Former Lands Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor has called for a pre-laying procedure on the amendment concerning mining in forest reserves.

The Damongo MP stressed that a thorough discussion is necessary to address the deep-rooted issues surrounding galamsey.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, he urged lawmakers to acknowledge the reality of political interference in illegal mining and ensure that any amendments effectively remove presidential discretion in granting mining rights in forest reserves.

“I rise to support the position of the Minority Leader on the need for some pre-laying procedure,” Jinapor stated.

“If you look at the provisions of the Constitution, which vest all mineral rights in the President and other statutory interventions, the previous government, in which I had the privilege of being Minister, announced publicly and the Attorney General actually took steps in the course of the eighth Parliament to effect this same amendment.”

Mr Jinapor argued that the pre-laying procedure is crucial because current submissions by the Majority Leader and the Education Minister do not fully contextualise the issue.

He stated that while the President has constitutional authority to permit mining in forest reserves, the reality on the ground is alarming.

“Mr. Speaker, as we speak today, mining is happening in almost all the forest reserves of our country. The Coalition Against Galamsey, led by the respected Ken Ashigbey, has actually come out with a report detailing how political party kingpins, believing that their party has won power, are taking over the forest reserves of our country,” he revealed.

Addressing the reluctance of some to admit the scale of illegal mining operations, Mr Jinapor challenged Parliament to face the truth.

“The only thing that can prevent the fight against galamsey is a lack of candour,” he declared.

“If anybody stands here and says that political party kingpins have not taken over forest reserves and are mining, let’s say it and let’s give ourselves six months, one year, two years, and we will see where galamsey will be.”

Mr Jinapor reiterated that a pre-laying procedure would allow for in-depth scrutiny of the amendment to ensure that it effectively curtails presidential discretion in granting mining rights in forest reserves.

He cautioned, however, that under the current legal framework, the President retains the authority to approve such activities despite any amendments.

“Let us accept the truth and be honest about what is happening today,” he urged.

“That is why I’m saying that the pre-laying is necessary for us to have a thorough, in-depth interrogation and discussion on how this can be formulated and presented in a manner that would truly if that is what we want to achieve, oust the discretion of the President in granting rights for mining in forest reserves.”

Concluding his submission, Mr Jinapor issued a stark warning about the state of Ghana’s forest reserves.

“As we speak, the forest reserves of our country have been invaded,” he stated.

“If we do not take decisive action now, we will soon find ourselves in a situation beyond redemption.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

By Benjamin A. Commey

Accra, March 18, GNA – The Ministry of Transport has inaugurated a 13-member inter-agency committee to review the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180) to allow commercial operations of motorcycles, known as “okada,” and tricycles.

The committee, comprising representatives from key institutions and law enforcement, has three weeks to propose amendments, including operational modalities for implementing commercial motorcycles and tricycles.

It will engage stakeholders such as transport operators, “okada” riders, and the public.

Inaugurating the committee in Accra, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, said motorcycles and tricycles had become essential modes of transport, offering flexibility and access in areas with poor connectivity.

“In some areas, ‘okada’ has completely taken over traditional public transport services,” he noted,

Mr. Nikpe explained that the venture contravened the current road traffic regulations, posing enforcement and safety challenges.

The regulations, enacted in 2012, prohibit the use of motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes.

Mr. Nikpe said commercial use of motorcycles and tricycles was “not a new phenomenon” and operated safely in other countries and questioned why Ghana should be an exception.

“Just about a week ago, I led a delegation to Kigali, Rwanda, which also happens to be my first official trip outside the country to study best practices in the regulation of commercial motorcycles.

“I truly believe that the most effective solutions to African challenges come from within Africa itself… During that visit, we gained insight into what has worked well for Rwanda, its challenges, and measures being implemented to address them,” he said.

Mr. Nikpe emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing innovation and regulation while considering the diverse needs of the transport sector.

He urged the committee to prioritize safety, inclusivity, and innovation, promising additional engagements after their work to collect grassroots feedback for refining the regulations.

“We aim to cultivate a road traffic environment that respects the rights of all users, fosters economic opportunities, and embraces new technologies,” he said.

The minister also assured the committee of the ministry’s support, adding, “Thousands of people, especially the youth, are waiting on you to deliver a good work.”

Committee members include Madam Mabel Sagoe, Chief Director, Ministry of Transport; Mr. Daniel Essel, Head, Road Transport Services, Ministry of Transport; Mr. Iddisah Yeboah Seidu, Deputy Chief Executive, DVLA; and Edmund Cheyuo, Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, DVLA;

The others are Bona Otuo Serebuo, Manager, VIR, DVLA; COP Peter Baba Atiniak, Director General, MTTD; and C/Supt. Alexander K. Obeng, Director, ERT, MTTD; Mr. Abraham Amaliba, Acting Director General, NRSA; Mr. Kwame Koduah Atuahene, Director, RIC, NRSA; and Madam Frederica Sala Iliasu, Acting Director, Legislative Drafting, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice;

The rest are Naa Martekai Sankah-Odumang, State Attorney, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; Alhaji Mohammed Saani Adams, Head, Finance and Administration, Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment; and a representative from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.

GNA

KAS

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Sackey Torkornoo has called on legal practitioners, business leaders, policymakers, and citizens to actively support the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism as a crucial component of commercial justice.

She emphasized that ADR offers a faster, more efficient way to resolve disputes while easing the burden on the courts.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, Justice of the Court of Appeal, during the launch of this year’s ADR Week in Kumasi on Monday (17 March), the Chief Justice stressed that ADR strengthens the commercial environment and ensures businesses can operate smoothly.

“By resolving disputes in a manner that respects the interests of all parties, ADR strengthens our commercial environment, making it one where businesses can thrive, and justice is both accessible and efficient,” she stated.

The 2025 ADR Week, themed “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Commercial Justice ADR,” runs from 17 to 21 March 2025. The Chief Justice highlighted that ADR mechanisms—such as mediation and arbitration—have been widely adopted due to their ability to preserve relationships beyond the dispute resolution process.

“ADR mechanisms are less adversarial and thus have the ability to reconcile parties and preserve relationships beyond the dispute management process,” she explained.

“Our purpose is to promote and uphold peace among disputing parties. The disadvantages of litigation are not something we take pleasure in,” she noted. The Chief Justice also acknowledged existing challenges, stating that many businesses and individuals are either unaware of ADR’s benefits or hesitant to move away from traditional litigation.

To address this, she revealed that the Judiciary is intensifying efforts to educate the public and train ADR professionals.

“To foster a deeper commitment to ADR, we will ensure that ADR professionals receive robust refresher training and that the public is educated on the advantages of ADR in managing financial disputes,” she said.

“We started this exercise two weeks ago by engaging various stakeholders in the business community—cocoa cooperative societies, traders’ associations, savings and loans institutions, and garages. In our next engagements, we will target transport associations and other groups,” she added.

The Chief Justice highlighted that Ghana’s Commercial Courts and pre-trial settlement conferences have proven successful in resolving cases efficiently, in line with procedural rules such as Order 58 of CI 47 and the District Court Rules, CI 59.

“These procedural rules make it mandatory for Judges and Magistrates to enquire from parties who appear before them, whether they are willing to have their cases settled through ADR,” she noted.

She further emphasized that Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) has significantly contributed to economic stability by allowing negotiated settlements.

“CCADR has helped parties manage obligations realistically, balancing creditor recovery with debtor protection. ADR mechanisms have also provided the flexibility for parties to agree on fair interest rates and terms, aligning resolutions with market realities,” she added.

Activities for the ADR Week include mass mediation sessions in 138 ADR-connected courts nationwide, media engagements, and sensitization programs for court users, judges, and magistrates.

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President of AGI for Greater Accra, Tsonam Akpeloo

The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) for Greater Accra, Tsonam Akpeloo, has described the 2025 budget presented by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as promising.

He noted that the budget appears to be more stabilized for the business community.

Speaking on Channel One TV, he expressed satisfaction with the abolishment of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy).

He explained that the business community relies heavily on mobile money transactions, and the scrapping of the tax will help them save money and reduce costs.

Akpeloo said, “The budget looks promising. Even though we are not yet out of the woods. We still have concerns, but it looks promising. It comes across as a more stabilized budget for us in the private sector, especially because some of the taxes we have always advocated against have been removed, like the E-Levy, for example.”

“If you follow advocacy, you will realize that most of the businesses that are SMEs really use mobile money for transactions, so the E-Levy was a big deal,” he added.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the first Budget and Economic Policy of the John Dramani Mahama administration in Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

The budget presentation was in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

SA/EK

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The transformation of gender roles and responsibilities have implications for how men and women and other social groups are impacted by and cope differently with the changing climate. However, such dynamics are often not considered in formulating and implementing climate resilience interventions. Through a case study in rural communities of the northwestern part of Ghana, Africa, using a mixed-methods approach, this paper investigates the gendered nature of transformations and the implications for climate resilience building. The study found that compared to ten years ago, women have increase access to farmland, participate more in agricultural development decision-making, better access to credit, and more diverse livelihood pathways. Nevertheless, women’s ability to adapt to climate change impacts like droughts is worsening because of cultural norms that restrict women’s control over land resources and their limited adaptive capacities. To achieve positive gendered transformation outcomes while minimising negative social transformation trade-offs, policy makers must rethink the strategies for building climate resilience. There is the need to focus on strategies that support the formulation and implementation of well-funded and targeted interventions with a perspective on gender realities and dynamics that provide women with real resources and agency, enabling institutional support and transformative opportunities.

By Iddi Yire

Accra, March 18, GNA – Mrs Victoria Hajar, Second Vice President of the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) has called for an inclusive workplace culture for women.

Workplace culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that characterize an organization, influencing how employees interact, work, and perceive the company.

“We must collaborate across sectors, organizations, and institutions to create inclusive and resilient workplaces where women can thrive,” Mrs Hajar stated in a speech read on her behalf at the GEA’s event to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration.

She said the GEA’s theme for the celebration “Accelerating Action Through the Power of Collective Effort”, reflects its belief that meaningful progress could not be achieved in isolation.

She noted that the theme challenges them to intensify their resolve and initiatives to close the gender gap and empower women across all spheres.

Highlighting on one of GEA’s most transformative initiatives, the Female Future Programme, Mrs Hajar said it was initiated in 2019 in collaboration with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise to accelerate action by equipping women with the necessary skills, networks, and confidence to step into leadership roles.

She said the programme had trained over 275 women, many of whom now hold executive positions, serve on corporate boards, and drive meaningful change in their industries.

She said as part of their broader vision; GEA was preparing to host the fourth annual leadership conference in May.

She noted that the event serves as a platform for engagement on leadership and governance, while also equipping more competent female leaders to ascend to the highest level of corporate responsibility.

She said even though women had made some strides in corporate leadership in Ghana, according to the 2024 World Diversity Index, there is still an urgent need to redouble their efforts and invest in programs like the Female Future Ghana to sustain and accelerate progress.

Adding that women had a vital role in accelerating action.

“We must mentor, support, and invest in the women around us while actively challenging the barriers that hinder their progress,” Mrs Hajar said.

“Together, we must cultivate environments where success is driven by talent and not gender.”

She said as the nation commemorates International Women’s Day, there was the need for Ghanaians to turn their commitments into tangible actions.

“Let us quicken the pace, dismantle barriers, and create a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead and thrive.”

Prof Margaret Ivy Gyan, a former Acting Director of the School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, who delivered the keynote address, advocated for equal participation of women in leadership in political and public life.

She hailed Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her election as the first woman Vice President of Ghana; adding that this would serve as a motivation for both women and girls.

Madam Joyce Asiedu-Ofei, President of Female Future Programme (FFP) Ghana Alumni, said “behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her value”.

This, she said highlighted the value of a supportive network and that it suggests that success was enhanced when women support one another.

GNA

KOA

On March 16, 2025, current President John Dramani Mahama’s official X (previously Twitter) account was hacked and taken over for 24 hours, exposing a major flaw in Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

During the breach, the account was used to promote a cryptocurrency scam, Solana Africa, misleading thousands of his followers before it was eventually restored.

The attack raises serious concerns about the security of high-profile accounts and the lack of 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring in Ghana.

If a current president’s digital presence can be compromised, it begs the question: how vulnerable are the country’s government institutions, businesses, and citizens?

A Nation Unprotected

While official details on the attack are limited, cybersecurity experts suggest common hacking techniques such as phishing, weak passwords, or SIM-swapping could have been used (Northeast Business Resilience Centere).

Regardless of the method, one fact remains clear—Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure is not keeping up with the growing digital threats. This is not the first high-profile cybersecurity incident in Ghana, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses are all at risk as cybercriminals become more sophisticated. The lack of real-time cybersecurity response and proactive defense measures leaves the nation open to further attacks.

FortiShield Ghana Sounds the Alarm

Cybersecurity experts from FortiShield Ghana are raising concerns about the wider implications of this breach. “The breach of President Mahama’s account is not just a PR issue—it’s a national security concern,” says Priscilla Acquah, Cybersecurity Consultant at FortiShield Ghana.

“If high-profile figures aren’t protected, cybercriminals will feel emboldened to target even more sensitive systems. Ghana must take cybersecurity seriously before it’s too late.”

The risk extends beyond just social media. A compromised political account could be used to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, or even impact national security decisions. Without immediate investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, Ghana could soon face more severe cyberattacks with real-world consequences

Lessons from the Mahama Hack

According to Benedict Tawiah, Senior Lead Security Engineer at FortiShield Ghana, the attack highlights critical weaknesses in digital security protocols.“This is a textbook example of why cybersecurity cannot be an afterthought,” he explains.

“Cybercriminals don’t work 9 to 5. If there’s no 24/7 monitoring, no real-time threat response, and no strict authentication measures, these attacks will keep happening.” To prevent future incidents, FortiShield Ghana recommends and provide services in the following:

• Mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all high-profile accounts.
• 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
• Stronger security training for government officials and corporate leaders.
• National cybersecurity legislation enforcement to hold organizations accountable for weak
  security practices.
• Advanced Security Audits & Risk Assessments
• Incident Response & Digital Forensics
• Cybersecurity Awareness Training
  Stay ahead of cybercriminals. Protect your online presence today.

Ghana Must Act Now

Ghana’s cybersecurity measures are not strong enough to protect its leaders, institutions, or citizens.  Cyber threats growing globally, Ghana must shift from reactive responses to proactive defense strategies.

By Melinda Berko,

Senior Account Director, Fortishield Ghana (www.fortishieldghana.com)

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play videoMP for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi

A former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has raised concerns over what he describes as a deliberate attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to create a false impression regarding the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on third-party motor insurance.

Speaking to GhanaWeb on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the MP for New Juaben South emphasised that while a law existed for the collection of the said tax, it was never implemented under the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, contrary to the impression being created by the current government.

“I was not satisfied at all because I wanted the minister to clarify the issue well for us to understand. He created the impression to the Ghanaian people that there was a VAT component on third-party motor insurance, which, in actual fact was not so. As a matter of fact, the reality is that the law was passed; however, it was not implemented. As far as there was no implementation, you cannot come to the House of Parliament to create the impression that the law was in existence and had been implemented.

“That is what I sought him to clarify, but he was not able to do justice to it, and that is the problem we have. We want to put it on record that in Ghana, as we stand here, there is no VAT on third-party motor insurance, and that is the fact. This is a house of records; it can be checked anywhere. There is no VAT on third-party motor insurance, so the minister has no right to deceive the public like that. That is the clarity we wanted from the minister, but he was not able to make it clear for us,” he stated.

The comment by the MP was in response to a question he posed to the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, when he appeared before Parliament on Tuesday to respond to questions.

While the MP sought to question the minister on whether the tax policy was actually implemented, he accused Dr Ato Forson of being evasive in his answer and insisted that the collection of VAT on third-party motor insurance has never been practiced in Ghana.

In the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to the Parliament of Ghana on March 11, 2025, by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the government announced the repeal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on third-party motor insurance.

This decision was part of a broader set of tax relief measures aimed at easing the financial burdens on Ghanaians and fulfilling campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 Election.

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) arguing that the tax had not been fully implemented under their administration, questioning the NDC’s narrative of abolishing the policy.

GA/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Otumfuo urges government to cancel or review Free SHS if students cannot be fed or accommodated

Telecel Ghana Foundation’s steadfast commitment to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment has earned it the prestigious SHIMEI Sustainability Award.

This recognition highlights the Foundation’s far-reaching impact, which has directly benefited over 6,000 Ghanaians through health initiatives in communities, STEM education in schools, and digital and financial literacy workshops across the country within the last year.

For years, the Foundation has been at the forefront of bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through its Grow Girls in STEM and DigiTech Academy programmes.

These initiatives have equipped junior and senior high school girls with firsthand experience in artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics, preparing them for roles in the digital economy.

Beyond education, the Telecel Ghana Foundation continues to make a tangible difference in community healthcare. Through Healthfest, it has provided free medical screening and primary healthcare services to thousands in underserved communities.

Additionally, its Rural Ultrasound Screening for Expectant Mothers project addresses maternal health challenges head-on, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, underscored the significance of this achievement: “At Telecel Ghana Foundation, we believe true sustainability is about impact, ensuring that every initiative leaves a lasting mark on individuals and communities.

This award is a celebration of the thousands of lives we have touched and fuels our commitment to do even more.”

As the Foundation continues to drive purpose-driven initiatives, this recognition reaffirms its role as a key force in corporate social responsibility, ensuring that no community is left behind in Ghana’s journey toward sustainable development.

As the corporate social responsibility arm of Telecel Ghana, Telecel Ghana Foundation is committed to contributing directly to positive change in communities through the ‘Connected for Good’ initiatives focused on three pillars – education, health and community partnerships.

Aligned with Telecel’s purpose-driven vision of “Connecting Energies,” the Foundation invests in initiatives that advance digital and STEM education, enhance the health and wellbeing of communities, and strengthen local collaboration to improve the quality of life and future outcomes of people.

The Minister for Energy Minister and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, yesterday assured the Asantehene and residents of the Ashanti Region that efforts are underway to stabilise the power supply and address persistent challenges in the electricity supply.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Asantehene, H.M. Otumfour Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, as part of his working visit to the Ashanti Region, John Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted ongoing interventions, including the installation of a new transformer, to improve power supply.

He informed Otumfour that the newly installed transformer, which replaces an older 66MVA unit, has more than double the capacity of the previous system.

This upgrade, he noted, will significantly enhance power distribution in Kumasi and beyond.

“The electricity demand has been increasing, and the existing infrastructure was unable to keep up. With the completion of this transformer new 145MVA, we expect a remarkable improvement in power delivery,” Jinapor said.

Me. Jinapor further addressed the power rationing (load shedding) issues that have affected businesses and households, revealing that at its peak in December, Ghana experienced up to 750 megawatts of load shedding. 

He, however, assured that the power supply situation has since stabilised, with Ghana, exporting excess electricity to neighboring countries.

According to the Minister, despite these improvements, more work needs to be done to achieve a fully stable energy supply.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach, including power generation, transmission, and distribution, to ensure long-term stability.

“We are working around the clock to resolve these challenges and guarantee a reliable power supply. Beyond generating enough power, we need to effectively transmit and distribute it to consumers,” he said.

Me. Jinapor commended the technical team for completing the new transformer installation, acknowledging that the transition between transformers caused some temporary disruptions. 

He assured Otumfour that the situation has been resolved, and the region will receive improved service moving forward.

Additionally, he urged power providers in the Ashanti Region to improve communication with consumers, particularly during scheduled maintenance or emergency power switches, to minimize panic and inconvenience.

Mr. Jinapor hinted at ambitious plans to make Kumasi a major power generation hub, with multiple plants expected to be operational in the coming years.  He indicated that these projects could contribute up to 500 megawatts of electricity from the region, further strengthening Ghana’s energy security.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s energy challenges and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for both residential and industrial users.

On his part, H.M. the Asantehene expressed gratitude to the Minister and his team of engineers for the swift response to addressing the power challenges in the Ashanti Region. 

Otumfour Osei Tutu II assured the Minister of his support while he worked to improve the power situation in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region in general.

The Minister, as part of the visit inspected the newly commissioned GRIDCo’s 145MVA Transformer at Anwomaso, the Ameri Plant, the construction of the AKSA plant, the construction of the Cenit Plant, the ECG double circuit tower line from Anwomaso BSP to the Airport Junction.

The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry, VRA, GRIDCo, and ECG.

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.

Francis-Xavier Sosu in the middle with the Heritors Labs team

On 14th March, representatives from Heritors Labs, Kofi Ocloo and Programme Engagement Lead, Barbara Aidoo paid a courtesy visit to Francis-Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency.

This high-level engagement underscored the shared commitment to fostering a robust, innovation-driven economy through strategic partnerships between THE government, private sector stakeholders, and research institutions.

Discussions focused on accelerating Ghana’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy by addressing commercialisation bottlenecks and strengthening policy frameworks that support Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research (STIR).

At the heart of the conversation was ARICS 2025 — a flagship initiative shaping Africa’s research-to-commercialisation agenda.

Sosu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting this game-changing platform, highlighting the critical role of policy advocacy, regulatory facilitation, and legislative backing** in accelerating Ghana’s innovation-driven economic growth.

From Suppliers to Global Power Players

A key highlight of the meeting was Sosu’s agreement to deliver a keynote address at ARICS 2025 on the topic: “The Africa Trade Awakening – From Suppliers to Global Power Players.”

For decades, Africa has powered global industries, supplying the raw materials that drive economies worldwide. But the time has come for more Africa to Lead. The address will focus on shifting from being suppliers to building, owning, and leading industries on a global scale.

Sosu’s address will dive into how we can create the right environment for African innovators, start-ups, and businesses to break barriers, scale beyond local markets, and compete at the highest levels.

As part of the discussions, Ocloo presented the Innovation Trust Corridor Evidence Report — a cross-continental economic partnership to foster innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of research for economic impact between the UK and African Commonwealth countries.

Building upon the UK’s robust innovation ecosystem, the ITC offers a structured framework to facilitate co-creation, intellectual property exchange, and regulatory alignment. This initiative will provide critical policies and infrastructure to support shared innovation among participating countries, fostering mutual growth.

Countries currently being considered for this innovation economy partnership are: Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and the United Kingdom under the UK Africa Innovation Trust Corridor.

Speaking on the significance of this initiative, Mr Ocloo stated; “Innovation thrives on collaboration, and the Innovation Trust Corridor (ITC) is a bold step towards bridging the gap between research and commercial success across the UK and African Commonwealth countries. By leveraging the UK’s well-established innovation ecosystem, this partnership creates a structured framework for innovation co-creation, intellectual property exchange, innovation trade and innovation resource and infrastructure sharing. Our goal is to propel innovation beyond development and into active commercialisation, driving economic impact for all participating nations.”

This engagement marks a pivotal step in aligning Ghana’s Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research (STIR) policy objectives with a broader innovation and industrialisation agenda that spans continents.

By fostering strategic partnerships, intellectual property exchange, and regulatory alignment, Heritors Labs is driving investment in cutting-edge research, talent development, and market-driven solutions.

This approach is set to accelerate the commercialisation of innovation for lasting economic impact, strengthening Ghana’s position within the global innovation ecosystem.

As Ghana positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s innovation revolution, Heritors Labs stands ready to champion this vision through sustained engagement, investment, and policy-driven action.

Acting Director-General CSA, Divine Selase Agbeti

Divine Selase Agbeti has officially resumed office as the Acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, taking over from Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako.

His first day in office was marked by a warm and spirited welcome ceremony at the CSA office in Accra.

The transition was characterised by a formal handing over ceremony on Thursday, March 13, 2025, where, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako who led the institutionalisation of Ghana’s cybersecurity development from 2017, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to advancing Ghana’s cybersecurity landscape.

In his inaugural speech, Agbeti pledged to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence in the CSA, emphasising the power of teamwork.

The ceremony brought together management and employees, all eager to extend their support to the new Acting Director-General.

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, also graced the event.

He underscored the critical need for sustainable funding for cybersecurity activities in the country.

He also pledged his ministry’s support to continue working with the CSA.

SP/EB

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Alexander Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader and Effutu MP

The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo–Markin, has applauded the NDC for turning the perception of NPP being known as the party of elites over in the last 6 years.

He said the NDC, over the last years, have sponsored many of their youth to pursue higher education in areas that were mostly NPP particularly; the law field.

“Let me give credit to the NDC because I think over time, they have deliberately sponsored and encouraged their youth to study in areas such as law when they realised that was their handicap,” he said.

Speaking on KSM show titled “Nation Building”, Afenyo–Markin stated that the NPP took many things for granted that led to their defeat in the ended elections in December 2024.

“One thing we took for granted as a party was thinking every lawyer was an NPP but got shocked on hearing and seeing many young men and women lawyers tagged as NDC.

“Those days during my school in Cape Vars, it was difficult for a student to openly say I am NDC, but now, the NDC has managed to win even with student leadership elections,” he noted.

He, however, encouraged the party to pay attention to their branding, focus on working collectively to resolve the internal issues and forge ahead the task of winning the 2028 Election.

Afenyo-Markin stated that though there are issues internally to resolve, they should not let the misunderstanding divide them but remain focused and champion the course of the party’s visions.

“I am not saying we should not talk about our issues but internal issues should be discussed internally, not openly, for others to know,” he said.

The Minority Leader also advised NPP supporters to be strong and energise with a collective spirit, adding that “1996, when we lost the election, the J.H Mensahs did not give up but fought together.”

He pointed out that the back and forth among party members on air will not do the party any good but rather drive potential floating voters, who may want to vote the party, away.

Afenyo-Markin added that Ghana is a country of diversity and needs a fair distribution to be able to slowly meet the needs of everyone and not leave some behind for a better and improved system.

VA/AE

You can also watch a compilation of the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:

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

Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has refuted recent claims regarding its acquisition by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), labeling them as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement released on Monday, March 17, the Ghana Bauxite Company emphasized its commitment to transparency and ethical business practices, addressing several concerns surrounding the transaction.

The company clarified that the sale to OPCL was conducted transparently and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

In 2010, when Rio Tinto divested its 80% stake in GBC, the Government of Ghana, holding a 20% share, declined to purchase the majority stake, allowing BOSAI Minerals of China to acquire it. Similarly, in 2022, the government again chose not to exercise its right of first refusal, leading to OPCL’s acquisition of the 80% stake from BOSAI Minerals under the same terms offered to the government.

GBC also addressed reports suggesting a significant increase in the company’s valuation—from $12.5 million in 2022 to over $1 billion currently—calling such claims unfounded. The company noted that valuations fluctuate due to investments, operational improvements, and market conditions. Since acquiring the company, OPCL has made substantial financial investments and strategic interventions that have enhanced efficiency, increased output, and strengthened its market position, naturally influencing valuation.

Regarding allegations of conflict of interest, GBC refuted claims that an individual involved in the company’s valuation later became OPCL’s Chief Financial Officer. The company stated that all management appointments under OPCL are based on professional competence and industry experience, dismissing any suggestions of unethical behavior.

On concerns over OPCL’s ownership, GBC reaffirmed that OPCL is a legally registered company with a clear and publicly verifiable ownership structure under Ghanaian law. The company rejected accusations that OPCL is secretly owned by a financier of a political party, stating that such claims are intended to create public distrust. The acquisition, according to GBC, was a purely commercial transaction based on business strategy and investment potential, without political interference.

Addressing allegations of insider trading, GBC acknowledged that OPCL’s owner was a board member at the time of acquisition but insisted that this does not constitute insider trading. The company explained that insider trading laws apply to publicly traded companies, not private transactions like this one.

“It also noted that it is standard corporate practice for board members, including government representatives, to have access to financial and operational information.

GBC reiterated its commitment to operational excellence, investment, and value creation for all stakeholders. The company urged the public to disregard misleading reports and trust that its growth is driven by sound management, strategic planning, and investment.

My X account has been restored – Mahama announces

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