Irchad Razaaly

THE EUROPEAN Union (EU) celebrated its annual Europe Day with the Government of Ghana, private sector and civil society partners last Friday in Accra.

The occasion created an opportunity for the two countries to celebrate enduring ties which have spanned 60 years of transformative partnership rooted in shared values of democracy, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

Addressing dignitaries, EU Ambassador in Ghana, Irchad Razaaly noted that the partnership between Ghana has driven concrete progress in trade, infrastructure, education, health, peace and security, emphasising that under the union’s Global Gateway policy, the EU and member states have invested over €800 million — about 13 billion Ghana cedis  in infrastructure.

Also, investments of (€55m) in local vaccine production, the retro-fit of the Kpong dam (€62m), and a projected €370m towards smart and sustainable cities in northern Ghana.

He stated that EU is Ghana’s primary partner on peace and security, delivering critical military equipment under the European Peace Facility, worth another €50 million, while adding that approximately 1,000 Ghanaian students fly over annually to the best universities in Europe with the help of scholarships offered by the EU and its member states.

“The EU remains a credible, reliable and a dependable partner to Ghana. In these turbulent times, it is ever more important to collaborate with like-minded friends and allies. We are here to stay,” he added.

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, praised the EU’s long-standing partnership with Ghana, highlighting cooperation in critical areas such as trade, green economy, digital innovation, governance, education, and security.

The minister further indicated that the upcoming EU-Ghana Business Forum is an opportunity to strengthen investment relations and foster collaboration.

“The partnership with the EU has been pivotal to Ghana. Together, we advance priorities from education to youth employment and infrastructure, ensuring no one is left behind,” he stated.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke

The improving cedi is beginning to reshape the nation’s debt profile, as it is helping to reduce the foreign component of the country’s overall debt stock.

The local currency, which has rallied sharply – particularly over the last two weeks – after steep losses since the middle of 2022, is offering some respite to government… which is still navigating heavy debt service obligations and tight fiscal conditions.

Official data show that the gross public debt in dollar terms declined by US$3billion year-on-year in nominal terms to US$49.4billion in 2024. However, the cedi-denominated debt stock increased by GH¢116.7billion (a 19.1 percent increase year-on-year) to GH¢726.7billion by end-December 2024, reflecting the cedi depreciation effect.

Thus, while the net effect of permissible external borrowing in 2024, debt savings from Eurobond restructuring and the cedi’s correction late in the fourth quarter of 2024 resulted in a significant US$3billion reduction in the debt stock in dollar terms, the pronounced net depreciation recorded in the year eroded these gains – underpinning the 19.1 percent increase in cedi terms.

The cedi’s resurgence, after depreciating 19.2 percent against the US dollar in 2024 has been a central factor in this turnaround. Since the start of 2025, the currency has appreciated by 10.5 percent, strengthening from GH¢14.71 to the dollar in December 2024 to GH¢13.31 by end of the first week in May 2025. The gains have also been felt against the British pound and euro, with respective year-to-date appreciations of 5.9 percent and 5.8 percent.

Analysts attribute this unexpected rebound to a confluence of supportive conditions. Chief among them is a dramatic surge in gold prices which have risen from approximately US$2,000 per ounce in early 2024 to US$3,400 per ounce by May 2025, with Ghana benefitting as the sixth-largest gold producer in the world.

Gold exports rose to US$11.6billion in 2024, up from US$7.6billion in 2023 – helping to produce a trade surplus of US$4.98billion and easing pressure on the country’s external reserves. Additionally, the country is incrementally increasing its share of gold receipts from the gold for reserves programme, which has metamorphosed into the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD); which, together with the gold rally, has supported reserve build-up.

Kwadwo Acheampong, a financial analyst, said the steady build-up of reserves is “definitely a good omen for the economy”.

According to him, “The more and faster we build up, the better; because it could get to a certain point in time when we will have built up enough and whatever externalities happen… we should be okay”.

He noted that if reserves were significantly higher – say US$200billion instead of US$5billion – external shocks would have a much smaller impact on economic stability.

At the institutional level, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and newly mandated Gold Board (GOLDBOD) have stepped up gold purchases, particularly from small-scale miners. BoG gold holdings expanded from just under nine tonnes in May 2023 to more than 31 tonnes by April 2025. This accumulation helped drive the BoG’s gross international reserves up from US$6.2billion in February 2024 to US$9.4billion a year later, bolstering its capacity to supply foreign exchange into the market.

Mr. Acheampong also sees strategic opportunities in linking gold reserves to alternative trade mechanisms: “If gold purchase goes up, then it strengthens our ability to engage in barter – gold for oil or gold for something else. So instead of doing things that will increase our exposure to hard currency fluctuations, we are using what we have – our intrinsic strength – to guard against them”.

He suggested that such arrangements could be extended beyond oil to include machinery and equipment, reducing the country’s reliance on hard currency.

Policy intervention has also been key. After actively intervening in the foreign exchange (FX) market in late 2024 to pull the cedi from GH¢16.4 to GH¢14.7 per dollar, BoG transitioned to providing forex on the spot market in 2025.

This shift away from its reliance on forward auctions, analysts say, has eased concerns among businesses about the availability of foreign currency and supported stability in the FX market. At the same time, the central bank raised its policy rate from 27 percent to 28 percent in March 2025 – tightening liquidity conditions and improving the appeal of cedi-denominated assets to investors.

Combined with fiscal policy signals, including a hold on GH¢69billion in arrears payments pending audit and a steep drop in Treasury bill rates – from 28-plus percent to around 15 percent for the 91-day bill – the policy mix has underpinned a rising confidence in the short-term macroeconomic outlook.

Mr. Acheampong however cautioned that the gold reserve strategy’s success also depends on effective regulation. “Take a look at the programme. See if regulation in a certain way is required, not only to ensure that we keep on increasing but also to safeguard against things that could serve as a risk… like galamsey, where the gold is not being sold through government avenues.” He added that the GOLDBOD must ensure transparency and account for all gold mined in the country to sustain the strategy’s long-term benefits.

This optimism is reflected in the BoG’s Business Confidence Index, which reached 99.7 in February 2025 – its highest level since December 2020. Political stability following the December 2024 election in which President Mahama secured a decisive mandate and his main rival, Dr. Bawumia, conceded swiftly, has further strengthened investor sentiment.

Still, significant risks remain. While the cedi’s appreciation has helped moderate the foreign component of the debt stock – with latest official estimates at GH¢416.8billion (US$28.3billion) or 57.4 percent of the total – Ghana’s debt servicing profile is heavily front-loaded.

Between 2025 and 2028, government is expected to pay GH¢150.3billion in domestic debt service obligations alone, equivalent to 11.6 percent of GDP. Over 73 percent of this amount is due in just two years: 2027 (GH¢57.6billion) and 2028 (GH¢52.5billion).

Government’s external debt service burden is similarly concentrated. It is scheduled to make US$8.7billion in payments between 2025 and 2028, with 55 percent falling due in 2027 and 2028. These payments come when the country’s financing options are still constrained, limited largely to short-term Treasury instruments following the domestic debt exchange.

Weekly rollovers of maturing Treasury bills continue to place considerable strain on cash flow, while COCOBOD’s debt obligations add further fiscal pressure. As of 2024, COCOBOD’s outstanding debt stood at GH¢32.5billion, with GH¢9.7billion due for payment by end of September 2025. In addition, cocoa road contracts amounting to GH¢21billion have only been partially accounted for in its financial statements.

In response to these pressures, government has made strides in restructuring its debt. As of early 2025, approximately 93 percent of the programme is complete. This includes the exchange of US$20.3billion in domestic notes and bonds, US$13.1billion in outstanding Eurobonds and US$5.1billion in bilateral official debt.

The Eurobond restructuring resulted in a 37 percent nominal haircut (US$5billion), service relief of US$4.3billion during the IMF programme window (2023–2026) and a reduction in coupon rates from an average 8 percent to 4 percent. Initial repayments under the new Eurobond terms – US$501million in October 2024 and US$349.5million in January 2025 – have been made on schedule.

Bilateral agreements are also progressing, with the nation signing an MoU with the Official Creditor Committee in January 2025 to restructure US$5.1billion of official debt. Discussions with commercial creditors – including Chinese lenders and private institutions owed approximately US$2.7billion – are ongoing.

The IMF has signalled its endorsement of these efforts, reaching a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the fourth review of its three-year programme. A disbursement of US$370million is expected following board approval, which would further strengthen Ghana’s external balance.

Daily Graphic

May – 12 – 2025 , 09:57

2 minutes read

 A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held last Friday at the forecourt of the Accra Sports Stadium to mark the 24th anniversary of the tragic May 9 Accra Sports Stadi­um Disaster, which claimed the lives of 127 football fans during a Ghana Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in 2001.

Regarded as Ghana and Afri­ca’s biggest stadium disaster, the commemorative event brought together the Minister of Sports and Recreation (MOSR), Mr Kofi Iddie Adams; the Chief Director, Mr William Katey; the Acting Director General of the Nation­al Sports Authority (NSA), Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah; and the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

Also present were the former chairman of Hearts of Oak,

 Mr Harry Zakour, Managing Director of Hearts of Oak; Dr Delali Anku-Adiamah, Marketing Manager of Asante Kotoko, Mr Charles Kwaku Hammond ex-footballers and members of the bereaved families.

Mr Adams laid a wreath on behalf of the President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana.

Mr. Adams stated that although football was a game with great passion, that passion should never escalate into violence, regardless of decisions made or outcomes.

Mr Adams lamented the wor­rying resurgence of hooliganism in Ghana football, citing the recent death of a Kotoko fan, ‘Nana Pooley’ as a tragedy that must not be repeated.

“The loss of Nana Pool­ey recently should not have happened. The government of President Mahama is deter­mined to collaborate with the Ghana Police to ensure that ev­ery single person behind this act is punished. We will not shield anybody, no matter their status,” he stressed.

The GFA President, Mr Okraku urged stakeholders to remain committed to fighting hooliganism in the sport, stating that “hooliganism has no place in our football. If we continue to misbehave, we will continue to lose lives, which is not the essence of football.”

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare

In a bold affirmation of President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to overhaul Ghana’s regulatory infrastructure and promote fair trade, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has launched a major national initiative to train 350 new Trading Standards Inspectors (TSIs).

This forms part of a sweeping effort to enforce standardised measurements, ensure quality control and prepare the economy for full 24-hour industrial activity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Koforidua, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasised that the training initiative is a direct presidential directive and a matter of national priority.

“This training is not a routine activity—it is a presidential directive in action. It represents our shared commitment to building a fair, competitive and industrially vibrant Ghana,” she said.

In a show of strong political will, Madam Ofosu-Adjare was accompanied by her deputy, Sampson Ahi, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Noah Tumfo and other senior officials.

Also present was the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Prof. Alex Dodoo, who described the TSIs as the vanguard of a new regulatory era.

“To trade 24 hours, we need 24-hour inspection and enforcement. These TSIs are the boots on the ground,” Prof. Dodoo noted.

The new inspectors, who will be deployed nationwide, are mandated to enforce the Ghana Standards Authority Act 2022 (Act 1078). Their duties include verifying the accuracy of fuel pumps, market scales, electricity meters, inspecting goods at ports and calibrating hospital equipment.

Their presence will bolster the rollout of the President’s 24-hour economy strategy—ensuring safety, fairness and confidence in the domestic trade and industry landscape.

Highlighting the urgent need to replace non-standard measurements like the “olonka” and “grawa” with certified systems, the minister said: “This is about protecting farmers and traders. We are institutionalising fairness”.

The enhanced TSI operation—aimed at building a strong, export-ready, standards-based economy—is expected to be officially launched by President John Mahama himself at the end of this month, a move widely seen as underscoring the administration’s commitment to transforming the trade environment.

The GSA currently has 200 trained Trade and Standards Inspectors (TSIs), but estimates that a minimum of 2,000 are required to fully operationalise inspections across all 261 districts.

The Authority has also expanded its laboratory and certification infrastructure nationwide, positioning itself to support the 24-hour economy with cutting-edge tools.

“This training is not just a technical exercise—it is a nation-building initiative,” Madam Ofosu-Adjare concluded.

Editor of Newscenta Newspaper, Elvis Darko, has warned President John Dramani Mahama that failing to dismiss Sammy Gyamfi from his role as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board could seriously undermine the credibility of the newly launched Code of Conduct for presidential appointees.

His caution follows the circulation of a viral video showing Sammy Gyamfi handing over an undisclosed sum of money—reportedly in U.S. dollars—to evangelist and former fetish priestess Patricia Asiedua Asiama, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

The video has sparked widespread public outrage, with many questioning the appropriateness of the act given Agradaa’s controversial background and history.

While the exact motive behind the cash handover remains unclear, critics argue that the incident runs counter to the values of integrity, accountability, and transparency—principles that form the foundation of President Mahama’s recently launched Code of Conduct. The code aims to set higher ethical standards for public officials and rebuild trust in government.

In an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, May 12, Elvis Darko described the situation as a critical test for President Mahama’s leadership and the effectiveness of his new code.

“The only thing that can save him is when the president decides that he won’t sack him. But this is where the president is going to be in a tight corner. This is his first test after launching the code of conduct,” Darko stated.

He further warned that inaction on the part of the President could create a dangerous precedent, weakening the enforcement of the code and giving future appointees the impression that violations will go unpunished.

“So if the president also fails to sack Sammy Gyamfi, the question is if subsequent appointees also breach the code, will the president have the honour to sack those people? So now, once the president fails to sack Sammy Gyamfi, it means that he has set a certain precedent that if others should breach the code, he will not sack them,” he added.

Darko also highlighted the potential internal fallout within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) if the code is perceived to be enforced selectively.

“If he sacks others for breaching the code, then there’s going to be internal agitation within the party to say that because Sammy is his favourite, he didn’t sack him, but he sacked others,” he said.

“The president is in a fix. He either sacks Sammy Gyamfi to make sure that any other who breaches the code will also be sacked, or he accepts the apology and retains him, meaning anybody who defaults the code will apologise, and that should suffice,” Darko concluded.

Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi issued a statement on Sunday, May 11, in which he apologised for the incident, describing it as a “private act of kindness” that was unintentionally made public.

However, the apology has done little to ease public concern, as many continue to demand accountability.

In response to the controversy, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has summoned Gyamfi for questioning. The presidency is now facing increasing pressure from both the general public and party members to act decisively and uphold the principles laid out in the new code.

Chief of Staff summons Sammy Gyamfi over cash gift to Agradaa

Imagine Real Madrid making a huge cash donation to its fiercest rivals, Barcelona, to aid Barca’s transfer activities. Or imagine Barcelona, sending technical and other form of support to Real Madrid, to aid Madrid’s preparation ahead of a crucial El Clasico, to decide the La Liga title.

Such a scenario, to both sets of rival fans, is unfathomable. And in the most unlikely event that any official from either club sanctioned such a strange gesture, it would be deemed sacrilegious and unforgivable!

Well, that’s what appears to have happened right here in Ghana, in our political space in the build up to the crucial 2024 Elections.

According to former Director General of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu Boahene, the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, through its security apparatus, supported an NPP’s rival (opposition) in the election, with a mindboggling financial support of GH¢8.3 million!

Yes you read right; the NPP Government, according to the former intelligence chief, made a whopping financial assistance of GH¢8.3m to its opponent to aid their elections operations.

Interesting, isn’t it? Well, to some people, it is scandalous and a betrayal of unimaginable proportion, for the security apparatus of a sitting government, to extend such a support to a political rival seeking to axe the government and the NPP from office.

It is, therefore, unsurprising, and understandable that a number of NPP party stalwarts are seething with rage, following the revelation by Kwabena Adu-Boahene, in his explosive letter, which also alleged another gleeful presentation of brand new vehicles to the then President-elect, at a time the President-elect himself had told the whole world that government’s coffers were empty to the bone!

A number of high-ranking NPP members I am very close to, have expressed their disgust over what they rightly deem a complete betrayal by its own government and officials, against the NPP party and its Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“Why did our own government’s National Security apparatus support the opponent in the 2024 election? This revelation is shocking and I am very sad our own government, our own people did this against our party,” one leading national executive member of the party asked me, as though rhetorical.

The angry national executive official believes the government’s national security apparatus could not have made such a huge payment to the opposition without official authorisation from the apex of the then government.

This assertion is true, and I completely side with it. There was no way one person, in this case Adu Boahene alone, from the national security apparatus, could have made such a treacherous payment to a party’s rival without the blessings and support of the very top.

Adu Boahene’s claims, which have so far not been denied by key elements in the erstwhile government’s security chiefs, including Security Minister and National Security Coordinator, is a complete betrayal and a painful stab in the back of the NPP party, its Presidential and Parliamentary candidates.

Concerned NPP members, and indeed Ghanaians, would be right to question the motives of those who planned and executed such a huge payment by the Akufo-Addo government to its political rival?

Since the shocking disclosure by Adu Boahene, I have been imagining what really was the motive of those who did this to betray their own party in a crucial election.

Those who ordered the payment and those who executed it, surely would have done so for two reasons; to sabotage the candidature of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as is being speculated, or an attempt to buy their own security should the opposition party win, a fantasy which seems to have backfired, necessitating a straw-clutching disclosure by Adu Boahene.

Well, if you thought it’s unfathomable for a political party in government to extend huge financial support to its rival ahead of a crucial election, to aid their preparations, you should know that the Akufo-Addo government, through its national security apparatus, stabbed its own party, the NPP in the back.

The lingering question is: Why did the Akufo-Addo government’s national security apparatus support the NPP’s rival in the 2024 election?

This is a question true and concerned members of the NPP, including the party’s 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates, will justifiably continue to ask themselves and for which the collaborators must provide answers.

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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.

Ghanaian Reggae/afrobeat musician and songwriter, Rocky Dawuni has been honoured by the prestigious Grammy Awards Academy.

In a post shared on X by the four-time Grammy awards nominee on May 10, 2025, Rocky Dawuni posted a certificate he received from the Academy for being nominated in the 67th edition.

He noted that the certificate is a recognition of his song, “Rise” being nominated for Best Global Music Performance in this year’s Grammys.

“I just landed in Los Angeles and received this Grammy certificate for #Rise in the mail. “Rise” was nominated for “Best Global Music Performance” at the 67th Grammy Awards,” he said.

The “Beautiful People” hitmaker expressed gratitude to his team especially the producers and musicians who contributed to his works.

“Blessings and love to all the musicians, producers, and incredible team who made it possible!” he added.

Just landed in Los Angeles and received this Grammy certificate for #Rise in the mail . “Rise” was nominated for “Best Global Music Performance” at the 67th Grammy Awards . Blessings and love to all the musicians , producers and incredible team who made it possible ! pic.twitter.com/Gr3UFJSX5K

— Rocky Dawuni (@RockyDawuni) May 10, 2025

As part of its community engagement efforts, the Gbele Resource Reserve has handed over a newly constructed shea nut storage facility to the Dimajang No. 1 community in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana.

The brief but vibrant ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the forecourt of the Chief’s Palace. In attendance were the community chief, representatives of women’s and youth groups, unit committee members, and other guests.

In his keynote address, Mr. Badu Samuel Dwumor, District Manager of the Forestry Services Division in Sissala East, officially handed over the facility on behalf of the Gbele Park Manager, Dr. Polycarp Maabir. He explained that the Gbele Resource Reserve, in partnership with the Savannah Fruits Company, began implementing an organic shea value chain development project as far back as 2014.

According to Mr. Dwumor, the project, part of an alternative livelihood initiative, aims to empower women in beneficiary communities organized into groups known as Organic Shea Collectors. To support their work, the Reserve has been constructing storage facilities to strengthen the value chain.

Under the Sustainable Land and Water Management Project, four storage facilities were initially constructed. Mr. Dwumor noted that four more are being added under the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP). Two were completed in 2024 at Gbele and Timmie in the Sissala West District, making the newly completed Dimajang facility the third.

In his concluding remarks, he urged the community to maintain the facility regularly and advised that any revenue generated from renting the facility should be reinvested in its upkeep.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Madam Musah Ayishetu, leader of the women’s group supported by the Savannah Fruits Company, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the facility. She pledged the community’s commitment to maintaining it for long-term sustainability.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic inspection of the facility by all present, marking the official handover.

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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.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢13.09 and a selling price of GH¢13.10 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢17.42 and sold at GH¢17.44, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢14.74 and a selling price of GH¢14.75.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on May 12, 2025, at 08:20 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢13.65 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢18.50 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢15.80 on the retail market.

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By James Amoh Junior, GNA

Accra, May 12, GNA-The European Union (EU) and its Member States, under the Global Gateway initiative, have committed more than €800 million, approximately GH₵13 billion – to major infrastructure projects across Ghana’s energy, health, and transport sectors, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, has announced.

The investment includes €55 million to support local vaccine production, €62 million for the retrofitting of the Kpong Dam, and a projected €370 million earmarked for the development of smart and sustainable cities in northern Ghana.

The Global Gateway combines hundreds of infrastructure projects with investments in regularly standards, technology transfer, and know-how while enhancing the economic completeness of partner countries, like Ghana.

It is implemented by the collective firepower of the Team Europe mobilizing all EU institutions, Member States, their Development Financial Institutions, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EBRD and the European private sector.

Mr Razaaly said the EU and Member States had significantly increased investments in major infrastructure and it continued to collaborate with Ghana in building smart, sustainable cities with equal access to energy, clean water, and sanitation.

The Ambassador, speaking at this year’s Europe Day Reception in Accra, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Ghana in areas of mutual interest, including trade, security, climate resilience, and youth empowerment.

He said, “The EU remains a credible, reliable and a dependable partner to Ghana. In these turbulent times, it is ever more important to collaborate with like-minded friends and allies. We are here to stay.”

The annual Europe Day celebration is a vibrant gathering of the Diplomatic Corps, government dignitaries, private sector leaders, civil society actors, and media professionals – all united in a festive atmosphere to honour the enduring partnership between the European Union and Ghana.

Set against a backdrop of culture, diplomacy, and collaboration, the event served as a testament to the shared values, mutual respect, and strong ties that continue to bind the EU and Ghana in their journey toward sustainable development and global cooperation.

This year’s edition held special significance commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration (1950), which marks the origin of the European Union.

The Ambassador said, “I am proud to say, without hesitation, that EU-Ghana partnership is stronger than ever. Ghana remains a preferred partner to the European Union, and our collaboration continues to deepen. These are not just hollow words, but a commitment grounded in hard facts.”

Amb. Razaaly stated that from 2021 to 2027, team Europe would invest almost €1 billion equivalent to GH₵16 billion in infrastructure investment in Ghana.

In peace and security, he said, the EU had become a critical partner to Ghana with the delivery of military equipment totaling €50 million with targeted training for Ghana’s military and civilian security forces.

The EU Amb. said, “Together with our Member States, the EU supports over 30 security-related projects in Ghana, from conflict prevention to boarder management, from a continuous maritime security presence, to countering disinformation.”

Also, in the field of education, training, and knowledge building, Mr Razaaly acknowledged that “we believe in Ghana, we believe in the youth of this country. That is why we have passed a Pact for Skills with Ghana, in the field of Technical and Vocational Training.”

He said every year, the EU, and its Member States welcome 1000 Ghanaian students and professionals through scholarships.

Mr George Opare-Addo, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, said the partnership with the EU had been pivotal to Ghana anchored in shared values of peace, prosperity, and people-centered development.

“Together, we advance priorities from education to youth development and infrastructure, ensuring no one is left behind,” he stated.

GNA

CA

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Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah

Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, has summoned Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, after a video went viral allegedly showing him giving an undisclosed amount of U.S. dollars to Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist.

According to a report by citifmonline.com, Gyamfi has been called to explain the circumstances surrounding the transaction, which has sparked widespread public criticism and raised concerns about the ethical conduct of public officials.

The video, which has been widely shared on social media, appears to show Gyamfi in a private meeting with Nana Agradaa. Although the purpose and details of the cash handover remain unclear, the sight of a high-ranking public official providing funds to a controversial religious figure has fueled public suspicion and backlash.

Critics have accused Gyamfi of violating President John Dramani Mahama’s recently introduced Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which was part of broader efforts to fight corruption and restore public trust in government institutions.

In response, Sammy Gyamfi issued a statement on Sunday, May 11, expressing regret over the incident. He described the gesture as a private act of compassion that, unfortunately, became public.

Nonetheless, due to the political sensitivity and potential reputational damage, the Chief of Staff is said to be addressing the matter with urgency.

KA

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