KIA’s Terminal 2 to undergo repurposing

The Ministry of Transport, together with the management of Kotoka International Airport, has begun expansion work at Terminal 2.

This is intended to reduce congestion at Terminal 3 and enhance overall efficiency.

The expansion of Terminal 2 will accommodate both domestic and international flights, with operations rolled out in two distinct phases.

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, during a working visit to the airport, explained that the project aims to increase the airport’s capacity to better manage the growing volumes of passengers and cargo.

“If you visit Terminal 3 at rush hour, you will realize that there is congestion. So, we have divided Terminal 2 into two phases: one for domestic flights, and the area where we are currently standing will serve international flights.

“This way, we can transfer some of the load from Terminal 3 here, thereby decongesting Terminal 3 and providing more comfort and space for our travelers,” he was quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.

This move comes after Terminal 3 at KIA has experienced increasing congestion in recent years.

According to the ministry, the renovation of Terminal 2 is expected to significantly improve the passenger experience while enhancing the efficiency of services at the airport.

SSD/MA

By Albert Oppong-Ansah

Accra, May 30, GNA – Plastic waste clogs gutters and litters streets, but an ambitious new initiative is transforming single-use plastic pollution into sustainable building materials.

Two local companies, Nelplast Ghana Limited and Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECoP), have partnered in a pioneering project to convert discarded plastic into durable bricks.

Under the Community-Based Sustainability Zero Plastic Waste Project (SCZWP), the initiative aims to recover 90 per cent of single-use plastic waste by 2030.

With funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the project seeks to reduce plastic pollution while addressing Ghana’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

The two-year initiative has been hailed as a model for circular economy innovation, aligning with national policies such as the National Planning Strategy.

Waste to Worth

Madam Betty Brown Nyadu, General Manager of IRECoP, said that her organisation would recover single-use plastics from mixed waste.

The company is setting up a network of over 200 waste collectors to retrieve sachet water wrappers, carrier bags, and film plastics, which are often non-recyclable and either burned or dumped in landfills.

“Single-use plastics are among the most problematic waste materials in Ghana,” said Nyadu.

“They’re lightweight, hard to recycle, and found everywhere. But this project gives them a second life, with real value.”

Collected plastics are cleaned, sorted, and compacted before being transported to a green construction start-up specialising in eco-friendly materials.

Plastics that Build

At Nelplast’s facility, plastics are shredded, melted, and mixed with sand to create weather-resistant building blocks.

These bricks are used for walkways, school buildings, and low-cost housing, according to Mr. Nelson Boateng, CEO of Nelplast Limited.

“The blocks are stronger than conventional cement bricks, water-resistant, and excellent for insulation,” explained Boateng.

“More importantly, they reduce construction costs by up to 30% while helping clean up our environment.”

He noted that one classroom block can be constructed using the equivalent of 13,000 plastic bags.

Creating Jobs, Empowering Communities

The GEF, through UNIDO’s natural sciences programme, is supporting the project with a $400,000 grant for equipment, training, and pilot construction projects in Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Volta regions.

UNIDO’s role includes technical support, environmental education campaigns, and partnerships with local governments and schools.

The project is already generating employment in waste-prone communities.

In James Town, 29-year-old Adwoa Mireku, a former street hawker, now earns a stable income as a plastics collector.

“I used to throw sachets away like everyone else. Now, I collect them and get paid. I never thought waste could build a future for me,” she said.

Both companies are collaborating with vocational schools to train youth in eco-construction methods and plan to partner with local governments to build community toilets and classrooms using plastic bricks.

Environmental Benefits

Without this recovery and value-addition model, tonnes of plastic waste would end up in landfills or be burned.

Dr Glenn K. Gyimah, Project Manager at Jospong Group, warned that plastic pollution significantly contributes to carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.

He explained that the high plastic waste generation in urban cities, coupled with low degradability, leads to excessive landfill use.

Burning plastics releases harmful compounds, including carbon dioxide, methane, and particulate matter, which cause respiratory diseases.

Dr Gyimah stated that Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), produced through open burning or poor incineration, are particularly prevalent where plastic waste is disposed of irresponsibly.

Soils surrounding dumpsites have tested high levels of dioxins beyond acceptable limits due to indiscriminate burning of plastics.

Prolonged exposure to dioxins can be carcinogenic to humans.

These pollutants pose serious health risks to unborn babies, infants, and children, who may be exposed through maternal contact or direct environmental exposure.

Ghana generates over 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet less than 10 per cent is recycled.

Looking Ahead

With rising concerns over climate change, flooding, and sanitation, this project offers a promising blueprint for plastic circularity and climate-smart infrastructure.

Environmental analysts commend its integrated approach, linking waste retrieval, job creation, and low-cost housing through local innovation and action.

As construction begins on the first demonstration block in a peri-urban school outside Accra, the hum of machines and the click of plastic bricks signal a new era of progress, where pollution is repurposed rather than removed.

GNA

Edited by Kenneth Sackey

GNA

The Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Dr. Fredua Agyemang Badu II, has called for strict adherence to due process in the ongoing investigation involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi is currently under investigation for a range of serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, revealed in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is handling the case. He added that asset recovery efforts are underway to secure suspected proceeds of crime.

Speaking on the matter during President John Dramani Mahama’s “Thank You Tour” in the Bono Region on Friday, May 30, Osagyefo Dr. Agyemang Badu II stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the application of the law.

“If somebody does anything wrong, apply the law and bring the person to book. Even me, Agyemang Badu — if you hear I have offended, bring me to book so that the right thing is done. But if no wrong has been done by an individual, then don’t touch that individual,” he stated.

While expressing admiration for Chairman Wontumi, the Dormaahene made it clear that no one should be above the law.

“Chairman Wontumi—I really like him, but even though I like him, I am not saying due process shouldn’t work. If I have done something wrong, the law allows me to be investigated,” he added.

Osagyefo Dr. Agyemang Badu II also took issue with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s recent protest at the EOCO headquarters, describing it as inappropriate.

“I’m not saying Ghanaians should not support him, but Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin going to EOCO and sitting on the floor—I wasn’t happy with it. He should let me know when he wants to go to such a place so I can send one of my people to follow him with a seat,” he said, injecting humour into the otherwise serious discussion.

The Dormaahene’s comments add to growing calls for transparency and fairness in the handling of high-profile investigations involving political figures.

Read also…

Minority MPs return to Parliament despite protest over Wontumi’s detention

Daniel McKorley, founder of Electrochem Ghana Limited

The Senior Vice President of policy think tank Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged the Mahama-led government to invest in Electrochem Ghana Limited – a fully Ghanaian-owned salt production company founded by business mogul Daniel McKorley.

In a statement published on his website, Bentil underscored Electrochem’s significant contribution to Ghana’s GDP and its impact on job creation for the youth in Ada.

He commended Electrochem for its transformation of the Songhor Lagoon into a multi-million-dollar salt production hub – the largest of its kind in the Greater Accra Region.

“With an investment exceeding $88 million, the project currently produces 650,000 metric tonnes of salt annually, with plans to scale up to one million metric tonnes by 2024 and two million by 2027.

“Under the leadership of Mr. Daniel McKorley, Electrochem has not only rejuvenated the lagoon but has also generated over 3,000 jobs for the local community,” the statement noted.

Bentil has appealed to the government to invest in this wholly Ghanaian enterprise to accelerate industrialisation, optimise local resource utilisation, and expand employment opportunities for the youth.

“Electrochem’s Salt Revolution: A Ghanaian Triumph That Deserves National Support”

By Kofi Bentil, Imani.

After hearing numerous accounts about the Electrochem project, my colleagues and I at Imani took the initiative to personally engage with the management of Electrochem Ghana Limited. We visited the facilities and the surrounding area to assess the situation firsthand. What we discovered was nothing short of impressive.

Electrochem, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company under the McDan Group, has transformed the Songhor Lagoon into Africa’s largest industrial salt production site. With an investment exceeding $88 million, the project currently produces 650,000 metric tons of salt annually, with plans to increase this to one million metric tons by 2024 and two million by 2027.

This achievement is particularly remarkable considering the historical challenges faced in harnessing the potential of the Songhor Lagoon. Previous governments had attempted to develop the area for over five decades without success. Under the leadership of Mr. Daniel McKorley, Electrochem has not only revitalized the lagoon but also created over 3,000 jobs for the local community.

Furthermore, Electrochem has launched a 1,000-acre out-grower scheme, involving seven community groups, to promote sustainable salt mining practices and provide additional employment opportunities . The company has also constructed over 70 community salt pans at its own expense, facilitating traditional mining activities for local residents .

Despite these commendable efforts, Electrochem has faced unwarranted criticism and opposition. However, a recent investigation by The Fourth Estate revealed that many of the negative narratives were unfounded, with local miners regaining access to the lagoon and resuming their traditional activities without hindrance .

This project exemplifies the potential of indigenous entrepreneurship to drive national development. If this were a foreign investment, it would undoubtedly receive widespread acclaim. Instead, it is a testament to the vision and determination of a Ghanaian businessman who has not only revitalized a vital resource but also uplifted an entire community.

It is imperative that the government, local leaders, and all Ghanaians rally behind Electrochem and Mr. Dan McKorley. Their success is our success. Supporting this initiative will not only bolster our economy but also position Ghana as a leader in sustainable industrial salt production.

Let us unite in support of this remarkable project and ensure its continued success for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

For more information on Electrochem Ghana Limited and their initiatives, visit electrochemghana.com.

Journalist and long-serving media unionist Maxwell Kudekor has formally entered the race for the position of National Organising Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), pledging to bring “rich organisational experience and leadership” to the national secretariat.

Maxwell Kudekor, who also works with the Multimedia Group Ltd as the Eastern Regional Correspondent, with over a decade of union involvement, confirmed his candidacy in a message to colleagues and stakeholders in the media fraternity.

“Respectfully, I have submitted my nomination to contest the GJA National Organising Secretary position,” he announced in a statement released ahead of the official campaign period.

Mr Kudekor’s candidacy is backed by an extensive leadership record within the GJA, particularly in the Eastern Region.

He has served two terms as Regional Secretary and two terms as Regional Chairman, earning him a seat at the national table as a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association.

Throughout his tenure, he is credited with playing a pivotal role in revitalising regional structures, deepening member mobilisation, and advocating for enhanced benefits for journalists at the grassroots.

“My priority is to promote membership benefits and advance the interests of our dear Association,” Kudekor stated, adding that his focus will include the welfare of journalists, broadcasters, and media workers across Ghana and in the diaspora.

The journalist and entrepreneur’s message comes at a critical time when journalists in Ghana continue to face threats ranging from physical assaults to economic precarity and legal intimidation.

He underscored the importance of standing firm in defense of press freedom and journalist safety.

“Together, we can promote and protect total media freedom and the welfare of journalists, broadcasters, and media workers in Ghana and beyond,” Kudekor said, striking a tone of solidarity and collective responsibility.

While he has made his intentions public, Kudekor stressed that his campaign will adhere strictly to the GJA electoral calendar.

The Association is expected to officially announce the timeline for campaigning, vetting, and voting in the coming weeks as it prepares for national executive elections.

“As we await the commencement of the official campaign in line with the election calendar, I pray for your support in my quest to serve our Association in rectitude,” he noted.

Strategic Role of Organising Secretary

The position of National Organising Secretary is seen as a backbone role within the GJA’s executive structure, responsible for membership mobilisation, union strengthening, event coordination, and ensuring regional chapters remain active and connected to national policy directives.

With his long-standing history in regional mobilisation and national policy engagement, Kudekor is expected to be a formidable contender in the upcoming polls.

His entry into the race adds to what political watchers within the media fraternity anticipate will be a competitive and consequential election as journalists seek a revitalised and responsive leadership to confront the many challenges facing the profession.

Maxwell Kudekor holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communication from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication studies from the same institution.

He also holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration ( GIMPA).

He was the Interim Executive Committee Chairman for the GIMPA Law Students Association in 2023.

At GIMPA, he supervised the reorganisation of the Law Students Association, led the review of the Association’s constitution, conducted a peaceful election and restored the association back to its roots after a prolonged election dispute.

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.

Panelists on an International Labour Organisation (ILO) Tripartite Roundtable Discussion have stated that extreme exchange rate volatility can be risky and hurt businesses.

The roundtable discussion was on productivity, jobs, and growth in Ghana, using the National Productivity Statistics Report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) as a basis.

Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, the Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and a panelist, said it was normal for Ghanaians to be jubilant about the appreciation of the cedis due to the rate at which the cedi depreciated in the past.

“The challenge, however, is that extreme volatility can be very risky and hurtful for some sectors. What is happening now is hurting exports,” he said.

He noted that what the business community wanted was a stable exchange rate that allows businesses to plan both for the short and long term.

“Given where we have come from, we should be allowed to pat ourselves on the back and be encouraged to do more to make sure that the cedi regains some of its loss and value,” he added.

Dr Otoo further stated that from an economic perspective, what is needed is a stable exchange rate, not one that depreciates sharply and appreciates sharply the next day.

Nana Poquah A. A. Adiamah, the National Coordinator of the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM), said they have mixed reactions to the appreciation of the cedi, indicating that export-oriented companies stand to lose.

Nana Adiamah stated: “We are watching how the currency will go and make business strategies based on that.”

Mr Kingsley Laar, an Economist and Senior Researcher at the Ghana Employers’ Association, re-echoed that the sustainability of businesses depends on the ability to predict the macroeconomy, including the exchange rate, and make decisions.

He added that exchange rate volatility makes decision-making difficult and impacts productivity, indicating that monetary policies from the central bank sometimes increase production costs and reduce the purchasing power of businesses.

Source: GNA

The late Major Maxwell Mahama who was lynched by some residents of Denkyira Obuasi

Captain (Rtd) Denis Mahama Adams, father of the late Major Maxwell Mahama, has called for an end to mob justice as the family commemorates eight years since his brutal killing.

In a solemn tribute shared on the Ghana Armed Forces’ X page on May 29, 2025, the family was seen laying wreath at the grave of the fallen soldier.

Major Mahama was tragically lynched in Denkyira Obuasi, Central Region, on May 29, 2017 – a crime that shook the nation.

His father expressed deep gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for their unwavering support since the tragedy that claimed his son’s life.

“We are here to honor Major Mahama and ensure his legacy continues to inspire the nation,” Captain (Rtd) Denis Mahama Adams stated.

He condemned mob justice, calling it an unacceptable practice that must end.

“I urge all Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law and reject such acts,” he said.

During the solemn ceremony at Osu Cemetery in Accra, family members took turns laying wreaths in remembrance of the late soldier.

The commemoration coincided with the 77th United Nations Day for Peacekeepers, a day dedicated to celebrating the courage of soldiers who risk their lives daily to safeguard citizens and maintain peace.

See post below

He condemned the act of mob justice, describing it as unacceptable and urged Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/AV6HCxhvOS

— Ghana Armed Forces (@GhArmedForces) May 29, 2025

VPO/MA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Once seen as the stuff of sci-fi movies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have quietly made their way into boardrooms, banking halls, hotel systems, and customer service centres across Ghana. And for forward-looking businesses, they are proving to be a game-changer.

It took a global pandemic to jolt many business leaders into realising just how vital these technologies are—not just for innovation’s sake, but for real-world survival. Companies that embraced AI and automation early were more adaptable, more profitable, and more responsive to shifting customer needs during the toughest of times. Today, the smart use of digital intelligence is no longer optional. It’s the foundation of a great customer experience—something Ghanaian consumers now expect.

AI and automation: a dynamic duo

While often used interchangeably, AI and automation perform different, complementary roles in your business:

•    AI helps understand what the customer wants. It thinks, learns, and analyses.

•    Automation executes actions based on that understanding. It does the repetitive tasks.

Together, they reduce delays, improve service, and free up human employees to focus on high-value, complex customer issues—not answering “What are your working hours?” for the hundredth time. Forget the Hollywood vision of robots walking through your office. In reality, these technologies silently power call centres, chatbots, booking engines, and CRM systems—boosting efficiency and cutting costs.

Let humans be human

Customer-facing staff, especially in Ghana’s telecom, banking, and hospitality sectors, often feel overwhelmed with repetitive questions and long queues. AI and automation offer a new way of working—delegating routine questions to bots, and empowering staff to focus on personalised support. “Our staff used to spend hours handling simple requests,” says Akua Mensah, a customer service lead at a leading Ghanaian bank. “Now, our system handles the basics automatically, and our team handles the rest with more care and less stress.”

By reducing call times and avoiding long hold queues, businesses not only save money—they also make customers feel heard, valued, and respected.

Case study: Hotels and booking in the digital era

Consider a hotel group in Accra using automated services during peak travel season. Their AI-powered system scanned thousands of customer bookings, checked hotel availability, and sent real-time updates—all within seconds. No manual intervention. No errors. Just fast, consistent communication that elevated the customer experience.

Smarter conversations, better outcomes

Tools like agent-assist—now being explored in some Ghanaian contact centres—take AI even further. These systems listen to a live call, search multiple databases, and suggest the best next action to the agent in real time. For example, if a customer calls a local travel agency asking about a delayed trip, the AI system can pull up their file instantly, identify the issue, and suggest suitable alternatives—all before the caller finishes explaining. That’s the kind of seamless experience that builds customer loyalty in an age where brand switching is just one click away.

Data that drives growth

One of the most powerful benefits of AI and automation is data visibility. Every customer interaction becomes a data point—logged, tracked, and analysed in real time. This enables businesses to:

•    Identify customer trends and needs

•    Spot gaps in service delivery

•    Monitor team performance

•    Make smarter business decisions

With the right analytics in place, Ghanaian businesses can transform their service centres into intelligence hubs, helping leadership proactively improve services instead of reacting to complaints.

Digital experience is the new standard

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of businesses dependent on traditional models. Those with cloud-based customer service platforms adapted quickly to remote work, while others struggled to serve customers without access to physical infrastructure. In Ghana, businesses using outdated systems are finding it harder to compete with new digital entrants—nimble, mobile-friendly, and born in the cloud. Whether in fintech, delivery services, or e-commerce, the future belongs to those that can evolve quickly and intelligently.

What it all means for you

Whether you’re running a start-up in East Legon or managing a retail chain in Kumasi, AI and automation offer benefits you can’t afford to ignore:

•    Faster response times

•    Lower operational costs

•    Happier, more empowered staff

•    Smarter, data-driven decisions

•    Loyal customers who come back again and again

In today’s competitive environment, customer experience is the new battlefield—and AI is your most valuable ally. “Businesses in Ghana that embrace digital intelligence now will not just survive—they’ll thrive,” says Kojo Oppong, a digital transformation advisor in Accra. “Those that don’t will struggle to keep up.”

Final thought

AI and automation are no longer future technologies. They are present-day necessities for any Ghanaian business serious about delighting customers, cutting costs, and staying ahead of the curve. The question is no longer if you’ll adopt them, but how soon.

>>>the writer is a seasoned cloud architect and systems administrator with expertise in leading technical teams to create innovative platforms. As CTO of eSolutions Consulting, he has spearheaded major projects like the Office 365 rollout for Ghana’s government and infrastructure deployment for the Ghana Revenue Authority. 

Recognized for his strategic use of emerging technologies, Allen has led his team to multiple Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, solidifying his role as a key leader in tech-driven business transformation. If you’d like to explore how these strategies can help your organization thrive, reach out to discuss tailored solutions for your business growth journey. He can be reached via [email protected] and or 0540123034

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has projected a further reduction in the fees paid by Ghanaian Muslims seeking to embark on a Hajj pilgrimage in 2026.

The government reduced the cost of the Hajj fare from GH¢75,000 to about GH¢60,000 for the ongoing 2025 pilgrimage.

Speaking at an event in the Bono Region as part of his “Thank You Tour”, on May 29, 2025, Mahama said that pilgrims would be paying less than GH¢50,000 for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

He explained that the reduction stems from the remarkable strength the Ghana cedi has gained against foreign currencies.

“We also revised the fare for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage downwards. Yesterday, the last aircraft airlifted our pilgrims to Mecca, and we reduced the fares from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000.

“I can foresee that we can further beat down the fees because of the performance of the cedi. At the time we started paying for this year’s Hajj, the cedi was at GH¢15.5 to $1. So, the fare that we came up with for pilgrims was $4,000 which amounts to GH¢62,000 when converted to cedis,” he said.

The president added, “Next year, if you do a calculation where the cedi is currently at GH¢10.5 (to a dollar), it means that next year the fare for Hajj will probably go below GH¢50,000. So, if the cedi keeps performing the way it is, it will offer more relief to our brothers and sisters who will decide to embark on the Hajj.”

Watch his remarks below:

Next year’s Hajj fare could drop below ₵50,000… – Pres. Mahama#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork#GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/uJa1Efcx97

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) May 29, 2025

BAI/VPO

• Gisela Amponsah’s reason for leaving Glitch Africa’s Rants, Bants and Confessions podcast after a season has caught the attention of Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson.
• The former podcast host accused the show’s producers of offering little to no protection from online bullies
• Her frustrations with Glitch Africa influenced Lydia Forson to criticise the trend of showrunners prioritising sensational content

Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson has weighed in on Gisela Amponsah’s ordeal with the producers of Glitch Africa Studios’ Rants, Bants and Confessions.

Gisela, who left the show with Ama Burland after a season, talked about her exit for the first time in the debut episode of her new show, Let’s Do Drinks.

According to Gisela, there was too much drama behind the scenes with the show runners. She called out the producers for prioritising YouTube views over the mental health and well-being of the hosts.

Gisela accused the producer of deliberately paying bloggers to intentionally insult her and the other hosts on social media for the show’s publicity.

Ama Burland rehashed Gisela’s frustrations as she decided to quit the show for similar reasons.

The show now runs with Perfect Match Xtra season 2 contestant Rose Owusu Konadu, popularly known as Rosey, social media personality and entrepreneur Adjoa Tasha and Efia Odo, who is the only one part of the original team.

Glitch Africa, founded by Nigerian mogul Best Amakhian, prides itself as Africa’s biggest creator network.

In Nigeria, a situation akin to Gisela’s happened as Nigerian radio personality Chinedu Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu Wazobia of the Honest Bunch Podcast, linked to Glitch Africa, stepped down.

He cited the need to protect his “peace of mind,” family, and the show’s integrity.

Lydia Forson supports Gisela Amponsah

According to the award-winning actress Lydia Forson, there is a growing trend of young people falling prey to showrunners who only care about their views and not their mental health.

Lydia Foron, in a post on social media, empathised with Gisela, stating that she was proud of her for speaking up.

“I believe her. A lady on one of these podcasts made the same claim to me recently, and I had to remind her that, in the end, it was HER face and not the producers out there. Too many young people are exploited for views and ratings on these shows. Proud of them,” she said.

“There’s a reason why it seems I’m always at odds with the media, bloggers, etc, because most of them are on this table. They focus on sensational clips, headlines and anything to get people fired up to insult you, all for views and against your mental health,” Lydia Forson added.

Fan demands Gisela and Burland’s return

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Efia Odo had responded to a fan who questioned the absence of Ama Burland and Gisela Amponsah from the new season of Rants, Bants and Confessions.

She told the fans they could follow the former hosts on their personal pages if they missed them. The new episode of the podcast has actor Tonardo as the latest guest on the show.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh

By Laudia Sawer

Tema, May 30, GNA – The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has held a Tripartite Roundtable Discussion on Productivity, Jobs and Growth in Ghana based on the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) National Productivity Statistics Report.

The discussion had panelists from organised labour, employers, manufacturers, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.

It was organised under the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work (PE4DW) project of the ILO, in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

The panelists gave diverse perspectives on Ghana’s macroeconomic policies; sectoral policies; fair sharing of productivity gains (earnings); employment, skills, and formalisation; as well as social dialogue, governance and data.

Mr David Marcos, Project Manager for the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work, indicated that for the past three years they have been working on the project, adding that it commenced at the time when Ghana was in economic crisis.

Mr Marcos added that it aims at improving productivity and working conditions as well as looking at the sustainable components of growth in the economy.

He said while productivity was essential, working conditions were also very important, as access to the global market is linked to decent work.

Mr Luca Fedi, an Employment Specialist, gave a brief on the context for productivity and jobs in Ghana and said a look at the sectoral performance revealed that the extractive industry was performing well in Ghana.

Mr Fedi added, however, that though the extractive sector was doing well, they operated as an island, as their successes did not create the linkages to allow the economy to transform.

He noted that the overall economic transformation of Ghana has been slow, indicating that the sectors that would bring the needed transformation were manufacturing and agriculture, noting that their productivity, however, remains small in terms of employment and therefore needs some expansion

.

He said in Ghana, earnings are lagging behind jobs and urged for an improvement in the minimum wages.

The panelist during the discussion agreed that Ghana needed macroeconomic stability and the need for a consensus on what that stability means and how to achieve it.

They also agreed on the importance of improving working conditions and fixing infrastructural deficits such as road connectivity for the charting of food items from the farms to the urban areas instead of leaving them to rot while food prices are high in the cities.

The panelists were Mr Kingsley Laar, an Economist and Senior Researcher at the Ghana Employers’ Association; Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, the Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC); and Nana Poquah A. A. Adiamah, the National Coordinator of the Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM).

The others were Mr George Amoah, the Director of Trade Research, Statistics and Information Management (RSIM) at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Mr Theodore Mawuli Amezah, Senior Planning Officer at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.

GNA

Edited by Benjamin Mensah