John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

The National House of Chiefs has urged President John Dramani Mahama to intensify efforts to address illegal mining activities otherwise known as galamsey in the country.

Speaking at a durbar during the president’s “Thank You Tour” of the Western North Region, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs expressed worry over the health risks posed by galamsey.

“Galamsey is seriously impacting our water bodies and causing illnesses. I know the President has made several commitments to fight this menace. We acknowledge your efforts, but the situation is urgent. We must tackle galamsey now to prevent the outbreak of diseases,” he said.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further pledged the support of traditional authorities in combating the menace.

“We, as chiefs, promise to support you in curbing the menace,” he added.

Despite efforts by successive governments, galamsey continues to wreak havoc on communities in the country, polluting water bodies, endangering livelihoods and the environment.

JKB/KA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

By: Love Wilhelmina Abanonave 

Kigali played host to one of Africa’s most distinguished gatherings — the 100 Most Notable Africans Business & Leadership Summit from 4th to 6th July, 2025. This high-level event brought together transformational leaders, diplomats, changemakers, and innovators from across the continent to celebrate the power of visionary leadership, peacebuilding, and economic advancement.

Among the most significant outcomes of the summit was the official appointment of Bright Kosi Asiamah as the Country Director of Ghana for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa — an honour that places Ghana at the forefront of peace-driven leadership across the continent. 

Mr. Asiamah joins a prestigious cohort of newly appointed Country Directors representing key African nations, including Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Gambia, Rwanda, Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya.

Their collective mandate is to serve as national coordinators and ambassadors of peace, spotlighting individuals and organizations who demonstrate unwavering commitment to conflict resolution, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr. Asiamah expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his dedication to promoting peace, unity, and purposeful leadership in Ghana and beyond.

“This appointment is not just a personal milestone, it’s a national call to action. Ghana has long been a beacon of stability in the region, and this role gives me a unique platform to showcase and empower peacebuilders across our country. I am deeply honored and equally challenged to ensure that Ghana’s story continues to be told as one of resilience, leadership, and unity’’, he said. 

The 3-day summit in Kigali was more than just an award ceremony; it was a melting pot of ideas and networking for Africa’s emerging and established leaders. Panel discussions ranged from peace diplomacy and inclusive governance to youth innovation and intra-African trade.

The summit also celebrated the impact of individuals and institutions that have played critical roles in mediating conflicts and building communities through ethical leadership.

Participants included former heads of state, international peace advocates, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors.

The appointment ceremony was conducted in the presence of notable dignitaries, political heads across Africa, further validating the importance of the roles entrusted to each Country Director.

What This Appointment Means for Ghana 

As Country Director, Mr. Bright Kosi Asiamah is tasked with several key responsibilities:

(a) Identifying and nominating peace icons in Ghana who are making a difference through community development, education, human rights advocacy, and non-violent activism.
(b) Building partnerships with local institutions to amplify peace-related initiatives.
(c) Hosting national programs that align with the continental agenda of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa.
(d) Creating visibility for Ghanaian leaders on a global stage through documentation and awards.
This appointment also positions Ghana to take a more active role in pan-African peace advocacy and youth empowerment.

The next edition of the 100 Most Notable Africans Business & Leadership event will be held in Morocco in 2026, and plans are already underway to ensure greater representation from Ghana. Mr. Asiamah is calling on individuals, NGOs, government agencies, educational institutions, and peace ambassadors to get involved.

“We want to see more Ghanaians recognized and celebrated in Morocco. If you or your organization are actively working to promote peace, resolve conflict, uplift the vulnerable, or transform your community, then the 2026 summit is your platform,” he said.

A national nomination drive and call for submissions will be announced in the coming months. The goal is to ensure inclusive participation, especially from regions and communities that are often underrepresented in global peacebuilding conversations. 

 With Mr. Bright Kosi Asiamah now representing Ghana on this continental platform, a new chapter of advocacy, collaboration, and visibility for Ghana’s peacebuilders has begun. As the world increasingly looks to Africa for solutions rooted in cultural intelligence and resilience, this appointment is a signal that Ghana is ready to lead from the front with peace as its core message.

More Stories Here

By Elsie Appiah-Osei 

Accra, July 15, GNA— Parliament,  under the leadership of Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is set to launch the second edition of the annual Democracy Cup on Thursday, July 24, 2025.  

The launch event will take place at the Justice D. F. Annan Auditorium within Parliament House, starting at 1500 hours. 

A statement signed by Mr. David Sebastian Damoah, Director, Media Relations Department, Parliament, and issued to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday said, “This second edition promises a lot of excitement and surprises, and therefore the public and football fans are encouraged to support and participate in the upcoming game.” 

It said the launch event was expected to attract Members of Parliament, officials from the sporting fraternity, supporters of participating clubs, and members of the public. 

The Democracy Cup is a parliamentary initiative aimed at promoting democratic values, national unity, and peaceful coexistence through sports.  

The tournament also serves to symbolize Ghana’s democratic progress and the role of sports in uniting the nation. 

The statement noted that the launch will announce this year’s participating teams and other details. 

“The match is scheduled to take place in August,” it added. 

Last year’s edition featured Ghana’s football giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, with Kotoko emerging as champions at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie  

President John Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that cocoa farmers in Ghana receive at least 70 per cent of the world market price for cocoa, an initiative he says is aimed at restoring dignity and fairness to the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural economy.

Addressing a gathering of residents and farmers on Tuesday, July 15, during his Thank You tour in the Western North Region, the President lauded the region’s immense contribution to Ghana’s cocoa industry and acknowledged the persistent challenges confronting farmers.

“When it comes to cocoa production, Western North is a leader. Indeed, the people of this region are the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa production. But I’m aware of the hardships our cocoa farmers face—low prices, inadequate extension services, and delays in the distribution of cocoa inputs,” President Mahama stated.

He assured the gathering that his government will not only maintain but enforce the policy of paying farmers 70 per cent of the world market price, describing the pledge as a matter of equity and national responsibility.

“The sweat of our cocoa farmers deserves dignity and a fair reward. We will ensure our commitment to pay our farmers 70% of the world market price of cocoa,” he added.

Beyond pricing, the President also touched on reforms being undertaken within the cocoa sector, especially in areas hit hard by disease and ageing plantations.

He cited Bia and Juaboso as examples of districts where swollen shoot disease and old cocoa trees have significantly cut yields.

“We’ve restructured the cocoa rehabilitation program, especially in Bia and Juaboso areas where swollen shoots and old trees have drastically reduced cocoa yields,” he said.

Under the new direction of the Ghana Cocoa Board, the President explained that farmers can expect a renewed focus on improved seedlings, sustained extension services, and better compensation for farms undergoing rehabilitation.

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.

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has declared a national emergency in response to the spike in illegal mining activity in several regions of the nation and vowed to step up efforts to confront the escalating situation.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to crack down on illicit mining activities and specifically denounced the environmental damage that galamsey had caused in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.

President Mahama made the following remarks at a durbar on Tuesday, July 15, while on his “Thank You Tour” of the Western North Region: “We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency.

The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” he said.

Additionally, he sent a strong warning to so-called anti-galamsey task groups that are allegedly extorting small-scale mining firms with licenses.

“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.

“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” President Mahama warned.

KA

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has identified three persistent threats to Ghana’s economic stability despite the cedi’s 42% appreciation this year.

Speaking at a financial forum, Asiama warned that commodity volatility, dollarization, and policy trade-offs could undermine recent gains without coordinated action.

The governor noted Ghana’s heavy reliance on gold, cocoa, and oil exports leaves it vulnerable to global price swings, while seasonal import surges strain foreign reserves. He particularly condemned businesses pricing services in dollars despite legal tender laws, citing real estate and education sectors as key offenders.

Simultaneously, the government advanced major reforms:

• Scrapping political appointees’ fuel allowances amid opposition claims of “populist gimmickry”

• Abolishing teacher licensure exams by August 30

• Signing international partnerships for new universities in Jasikan and Kintampo

• Mandating mining equipment registration to combat illegal operations

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu confirmed memoranda with Egyptian and Moroccan firms for the university projects, targeting regional skills gaps. The Births and Deaths Registry also resumed operations after resolving a two-month security paper shortage that halted certificate issuance nationwide.

Ghana National Chamber of Commerce President Stephan Miezah emphasized that successful implementation of Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy policy requires “non-negotiable” utility reliability and agricultural modernization. These developments unfold against ongoing opposition scrutiny of fiscal reforms under the National Democratic Congress administration.

In a powerful move to combat fraudulent activities and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, QNET and Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have joined forces in a formal collaboration.

This strategic partnership, anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is a unified response to the alarming rise in fraud, illegal migration schemes, and human trafficking operations. It underscores a shared determination to protect the public and hold accountable the criminal networks responsible.

Joining Forces to Protect the Public

This collaboration reflects the shared concern of both EOCO and QNET over the deceptive practices of criminal syndicates who use fake job offers, scholarship scams, and false promises of international opportunities to exploit Ghanaians and other West Africans.

These scams often misuse the names of legitimate international companies to lend credibility to their operations and deceive unsuspecting victims.

“EOCO and QNET have signed an MOU to collaborate to identify and dismantle these criminal networks. We appreciate QNET’s proactive stance and willingness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to protect the public as well as their brand,” said Raymond Archer, Acting Executive Director of EOCO, on July 15.

“This partnership is a significant step towards combating organised and cross-border crime in Ghana. Through this partnership QNET and EOCO are seeking to leverage our expertise and resources to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks, protect our citizens and maintain the integrity of our economy.”

Key Objectives of the Collaboration

Under the MoU, QNET and EOCO will work together to:

• Support the proactive investigation and disruption of criminal schemes involving brand impersonation and fraud.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building on detecting and preventing fraud and human trafficking.
• Raise public awareness about how syndicates operate and the signs of a potential scam.
• Share information on suspicious activities in a structured and timely manner to improve enforcement action.

An Alliance Rooted in Responsibility

This partnership represents a shared commitment to safeguarding individuals and communities from exploitation. It builds on QNET’s ongoing efforts to support law enforcement agencies and community education, and EOCO’s mandate to investigate and prosecute organised crime.

“This collaboration with EOCO is timely, as QNET is about to open our new compliance office in Ghana, which will serve as a touchpoint for all regulatory and security agencies,” said Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET in Sub-Saharan Africa. “This partnership is not about protecting a brand—it is about protecting people. Fraudsters have hijacked the names of reputable companies to exploit others. Together, we are drawing a line”, he added.

Over the past few years, QNET has actively undertaken several public awareness initiatives in Ghana to help communities identify and avoid fraudulent schemes. These include media engagements, educational outreach, and stakeholder collaborations. Most notably, in August 2024, QNET launched the nationwide

“QNET Against Scams” campaign, which utilised radio, television, social media, and billboards to alert the public to common scam tactics and empower them to recognise red flags. These sustained efforts reflect QNET’s ongoing dedication to education and transparency.

“Over the last two years, we have done everything within our power to combat this issue. But as a private company, there is a limit to how far our voice can carry. That is why today matters. Because today, we have EOCO standing beside us,” added Ramya Chandrasekaran, Chief Communications Officer of QI Group, the parent company of QNET.

“With EOCO’s reach, authority, and investigative powers, and our commitment to transparency and education, we now have the collective strength to take this fight to the next level. Together, we can disrupt these criminal networks.

“Together, we can warn and educate communities in even the most remote corners of Ghana. Together, we can give victims a voice and potential victims a shield.”

In 2024-2025, QNET has aided various West African law enforcement agencies in prosecuting over 150 people for brand misuse-related fraud and helped nearly 400 victims recover funds or return to their home countries.

Public Vigilance and Reporting

QNET and EOCO urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or scams. If the public encounters individuals who are promoting job offers or overseas travel opportunities in the name of  QNET, they can report it through:

QNET

EOCO

• Walk into any of EOCO’s offices nationwide
• Email: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: +233 579 709 066
• Telephone +233 0547 419 419
• Facebook, X and Instagram @ EOCOghana 

About QNET

QNET is a lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model to offer a range of high-quality products. Since 1998, QNET’s innovative products and e-commerce-driven business model have helped build a global community of satisfied customers and microentrepreneurs, who are driven by the mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. Popular product brands offered by QNET.

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Accra, July 15, GNA- Crystal heights international School has graduated over 200 pupils during its 7th speech and prize-giving ceremony at Amasaman Shikpontele in Ga south municipality.

They include Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High School and those pursuing international studies.

It was held on the theme: “innovators of tomorrow: rising with purpose and possibility”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, as well as an Associate Professor and Founding Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann,thanked parents, guardians, and educators for their support and emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann,shared stories of innovators, including Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, and highlighted the principles of innovation, including curiosity, knowledge, persistence, and collaboration.

The graduates were encouraged to apply these principles in their future endeavours and to work together to achieve their goals.

Professor Kauffmann upon a successful sharing of stories about some innovators of yesterday and today, noted, “you should realize that innovation sometimes finds you and not the other way round”.

To become an innovator, she empathised, there is the need to be observant, cultivate curiosity and never stop asking questions as there are solutions to problems around.

“If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you may not be alone.Choosing to analyze the problem instead of ignoring it could be the starting point for finding the solution”, the keynote speaker added.

Professor Kaufmann further admonished the graduates to be bold enough to find out why things are done in a certain way.

“Don’t feel you are too young or get discouraged by the things you do not understand. Remain grounded in purpose. This means that instead of blindly following what everyone else is doing, have a plan and an expected outcome for everything you set out to do”, she urged.

The director of Crystal Heights international school, Emmanuel Dadzie Entsie, delivering his welcome address, recalled the conscious engagements to equip every student with tools which aided the learning process, helped the connections, and creation in a rapidly evolving world culminating into the foundation upon which the school had chalked up the milestone.

He emphasized the importance of virtual classrooms and interactive platforms as ways that have created the needed innovations.

Describing those innovative initiatives as the bridge to broader heights.

“Since our founding in 2014, Crystal Heights has grown from a single campus to a vibrant community of learners, thinkers, and doers. We have strategically expanded our laboratories —Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Robotics—to ensure that theory meets practice and curiosity becomes discovery”, he disclosed.

“This year’s Robotics and Computing display, is a testament to that commitment: watch our students translate code into motion and algorithms into solutions.
But technology alone does not define an innovator. Innovation springs from purpose”, he intimidated.

He noted that partnering with the Ga West Municipal Education Directorate to champion STEM education across the municipality as real impact begins when skills serve community needs.

The graduation themed“Innovators of Tomorrow: Rising with Purpose and Possibility”—invites each of you, graduands, to ask not just what you can create, but why.

This year’s graduation saw the pupils perform various activities from, culture dance, talk show, choreography and poetry. The digital department also showcased some innovations.
Crystal heights international school is located at Amasaman shikpontele in the Ga south municipality.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has cautioned citizens against relying on unverified exchange rate projections from black market operators (“Zabarma”).

Speaking at a financial forum, he emphasized that informal traders’ predictions fuel panic-driven decisions while obscuring fundamental economic improvements.

“Expectations should be formed using verified data not street-corner Alhajis,” Asiama stated, citing Ghana’s doubled trade surplus and strengthened current account. He urged the public to reference the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee reports, which confirm the cedi’s stability stems from tangible export growth and $11.1 billion reserves.

The Governor acknowledged exchange rates as “endogenous variables” that naturally fluctuate to absorb external shocks. His remarks counter recent claims by economist Dr. Solomon Fokuo that the cedi’s 42% appreciation is artificial. The guidance aligns with President Mahama’s economic transparency agenda under the National Democratic Congress administration.

By Christopher Arko  

Accra, July 15, GNA – The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) have called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of assault during the Ablekuma North re-run election. 

In a joint statement signed by Mr. Kwesi Jonah, Head of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at IDEG, and Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Chairperson of CFI, the organisations said prosecution would deter electoral violence and uphold the rule of law. 

They expressed grave concern over violent incidents recorded at 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency, citing disturbing video evidence of physical assaults on journalists, voters, and a former Member of Parliament. 

“These incidents reflect a dangerous pattern of electoral violence and impunity that continues to threaten the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process. Elections must be peaceful expressions of the people’s will, not battlegrounds for political intimidation and fear,” the statement said. 

Referencing past incidents in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Tolon, and Ahafo Ano South West, the CSOs attributed the recurrence of violence to political inertia in holding perpetrators accountable. 

They called for bold measures to eliminate violent political tactics and vigilantism and urged the National Elections Security Task Force to adopt a proactive and preventative approach ahead of the Akwatia by-election. 

The statement urged civil society organisations to engage major political parties to break the cycle of electoral violence. 

It  advocated constitutional and institutional reforms, along with media-police collaboration, to restore public confidence in Ghana’s electoral and law enforcement systems. 

IDEG and CFI also empathised with victims of political violence and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a peaceful, inclusive, and accountable democratic culture. 

GNA  

Edited by Kenneth Sackey  

Police in the Bunkpurugu Yonyoo District of the North East Region have arrested four individuals in connection with the murder of a 70-year-old woman who was accused of being a witch.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, the police said the suspects fled Sangbana village after the incident but were later apprehended through intelligence-led operations at separate hideouts. Several other suspects remain at large.

The arrested individuals will be arraigned before court upon completion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the police have cautioned residents of the North East Region to desist from accusing others of witchcraft and subjecting them to physical violence.

Manufacturing giants Royal Sweet Limited have registered to be part of the 2025 JoySports Invitational Tournament, set for August 9 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Following a successful return in 2024, this year’s edition promises another exciting day of corporate sports, networking, and healthy competition.

This year’s edition is proudly supported by Royal Sweet Limited, Akonor Ginger, Afriwara, Ayuda, Ghana’s leading services app App Baako, Game Energy Drink, and Emigoh Ghana, producers of Yomi Yorghut; bringing extra excitement and energy to what promises to be another memorable event.

Companies interested in participating can secure their slots by contacting Sleven on 054 010 6466, either via WhatsApp or direct phone call. Registration forms are also available at the front desk of Joy FM or can be downloaded from myjoyonline.com.

Throughout the day, participating companies will compete in a wide variety of events carefully designed to promote endurance, teamwork, and corporate pride.

The CEO’s Penalty Shootout will return as a key attraction, following Divine Teyi’s remarkable win in the 2024 edition.

It will also feature several exciting competitions such as the Women’s Penalty Shootout, the Mixed 4×100m Relay, the Basketball Shooting Contest, Mixed Volleyball, the Women’s 50m Dash, the Men’s 100m Dash, the Mixed Sack Relay, the Lime and Spoon Relay, Scrabble, and a range of board and E- games.

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 Jibril Abdul Mumuni  

Accra, July 15, GNA- Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has highlighted the persistent volatility of the Ghanaian Cedi despite its recent appreciation against major trading currencies.   

The Governor noted that while the Cedi has appreciated by 42 per cent year-to-date as of June 2025, it remained exposed to significant volatility risks. 

Speaking at the Graphic Business and Stanbic Breakfast Meeting in Accra, on the theme: “Sustaining Forex Gains: Business and Economic Impact,” the Govenor  said that the cedi’s vulnerability stemmed from Ghana’s heavy reliance on a few commodity exports to bolster its current account and foreign reserve strength.   

Dr. Asiama pointed out that Ghana’s top export earners gold, cocoa, and oil were highly susceptible to price fluctuations driven by external factors beyond the government’s control.   

“For instance, gold prices, which have significantly boosted our export earnings, are currently above US$3,200 per ounce, influenced by geopolitical uncertainty, including the recent Iran-Israel conflict. While beneficial for now, a future price correction could swiftly narrow our trade surplus,” he said.   

He further explained that Ghana’s import profile was heavily skewed towards energy, capital goods, and essential commodities, creating seasonal spikes in foreign exchange demand, particularly in the second half of the year.   

“Without diversification, even minor shifts in global sentiment or commodity cycles can trigger renewed pressure on the Cedi,” the Governor said.  

Dr. Asiama also stressed additional risks, particularly behavioural and policy dilemmas.  

He highlighted the delicate balance the central bank must strike between maintaining forex stability without over-tightening liquidity, which could stifle private sector credit and economic growth.   

The Governor said the true measure of success was in whether Ghana could translate forex stability into broad-based economic transformation. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie  

By Edward Acquah 

Accra, July 15, GNA – Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, has called for equitable distribution of jobs across regions to promote inclusive growth and national development. 

He said concentrating employment opportunities in capital cities while neglecting underserved communities could “sparrow conflicts.” 

Speaking at the 2nd Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI) National Forum in Accra, Dr Boamah assured that recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces and jobs under the 24-Hour Economy Programme would reflect regional equity. 

“No matter the number of jobs that will be created, the number of jobs that will be generated, if they are not equitably distributed and they are concentrated in just the capitals, that inequality will in itself sparrow conflicts in communities that violent extremists and terrorists would want their activities to thrive,” he said. 

The Forum, organised by the National Catholic Secretariat in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), was on the theme: “Political Economy of Conflict in Ghana: Addressing Youth Unemployment as a Catalyst for Security and Social Cohesion.” 

Dr Boamah pledged support for the Sahel Peace Initiative and called for greater awareness of the crisis in the region. 

“We need to listen to the people on the ground. We must engage them in security planning and decision-making. By doing so, we can build trust and promote a sense of ownership of the ingredients that must end up giving us,” he said. 

According to the World Bank, over 110,000 Ghanaian youth graduate annually, yet more than 12 per cent are unemployed and four times that number are underemployed. 

Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, Executive Director of the Kaizen Institute for Labour Economics, said over one million young people were unemployed and warned the figure could rise sharply by 2030 “if we don’t do anything radical.” 

He called for national consensus to sustain job-creation programmes, backed by social contracts between citizens and government. 

“Employment creation should be at the centre of our social policies. It should be the priority of our priorities,” he said. 

Ms Anna Lena Sabroso-Wasserfall, Country Director of KAS, said Ghana’s stability in the Sahel region did not make it immune to conflict. 

She described youth unemployment as both a development and political issue and urged strategic initiatives to create sustainable jobs for the region’s growing youth population. 

“If we want to build lasting peace across borders, we must tackle the root causes that transcend borders. And if we are serious about peace building, the youth cannot remain on the sidelines,” she said. 

Most Reverend Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, said youth unemployment was “a matter of national security.” 

“We cannot ignore the disaffection of a jobless graduate,” he said, adding: “A nation’s cohesion is not shaped by slogans but well-articulated policies.” 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey