Wild tigers remain critically depleted after a century of population collapse, but conservation efforts have prevented extinction and offer realistic hope for recovery, according to the first comprehensive IUCN Green Status assessment for the species released Thursday.

The evaluation, led by Wildlife Conservation Society scientists in collaboration with WWF, Panthera and other partners, found that tigers now occupy only 10 of 46 countries where they historically bred and are extinct in nine of 24 spatial units analyzed. Yet conservation work has demonstrably slowed declines and prevented the species from vanishing in up to seven additional areas.

Current wild tiger populations stand at approximately 4,500 to 5,500 individuals, though estimates vary. If restored to all suitable historic habitat through natural recolonization or reintroduction, the population could potentially reach over 25,000, more than five times current numbers, according to Luke Hunter, Executive Director of WCS’s Big Cat Program and lead assessment author.

The Green Status framework, which complements the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, measures both extinction risk and recovery potential. Tigers remain classified as Endangered globally, with more than half of remaining populations considered regionally Critically Endangered.

The assessment rated tigers’ Conservation Legacy as High, indicating that sustained protection over recent decades significantly slowed declines. Without this intervention, tigers would likely have faced extinction across most of their range, researchers concluded.

South Asia has seen notable recoveries, particularly in India, which now hosts roughly 75% of the world’s wild tigers. India’s population grew from approximately 1,706 in 2010 to around 3,682 by 2022, representing one of the few major conservation success stories for the species.

Southeast Asia presents a contrasting picture. The region continues experiencing steep declines and local extinctions, though targeted efforts in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex and Malaysia’s Central Forest landscape demonstrate that recovery remains possible where resources and political will align.

Abishek Harihar, Director of Panthera’s Tiger Program, noted that recent recoveries highlight considerable potential to boost populations and restore ecological roles, but cautioned that Southeast Asia’s crisis underscores ongoing threats including habitat loss, prey depletion, poaching and human wildlife conflict.

Tigers now persist in countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. They have vanished from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and across Central Asia, representing massive range contractions from historical distributions.

The assessment identifies medium term Recovery Potential, suggesting that intensified conservation could secure survival and enable substantial population increases over the next century. Under optimistic scenarios, as many as 11 spatial units could achieve viable status with ecological functions restored across key landscapes.

However, recovery depends on sustained political will, investment and local engagement. Without ongoing conservation, extinction risk would rise dramatically, with tigers potentially disappearing from up to eight more spatial units.

Specific landscapes showing promise include Russia’s Land of the Leopard National Park, Northeast China Tiger Leopard National Park, Thailand’s Western Forest Complex, Malaysia’s Endau Rompin and greater Taman Negara, and regions across Nepal and Bhutan.

Thomas Gray, assessment co-author and WWF’s Tiger Recovery Lead, said the decline in range also represents opportunity for conservationists to collaborate with governments and communities to drive recovery and expand tiger territory across Asia.

The assessment acknowledges that tiger populations recover slowly, meaning major changes remain unlikely over the next decade despite conservation efforts. Habitat fragmentation, illegal trade and human settlement patterns continue constraining recovery across much of the species’ potential range.

Molly Grace, Lecturer at University of Oxford and Co-Chair of the IUCN Green Status Working Group, said the assessment provides formal documentation of conservation success in preventing greater past declines, showing that efforts have worked and realistic hope exists for future recovery.

The Green Status approach aims to inspire greater ambition by demonstrating how species can move beyond merely avoiding extinction toward achieving recovery and ecological functionality. For tigers, this means restoring their role as apex predators regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance.

Critics of tiger conservation sometimes question whether resources devoted to charismatic megafauna might better serve broader biodiversity goals. Supporters counter that tigers serve as umbrella species, with habitat protection benefiting countless other organisms sharing their ecosystems.

The assessment involved comprehensive evaluation of historical data, current population surveys, habitat analyses and threat assessments across tiger range countries. It represents years of collaborative work among conservation organizations, government agencies and research institutions.

Whether optimistic recovery scenarios materialize depends on factors including funding availability, governance quality, enforcement capacity against poaching, land use planning that maintains connectivity between tiger populations, and community support for conservation initiatives.

With just days to the Black Stars’ decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Comoros on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Accra Sports Stadium has been given a stunning facelift, and it’s ready for the big night.

The Black Stars stand on the brink of history, just a single point away from booking their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Sunday’s clash could be the crowning moment of their qualification journey.

As such, a quick inspection of the venue by GhanaWeb shows a perfectly trimmed pitch, with alternating shades of lush green that highlight the meticulous mowing pattern.

The dark and light stripes across the turf glisten beautifully under the afternoon sun, signaling that every blade has been tended to with precision.

Asamoah Gyan explains why Semenyo, Inaki, and others struggle in the Black Stars

From the stands to the touchline, the stadium looks set to host a capacity crowd of 35,000 fans, a significant upgrade from the 26,000 that witnessed Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Mali in September 2025.

Workers have spent the past few days ensuring that every section, from the VIP stands to the players’ tunnel, meets matchday standards.

Watch the video below:

FKA/JE

NSA announces ticket prices for Ghana-Comoros game at Accra Sports Stadium

More than 450 teams from 56 countries have registered for the 2025 World Championship of Russian Language for Foreigners, surpassing last year’s participation numbers, organizers announced Wednesday.

The competition has drawn 455 teams comprising over 2,600 participants including 375 mentors, according to Ksenia Starygina, Championship Coordinator. The geographic spread covers Mongolia, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, France, Italy and dozens of other nations across continents.

CIS countries account for the largest share with 277 teams, led by participants from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Moldova. Asia and Oceania contributed 78 teams, Africa sent 40, the Americas registered 39, while Europe fielded 21 teams.

Registration remains open until October 15, with online workshops for mentors running through October 10. The qualifying round launches in the second half of October to narrow the field.

Ten teams will advance to Moscow with expenses covered by organizers. The top five will compete in a Super Final scheduled for December 17, which includes a cultural program focused on Russian history and traditions.

The championship targets foreign citizens aged 16 to 22 who have achieved at least A2 level Russian proficiency, roughly equivalent to elementary conversational ability. Each team requires five members plus a mentor over 21 years old.

FSBI Interobrazovanie organizes the event with support from Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The stated aims include promoting Russian language learning abroad and strengthening intercultural dialogue through competitive language assessment.

Last year’s inaugural championship attracted approximately 2,000 participants from countries including India, China, Greece and Vietnam, establishing the format for this expanded edition. The growth reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain global influence through cultural and educational programming.

Language competitions serve diplomatic purposes alongside educational goals, particularly for countries seeking to expand soft power through cultural exports. Russia has invested in Russian language promotion globally through organizations like Rossotrudnichestvo and the Russkiy Mir Foundation.

The championship comes as Russia faces international isolation following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Western countries have imposed extensive sanctions and reduced cultural exchanges, though Russia maintains strong ties with CIS nations, much of Africa, parts of Asia and Latin America.

Critics view such language programs as tools of Russian soft power that complement harder geopolitical objectives. Supporters argue language learning itself remains politically neutral and valuable for cross-cultural understanding regardless of current political tensions.

For participants, the competition offers recognition, cultural immersion and potentially valuable language credentials. Russian remains widely spoken across former Soviet states and serves as a lingua franca in Central Asia, making proficiency professionally useful in those regions.

The A2 proficiency requirement represents an accessible entry level, allowing relative beginners to participate while ensuring basic communicative competence. Higher level speakers may find the competition less challenging, though team dynamics and cultural knowledge components add complexity beyond pure language skills.

Mentors receive training in championship structure and teaching methodology through the online workshop series. This professional development component aims to build capacity among Russian language educators globally, extending the program’s impact beyond direct participants.

The December finals in Moscow provide participants from diverse countries an opportunity to visit Russia’s capital, potentially their first exposure to the country beyond classroom learning. Such experiences can significantly influence perceptions, which forms part of cultural diplomacy strategies.

Russia’s educational outreach competes with similar programs from China (Confucius Institutes), France (Alliance Française), Germany (Goethe Institut), Spain (Instituto Cervantes) and Britain (British Council), all promoting their languages and cultures internationally.

Whether language programs translate into lasting political influence remains debatable. Studies show language learning creates familiarity but doesn’t necessarily generate political alignment, particularly when learners maintain critical perspectives on the countries whose languages they study.

Ghana has long prided itself on its hydrocarbon and hydropower endowments. The Volta Region stands today as Ghana’s next economic frontier. A region blessed not only with natural beauty and vast arable lands but also with an abundance of renewable energy resources that remain largely untapped. As Ghana strives for energy security, industrialization, and sustainable development, the Volta Region offers a golden opportunity to lead the next wave of green energy investment through utility-scale wind, solar, and waste-to-energy projects.

Below, I present the best available data on potential capacities, situate the case in the Volta context, and call on public and private actors to move decisively.

National Context & Ambitious Targets

Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP, 2019) sets a target of 1,363.63 MW of grid-connected non-hydro renewables by 2030. Yet as of 2023–2024, non-hydro renewable contribution remains minimal, with only tens of megawatts feeding the national grid. Estimates suggest Ghana’s technical wind energy potential is on the order of 5,640 MW (gross potential) per earlier SWERA data interpretations, though realizable potential is lower.

In more recent assessments, the figure for onshore wind potential in Ghana is often cited as “over 500 MW” (practical potential) with far greater offshore potential.

For solar, Ghana’s solar irradiation levels (global horizontal irradiation) are favorable across the country. A spatial mapping effort shows values ranging from ~1.5 to 7 kWh/m²/day, with many Volta districts in the higher bands.

Some studies conclude that solar PV is more cost-effective than wind under Ghana’s wind speeds, with levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar PV in Ghana estimated around US $58.75 to 65.82/MWh, versus much higher LCOE for onshore or offshore wind in many cases.

These figures indicate two things: the ambition is high, and we have considerable unexploited space to grow. But meeting national targets requires that regions like Volta capture a significant share.

Volta Region: Site-Specific Potential

Electricity access in the Volta Region has improved remarkably in recent years, but the cost of on-grid power remains prohibitively high for many local industries and farmers. Agricultural enterprises, cold chain facilities, and emerging agro-processing ventures rely heavily on expensive electricity tariffs that erode their competitiveness and threaten their long-term viability. This challenge underscores the need to diversify the regional energy mix through renewables. Affordable and locally generated renewable energy can significantly reduce production costs, make agribusinesses profitable, and attract light manufacturing industries into the region.

While much of Ghana’s renewable planning has focused on the south and central belts, Volta offers unique comparative advantages:

Wind along the coast & hills: Wind assessments in Ghana have identified the eastern coastal belt and hill tops around Lake Volta and the Togo border as among the higher-potential zones. Wind resource assessments by the Energy Commission and various independent studies indicate promising wind corridors along:the Keta–Anloga coastal stretch, with average wind speeds above 6 m/s suitable for commercial turbines. A Ghana Market Overview Study (CJR Wind) maps coastal wind speeds in Volta and neighboring areas in the range of 6.2 to 7.1 m/s, which is within the range considered viable for utility-scale wind development. The Aflao–Atiteti–Ada zone, where consistent sea breezes create stable generation potential. Inland ridges such as Anfoega, Hohoe, and Kpeve, where elevated terrains enhance wind velocity. These sites offer ideal conditions for utility-scale wind farms that can supply power to both local industries and the national grid, particularly during evening hours when solar output declines.

Solar potential: District-level solar radiation datasets (Energy Commission) show that many Volta districts receive strong solar insolation, supporting utility PV deployment. The Volta Region enjoys over 2,200–2,400 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of Ghana’s most solar-abundant areas. Specific high-insolation zones include Adidome and Sogakope, with vast flat lands suitable for ground-mounted solar farms. Ho and Hohoe townships, where solar rooftops could power municipal facilities and schools. Krachi East and Nkwanta South, offering large tracts of land for solar agro-parks to power irrigation and agro-processing. Harnessing even a fraction of this solar potential could transform the energy landscape of the region — powering irrigation schemes, cold storage for fish and fruits, and light industries processing cassava, maize, pepper, and palm produce.

Though no public published estimate for maximum MW in Volta exists (in open sources), one can conservatively propose that 100–300 MW of solar PV and 50–150 MW of wind (onshore and hybrid) would be achievable as initial anchor projects, subject to site screening. These provisional numbers are modest relative to national potential but quite significant for regional industrialization.

Additionally, waste-to-energy opportunities exist around urban centers such as Ho, Kpando, and Aflao, where municipal solid waste quantities could support small-to-medium waste-to-energy plants tied to district power demands for CHPS compund, 24 Hour Markets, schools, farmers etc.

Why Volta Needs Utility-Scale Renewables — Beyond the Data

Cost relief for productive users (farmers, processors, industry)

Many farmers in Volta rely on on-grid electricity, paying high tariffs and absorbing costs from inefficiency, voltage instability, and power cuts. This erodes profitability and discourages scalability, especially for agro-processing, cold storage, and irrigation systems. A regionally embedded renewable generator can lower marginal costs, deliver more predictable pricing, and improve investment viability for value-added agriculture.

Industrialization, anchor loads & competitiveness

As Volta Corridor aspires to become Ghana’s new economic zone, anchor industrial investors (e.g. agro-processing clusters, assembly plants, electronic vehicle and motorcycle promotion, logistics hubs etc) will demand reliable, low-cost, high-quality power. In many jurisdictions globally, industrial zones attract renewable generation capacity on-site or co-located, which helps to bring down grid burden and ensures power quality (voltage, frequency).

Grid stability & reduced losses

Local generation reduces transmission distance losses, relieves congestion on main lines, and can help with voltage support and reactive compensation if properly integrated. A healthier grid environment further reduces the frequency and duration of outages.

Employment, local development, and environmental benefit

Construction, operations, maintenance, training, and supply chains generate local jobs. Waste-to-energy plants help manage municipal solid waste, improve sanitation, reduce methane emissions, and generate power—making them a dual-purpose investment.

Strategic Recommendations & Institutional Call-Outs

To translate potential into MW on the ground, the following coordinated actions are required:

Grid Company (GRIDCo)        

Prioritize Volta in transmission expansion plans. Build new substations or upgrade existing ones in Ho, Kpando, Denu, and coastal subzones. Embed voltage stabilization equipment (STATCOMs, capacitors) in planning. Ensure sufficient transformer capacity margins.

Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG / sub-distribution):       

Integrate renewable injection nodes into distribution designs; plan radial feeders to renewable plants; implement smart regulation to manage reverse flows; partner with developers in “wheeling” schemes.

Ministry of Energy / Energy Commission / Public Agencies:

Fast-track land acquisition, permitting, and environmental impact assessments; establish feed-in tariffs or competitive bidding frameworks; provide tax incentives, import duty waivers, and guarantee mechanisms; coordinate with local assemblies for benefit-sharing.

Private Investors / IPPs / PPPs      

Consider Volta as priority in siting decisions. Engage early with local stakeholders and traditional authorities. Use clustering (solar + storage, wind + hybrid) to mitigate intermittency. Explore integrated waste-to-energy + solar hybrids in municipal zones.

Local Government & Traditional Authorities      

Facilitate community acceptance, land access, and benefit-sharing arrangements (community equity, social contracts). Promote local workforce development to support O&M roles.

Important Caveats & Risk Mitigation

Grid integration challenges: High penetrations of variable renewables require grid flexibility, storage (batteries, pumped hydro, hybridization), and grid operational upgrades.

Intermittency & capacity factors: Wind and solar are variable; capacity factors in Ghana may be modest (e.g. 20–25% for wind, depending on site).

Financing & cost: Capital costs, interest rates, and currency risk can make the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) sensitive. Guarantee mechanisms and concessional financing may be necessary.

Regulatory & policy delays: The biggest bottleneck is often institutional inertia, that is, delays in permits, network access, approvals, and off-taker certainty.

Land use conflicts & environmental/social impact: Some suitable sites may overlap with agriculture, forests, or community land; stakeholder engagement is critical.

Despite these challenges, they are not insurmountable. Many developing countries have navigated them with a combination of policy clarity, institutional reform, and bold partnerships.

The Volta Region stands at the cusp of becoming Ghana’s renewable energy and industrialization powerhouse. With conservative estimates that the region can reasonably host hundreds of megawatts of solar and wind (plus waste-to-energy), the opportunity is manifest. But it will not materialize spontaneously.

It is an open invitation to GRIDCo, ECG, the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Commission, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and private sector developers to put Volta in the front row of Ghana’s next growth trajectory. The infrastructure, policy frameworks, incentives, and stakeholder alignment must be put in place now.

For Volta to realize its vision and for Ghana to transform, region by region, renewable energy must no longer be an abstract ideal but a working economic backbone. Let Volta be the model that demonstrates how clean energy can power industrialization, reduce energy cost burdens, and unlock inclusive growth.

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.

A West African surrogacy agency is attracting international attention for its approach to assisted reproduction, combining what it describes as African hospitality with advanced medical partnerships.

Afrigha Surrogacy, founded by Akosua Nyantakyiwaa Asamoah, serves families from Europe, North America, Asia, and across Africa. The agency operates with a stated mission to “help create families while upholding dignity, respect, and transparency at every step,” according to Asamoah, who emphasized the organization’s adherence to Ghanaian law and international standards.

The agency has positioned itself differently in the reproductive care sector by treating surrogates as partners rather than service providers. Afrigha provides comprehensive health screenings, prenatal care, fair compensation, and psychological support throughout pregnancy and post-birth recovery. This holistic model addresses both the physical and emotional dimensions of surrogacy, creating what the agency believes is a more sustainable and ethical framework.

Medical excellence underpins the operation through partnerships with Lister Hospital in Accra and Kinderwens Kliniek in Aalen, Germany. These collaborations give clients access to advanced fertility treatments and have contributed to successful births across multiple continents. The dual-country medical network allows Afrigha to offer options that suit different client needs and circumstances.

Cross-border surrogacy involves complex legal considerations, particularly regarding citizenship and parental rights. Afrigha provides what it calls one-on-one guidance from initial consultation through birth and beyond, helping international clients navigate these challenges. The agency’s experience with multiple jurisdictions has become a key part of its service offering.

The surrogacy landscape in Africa remains relatively underdeveloped compared to established markets in the United States, Ukraine, and parts of Asia. However, Ghana’s legal framework and the country’s healthcare infrastructure have created conditions that could support growth in this sector. Afrigha is betting on this potential by investing in a new facility in Accra designed to centralize all services under one roof.

This planned center represents a significant expansion of the agency’s capacity and ambitions. By consolidating operations, Afrigha aims to improve coordination and patient comfort while positioning Ghana as a regional hub for assisted reproduction. The investment reflects confidence in both the demand for ethical surrogacy services and Ghana’s ability to meet international standards.

The agency’s business model rests on what it describes as cultural sensitivity and trust-building between intended parents and surrogates. This emphasis on relationships, combined with transparent practices, forms the foundation of Afrigha’s competitive positioning. Whether this approach can scale as the agency grows remains to be seen, but early results suggest there’s appetite for alternatives to traditional surrogacy markets.

Afrigha continues to navigate the delicate balance between commercial viability and ethical responsibility in an industry where those tensions often surface. The agency’s stated commitment to surrogate welfare, paired with its international medical partnerships, offers a model that other African countries might examine as they develop their own reproductive care sectors.

In the heart of West Africa, a quiet revolution in assisted reproduction is taking place, transforming lives and redefining the meaning of family. Afrigha Surrogacy, an emerging leader in ethical reproductive care, is gaining international recognition for what it calls “a blend of African hospitality with world-class medical excellence.” The agency’s mission, as clearly stated, is “to create families with compassion, integrity, and unwavering excellence,” a vision that has earned it the trust and admiration of intended parents from across the globe.

Different approach to surrogacy

According to Afrigha Surrogacy’s founder and director, the agency’s guiding vision is to “help create families while upholding dignity, respect, and transparency at every step.” This philosophy, the agency emphasizes, defines its operations and “strictly adheres to Ghanaian law and international best practices.” It is this approach that sets Afrigha apart in an industry that often grapples with questions of ethics, trust, and fairness.

The agency’s commitment to ethical standards remains unwavering. As highlighted in its statement, Afrigha Surrogacy “prioritizes the rights, health, and dignity of its surrogates,” treating them as “partners in the journey, not just a means to an end.” This distinction, the agency believes, is “a crucial foundation of trust” that not only safeguards the wellbeing of the women involved but also brings integrity and humanity into the surrogacy process.

Afrigha’s operations are uniquely global yet deeply rooted in Africa’s warmth and sense of community. The agency serves families from Europe, North America, Asia, and across Africa, offering a seamless cross-border experience. It “expertly navigates the complex legal and citizenship matters that come with cross-border surrogacy,” the statement notes, ensuring that international clients receive the assurance and clarity they need. “Every client receives one-on-one guidance from the initial consultation all the way through to the birth and beyond,” Afrigha adds, stressing that this “tailored support ensures a smooth and less stressful experience for all parties.”

Afrigha’s mission

At the core of Afrigha’s mission are the women who make the journey of surrogacy possible. The agency describes its surrogates as “the lifeblood of its mission,” underscoring a commitment to their total wellbeing. Afrigha ensures that “surrogates receive comprehensive health screenings and prenatal care, along with fair and transparent compensation.” Beyond the physical and financial aspects, the agency also provides “emotional and psychological support throughout the pregnancy” and “post-birth recovery assistance,” demonstrating a holistic approach that values the surrogate’s health, dignity, and emotional stability as integral to the process.

Medical excellence forms another cornerstone of Afrigha’s growing reputation. The agency’s partnerships with Lister Hospital in Accra and Kinderwens Kliniek in Aalen, Germany, “guarantee access to advanced fertility treatments,” a collaboration that has directly contributed to its high success rates. These alliances, the agency points out, have “celebrated the birth of many healthy babies into loving homes,” reflecting Afrigha’s ability to combine the best of African compassion with cutting-edge global medical science.

For Afrigha, however, surrogacy transcends science. It is, at its heart, a deeply human experience built on trust, empathy, and shared dreams. “Afrigha Surrogacy is not just building families; it’s building bridges,” the statement affirms. By merging “the warmth of African hospitality with global medical standards,” Afrigha creates what it calls “a safe, culturally sensitive environment where trust can flourish between intended parents and surrogates.”

The road ahead

Looking to the future, Afrigha is setting its sights on further growth and innovation. The agency announced that it is currently investing in “a new state-of-the-art surrogacy center in Accra, which will centralize all services under one roof.” This upcoming facility is designed to enhance coordination, improve patient comfort, and establish Ghana as a leading hub for ethical assisted reproduction in Africa and beyond.

Afrigha Surrogacy further reaffirmed its enduring commitment to its values. “As Afrigha Surrogacy continues to grow, it remains committed to its core principles of safety, transparency, and support,” the agency declared. Through these values, it remains steadfast in “making the dream of parenthood a reality for more families than ever before,” a mission that continues to inspire hope and shape the future of ethical parenthood from the heart of Africa.

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The International Monetary Fund has reached staff-level agreement with Ghana on the fifth review of the country’s three-year economic reform program, potentially unlocking USD 385 million in additional financing pending executive board approval expected by December.

The agreement, announced Thursday following meetings in Accra from September 29 to October 10, brings total IMF disbursements under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement to approximately USD 2.825 billion since the program began in May 2023. The original three-year facility totals USD 3 billion.

Ruben Atoyan, who led the IMF staff team, said Ghana’s macroeconomic stability had strengthened significantly, with first-half 2025 growth exceeding expectations due to robust services activity and agricultural output. He projected 4.8 percent growth for 2026 with inflation remaining within the Bank of Ghana’s target band of 8±2 percent.

“The positive momentum is expected to continue into 2026,” Atoyan stated, noting that improved export performance, particularly in gold and cocoa, enabled continuous improvement in international reserve accumulation that exceeded program targets.

The USD 385 million represents SDR 267.5 million, using the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights currency basket. The disbursement requires approval from IMF management and the executive board, processes that typically take several weeks following staff-level agreements.

Ghana’s external sector has strengthened considerably, with a solid current account surplus supporting reserve accumulation. However, Atoyan cautioned that “external risks remain significant largely on account of lingering uncertainty of commodity prices for Ghana’s key exports.”

The IMF team welcomed progress in Ghana’s comprehensive debt restructuring efforts. The country recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Official Creditor Committee under the Group of 20 Common Framework and concluded bilateral agreements with five countries.

This debt restructuring represents a critical component of Ghana’s economic recovery strategy. The country defaulted on most external debt in December 2022 as foreign reserves depleted and the cedi collapsed, forcing the government to seek IMF support.

Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson expressed satisfaction with the review outcome, stating that macroeconomic stabilization is taking root. The government has implemented fiscal consolidation measures, including revenue mobilization efforts and expenditure controls, as conditions for continued IMF support.

However, significant challenges persist. Ghana’s public debt remains elevated at over 70 percent of GDP despite restructuring efforts. High domestic interest rates, while declining from crisis peaks, continue constraining private sector credit and economic activity.

The country’s banking sector has shown resilience, maintaining adequate capitalization despite economic turbulence. However, non-performing loans increased during the economic crisis, and full recovery in asset quality will require sustained economic improvement.

Inflation has declined substantially from peaks above 50 percent in 2023 to current levels around 20 percent, approaching but not yet reaching the Bank of Ghana’s target range. Further disinflation depends on continued fiscal discipline and stable exchange rates.

The cedi has stabilized relative to the dollar after losing over 50 percent of its value during 2022 and early 2023. Reserve accumulation supported by strong commodity exports has enabled the central bank to intervene more effectively in foreign exchange markets.

Gold and cocoa exports have performed strongly, with gold prices remaining elevated and cocoa production recovering from disease-related declines. However, commodity price volatility represents a significant risk to Ghana’s external position and fiscal revenues.

The IMF program includes structural benchmarks beyond macroeconomic targets, including public financial management reforms, revenue administration improvements, and state-owned enterprise restructuring. Progress on these structural reforms has been mixed, with some areas advancing faster than others.

Political considerations loom as Ghana approaches future elections. IMF programs often face implementation challenges during election periods as governments face pressure to increase spending and delay unpopular reforms. Maintaining program discipline through political cycles represents a perennial challenge.

For ordinary Ghanaians, the IMF program’s success will be measured by improved living standards rather than macroeconomic indicators. While inflation has declined and growth resumed, many citizens continue struggling with high living costs and limited employment opportunities.

The fifth review’s approval suggests Ghana has met most quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks for the period. However, sustained compliance through the program’s remaining period will determine whether macroeconomic stability translates into lasting economic transformation.

Whether the USD 385 million disbursement and broader program ultimately achieve their objectives depends on factors beyond IMF financing, including global commodity prices, domestic policy discipline, and the government’s ability to implement difficult structural reforms while maintaining political support.

MTN Ghana Foundation’s GH¢3 million Vegetable Centre of Excellence has reached 70 percent completion, with officials projecting a year-end handover that will provide modern agricultural training for over 300 beneficiaries annually.

Foundation representatives, university officials, and partner organization Defarmercist Group inspected progress at the University of Ghana farms on Thursday, October 10, five months after groundbreaking ceremonies in May. The facility aims to bridge the gap between theoretical agricultural education and practical farming skills among graduates.

Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, emphasized the centre’s role in transforming agricultural education. “Too many graduates leave school with theoretical knowledge but without practical experience. Here, they will gain hands-on training that turns knowledge into opportunity,” she stated during the site visit.

The five-acre facility currently features three greenhouse structures, solar panel installations, and fully equipped training rooms and offices. The centre will serve as a training ground for at least 300 young people over the next two years, focusing on modern vocational agriculture techniques.

Training modules will cover seedling nursing, smart irrigation installation and scheduling, transplanting, fertigation management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical field experience in greenhouse farming and crop production.

Samuel Agyemang, Co-Founder of Defarmercist Group, highlighted technology integration as key to attracting young people to agriculture. “We are introducing smart solutions like automated irrigation and greenhouse systems that make farming less labor-intensive. The students will see how technology transforms farming into a profitable and sustainable business,” he explained.

Beyond University of Ghana students, the program will extend training opportunities to unemployed youth and smallholder farmers seeking to scale their operations. This broader reach reflects MTN Ghana Foundation’s strategy of addressing youth unemployment through agricultural entrepreneurship.

Wiafe positioned the project as a potential model for replication nationwide. “Our vision is to create a model that can be replicated across the country, supporting Ghana’s fight against youth unemployment and contributing to food security,” she said, framing the initiative within broader economic development objectives.

The project operates as a two-year pilot program, after which its impact will be assessed for possible expansion to other institutions and regions. This phased approach allows for evaluation and adjustment before committing to larger-scale implementation.

The partnership brings together MTN Ghana Foundation, the University of Ghana’s Faculty of Agriculture, and Defarmercist, a smart agronomic service provider, combining corporate philanthropy, academic resources, and private sector agricultural expertise.

Whether the centre will meaningfully address youth unemployment or food security challenges remains to be seen. Ghana has numerous agricultural training programs, yet youth unemployment persists and food imports continue growing. The project’s success will depend on factors beyond training, including access to land, credit, markets, and supportive agricultural policies.

The emphasis on greenhouse farming and smart irrigation systems may also raise questions about scalability and appropriateness for smallholder farmers who lack capital for such infrastructure. While modern techniques offer productivity gains, their relevance for resource-constrained farmers operating on small plots with minimal mechanization deserves scrutiny.

Nevertheless, the project addresses a legitimate gap in agricultural education. Many agriculture graduates lack practical farming experience, limiting their employability or ability to start their own enterprises. Providing hands-on training in modern techniques could enhance graduate preparedness for agricultural careers.

The MTN Ghana Foundation, established in 2007, has undertaken 178 major projects across health, education, and economic empowerment. This agricultural training centre represents its latest intervention in youth economic empowerment through skills development.

Completion by year end would mark relatively rapid construction for a project of this scale, suggesting efficient project management and adequate resource allocation. The 70 percent completion rate at the five-month mark indicates the timeline remains achievable barring unforeseen complications.

For now, stakeholders await the centre’s opening and initial cohort of trainees. Only after graduates enter the agricultural sector, either as employees or entrepreneurs, will the project’s true impact on youth employment and agricultural productivity become apparent.

The Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index declined modestly on Thursday, October 10, shedding 8.62 points to close at 8,488.81 as trading activity remained subdued across most listed equities during Session 7068.

The 0.10 percent decrease in the GSE-CI contrasted with a slight gain in the GSE Financial Stocks Index, which rose 2.86 points to 3,949.15, representing a 0.07 percent increase. The divergence suggests mixed performance across sectors, with financial stocks showing relative resilience while broader market sentiment weakened.

NewGold ETF emerged as the day’s most valuable trade by a substantial margin, recording 3,073 units worth GH¢1.44 million. The exchange-traded fund’s dominance reflects continued investor interest in gold-backed securities amid economic uncertainty and currency pressures affecting traditional equity investments.

MTN Ghana recorded the second-highest trade value with 102,104 shares changing hands for GH¢459,468, though the telecommunications giant’s market capitalization of GH¢59.56 billion still positions it as Ghana’s most valuable listed company. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.20, suggesting investors view it as reasonably valued relative to earnings.

CAL Bank led volume trading with 112,114 shares traded worth GH¢88,164.69, indicating active interest in the financial sector despite the modest transaction value. The bank’s current price-to-earnings ratio of 2.84 suggests the market values it at a significant discount to earnings, potentially reflecting concerns about asset quality or growth prospects.

The week’s trading activity from October 6 through 10 totaled 2,854,160 shares valued at GH¢2,197,660.77, numbers that underscore the Ghana Stock Exchange’s ongoing liquidity challenges. Trading volumes remain far below levels seen during more active periods, with many listed companies experiencing no trades on any given session.

Market capitalization for all listed equities stands at approximately GH¢166.74 billion, though this figure masks significant concentration in a handful of large-cap stocks. MTN Ghana alone accounts for roughly 36 percent of total market value, creating vulnerabilities should investor sentiment toward the telecommunications company shift.

The Ghana Alternative Market, which lists small and medium enterprises under less stringent requirements, recorded no trading activity on Thursday. Samba Foods Ltd, the sole company on GAX, saw zero shares change hands, highlighting the persistent challenges facing smaller listed companies in attracting investor interest.

Access Bank maintains a market capitalization of GH¢2.84 billion with a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.67, positioning it among the more attractively valued financial stocks. However, the bank’s dividend yield and trading volume suggest limited investor enthusiasm despite apparently reasonable valuations.

The odd lot market, where trades of fewer than 100 shares occur, also recorded no activity across 31 listed securities. This absence reinforces concerns about market depth and the difficulty investors face when attempting to trade positions in less liquid stocks.

Thursday’s trading patterns reflect broader challenges facing the Ghana Stock Exchange as it struggles to attract both listing companies and active investors. High interest rates on government securities continue diverting investment away from equities, while economic uncertainty and currency depreciation make stocks less attractive to both domestic and foreign investors.

The financial sector’s slight outperformance suggests some investors view banks as potentially benefiting from high interest rate environments, though asset quality concerns and economic headwinds temper enthusiasm. Whether financial stocks can sustain relative strength depends largely on how Ghana’s broader economic challenges evolve.

For retail investors, Thursday’s session offered few opportunities beyond the handful of actively traded names. The concentration of trading in MTN Ghana, CAL Bank, and NewGold ETF leaves most listed companies effectively illiquid, creating challenges for portfolio diversification and exit strategies.

Looking ahead, the Ghana Stock Exchange faces fundamental questions about its role in capital formation and wealth creation. Without significant increases in trading activity, new listings, and investor participation, the exchange risks becoming increasingly irrelevant to Ghana’s economic development.

The modest losses on Thursday may seem insignificant, but they continue a pattern of weak performance that has characterized Ghanaian equities for extended periods. Until macroeconomic conditions improve and alternative investments like treasury bills offer less attractive returns, expecting sustained recovery in stock market activity appears optimistic.

Century Aviation Ltd., a fully Ghanaian-owned aviation company, successfully conducted a demonstration flight of the Cessna SkyCourier to Ho Airport on Sept. 25, signaling a new chapter in domestic air travel for Ghana.

The aircraft departed Kotoka International Airport at 2:40 p.m. with 19 passengers aboard and landed in Ho after a 30-minute flight. It returned to Accra around 4:35 p.m. The demonstration was a collaborative effort between Century Aviation and Africair, the authorized African representative of Textron Aviation, which manufactures the SkyCourier.

The flight marks the culmination of four years of planning between Century Aviation and Africair to launch a reliable air taxi service in Ghana. The company plans to provide scheduled passenger and cargo flights to underserved domestic markets and expand its charter services to multinational corporations, oil and gas firms, and mining companies.

“We are particularly impressed with two things – one is that you can easily reconfigure the internal space for passengers or cargo, depending on the flight requirements,” said Essie Anno Sackey, managing director of Century Aviation. “The other thing is that the SkyCourier can land and take off on various runway surfaces, allowing us to service underserved destinations in Ghana and West Africa, as we are planning.”

The Cessna SkyCourier is a twin-engine, high-wing turboprop aircraft designed for both passenger and cargo operations. It can carry up to 19 passengers and 6,000 pounds of cargo, with features including extra legroom, USB charging ports, and windows along every row. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 389 km/h, a maximum range of 1,704 km, and can be flown by a single pilot.

Century Aviation, established in 2009, holds an Air Carrier License and Airline Operators Certificate from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and is registered with the Petroleum Commission. Its services include offshore/onshore helicopter support, medevac, ground handling, aviation training, and technical support. The company has previously served clients including Tullow Oil, Kosmos Energy, Schlumberger, and Newmont Ghana Gold.

For media inquiries, contact: [email protected] or +233 30 393 0658.

By Kingsley Asiedu

The campaign team of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum says the former Education Minister is gaining strong grassroots momentum across key regions as the race for the party’s presidential slot intensifies.

Speaking after the balloting exercise held at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Friday, Dr. Adutwum’s spokesperson, Yaw Opoku Mensah, said the excitement from the party base reflects growing confidence in the candidate’s message and leadership.

“It’s been energetic. The base is really giving us that momentum, the edge to carry on with the good works that Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has been doing for the party and the country at large,” Mensah said.

Dr. Adutwum picked the fourth position on the ballot ahead of the party’s much-anticipated presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026. He is one of five aspirants seeking to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections.

Other contenders include former Assin Central, MP Kennedy Agyapong (position 1), former Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong (position 2), former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (position 3), and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong (position 5).

Mensah said Dr. Adutwum’s recent campaign tours through the Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, Western North, and Ashanti Regions have demonstrated a surge in support among delegates and grassroots members.

“The euphoria that we recently witnessed in the Bono regions — Bono itself, Ahafo, and Bono East — plus the Western North and the Ashanti regions speaks volumes,” he noted. “It gives us a new wave as to how the engagement should be.”

He added that Dr. Adutwum’s humility, leadership, and track record in education and public service have earned him widespread admiration within the party.

“The way Dr. Yaw Adutwum has carried himself has earned him a respectable place in the heart of the party,” Mensah said.

Read also

NPP Flagbearer race: Ken Agyapong takes top spot, Bawumia third on ballot paper

Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has declared his intention to initiate legal proceedings against the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) should it fail to revise the current maximum age requirement for recruitment.

The lawmaker has maintained that medical fitness, rather than age, should serve as the determining factor for enlistment.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr. Dafeamekpor argued that the existing age restriction should correspond with the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939), which classifies “youth” as persons aged between 15 and 35 years.

“I intend to test this matter because, you see, we need to test systems to let systems work. And when systems are supposed to work, they must work within the existing legal framework. We must all obey the law,” he said.

He further stated that the Armed Forces could adopt an age bracket consistent with the law, as long as applicants satisfy the medical criteria for service.

“I won’t have any problem if the armed forces say that the person between the ages of 15 years and 35 years is eligible to apply, but subject to a medical fitness test, because in a lot of countries, persons below 18 years are eligible to be recruited into the army, subject to parental consent,” he noted.

Mr. Dafeamekpor cautioned that if the GAF ignores the call for reform, he would be compelled to pursue legal redress.

“So this matter must be tested; if the army resists this call, it may leave me with no option but to seek a remedy in the judicial forum. Our army is constitutionally established and given effect to it under Article 102 by Parliament, and subsequently with legislation such as the National Youth Authority Act, which is the law that governs the youth bracket of this country, whether the army can continue to conduct its business without recourse to this laid-down legislation,” he explained.

Earlier, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Mr. Dafeamekpor revealed that several party supporters had raised concerns about the current age ceiling.

He also cited comparative examples showing that nations such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Nigeria, and the United States allow enlistment into the military well into one’s 30s or beyond.

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.

By bringing together some of the best and brightest minds within the climate change, innovation, and sustainability space, Mrs. Bawumia has made sure that she has not left her foot off the pedal even after leaving office as the second lady. Samira Bawumia’s focus on such critical issues bedeviling human sustenance is a timeous contribution to our nation, Africa and the world. Under the auspices of the highly recognized and well-regarded African Women and Children’s Conference (AFRIWOCC), Mrs Bawumia is dedicating her time and efforts to some of the debilitating issues facing young people especially women in Ghana and across the continent.

This year AFRIWOCC  gathered under the theme “Young Voices, Innovative Ideas, Greater Impact for Africa,” dedicating two days to quality, multi-faceted, practical oriented discourse aimed at highlighting innovation, experiences, lessons, challenges, success stories and crafting a road map for a more sustainable environment and uplifting lives. The talent and quality on display were a true testament of Africa’s potential and inexorable depth, agency and value in addressing contemporary challenges.

It is therefore no wonder that the conference garnered widespread support. In fact, the event was co-hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Ghana further establishing its significance and profile.  This is an immense endorsement of the initiative and transformational work that Samira Bawumia has been undertaking. Her work has attracted the support of other stakeholders both nationally and internationally including the AfCFTA Secretariat, Fordham University, Kosmos Innovation Center, Global Affairs Canada, Ashesi University, the Canadian Embassy, Norwegian Embassy, Merton and Everret LLP amongst others. The Minister for Environment in Guinea Hon. Djami Diallo, international development agents such as the Vice President for the African Development Bank Dr Kevin Kariuki and representatrion from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification were fully on board.

However the most visible and significant partners were the youth.  Young people from various backgrounds were present showcasing their innovative work and sharing their experiences. At the dawn of independence, the iconic African figure Kwame Nkrumah stated that “Africa is ready to fight his own battles and show that after all the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.” On that stage, at the moment, at AFRIWOCC 2025, this quote came full circle as young people what the African youth is capable of through their awe-inspiring products, innovative works and presentations. For instance, the design of renewable sanitary pads by ECO-PERIOD, an initiative led by one of Africa’s gifted young women is a monumental contribution to addressing period poverty, plastic pollution and youth unemployment.

It was not just about science and technology. The unique feature about AFRIWOCC is its ability to draw on the arts and African culture as a tool to address ecological degradation. The arts are such a powerful and compelling instrument to engage in environmental education, behavior change and intergenerational engagement. Impact makers such Latif Abubakr, Okbell Bedwei Majdoun, Wode Maya and Eugene Konboye were tat hand to show they have used their ingenuity to tell compelling stories. Others included Makafui Awuku, who was motivated to establish Mckinngtorch an organization that creates sustainable cities by converting plastic waste into valuable products due to his experience  growing up as an asthma patient who suffered from frequenting burning in his community.

Other sessions included artificial intelligence for sustainable development, demystifying the policy process, youth climate leadership, education frameworks for building technical skills, governance structures that include rather than exclude young voices, and entrepreneurship pathways that turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities. Hajia Samira Bawuia herself led a session on clean cooking call on women to embrace environmentally sustainable cooking initiatives that will be less harmful to the ecosystem and healthier for families.

Forward looking recommendations such as strengthening initiatives to empower the youth and children in addressing climate change, training children to become educators in climate change and the encouragement of government to transition from AI as a theory to its practical usage were set forth at the end of the conference. A major outcome was the development of a communique which sets forth a practical, actionable and solution-oriented road map for women and young people’ s meaningful participation in climate governance.  It also called for larger commitment to financing green initiatives and strengthening gender responsive climate action amongst others. Environmental scientist Dr Frederick Out-Larbi, lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, has stated that air pollution is a major health concern in Ghana leading to about 28, 000 deaths each year, higher than deaths related to malaria and HIV. The call for climate action is therefore both urgent and critical.

Samira Bawumia has demonstrated that whether in or out of office as second lady,  she is not just an observer but a protagonist of transformation. Her influence stretches far beyond her position, far beyond her immediate enjoinment, far beyond her community, far beyond her nation and far beyond those living now to future generations.  Her commitment to the development and empowerment of women, youth and creating a sustainable environment is one that inspires and stands as a testament to her quality, leadership, potential and character.

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Prof. Etse Sikanku is an Associate Professor at the School of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)

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.

When justice drags and the rivers run brown, who really benefits, the people, or the power brokers behind the scenes? This Saturday on Newsfile, we ask whether Ghana’s fight against corruption and galamsey is breaking new ground or sinking into old habits.

When justice is delayed, is it simply the wheels of the law grinding slowly or a deliberate attempt to cut deals in the shadows? The ORAL initiative, hailed as a bold anti-corruption drive, now faces sharp criticism.

Nine months on, prosecutions crawl, with former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo warning that delays only embolden corrupt actors. Others insist that due process takes time. So, is ORAL a shield of accountability or a smokescreen for sabotage?

Meanwhile, NAIMOS is in overdrive. In the last two months, its task force has stormed forests and rivers, seized or destroyed dozens of excavators, over a hundred chanfang and pumping machines, and arrested scores of illegal miners, including foreign nationals in Wassa Akropong and Bole.

Just this week, along the Ankobra River, NAIMOS torched nearly 100 makeshift structures and confiscated heavy equipment in a sweeping raid.

Backed by new funding and vehicles from the Gold Board, the task force is pledging no safe haven for kingpins, but questions remain. Are these decisive blows to the galamsey economy, or just temporary disruptions in a much bigger illegal gold network?

Join host Samson Lardy Anyenini this Saturday on Newsfile at 9 a.m. on JoyNews, JoyFm 99.7, and MyJoyOnline to connect the dots: legal delays, sabotage fears, rampaging galamsey syndicates, and the fight to reclaim Ghana’s resources.

Newsfile airs live on the JoyNews channel on digital satellite channels 421 on DSTV and 144 on GoTV, and streams on JoyNews’ Facebook or YouTube channels on Saturdays from 9 am to noon.

Viewers can also follow the discussion by tuning in to Joy 99.7 FM or Luv 99.5 FM on the radio or stream the discussion live on either Google or Apple Podcasts.

Newsfile is your most authoritative news analysis programme.

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 MTN Ghana Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and gender equality through the 2025 edition of the Girl Code Hackathon, an annual initiative aimed at equipping young women with practical technology skills and innovation experience.

The 30-hour hackathon, themed “Future-Proofing Africa: Innovation at the Intersection of Fintech, Cybersecurity, and AI,” brought together 100 female students from tertiary institutions across the country to develop technology-based solutions to real-world challenges.

Speaking at the event, Senior Manager for the MTN Ghana Foundation, Robert Kuzoe, said the programme forms part of MTN’s broader mission to empower young women to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

“Every year, we bring together young women from tertiary institutions for a hackathon that challenges their creativity and technical skills. The goal is to empower them with relevant digital skills, particularly in coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence,” Mr. Kuzoe stated.

He explained that the hackathon encourages participants to identify pressing social and business problems and design technology-driven solutions to address them.

“The best-performing team with a practical and impactful innovation will be rewarded by MTN. This initiative also falls under our inclusion pillar, which focuses on helping women excel in industries traditionally dominated by men,” he added.

Mr. Kuzoe noted that the 2025 edition was unique because it featured only tertiary-level participants, who are expected to deliver more advanced and scalable innovations.

“This year, we have 100 young women from tertiary institutions, which makes the event special. We’re expecting their projects to go a step further than what we’ve seen in previous years,” he said.

He further emphasized that the Foundation’s long-term vision is to promote digital empowerment and employability among young people.

“Our goal is to equip the youth with skills that make them employable or self-reliant, rather than depending solely on white-collar jobs. For those passionate about engineering and technology, MTN can be a place of opportunity if they make the most of this platform,” he said.

Adding her voice, Head of Technology and Service Management at Absa Bank Ghana, Ms. Anita Twum-Ampofo, urged participants to leverage technology as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and ethical innovation.

“Over the next 30 hours, you will not only build solutions but also build legacies. As we digitize our economies, we must secure them. As we innovate, we must ensure inclusion. And as we embrace AI, we must do so ethically and intentionally,” she said.

Ms. Twum-Ampofo underscored the importance of cybersecurity and trust in technology, stressing that every innovation must prioritize user safety and reliability.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function; it’s a frontline necessity. Every line of code you write and every interface you design must be trustworthy, because without trust, technology fails,” she emphasized.

She encouraged participants to see themselves as active contributors to Africa’s digital transformation.

“You belong here  not just in this hackathon, but in boardrooms, policy tables, and innovation labs. You are not only the future; you are the now,” she said to applause.

CEO and Founder of GirlCode, Ms. Zandile Mkwanazi, outlined the competition’s judging criteria, which focused on innovation, technical execution, impact and usefulness, and presentation or demonstration.

She also encouraged participants to take advantage of the MTN Skills Academy, a free digital platform offering access to financial and technology-based training across Africa.

“The Skills Academy aims to bridge the gap between the high demand for digital skills and the low supply while creating employment opportunities. It’s not only in Ghana; it runs across the continent,” she said.

Ms. Mkwanazi added that beyond the prizes, the hackathon offers participants the opportunity to learn, network, and strengthen their problem-solving capabilities.

The Girl Code Hackathon, supported by MTN Ghana Foundation, continues to serve as a platform for nurturing the next generation of female tech innovators and promoting inclusion within Africa’s growing digital landscape.

Ghanaians see the evidence of economic wear-and-tear every day. Potholes often appear soon after a road project is commissioned. Power plants operate below capacity within a decade. Irrigation projects are abandoned after only a few seasons. They are signs of an economy where capital depreciates quickly, slowing the path to long-term growth.

Economists have long studied this problem through the Solow growth model, a framework that explains how capital, labour, population growth, and technology interact to shape economic outcomes.

I’ll try to explain the Solow model in accessible terms and explore what it means for Ghana. We will examine how depreciation, capital and labour shares, population growth, and technology influence growth trajectories. Although the model can seem abstract, its lessons are highly practical: Ghana’s future prosperity depends not only on building more but also on ensuring what we build lasts, is inclusive, and is complemented by productivity gains.

The Solow Model in Plain Language

The Solow model, developed in the 1950s by Robert Solow, remains a fundamental part of growth economics. It explains how output in an economy is produced using capital (machines, infrastructure, buildings), labour (workers), and technology (the know-how that makes both productivity). A key idea is the concept of the steady state, which is a point where investment in new capital is just enough to replace the capital that depreciates each year.

In simple terms, think of a farmer with a set of tools. Each season, the farmer can save some harvest to buy or repair tools. But tools also rust and break down. If the farmer saves enough, they can maintain or expand their toolkit and produce more in the future. If not, output stagnates or even declines. Ghana’s economy operates on the same principle.

The Solow model helps us see three critical dynamics:

• Depreciation (δ): Capital wears out over time. The higher the depreciation rate, the harder it is to grow.

• Capital and Labour Shares (α and 1–α): The economy’s total output is divided between capital (machines, buildings, land, financial assets) and labour (workers’ wages and salaries). The allocation of resources to each side influences both income inequality and the motivation to invest or work efficiently.

• Population Growth (n): More workers can increase total output, but unless savings and investment rise, capital per worker falls.

• Technology (A): In the long run, sustained growth comes from technological progress, not just more inputs.

With this framework, we can examine Ghana’s growth challenges.

Depreciation and Ghana’s Infrastructure Challenge

Depreciation is arguably the most visible issue in Ghana’s economy. In the Solow model, a higher δ (depreciation rate) raises the break-even line. This indicates that more of today’s investment is used solely to replace worn-out capital, leaving less room for expanding capital per worker. Consequently, the steady-state level of output per worker decreases.

In Ghana, depreciation is evident everywhere, from roads to transmission losses in the national grid to water and irrigation projects in decline.

High depreciation weakens fiscal planning. The government borrows heavily to fund new projects, but without proper maintenance, the growth benefits are short-lived. Instead of reinvesting in capital (machines, buildings, land, financial assets), Ghana finds itself in a cycle of rebuilding. The Solow model warns us that without reducing δ (depreciation rate), our economy risks stagnation.

Capital and Labour in the Solow Framework

The Solow model also reminds us that growth is not only about how much we produce, but about how the rewards are shared between those who own machines and money (capital) and those who do the work (labour). In simple terms, part of the economic pie goes to investors and part goes to workers. If more goes to capital, investors benefit more; if more goes to labour, wages improve.

In Ghana this balance matters. In sectors like mining or oil, much of the profit flows to capital owners, often abroad, while workers see relatively little. In the informal sector, many people work but earn very low and unstable wages. If the share going to labour keeps shrinking, inequality grows, and the wider society feels the strain.

The lesson is that Ghana needs growth that improves both capital and labour. Investment in machines and infrastructure should make workers more productive and better paid, not replace them or leave them behind.

Population Growth and Ghana’s Demographic Path

Population growth enters the Solow model through the break-even investment line: (δ + n)k. A higher population growth rate means more workers, but also more capital dilution. Investment must stretch further to maintain capital per worker.

Ghana’s population is growing at around 2% annually. This creates both opportunity and risk:

• Opportunity: A youthful population can drive a demographic dividend if young people are employed productively.

• Risk: If job creation lags, rising numbers of workers lead to underemployment, pressure on infrastructure, and slower growth per worker.

The Solow model demonstrates that when ‘n’ (population growth) falls, steady-state capital per worker increases, meaning each worker has more capital to utilise. In countries with declining populations like Japan, this has led to higher capital intensity but also ageing challenges. For Ghana, the question is whether we can leverage our demographic trend through education, job creation, and urban planning, or if it will surpass the current capital stock.

To put it more simply: if 10 workers share 10 tractors, each worker gets one. If 20 workers share the same 10 tractors, each worker gets half. Population growth without corresponding investment risks overwhelming the available tractors, machinery, and infrastructure.

Technology and the Missing Piece

Even if Ghana saves more, invests better, and manages its population well, long-term growth still depends on technology. Without new ideas and better ways of working, economies only climb to a certain level and then stall.

In Ghana, technology is both the weakest point and the greatest opportunity for progress. Mobile money has already transformed how people access banking services. In agriculture, simple tools like weather apps or small machines could increase crop yields. In industry, adopting cleaner energy sources and modern equipment could make factories more efficient.

The Solow model’s clear message is that without consistent improvements in productivity, Ghana risks becoming stagnant. Therefore, making technology adoption and innovation a national priority is vital.

Policy Lessons for Ghana

The Solow model offers Ghana some practical lessons.

First, we must take care of our roads, power plants, and schools so they last, because repeatedly rebuilding them wastes resources. Second, growth should boost workers’ wages along with investors’ returns. Otherwise, inequality will get worse. Third, our young population can be a strength if education and job creation keep up, but a burden if neglected. Fourth, more of our savings should fund our own growth to reduce reliance on external debt. Fifth, technology must go beyond being just a buzzword and be felt in everyday farming, trading, and industry. Sixth, better governance is needed to ensure that money is used for real development and not lost in waste. And seventh, trading more within Africa gives Ghana larger markets and spreads risk.

Taken together, these lessons show that Ghana’s future growth relies on durable infrastructure, fairer opportunities, and smarter innovation. Just spending more money will not work.

Key Takeaway

Ghana’s growth puzzle reflects the Solow model’s predictions. High depreciation means we are constantly rebuilding rather than increasing wealth. Unequal capital-labour relationships strain social unity. Population growth risks diluting capital, and slow technological progress limits our long-term potential. However, the model also suggests a way forward. By addressing depreciation, balancing returns, managing demographics, and embracing technology, Ghana can alter its growth path.

The lesson is simple yet profound: growth is not just about building more. It is about ensuring that what we build lasts, benefits everyone, and evolves with new knowledge. If Ghana can internalise this, the struggle with depreciation can be transformed into a springboard for sustainable growth.

I hope you found this article both insightful and enjoyable. Your feedback is greatly valued and appreciated. I welcome any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover or provide insights on. You can schedule a meeting with me through my Calendly atwww.calendly.com/maxwellampong. Alternatively, connect with me through various channels on my Linktree page at www.linktr.ee/themax. Subscribe to the ‘Entrepreneur In You’ newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/d-hgCVPy.

I wish you a highly productive and successful week ahead!

♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕

The author, Dr. Maxwell Ampong, serves as the CEO of Maxwell Investments Group. He is also an Honorary Curator at the Ghana National Museum and the Official Business Advisor with Ghana’s largest agricultural trade union under Ghana’s Trade Union Congress (TUC). Founder of WellMaxInclusive Insurance and WellMax Micro-Credit, Dr. Ampong writes on relevant economic topics and provides general perspective pieces. ‘Entrepreneur In You’ operates under the auspices of the Africa School of Entrepreneurship, an initiative of Maxwell Investments Group.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr. Maxwell Ampong, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or beliefs of Maxwell Investments Group or any of its affiliates. Any references to policy or regulation reflect the author’s interpretation and are not intended to represent the formal stance of Maxwell Investments Group. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Readers should seek independent advice before making any decisions based on this material. Maxwell Investments Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Dr Kwamigah-Atokple (in fugu) with the UHAS delegation

The Executive Committee of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Alumni Association has paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Member of the Council of State, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, to congratulate him on his appointment and pledge their support for ongoing health development initiatives in the region.

Led by Alumni President Gabriel Kwabla Agbanyo, the delegation expressed their readiness to partner with Dr Kwamigah-Atokple, particularly in providing qualified health professionals for upcoming health screening exercises across the Volta Region.

Agbanyo noted that since its establishment in 2012, UHAS has produced over 15,000 medical practitioners, many of whom are serving across Ghana and beyond.

He also highlighted the pressing need for additional hostel facilities to accommodate the university’s growing student population.

“The university continues to expand, and the demand for accommodation far exceeds current capacity. We believe this can be addressed through private partnerships or government intervention,” the alumni president stated.

In response, Dr Kwamigah-Atokple commended the alumni association for its commitment to community health and pledged to collaborate closely with them.

“Discussions are already underway with potential investors under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) module to address the accommodation challenges in the region,” he assured, according to a Facebook post.

The delegation also invited Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple to the UHAS Alumni Guest Lecture scheduled for November 21, which he gladly accepted.

“I encouraged them to continue making a positive impact wherever they serve.

“I also expressed my interest in partnering with them to produce a documentary showcasing the achievements of UHAS,” he added.

He lauded the Alumni for their proactive engagement, describing their efforts as vital to advancing education and healthcare in the Volta Region.

“#Volta rising with UHAS,” he remarked, reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift the region.

AE

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare is the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has declared that she has not issued a single licence for the importation of cement since assuming office, warning individuals and companies involved in illegal cement imports to desist from the practice immediately.

Speaking at a meeting with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COGMAG) in Accra on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Minister described the illicit importation of cement as a serious concern that undermines the local industry and Ghana’s regulatory framework.

“I have not issued one licence since I became a Minister,” Ofosu-Adjare stated. She cautioned that Ghana’s free market economy must operate within legal and regulatory boundaries, which require manufacturers and importers to hold valid licences before trading in cement.

She commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for its ongoing efforts to clamp down on cement smuggling at the country’s borders, but urged the Authority to intensify its operations to eliminate the menace entirely.

Trade minister urges envoys to promote the Ghana brand

“I want the Ghanaian brand to adhere to standards in order to obtain the moral right in curbing invaders,” she said, emphasising the need for quality assurance and ethical business practices within the cement sector.

She also tasked the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to ensure that only licensed manufacturers and importers operate in the market.

She stressed that strict enforcement of standards and licensing regulations was essential to promoting fair competition and protecting consumers.

The meeting also discussed concerns about cement pricing, product quality, and industry sustainability. The Chairman of COGMAG, Frederic Albrecht, revealed that in July 2025, cement prices saw a 20 percent reduction on average due to the relative stability of the cedi.

He noted that COGMAG continues to monitor market trends and advised customers to remain vigilant against counterfeit products to ensure value for money.

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Medeama SC climbed to the summit of the Ghana Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Dreams FC at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa on Friday evening.

Despite their dominance throughout the match, it took a 92nd-minute own goal to hand the former champions all three points in a tense encounter.

Abdul Salam opened the scoring for the Mauves and Yellows in the 19th minute, capping off a bright start by converting a fine team move. However, Dreams FC drew level just before halftime when defender Christian Owusu turned home from a set piece in the 45th minute.

The visitors, still chasing their first win of the season, looked poised to claim a valuable away point until late pressure from Medeama forced a defensive error that resulted in an own goal deep into stoppage time.

Medeama dominated possession (59% to 41%) and created the better chances, registering 10 total shots with five on target, compared to Dreams’ eight efforts and two on target.

The result leaves Dreams FC winless in five games (L4, D1), increasing pressure on coach Winfred Dormon. Medeama, meanwhile, continue their fine home form and will face Samartex next in a Western Derby, while Dreams host Nations FC in search of their first victory of the campaign.

A group calling itself Concerned Stakeholders of Ghana Swimming has obtained a court injunction from the Accra High Court, effectively halting Saturday’s scheduled Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) Congress at the Accra Digital Centre.

The congress, which was expected to elect new executives to run the association for the next four years, is expected to be put on hold pending the court’s decision.

The group — made up of Daniel Opare of the University of Ghana Sports Directorate, Rita Naa, Inez Arthur, Evelyn Nuno-Armateifio, Deborah Osei, Gideon Agyemang, and Gina Apenteng — said the injunction was served on key respondents on Friday.

Those listed in the suit include the Ghana Swimming Association, its president, general secretary, treasurer, and the election committee.

In a statement copied to the media, the stakeholders accused the GSA’s leadership of financial irregularities, poor governance, and attempts to rig the upcoming elections. They alleged that “for over a decade, the GSA has failed and refused to produce audited accounts to the National Sports Authority or its stakeholders, in flagrant violation of Section 18 of the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 932) and Article 8 of the GSA Constitution.”

They also challenged the integrity of the electoral process, claiming the GSA’s Election Committee sought to “interpret representatives from the sixteen Regional Swimming Associations to mean representatives from only ten regions,” which they described as “flawed and unconstitutional.”

The group further alleged the illegal introduction of proxy voting and the inclusion of unrecognized clubs and associations, saying these infractions “would amount to fraud and render any elections held null and void.”

The stakeholders called on the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority to dissolve the current executive council, appoint an interim management committee, and commission a forensic audit of the GSA’s finances dating back to 2014.

When contacted by Joy Sports, a senior member of the GSA confirmed receiving the injunction but declined to comment. A member of the Election Committee also said the injunction had not reached their desk and refused to speak on record.

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.

Mining consultant and policy analyst, Ing Wisdom Edem Gomashie

A mining consultant and policy analyst, Ing Wisdom Edem Gomashie, has raised concerns over Ghana’s low returns from the export of its mineral resources, despite decades of large-scale mining activities across the country.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on “The Ideal Mining and Mineral Rights for Effective Natural Resources Management in Ghana,” on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Ing Gomashie stated that between 1990 and 2019, Ghana exported minerals worth about US$65.6 billion, but earned only about 10%, equivalent to US$6.5 billion from royalties, corporate taxes, PAYE, and dividends.

He warned that at the current rate of production and gold prices, multinational mining firms operating in Ghana could walk away with over US$5 billion in after-tax profits in 2025 alone.

“This year, for all things being equal, if the year comes to an end with the current gold price… more national mining companies in this country are going to walk away with over $5 billion after tax. They deserve it; it isn’t their fault. It’s our laws and systems,” he stated.

Wisdom Gomashie argued further that Ghana cannot expect to benefit more from its mineral wealth without making significant investments in exploration, mining finance, and geological data.

He pointed out that while the country takes pride in owning its minerals, the ability to extract them is dependent on heavy upfront capital and risk-taking, areas dominated by foreign multinationals.

“There is a difference between the mineral being in the ground… and how the mineral leaves the ground. It’s all about cost. That is one. Are we ready as a country?

“We often admire Chile and Botswana, but are we ready as a country to commit the funds required to actively participate in mining?” he asked.

Calls for Policy and Legal Reforms

Ing Wisdom Gomashie also made several key recommendations to ensure fairer value retention and stronger local participation in Ghana’s mining sector.

They include:

1. Establish a National Exploration and Bankable Data Fund under the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to generate detailed geological data that meets international standards such as JORC, NI 43-101, or SAMREC.

2. Adopt a Bankable-Auction Model for transparent and competitive mineral rights allocation, in line with Regulation 258 of the Minerals & Mining (Licensing) Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2176).

3. Develop Strong Industrial Linkages between the mining sector, trade policy, and manufacturing to ensure genuine local content and procurement.

4. Ensure Direct State and Indigenous Participation through equity investments, partnerships, and joint ventures, backed by real financial commitment from the government.

5. Introduce Stabilization Clauses that protect indigenous mining ventures from political interference and concession revocations during government transitions.

Include stability clauses to shield indigenous miners – Gomashie

“Local Procurement Figures Don’t Reflect Reality”

Citing Ghana Chamber of Mines data, Gomashie noted that reported local procurement increased from US$2.5 billion in 2023 to US$2.9 billion in 2024, yet the country’s economic conditions and manufacturing base do not reflect such inflows.

“Ghana doesn’t look like a country where that money was actually spent here. If it were, we wouldn’t have gone to the IMF,” he remarked, suggesting that much of what is termed ‘local procurement’ still involves imports.

He concluded by warning that unless Ghana addresses these structural weaknesses, from exploration financing to industrial linkages, policy reviews alone will not yield the desired transformation.

“We can review laws and policies repeatedly, but if these fundamentals remain unattended to, we’ll keep returning to ground zero,” he cautioned.

The event, chaired by Justice Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice of Ghana, and featuring Prof Kofi Abotsi as guest speaker, also had in attendance Prof Mike Oquaye, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, and representatives from key regulatory bodies and the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

ID/AE

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Mining consultant and policy analyst, Ing Wisdom Edem Gomashie

A mining consultant and policy analyst, Ing Wisdom Edem Gomashie, has raised concerns over Ghana’s low returns from the export of its mineral resources, despite decades of large-scale mining activities across the country.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on “The Ideal Mining and Mineral Rights for Effective Natural Resources Management in Ghana,” on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Ing Gomashie stated that between 1990 and 2019, Ghana exported minerals worth about US$65.6 billion, but earned only about 10%, equivalent to US$6.5 billion from royalties, corporate taxes, PAYE, and dividends.

He warned that at the current rate of production and gold prices, multinational mining firms operating in Ghana could walk away with over US$5 billion in after-tax profits in 2025 alone.

“This year, for all things being equal, if the year comes to an end with the current gold price… more national mining companies in this country are going to walk away with over $5 billion after tax. They deserve it; it isn’t their fault. It’s our laws and systems,” he stated.

Wisdom Gomashie argued further that Ghana cannot expect to benefit more from its mineral wealth without making significant investments in exploration, mining finance, and geological data.

He pointed out that while the country takes pride in owning its minerals, the ability to extract them is dependent on heavy upfront capital and risk-taking, areas dominated by foreign multinationals.

“There is a difference between the mineral being in the ground… and how the mineral leaves the ground. It’s all about cost. That is one. Are we ready as a country?

“We often admire Chile and Botswana, but are we ready as a country to commit the funds required to actively participate in mining?” he asked.

Calls for Policy and Legal Reforms

Ing Wisdom Gomashie also made several key recommendations to ensure fairer value retention and stronger local participation in Ghana’s mining sector.

They include:

1. Establish a National Exploration and Bankable Data Fund under the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to generate detailed geological data that meets international standards such as JORC, NI 43-101, or SAMREC.

2. Adopt a Bankable-Auction Model for transparent and competitive mineral rights allocation, in line with Regulation 258 of the Minerals & Mining (Licensing) Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2176).

3. Develop Strong Industrial Linkages between the mining sector, trade policy, and manufacturing to ensure genuine local content and procurement.

4. Ensure Direct State and Indigenous Participation through equity investments, partnerships, and joint ventures, backed by real financial commitment from the government.

5. Introduce Stabilization Clauses that protect indigenous mining ventures from political interference and concession revocations during government transitions.

Include stability clauses to shield indigenous miners – Gomashie

“Local Procurement Figures Don’t Reflect Reality”

Citing Ghana Chamber of Mines data, Gomashie noted that reported local procurement increased from US$2.5 billion in 2023 to US$2.9 billion in 2024, yet the country’s economic conditions and manufacturing base do not reflect such inflows.

“Ghana doesn’t look like a country where that money was actually spent here. If it were, we wouldn’t have gone to the IMF,” he remarked, suggesting that much of what is termed ‘local procurement’ still involves imports.

He concluded by warning that unless Ghana addresses these structural weaknesses, from exploration financing to industrial linkages, policy reviews alone will not yield the desired transformation.

“We can review laws and policies repeatedly, but if these fundamentals remain unattended to, we’ll keep returning to ground zero,” he cautioned.

The event, chaired by Justice Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice of Ghana, and featuring Prof Kofi Abotsi as guest speaker, also had in attendance Prof Mike Oquaye, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, and representatives from key regulatory bodies and the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

ID/AE

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The campaign team of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, an aspirant in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race, says his bid for the party’s leadership is divinely orchestrated and represents a new era of renewal for the party and Ghanaians.

Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Friday, October 10, the spokesperson for the Ken Agyapong campaign, Kwasi Kwarteng, said the team is convinced that Mr. Agyapong’s candidature goes beyond politics and reflects divine intervention in Ghana’s political landscape.

“Before I went in, I indicated that we are not so much fixated on numbers. We are of a strong and firm conviction that Ken’s election and Ken’s candidature is more divine than we can imagine. It is about time that God is using Ken to restore a certain order,” Mr. Kwarteng said.

Drawing an analogy from the Bible, he likened Mr. Agyapong to the biblical David, saying God is bringing him forth to replace what he called the “rejected Saul” and restore order and purpose.

“If you recall the days of the Israelites, when the Israelites were determined to move in a certain direction, and they intimated to God that they wanted a human king, and God gave them Saul. But at some points, the Israelites felt the conditions and everything about Israel went down. The Israelites went back to God and God gave them David,” he said.

He continued saying, “So we are taking an inspiration from that story that Saul has been rejected, a new David is coming in. So everything that happens through this process is in the hands of the Lord, who is introducing David, and that David is honourable Kennedy Agyapong.”

Mr. Kwarteng added that while the campaign team is encouraged by Mr. Agyapong’s position on the ballot, they are more focused on the message of transformation and divine calling that underpins his candidacy.

“The numbers are good in terms of one being visible if you look at how easy you can identify it on the ballot. It gives us another advantage in terms of when people are not sure and undecided, they go and vote for one. In terms of marketing for the number, it also gives us another advantage,” he added.

Mr. Agyapong is among five aspirants vying for the NPP’s flagbearer slot ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.

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.

Century Aviation Ltd, a 100% Ghanaian-owned aviation company, has marked a new milestone in Ghana’s transportation industry with a successful demonstration flight to Ho Airport.

The flight departed from Kotoka International Airport on September 25, 2025 at 14:40 GMT with 19 passengers aboard a Cessna Sky Courier aircraft, with a flight time of about 30 minutes, and returned to Accra around 16:35.

The demonstration flight was a collaboration between Century Aviation and Africair, the authorized Africa representatives of Textron Aviation, manufacturers of the aircraft.

Both companies have been working closely on a plan to introduce a reliable and efficient air taxi service for Ghana for the past four years.

Century Aviation intends to provide scheduled passenger and cargo flights across under-served markets while augmenting its charter services for multinational, oil and gas, and mining companies.

Managing Director of Century Aviation, Essie Anno Sackey, commended the safety, efficiency, versatility, and performance of the Sky Courier aircraft.

“We are particularly impressed with two things – one is that you can easily reconfigure the internal space for passengers or cargo, depending on the flight requirements. The other thing is that the Sky Courier can land and take off on various runway surfaces, allowing us to service under-served destinations in Ghana and West Africa, as we are planning,” she said.

The Cessna Sky Courier is a low maintenance twin-engine, high wing turboprop aircraft able to transport up to 19 passengers, along with luggage.

The aircraft is designed for comfort, offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and windows along every row.

The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 389kmh, maximum operating altitude of 25,000ft, and a maximum range of 1,704km.

The Cessna SkyCourier can be operated by a single pilot and has a cargo capacity of 6,000 pounds.

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.

Justice of the Supreme Court, Dennis Dominic Adjei, has affirmed that Ghana and other signatories to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights are legally bound by the decisions of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Speaking at the launch of his latest book, International Human Rights Law and Practice, on Friday, October 10, Justice Adjei explained that the African Court was established to ensure that member states uphold the principles enshrined in the Charter.

He stressed that the Court serves as an essential mechanism for harmonising national legal systems with continental human rights standards.

However, Justice Adjei clarified that access to the African Court is contingent upon the exhaustion of all available local legal remedies, as outlined in the Court’s protocols.

“When you sit in your courts and use your common sense to interpret a human rights treaty, you are going off track,” he said.

Justice Adjei also urged Ghanaian authorities to consider making formal reservations on specific provisions of international treaties that the country does not wish to be bound by during the ratification process.

He cited, as an example, a treaty ratified by Ghana that allows men to adopt their wives’ surnames upon marriage—contrary to Ghanaian custom, where women traditionally take their husband’s surname.

….

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The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has criticised the government for contributing to the waning confidence and interest in Made-in-Ghana products among citizens—a situation the group says is stifling the growth of local industries.

According to the AGI, although there have been persistent appeals for Ghanaians to patronise locally produced goods, the government has failed to lead by example, particularly by continuing to import food items for the School Feeding Programme.

Speaking at the maiden Regional Agribusiness Dialogue organised by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industries, with support from AgriImpact Limited, in the Ashanti Region, the Middle Belt Chairman of AGI, Mr. Kwesi Nyamekye, urged the government to take deliberate steps to support and promote local businesses as a means of strengthening the domestic economy.

“It is a very good policy that the government is coming out with, but what the industry is looking for is a deliberate policy that is aimed towards growing businesses in Ghana. And why am I saying that? I think no country develops through imports.

“So the government should deliberately build local businesses, for whatever policy the government is trying to implement.

“We should try to set up policies deliberately to encourage Ghanaians to consume made in Ghana, that is one. And it should start from the government itself,” he said.

Mr. Nyamekye further urged the government to ensure that its own programmes reflect its commitment to local production.

“The government has policies like school feeding, the government should start buying made in Ghana products so that industry will follow, I mean industry will thrive. The government shouldn’t be doing school feeding or other programs and importing products from outside to feed local people. That’s not the way to develop a country. So the government should lead the way and help industries to thrive,” he added.

The AGI Middle Belt Chairman also expressed concern over the current taxation regime, describing it as one that favours importers while stifling the operations of local manufacturers.

He therefore called on the government to urgently review existing tax policies, which he says are crippling Ghanaian industries.