The Communication Initiative for Change (CIC) – Meatless Monday Ghana celebrated World Pulses Day with a hybrid program that brought together experts and enthusiasts to discuss the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses.

Moderated by Mr. Emmanuel Fiagbey, Director of CIC – Meatless Monday Ghana, the program featured insightful presentations from Mr. Peter Agbovi, the National Secretary of the Chefs Association of Ghana, and Mr. Wise Chukudi Letsa, a Nutritionist and Dietician from LETS Consult.

The speakers delivered engaging presentations that emphasized the high protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients found in beans, the main pulse or legume variety in Ghana. They also discussed the importance of regular consumption of beans in the management of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

The program further explored the environmental advantages of consuming beans, including their role in promoting sustainable agriculture by improving soil fertility through atmospheric nitrogen fixation and supporting biodiversity. The speakers encouraged participants to increasingly adopt plant-based diets by making pulses/beans their primary source of protein instead of overly relying on meat sources.

The Communication Initiative for Change (CIC) – Meatless Monday Ghana is committed to promoting sustainable and healthy eating habits among Ghanaians in order to curb the growing trend of Non-Communicable Diseases among Ghanaians.

The project is being sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for a Livable Future with technical support from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs.

 The Zongo Manifesto Forum (PPF Institution) together with Zongo Institute for Development (ZID) have appealed to the President, John Dramani Mahama, to appoint more individuals from the Zongo communities in the new admin­istration to facilitate the develop­ment of these communities.

According to the institutions, the appointment would also serve as a beacon of hope and inspira­tion for young Zongo people by encouraging them to aspire for leadership roles in the future.

“We wish to acknowledge and express our deepest appreciation to the President for nominating notable figures from the Zongo and Muslim communities to key Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial positions, however, we humbly ask for more opportunities and empowerment for the Zongo community,” the group stated.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Spokespersons for PPF and ZID, copied the Ghanaian Times called on the President to appoint more competent individuals from the Muslim communities to key roles such as presidential staffers, board members, Chief Executive Officers of State Agencies, Municipal/ Metropolitan Chief Executives and even ambassadorial positions.

“These appointments will not only empower the individual appointed, it will ensure greater inclusivity and above all stimulate the empowerment of the general community,” the group indicated.

The statement also noted that, the future of the Zongo commu­nity rested on the shoulders of ca­pable young individuals who must be given the chance to contribute meaningfully to national progress.

Therefore, the group called on all individuals from the Zon­go community who have been appointed and also would be given the opportunity to serve govern­ment and the public with excel­lence, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to national develop­ment.

Additionally, they urged the leadership of the National Dem­ocratic Congress Zongo Caucus, stakeholders, and all Zongo leaders to remain united and work in har­mony to support the vision of the President in delivering his develop­mental agenda for all Ghanaians.

“We shall commit to regularly checking these individual and hold­ing such appointees accountable to the people and the Zongo commu­nity as whole,” they pledged.

Touching on the reduction of the Hajj fares, the group said the reduction of Hajj fares from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000, making it the most affordable within the sub-region was highly commend­able.

This, the statement underlined, reflects the government’s genuine commitment to the progress and well-being of the Zongo com­munities, “We are also optimistic about the fulfillment of other key manifesto pledges.”

“Additional National Holiday for Eidil Fitir, the expansion of edu­cational infrastructure and colleges of Education in Zongo commu­nities, and the establishment of the Soyayya Fund for economic empowerment, the realisation of these promises amongst others will undoubtedly accelerate the socio-economic advancement of Zongo communities across Gha­na,” it added.

The group reaffirmed its un­wavering support for the govern­ment by committing to providing innovative ideas and professional expertise to support national de­velopment, with a particular focus on advancing the socio-economic progress of Zongo communities.

“We stand ready to collaborate with government, policymakers, civil society organisations, and development partners to ensure that the aspirations of the Zongo people are met through concrete policies and programmes,” the group noted.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

The Ministry of Finance, on Monday, February 17, 2025, honored the Payment-In-Cash (VIC) coupon of GH₵6.081 billion to all Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) bondholders.

The move is in compliance with a directive issued by President John Mahama.

The government has also honored the Pay-In-Kind (PIK) portion of GH₵3.46 billion, deposited into the respective bondholders’ securities accounts in line with the DDEP Memorandum.

Additionally, the government has paid GH₵9.7 billion into the Debt Service Recovery Cedi Account (Sinking Fund) as a buffer for the 5th DDEP coupon, which will fall due in July and August 2025.

According to a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, President Mahama is committed to honoring all obligations under the DDEP.

“Through the 2025 budget statement, the government will announce further measures to help restore market confidence in the economy, improve spending efficiency, and enhance transparency and accountability in public finance,” the statement disclosed.

It added: “Ultimately, the government seeks to restore fiscal prudence while ensuring value for every pesewa spent. Despite the challenging economy inherited from the previous administration, the government is determined to bring back a stable cedi, control spiraling inflation, and create jobs for the teeming youth of our country.”

KA

President John Mahama has directed the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) coupons and build a financial buffer through the Sinking Fund.

In line with this directive, the Ministry of Finance has on Monday, February 17, disbursed a Payment-In-Cash (PIC) coupon of GH₵6.081 billion to all DDEP bondholders. Additionally, a Payment-In-Kind (PIK) portion of GH₵3.46 billion has been credited to bondholders’ securities accounts, in accordance with the terms outlined in the DDEP Memorandum.

To further strengthen the country’s debt management strategy, the government has also deposited GH₵9.7 billion into the Debt Service Recovery Cedi Account (Sinking Fund). This move is intended to serve as a buffer for the next five DDEP coupon payments due in July and August 2025.

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling all obligations under the DDEP while working to restore confidence in the economy.

He indicated that the upcoming 2025 Budget Statement will outline additional measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, prioritising spending, and enhancing transparency in public financial management.

The government is focused on stabilising the cedi, controlling inflation, and creating jobs, despite the economic challenges inherited from the previous administration. By implementing prudent fiscal policies, the Mahama-led administration aims to restore macroeconomic stability and ensure value for every pesewa spent.

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.

Accra, Feb. 17, GNA – Mr Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has announced plans to localise climate change issues to help build resilience and sustain livelihood, especially for the vulnerable. 

 In that regard, he said the government would be working with relevant bodies to undertake advocacy, educate the public and stakeholders, and build capacity of relevant agencies on the climate crisis. 

 Mr Seidu was welcoming a four-member team from the University of Ghana, led by Professor Gordon A. Awandare, the Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Students Affairs, and Prof. Chris Gordon, an Environmental Scientist, with special interests in the biodiversity and functioning of coastal, wetland and freshwater systems. 

 The Minister said climate change was impacting most sensitive aspects of the economy but was not popular, hence the need to take the necessary steps to educate people to influence behavior patterns that contributed to the change. 

 “Climate change is a behavioural issue. People do not know the impact of their actions on the environment, soil, and the air they breathe,” he said. 

 At the sub-regional level, he noted that the new ministry had plans to set up a climate change and sustainability hub to build a think tank, run advocacy, conduct high impact research to generate the evidence for intervention, and implement projects.   

 Referencing a world bank report, Mr Seidu stated that at least one million more people could fall into poverty due to climate shocks if urgent climate actions were not taken. 

 People’s income could reduce by up to 40 per cent for poor households by 2050, he said. 

 Prof. Gordon said the climate crisis affects everyone and that on-going studies indicated that night and day time temperatures had increased especially at the informal settlement. 

 Spikes in temperature, he said, presented a grave concern, especially for residents of informal settlements grappling with substandard housing and inadequate ventilation. 

 Prof. Gordon called for urgent action to confront the challenges of climate change impact to build resilience and ensure survival. 

 He noted that results from the study revealed a number of issues including buildings with insufficient spacing, inappropriate design, materials, lack of proper ventilation, rendering them ill-equipped to withstand climatic pressures. 

 “Due to heat stress, informal sector workers especially, labourers are unable to work for long hours and in the night, people cannot sleep well,” he said. 

Prof. Gordon stated that the heat stress was contributing to mental health issues, and causing stress. 

GNA 

Prof. Godfred Bokpin, Economist

An economist at the University of Ghana, Prof. Godfred Bokpin, has urged the government to shift its focus from taxing the income and salaries of low-income individuals to taxing high-net-worth individuals.

He believes that the ordinary Ghanaian is already impoverished, and thus taxing them places more pressure on their livelihoods and worsens their standard of living.

According to him, most wealthy individuals do not depend on their salaries or wages, as they have other sources of income that are not usually taxed directly.

“We are taxing income in terms of personal income tax, but high-net-worth individuals don’t actually live on salary or wages,” he was quoted as saying by myjoyonline.com.

The University of Ghana lecturer noted that the government must “develop a policy for the taxation of high-net-worth individuals, back it with a strategy, and then restructure the High Net Worth Office at the GRA.”

He further acknowledged the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) High Net Worth Office for its work in recent years, but noted that more needs to be done to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.

Prof. Bokpin suggested that it should be “mandatory for all board members of state-owned enterprises and publicly listed companies to file their tax returns,” adding that this requirement could later be extended to other professionals like accountants, lawyers, and actors.

Prof. Bokpin also commented on the struggles of businesses in recent times, as Ghana’s economy is under intense pressure.

Additionally, he said that Ghana can recover more if it eliminates corruption and ensures efficiency, rather than heavily relying on taxation.

“Businesses are suffocating. This is a small open economy, but it is possible that one entity may be required to comply with maybe six or more different tax obligations in a fiscal year,” he said.

SSD/MA

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Following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Finance has today, 17th February 2025, honoured the Payment-In-Cash (PIC) coupon of GHS6.081 billion to all Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) bondholders.

The government has also honoured the Payment-In-Kind (PIK) portion of GHS3.46 billion, deposited into the respective bondholders’ securities accounts in line with the DDEP Memorandum.

Additionally, the government has also paid into the Debt Service Recovery Cedi Account (Sinking Fund) an amount of GHS9.7 billion as a buffer for the 5th DDEP coupon that will fall due in July and August, 2025.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister, Government Communications made this known in a statement signed and issued on Monday February 17, 2025.

He noted that President Mahama was committed to the government’s honouring of all obligations under the DDEP.

“Through the 2025 budget Statement, Government will announce further measures that will help to restore market confidence in the economy, prioritise spending and improve transparency and accountability in public finances.

“Ultimately, government seeks to restore fiscal prudence while ensuring value for every pesewa spent. Despite the challenging economy that was bequeathed by the previous administration, government is determined to bring back a stable Cedi, control spiralling inflation and create jobs for the teeming youth of our country,” he further stated.

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2025 Heritage Caravan: We’re ready to host caravanites in our region – Upper East Regional Minister

Renowned Ghanaian watch brand Warrior King Watches has earned the admiration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, solidifying its reputation as an excellent brand.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the exceptional artistry of Warrior King Watches and highlighted the importance of supporting Indigenous brands that embody excellence and innovation.

“I commend the team at Warrior King for their commitment to producing world-class products that reflect the values and craftsmanship of our people. I encourage all Ghanaians to take pride in supporting local talent,” he said.

The King made this remark when the CEO and founder of Warrior King Watches, Patrick Amofah, presented the solid gold, custom-made Warrior King Pièce Unique timepiece to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his wife, Julia Osei Tutu, during the Awukudae Festival at the Manhyia Palace.

According to the CEO, the gesture was a mark of appreciation for the King’s unwavering support and encouragement of the Warrior King brand.

He added that the solid gold Warrior King Pièce Unique watch was carefully designed to incorporate intricate details that reflect the heritage and traditions of the Ashanti Kingdom, a fitting tribute to a monarch who has long been an advocate for the preservation and promotion of local craftsmanship.

The Warrior King Pièce Unique timepiece, meticulously crafted, stands as a testament to the brand’s rich craftsmanship, blending luxury with Ghanaian heritage.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Patrick Amofah stated: “We are deeply honoured to receive the blessings of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. His appreciation fuels our passion for continued innovation and excellence in every piece we create.”

This historic presentation marks yet another milestone for Warrior King Watches, reinforcing its role in elevating Ghanaian luxury craftsmanship on the global stage.

A Warrior King timepiece is known to exude power, legacy, and an appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Whether adorned in opulent gold, intricate detailing, or bespoke designs, these watches are crafted for individuals who value both tradition and progress.

The brand encapsulates the essence of a modern monarch’s spirit, embodying strength, elegance, and sophistication.

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.

John Jinapor, Minister of Energy

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has held a meeting with members of the Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber to discuss issues affecting the oil and gas sector and how both parties might collaborate to reinvigorate it.

Oil production in Ghana has been on the decline since 2019, with no new Petroleum Agreements signed since then.

The meeting brought together the CEOs of the twenty-one oil and gas companies that form the upstream chamber. In attendance also was the CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle.

In his speech, the minister indicated that he was keen to restore the growth of the industry and ensure the predictability of the regulatory environment. He was confident that the fortunes of the industry could be turned around and conveyed his full commitment to the well-being of the industry.

He said the government would pursue policies that create an enabling environment for the promotion of local content working hand in hand with their foreign counterparts.

The Chairman of the Chamber who is also the Senior Vice President of Kosmos Energy, Joe Mensah, described the current state of affairs as critical, highlighting the need for improvement in the business environment.

CEO of the Chamber, David Ampofo reassured the minister of the commitment of industry to work hand in hand with the government to achieve the necessary growth and expansion required in the industry.

About the Chamber

The Upstream Chamber represents the shared interests of companies involved in oil and gas exploration and production as well as oil field services in the country. The Chamber promotes, enhances and facilitates the growth of the industry through networking, education, industry information and advocacy for a favourable business environment. As the voice of the industry, the Chamber provides advocacy services to its members and helps them navigate the regulatory framework.

The Chamber also offers a platform through which the industry can be reached by stakeholders from across the economy, including local communities.

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Former Chief Executive Officer of NEIP, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah

The former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has strongly condemned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for issuing a wanted poster for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

In a Facebook post on Monday, February 17, 2025, Nkansah criticized the OSP’s decision, arguing that it was inappropriate to declare Ofori-Atta wanted when he had been in communication with authorities through his lawyers.

He also pointed out that the former minister was reportedly undergoing a medical procedure at a hospital in the United States, making it unreasonable to expect him to abandon his treatment.

“You don’t use a national office for this when the person is collaborating with your office through his lawyers and you haven’t provided any evidence to the contrary that he is not at the said US hospital,” Nkansah wrote.

“Should he leave the procedure he is undergoing and come and die? This is really shameful, and all well-meaning Ghanaians must condemn this,” he added.

His remarks come after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) released a poster announcing the declaration of former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a wanted fugitive on February 17, 2025.

The poster, bearing the seal of the OSP and the word “WANTED” inscribed in bold text, includes an image of the former minister alongside his full name, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.

Other details on the poster include Ken Ofori-Atta’s age, gender, eye color, hair color, complexion, and potential locations, namely, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

“The suspect is wanted to answer charges related to several cases, including the Strategic Mobilization-GRA Contract, Termination of the ECG-GXC contract, National Cathedral Payments, Ambulance Procurement Contract, and Tax Refund Account Utilization,” a portion of the notice read.

The OSP’s notice follows a press conference held by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng on February 12, 2025, in which he declared Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person and a fugitive from justice.

During the briefing, Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that Ofori-Atta must return to Ghana immediately to face questioning.

He warned that failure to comply would result in measures to compel his return.

Read Facebook post below:

RAD/MA

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By Edward Acquah

Accra, Feb. 17, GNA – The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have set out to empower 15,000 Ghanaian youth with digital skills and tools to build resilience in food systems and improve livelihoods. 

The Youth Economic Empowerment through Digitalisation for Resilience in Food and Nutrition Security and Improved Livelihoods project is expected to empower beneficiaries to improve nutrition, develop food security monitoring system, and support the digitisation of Ghana’s School Feeding Programme. 

KOICA contributed US9.3 million dollars to the Project, which will be implemented within the next five years, a project brief shared with the Ghana News Agency said on Monday. 

The project will be implemented in 56 districts and six regions, including Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Savannah, and Greater Accra. 

It is expected to deploy mobile technologies, precision farming systems, and digital platforms to promote the adoption of smart agricultural practices and encourage healthy lifestyles. 

Ms Aurore Rusiga, the WFP Country Director to Ghana, said the empowerment of Ghana’s youth, who made up about 38 per cent of the population, was crucial for the country’s socio-economic growth. 

She said the project would deliberately focus on women, to make up 60 per cent of the target beneficiaries, while five per cent would be persons with disability. 

“Through this initiative, we aim to equip Ghana’s youth with the digital skills and tools they need to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems, improve livelihoods, and secure sustainable employment opportunities,” Ms Rusiga said. 

Mr Park Kyongsig, the Korean Ambassador to Ghana, said Korea was committed to Ghana’s sustainable development and had, over the years, contributed to projects to help the country build resilience. 

He said Ghana’s land and water resources presented an opportunity for the country to build food resilience and pledged the readiness of Korea to continuously support Ghana’s developmental agenda. 

Mr Edmond Moukala, the Director of UNESCO at the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, commended the WFP and KOICA for initiating the project and emphasised the need for collective action and partnership to build food security. 

“This is an inspiring and visionary project,” he said. 

GNA 

Ghana’s Tax System: A Major Economic Challenge

President John Dramani Mahama

Following President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order shutting off the funding for foreign aid programmes, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will invest in increasing food production as a response to the suspension.

This suspension is expected to have far-reaching economic effects across Africa, with Ghana facing a significant revenue shortfall of US$156million.

For instance, US$78.2million of the shortfall will impact crucial health programmes including malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning and HIV/AIDS interventions.

Speaking at the town hall forum of the Munich Security Conference in Germany last Friday, President Mahama expressed concern over the potential impact but advocated that Africans take steps to mitigate the effects by increasing local food production and securing alternative sources of funding.

The Munich Security Conference is an international security summit held annually in Munich, Germany. The gathering provides a venue for international decision-makers and diplomats to debate ideas and address security concerns.

The conference initially provided Germany, the U.S. and other NATO member-countries a forum to discuss and debate Western policy during the Cold War. President John Dramani Mahama was in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference.

The president also serves as Chairperson of the Tana Forum and will lead a Tana/MSC side event on ‘Deepening Global Fragmentation: Implications for Africa’s Peace and Security’.

While in Munich, President Mahama was scheduled to have bilateral discussions with a number of world leaders and organisations on a broad range of issues, mostly centring on mutual cooperation between Ghana and the respective countries.

The President has signalled his government’s resolve to invest in increasing food production, ensuring food security amid signs of less aid coming in from major donors such as the United States’ due to its new foreign policy direction.

USAID was first created by President John F. Kennedy in a 1961 executive order; Congress passed a law in 1998 to make it an “independent establishment” like others in the Cabinet.

Multiple administrations, Democratic and Republican alike, built USAID into an institution that has helped save millions of lives around the world, promoted U.S. interests in remote corners of the globe and employed thousands of Americans.