The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed his goodwill for Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, praying that she will one day become Ghana’s first female president.

Mr Iddrisu made the remarks when the Vice President visited the Ministry of Education in Accra.

Welcoming her, he said, “It’s my pride and honour and grace to want to welcome you back to the Ministry of Education, this time in an elevated capacity as the first female Vice President of our Republic.”

The minister went on to wish her long life and good health, adding, “It is my prayer that God will give you long life and good health, so that probably you will be elevated to become the first female President. God bless you.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang previously served as Minister of Education and was appointed Vice President following the 2024 general election, making history as Ghana’s first woman to occupy the office.

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.

Eighteen Black youth in care with Toronto’s Catholic Children’s Aid Society experienced what many described as a “spiritual homecoming” during their two-week Freedom Walk: Cultural Journey to Ghana this August, connecting with ancestral roots at historic sites that shaped the African diaspora.

The groundbreaking initiative, organized by CCAS’s It Takes a Village committee and funded through over $100,000 from the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation, took participants from August 7-20 to transformative locations including Cape Coast Castle, Assin Manso Slave River, and the Ashanti Kingdom.

For youth who often grow up without clear family connections, the journey represented far more than tourism. “Walking along black routes, one is confronted with both the pain and the resilience that define the African diaspora,” reflected participant Emerald Kassa, describing her experience as “more than just a journey across the ocean, it was a homecoming.”

The emotional weight of visiting Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, where millions were confined before forced Atlantic crossings, left profound impacts on participants. Child Protection Supervisor Charles Dannsah-Appiah, who led the group, described witnessing intense emotions as youth processed ancestral trauma while discovering their own resilience.

“Walking through the dungeons and learning how enslaved people were treated as commodities brought intense sadness and anger,” Dannsah-Appiah explained. The visit to Assin Manso, discovering it as the site of enslaved people’s last bath before being sold, proved especially powerful for many participants.

Rather than simply confronting painful history, the experience became transformative. Youth supported each other through difficult moments, prayed together, and channeled emotions into empowerment and learning. Many described feeling transformed, with some calling Ghana their “true home” and expressing hopes to return with future families.

The initiative emerged from CCAS’s commitment to helping Black youth in care connect with cultural heritage under CEO Priscilla Manful’s leadership. Ghana’s historical significance in the transatlantic slave trade and rich cultural value made it an ideal destination for the It Takes a Village group’s long-held vision of taking youth to Africa.

Selection involved careful assessment by frontline staff and caregivers to ensure genuine interest and readiness. The process prioritized youth motivation and goals while evaluating trip feasibility for each participant.

Beyond visiting historic sites, youth explored vibrant Ghanaian communities preserving traditions of music, art, and spirituality. They showed compassion by sharing food with underprivileged children, explored local markets with enthusiasm, and gained deeper appreciation for both their Canadian lives and African heritage.

Many participants were surprised by Ghana’s modernity compared to their previous perceptions, shifting perspectives about the continent. One initially reluctant youth later declared he would never miss such an opportunity again, demonstrating the journey’s transformative impact.

The program faced typical organizational challenges including securing funding, selecting participants and chaperones, coordinating with tour companies, and managing travel documentation. Having both CEO Manful and Supervisor Dannsah-Appiah as Ghanaians proved invaluable for navigation and cultural coordination.

Lessons learned included the need for more rest time between excursions in future trips, though the comprehensive itinerary kept youth engaged throughout. CCAS plans to expand participation so more Black youth can benefit from similar cultural experiences.

The Freedom Walk aligns with CCAS’s broader summer initiatives connecting youth to heritage and faith. The organization also conducted a separate Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome, demonstrating comprehensive commitment to youth development through cultural and spiritual connections.

For Kassa, the experience reinforced that “Black Routes are not only about survival, triumph and reconnection” but showcase the creativity, leadership, and unity that have sustained African peoples through centuries of struggle. Ghana became not just a destination but “a living classroom and a spiritual homecoming.”

The program underscores how understanding the global Black experience requires recognizing everlasting African ties. As these eighteen youth return to school with extraordinary summer stories, they carry renewed cultural pride, strengthened identity, and deeper connections to both their heritage and each other.

Staff plan to build on journey lessons through continued support, ensuring the transformative experience contributes to participants’ ongoing development. The initiative demonstrates how targeted cultural programming can profoundly impact youth in care, providing roots and identity often missing from their experiences.

As Dannsah-Appiah reflected, the work extends beyond safety and well-being to helping youth “see beyond” their circumstances, connecting them to broader histories, cultures, and communities that shape their identities and futures.

SanlamAllianz Ghana, the nation’s leading insurance company, has officially launched “Proud Moments,” a groundbreaking campaign designed to redefine how Ghanaians perceive insurance.

Instead of focusing on fear or uncertainty, this initiative highlights the joy of life’s milestones and reminds people that “Your Achievement Deserves Protection.”

The Proud Moments campaign is set to boost brand and product awareness, deepen customer engagement, and inspire Ghanaians to see insurance as a partner in protecting what matters most.

As part of the initiative, SanlamAllianz Ghana will host a live activation on October 4 at Achimota Mall, where ten extraordinary individuals will be celebrated for their resilience, sacrifices, and hard work.

These unsung heroes, everyday Ghanaians who have achieved significant milestones despite the odds, will be honoured in a heartfelt ceremony that turns their proudest moments into unforgettable memories.

Speaking about the campaign, William Mensah, Executive for Strategy, Business Analytics, Marketing Communications and Brand at SanlamAllianz General Insurance Ghana said:

“At SanlamAllianz, we believe that achievements, big or small, deserve to be celebrated and protected. The Proud Moments campaign is our way of shining a spotlight on the incredible resilience of Ghanaians. We are not only protecting lives and assets but also affirming that every milestone matters and every achievement deserves recognition.”

How to Nominate

SanlamAllianz Ghana is inviting the public to participate by nominating individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved their proudest moments by September 30th. To enter:

· Share a 30-second video on Instagram explaining why your nominee deserves to be celebrated.

· Tag @sanlamallianzghana to complete the entry.

Selected individuals may find themselves walking through a special “Hall of Fame” at Achimota Mall during the live activation.

The campaign underscores SanlamAllianz Ghana’s commitment to celebrating life while ensuring that the most important milestones remain secure for generations to come.

About SanlamAllianz Ghana

SanlamAllianz Ghana is a trusted leader in the insurance industry, dedicated to providing innovative financial solutions that protect and empower individuals, families, and businesses.

With a strong focus on customer-centric service, the company continues to redefine insurance for Ghanaians by aligning products and initiatives with the realities of everyday life.

Danny Angels is the CEO of Royal Kingdom Estate

Royal Kingdom Estate is set to embark on its much-anticipated “Bridge to Ghana Tour” across the United States this October, as part of its mission to connect the African diaspora with investment opportunities on the continent.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Danny Angels, CEO of Royal Kingdom Estate, explained that the initiative comes after receiving over 50 invitations from the diaspora since 2022.

“The time is now. In the last couple of years, we’ve done so much in Ghana’s real estate landscape, and the news has spread abroad. Most of our clients are in North America, and they’ve been calling on us to come.

The Bridge to Ghana Tour is about reconnecting, building trust, and creating a platform for Africans in the diaspora to invest back home,” he said.

Ghana Stock Exchange indexes climb as market capitalization hits GH¢157.7 billion

The company will also be the lead sponsor of the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo in Washington, D.C., which opens on October 1–2, 2025 at the Marriott Georgetown.

Introducing New Developments: Grace City & The Future

As part of its U.S. engagements, Royal Kingdom Estate will also unveil Grace City Prime Lands and Grace City Prime Homes, a 500-acre eco-friendly “green city” that blends residential, commercial, and agricultural developments.

“We are big on holistic living. Grace City will not only provide housing but also agriculture, health and wellness facilities, and sustainable infrastructure,” Angels explained.

Alongside this, the company is introducing The Future, a premium project strategically located near the redeveloped Ghana International Trade Fair, just 10 minutes from Kotoka International Airport.

According to Angels, “This project offers some of the biggest unit sizes on the market, close to key landmarks like the airport, beaches, and hotels. It’s designed for comfort, culture, and investment value.”

A Call to the Diaspora

Royal Kingdom Estate emphasizes that its mission goes beyond brick and mortar. The company envisions real estate as a catalyst for economic growth and collective development.

“There are about 300 million Africans in the diaspora. Imagine if each contributed even $100 towards Africa’s development—what impact that would make. We are creating the bridge, and we are inviting everyone to climb on it,” Angels said.

The Bridge to Ghana Tour will kick off in Washington, D.C., before making stops in Maryland, Virginia, Atlanta, and Houston. Each city will host business forums, investment showcases, and exclusive high-net-worth networking dinners.

Notable partners joining the initiative include Andromeda Peters, Miss United States 2018 and Royal Kingdom’s Global Legacy Partner, and Jay Cameron, celebrated media personality and real estate investor with roots in both the U.S. and Ghana.

Building Trust Through Integrity

Royal Kingdom Estate highlights its track record as one of the main reasons for growing international interest. Between 2022 and now, the company has sold over 600 acres of litigation-free land to clients.

“None of these lands have been lost. They have been protected for our clients. That credibility is what makes organizations abroad eager to work with us,” Angels stressed.

The company says its long-term goal is to not only create thriving real estate developments but also drive a 360-degree impact on the economy by generating employment across multiple professional sectors—from construction and architecture to healthcare, finance, and creative industries.

The Bigger Picture

For Royal Kingdom Estate, the upcoming tour is more than a marketing drive—it’s a movement.

“When we say Bridge to Ghana, we are talking about creating a soft landing for the diaspora. This is about linking people, resources, and opportunities to build the new Africa,” Angels concluded.

President John Dramani Mahama, the African Union Champion for African Financial Institutions, has launched “The Accra Reset: Reimagining Global Governance for Health and Development” in New York, United States.

The launch took place when the President hosted a landmark high-level event on the margins of the 80th Session of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, United States.

This pivotal initiative will introduce a bold and actionable framework designed to fundamentally transform the global governance architecture, ensuring it is fit-for-purpose in a turbulent, post-SDG era.

President Mahama in his keynote address said as African Union Champion for African Financial Institutions, he carries a mandate to help shape the future of the African continent’s financial architecture.

“As a continent’s advocate for reparations, I’m also deeply aware of the failings of the world’s moral order. That responsibility is also why I’m passionate about the Accra Reset,” he said.

He added: “For I know that without new governance, business, and financing models for development, there can be no sustainable path for health, no resilience for economies, and no workable future for global solidarity.”

He noted that the Accra Summit produced a resounding consensus.

“The health crisis we face is not only a crisis of disease, vaccines, and hospitals, but also a crisis of social and economic inequality. It is a symptom of a deeper malaise in the global development architecture itself,” he said.

President Mahama said the collapse of the legacy aid system, punishing debt burdens in the global south, and fragmented supply chains were not isolated problems.

He said the evidence that the very logic of global development as they had known it was no longer fit for purpose.

“From Accra, a message went out to the world. If we are to heal our health systems, we must first reset development itself,” he stated.

He said the New York meeting was taking place at a time of increasing global uncertainty; adding that humanity had made progress once unimaginable.

He said in 1990, 36 per cent of the world lived in extreme poverty, and by 2019, that figure had fallen to eight per cent, and that global life expectancy had risen by nearly a decade in just one generation.

The President said maternal mortality had declined by a third since the year 2000, and in global health since 2000 alone, more than 50 million lives had been saved through expanded access to vaccines, HIV treatment, and malaria prevention.

He said the Global Fund and Gavi, born out of a new development consensus two decades ago, had provided life-saving tools to billions of the world’s population.

“This progress deserves recognition. It reminds us of what becomes possible when global solidarity rises to meet global challenges. And yet, even as we celebrate these gains, the cracks in the global order are growing deeper,” he said.

He added that, “The question that agitates our mind is:

 how do we sustain these gains in the face of current global shifts?”

President Mahama said the COVID-19 pandemic erased two decades of poverty reduction in less than two years; adding that climate change had driven nearly 735 million people back into chronic hunger and almost one in 10 of the world’s population was facing chronic hunger.

The Accra Reset was anchored on three fundamental shifts – the first was a mindset shift, which was needed, recognising that they live in an era of unpredictability, President Mahama said, warning that the post-war multilateral era was being ripped apart and that it appears they must prepare for a period of global turbulence.

The President said the second was a focus shift moving from beyond crafting new lists of global goals to building executable business models for coalitions, syndicates, and platforms that deliver.

And the third was a reality shift, accepting that diverse, even contradictory, interests are now a permanent feature of our system; and turning these very tensions into the fuel for pragmatic cooperation and mutual investment is imperative.

President Mahama said this new model demands resource multiplication and not rationing.

“Instead of limiting resilience, let us multiply it. Instead of setting new spending targets, let us measure the additional value that health, climate resilience, and food security can contribute to the global economy,” he said.

The President added that, “To give this Reset shape, we must launch a new global coalition, a partnership of the willing, the beginnings of a durable club, a presidential council comprising heads of state and government from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, which will provide political leadership to this movement.”

Also, a high-level panel drawing from health, finance, innovation, and business would provide intellectual depth and evidence to this exercise.

This coalition, he said, together would apply the operating logic of the Reset to help the world rethink global development itself.

Source: GNA

Ghana’s consumer confidence has surged to its highest level in years as inflation tumbles toward single digits, though persistent weakness in bank lending threatens to constrain the economic recovery despite improving fundamentals across multiple sectors.

Consumer confidence reached 116.9 in August, approaching the mid-year peak of 119.2 and representing a dramatic improvement from 81.2 recorded twelve months earlier, according to the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) latest survey data. Business confidence similarly climbed to 107.5 from 88.8 over the same period as firms exceeded short-term targets while expressing growing optimism about industry prospects.

The confidence surge reflects Ghana’s remarkable disinflation success, with headline inflation falling to 11.5 percent in August from 12.1 percent in July and down dramatically from 23.8 percent at the end of 2024 – marking the eighth consecutive monthly decline and reaching its lowest level since October 2021.

“The economy continues to demonstrate strong growth, driven largely by the services and agriculture sectors,” declared Governor Johnson Pandit Asiama following the central bank’s 126th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where officials implemented an aggressive 350 basis point rate cut.

Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 6.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025 compared with 5.7 percent for the same period a year earlier, with non-oil GDP rising by 7.8 percent. Services expanded 9.9 percent while agriculture grew 5.2 percent, offsetting contractions in the oil and gas sector.

High-frequency economic indicators reinforce the improving trajectory. The Composite Index of Economic Activity recorded annual growth of 6.1 percent in July, accelerating from 1.9 percent a year earlier and reflecting stronger trade, household spending and industrial output. Ghana’s Purchasing Managers’ Index also increased in August, signaling rising new orders across the manufacturing sector.

The disinflation breakthrough has created space for substantial monetary policy easing. The Bank of Ghana cut its policy rate by 350 basis points to 21.5 percent from 25 percent, prompting steep declines in government borrowing costs. Yields on the 91-day Treasury bill plummeted to 10.3 percent in August from 27.7 percent a year earlier, while average commercial lending rates fell to 24.2 percent from 30.8 percent.

Ghana’s currency stability has provided crucial support to the disinflation process. The cedi has gained more than 20 percent against the US dollar this year as foreign reserves climbed to US$10.7 billion, providing 4.5 months of import cover and strengthening the central bank’s ability to manage exchange rate pressures.

However, the economic recovery faces a critical constraint from weak credit transmission. Nominal private-sector credit expanded by only 13.3 percent in August compared with a year earlier, translating to just 1.7 percent real growth after adjusting for inflation.

For small business owners like Aunty Bee, who operates a cold storage facility at Adenta, the economic improvement brings mixed results. Customer demand has strengthened as prices stabilized, allowing better business planning compared to the volatile pricing environment of 2024.

“Last year, I could bring in a consignment of chicken and by the time I sold half of it, I had to raise prices again. Now, at least, I can plan,” she explained, highlighting the practical benefits of price stability for retail operations.

Yet access to finance remains her biggest operational challenge despite official interest rate reductions. “Even though interest rates are supposed to be lower, the banks are not eager to give us loans,” she said. “I end up relying more on suppliers’ credit and personal savings.”

The banking sector shows signs of improved resilience with capital adequacy rising to 17.7 percent in August from 10.2 percent a year earlier, while non-performing loans declined to 20.8 percent from 24.8 percent. However, the elevated level of bad loans continues discouraging banks from expanding credit, creating a bottleneck for economic growth.

Governor Asiama acknowledged that “elevated credit risk remains a major concern,” emphasizing that successful adherence to bank recapitalization plans will prove critical for sustaining financial sector stability and supporting broader economic recovery.

Ghana’s fiscal performance has provided additional support for the improving outlook. The government limited the budget deficit to 1.1 percent of GDP in the first seven months of 2025, beating its 2.1 percent target while recording a primary surplus of 1 percent. Public debt fell to 44.9 percent of GDP from 61.8 percent at the end of 2024, demonstrating significant fiscal consolidation progress.

The central bank projects inflation will fall within its 8 percent plus or minus 2 percent target band by year-end, though potential upward adjustments in utility tariffs remain a risk factor. The monetary authorities have indicated continued policy rate reductions remain possible if disinflation momentum persists without threatening financial stability.

Economic analysts emphasize that sustaining the current positive momentum will require credit growth acceleration to match the stronger macroeconomic fundamentals. The disconnect between improving economic indicators and sluggish lending represents a key challenge that could limit Ghana’s recovery potential despite the remarkable progress in inflation control and business confidence.

The coming months will test whether banking sector reforms and continued monetary policy easing can unlock the credit flows necessary to fully capitalize on Ghana’s improving economic fundamentals and translate rising confidence into sustained growth acceleration.

Ghana’s banking sector stands poised for dramatic expansion following the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) revolutionary decision to accept state-backed credit guarantees as acceptable collateral, a policy shift that could more than double lending capacity while supporting President John Mahama’s ambitious $4 billion 24-hour economy transformation.

The central bank has officially approved guarantees issued by the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) as acceptable collateral, fundamentally altering how commercial banks calculate lending limits and manage credit risk exposure. This breakthrough policy will extend to other institutions including Development Bank Ghana (DBG) as the framework expands.

“The idea was to de-risk agricultural lending and encourage financial institutions to increase their exposure to the sector through credit guarantee schemes,” declared Ismail Adam, Director-Banking Supervision, speaking on behalf of Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama at a banking sector roundtable in Accra. “Going forward, the same protocol will be extended to DBG.”

The timing proves crucial as President Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy program, officially launched July 2, 2025, aims to create at least 1.7 million jobs over four years while driving industrial transformation, requiring over $4 billion in investments with government providing initial seed capital.

John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Association of Banks, explained how the policy fundamentally transforms lending mathematics. Under current regulations, banks can lend only 10 percent of their net owned funds for unsecured facilities, but the guarantee framework allows them to advance up to 25 percent for secured lending.

“If it is unsecured, you can lend up to 10 percent of your net owned funds,” Awuah explained. “But if it is secured because the central bank is accepting the guarantee, then you can lend up to 25 percent. Instead of giving GH¢10 million I can now give GH¢25 million, which allows businesses to do much more.”

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, effectively removing the primary barrier facing Ghana’s agricultural sector access to institutional credit.

The policy breakthrough addresses a critical constraint identified by banking executives as they prepare to support the 24-hour economy initiative. Banks can now confidently extend credit to previously “unbankable” agricultural enterprises backed by GIRSAL guarantees, with implications extending across the entire agricultural value chain from seed producers and tractor service providers to food processors and exporters.

Development Bank Ghana’s $70 million partial credit guarantee scheme complements GIRSAL’s agricultural focus by supporting partner financial institutions in managing default risks across manufacturing, agriculture, services and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with particular emphasis on women-led and first-time borrowers.

Banking sector leaders view the guarantee framework as essential infrastructure for financing the 24-hour economy initiative, which aims to expand production and services beyond traditional hours to boost growth and employment across key sectors. The 24-Hour Economy Initiative represents President Mahama’s signature economic policy, designed to maximize productivity by enabling businesses to operate round-the-clock across key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Adam emphasized that this new framework strengthens the crucial link between banks and the real economy, noting that success for the 24-hour economy program depends significantly on how banks respond to increased demand for financing. A stronger banking sector will provide the stability required to attract investment while supporting round-the-clock operations across multiple industries.

The guarantee acceptance also reduces regulatory capital consumption for banks, since exposures backed by guarantees require lower capital allocation. “Sometimes, in other jurisdictions, guarantees are even netted off exposures on the books. That frees up capacity to lend more,” Awuah noted, suggesting potential for even greater lending expansion as the policy matures.

However, banking leaders acknowledge that access to long-term, affordable funding remains a significant constraint despite the guarantee breakthrough. Awuah cautioned that institutions like DBG were established specifically to fill this gap and provide banks with resources to offer loans with longer maturities at sustainable rates.

“The more long-term arrangements we have, the better it is for both banks and borrowers,” he stated. “This allows businesses to scale, repay comfortably and ultimately strengthens the system.”

Recent banking sector data reveals mixed results in the first half of 2025, with leading institutions strengthening capital positions while others struggle with deteriorating loan portfolios amid low GDP growth and excessive interest rate volatility.

The guarantee framework arrives as Ghana’s agricultural sector desperately needs institutional credit access. Traditional collateral requirements have historically excluded smallholder farmers and agribusinesses from formal credit markets, forcing reliance on informal lending at unsustainable rates.

Awuah emphasized that while government sets the framework, private sector leadership will ultimately determine the program’s success. “As bankers, we are very keen to be the oil that fuels the program,” he declared. “But it takes two to tango. The private sector must also come on board.”

President Mahama has emphasized that while government provides the policy framework, the private sector must lead implementation of the 24-hour economy initiative, making banking sector cooperation essential for success.

For Ghana’s banking sector, the credit guarantee acceptance represents more than regulatory change – it offers a pathway to significantly expand lending while supporting national economic transformation goals. The coming months will test whether this policy innovation translates into the massive private sector investment required to achieve the 24-hour economy’s ambitious job creation and industrial development targets.

By Mavis Quansah 

Tema, Sept. 24, GNA —The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ledzokuku Municipal Office, has organised its 2025 constitutional quiz, with Roosevelt International Schools emerging as winners.  

The Roosevelt International School scored 62 points, followed by the Gerald International School with 58 points, Ford Schools Limited, gaining 54 points to claim the third position, and Teshie Estate Preparatory School placed fourth, with 48 points. 

 The competition covered questions from various chapters of the 1992 Constitution, which included human rights and responsibilities, arms of government, current affairs, separation of powers, and checks and balances, among others. 

 The quiz competition formed part of activities organised by the NCCE to mark constitutional week celebration, aimed at enhancing students’ knowledge and understanding of the 1992 Constitution and how it guides the country in its policies, decision-making and governance. 

 Mr. Nicholas Atiogbe, the Municipal Director for the NCCE, said the quiz was organised to educate civic education club members to embrace the history and constitution of the land. 

 He added that the students must inculcate values that will help them to be responsible children in society. 

He indicated that it was the commission’s obligation to educate the students and embed in them good morals through education, counselling and career guidance. 

 Mr. Atigbe said: “Most often, we say the children are our future leaders, but the future is now; it is therefore important to guide and educate them to make good decisions that would benefit them and the country at large and to stay away from social vices.” 

 Mr. Atiogbe noted that the NCCE was working on other innovative activities like quizzes, excursions, and drama, among others, to whip up the students’ interest in state affairs.  

He said that even though they expected that all the students would be given the opportunity to participate in school programmes, the NCCE mostly faced challenges with heads of schools denying civic officers access to engage their students. 

He therefore pleaded with heads of schools and the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) to open their doors for the commission to have engagement with the teachers and students.  

Miss Sybil Aseye Setuagbe, a pupil of Roosevelt International Schools, said the competition has helped them learn to work in teams and broaden their knowledge on the 1992 Constitution and their fundamental rights. 

GNA 

Edited by Laudia Sawer/Benjamin Mensah 

King Charles III has conveyed his condolences to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

In a letter dated August 14, 2025, and addressed from Buckingham Palace, King Charles said he was “profoundly saddened” to learn of the death of the Queen Mother of Asanteman, describing her as a devoted custodian of Ashanti traditions and unity.

“Her Royal Majesty demonstrated a deep devotion to preserving the traditions and unity of the Ashanti throughout her life, and served as an exemplar of wise, fair, and gracious judgment and counsel,” King Charles wrote.

He further praised her years of guidance, leadership, and tireless service to charitable causes, noting that she touched the lives of many mothers and children.

The monarch added that the passing of Nana Konadu Yiadom III was “an immense loss” that would be deeply felt not only in Asanteman but also around the world. He extended his prayers to the Asantehene and his family, stating that Queen Camilla also joins him in mourning with the Ashanti Kingdom.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III passed away on August 11, 2025. Her final burial rites were held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, with the four-day observance concluding on September 18, 2025.

….

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The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has intensified calls for Ghana to establish strategic fuel reserves, arguing the country’s reliance on immediate price pass-through mechanisms leaves consumers vulnerable to global market shocks.

Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah warned that Ghana’s current model of “playing to the wind” exposes the nation to excessive fuel price volatility, with pump prices currently ranging from GH₵14.99 to GH₵16.23 per litre for petrol across different Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

“We wait and obey the wind. Whatever happens, we pass it on to our people. Whatever adjustment with the local currency, we pass the effect. Whatever taxes the government slaps, we pass them. That era has got to come to an end,” Amoah stated during recent industry discussions.

Ghana currently lacks strategic petroleum reserves, leaving the country without “a single litre of cushioning” against price shocks caused by global events including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to the COPEC executive.

Recent market data confirms the volatility Amoah describes. Shell raised petrol prices to GH₵16.23 per litre while diesel increased to GH₵16.20, representing significant increases from earlier price points. Star Oil maintained petrol at GH₵14.99 but raised diesel from GH₵14.99 to GH₵15.37, reflecting the unpredictable nature of current pricing mechanisms.

The pricing challenges have been exacerbated by additional government levies, including a GH₵1 levy introduced on every litre of petroleum products except Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which took effect July 16, 2025. The levy aims to offset Ghana’s mounting energy sector debt but adds to consumer burden.

Industry experts suggest Ghana would need approximately $3 billion to establish a six-month strategic fuel reserve capacity. The Commodities Monitoring and Analysis Centre (COMAC) Chairman Gabriel Kumi previously indicated such reserves are essential during global supply chain disruptions.

Amoah advocates for a hybrid model combining government and private depot contributions to create a national stockpile. The system would involve replenishing reserves when prices are low and drawing upon them when prices rise, providing consumers with price stability and businesses with predictability.

International examples support COPEC’s arguments. The United States maintains a Strategic Petroleum Reserve with 714 million barrels authorized storage capacity, while South Africa operates reserves through PetroSA’s Saldanha Bay facility with 45 million barrels capacity. Countries within the International Energy Agency maintain such buffers for both national security and economic stability.

Ghana’s vulnerability is heightened by its dependence on refined product imports despite being an oil producer. The country exports crude oil while importing refined products, creating what Amoah describes as a “sickening” $400 million monthly fuel import bill that strengthens foreign economies while undermining domestic stability.

The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) was established to expand capacity and maintain strategic petroleum product reserves, according to government policy documents. However, current storage capacity remains insufficient to buffer against significant price shocks affecting consumers.

Current fuel price volatility reflects Ghana’s exposure to currency fluctuations, global crude price movements, and policy changes. The recent pricing windows have seen variations exceeding 10 percent between different OMCs, highlighting the lack of coordinated price stabilization mechanisms.

COPEC projects continued price instability without structural reforms. The chamber previously forecast fuel price increases in September 2025, following patterns of international crude price movements and cedi depreciation against major currencies.

Transport operators, businesses, and households face cascading effects from fuel price volatility, with increases translating into higher transport fares, elevated food costs, and reduced purchasing power across the economy.

Amoah emphasizes that global uncertainty will persist, making reactive pricing policies unsustainable. He argues Ghana must adopt proactive strategies similar to other oil-producing nations to protect consumers from excessive market volatility while maintaining economic stability.

Ghanaian Afro-fusion star Gyakie has reached another career milestone as her latest project, After Midnight, takes center stage on the world-famous Times Square billboard in New York City. The feature comes through Spotify’s EQUAL initiative, a global program dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices of female artists around the world.

The Spotify EQUAL campaign has consistently spotlighted outstanding women in music, and Gyakie’s inclusion reflects her rising influence not only in Africa but also across the international music scene.

Since her breakout with “Forever”, Gyakie has built a reputation for blending soulful melodies with Afrobeats, R&B, and contemporary sounds. After Midnight showcases her growth as an artist, delivering a rich mix of storytelling, emotion, and rhythm that resonates with fans both locally and globally.

Gyakie’s appearance on the iconic Times Square billboard underscores the increasing global recognition of Ghanaian and African music. It also highlights the growing role of African female artists in shaping today’s international soundscape.

With After Midnight now enjoying worldwide attention, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see what’s next for Gyakie as she continues her ascent on the global stage.

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.

The lifeless body of a one-week-old baby has been discovered and retrieved from a toilet pit by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

The infant, a boy suspected to have been abandoned and dumped by his mother, who is yet to be identified, was retrieved following distress calls by residents in Suhum.

Nigerian woman arrested in connection with Spintex robbery

According to a report by the GNFS on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a team of 11 fire crew members was dispatched to the scene after receiving distress calls, where they discovered the tragic incident.

“On Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, Suhum Municipal Fire Rescuers swiftly responded to a distress call at 6:30 a.m. near Gateway Preparatory School at Ali, a suburb of Suhum.

“An 11-member crew led by ASTNO Danso Henry arrived at 6:44 a.m. and, after a careful rescue operation, sadly retrieved the lifeless body of a one-week-old baby boy from a toilet pit at about 7:00 a.m,” the statement read.

The GNFS further stated that the suspect fled the scene after committing the crime.

Meanwhile, the retrieved body has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

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“Preliminary findings suggest that the tragic act was allegedly committed by the baby’s mother, who fled the scene. The body has since been handed over to the police for further investigation. We commend the brave Suhum Fire Rescuers for their prompt response, professionalism, and dedication in handling this heartbreaking incident,” it added.

Read the post below:

MAG/VPO

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TWI NEWS

Yayra Koku is the CEO of the NIA

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Yayra Koku, has assured the public that the Ghana Card remains valid for 10 years, despite recent discussions around a possible reduction in its validity period.

In response to public concerns, Koku acknowledged that his earlier remarks about a proposal for shorter validity sparked debate, assuring that no changes have been made.

He, however, noted that stakeholder consultations are ongoing to determine the best way forward.

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“Despite my earlier statement about a proposal to reduce the validity of the Ghana Card, it is still valid for ten years. Stakeholder consultation is ongoing, and we have taken note of the public outcry,” he clarified in a post on X.

Koku explained that identity cards are subject to expiration for two main reasons: card lifespan, the physical durability of the card and mandatory data updates to ensure that citizens periodically refresh their information to keep national data dynamic rather than static.

He challenged Ghanaians to reflect on whether the current 10-year cycle is too long before requiring mandatory updates.

“How many of us have updated our information since we registered for our Ghana Card? Is 10 years too long to force such a mandatory information update? These are the questions we should ask ourselves,” he noted.

According to him, updating citizens’ data is not about inconveniencing the public or raising money but about equipping the government with reliable, up-to-date information for effective planning.

“The government requires dynamic data for planning. It’s not about money or putting Ghanaians through stress. Technology is always available to solve this,” he emphasised.

Koku assured that the NIA remains committed to engaging with the public and stakeholders to improve its services and strengthen Ghana’s identity management system.

“We will continue to collaborate with the public to advance the work of the NIA,” he said.

See his post below:

Despite my earlier statement about a proposal to reduce the validity of the Ghana Card, it is still valid for ten years. Stakeholder consultation is ongoing, and we have taken note of the public outcry.

However, ID cards expire due to two fundamental issues.

1. Card Lifespan

2.…

— Yayra Koku (@YayraKoku) September 24, 2025

SSD/SA

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Fifteen out of the 23 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament in the Eastern Region have declared their support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid to lead the party into the 2028 general election.

The MPs said replacing the former Vice President as flagbearer in the January 2026 contest would set the NPP and Ghana back by 16 years.

At a press conference in Nkawkaw on Wednesday, the MPs argued that Ghanaians were beginning to embrace Dr Bawumia’s policy ideas, many of which they claimed had been vindicated since the 2024 polls.

“After all the propaganda hurled against the NPP in the 2024 elections, it is becoming clear day by day that Bawumia was right in many of the things he proposed. Now is the time that more Ghanaians are warming up to his ideas. Changing him will be setting ourselves back by another 16 years,” they stated.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, MP for Achiase, described Dr Bawumia as the best candidate to secure victory for the NPP.

“Having been well marketed and having served as Ghana’s most impactful Vice President, he is the best option politically and policy-wise to win us the election,” he noted.

The MPs highlighted Dr Bawumia’s qualities of humility, inclusiveness, and effectiveness, stressing that he embodies the leadership style Ghanaians desire. “He is humble, effective and embracing of all persons. We need a leader who unites and not one who divides,” they said, pledging to campaign vigorously for him across the region.

The fifteen MPs include Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo (Achiase), Michael Okyere Baafi (New Juaben South), Akwasi Acquah (Oda), Charles Owuredu (Abirem), Sammi Awuku (Akuapem North), Kwame Appiah Kodua (Fanteakwa North), Kingsley Agyemang (Abuakwa South), Nana Kwame Ampaw “Buffalo” (Abuakwa North), and Ida Adwoa Asiedu (Ayensuano). Others are Frank Annor Dompreh (Nsawam), Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Ofoase Ayirebi), Frank Asiedu Bekoe (Suhum), Alexander Agyare (Kade), Henrietta Korkor Asante (Atiwa West), and Duke Ofori Atta (Fanteakwa South).

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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.