The Ghana Work Abroad Programme is designed to open doors in industries

The Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, in partnership with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has officially launched the Ghana Work Abroad Programme, an initiative designed to connect Ghanaian talent with global employment opportunities in a safe and structured way.

Speaking at the launch event at La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that this programme is more than just about finding jobs,it’s about changing lives.

“Every young person deserves a chance to build a better future, whether here in Ghana or abroad. This initiative provides a legal and safe pathway for our youth to gain skills, earn an income, and contribute to Ghana’s economy through remittances,” Dr. Pelpuo said, his voice filled with optimism.

The Ghana Work Abroad Programme is designed to open doors in industries such as artisanship, hospitality, transportation (drivers and logistics), agriculture, and construction.

Applicants will go through a transparent selection process, receive certified training in Romania, and be placed in ethical, well-monitored jobs overseas.

Dr. Pelpuo assured the public that there will be full government oversight to ensure that Ghanaian workers are treated fairly and provided with proper working conditions.

He also announced that bilateral agreements with host countries will be established to guarantee fair wages, legal protections, and worker benefits.

For young professionals like Kwame Asare, a trained welder from Kumasi, this program offers a lifeline. “I’ve struggled to find consistent work despite my skills. This gives me a real chance to earn, save, and support my family,” he shared, his eyes filled with hope.

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), a key implementing partner, will oversee the registration and training of selected applicants. CEO of YEA, Malik Basintale, noted that the program is part of a larger vision to combat unemployment through innovative and sustainable means.

“We are not just sending people abroad to work; we are investing in their future and in Ghana’s economic growth. By ensuring they are well-trained and legally employed, we are setting them up for long-term success,” he said.

Beyond job creation, the initiative addresses the dangers of irregular migration by providing a safer alternative.

Many young Ghanaians risk their lives seeking better opportunities abroad, often falling into the hands of traffickers or exploitative employers.

With backing from international partners including the European Union, GIZ, IOM, ICMPD, and the ILO, the program has strong support to ensure its success. Inter-Ministerial Steering and Technical Committees have also been put in place to oversee policy implementation and ensure smooth coordination.

For many, this initiative represents not just a job, but a chance to redefine their future. The Ghana Work Abroad Program is a beacon of hope—one that promises new beginnings for Ghana’s youth.

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has welcomed a delegation of 15 organisations from Ghana’s healthcare sector for a four-city roadshow aimed at strengthening trade partnerships and development opportunities.

The delegation, visiting the UK from March 17-21, 2025, comprises representatives from the Ghanaian government, private health facilities, pharmaceutical and medical equipment distributors, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The visit is expected to enhance the existing healthcare collaboration between the UK and Ghana, which already includes research and training, knowledge and expertise transfer, investment, and healthcare systems strengthening.

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, John Humphrey, who is leading the UK delegation, emphasised the significance of the visit.

“The UK is committed to strengthening its economic ties with Africa, and Ghana is a key partner in this effort as we partner together to unlock growth, jobs, trade, investment, and opportunities in our economies.

“This delegation presents a significant opportunity for UK businesses to engage with Ghana’s growing healthcare market while also supporting Ghana’s development goals, including achieving universal health coverage.”

The roadshow will begin in London and continue to Birmingham, Leeds, and Cardiff. Throughout the tour, Ghanaian delegates will engage with UK companies offering solutions and expertise tailored to Ghana’s healthcare needs.

This initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with African nations and building capacity to address supply chain disruptions in recent years.

By working together, both countries aim to mitigate global shocks, minimize their impact, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the two nations.

“The UK and Ghana have enjoyed a long and consistent partnership on healthcare, enhancing the health services available to citizens as well as supporting opportunities for both British and Ghanaian businesses.

“This roadshow is an opportunity to deepen that partnership, harnessing our nations’ collective expertise, innovation, experience, and dynamism.

“I am confident that the visit will foster productive connections, paving the way for growth and prosperity between Ghana and the UK.”

The visit provides UK businesses with a valuable opportunity to explore Ghana’s expanding healthcare market while enabling Ghana to leverage the UK’s expertise, products, and services in the sector.

The Department for Business and Trade looks forward to productive engagements between the delegations, leading to increased trade and collaboration in healthcare.

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.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in oil-producing Rivers State and suspended the state governor, his deputy and all lawmakers.

Tinubu, in a television broadcast, said he had received security reports in the last two days of “disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.”

“With all these and many more, no good and responsible president will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state,” added Tinubu.

Police said earlier they were investigating the cause of a blast in Rivers state that resulted in a fire on Nigeria’s Trans Niger Pipeline, a major oil artery transporting crude from onshore oilfields to the Bonny export terminal.

Rivers, in the Niger Delta, is a major source of crude oil and militants have in the past blown up pipelines, hampering production and exports.

The state has been embroiled in a political crisis pitting factions of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against each other. The state lawmakers had also threatened to impeach the governor and his deputy.

Tinubu’s state of emergency enables the federal government to make regulations to run the state and also allow authorities to easily deploy security forces to bring order if needed.

Tinubu nominated a retired vice admiral as caretaker to run the affairs of Rivers State for an initial six months.

The president said he had sent a copy of his proclamation to the National Assembly, which can endorse or reject his decision.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” said Tinubu.

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.

IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno

Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised eyebrows in Parliament over the newly appointed Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) length of service, questioning whether his tenure aligns with the mandatory retirement regulations of the Ghana Police Service.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Afenyo-Markin referenced a statement made by the Minister of Interior, which indicated that the new IGP has served in the police force for 40 years.

The Minority Leader, however, expressed curiosity about the timeline of the IGP’s career and hinted at the need to verify whether he is due for retirement soon.

“Mr Speaker, the minister responsible for government communications told the country that the new IGP has spent 40 years in the service—40 years as a police officer. So, at the right time, we would calculate whether he entered at 2019 or 2018, his age, and all,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

His remarks subtly raised concerns about whether the IGP’s appointment complies with the service’s age and tenure policies, given that senior officers in the Ghana Police Service are expected to retire at a certain age.

While he did not explicitly accuse the government of any wrongdoing, his comments suggest a growing interest in the transparency of high-profile appointments in the security sector.

Beyond his remarks on the IGP’s tenure, Afenyo-Markin also pressed for a timeline on an ongoing investigation into allegations of tax overreach by the police.

However, his scrutiny of the IGP’s service record remains a key talking point, as questions continue to swirl around how long the new police chief will serve before mandatory retirement.

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Asantehene, Otumfo Osei Tutu II

Ohio University (OU), USA, is now offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Asante Twi, a dialect of the Akan language spoken in Ghana.

On the university’s website, it states, “Over 40% of the Ghanaian population speak various dialects of Akan, a language featured in literature and often chosen by students interested in conducting research in Ghana or applying for a Fulbright grant to study in Ghana.”

The Asante Twi program is available to students through the African Studies and Linguistics departments at OU.

“The choice of this variety of the Akan language is primarily due to the literary attention given to it in Ghana and the fact that the dialects of the Twi variety (Asante and Akuapem) are mutually intelligible,” OU explained.

“Twi and Fante (a variety of the Akan language spoken in the western and coastal areas) are also mutually intelligible. It is, in essence, the most widely spoken language in the country, understood by a majority of the population. Visitors to Ghana should have no problem communicating with the people if they know English (the official language) and Twi.”

The university outlined how it plans to teach the West African language, which “belongs to the Kwa subdivision of the Niger–Congo group of African languages.”

It stated, “OHIO language courses focus on all aspects of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Our language model also emphasizes the importance of culture. Language students not only learn Akan but also gain an understanding of its deep connections to the culture, history, traditions, and societal norms of the people who speak it.”

“OHIO Akan language courses focus on the language’s structure and how to communicate effectively while also exploring customs, beliefs, values, arts, literature, cuisine, social norms, and historical events that have shaped the language and its speakers. This approach helps students communicate more effectively and appropriately in various social and cultural contexts.”

Asante Twi is mostly spoken by the Asantes of central Ghana, whose leader is the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Richard Ahiagbah has urged Ghanaians to avoid politicizing the Minority Leader’s call for a dedicated hospital for MPs, insisting that the discussion should center on the urgent need to improve the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, the NPP Communications Director explained that the essence of Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s proposal is not exclusivity but rather the need for better medical facilities for everyone, including MPs.

“People are twisting his words to mean he wants a special hospital only for MPs. That is not what he is saying. He is drawing our attention to the fact that we need more health infrastructure,” Ahiagbah clarified.

He further criticized the government’s failure to continue the Agenda 111 project, expressing disappointment that hospitals planned to serve ordinary Ghanaians have been left incomplete.

“If you go to villages and districts, people are suffering because they lack hospitals. Agenda 111 was supposed to close that gap, yet we are not continuing it. Why? We cannot keep saying UGMC or Ridge Hospital was built when rural areas have nothing,” he lamented.

According to Ahiagbah, the country must prioritize health investments to prevent needless deaths.

“A lot of people die from things they shouldn’t die from. Sometimes, it’s inefficiencies in the system, lack of medical equipment, or just poor access to healthcare. We are losing people for no reason,” he stated.

He also called on President Mahama’s administration to focus on completing existing health projects, rather than engaging in political debates that do not serve the interest of Ghanaians.

“The Minority Leader’s suggestion should push us to have a bigger discussion. We should be asking why Agenda 111 has stalled, not attacking him for bringing up the need for better healthcare. Health is wealth, and if we don’t have it, nothing else matters,” Ahiagbah emphasized.

He concluded by urging the government and citizens alike to push for more investments in healthcare, saying, “Let’s take the politics out and focus on saving lives.”

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns in Parliament regarding the timeline for an ongoing investigation into a critical national security issue.

Speaking during proceedings monitored by MyNewsGh, Afenyo-Markin pressed for clarity on when the process would be concluded and when the findings would be made public.

“Mr. Speaker, when should we expect this investigation to be completed? And when will the report be submitted for us to know? Because this is a serious matter of national importance,” he questioned.

He acknowledged the importance of the investigation into allegations of tax overreach by the police but insisted on a concrete timeline.

“It’s a good effort that you are investigating, but the question is, when are we expecting the investigation to be completed, and when will the report be submitted?” he reiterated.

Afenyo-Markin also took the opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), whose introduction was made by the Interior Minister.

“Mr. Speaker, the minister, in his answer, took the opportunity to introduce the new IGP. I want to congratulate him on his appointment,” he stated.

However, the Deputy Majority Leader pointed out an interesting detail regarding the IGP’s tenure in the police service.

“Suffice it to state that in the statement from the minister responsible for government communications, he told the country that the new IGP has spent 40 years in the service—40 years as a police officer. So, at the right time, we would calculate whether he entered in 2019 or 2018, his age, and all,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has declared his $18 million defamation victory against former MP Kennedy Agyapong in New Jersey as a significant triumph for justice and press freedom.

Speaking after the Essex County Superior Court verdict, Anas described the ruling as a “resounding affirmation that falsehood and character assassination have no place in our society” and a crucial step in Ghana’s democratic journey.

“Yesterday, an eight-member jury delivered a unanimous verdict finding Kennedy Agyapong liable for defamation and awarding damages of 18 million U.S. dollars,” Anas announced.

“These damages arise from statements he made following the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, Betraying the Game, on October 28, 2018.”

For Anas, the ruling goes beyond a personal victory—it is a beacon of hope for journalists and citizens committed to accountability and transparency.

“This decision is not merely a legal triumph—it reinforces our commitment to building a robust democracy that serves all ordinary Ghanaians,” he stated.

He underscored the significance of winning a defamation case in the United States, noting the high legal threshold required.

“Proving defamation in the United States is an exceptionally high hurdle, requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice,” Anas explained.

“That the jury ruled unanimously in my favour underscores that Mr Agyapong acted both maliciously and recklessly in his attacks against me.”

Drawing a sharp contrast with his experience in Ghana, Anas lamented the failure of the Ghanaian judiciary to deliver justice when he pursued a similar case against Agyapong in 2018.

“Regrettably, the situation in Ghana was starkly different,” he said.

“Despite Mr. Agyapong’s own admission of lacking evidence to support his calumnious claims, Justice Eric Baah of the Accra High Court not only denied me justice but also unjustly portrayed me—the civil plaintiff—as a criminal.”

He highlighted how the Ghanaian ruling was later condemned by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who described it as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.”

According to Anas, this underscores the systemic flaws in Ghana’s judiciary that demand urgent reform. “Such outcomes are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws within our Ghanaian judicial system—flaws that demand urgent reform,” he stressed.

In contrast, he lauded the fairness of the proceedings in the U.S. court, where both Kennedy Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong, took the stand.

“Presided over by Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, the case saw Mr Agyapong take the stand alongside his brother. As he had in Ghana, he introduced audiovisual evidence under the title Who Watches the Watchman and even cited the Ghanaian judgment in his defence,” Anas recounted.

“Despite these efforts, our case—thoroughly prepared and presented by my legal team led by Andrew Deheer, Esq.—prevailed with an 8-0 verdict on every count.”

Anas declared that this ruling sends a clear warning to politicians who believe they can attack journalists without consequences.

“Today’s outcome sends a powerful message, particularly to Ghanaian politicians: you cannot take the media for granted,” he stated firmly.

“The press plays an indispensable role in scrutinizing power and holding leaders accountable, and any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with resolute resistance.”

He expressed deep appreciation for his legal team – Andrew Deheer, Arthur Wemegah, Evans Selasi Adika, and Odei Krow, – as well as his supporters who stood by him throughout this battle.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to my legal team, my supporters, and to everyone who has stood by my side in this relentless pursuit of truth,” he said.

While awaiting the final determination on punitive damages, Anas remains resolute in his commitment to fighting corruption.

“The fight against corruption continues unabated. We will persist in rooting out graft and holding accountable the bad actors in our society,” he declared.

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 Christiana Afua Nyarko

Accra, March 18, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Brigadier General William Agyapong as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).  

He succeeds General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, who served as CDS since February 2024. 

Early Life and Military Training 

Brig. Gen. Agyapong attended Effiduase Secondary Commercial School (EFFISCO) in the Ashanti Region and continued his Sixth Form education at Tema Secondary School.  

He joined the Ghana Armed Forces as a cadet in November 1988 and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in August 1990 after completing the Regular Career Course Intake 30. 

Key Leadership Roles 

Throughout his career, Brig. Gen. Agyapong held several command and administrative roles, shaping military operations and training programmes.  

He served as Commanding Officer of the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills and Commander Rear of the Four Infantry Battalion in Kumasi.  

He was the first Joint Task Force Commander of Operation VANGUARD, which tackled illegal mining in 2017.  

Other roles included Director of Army Administration at Army HQ from 2016 to 2018 and Director General of Defence Industries Department in 2021. 

His peacekeeping experience includes serving as Commanding Officer of a Ghana Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in 2012.  

He also served in Liberia with the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), in the Gambia under the ECOWAS Mission in Gambia (ECOMIG), in Rwanda under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), and in the Central African Republic and Chad under the United Nations Mission (MNURCAT). 

Brig. Gen. Agyapong also contributed significantly to GAF’s training institutions, including the Ghana Military Academy, Army Combat Training School, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). 

Between 2013 and 2016, he worked as a strategic planner at the United Nations Secretariat in New York and has been Military Advisor to Ghana’s Permanent Representative at the UN since September 2023. 

Academic Accomplishments and Professional Expertise 

Brig. Gen. Agyapong is one of Ghana’s most academically accomplished military leaders.  

His qualifications include a Master of Military Arts and Science from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA, a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from the University of London, UK, a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from King’s College, London, UK, and Diploma in Forensic Accounting from the Brentwood Institute, UK. 

He is also a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), UK.  

Personal Life 

Brig. Gen. Agyapong is widely respected for his discipline, professionalism, and ability to foster unity.  

He is married to Madam Esther Agyapong, and they are blessed with four children. 

GNA 

KAS 

Adjaye Associates has reported a pre-tax loss of £720,000, a significant decline from the £2.5 million profit recorded in its previous trading period.

Published on Monday, March 17 at Companies House, the accounts for the year ending December 31, 2023, reveal that David Adjaye’s firm saw a turnover drop of more than £3 million, falling from £20.4 million in 2022 to £17.1 million in 2023.

The company attributed part of its loss to a one-off exceptional item of £1.46 million, described as a “provision against withholding tax debtors.”

The firm’s workload in Asia dropped sharply from £4.8 million to £891,500, while income from the Middle East declined slightly from £14.1 million to £13 million. However, revenue increased in Africa (£261,000 to £1.4 million), the UK (£684,000 to £984,000), and the Americas (£398,000 to £641,000).

The financial period covered by the accounts coincides with the publication of sexual misconduct allegations against David Adjaye by the Financial Times—claims he has consistently denied.

During the same year, the firm implemented redundancies, reducing its London workforce, which stood at 110 employees at the time. By 2023, the total staff count had dropped to 85, with turnover per employee declining from £213,000 in 2022 to £202,000 in 2023.

Despite the reported loss, the company paid out a dividend of £1.89 million.

In the strategic report accompanying the figures, company director David Adjaye wrote:

“2023 was a commercially challenging year for the construction industry at large and this is reflected in our financial reporting for the period.

“Our position as one of the most diverse practices in the world, recognised for the representation we bring to architecture and for the quality and social impact of our work, together with our ability to be agile with resourcing, is a resilient basis from which to recover from a temporary downturn.”

The report, which describes the studio as having “built a robust reputation for both its built portfolio and intellectual and cross-cultural endeavors,” noted that Adjaye Associates continues to secure projects across the UK, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.

The firm has also won new commissions, including a major art project in Saudi Arabia and a large-scale residential development in France.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday launched a groundbreaking transformation of the facilities of the Technical Centre situated in the national capital, Abuja, to meet global standards.

Funded by the world football governing body, FIFA, through its development program, FIFA Forward, to the tune of USD 4,800,000, the expansion will include reconstruction of existing synthetic pitches, the addition of new natural and synthetic grass pitches, and the construction of a modern football hostel to house the various national teams.

The initiative aims to equip Nigeria’s national teams with a world-class facility that supports their development. The upgraded technical centre will serve as a dedicated home for all national teams, reducing accommodation and travel expenses while ensuring better team management and coordination.

Also, the project is designed to enhance football infrastructure, provide top-tier training facilities, and cut operational costs while boosting revenue through sponsorships and marketing.

NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau said: “The NFF is excited about the Players’ Hostel and new training pitches. It is a transformational project around our infrastructure for the national teams, and we are grateful to FIFA for providing the funds for these amazing facilities.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management, but it will also substantially reduce expenditure in these areas and enable us to commit more funds to grassroots development programs.”

The direct beneficiaries of this project include Nigeria’s national teams, youth and women’s squads, league clubs, and academies, while compete on organizers and visiting teams will also gain access to the improved facilities.

On his part, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations officer, Gelson Fernandes, observed, “The main objective of the Forward Program is to ensure top-quality infrastructures that drive football development worldwide. The NFF’s transformation of its Technical Centre is a perfect example—upgrading pitches, building modern accommodations, and creating a true home for national teams. This project is a brilliant one for Nigerian football.

“We’re proud to support and to work alongside the NFF, not only with funding but also by sharing expertise to make this project a reality. Nigeria lives and breathes football, and FIFA is committed to helping the game grow as much as we can,” added Fernandes, who doubles as FIFA Regional Director for Africa.

The FIFA Forward is the largest and biggest sports development programme in the world. It was created in 2016 to redistribute FIFA’s revenues equally among the 211 MAs.

The five main areas where funds are used include Infrastructure, Capacity building, Competitions, National teams and subventions as well as specific projects depending on the needs of the respective MA.

In line with its strategy to make football truly global, by the end of 2026, FIFA will have invested a record-breaking figure of USD 5 billion in football.

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 Morkporkpor Anku 

Accra, March 18, GNA – Professor Godfred A. Bokpin, an Economist and Professor of Finance, says no economy can grow sustainably in a transformative manner without being intentional about indigenous businesses. 

He called on the President to be intentional in supporting the various sectors and in the next four years, the government could point to these assisted businesses. 

Prof Bokpin was speaking at the 2025 National Budget Review as part of the Ghana National Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (GNCCI) National Dialogue Series in Accra on Tuesday. 

The GNCCI, in partnership with Absa Bank Ghana Limited, organised the Budget Review on the theme: “2025 National Budget Discourse: Implications for the Private Sector.” 

The event served as a pivotal platform for dialogue, advocacy, and the exchange of ideas that will help chart a course for the future of businesses in Ghana. 

He said these businesses could be picked from micro to medium, medium to large and be deliberate about the type of support to enable them to contribute to the development of the economy. 

“From banking, from telecom, from mining, we must be intentional about increasing local content,” he added. 

He said every country was looking at how they could create opportunities for indigenous businesses and that was the only way out. 

Prof Bokpin said what the country had been doing over the years was to use politics and power to victimise indigenous businesses because of their political affiliations. 

He said the government needed to come out with a structured instrument that allowed private capital to help them deliver on critical infrastructure. 

He said when it comes to critical economic infrastructure, it should be able to pay for itself and “we should be looking at public-private partnership.” 

The Economist said the country had a huge infrastructure deficit and needed a legislative framework, and an enabling environment that allowed private capital to feel comfortable to partner the public sector to deliver critical infrastructure. 

He said the International Monetary Fund Programme needed to be renegotiated, because its design, structure,  benchmark, indicative targets, and the growth trajectory,  would be insufficient to lift millions of Ghanaians out of poverty. 

He said looking at the new mandate, the government’s manifesto, and all of that, it was going to be challenging  

situating that within the IMF-supported programme without disruptions. 

“The most important thing is that because over the years we have not been able to maintain macroeconomic stability for long, so the programme will deliver some relative macroeconomic stability,” he added. 

Mr Mark Badu Aboagye, CEO of GNCCI, said the Chamber had the responsibility to break down and simplify the budget for their members to enable them to take advantage of the opportunities available. 

“I see another opportunity within the agriculture sector where the government is expected to pump in about 1.5 billion,” he said. 

He said as a Chamber they would be holding the hands of their members to strategically align and leverage these opportunities. 

The CEO said there were several sectors within the Chamber and once they were able to do that, “we will bring them on board and let them know that for this particular sector, these are these opportunities available.” 

He said the Chamber would monitor keenly the implementation of the budget and engage government on any deviations from the target to bring them back on track. 

GNA 

CA

Ken Agyapong [L] has been ordered to pay $18 million to Anas Aremeyaw Anas

An Essex County jury has awarded investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas $18 million in his defamation suit against former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong.

This update was shared on the Facebook page of renowned legal scholar and political analyst, Professor Kwaku Azar.

He wrote, “An Essex County jury awards $18M in his defamation suit against Kennedy Agyapong, who has requested a remittitur.”

It will be recalled that in January 2023, an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Eric Baah dismissed Anas’ defamation suit against Kennedy Agyapong.

The court ruled that although the words spoken against Anas were factual and capable of being defamatory, he could not prove his case.

Anas had prayed the High Court to award aggravated damages to the tune of GH¢25 million, arising from defamatory materials published by the MP.

The MP had published materials in an attempt to discredit the investigative journalist, who had released a report on corruption.

Unhappy with the MP’s actions, Anas, through his lawyer, sued Kennedy Agyapong for general damages for defamation based on the defendant’s publications.

On May 29, 2018, during a live program in Twi on Adom TV, Kennedy Agyapong categorically stated that Anas was a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil.

Read the post below:

JKB/MA

Catch up on the mysterious and historic details of Fort Amsterdam in this final part of our Ghana Month Series on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below:

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah

Accra, March 18, GNA – Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the Ghanaian Cedi has remained stable against the US dollar since February 19, 2025, on the interbank forex market. 

The Minister said as of March 14, 2025, GHS 15.53 was exchanging to a dollar on the forex market, depreciating by 5.3 per cent, as against 5.7 per cent depreciation seen last year. 

The Finance Minister made this known on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday when responding to Madam Mavis Nkansah Boadu, the MP for Afigya Sekyere East’s question on measures government is taking to stop the significant depreciation of the Cedi against other trading currencies on the forex market. 

Dr Ato Forson indicated that the Central Bank had maintained a tight liquidity measures, ensuring the Cedi remained stable on the interbank forex market. 

The Finance Minister highlighted some measures government was implementing to ensure the Ghanaian currency remained resilient including the establishment of the Gold Board, enhancing foreign currency on the forex market and frontloading actions to reduce government’s expenditures. 

Dr Ato Forson added that in the ensuing months the Government’s “24-hour economy” would roll out measures including import substitution policy to ensure the resilience of the Cedi on the forex market. 

GNA 

KOA 

Accra, March 18, GNA – The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has raised the alarm over increasing encroachment on its lands, warning that the activity poses a serious threat to the security of its installations and public safety.

In a statement signed by Mr. Anthony Nana Boateng, Director of the Commercialisation and Communication Directorate, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), GAEC cautioned that the safety of residents in the immediate vicinity was at risk.

“The Commission is increasingly confronted with a surge in encroachments, with activities now dangerously close to the National Nuclear Waste Management Centre.

“This centre houses hazardous radioactive waste, managed in strict compliance with Ghanaian laws and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations,” the statement warned.

The GAEC reported that unknown individuals had illegally breached barricades, securing portions of the land behind the Bohye Police Base Workshop and Ga-East Hospital.

These individuals had begun grading large areas designated for nuclear facility expansion.

According to GAEC, the planned facility would support sustainable agriculture and enhance national food security by preserving food, reducing post-harvest losses, and controlling contamination in consumer products.

Additionally, it would be used for sterilising single-use medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other essential products.

The GAEC noted, preventing encroachment was critical to maintaining a safe research environment and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for national development.

It also highlighted Ghana’s obligations to protect its nuclear assets, as required under international legal frameworks to which the country is a signatory.

The Commission added, Ghana currently holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Board of Governors of the IAEA, the United Nations agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide.

“If the issue of land encroachment is not addressed swiftly, it could harm Ghana’s international reputation and future opportunities.

“Ghana’s positive track record in safely operating a research reactor for over 30 years could be undermined,” GAEC warned.

The GAEC also advised the public against purchasing any portion of its land from anyone.

GNA

SOF

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from taking any further steps to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In a ruling Tuesday, Judge Theodore Chuang said the efforts, led by Trump ally Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency (Doge), likely violated the US Constitution “in multiple ways”.

Chuang ordered Doge to restore access to USAID’s computer and payment systems for employees, including those who were placed on leave.

The judge also ruled that the termination of USAID employees should stop, but did not order the reinstating of employees previously placed on leave.

The ruling came in a case brought on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees who allege in court filings that Musk is following “a predictable and reckless slash-and-burn pattern” in dismantling US government departments.

In a complaint filed on 13 February, lawyers for the employees argued that Musk’s power is illegitimate and asked for Doge’s activities to be halted and reversed.

The ruling is the latest legal setback for the Trump administration. On Monday, another federal judge ordered a halt to the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

The judge in that case questioned Department of Justice lawyers about why his order, issued when several deportation flights were in the air, was not immediately implemented and followed.

President Trump called for the impeachment of the judge in that case, which prompted a rare rebuke from the chief justice of the US Supreme Court.

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 Mahama’s X account has been restored after being hacked to promote a suspicious cryptocurrency called “Solana Africa”.

The account was compromised on March 17, 2025, but thankfully, the President’s team worked with X’s support team to regain control of the account.

The President confirmed the restoration himself on X, expressing gratitude for the public’s concern and offering to assist.

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is currently investigating the breach and collaborating with X’s security team to prevent future incidents.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke