebody may also have a certain defence anyway. But you will want to make sure you have your facts very right,” he added.

Mr Kotoko explained that the Office of the Report on Alleged Looting (ORAL), which investigated several corruption cases, has no prosecutorial powers and has therefore submitted its findings to the Attorney-General for further action.

“ORAL, as we all know, didn’t have any prosecutorial or judicial powers. They have now submitted their findings to the Attorney-General, who will now take on that mantle of doing the needful,” he said.

He revealed that the Attorney-General’s office is currently reviewing about 2,400 pieces of evidence submitted by ORAL to determine which cases to prioritise for prosecution.

“When that document was handed to the President and transmitted to the Attorney-General, it contained about 2,400 pieces of evidence. This is raw data now being transmitted, and you trust that in a year or more, there will be prosecutions,” he assured.

Mr Kotoko acknowledged growing public pressure for swift accountability, stressing that while citizens are eager to see justice served, due diligence must not be sacrificed for speed.

“Yes, Ghanaians out there are making it very clear. One of the major things of concern to us is to see people behind bars — the very people who plundered this nation, who caused us this pain and anguish. We want to see them behind bars. Yes, that is the wish, but we must make sure we follow due process and due diligence to ensure that when that is done, it will be unturnable,” he emphasised.

He further noted that President John Dramani Mahama shares the public’s concern and remains committed to recovering all stolen state funds.

“President Mahama has admonished that he feels the concern of Ghanaians. We have made it clear that we will recover all loot. We have now realised that if these things go through, approximately GH¢21 billion will be recovered. How are we going to do that? That is the process being gone through,” Mr Kotoko explained.

He urged the public to remain patient as the government works through the legal and investigative processes to ensure credible and lasting outcomes.

“A little bit of patience will work,” he said.

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.

Vice President Jane Opoku-Agyemang has directly linked Ghana’s ambitious 24-hour economy initiative to cocoa value addition, arguing that transforming raw beans into finished products requires the infrastructure, financing, and continuous operations her government envisions.

Speaking at the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative Scale-up session during the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, she traced Ghana’s cocoa journey from Tetteh Quarshie’s introduction of the first beans in the late 1800s to today’s network of over 800,000 farmers. However, she emphasized that true sustainability in cocoa must go hand in hand with equity for the farmers who sustain the sector.

The Vice President identified access to affordable financing as a critical obstacle preventing local processors from capturing more value. Investments often concentrate in multinational or state-owned facilities, leaving local processors struggling with high borrowing costs, she explained, highlighting a structural imbalance that perpetuates Ghana’s role as primarily a raw material exporter.

To tackle this challenge, Opoku-Agyemang proposed structured blended financing models that combine capital investment with affordable working capital, risk-sharing mechanisms, and technical support, particularly for small and rural processors. She described the EU Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and the Global Gateway Framework as vital platforms to crystallize such partnerships.

Her remarks connected cocoa processing directly to the 24-hour economy model, which aims to improve the flow of goods, energy, and data while creating round-the-clock employment opportunities. The initiative envisions industrial facilities, including cocoa processing plants, operating continuously to maximize productivity and generate multiple employment shifts.

While the African Continental Free Trade Area offers opportunities to strengthen regional value chains, Opoku-Agyemang noted that financing constraints limit how effectively Ghana can leverage this continental market. The inability of local processors to access working capital at competitive rates undermines their capacity to scale operations and compete with established multinational facilities.

The Vice President also addressed resilience amid rising global cocoa prices and supply shortfalls. She highlighted Ghana’s openness to collaborations supporting pest and disease control while expanding commercial plantations for quality assurance. These partnerships become particularly important as Ghana’s cocoa production faces challenges from swollen shoot disease, aging trees, and climate variability.

Reaffirming confidence in Ghana’s quality control systems, she stated that the country’s grading standards remain among the most rigorous in the world. Reforms at the Ghana Cocoa Board, known as COCOBOD, are aimed at fairness and investor confidence, she added, acknowledging that institutional improvements must accompany infrastructure development.

Ghana currently processes only about 30% of its cocoa beans domestically, with the remainder exported raw to be processed primarily in Europe and North America. This means the country captures a small fraction of the chocolate market’s value despite producing roughly 20% of global cocoa supplies, second only to neighboring Côte d’Ivoire.

The economics of this arrangement have long frustrated Ghanaian policymakers. While farmers receive approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per tonne for raw beans, processed cocoa butter and powder command significantly higher prices, and finished chocolate products generate margins many times greater than raw bean values. The bulk of these profits flow to multinational companies headquartered in consuming countries.

Opoku-Agyemang’s emphasis on blended financing models reflects recognition that traditional bank lending hasn’t adequately supported local cocoa processors. High interest rates, short repayment periods, and collateral requirements often prove insurmountable for small and medium enterprises seeking to establish or expand processing capacity.

The proposed financing approach would combine patient capital willing to accept longer payback periods with affordable working capital for operational expenses, risk-sharing mechanisms to reduce lender exposure, and technical assistance to help processors meet international quality standards. European development finance institutions and impact investors could potentially provide such blended finance structures.

Her Brussels speech occurred as Ghana grapples with multiple cocoa sector challenges. Production has declined from peaks above 900,000 metric tons annually to around 700,000 tons in recent seasons, driven by disease pressure, aging plantations, illegal mining damaging farmland, and climate change impacts. Simultaneously, global cocoa prices reached historic highs due to supply constraints.

The production shortfalls have complicated Ghana’s ability to meet pre-sold commitments to international buyers, forcing COCOBOD to purchase beans on spot markets at premium prices to fulfill contracts. These difficulties underscore the urgency of diversifying beyond raw bean exports toward value-added products that generate higher returns per ton.

The 24-hour economy initiative, a central plank of the National Democratic Congress government’s economic agenda, envisions coordinated infrastructure investments in energy, transportation, digital connectivity, and industrial zones. For cocoa processing, this means reliable electricity for continuous operations, cold storage facilities, efficient logistics to move products to ports, and digital systems for inventory management and quality tracking.

Without these enabling conditions, even well-financed processors struggle to compete globally. Intermittent power supply forces costly investment in backup generators, poor road infrastructure increases transportation costs and product damage, and inadequate port facilities create delays that erode profit margins.

Opoku-Agyemang’s connection between the 24-hour economy and cocoa processing suggests the government views agricultural value addition as a proving ground for broader industrialization strategies. Success in cocoa could demonstrate that Ghana can move up value chains in other commodities where it currently exports raw materials with minimal domestic processing.

The Vice President concluded by reiterating Ghana’s commitment to move beyond raw exports. We must build an economy that empowers farmers, creates decent jobs, and promotes sustainability, she stated, underscoring a vision for a cocoa industry that rewards Ghanaians as much as it sweetens the world.

Her speech comes amid ongoing debates about Ghana’s economic development model. Critics have questioned whether the 24-hour economy initiative offers concrete benefits or represents political rhetoric, while supporters argue it provides a coherent framework for addressing infrastructure deficits and unemployment simultaneously.

For cocoa specifically, the success of value addition strategies depends on multiple factors beyond financing and infrastructure. Ghana must maintain quality standards that meet international buyers’ requirements, develop marketing capabilities to sell processed products globally, and potentially compete with established chocolate manufacturers who may resist losing control over processing margins.

The European Union, Ghana’s major trading partner and chocolate consumer, will play a crucial role. EU policies on cocoa imports, sustainability certification, and development financing directly impact Ghana’s ability to expand processing capacity. The Global Gateway Forum provided an opportune platform for Opoku-Agyemang to press European partners on these issues.

Whether Ghana can significantly increase domestic cocoa processing while implementing the 24-hour economy model remains uncertain. The initiative requires sustained political commitment, substantial investment, institutional reforms, and international cooperation. However, the Vice President’s explicit linkage between the two suggests her government views them as mutually reinforcing rather than separate policy tracks.

The speech also reflects growing impatience among cocoa-producing nations with their position in global value chains. Like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire has pursued value addition strategies with mixed results, constrained by similar financing and infrastructure challenges. Coordinated action through forums like the Brussels gathering may prove necessary to shift market structures that have favored consuming countries for over a century.

For Ghana’s 800,000 cocoa farming families, the promise of value addition offers hope for higher incomes and improved livelihoods. Whether that promise translates into reality depends partly on government policy execution and partly on international partners’ willingness to support structural changes that may reduce their own economic advantages in the chocolate value chain.

Telecommunications and digital technology are more than just keeping people connected. It is the foundation for education, commerce, agriculture, national security, healthcare, and national development as a whole. This is why the policies by which the sector is governed should be very clear and unambiguous. But as of now, we can’t say that for Ghana.

The country’s telecoms policy seems to be at crossroads, marked by significant shifts such as the wholesale 5G policy through s special purpose vehicle, awarding of tech neutrality and extra 4G spectrum to the only SMP (significant market power) in the sector, debates over ISP access to 5G, and recently, the proposed absorption of/merger of AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) by/with Telecel. It is not even clear exactly what it is.

These significant policy issues are being discussed with passion, but also with confusion. But it is a no brainer, that until and unless the policies around these issues are made clear, and are handled with stringent financial measures, and stakeholder engagement, the sector risks repeating the very past mistakes, which have resulted in the one-directional telecoms market structure in the country today.

The Current State of Play

Recent reporting confirms several key developments:

The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations has proposed a restructuring involving AT Ghana and Telecel. Although the Minister, Sam George, was earlier reported on the Ministry’s own LinkedIn page to have told workers of AT Ghana that the two companies were being  “merged,” he later clarified that, legally, it is not a merger or acquisition, but rather a regulatory intervention due to AT’s severe debt situation.

Per the Minister’s own earlier submission, government was presented with a debt of GHS1.5 billion by tower company ATC Ghana with respect to its services to AT Ghana during the era of the previous government. In addition to that, the Minister said AT Ghana has been carrying large losses of up to $10 million in the first eight months of the year.

Additionally, both AT and Telecel are described by some members of the Parliamentary oversight committee as financially constrained and unable to inject fresh capital. It is estimated that AT Ghana’s debt is around $200 million, while that of Telecel is also about $200 million or more. In fact, the Minister himself had openly accused Telecel of failing to inject the US$100 million capital they promised before the 70% majority shares in Ghana Telecoms was signed off to them.

While that matter is still hanging around the neck of Telecel, Group CEO Moh Damush has recently given another promise that the company is ready to invest some US$50 million to expand the network to accommodate the additional 3 million plus subscribers from AT Ghana. Whether the current government is going to take that second promise on face value or demand proof of funds a a condition precedent, is yet to be seen.

Meanwhile, the government has granted special purpose vehicle, NGIC (NextGen Infrastructure Company) an exclusive wholesale licence for 5G and instituted a shared/neutral host model for 4G. Under this model, other operators should be able to connect to NGIC rather than building a standalone 5G infrastructure. The Minister was clear in stating the choice to build a shared 5G network was a “deliberate policy decision” meant for the good of all stakeholders, including MNOs, ISPs, government and most importantly consumers.

AT Ghana and Telecel have indicated readiness to subscribe to the shared 5G model, in keeping with the government’s policy. But MTN Ghana, currently the dominant player, with a market share of over 75% in data, has resisted or delayed connecting to NGIC, raising questions about the implementation of policy. In fact, MTN Ghana’s CEO has openly stated that there is no business case for 5G in Ghana, simply because, according to him, there are only one million 5G-ready devices on MTN. This comment flies in the face of the government policy decision to pursue a shared network model. But the minister and industry regulator are dead silent on it. In fact, the minister rather repeated MTN’s chorus in a TV interview shortly after his appointment.

To deepen the confusion even further, recently, the MTN Group CEO, Ralph Mupita told journalists in Ghana that the company is in talks with the government and the regulator, which will hopefully result in the launch of 5G on MTN Ghana soon. Again, this flies in the face of the 10-year exclusivity clause in the licensing terms of NGIC with regards to 5G in particular. It is not clear if the Group CEO’s comment meant that MTN will soon connect to NGIC, or government is considering altering the terms of the NGIC license to make way for MTN to be granted a standalone 5G license.

Also Read: Elephant in the Room: MTN’s Confusing 5G Stance and What It Means for Ghana’s Digital Future

In the face of the dominant player dragging its feet on the shared 5G network model, ISPs would have been a critical channel (in addition to the two smaller MNOs) through which 5G could be made accessible to the public faster. But ISPs face a phased access restriction; the regulatory directives (policy decision) is that, for the first six months of NGIC operations, ISPs may only connect to NGIC’s wholesale infrastructure through an “anchor” MNO, not directly. After this period, ISPs are expected to have full rights to connect independently.

Clearly, there is a serious policy confusion in all these. And it gets even more confusing as government attempts to merge two weak players into a supposed competitive player. This is not new. Airtel and Tigo merged into AirtelTigo, which is today called AT Ghana. In fact, the merged entity, AT Ghana, which is now 100% owned by the government of Ghana, has become weaker and weaker over the years.

The Weakness of Merging Two Weak Entities

The sector Minister initially announced that government was in talks with Canadian investor, Rektron Group, which was reported to have offered US$150 million for a 60% stake in AT Ghana. But later, the minister announced that steps are far advanced to ‘merge’ AT and Telecel to create a stronger second player to compete with MTN. He actually mentioned three specific levels of the merger and stated that the process was far advanced. The minister has since clarified that it is an absorption and not a merger. But there are inherent weaknesses in merging two underperforming telcos without first resolving their foundational problems:

1. Debt burden will persist and perhaps magnify: Both AT and Telecel carry large debts. As stated above, the Minister himself said that AT owes over GH¢1.5 billion to one tower company, plus other legacy debt to other creditors and vendors, and had also piled up an additional $10 million debt in the last eight months alone. Telecel also has an estimated debt of well over US$200 million. Without a clean-up or capital injection, the merged entity may be larger but still fragile. Experts estimate that the merged entity would need at least $500 million to both settle its debts and invest. The minister even places the figure at US$600 million.
2. Operational inefficiencies are not magically eliminated by size: Two weak networks, poor billing systems, and low customer satisfaction will remain unless management and processes are overhauled. Per the minister’s own word, AT Ghana infrastructure has reached “end of life”. At this stage, about 3.2 million AT Ghana customers are already roaming on Telecel as part of the consolidation process. Telecel has announced that by close of 2026 all of AT Ghana’s subscribers would have been absorbed. But technical experts in the industry maintain that Telecel’s own network is as old as AT Ghana’s and therefore not particularly capable of taking on the AT Ghana load. Indeed, so far, the AT customers roaming on Telecel are still complaining of poor service quality.
3. Investment capacity remains constrained: Neither AT nor Telecel has demonstrated the ability to bring sufficient new investment. A merged entity still needs capital for 4G/5G upgrades and rural coverage expansion. Telecel has hinted of some US$50 million investment in the pipeline. That is just half of what experts estimate is required to make some meaningful impact. Merging AT and Telecel means the Rektron $150 million deal for AT Ghana is off the table. Meanwhile, the Minister himself has once accused Telecel of failing to bring in a $100 million upfront investment earlier. So, there is a big issue about capital investment, and there are no guarantees so far.
4. The market power of MTN will likely remain overwhelming: Even combined, AT + Telecel’s market share remains way below MTN’s. At the last count, MTN controlled at least 73% total market share, which leaves a combined AT and Telecel with only 27%, which is significantly low, given the fact that the Minister himself had said openly that any player with less than 30% market share cannot survive the market. Besides, MTN’s infrastructure, brand, and subscriber base give it a persistent competitive advantage. MTN has proven a tough customer to deal with at every turn in the development of the industry over the years. That trend will not be suspended for the merged entity to grow unless government mastered the courage to implement SMP interventions robustly. This writer is reliably informed that MTN has no interest in becoming a monopoly, so it is up to the government to implement the right policy measures to prevent that. 
5. Risk of creating another fragile “second best”: The merged entity risks being a larger but still weak operator, which does little to drive genuine competition and innovation.

Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has warned that “merging two struggling companies without new investment will only lead to more losses,” asking, “What happens to the huge debt [which] has not been dealt with.”

The Problem of ISP Access, Wholesale Model, and MTN SMP Risk

As stated earlier, under the current Regulator guidance, ISPs may only connect to NGIC’s wholesale infrastructure through an “anchor” MNO for the first six months. This phased approach ensures stability but delays ISP independence and competitive entry.

MTN Ghana, as the dominant operator and currently designated a Significant Market Power (SMP) entity, wields substantial influence over the market. SMP status legally obliges MTN to avoid anti-competitive practices, such as delaying interconnection or limiting access to wholesale infrastructure. MTN’s hesitation to fully connect to NGIC raises the risk of SMP-related regulatory breaches, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the wholesale model. Delays or restrictive practices could give MTN continued control over pricing, service innovation, and market entry for smaller providers.

Once the six-month anchor-MNO phase ends, ISPs are expected to connect directly to NGIC’s infrastructure, restoring competitive balance. But the interim period shows how MTN’s SMP position could reinforce market dominance and slow competition, impacting consumers and smaller operators alike. In fact, as MTN drags its feet on joining the shared network model, it has put more drive into expanding its fibre to the home (FTH) offering to capture the broadband market with its improved 4G network, ahead of the rollout of 5G.

This is the more reason why the restriction on ISP’s initial access, combined with MTN’s SMP leverage, risks reducing price competition, slowing innovation, and limiting consumer choice, contrary to the objectives of Ghana’s broadband policy.

Proposed Fixes: What We Can Do to Get It Right

Per conversations with industry experts on the matter, avoiding pitfalls means Ghana needs reforms that balance stability, fairness, and competitiveness:

Debt Audit and Restructuring before Mergers or Restructuring

There is a need to transparently quantify all debts owed by AT and Telecel, especially to tower companies, creditors, and regulatory agencies. A restructuring plan must be created, which includes write-downs, renegotiation, or phased repayment backed by fresh capital. Only after debts are managed should any merger or restructuring proceed.

Requirement for Fresh Capital and Operational Turnaround

AT and Telecel must commit to a credible capital injection plan and management overhaul. The regulator must then enforce performance milestones: network coverage, subscriber growth, and customer satisfaction. This is non-negotiable.

Clarity and Speed in Policy Implementation

In all of this, the regulator must also ensure that NGIC issues clear timelines for all operators, including MTN, to connect once robustness, reliability, and coverage meet market standards/expectations. This is critical because one of the arguments against NGIC is that till date, there is no network for any player to connect to even if they wanted to. Indeed, the two MNOs with connecting entity licenses are not technically ready to connect and the only player who is technically ready, MTN, had refused to apply for a connecting entity license.

But it is still very important for the regulator to formally monitor and enforce these timelines, ensuring that no operator delays access to wholesale infrastructure beyond the approved period. It would also be useful for ISPs to gain a timely “connecting entity” status to ensure a level playing field after the 6-months-long anchor-MNO phase.

Regulatory Independence and Enforcement

The NCA must actively enforce rules around infrastructure sharing, licensing, and SMP obligations. How NCA has remained indifferent to and silent on MTN’s posturing on the infrastructure sharing for 5G is surprising.

Merger or Restructuring Conditions

As suggested earlier, any AT–Telecel restructuring must be conditional. There must be proof of fresh capital, clean balance sheets, improved customer metrics, expanded rural coverage, and transparent governance.

Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency

Regular public consultation involving ISPs, consumer groups, tower companies, operators, the Ministry, and the NCA is critical to this whole drive to addressing the policy confusion. In the spirit of transparency, there will be a need to publish progress reports, particularly regarding debts resolution, NGIC implementation, ISP access, and merger milestones among other things.

Safeguards for Consumer Welfare

Ensure pricing remains affordable, service quality is high, and rural areas are included. This means the regulator must monitor outcomes and enforce compliance.

How These Fixes Benefit All Stakeholders

• Consumers: faster, affordable broadband and mobile services, especially in underserved areas.
• Operators: AT–Telecel can become a credible challenger; MTN faces real competition.
• Towercos: overdue accounts resolved, securing network stability.
• ISPs: phased access ensures they can compete independently post anchor-MNO period.
• Government: strengthened credibility, reduced fiscal risk, and better digital inclusion outcomes.
• Investors: transparency and restructuring improve confidence and sector attractiveness.

If Ghana gets it right, the result is a stronger, fairer, and more resilient telecoms sector player, capable of competing meaningfully with MTN and delivering for all citizens. If not, we risk cementing inequality – fast, affordable connectivity for some, and continued exclusion and high cost for many.

For policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, the time for clarity is now.

The author, Samuel Dowuona, is a multiple awarding winning telecoms and technology journalist with many years of experiences in churning out articles that influence industry policies at both the regulatory and operator levels. He can be reached at [email protected] 

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 Customs Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority in collaboration with the National Security has busted a diesel diversion syndicate attempting to evade custom taxes of about 2.3 million cedis.

Intelligence gathered suggests that this mode of operation has been a recurring practice in the past, leading to significant revenue losses to the state.

In view of this, over the past few months GRA, together with National Security has carried out several arrests relating to Oil Marketing Companies that have engaged in diversion of petroleum products with the intention of circumvention of due process and tax evasion.

The operation led to the interception of 10 trucks loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) commonly known as diesel estimated at about 540,000litres.

The Authority said this interception is a strong signal that the Ghana Revenue Authority is alert, vigilant, and fully committed to protecting national revenue and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery.

Addressing Journalists, Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong observed that the syndicates have decided not to use the tracking devices affixed on the various tracks few minutes after loading.

“Based on intelligence, the team followed the trucks to the port as they were suspected to be export goods.

However, upon arrival at the port, it was discovered that no vessel had been designated to receive the product.

Investigations later revealed that the company disengaged the tracking devices on the tankers and diverted them under the cover of darkness.

The trucks, instead of completing the export process, exited the port area at about 3:00 a.m. and were traced to the Kpone enclave.

Acting swiftly on intelligence, the Customs Preventive Wing, working with National Security operatives, intercepted the tankers at Kpone” he noted.

The vehicles have since been impounded in line with the Customs Law and investigations are ongoing.

According to the Commissioner, preliminary estimates indicate that the state stood to lose approximately GHS 2.3 million in taxes and levies from this single illegal operation.

The GRA has also commissioned a forensic audit into the operations of the OMCs that have been identified and individuals that are found culpable of tax evasion, smuggling and diversion of petroleum products will face the necessary sanctions.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency the President, and in line with the renewed national agenda to reset the nation and restore integrity in our revenue systems, the GRA remains resolute in dismantling such illegal networks that undermine our collective progress.

Let me state clearly: this Authority will not tolerate any act that seeks to defraud the state or undermine the integrity of our petroleum export regime” he warns.

He further revealed that the GRA is intensifying monitoring, enforcement, and intelligence coordination with the National Security, the NPA, and other agencies to ensure full compliance with the laws.

He used the occasion to urge all licensed petroleum operators, depot managers, and transporters to adhere strictly to established export and tax procedures.

Any entity or individual found to be complicit in these revenue-damaging schemes will face the full force of the law.

Maame Gyamfua is the CEO of Oh My Hair

The CEO of Oh My Hair and sister to media personality Serwaa Amihere has praised her sister for her hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout her time in law school.

Speaking in an interview with 1957 News on October 10, 2025, Gyamfua disclosed that Serwaa’s commitment to both her education and professional life came with sleepless nights and a tight schedule.

“I watched my sister work so hard, and today means a lot to me. For the past five years, she put in her all. I’m very proud of her, and today, I just turned up watching her take her certificate because it’s such a humbling moment for me,” she said.

Rare footage surfaces of Serwaa Amihere studying from sick bed before Bar call

Maame continued, “I’m very happy she’s made all of us proud, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Speaking about the challenges Serwaa faced, her sister revealed that combining her demanding career with her studies was far from easy.

“Families and friends stood in for her, but some of the challenges were working and attending school at the same time. Law school is very demanding, and adding work, ambassadorial deals, and hosting events made it extremely challenging for her,” she stated.

Maame Gyamfua added, “She had little to no sleep all the time. Sometimes she would stay up all night studying, and by 4 a.m., she had to be on air.”

FG/MA

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Fidelity Bank Ghana has committed more than GH¢2 million across two cohorts of its GreenTech Innovation Challenge, positioning the initiative as one of the country’s most substantial private sector investments in agricultural technology and youth entrepreneurship.

The programme, launched in partnership with InnoHub Foundation, targets a critical gap in Ghana’s agricultural value chain. While the sector is valued at approximately $15.2 billion and projected to grow at 7.01% annually, smallholder farmers continue to face persistent challenges including climate volatility, post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern farming methods.

For the inaugural cohort, Fidelity Bank invested GH¢1.4 million in 17 young entrepreneurs whose innovations ranged from climate insurance to organic waste processing. The results exceeded expectations. Those businesses collectively generated over GH¢13 million in revenue, created 49 new jobs, and attracted an additional GH¢597,000 in external funding, suggesting the bank’s investment catalyzed far broader economic activity.

Among the standout success stories is Derrick Awumey’s AgricCom Assurance, which provides smallholder farmers with insurance protection against climate shocks like droughts and floods. The programme helped Awumey refine his business model and connect with key industry players, turning what was essentially a concept into a viable commercial operation serving vulnerable farming communities.

Emmanuel Acquah of AgriMercab demonstrated how solving one problem can address multiple challenges simultaneously. His operation converts organic waste into animal feed and fertilizer, and with GTIC support, he tripled his processing capacity from two tons to six tons monthly. The grant enabled him to install solar panels, creating a more sustainable and mechanized process that tackles both waste management and agricultural input supply.

Urban agriculture also received attention through Abdallah Salia’s Farmitecture, which provides farming systems for space-constrained city dwellers. The capital injection transformed his demonstration farm concept into a market-ready product, addressing the growing disconnect between urban populations and fresh food production.

Established businesses benefited too. Derrick Annan’s Axis Drone Surveys uses aerial technology to provide farmers with data for informed decision making, addressing what he identified as a critical barrier to modern farming. The programme didn’t just support his current operations but provided a strategic roadmap for expansion into markets like Tanzania.

Even businesses seemingly tangential to agriculture found value in the initiative. Violet Amoabeng’s Skin Gourmet produces handmade skincare from wild-sourced Ghanaian ingredients, highlighting the potential of agricultural value addition. The grant strengthened her supply chain and expanded her market reach, demonstrating how agricultural innovation extends beyond traditional farming.

Building on the first cohort’s success, Fidelity Bank is now focusing exclusively on early-stage businesses for Cohort 2. The bank is providing over GH¢1 million in grant funding to 16 selected enterprises, with the top three receiving GH¢200,000, GH¢100,000, and GH¢70,000 respectively. This strategic shift aims to nurture disruptive concepts at their most vulnerable stage, when traditional funding sources often remain inaccessible.

The second cohort maintains focus on critical areas including precision agriculture, post-harvest management, digital financial services, climate-smart practices, and value chain optimization. These themes reflect both immediate challenges facing Ghanaian farmers and longer-term structural issues that technology and innovation might address.

The timing couldn’t be more relevant. Global agriculture is experiencing simultaneous growth and disruption. The sector’s value stands at $4.82 trillion with projected growth of 3.44% annually, driven by demand for food, biofuels, and sustainable commodities. However, climate change, input costs, and geopolitical tensions create unprecedented risks requiring innovative responses.

In Africa specifically, connected agriculture markets are expected to surge from $2.9 billion to $9.87 billion between 2025 and 2031, as digital platforms revolutionize how smallholder farmers access markets, finance, and advisory services. Ghana’s agricultural entrepreneurs are positioning themselves at this intersection of traditional farming and technological transformation.

What distinguishes Fidelity Bank’s approach is its willingness to invest in unproven concepts and early-stage businesses that conventional financial institutions typically consider too risky. The bank isn’t simply writing checks; it’s providing mentorship, industry connections, and strategic guidance that often prove as valuable as the funding itself.

The challenge’s structure also reflects a sophisticated understanding of entrepreneurship. First cohort participants received support across different business stages, from ideation to scale-up, allowing the bank to assess what worked best. The decision to focus the second cohort exclusively on early-stage businesses suggests lessons learned about where intervention creates the most impact.

For Ghana’s agricultural sector, the initiative represents something beyond corporate social responsibility. It’s an acknowledgment that the country’s farming future depends on young people viewing agriculture as a technology-driven opportunity rather than a traditional occupation. By celebrating and funding agricultural innovators, Fidelity Bank is working to reshape perceptions and attract talent to a sector that desperately needs fresh thinking.

The programme also addresses a fundamental challenge in African entrepreneurship: the valley of death between concept and commercialization. Many brilliant ideas never reach the market simply because founders lack resources to test, refine, and scale their solutions. GTIC provides precisely that bridge, transforming potential into tangible businesses.

As applications closed for Cohort 2 in early July, interest reportedly exceeded available slots, suggesting strong demand among young Ghanaians for opportunities to innovate in agriculture. The question now is whether the programme’s success will inspire other financial institutions to make similar commitments, creating an ecosystem where agricultural innovation receives the sustained attention and investment it requires.

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for increased value addition in Ghana’s cocoa sector as a way of creating more jobs, arguing that exporting raw beans enriches other countries’ economies at Ghana’s expense.

Kpebu emphasized that Ghana should process more cocoa locally rather than shipping raw beans abroad for processing into chocolate and other products. His comments highlight a longstanding debate about how Ghana can capture more value from its position as the world’s second largest cocoa producer.

“Let’s add value, process the cocoa here,” Kpebu stated, pointing to the massive economic opportunities Ghana misses by exporting primarily unprocessed beans while importing finished chocolate products at much higher prices.

The economics of cocoa value addition are compelling. Around 80% of the global cocoa industry’s annual wealth of between $130 billion and $150 billion is generated during secondary processing, including cocoa paste manufacturing, cocoa butter production, and chocolate making. Ghana currently captures only a tiny fraction of this value.

Ghana exports approximately 70% to 80% of its cocoa as raw beans. While the country has some processing capacity through companies like Cargill Ghana and Barry Callebaut, most processing happens in Europe and North America, where the bulk of value creation occurs.

The price differential tells the story clearly. Ghana receives around $3,625 per tonne for raw cocoa beans at current farmgate prices. However, processed cocoa products like cocoa butter can fetch $8,000 to $10,000 per tonne, while finished chocolate products command exponentially higher prices in retail markets.

This means that for every tonne of raw beans Ghana exports, it forgoes thousands of dollars in potential revenue that could support jobs, pay taxes, and drive economic development. European countries with no cocoa farms earn billions annually from processing and selling chocolate made from African beans.

Kpebu’s argument resonates with broader calls for African countries to move up the value chain in commodity exports. The continent produces most of the world’s cocoa, coffee, and many minerals, yet captures minimal value because processing happens elsewhere.

Ghana has made some progress on cocoa processing. The country now processes about 20% to 30% of its production domestically, up from virtually nothing decades ago. The government has implemented policies to encourage local processing, including tax incentives and guaranteed bean supplies for processors.

However, significant challenges remain. Processing cocoa requires substantial capital investment in machinery and facilities. Energy costs in Ghana are relatively high, affecting competitiveness. Access to finance for industrial projects can be difficult, and technical expertise in advanced processing remains limited.

Additionally, global chocolate manufacturers have established supply chains and processing facilities elsewhere, creating barriers to entry for Ghanaian processors trying to compete. Brand recognition and market access present further hurdles for Ghanaian chocolate products trying to penetrate international markets.

The job creation potential is substantial. Processing cocoa locally would create employment not just in factories but across the entire value chain, including packaging, logistics, quality control, marketing, and distribution. These would be higher paying, more skilled jobs than primary cocoa farming.

Some Ghanaian companies have attempted to build local chocolate brands with varying success. Products like Niche Cocoa and Golden Tree Chocolate have gained some traction, but competing with established global brands like Cadbury, Nestlé, and Lindt requires significant investment in quality, marketing, and distribution.

The government’s role is crucial. Beyond tax incentives, authorities could invest in shared processing infrastructure, provide targeted financing for cocoa processing businesses, support research and development for product innovation, and negotiate market access agreements with trading partners.

Energy sector reforms that reduce electricity costs would significantly improve the competitiveness of local processing. Reliable power supply is essential for industrial operations, and Ghana’s periodic power challenges have deterred some investors.

Education and training programs to develop local expertise in food processing, quality control, and chocolate manufacturing could help build the human capital needed for a thriving processing sector. Partnerships with international chocolate schools and training institutions could accelerate knowledge transfer.

Kpebu’s call reflects growing impatience with Ghana’s continued reliance on exporting raw materials despite decades of talk about industrialization and value addition. The question is whether political will, private sector investment, and enabling policies can finally align to transform the cocoa sector.

The recent price increases for cocoa farmers, while welcome, do not address the fundamental issue of value capture. Ghana can pay farmers better prices and still lose out on billions in potential revenue by shipping raw beans abroad for others to process and profit from.

For Kpebu and other advocates of industrialization, the path forward is clear: invest aggressively in processing capacity, develop local chocolate brands, support entrepreneurs in the sector, and gradually shift from being a raw material supplier to becoming a major player in the global processed cocoa and chocolate market.

President Ouattara increases cocoa farm gate price in Ivory Coast

The world’s leading cocoa producer, Ivory Coast, has raised its cocoa farmgate price to a record $4.50 equivalent to 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram, a move that could significantly boost farmer incomes and influence the political climate ahead of the country’s October 25 presidential election.

President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking a fourth term, announced the increase from $3.40 earlier this year, marking a substantial rise in response to surging global cocoa prices in 2024.

For Ivory Coast, cocoa is not just a commodity, it is the backbone of the economy.

The sector contributes about 14% of the country’s GDP, accounts for 40% of global supply, and supports approximately five million people, either directly or indirectly.

Government increases 2025/26 cocoa crop season price again

The timing of the price hike has drawn attention from analysts, who see it as both an economic relief measure and a strategic political gesture ahead of the polls.

The decision is also expected to send ripples across West Africa’s cocoa belt, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria, where governments often adjust prices in response to Ivorian policy shifts.

However, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) may face pressure to raise its own farmgate prices to prevent cross-border smuggling and maintain farmer loyalty.

With global demand soaring and climate pressures threatening future yields, the latest Ivorian cocoa price signals a new era in which African producers could wield greater influence in setting the terms of trade for one of the world’s most valuable commodities.

SP/MA

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Accra, Oct. 11, GNA-Moroccan King Mohammed VI has called for greater social justice during the opening of the first session of the 5th legislative year of the 11th Legislature.

Addressing parliamentarians, King Mohammed VI praised their work, whether legislative, monitoring government action, or evaluating public policies.

The Sovereign also emphasized the importance of partisan and parliamentary diplomacy, calling for more diligent and effective work, in cooperation with official diplomacy.

The King then called on members of the House of Representatives to work seriously and responsibly to successfully complete legislative processes and to remain committed to advocating for the citizens.

“There should be no inconsistency or competition between national flagship projects, on the one hand, and social programmes, on the other, since the goal is to achieve the country’s development and improve the living conditions of citizens, wherever they may be,” King Mohammed VI said.

The King emphasised that the fight against social justice and territorial inequalities was not a short-term slogan, but a strategic orientation that must permeate all development policies.

For the King, the level of local development is the true mirror of the progress of an emerging and united Morocco.

This major transformation required a significant change in mentalities, the entrenchment of a results-based culture and the use of digital technologies.

Regarding the new generation of territorial development programmes, the King urged the government to develop projects characterized by greater speed and stronger impact, while respecting a win-win relationship between urban and rural areas.

Three priority areas have been specifically defined. This involves paying particular attention to mountainous areas and oases (which cover 30% of the territory), by providing them with an integrated public policy for harmonious development.

Secondly, to lead the optimal operationalization of sustainable development levers, including the law relating to the coastline, to ensure the balance between accelerated development and protection of these areas, within the framework of a national maritime economy.

The Sovereign also called for the expansion of the National Programme so that it becomes a suitable lever for managing urbanisation and providing local administrative, social and economic services to citizens in rural areas.

In conclusion, the Sovereign called on all stakeholders, from the government to Parliament, Majority and Opposition alike, to mobilize all energies and to ensure that the higher interests of the Nation and its citizens prevail.
GNA
Christian Akorlie

The Electricity Company of Ghana’s Ashanti Sub Transmission Region has donated two high voltage substation panels to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s Electrical Engineering Laboratory in a move aimed at strengthening practical training for students.

The donation comprises a 33kV Gas Insulated Switchgear panel and an 11kV panel, equipment that will allow engineering students to gain hands on experience with real world power distribution systems. The presentation bridges classroom theory with actual engineering practice used in Ghana’s electricity transmission network.

The high voltage panels represent significant additions to KNUST’s training infrastructure, giving students access to the same type of equipment they will encounter in professional practice after graduation. Gas Insulated Switchgear technology is commonly used in modern substations due to its compact design and reliability.

For KNUST’s Electrical Engineering Department, the donation addresses a critical need for practical training equipment. Students pursuing degrees in electrical and electronic engineering require exposure to actual power systems equipment to complement their theoretical knowledge and prepare them for the workforce.

The 33kV and 11kV voltage levels donated are standard in Ghana’s power distribution network. The 33kV equipment is typically used in primary transmission systems, while 11kV panels are common in secondary distribution that delivers power to communities and industrial areas.

ECG’s Ashanti Sub Transmission Region oversees significant portions of the power infrastructure serving Kumasi and surrounding areas. The donation of decommissioned or surplus equipment to educational institutions represents a valuable way to support technical education while giving new life to functional training equipment.

The collaboration between ECG and KNUST reflects growing recognition of the need for stronger partnerships between industry and academia. Such donations help ensure that graduates have practical skills that match industry requirements, potentially reducing the gap between academic training and job market needs.

KNUST’s College of Engineering is one of Ghana’s premier institutions for training engineers, producing graduates who go on to work in various sectors including power generation, transmission, and distribution. Hands on experience with industry standard equipment can give these graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.

The donation comes at a time when Ghana’s power sector is undergoing significant reforms and expansion. Training engineers who understand modern power systems equipment and can work safely with high voltage installations remains crucial for the sector’s development.

Access to such specialized equipment can also support research activities at the university level. Faculty and graduate students conducting research on power systems, grid stability, and electrical safety can use the panels for experimental work and testing.

While the exact timing and ceremony details were not immediately available, the donation represents a positive development in the relationship between Ghana’s power utility and the country’s leading technical university.

For students at KNUST, the new equipment means enhanced learning opportunities and better preparation for careers in Ghana’s electricity sector. The ability to work with actual substation equipment under supervised conditions provides invaluable experience that cannot be replicated through simulations alone.

The Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has welcomed the clarification provided by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding recent reports about a planned deportation of an alleged criminal to Ghana under a U.S.–Ghana deportee agreement.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Mr. Jinapor, also a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, described the Foreign Minister’s clarification as “a major relief and a welcome development,” noting that it had brought calm and clarity to an issue that had generated widespread public concern.

The U.S.-based ABC News had earlier reported that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security intended to deport one Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged notorious criminal, to Ghana. However, Mr. Ablakwa clarified that the individual in question would not be deported to Ghana and that the existing Ghana–U.S. agreement was limited to the possible reception of a small number of non-criminal West Africans on humanitarian grounds, consistent with the principles of African solidarity.

Mr. Jinapor commended the Foreign Minister for swiftly addressing the matter but stressed the importance of transparency and constitutional compliance in all international agreements entered into by the Government of Ghana.

“The Minister’s clarification that the said agreement concerns only the possible reception of a limited number of non-criminal West Africans, on humanitarian grounds and in the spirit of African solidarity, seems to contradict the widely held view that this agreement is a quid pro quo for the recent visa concessions granted by the Trump administration,” Mr. Jinapor noted.

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He emphasised that such sensitive agreements must be subjected to parliamentary ratification as required by Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates all international agreements to be laid before Parliament for approval to ensure accountability and safeguard Ghana’s sovereignty.

“It is for reasons such as these that the Minority has consistently called on Government to lay the said agreement before Parliament for ratification. The constitutional requirement that such agreements be laid before Parliament is intended to safeguard the sovereignty of our Republic and ensure that the actions of the Executive remain consistent with the rule of law,” he stated.

The Damongo MP further called on Government to take advantage of the upcoming parliamentary session, which resumes on 21st October, 2025, to lay the agreement before the House for scrutiny and formal ratification.

“Government has a golden opportunity to uphold this constitutional requirement. Doing so will promote transparency, restore public confidence, and strengthen the principles of accountability that underpin our democratic governance,” Mr. Jinapor said.

The statement has been widely welcomed by sections of the public and civil society advocates, who have long called for greater transparency and parliamentary oversight in the negotiation and ratification of international agreements affecting Ghana’s security and foreign policy.

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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.