Ghana has recorded a major rebound in foreign investor confidence, with foreign direct investment (FDI) surging by 381.9% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to fresh data from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The country attracted 76 new projects valued at US$862.96 million between January and June 2025, a significant jump from US$179.07 million in the first half of 2024.

The surge underscores renewed optimism in Ghana’s economic outlook amid ongoing reforms to stabilise the macroeconomic environment and improve the investment climate.

The manufacturing sector dominated in project numbers, accounting for 32 new investments, while general trading led in terms of value with US$622.92 million worth of capital commitments.

Once fully operational, the new projects are expected to create over 4,700 jobs across various sectors of the economy.

China emerged as Ghana’s largest investment partner, spearheading inflows with 22 projects during the period. It was followed by India (14 projects), Nigeria (8), and the UAE and UK (4 each).

The United States ranked sixth with three projects, while Liberia, Mauritius, Singapore and Turkey each recorded two projects.

Ghana’s improving policy environment, strategic location, and targeted investment promotion efforts are reinforcing its position as a leading destination for capital in West Africa.

The sharp uptick in FDI is also expected to boost growth in manufacturing, trade and job creation, further supporting the government’s medium-term economic recovery agenda.

Bolt Food Ghana has announced a series of partnerships with leading grocery and retail outlets as it marks its fifth year of operations in the country, reinforcing its position as one of Ghana’s fastest-growing on-demand platforms.

The company confirmed that it has signed agreements with all major retail and grocery brands, including Melcom, Maxmart, Fairway, Palace, Sneda, and Kwikmart. The expansion also extends beyond groceries, with electronics chain Telefonika, pharmacies, pet care outlets, flower shops, frozen food distributors, and alcohol retailers now featured on the Bolt Food platform.

According to Bolt Food, the move reflects both a response to shifting consumer demand and a long-term strategy to diversify its services beyond food delivery. The company believes this step positions the app as a comprehensive convenience platform, offering customers access to everyday essentials on one trusted digital channel.

“This milestone shows how far we’ve come since announcing our entry into the grocery and retail space last year. By bringing Ghana’s leading retail and grocery brands onto the platform, we’re proving that Bolt Food is more than a food delivery app. It’s becoming the go-to platform for everyday essentials,” said Ali Zaryab, General Manager of Bolt Food Ghana.

He added that the expansion also benefits local businesses and couriers. “Customers increasingly want one trusted platform that gives them access to everything they need, while retailers are seeking digital channels to reach more households. Our partnerships with major brands mark a strong step forward in reshaping convenience in Ghana and creating more opportunities for businesses and couriers alike.”

The company stated that the expansion would empower its ecosystem by generating wider earning opportunities for couriers and enabling both small and large businesses to reach new customers through Bolt Food’s platform.

As part of its growth plans, Bolt Food says it will continue to invest in strategic partnerships, technology upgrades, and new retail categories, with the aim of becoming Ghana’s most reliable on-demand services platform.

Globally, Bolt operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities, serving more than 200 million lifetime customers. Its services include ride-hailing, e-bike and scooter rentals, car rentals, corporate mobility, as well as food and grocery delivery.

President John Dramani Mahama speaking at the UN General Assembly

President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s economy is currently rebounding under the government’s “Reset Agenda,” citing major improvements in stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.

Speaking at the 80th UN General Assembly on September 25, 2025, President Mahama highlighted a drop in inflation from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% by August 2025.

He also noted that the cedi has appreciated recently against major global currencies.

“In just eight months, we have achieved a significant reduction in inflation — from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% in August 2025, restoring price stability for our citizens. Additionally, the Ghana cedi has appreciated considerably against other currencies,” he said.

According to financial data firm Bloomberg, the cedi was at one point the best-performing currency in the world this year, an achievement that underscores Ghana’s improved economic fundamentals.

President Mahama further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to long-term structural reforms, including the ambitious 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The program, designed to promote round-the-clock productivity across sectors, is expected to generate jobs, boost industrial output, and significantly expand economic opportunities.

“Our improved sovereign credit rating reflects increasing investor confidence. Our 24-Hour Economy initiative promises to transform our economy. There is a renewed willingness among the people to trust that their elected officials have Ghana’s interests at heart and that we are progressing together,” he shared.

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President John Dramani Mahama has warned that the breakdown of multilateralism poses grave risks to global peace and security, drawing parallels with the collapse of the League of Nations before World War II.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, he said the current era bore “all too similar” conditions.

“These are dangerous times. Our world is experiencing a rise in nationalism and economic instability. Various acts of aggression have been committed against the sovereignty of others, and nations are attempting to circumvent the very safeguards put in place to prevent large-scale global conflict,” he said.

Mr Mahama described the UN as “the proverbial town square of our modern global village,” which must be protected at all costs.

“It has never been more critical for us to protect this one space that brings and holds the world’s nations together as a community,” he told delegates.

He cautioned against the illusion of connectivity fostered by artificial intelligence and social media.

“These platforms reinforce isolation by using algorithms that ensure we do not receive new ideas and perspectives. We are served alternative facts and manipulated images, making it easier to disseminate disinformation and sow seeds of division,” he warned.

The Ghanaian leader called on world leaders to recommit to cooperation, saying, “We cannot normalise cruelty. We cannot normalise hatred. We cannot normalise xenophobia and racism. If we are going to tell a story, let’s not tell it slant. Let’s tell all the truth.”

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 Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) achieved a significant milestone on September 25, 2025, with the benchmark Composite Index (GSE-CI) breaking through the 8,000-point barrier for the first time in months, closing at 8,046.69 points during Trading Session 7057.

The remarkable single-day gain of 217.60 points represents a 2.78 percent increase from the previous session’s close of 7,829.09 points, marking one of the strongest daily performances recorded by the exchange this year. The index has now achieved a year-to-date return of 60.15 percent, significantly outperforming most emerging market benchmarks.

The GSE Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) also posted strong gains, advancing 43.49 points to close at 3,738.36 points, reflecting broad-based strength across the banking and financial services sector. The financial index has generated a year-to-date return of 0.57 percent, indicating resilience in Ghana’s financial sector amid challenging economic conditions.

Market capitalization reached GH¢160.7 billion, representing substantial wealth creation for investors and highlighting the exchange’s recovery from earlier periods of volatility. The current valuation reflects growing investor confidence in Ghana’s economic prospects and corporate sector fundamentals.

Trading activity remained relatively modest with 416,360 shares changing hands valued at GH¢1.51 million, continuing a pattern of lower volumes that has characterized recent sessions. Previous trading days showed significantly higher volumes, with Tuesday recording 4.99 million shares valued at GH¢20.74 million, suggesting institutional participation varies considerably across sessions.

Individual stock movements contributed to the market’s strong performance, with notable gains across multiple sectors. Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) posted the most significant percentage gain, rising GH¢1.00 from GH¢10.00 to GH¢11.00 per share, representing a 10 percent increase that reflects ongoing interest in utility sector investments.

MTN Ghana (MTNGH), which has dominated trading activity in recent sessions, continued its upward trajectory with a gain of GH¢0.17, maintaining its position as one of the exchange’s most actively traded securities. The telecommunications giant’s market capitalization of GH¢56.78 billion makes it one of the largest companies by market value on the exchange.

Other notable performers included Total Ghana, which advanced GH¢0.41, while Unilever Ghana declined marginally by GH¢0.01, demonstrating the mixed performance across consumer goods companies. The diverse sector representation in daily gainers suggests broad-based market momentum rather than concentration in specific industries.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGA) maintained its substantial market capitalization of GH¢18.64 billion, while Tullow Oil Ghana (TLW) retained its position with a market value of GH¢17.43 billion. These resource sector companies continue providing significant market capitalization weight to the overall index calculation.

The strong performance comes amid ongoing discussions about market development initiatives and potential new listings. The Finance Minister has previously announced plans for ECG to be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, which could provide additional market depth and investment opportunities for both institutional and retail investors.

ECG’s revenue generation capacity has been compared to MTN Ghana’s operations, with monthly revenues reaching GH¢1.5 billion, suggesting the utility company’s potential listing could significantly impact market dynamics and provide investors with exposure to Ghana’s growing energy sector.

The exchange continues operating under its established trading framework, with the Ghana Alternative Market (GAX) and odd lot trading segments showing minimal activity during the session. This concentration of trading in the main market reflects investor preference for established, liquid securities over alternative market offerings.

Market observers note that while trading volumes remain below historical peaks, the consistent index gains reflect underlying confidence in listed companies’ fundamentals and Ghana’s broader economic trajectory. The breakthrough above 8,000 points establishes new technical resistance levels and may attract additional investor attention to Ghanaian equities.

The performance positions the GSE among the strongest-performing African stock exchanges this year, with the substantial year-to-date gains attracting both domestic and international investor interest. The market’s ability to sustain momentum above the 8,000-point level will be closely monitored as a key indicator of continued investor confidence.

Looking forward, market participants will monitor whether trading volumes increase alongside index gains, as sustained market advancement typically requires both price appreciation and increased participation across investor categories. The current combination of strong index performance and modest trading activity suggests potential for significant volume expansion if investor sentiment continues improving.

The Railway Workers Union of Ghana has announced the suspension of its intended strike and peaceful picketing originally scheduled for September 30, 2025, following a directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC).

In a letter addressed to the Greater Accra Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, the union indicated that the NLC had responded to its earlier communication dated September 16, 2025, and directed that the planned industrial action be put on hold to allow for negotiations.

“The Commission has directed that we stay our intended action and appear for negotiations on 30th September 2025. We remain committed to this process and will honour the Commission’s directive in good faith,” the union stated.

The union, however, warned that if its concerns are not addressed during the talks, it will proceed with its industrial action at a later date.

The union earlier threatened a nationwide strike and peaceful picketing on September 30, 2025, over 12 months of unpaid salaries and entitlements.

In a notice to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the union said wage arrears, dating back to October 2024, have caused severe financial hardship, broken homes, health issues, and disrupted children’s education.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has backed the RWU, giving the government until September 30 to clear the arrears or face a nationwide strike.

TUC General Secretary, Joshua Ansah, stressed the urgent need for government intervention, urging authorities to “find any means” to settle the debt.

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 Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) achieved a significant milestone on September 25, 2025, with the benchmark Composite Index (GSE-CI) breaking through the 8,000-point barrier for the first time in months, closing at 8,046.69 points during Trading Session 7057.

The remarkable single-day gain of 217.60 points represents a 2.78 percent increase from the previous session’s close of 7,829.09 points, marking one of the strongest daily performances recorded by the exchange this year. The index has now achieved a year-to-date return of 60.15 percent, significantly outperforming most emerging market benchmarks.

The GSE Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) also posted strong gains, advancing 43.49 points to close at 3,738.36 points, reflecting broad-based strength across the banking and financial services sector. The financial index has generated a year-to-date return of 0.57 percent, indicating resilience in Ghana’s financial sector amid challenging economic conditions.

Market capitalization reached GH¢160.7 billion, representing substantial wealth creation for investors and highlighting the exchange’s recovery from earlier periods of volatility. The current valuation reflects growing investor confidence in Ghana’s economic prospects and corporate sector fundamentals.

Trading activity remained relatively modest with 416,360 shares changing hands valued at GH¢1.51 million, continuing a pattern of lower volumes that has characterized recent sessions. Previous trading days showed significantly higher volumes, with Tuesday recording 4.99 million shares valued at GH¢20.74 million, suggesting institutional participation varies considerably across sessions.

Individual stock movements contributed to the market’s strong performance, with notable gains across multiple sectors. Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) posted the most significant percentage gain, rising GH¢1.00 from GH¢10.00 to GH¢11.00 per share, representing a 10 percent increase that reflects ongoing interest in utility sector investments.

MTN Ghana (MTNGH), which has dominated trading activity in recent sessions, continued its upward trajectory with a gain of GH¢0.17, maintaining its position as one of the exchange’s most actively traded securities. The telecommunications giant’s market capitalization of GH¢56.78 billion makes it one of the largest companies by market value on the exchange.

Other notable performers included Total Ghana, which advanced GH¢0.41, while Unilever Ghana declined marginally by GH¢0.01, demonstrating the mixed performance across consumer goods companies. The diverse sector representation in daily gainers suggests broad-based market momentum rather than concentration in specific industries.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGA) maintained its substantial market capitalization of GH¢18.64 billion, while Tullow Oil Ghana (TLW) retained its position with a market value of GH¢17.43 billion. These resource sector companies continue providing significant market capitalization weight to the overall index calculation.

The strong performance comes amid ongoing discussions about market development initiatives and potential new listings. The Finance Minister has previously announced plans for ECG to be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, which could provide additional market depth and investment opportunities for both institutional and retail investors.

ECG’s revenue generation capacity has been compared to MTN Ghana’s operations, with monthly revenues reaching GH¢1.5 billion, suggesting the utility company’s potential listing could significantly impact market dynamics and provide investors with exposure to Ghana’s growing energy sector.

The exchange continues operating under its established trading framework, with the Ghana Alternative Market (GAX) and odd lot trading segments showing minimal activity during the session. This concentration of trading in the main market reflects investor preference for established, liquid securities over alternative market offerings.

Market observers note that while trading volumes remain below historical peaks, the consistent index gains reflect underlying confidence in listed companies’ fundamentals and Ghana’s broader economic trajectory. The breakthrough above 8,000 points establishes new technical resistance levels and may attract additional investor attention to Ghanaian equities.

The performance positions the GSE among the strongest-performing African stock exchanges this year, with the substantial year-to-date gains attracting both domestic and international investor interest. The market’s ability to sustain momentum above the 8,000-point level will be closely monitored as a key indicator of continued investor confidence.

Looking forward, market participants will monitor whether trading volumes increase alongside index gains, as sustained market advancement typically requires both price appreciation and increased participation across investor categories. The current combination of strong index performance and modest trading activity suggests potential for significant volume expansion if investor sentiment continues improving.

Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II pictured with board members of GNPC Explorco

The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, is confident that GNPC Explorco will strike oil in commercial quantities as it commences the next phase of exploration activities in the Voltaian Basin.

The Voltaian Basin covers about 460 communities in 13 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs), 10 in the Northern Region and three in the Savanna Region.

President Mahama recently announced at the Africa Oil Week event in Accra that GNPC and Explorco are moving closer to drilling two exploration wells by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

GNPC targets drilling in Voltain Basin in 2026 – Petroleum Commission

According to Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the attempt to uncover hydrocarbons in commercial quantities in Northern Ghana will become a reality and serve as a game-changer, especially for people in the North.

“You come to us at a time when Ghana’s energy future is being shaped, and the possibility that our northern lands might contribute to the nation’s petroleum resources is both exciting and significant,” he noted.

The Dagbon overlord added, “For generations, our region has been blessed with agricultural abundance and rich cultural heritage. The prospect that we might also be blessed with oil reserves underground adds a new chapter to our story of resource endowment.”

Addressing the board and management of Explorco, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the Yaa Naa pledged to provide the team with all the support needed in their next exploration phase, just as he did in their earlier activities, to make the dream of turning the Northern Region into a petroleum hub a reality.

“Today, as you prepare to embark on more extensive drilling activities to assess the viability of oil wells in our region, you have our continued blessings and full support,” he said.

The visit was also to introduce the board and management of Explorco to the King and to announce that Explorco is now leading exploration activities under the Voltaian Basin Project.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of GNPC, Explorco operates with growing technical capacity, fiscal discipline, and a vision to drive the nation’s upstream petroleum ambitions by leveraging exploration and production expertise.

The Explorco delegation, led by Board Chairman Dr Aaron Issa Anafure, confirmed President Mahama’s announcement about drilling two exploratory wells by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

He assured the King that the board is determined to make it happen.

“This is a new Explorco, and we want to assure you that our second coming is to reset Explorco. It will not be like before. This is a very serious mission,” the board chairman asserted.

Dr Anafure assured the Yaa Naa, on behalf of the board, management, and staff of Explorco, that everything possible will be done to fulfill the company’s mandate to lead exploration and production in the Voltaian Basin.

He emphasised that a solid partnership with the Dagbon Kingdom and the people of the Northern Region is crucial at this stage to successfully discover hydrocarbons in commercial quantities.

Dr Anafure further stated, “The facelift in terms of development that the Northern Region will witness is the reason all hands must be on deck, under a peaceful atmosphere, to offer Explorco the support needed to make history.”

He also noted that if Explorco is successful in discovering oil, rural-urban migration from the Northern Region will significantly reduce due to the many employment opportunities that will be created.

“This is a new Explorco and, Your Majesty, we really mean business,” Dr. Anafure added.

The delegation, which included Managing Director Samuel Opoku Arthur, also updated the Yaa Naa on the next phase of their campaign to discover hydrocarbons in commercial quantities.

Other members of the delegation included board members Benjamin Narteh Ayiku and Madam Stella Bondzie, as well as Deputy Managing Director (Technical), Iddris Abukari Abdul-Mumin.

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Kweku Zurek

Sep – 25 – 2025 , 16:27

1 minute read

“Grandpa, sending you hugs, love, and wishes on your birthday.”

On September 1, I received this simple but heartfelt message from my grandchildren. While it filled me with joy, it also sparked reflection: what can a personal act of love teach us about the larger work of nation-building?

In many ways, Ghana mirrors a large family—diverse, vibrant, and full of potential—but often challenged by divisions, distrust, and unfulfilled promise.

1. From Family Bonds to National Cohesion

In families, love and care are shown through simple gestures: a hug, a kind word, a wish for well-being. These acts nurture trust and strengthen bonds. Ghana, like a family, thrives when its citizens care for one another and work toward shared goals.

Peaceful interactions in families remind us of the social glue that holds communities together. When citizens extend empathy and support beyond themselves—through mentorship, volunteering, or civic engagement—national cohesion grows.

Pull Quote: “Just as a hug strengthens family bonds, acts of empathy and care can bind a nation together.”

2. National Love in Action: Lessons from Elections

Love for the nation is more than sentiment—it is commitment. A striking example in Ghana’s recent political life was Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s quick concession after the elections. By prioritising national stability over personal pride, he helped prevent chaos and affirmed the importance of collective well-being.

Peaceful elections, fair political competition, and respect for institutions are acts of love for the nation. They show that the understanding of national interest exists. What remains is translating that understanding into long-term, tangible action.

Pull Quote: “If concessions and peaceful elections are acts of national love, it shows understanding is present; now we must act.”

3. Hope and Vision: From Birthday Wishes to National Aspirations

Receiving birthday wishes is an expression of hope—a belief in continued life, health, and happiness. For Ghana, hope represents a shared national vision: educated children, thriving businesses, clean communities, and accountable governance.

When communities take action—planting trees in Accra, mentoring youth in Kumasi, supporting local traders in Tema—these gestures mirror the care we exchange in families. Small acts collectively build resilience, social cohesion, and a sense of shared destiny.

4. Understanding Without Action Is Not Enough

Understanding Ghana’s challenges—political, economic, or social—is necessary but insufficient. Peaceful elections and responsible concessions signal comprehension of national priorities, but action is essential to turn understanding into progress.

Practical pathways include:

• Empowering the Informal Sector: Supporting street traders in Accra and Tamale through cooperatives, microfinance, and skills training.

• Strengthening Civic Education: Teaching young people about responsibility, ethics, and active participation.

• Investing in Communities: Improving schools, healthcare, sanitation, and local infrastructure.

• Promoting Ethical Leadership: Rewarding integrity and holding leaders accountable.

Pull Quote: “Understanding alone cannot build infrastructure, create jobs, or improve schools—action must follow insight.”

5. Civic Responsibility: Every Ghanaian Counts

Receiving birthday wishes reminds me of intergenerational responsibility. Similarly, every Ghanaian, regardless of profession, can contribute to nation-building. Students, professionals, artisans, and farmers all play roles in strengthening our social and economic fabric.

Every act of integrity, mentorship, and service becomes a “hug” sent to the nation—an investment in collective prosperity. Ordinary citizens, like family members, can be catalysts for transformation when they act intentionally and responsibly.

6. Empathy as a Development Strategy

Family life teaches us empathy. A birthday wish shows care; national policies should reflect the same principle.

• Education as Embrace: Schools that nurture students morally, intellectually, and socially create a generation capable of national contribution.

• Healthcare as Love: Accessible and affordable care protects lives, reduces suffering, and demonstrates societal value.

• Economic Inclusion as Hope: Integrating informal workers into structured economic systems enhances dignity, opportunity, and social stability.

Pull Quote: “Empathy, when scaled from family to nation, becomes a blueprint for development.”

7. Turning Understanding into Tangible Action

Ghana stands at a pivotal moment. Peaceful elections, concessions in the spirit of national love, and citizen comprehension indicate a strong foundation. The challenge is to act:

1. Translate understanding into action: Civic engagement, ethical leadership, and community participation.

2. Support local communities: Invest time, resources, and expertise in neighbourhood initiatives.

3. Empower citizens economically: Promote cooperatives, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.

4. Celebrate empathy: Encourage mentorship, volunteering, and acts of care.

Each act, like a heartfelt birthday wish, may seem small but carries immense cumulative impact.

8. Conclusion: From Personal Hugs to National Transformation

Receiving birthday wishes from my grandchildren is deeply personal—but it carries a universal lesson for Ghana: care, empathy, hope, and action are pillars of nation-building. Peaceful elections and ethical concessions demonstrate understanding, but love must manifest in concrete, consistent action.

Ghana can become a nation of achievement if citizens extend their “hugs” to communities, their “love” to policies, and their “wishes” to national progress. Each act of care strengthens bonds, nurtures resilience, and builds trust. When all Ghanaians participate consciously, the nation flourishes not by chance, but by deliberate, collective effort.

Pull Quote: “Let every Ghanaian send their own hug, love, and wish—not just to family, but to the nation itself.”

Unai Emry (L) and Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa says head coach Unai Emery was right to label his players “lazy”.

Emery was furious with his side after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at 10-man Sunderland, saying: “We were lazy sometimes in defence. When we conceded, we were lazy.”

Wilson Isidor levelled with 15 minutes left after Matty Cash’s opener, with the Black Cats playing one short for an hour after Reinildo Mandava’s red card.

“Yeah, it’s a fair comment. I think everyone has seen the picture, seen the goal,” said Konsa.

“Here we pride ourselves in trying to play a high line, it is something the boss has instilled since he first came.

“We didn’t quite get it right. Things have not been good for us so far this season. But there are blips in the season and we are going through that now. Hopefully we can move on.

“When your manager doesn’t speak too well of you, it is not a good thing for you. It does bring a bit of fuel into you and you just want to play the next game as soon as possible, to prove everyone wrong. It starts from tomorrow.”

Asked if Emery had called his players lazy privately, Konsa added: “No. The boss is not a big speaker. Sometimes he keeps himself to himself.

“As players, we have been in the game a long time and we know what we need to do. It is down to us at the end of the day. We are on the pitch, not the manager. We have to figure it out for ourselves as well.”

Speaking before Bologna’s visit to Villa Park in the Europa League on Thursday, Emery said he was “angry” after the match against Sunderland.

“I was frustrated and disappointed but when I analysed it I was getting the balance,” said Emery.

“I am demanding and always trying to understand how we can feel stronger. After the match I told the players we have to be more demanding.”

The draw against Sunderland left Villa 18th in the Premier League and winless in their opening five games, out of the Carabao Cup and having scored just one league goal.

Konsa, though, says the club are not in “crisis”.

“I don’t think we are at the stage where we need to have meetings,” he said. “People will talk about crisis meetings and things like that but we have got a great captain in John McGinn, who really takes the lead in stuff like that.

“After the game, he said a few words to keep us going, to keep encouraging us. Look, we haven’t started the season well. We know that. But I’m sure it’s going to go well soon.

“It shows how far we have come over the last three years [that people have criticised Villa’s start to the season]”.

MoEnGT is in strong collaboration with the MEST, with support from UNDP

Ghana’s Renewable Energy Masterplan (REMP), first developed in 2019 to

guide the country’s transition to sustainable energy, is undergoing a strategic

update to reflect emerging priorities, evolving development policy, new

technologies, and challenges.

The update led by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition (MoEnGT) is in

strong collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology

(MEST), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

under the ‘Climate Promise – Pledge to Impact initiative’.

In July 2025, a National Taskforce was established, comprising sector experts from the MoEnGT as chair, MEST, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Environmental Protection Authority, Energy Commission, Association of Ghana Solar Industry, and the Renewable Energy Association of Ghana.

Following the first National Taskforce review meeting held in early September, a second review meeting was convened in Koforidua from 11th to 13th September 2025.

The Taskforce is expected to ensure strong technical and policy guidance,

promote gender-responsive and inclusive planning, and ensure effective

stakeholder engagement, thereby strengthening the foundation for Ghana’s

green transition pathway.

Once updated, the Renewable Energy Masterplan will accelerate the shift toward a green economy by embedding gender-responsive approaches and ensuring the transition is both timely and inclusive.

This update reflects Ghana’s commitment to aligning national energy planning with global climate goals, while actively ensuring all segments of society benefit from the renewable energy transition.

Ing Seth Mahu, Director for Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and Chair of the Taskforce, emphasised the importance of UNDP’s role in Ghana’s renewable energy journey:

“We are grateful to UNDP for the support in the initial project, which led to the Development of the Renewable Energy Masterplan, which became effective in

2019.”

He explained that reviewing the Masterplan every five years is critical to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. “Everything around the plan is dynamic; nothing is static.

The economy is growing, and energy demand is rising. There is a shift in global energy architecture, and we think it is important for us to

ensure that we review the plan to reflect what is happening globally,” he noted.

According to him, the review also provides an opportunity to take stock of progress made so far, check consistency in implementation, and whether targets are on track to be achieved.

Adjustments will be made where necessary to strengthen delivery.

The review process is also timely, given global conversations on energy transition following on from COP26 in Glasgow, as well as Ghana’s expanded mandate under the newly established Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.

Speaking on UNDP’s support to the review and update of Ghana’s Renewable

Energy Masterplan (REMP), Dr Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of Environment and

Climate at UNDP Ghana emphasized the strategic importance of the process.

He noted, “This update aligns with Ghana’s preparation of its third generation

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It presents a critical opportunity

for the REMP to integrate concrete actions that contribute to national emission

reduction targets, particularly within the energy sector, as will be outlined in the revised NDC. By doing so, it ensures that Ghana’s energy transition is not only ambitious but also aligned with its climate commitments and inclusive

development goals.”

The Taskforce is examining national, regional, continental, and global policy documents to ensure the updated plan aligns with broader energy and climate goals.

Following its technical review, the team will engage civil society organisations, power utility providers, academia, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to enrich the process before presenting the final document to the Minister for cabinet approval.

As Ghana advances its energy transition agenda, the updated Renewable Energy

Masterplan is set to serve as a blueprint for a clean, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.

By Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA

Kumasi, Sept. 25, GNA – A three-day training workshop has opened for some selected postgraduate students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to acquaint themselves with remote sensing technologies in addressing the increasing biodiversity losses.

The training is being organised by the West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) at the KNUST in collaboration with the Earth Observation Capacity Building for Africa (EOCap4Africa) Project.

It is designed to equip the students with both technical knowledge and practical skills in electromagnetic radiation, atmospheric and surface interaction.

Again, the researchers will be exposed to potential challenges of spatial data, forest ecosystems and remote sensing, image classification and change detection, creating scientific maps, among others.

The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the German Environment Ministry (BMUV) funded the training through the EOCap4Africa Project.

Professor Kwaku Amaning Adjei, Dean, Faculty of Civil and Geo-Engineering, at the KNUST, highlighting the significance of the training, said biodiversity loss was occurring globally with negative impacts on ecosystem function and human well-being of which Ghana was no exception.

He said: “Our forests, wetlands, savannahs, and coastlines are home to an extraordinary diversity of life.

“Yet, these ecosystems and their services face threats from illegal mining, climate change, and urban expansion.

He indicated that, remote sensing offered a powerful lens through which one could observe, understand, and protect ecosystems, adding that, from satellite imagery to UAVs, these technologies allowed for monitoring changes in land cover, track species habitats, and assess water quality.

Prof Amaning Adjei said especially in our part of the world where data was scarce but several remotely sensed data made available through European Space Agency (ESA), NASSA and others were helping to bridge the gap.

Dr Insa Otte, Project Coordinator, EOCap4Africa, citing scientists’ estimation of losing species at a rate at least 100 times faster than the natural background rate, called for remote sensing to track wildlife and monitor wetlands and coastal areas.

She believed that exposing conservationists, policymakers and innovators to these technologies would not only contribute to global science but also shape the future of our own communities and country.

“This is not about importing solutions from outside.

It is about creating solutions here in Africa, that are relevant, effective and rooted in local realities – while also contributing to the global effort of conserving life on earth,” Dr Otte envisioned.

Prof Wilson Agyei Agyare, Director of WASCAL, said the workshop had become crucial considering the countless challenges in managing natural resources.

Remote sensing data, he believed, was the best approach to addressing biodiversity conservation challenges, and called for expansion of knowledge to enable more professionals to manage natural resources effectively.

GNA

Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah

Simon Madjie is the CEO of GIPC

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ghana surged in the first half of 2025 with a total of 76 registered projects valued at US$862.96 million.

This is according to latest data released by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The figure represents a 381.91 percent increase compared to the US$179.07 million recorded during the same period in 2024.

The manufacturing sector accounted for the highest number of projects at 32, while the general trading sector attracted the bulk of investment, with an estimated FDI value of US$622.92 million.

According to GIPC, the 76 projects registered in the first half of the year are expected to generate about 4,707 jobs when they become fully operational.

China emerged as the top source country by project numbers, registering 22, followed by India with 14.

Nigeria ranked third with eight projects, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom each recorded four projects.

The United States registered three projects, ranking sixth, while Liberia, Mauritius, Singapore, and Turkey all recorded two projects apiece.

SP/SA

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