The Black Princesses of Ghana

Black Princesses coach Charles Sampson believes his team won’t be complacent going into the return fixture against Tunisia despite a 2:0 advantage.

He reiterated the need for the players to improve on their game going into the return leg at home.

“We came here, and our aim was to win, so I’m very impressed with the win. When it comes to the play itself, I know we can do even better than this. But looking at the long journey to get here, I’m very impressed with the way the girls recovered and performed on a field that’s so good, but very tough” Charles told ghanafa.org.

”It takes a lot of physical strength to play on this field, so I’m extremely impressed with their performance”.

”Our attack is one department where we always know we’re lacking, especially in the final third and with the final passes. Sometimes we need to be more patient when playing teams like this”.

”We’re working on it, but I’m happy we scored two goals today, and both goals came from our forward position” he added.

”It’s a two-leg tie, and we wanted a win here, which we’ve achieved. However, we won’t be complacent. We’ll still go all out to get a better result in Ghana and qualify for the next round of the qualifiers.”

Ghana will host Tunisia in Accra in the second leg encounter on September 28, 2025.

Ghana’s inflation currently stands at 12.5%

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has projected that the country’s inflation rate could fall to single digits by the close of 2025, earlier than initially expected.

According to the Central Bank, the outlook is supported by ongoing monetary tightening, fiscal consolidation, and improvements in food supplies, all of which have helped accelerate the pace of disinflation.

“We have seen a rapid disinflation over the past months, and we expect that to be sustained going forward,” Dr Philip Abradu-Otoo said as quoted by myjoyonline.com.

At the beginning of the year, the BoG had anticipated achieving single-digit inflation in the first quarter of 2026.

Lending rates to drop in October after policy rate cut – BoG

However, Dr Abradu-Otoo explained that current economic developments have enabled the Central Bank to bring the target forward to the final quarter of 2025.

He also highlighted that the improved inflation outlook influenced the Monetary Policy Committee’s recent decision to cut its key lending rate by 350 basis points to 21.5%.

Dr Abradu-Otoo assured that the BoG is committed to maintaining monetary stability, stressing that policy consistency and strong reserve accumulation will remain priorities.

“The Bank of Ghana will definitely continue with what we are doing to ensure that things do not get out of hand,” he said.

Responding to concerns about the scale of the policy rate cut, he clarified that while all committee members agreed on the need for a reduction, the final margin was determined through a vote.

“The decision was unanimous in terms of the need for the policy to be cut; however, the margin was based on a vote,” he explained.

SSD/AE

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Sep – 22 – 2025 , 11:01

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Treasury bills were undersubscribed in last week’s auction

The government secured GH¢3.432.82 billion in its latest treasury bills auction on Friday, September 22, 2025.

This is an oversubscription from the target of GH¢3.019 billion.

Latest data from the Bank of Ghana showed that investors tendered a total of GH¢3.445.95 billion across the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day bills.

According to the results released by the central bank, out of the bids tendered, only GH¢13.13 million was not accepted.

Government misses target, raises GH¢6.2 billion in latest T-bills auction

Also, bids worth GH¢2.581.67 billion were tendered for the 91-day bills, but only GH¢2.576.67 billion were accepted.

Out of GH¢613.82 million submitted for the 182-day bills, only GH¢608.82 million were accepted.

The 364-day bill received bids worth GH¢250.46 million, but only GH¢247.33 million were accepted.

Interest rates for the 91-day bill were 10.45%, while the interest rate for the 182-day bill was 12.36%.

Additionally, the interest rate for the 364-day bill was 12.88%.

However, the government aims to raise GH¢6.248.84 billion at the next auction.

The Bank of Ghana said the GOG Securities Wholesale Auction is open only to Primary Dealers.

All Primary Dealers are obliged to act as market makers in GOG Securities.

“The investing public interested in purchasing or selling GOG securities may do so on the secondary market (Ghana Fixed Income Market) through depository participants (including Primary Dealers),” the BoG said.

SSD/AE

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King Paluta’s public image has been under scrutiny over the past months

Popular Ghanaian musician, King Paluta, has proclaimed himself to be the humblest musician in the country.

He made this declaration after the release of his latest single, “La Vida Loca,” which is gradually gaining traction.

A fan on social media, while praising the song, suggested that King Paluta could become “one of Ghana’s greatest musicians if he humbles himself”.

King Paluta hurls insults at guest at All White Boat Party in London

Responding to the fan’s post, King Paluta stated that he was the humblest artiste in Ghana.

“I am the most humble musician in Ghana, you just don’t know,” he responded on X.

King Paluta’s public image has been under scrutiny over the past months regarding his relationship with fans.

The ‘Aseda’ singer received backlash in June 2025 after he was spotted exchanging words with a fan during a performance.

King Paluta, who demonstrated consistency in the music industry over the past years, has, however, continued to drop back-to-back hits.

His most recent single, “La Vida Loca”, continues to grow and is currently doing well across various streaming platforms.

See the post below:

I’m the most humble Musician in the country.

you just don’t know me. https://t.co/EWfaTAs2yN

— KING (@KingPalutaMusic) September 21, 2025

JHM/AE

Also catch the latest episode of Talkertainment with Ghana’s most-sought-after MC/Hypeman, Kojo Manuel, below:

A prominent Ghanaian-American academic has issued an urgent call for the success of President John Dramani Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, warning that failure could cost Ghana its economic future as corruption recovery efforts enter a critical phase.

Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), argues that ORAL represents Ghana’s best opportunity to break decades of failed anti-corruption cycles that have drained billions from national coffers. His intervention comes as the ORAL committee has identified cases potentially worth $20.49 billion across 36 major investigations, marking the most comprehensive corruption recovery effort in Ghana’s history.

Writing on social media, Professor Asare emphasized that ORAL transcends partisan politics, describing it as essential infrastructure for national development. The timing proves significant, as President Mahama recently received the committee’s preliminary findings and announced plans to forward cases to investigative agencies for immediate action.

The academic’s 10-point blueprint for ORAL success addresses systemic weaknesses that have historically undermined Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts. His recommendations include establishing dedicated anti-looting courts, implementing transparent recovery tracking systems, and creating strict timelines for asset seizures and prosecutions. The proposals reflect lessons learned from previous failures across multiple administrations.

Professor Asare’s analysis traces a pattern of corruption recovery initiatives dating back to the 1966 National Liberation Council through successive governments including Jerry John Rawlings’ Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), John Agyekum Kufuor’s Zero Tolerance for Corruption initiative, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s pledges to fight graft. Each effort, he notes, began with grand promises but ended in selective enforcement and eventual collapse.

The current ORAL initiative has already demonstrated unprecedented scope and transparency. The committee processed 2,417 total complaints, including 44 formal petitions, suggesting widespread public engagement with the recovery process. Land-related cases alone reportedly carry an estimated value of $702.8 million, indicating the breadth of alleged misappropriation.

Central to Professor Asare’s argument is the connection between corruption and Ghana’s infrastructure deficit. He contends that stolen funds represent the very resources needed for roads, schools, and hospitals, making recovery efforts essential for national development rather than political vengeance. This framing positions ORAL as economic policy rather than partisan retaliation.

The professor’s emphasis on institutional cooperation addresses a critical weakness in previous efforts. His call for coordinated action between the Auditor-General, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and other agencies reflects understanding that fragmented approaches enable continued looting while hampering recovery.

Particularly significant is Professor Asare’s insistence on transparent tracking mechanisms. His proposed “ORAL Tracker” would publish real-time data on recoveries, prosecutions, and project funding from recovered assets. This addresses public skepticism about whether recovery efforts actually benefit ordinary Ghanaians or simply redistribute resources within elite circles.

The academic’s warning about enablers extends accountability beyond primary perpetrators to include lawyers, auditors, bankers, and other professionals who facilitate corruption. This approach recognizes that effective recovery requires dismantling entire networks rather than pursuing individual cases in isolation.

President Mahama has described ORAL as addressing financial leakages that undermine national development and erode public trust, aligning with Professor Asare’s broader themes about corruption’s systemic impact. The president’s commitment to immediate investigations suggests responsiveness to calls for urgent action.

However, challenges remain substantial. Critics have already begun questioning ORAL’s effectiveness, with some describing ongoing corruption as Ghana’s “toothache” despite eight months of the new administration. These concerns underscore Professor Asare’s warnings about the consequences of another failed recovery effort.

The professor’s constitutional framing of ORAL as implementing national values of “probity and accountability” provides legal foundation for aggressive recovery efforts while deflecting accusations of political persecution. His argument that honest citizens need not fear ORAL aims to build public support while isolating those who have misappropriated public funds.

Looking ahead, Professor Asare’s timeline recommendations call for asset freezing within 30 days, recovery within six months, and quarterly progress reports. These aggressive deadlines reflect understanding that prolonged processes historically favor those with resources to resist accountability through legal delays and political maneuvering.

The success or failure of ORAL will likely determine whether Ghana can break what Professor Asare describes as a destructive cycle where “grand promises, selective enforcement, fresh scandals, and eventual collapse” perpetually undermine anti-corruption efforts. With billions potentially at stake, the initiative represents a defining test of Ghana’s institutional capacity and political will to pursue systemic change.

Ghana strengthened its financial services sector with 54 accounting professionals earning the prestigious Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation, recognized as “the premier management accounting credential, indicating advanced proficiency in finance, operations, strategy and management” according to global standards.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) honored the professionals during an awards ceremony held September 20 in Accra, marking another milestone in Ghana’s development of world-class financial expertise. CIMA forms part of AICPA & CIMA, “the most influential body of accountants and finance experts in the world, with 689,000 members, students and engaged professionals globally” advocating for professional excellence.

Tariro Mutizwa, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) and Vice President for Africa, emphasized the strategic importance of these qualifications for Ghana’s economic development. The ceremony represents significant achievement for local professionals who demonstrated exceptional dedication to completing rigorous international standards.

Paul Aninakwah, Associate Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) and Ghana Country Director, highlighted that earning the CGMA designation positions recipients as commercially astute professionals capable of driving sustainable business performance and long-term value creation across organizations.

The CGMA qualification requires candidates to demonstrate expertise across multiple domains including financial management, strategic planning, risk assessment, and performance measurement. CIMA recently upgraded its “Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Professional Qualification syllabus, effective 2026” to meet evolving industry demands and technological advancement.

Ghana’s growing pool of internationally certified accountants supports the country’s ambitions to become a regional financial hub while strengthening local capacity for complex business analysis and strategic planning. The designation holders are now equipped to pursue leadership positions across industries including banking, manufacturing, telecommunications, and public sector organizations.

The achievement reflects Ghana’s commitment to professional development and adherence to international best practices in financial management. These professionals join a global network that enables knowledge sharing, career advancement, and access to cutting-edge industry insights from around the world.

CIMA’s presence in Ghana dates back decades, with the organization playing a crucial role in developing local accounting talent through rigorous education standards and continuous professional development requirements. The Institute’s qualification framework ensures that designated professionals maintain current knowledge of evolving business practices and regulatory requirements.

The ceremony coincided with broader initiatives to enhance Ghana’s financial services infrastructure and regulatory framework, positioning the country as an attractive destination for international business operations and investment opportunities across West Africa.

The 54 newly designated professionals represent diverse sectors of Ghana’s economy, bringing enhanced analytical capabilities and strategic thinking to organizations ranging from multinational corporations to local enterprises and government institutions committed to excellence in financial stewardship.

Their achievement demonstrates Ghana’s capacity to produce world-class talent capable of competing effectively in global markets while contributing to sustainable economic development through improved financial management and strategic decision-making processes.

The Ghana cedi has crossed the GH¢12 mark on the interbank exchange market.

This is the first time since May 2025, following a period of consistent appreciation against the US dollar.

As of Monday, September 22, 2025, Bank of Ghana published rates indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢12.27 to the dollar, reflecting renewed pressure on the local currency amid persistent economic challenges and high demand for foreign exchange.

Despite headline inflation dropping marginally, the cedi continues to struggle on both the interbank and forex markets, depreciating steadily against the dollar.

The depreciation is expected to impact fuel prices at the pump in the upcoming pricing windows, increase the cost of living, and likely complicate the government’s quest to achieve single-digit inflation by the end of the year.

Here’s how the cedi is faring on the BoG interbank market as of 8:00 AM, September 22, 2025:

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.26, Selling at GH¢12.27

• Pound – Buying at GH¢16.53, Selling at GH¢16.55

• Euro – Buying at GH¢14.41, Selling at GH¢14.42

Ghana explores port partnership with US to boost trade

Here’s how the cedi is trading at the forex bureaus

• Dollar – Buying at GH¢13.00, Selling at GH¢13.45

• Pound – Buying at GH¢17.50, Selling at GH¢18.40

• Euro – Buying at GH¢15.20, Selling at GH¢16.00

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By Maxwell Awumah, GNA 

Ho (V/R), Sept. 22, GNA – One of two suspects, who escaped from Police cells at the Kadjebi Police Station in the Oti Region on Saturday, afternoon has been re-arrested. 

The other one is being tracked to be apprehended with the Kadjebi Police Command placing a ransom of GHC2,000 on information leading to his recapture.  

The suspects exploited the single presence of a Police officer on duty—broke the cell door, and assaulted the officer, and escaped from custody. 

Superintendent Frank Nana Asomaning, the Kadjebi District Police Commander, who confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in a telephone interview on Monday, said strenuous efforts were activated for his re-arrest, seeking public support. 

He said the two suspects attacked the female Police officer on duty, beat her mercilessly, and fled. 

L/Cpl. Gyapong has been rushed to the St. Mary Theresa Catholic Hospital in Dodi-Papase for medical attention, where she is responding to treatment. 

Supt. Asomaning disclosed that one of the escapees was re-arrested on Sunday, September 21, and is currently in Police custody. 

He added that efforts are underway to re-arrest the second escapee, and investigations into the incident have commenced. 

GNA 

Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba 

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh has delivered a scathing critique of Ghana’s democratic trajectory, arguing that education represents the only pathway to dismantling what he terms a “Santa Claus democracy” that perpetuates poverty cycles and reduces citizens to token beneficiaries.

Speaking during the closing of Springboard’s 17th-anniversary Thinkathon series, Nsarkoh emphasized that “knowledge is the most powerful productive force and must be embraced if the country is to experience true liberation.” His intervention comes as Ghana grapples with systemic challenges that traditional economic indicators fail to capture.

The strategic adviser challenged Ghana’s progress metrics, questioning whether gross domestic product growth truly reflects societal advancement when citizens lack basic necessities and critical thinking capabilities. The Thinkathon series, which has operated for seventeen years as a platform for “thinking boldly” and “acting responsibly,” provided the backdrop for Nsarkoh’s provocative assessment of national development priorities.

Nsarkoh painted a stark picture of Ghana’s current reality, asking whether increased school construction translates to meaningful learning opportunities and whether the nation has created environments conducive to intellectual growth. His critique extended to visible governance failures, citing uncollected garbage as evidence of a society struggling to envision its future.

The former Unilever Global Markets Executive Vice President warned against democratic processes that reduce impoverished citizens to electoral commodities, where votes become transactions rather than expressions of genuine political choice. This monetization of politics, he argued, ensures that children born into poverty remain trapped in generational cycles of disadvantage.

Drawing on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s observation that Africa’s democratic variant has become a “public auction for the highest bidder,” Nsarkoh challenged the fundamental assumptions underlying Ghana’s political economy. His critique suggests that without educational transformation, democratic institutions merely serve elite interests while marginalizing ordinary citizens.

The business leader’s prescription focuses on comprehensive educational reform that extends beyond formal schooling to encompass critical thinking development and opportunity creation. He specifically recommended that Ghanaians engage with complex literature such as “Material World” by Ed Conway to deepen their understanding of global economic systems and resource dynamics.

Nsarkoh’s platform, Springboard Your Virtual University, has operated as Ghana’s “leading motivational and personal development broadcast” since August 2008, providing him with extensive insight into the nation’s human capital challenges and opportunities.

His analysis reflects broader concerns among Ghana’s intellectual class about democratic quality and social mobility. The intervention comes at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for future electoral cycles amid persistent socioeconomic challenges that traditional policy approaches have failed to address adequately.

The former corporate executive’s emphasis on education as liberation tool resonates with ongoing debates about Ghana’s development trajectory and the role of human capital in sustainable transformation. His critique suggests that without fundamental educational reform, political democracy remains largely cosmetic, serving elite interests while failing to deliver meaningful change for ordinary citizens.

Nsarkoh’s call for educational transformation extends beyond policy recommendations to encompass cultural change that prioritizes intellectual development, critical thinking, and genuine opportunity creation for all citizens regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.

Peasant farmers are warning that Ghana’s annual food import bill of over $3.5 billion could climb even higher if government fails to take stronger action against illegal mining.

Their concerns follow a new study by Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which revealed widespread contamination from mercury, arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals across artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas. The findings pose grave risks to both public health and food security.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Bismark Nortey, cautioned that the country’s food import costs may escalate further if farmlands and water sources are not safeguarded.

“I urge all ministries and government agencies responsible to use this report as a benchmark to protect our farmers. If the situation continues and farmers are forced to abandon production, the impact on our nation will be catastrophic.

The current amount we spend on food imports, which we have already complained about, could escalate even more if nothing is done—especially as Ghanaian consumers become increasingly cautious about the safety of locally produced food,” he said.

The year-long study titled, Mercury and Other Heavy Metals Impact Assessment, conducted from August 2024 to September 2025 by Pure Earth in collaboration with the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), examined soil, water, air, fish, and food crops in six regions: Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western, Western North, and Savannah.

Mercury Pollution Off the Charts

In Konongo Zongo (Ashanti Region), mercury levels in soil reached 1,342 ppm, over 130 times the safe limit. Airborne mercury at Wassa Kayianko (Western Region) peaked at 150 μg/m³, 150 times above Ghana’s permissible level.

Arsenic Contamination Widespread

Dangerous arsenic levels were found in nearly all regions. Soil in Konongo Zongo recorded 10,060 ppm, 4000% above safe levels, while water in Konongo Odumase showed concentrations of 3.3 mg/L, vastly exceeding drinking water standards.

Lead in Food and Fish

Lead concentrations in fish from Akwaboso (Central Region) and Konongo Zongo surpassed WHO safety limits, with some samples reaching 2.8 mg/kg. Vegetables such as pumpkin leaves in the Western North also showed lead levels as high as 3.1 mg/kg.

Crops Contaminated Across Regions

Mercury, arsenic, and lead were detected in kontomire, tomatoes, cereals, legumes, and tubers, with some values well above international food safety thresholds.

Water Sources Polluted

Several boreholes and streams used for drinking water were contaminated, with lead and arsenic levels exceeding WHO guidelines, posing a direct risk to community health.

Public Health at Risk

The study warns that residents, especially in mining communities, face chronic exposure through multiple routes — inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact — with potential long-term effects on the nervous system, kidneys, and child development.

Recommendations

The researchers propose urgent multi-sectoral action, including remediation pilots in hotspots like Konongo Zongo using low-cost technologies such as phytoremediation.

The Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) is pressuring banks to reduce interest rates on agricultural loans after the Bank of Ghana (BoG) approved its guarantees as acceptable collateral, potentially transforming financing for the country’s flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative.

GIRSAL’s credit guarantees now carry zero percent risk rating from BoG, providing banks with cash-backed protection against agricultural loan defaults up to 70 percent coverage. The policy change removes the most significant financial barrier facing Ghana’s agriculture sector, which has struggled with prohibitively high lending rates.

At Thursday’s Banking Roundtable on financing the 24-Hour Economy, GIRSAL officials argued that banks should eliminate default risk premiums from agricultural loan pricing since guarantees provide comprehensive indemnification against losses.

“We are saying our guarantee can be used as collateral to support funding to the agriculture sector. In the event of defaults, GIRSAL will be ready to indemnify you or pay back the outstanding portion,” the institution stated, emphasizing that 22 financial institutions including rural community banks have signed master agreements.

The intervention comes as government targets eight to 12 percent interest rates for small-medium enterprises, particularly agribusinesses expanding for export markets under the 24-Hour Economy program. Current agricultural lending rates often exceed 30 percent due to perceived sector risks.

GIRSAL’s justification centers on loan pricing methodology, where rates combine the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) plus margins including default risk components. Since guarantees directly cushion lenders against defaults, the institution argues this risk premium should no longer influence agricultural loan calculations.

Presidential Advisor Augustus Goosie Tanoh warned at the banking roundtable that systemic financial challenges could undermine the economic transformation program, calling for comprehensive banking sector reforms to support round-the-clock production financing.

The timing proves critical as government seeks banking sector buy-in for the ambitious 24-Hour Economy requiring substantial credit expansion. The initiative demands sustainable financing mechanisms to enable continuous agricultural production and processing operations.

GIRSAL has guaranteed GH¢1.2 billion in agricultural loans since inception five years ago, successfully de-risking financing for a sector traditionally considered high-risk by financial institutions. The organization provides technical assistance and capacity building for fund providers including Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and Ghana EXIM Bank.

Beyond risk-sharing, GIRSAL offers training programs for financial institutions to appraise agribusiness projects while preparing borrowers to meet lending standards. This comprehensive approach aims to boost confidence in agricultural lending beyond guarantee mechanisms.

The BoG policy change positions Ghana’s agricultural sector for unprecedented financing access, potentially unlocking growth in cocoa, palm oil, and emerging crops targeted for 24-hour processing cycles. Reduced borrowing costs could enable farmers to invest in irrigation, mechanization, and value-added processing.

Banking sector response remains cautious despite government pressure for credit expansion. Industry executives acknowledge guarantee benefits but emphasize broader risk management considerations including commodity price volatility and climate change impacts.

The 24-Hour Economy initiative faces testing ground in banks’ risk appetite, with policymakers acknowledging heavy dependence on financial sector willingness to expand credit while managing exposure. Government plans to mobilize $4 billion through blended finance, pension funds, and diaspora capital.

GIRSAL’s guarantee scheme covers diverse agricultural value chains from primary production through processing and marketing. The organization’s zero percent risk rating from BoG provides unprecedented security for lenders venturing into agricultural financing.

Market analysts suggest successful rate reductions could trigger agricultural lending surge, supporting government objectives to transform Ghana into food processing hub operating continuous production cycles. The policy alignment between GIRSAL guarantees and 24-Hour Economy financing needs creates optimal conditions for sectoral transformation.

As banking executives evaluate GIRSAL’s rate reduction demands, the agricultural sector awaits concrete interest rate adjustments that could determine the 24-Hour Economy’s success in unlocking Ghana’s agricultural potential through accessible, affordable financing mechanisms.

As Ghanaians mark the return of Founder’s Day to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a private legal practitioner, Victoria Bright, has stated that Nkrumah’s vision of true independence and self-reliance remains an “uncompleted dream.”

Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on Monday, September 22, Ms Bright argued that Ghana has only taken “baby steps” towards achieving the full promise of Nkrumah’s legacy.

She emphasised that while Dr. Nkrumah “undoubtedly laid the foundation of our independence”, the subsequent generations have a duty to complete the building.

“I see it as an uncompleted house. It’s up to us to build the house, complete it, furnish it, etc, etc, and we are forever in the process of building this house,” she said.

Ms Bright’s comments come amid a national conversation about Ghana’s development trajectory since gaining independence on March 6, 1957.

Ghana, the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to break free from colonial rule, has been a beacon of hope for the continent.

However, the nation continues to grapple with economic challenges, including a national debt that reached GH₵658.6 billion in 2024 and a persistent trade deficit.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Ghana’s economic growth to be around 2.8% in 2025, a figure that some analysts see as a struggle to keep pace with the nation’s potential.

According to Bright, Nkrumah was a “bold, visionary, inspirational leader” who embodied the spirit of nationalism and Africanism. His foreign policy placed Ghana at the forefront of the decolonization movement across Africa, causing the nation to “punch far above its weight.”

Ms Bright argued that Ghana should be “leaping” forward by now, but is failing to do so. She stated, “development doesn’t happen overnight, but the steps we are taking are just baby steps; we should be leaping now. We should be leaping, and we are not doing so.”

Her words serve as a reminder that every Founder’s Day should not just be a celebration of past achievements, but also a sober reflection on the work that remains.

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.

Ghana’s agricultural transformation hinges on empowering women farmers through targeted government programs and expanded access to modern farming technologies, Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku declared at a major industry gathering in Accra.

Speaking at the second Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farmers Award Winners (GAFAFAW), Opoku emphasized that women remain the backbone of Ghana’s food systems and must be empowered to play a leading role in shaping the future of agriculture. The event, held under the theme “Rooted in Experience, Rising in Leadership: Rural Women at the Heart of Agricultural Transformation,” brought together award-winning female farmers from across the country.

The Minister outlined ambitious plans under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, implemented through the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), to address longstanding barriers facing women in agriculture. The initiative promises enhanced access to modern farming technologies, expanded extension services, support for value addition and agro-processing, promotion of climate-smart agriculture practices, and improved market and financial access.

Opoku’s remarks highlight a strategic shift in Ghana’s agricultural policy, recognizing women’s pivotal but often undervalued contributions to the sector. Rural women serve multiple roles as farmers, processors, traders, and innovators who sustain both households and national food systems, he noted, while acknowledging their expertise frequently goes unrecognized.

The timing of these commitments proves particularly significant as Ghana grapples with food security challenges. The country faced decreased agricultural production in 2024 due to drought conditions, underscoring the urgent need for agricultural innovation and resilience-building measures.

GAFAFAW, established in 2023, represents a unique coalition of twenty award-winning female farmers from all sixteen regions of Ghana. The association aims to champion the cause of women in the agricultural sector through networking, skills-sharing, and mentorship programs. Since its launch, the organization has emerged as an influential voice in national policy dialogues and agricultural development discussions.

The association’s Chairperson, Ernestina Osei-Tutu, has previously called on government and institutions to provide greater recognition and support for rural women farmers. Her advocacy emphasizes that rural women remain central to the country’s agricultural transformation and economic development.

Minister Opoku praised GAFAFAW’s achievements in its brief existence, particularly commending the organization’s advocacy work in national policy discussions and its mentorship initiatives supporting smallholder farmers. The Minister’s endorsement signals growing government recognition of organized women farmers as key stakeholders in agricultural policy development.

The Feed Ghana Programme represents President John Dramani Mahama’s administration’s flagship agricultural initiative, designed to revitalize the sector through comprehensive reforms and targeted investments. Opoku unveiled the innovative program in April 2025 as part of broader efforts to modernize Ghana’s agricultural economy.

However, significant challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to agricultural opportunities. Female farmers in northern Ghana and the Volta Region continue struggling to access arable lands due to traditional beliefs that prohibit women from owning parcels of land, highlighting the complex cultural barriers that government programs must address alongside technical and financial constraints.

The Minister’s commitment to women’s agricultural empowerment reflects broader recognition across Africa of women’s crucial role in food production and rural economic development. Women farmers constitute a significant portion of agricultural producers across the continent, yet they often face disproportionate challenges in accessing credit, land rights, technology, and markets.

Looking ahead, the success of Ghana’s agricultural transformation will likely depend on the government’s ability to translate policy commitments into tangible improvements for women farmers. The collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and organizations like GAFAFAW represents a promising model for inclusive agricultural development that could serve as a template for other West African nations.

The emphasis on women’s leadership in agriculture also aligns with international development goals focused on gender equality and food security. As Ghana works to build a more resilient agricultural sector, empowering women farmers emerges not as a social imperative alone, but as an economic necessity for sustainable growth and food security.

From a tiny village in the Western part of the Gold Coast emerged a little boy who would grow up into a giant for African independence and the voice for the oppressed.

He personally did not bother about his ethnic roots because he always said that he was an African, and that his ideas were for the wider continental space and its occupants who have endured all manner of brutal attacks from all directions.

He saw Africa’s glorious past and inner greatness as her strengths, and that although her slavery, slave trade, colonial past were tragic circumstances, they gave the African a reason to rise and become great so that such evils will not ensnare him or her in future.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah as a little boy on his mother’s back, fording a local stream, asked his mother to standstill because she had stepped on a fish. And it was true! His mother had really stepped on their dinner.

Such high energy and foresight will guide his life to become the greatest African of the last millennium.

His early life was shaped by his mother, Elizabeth Nyanibah, a fishmonger and petty trader. Her deep love for Kwame was tested after his overthrow when at the point of death, she was asked to deny her son. She said, Kwame is my child.

His father, Opanyin Kofi Nwiana Ngolomah, was a goldsmith who will later send for the young Nkrumah to live with him in Half Assini, where he began his elementary education.

Goldsmithing is an integral part of Akan royalty and culture as the craftmen play a significant role in the creation of ornaments, crafts and even items which hold the spirit and soul of nationhood.

To have a goldsmith father enriched his flourishing mind with ideas and philosophies that will help him in his personal and political life.

He sometimes watched his father craft and shape his creations with utmost concentration.

Goldsmiths draw inspiration from many sources, including nature, architecture, and cultural motifs, to create unique and eclectic design.

Guided by design philosophy, Nkrumah’s father shaped his aesthetic appeal of his creations, creating pieces that evoked emotion and told a story through intricate details, reflecting his personal and societal vision and craftsmanship.

Nkrumah’s father, according to rare sources, put quality and craftsmanship above all considerations, leading to the achievement of higher standards.

Goldsmiths in his day were meticulous and had deep understanding of materials.

Nkrumah’s father was in a business and craft which is largely influenced by cultural narratives, traditions, and philosophies.

It is significant to note that throughout Nkrumah’s personal and political pursuits, he drew inspiration from African cultural, philosophical and historical narratives.

A critical study of his political struggles will show that he continually sought new ways to elevate his game, experimenting with new ideas, unconventional methods which encouraged creativity and progress in the liberation struggle and national development.

These are all the hallmark of a master Goldsmith.

His closeness to his mother made him sympathetic to the vulnerable and marginalised. His deep love for female empowerment was evident in his political appointments and scholarships to girls to study, “as far as you can go”

Other influences

One of his early mentors at elementary school in Half Assini was a German Roman Catholic priest named George Fischer, who also shaped his views on rudimentary theology and Universalism.

While training as a teacher at Achimota School in Accra, Nkrumah met another great or perhaps, his real childhood mentor called Dr Kwegyir Aggrey, an Assistant Vice Principal and the first African member of staff at Achimota School.

Dr Aggrey was a Pan Africanist, a philosopher and great orator. Nkrumah learnt a lot from him, shaping his adult life.

Nkrumah’s leadership skills were evident even in his early years, and all these personalities planted in him the willingness and ability to see beyond the horizon.

Certainly, Nkrumah’s childhood laid the foundation for his future as a leader, with his experiences shaping his passion for education, leadership, and Pan-Africanism.

Throughout his political life, he preached African Unity because it was common sense to him.

The balkanisation of Africa was a deliberate deed to weaken the people, and distract them from achieving any significant political and economic measure.

He had observed through his studies and childhood that without unity, Africa is fair game for political, economic and even cultural trophy hunters.

He warned that, if Africa did not unite, the colonialists will come back in a more complex shape and form, and that a more brutal struggle will have to be waged to drive them out. And it could take centuries.

In the Christian Bible, Jesus says, if a demon leaves the human body, it will come back one day and see if it is not protected, and if it is not well fortified, it will go and call stronger demons to join it to occupy the body.

That is the mind of a colonialists and the exploitative class. And he was aware of that fact.

His birthday

 Many Pan Africanists are eternally grateful to the creator for allowing such a great personality to walk the path of the African continent.

The little boy from Nkroful says we have stepped on a fish for dinner the murky streams of our circumstances. Are Africans ready for the dinner or still happy to pick the crumps on the floor of others?

Dr Kwame Nkrumah was born on September 21, 1909. He founded Ghana in AD1957

By Samuel Osei-Frempong

Source: GNA

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has handed over a hand-held borehole to the Dakuma/Hiel Basic School in the Sissala West District as part of efforts to boost enrolment in the school, especially among girls.

The water facility is expected to reduce water-related absenteeism and the burden associated with water collection, especially on girls as well as improve sanitation and hygiene practices among the school children.

A similar facility had earlier been handed over to the Kanee Basic School in the Jirapa Municipality.

The intervention under the “Promoting Academic Success among Underprivileged Schoolchildren at Rural Areas through School Feeding Programme in Ghana” project was implemented by the Millennium Child Support Group (MCSG).

The ECOWAS and Spanish Cooperation provided technical and financial support for the regional project through the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) to promote academic success through school feeding.

Speaking at the commissioning, Mr Francis Dabiré, who represented the Executive Director of RAAF, Mr Mohamed Zongo, commended MCSG for its leadership and community-centred approach in the project delivery.

He said the MCSG had demonstrated how meaningful development must reflect the realities and aspirations of the people it serves.

Mr Dabiré described that intervention as “a symbol of hope, dignity, and shared progress and prosperity.”

Dr. Godfrey Ato Parker, the Chief Executive Officer of MCSG, indicated that, “Ending classroom hunger is an integral part of the ambition of our Group geared towards saving the child, saving the future and saving the world.”

He, therefore, said the Group’s collaboration with ECOWAS on that project was instrumental in helping it to achieve that ambition.

Dr. Parker appealed for greater collaboration, partnership and support from stakeholders, including ECOWAS to reach out to more vulnerable schools and pupils in the near future.

Mr Fuseini Gbene, the Sissala West District Chief Executive (DCE), expressed gratitude to ECOWAS, the Spanish Cooperation and MCSG for their partnership on the project, which he said complemented Ghana’s school feeding policy.

He indicated that the government of Ghana remained committed to improving the educational sector in partnership with the necessary stakeholders including ECOWAS considering the numerous challenges in that sector.

The opinion leaders and people in the community as well as the teachers thanked the benefactors for the intervention and pledged commitment to maintaining the facility to serve posterity.

The integrated nutritional enhancement project also considered the need to improve water resources availability and management, including the development of agro ecological vegetable gardens and livestock to enrich canteens with animal proteins.

Through its regional school feeding programme, ECOWAS continued to invest in human capital development and promoting rural business opportunities for agricultural sector actors across its member states, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Source: GNA