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

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, says the Mahama-led government would take advantage of the US$130.72 billion global chocolate market to create job opportunities for Ghanaians.

In a statement read on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 14, to mark the 2025 National Chocolate Day, the minister said the global chocolate market value is expected to increase to US$172 billion by 2030, noting that, government would increase investment in the cocoa industry.

She said the government would promote a new strategic cocoa industry through value addition and investment to increase export.

The government, she said, would also set up cocoa colleges, factories in cocoa growing areas, promote cocoa pensions and welfare for cocoa farmers.

The minister announced plans to supply pest resilient cocoa seedlings and inputs and, thus, advocated the need for social responsibility and fair-trade practices for players in the cocoa industry.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare congratulated all gallant cocoa farmers, processors, and actors within the cocoa supply value chain for the pivotal roles they had played in promoting economic growth.

Earlier, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in a statement, encouraged Ghanaians to give and share chocolates with friends, family members and loved ones to promote the patronage of cocoa products.

The minister indicated that celebrating chocolate day would foster unity, national pride and promote domestic tourism and underscored the need for fair trade in the cocoa industry.

As part of the celebration, Madam Dzifa Gomashie said Golden Tree Chocolate bars would be given to passengers and tourists arriving at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to promote Ghanaian chocolates brand.

Also, a chocolate tree stand would be mounted across Offices of the Ghana Tourism Authority to supply free chocolate drinks to staff and visitors of the Authority.

The week-long celebration was on the theme, “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy and Grow Ghana” with the sub-theme, “Chocolate is for All; Eat, Taste, Share and Care”.

The inception of the National Chocolate Day began in 2007 intended to create awareness of the health benefits of cocoa and to promote sustainable patronage of cocoa products.

The celebration would climax with a float on the principal streets of Accra and end it with a durbar at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

“Let’s use the season to give chocolates to friends, family members and loved ones. It is a unique opportunity to show love and promote Ghanaian brand of chocolates,” Dzifa Gomashie stated.

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Accra, Feb.16, GNA – Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has inaugurated a 23-member Inter-Agency Data Pricing Committee in Accra.  

The committee members were drawn from stakeholders in the digital spaces to develop a roadmap that would lead to a reduction in the cost of data.   

The Committee is expected to finalise the roadmap report and submit it to the Minister on March 6, 2025.  

The initiative aims to assess prevailing pricing models and propose recommendations for competitive and affordable data services that drive digital inclusion, economic growth, and national development.  

The Minister said the establishment of the Committee underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency in data pricing mechanisms and bridging the digital divide.  

“The players in the industry are not Chancellors and are businessmen, but like I have always said, my fidelity is first and foremost to the Ghanaian people before any other consideration.  

“On the basis of that, we are going to put up this technical committee to have a conversation around the pricing of data.  

 The focus of the committee is not for you to tell the ministry why data is priced at its current price point,” he said.  

He said he was aware that in January 2024, one of the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) wrote to the National Communication Authority proposing a 10 per cent drop.  

“The ministry at the time declined a response to the regulator, and so literally for one year, that offer of a 10 per cent reduction from that MNO and a corresponding 11 per cent increase in value offerings has been pending,” he said.  

Mr George said the government was committed to ensuring value for money, adding that “the best value and offering for the Ghanaian people is our primary goal.”  

He said, “Instead of us having one proposal from one MNO on one bundle offering, I want a holistic review of all the bundle offerings across all the networks.”  

Mr George said there were many young Ghanaians today who, if given cheaper, affordable data, would help them work and take gig jobs outside the shores of the country, depending on data.  

“This is a call to national service, a call to national duty, both for the Committee members and as players in the industry,” he said.  

Mr Ken Ashigbey, the Chef Executive, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, welcomed the initiative and indicated that it was the best way to ensure value for money.  

He called for a concerted effort to address the issue of data pricing, stressing the things associated with data cost were multifaceted.  

Mr Ashigbey pledged to work towards meeting the terms of reference for the committee, especially the deadline.  

Mr Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh,  President, National Union of Ghana Students, commended the Minister for bringing the student Union into the committee.  

He said most students complained about the cost of data, especially during their online sessions, research, and other things, and he was confident of ensuring fair data pricing for all.  

GNA  

Ghana, for the 17th time, has gone to the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance. On all these occasions, Ghana’s economic situation was unstable and the said amount was to help improve the situation.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the IMF approved the most recent IMF bailout request from Ghana under the ruling New Patriotic Party, for some $3 billion dollars.

In this piece, we take a look at all 17 times Ghana went to the IMF, and under which governments.

Per information on the IMF’s official website – www.imf.org, this information was stated.

1966 to 1969:

The first IMF bailout request from Ghana happened in 1966 after the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, by the then National Liberation Council (NLC).

At this time, the IMF and World Bank were invited by the new government, which had taken over, to manage the economy, supervise the privatization of state corporations, to turn them into profitable institutions among other things.

This bailout, which ended in 1967, was under a Standby Arrangement.

Ghana went to the IMF three different times after this, from May 25, 1967 to May 24, 1968, and then from May 28. 1968 to May 27, 1969, Ghana returned to the IMF.

From May 29, 1969 to May 28, 1970, another was agreed on, also on ‘Standby Arrangement’ basis.

1979 to 1980:

After series of corruption and economic mismanagement, and military coups, the economy of Ghana was down again.

After ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ under Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, from 1972 to 1978, things appeared to be moderately okay until the June 4 Revolution in 1979, led by the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings when the economic situation hit the rocks again.

Ghana, again, went to the IMF for a Standby Agreement in January 10, 1979 to 1980.

August 1983 to 1992

From August 3, 1983 to August 02, 1984, August 27, 1984 to December 31, 1985, from October 15, 1986 to October 14, 1987 and then November 6, 1987 to November 9, 1988, Ghana experienced major food shortage that led the country to depend on donors and charity from across the world.

Ghana depended on the IMF to help the situation then, till then PNDC leader, JJ Rawlings invited the IMF to help with a Structural Adjustment Facility Commitment in November 6, 1987 and was extended in November 9, 1988 till it ended in 1992.

1995 to 2009:

During this period, global financial bodies, like the IMF, embarked on debt cancellation, which resulted in the creation and enhancement of debt relief schemes under the HIPC (Highly Indebted Poor Countries) Initiative.

The IMF supported Ghana from June 30, 1995 to May 2, 1999 and then May 3, 1999 to November 30, 2002.

After gaining support during this time under Rawlings, Ghana went back to the IMF in 2003 as a HIPC country, under then-President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Under Kufuor, Ghana borrowed from the IMF between May 9, 2003 and October 31, 2006 and then returned in July 15, 2009 to July 23, 2012

2015 to 2019

Under the John Dramani Mahama government, Ghana suffered a major power crisis, known as Dumsor, and Ghana run to the IMF again to borrow an amount of $918 million loan to strengthen the cedi and the struggling economy.

2022

Under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the government has acquired a $3 billion dollar loan, which, according to them, will help restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability in the country, as well as aid with the implementation of wide-ranging reforms to deal with the country’s current financial crisis.

This story was originally published on May 18, 2023

By Jibril Abdul Mumuni

Accra, Feb. 16, GNA – Ghana is set to host the first-ever Pan-African Cardiothoracic Surgery Summit, focusing on building Africa’s medical expertise.

The summit, scheduled to take place on 21-24 February 2025, will bring expertise across Africa to confront the continent’s escalating cardiovascular disease burden.

At a media briefing to announce the summit, Prof. Charles Yankah, Director of Humanitarian Cardiac Surgery Ghana, said the summit aimed att bridging critical gaps in specialised care through targeted training, technology, and cross-border collaboration.

Prof. Yankah stressed that Africa’s shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons and infrastructure demanded urgent, homegrown solutions.

“This summit is about equipping African professionals to lead.By training trainers, we create a multiplier effect and empower local experts to mentor the next generation and expand access to life-saving care, “ he said.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 2 per cent of children with heart issues have access to surgery, which reflects the need for charity organisations to undertake surgeries.

Thus, he said the summit would provide the platform for charity organisations and medical experts to suggest how to facilitate “low budget “ cardiac surgery in Africa.

These discussions, according to him, will enable underserved African communities to have more access to interventional and surgical procedures.

The summit would also feature key initiatives, including partnerships with United States of America(USA), European and African institutions, to offer hands-on training in advanced surgical techniques.

It would also include a first-of-its-kind digital registry by Prof. Yankah’s NGO, PASCAT, to track surgical outcomes, map regional disparities, and guide policy.

It will also include workshops on artificial intelligence tools to enhance preoperative planning and predict treatment outcomes, with a focus on resource-limited settings.

The summit will spotlight gender inclusivity as a pillar of capacity building.

A dedicated youth forum as part of the summit will connect medical students with global experts, offering career guidance and showcasing minimally invasive techniques like interventional cardiology.

GNA

Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on African policymakers to adopt a mindset of possibilities and embrace technology to drive economic transformation.

Speaking at the 27th Annual Conference of Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress? at Harvard University in Boston, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for Africa to leverage digitalization to accelerate development.

“Policymakers must act with a mindset of possibilities. We should embrace technology and not be intimidated by it. We must believe that we can leapfrog advanced nations in many areas if we put our minds to it,” he stated.

Dr. Bawumia highlighted Ghana’s economic evolution, pointing out the country’s historical reliance on an informal system for over 60 years after independence.

However, he noted that efforts are now being made to build a formal, data-driven economy capable of competing in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Today, we are building formal systems and a database-driven economy to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our challenge is to use digitalization to solve current problems while laying the foundation for future jobs, leapfrogging from the Second to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia’s remarks underscore the importance of technology-driven policies in Africa’s pursuit of economic transformation, urging governments to harness digitalization for growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.

Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, wowed students of the Harvard University, in the United States, when he delivered a powerful lecture on the progress of Ghana’s digitalisation journey.

Speaking at Harvard University on Saturday, as keynote speaker on the theme, “Africa Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress,” Dr. Bawumia took the students through Ghana’s globally acclaimed digitalisation initiatives, and the positive impacts they are having towards the transformation of the economy.

Dr. Bawumia first recalled how Africa missed out on the first, second and third industrial revolutions respectively, before declaring the 4th Industrial Revolution indispensable for African countries, if their economies are to be transformed in the 21st century, for meaningful impacts.

“Policy makers in Africa must act with a mindset of possibilities. We should embrace technology and not be intimidated by it. We must believe that we can leapfrog the advanced nations in many areas if we put our minds to it,” Dr. Bawumia said, as he proudly referenced how Ghana’s embrace of digitalisation, which the former Vice President has played instrumental role in, is helping to address age-old challenges, which are inimical to modern economic growth.

“For over 60 years after independence, Ghana had a largely informal system without many of the basic elements necessary for a modern economic system. Today, we are building a formal, systems- and a data-based economy, to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“Our challenge is to use digitalization to solve current problems while laying the foundation for the future of jobs, leapfrogging from the second to the fourth industrial revolution. There is mounting empirical evidence that highlights the transformative potential of digital innovation to create jobs, boost productivity, increase income levels, and foster wealth creation,” Dr. Bawumia said.

GHANA’S DIGITAL SUCCESS STORY

The former Vice President said, Ghana, in the last eight years, has embarked on an ”aggressive policy of digitalization’ to ”jumpstart the economic transformation of our country.”

“Focus was on digital technology that can solve our problems. At this stage of our development, we are not looking to have driverless cars or humanoids for example. We want technology that can solve our problems in agriculture, health, education, access to credit, payment system efficiency, public service delivery, revenue mobilization, and so on. Our system had major shortcomings and presented challenges for the digitalization of the economy,”” he said.

Dr. Bawumia noted that, before the start of Ghana’s aggressive digitalisation in the past eight years, it was largely seen as a peripheral concern and not central to the country’s national development agenda.

“My focus on digitalization as Vice-President was the subject of ridicule by political opponents. But I stuck to my vision and set out to use digitalization to solve the everyday problems faced by Ghanaians and in so doing build an engine for economic growth and job creation,” said the former Vice President said, of his personal role in the progress.

Explaining Ghana’s digital journey in detail, Dr. Bawumia presented how Ghana has been able to, through its commitment to digitalisation, addressed many challenges the country could not overcome.

“The most important challenge for our economy as far as digitalization was concerned was that in Ghana, most people couldn’t be uniquely identified. It was possible to be born, live your entire life, die, and be buried in Ghana without there being any official record that you ever existed.

“Everyday interactions with public services—whether it’s applying for a driver’s license, passport, or any government permit—became difficult. Corruption was so widespread that giving and taking bribes became almost normal.”

“Other significant challenges we faced included: absence of a functional national property address system; A modern economy simply cannot function without a reliable address system.”

For these age-old problems, Dr. Bawumia showed how the issuance of Ghanacard to 85% of adult population, as well as the implementation of the digital address systems, have addressed these challenge of lack of unique national identity and lack of a national property adddress system.

Other challenges Dr. Bawumia said are being addressed through digitalisation in Ghana include, a large informal sector and reliance on cash payments; which he said, has been resolved through mobile money interoperability, thus making Ghana one of the most financially-inclusive countries in the world; fragmented, manual databases, which have been addressed by digitalising public services such as application of passports, drivers licencses, registration of businesses, etc; manual records at health facilities, which have been resolved by digitising health records at government hospitals, as well as as poor access to healthcare delivery in remote areas, which have been addressed through Ghana’s world-renowned medical drone delivery service.

A MAJOR PATHWAY FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Apart from its immense impact on transforming the economy into a modern one, Dr. Bawumia said Ghana’s digital strides have created a pathway for more employment opportunities and boosting businesses, largely, with the help of the functioning digital payments.

“The digital payments infrastructure, along with the digital property address system, is boosting e-commerce in Ghana and creating jobs,” he said.

“E-commerce is also booming in Ghana- Many sales are now taking place over Instagram, Facebook, websites etc. Many people who cannot afford to rent or build shops are able to do business on the internet  at little cost with deliveries helped by digital address and payments using mobile money interoperability.”

Concluding, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his call to African leaders to embrace digital technology for a brighter tomorrow.

“Let me conclude by saying that the digital economy holds the key to unlocking Africa’s vast potential and creating jobs for the youth. By working together, governments, businesses, educators, and innovators – we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.”

Maybe you don’t care that the president of the United States is punishing The Associated Press, but you should.

WASHINGTON ― Today The Associated Press, tomorrow ABC News.

Or CBS. Or CNN. Or Politico. Or The New York Times.

If you’re a normal American with a normal life and normal day-to-day worries, you probably haven’t heard that Donald Trump and his White House are punishing The Associated Press, the world’s premier wire service, for not getting in line and calling the Gulf of Mexico, as it’s been known for centuries, the “Gulf of America,” as per the new presidential decree.

The White House has barred the AP’s reporter from participating in the White House pool since Tuesday. On Thursday, the administration upped the punishment to keep the AP out of a news conference open to the entire press corps. And Friday, it announced that the banishment is now indefinite and has expanded to the AP’s traditional seat on Air Force One.

The AP’s crime? Updating its widely used style manual to advise that while Trump’s renaming of Alaska’s Mt. Denali back to Mt. McKinley was within Trump’s purview because the peak is wholly in U.S. territory, the Gulf of Mexico is another matter, and other countries are not referring to it as the Gulf of America.

It sounds petty, and it is — and yet at the same time, it is pretty damn scary in a constitutional republic with a First Amendment and an ostensibly free press.

What Trump’s White House is trying to do here is clear: Only those news outlets that cater to the president’s whims on any given issue will be allowed access to his official events.

It’s true that most normal Americans won’t care about any of this. It’s about as inside-the-Beltway as it gets. That said, Americans, or at least Americans who want to hang on to our democracy, should care, and deeply.

At issue is the White House “pool,” the group of 13 reporters, photographers, videographers and sound engineers who are brought into events where space is tight, such as the Oval Office, since bringing in the larger contingent of reporters who cover the presidency each day is not practical. The job of every member of that pool is to share whatever is learned from the encounter with the White House press corps at large.

While the White House has always controlled the size of the pool (on rare occasions, it might just be two or three journalists), it has never chosen which news organizations participate on any given day or any given event. That prerogative belongs to the White House Correspondents’ Association — the professional body that speaks for the press corps on a range of issues, including accreditation, travel and coordinating access to events.

The AP has historically had one of the three permanent wire service slots in the pool each day. The others right now are Reuters and Bloomberg, but neither matches the AP in reach, either in the U.S. or globally.

People might assume that the “pool” is antagonistic to Trump, but that’s hardly the case. While individual reporters who happen to be in that rotation may ask questions of Trump that he doesn’t want to answer, by and large, the existence of the pool benefits any president — and particularly Trump, who came from the television entertainment world.

Last weekend’s travel pool trip to the Super Bowl is a perfect example. While there was an in-flight news conference in which Trump was asked a number of questions he didn’t like — including a couple from me — that was only a small part of the trip.

On Friday night, the pool reporters waited for hours in a van outside Mar-a-Lago, in a parking lot, in a driveway, and finally outside a small ballroom where Trump was going to speak to Republican senators he had invited there (profits from that dinner went into his pocket, by the way).

We covered a half-hour rally-type speech full of the usual lies and outrage — that the 2020 election was stolen from him, for example, or his claim without evidence that USAID employees were taking “kickbacks.” We dutifully recorded his words and disseminated them to the broader press corps. There was no opportunity to ask questions. We were basically stenographers.

The actual visit to the Super Bowl is an even better example. There were two photo opportunities staged. The first was upon Trump’s arrival when he came onto a corner of the field to greet local police and victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack. But perhaps because we were running a half hour late following Trump’s morning round of golf with Tiger Woods, there was no real “greeting” with first responders, no time for reporters to actually observe the president interacting with regular Americans. Just a group photo. The whole thing lasted less than two minutes.

Then, an hour later, the traveling reporters were brought back onto the field specifically so the pool TV camera could focus on Trump standing in his third-deck box during the playing of the national anthem. To the best of my knowledge, less than two seconds of that camera view was used by Fox Sports’ producers during their broadcast.

In other words, the White House pool’s existence for the entire Super Bowl visit was manipulated by Trump’s White House for his benefit. There was no “news” value to anything we did in New Orleans.

There is, of course, the need for news outlets to be with the president of the United States in case actual news does happen. That the pool is occasionally used by a White House for its own ends, is, I suppose, a necessary cost.

The fundamental issue, though, is the composition of that pool. Trump has every right to decide which events are open to the press, or not, and at which events he will take questions, or not.

What he should not have the right to do is decide which outlets are permitted to take part in the pool. Which is why how the WHCA responds to Trump here is critical. For the last three days, we’ve issued strongly worded statements, with a strongly worded letter in works on Friday, but I’m not sure that’s ever going to work.

Here’s what might work: Trump needs and wants the reach of the real media, not just his fan club. We should stand by our colleagues at the AP, which is actually an alma mater for many of us. We should tell the White House that if the AP is not invited to participate in his photo ops, then we’re not interested, either. Trump enjoys punching down on and mocking reporters who nevertheless have to call him “Mr. President.” We don’t have to let him. Tell them we’re happy to send in a pool camera instead, and he’s free to say whatever he wants for however long he wants.

Because if he gets away with doing this to the world’s largest news organization, he can and will do it to any and all of us.

Credit: Huffpost.com

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President Donald Trump of the United States of America is a creation of time. The key point is not in changing America. Instead, Trump is revealing America as it is! The America that we knew – represented by F.D. Roosevelt, J.F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter – was perhaps just a fleeting moment or a facade. Trump’s presidency has exposed the underlying realities of the country, making it clear that the perceived America was not entirely genuine.

Trump epitomizes the body and the spirit of the White conquest of Native Americans, which is reflected in his immigration policy. On the surface, his policy aims to eliminate illegal immigrants, criminal gangs and narcotics dealers. However, in reality, Trump, as POTUS, and his supporters are pursuing a Whites-only immigration agenda, similar to the one once employed by Australia, which has now been discarded. The response to South Africa’s land reforms is clearly in this direction.

Trump’s offer to allow White South Africans to immigrate to the US as refugees is disquieting, especially since this opportunity wasn’t extended to Palestinians or other groups. But then, this move isn’t surprising, given the long-standing discussions in the US about repopulating sparsely populated states like Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The president seems to view this as a chance to appeal to those who fear losing their demographic majority.

Not everything is wrong with Trump! For instance, his administration’s cost-effective unit aimed at reducing waste and inefficiency in government aligns with the recommendations of Nigeria’s Oronsaye Report, which was submitted in 2012. It’s ironic that Trump is implementing reforms that Nigeria should have undertaken years ago. This highlights Nigeria’s slow pace in addressing its own inefficiencies. Importantly, while Trump’s policies, such as dismantling USAID and the Department of Education, are not entirely commendable, his focus on cost-efficient units could serve as a catalyst for Nigeria to revisit and implement the Oronsaye Report’s recommendations.

Similarly, Nigeria seems to expect the US, under Trump’s leadership, to take responsibility for recovering its stolen wealth. However, if the US Department of Justice is no longer pursuing cases against individuals who have looted Nigeria’s treasury and stashed the funds in the US, it raises questions about Nigeria’s own role in addressing corruption. Ultimately, the issue reveals the shape and size of a deeper problem: why does Nigeria have such weak institutions that billions of dollars can be easily embezzled and laundered abroad?

So, Trump’s actions should be a wake-up call for us to “padlock the stable doors” to prevent the horse from bolting. It’ll be in our interest not to allow other countries to capture the horse which has fled because we refused to padlock the stable doors. Padlocking the stable doors should have involved setting up a congressional budget office to monitor and police a budget process since 1999. That this was not done and it’s not about to be done shows a complete and utter lack of seriousness in our curbing waste and corruption.

In addition, the refusal to use a performance planning budgeting system, first proposed by the late Omowale Kuye as the Director General of Budget in 1983, reveals a lackadaisical attitude towards budget and project management and implementation. So, no one can, or should, hold Trump responsible for Nigeria’s ineptitude.

Trump and his supporters had a clear agenda, Project 2025, which became public knowledge before his presidential nomination. Since his tariff policies would likely have far-reaching effects on Nigeria, Nigeria should have prepared countermeasures in case he won, but did we? Were we fully prepared for the impact of his presidency? Canada was well-prepared, and swiftly responded to Trump’s policies. In contrast, Nigeria’s history shows it was once adept at preparing for economic challenges, such as the 1967 devaluation of the British pound sterling. But not anymore!

Again, the question remains, where did we lose the plot and what’s next for Nigeria? Now, Nigeria faces brain drain, with doctors leaving the country daily. Was that also caused by Trump? Ours isn’t just a matter of sensible or senseless governance; it’s a result of successive governments failing to effectively communicate with the people. They’ve either used the wrong channels or struggled to convey their message, leaving a gaping hole in their connection with the electorate. Consequently, governments are often caught off guard, scrambling to respond to issues that could have been addressed through proper communication.

The prosperity of the developed world was built on the exploitation and suffering of Black slaves. Unfortunately, the legacy of colonialism and slavery continues to haunt us, with the scars of pillage, human trafficking and forced labour still evident. Iconic symbols of power, such as the White House, were constructed on the backs of enslaved Africans. Similarly, the Arab world’s economy flourished thanks to Mansa Musa’s wealth and the trans-Saharan trade. Yet, despite these historical contributions, the Black world remains economically and socially shackled.

The Bible and Koran, scriptures that advocate for compassion, justice and humility, now serve as a stark contrast to the hypocrisy of their proponents. Colonial powers, who claimed to represent Christianity, exploited our resources, enslaved our people, and treated them as commodities rather than human beings.

As we reflect on Nigeria’s economic challenges, it is essential to consider the importance of informed leadership. The story of the Pharaoh “which knew not Joseph” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignorance and the importance of informed leadership. As if two wrongs have equaled a right, the actions of Pharaoh and Trump share a common thread – both leaders sought to maintain power and control over perceived threats. Pharaoh viewed the Israelites as a danger to his authority, while Trump has portrayed undocumented immigrants as a threat to national security and American jobs.

Ancient civilizations also offer valuable lessons in leadership. In Greece, for instance, Oedipus Rex serves as a moral lesson about the dangers of hubris and ignorance. Likewise, India’s Mahabharata tells the story of the blind king, Dhritarashtra, who ignored wise counsel and led his kingdom to ruin. China’s concept of ‘Mandate of Heaven’ emphasizes the importance of morally just leadership. Conversely, Africa’s ‘Ubuntu’ philosophy prioritizes community and interconnectedness. It highlights the need for leaders to consider the well-being of all people, not just their own constituents. This concept is often cited as a counterpoint to Trump’s ‘America First’ ideology.

Now that Trump has declared war on everybody, it might be a unique opportunity for Nigeria to take control of our economic destiny and build an economy based on self-reliance and the search for export-oriented, value-added policies in order to balance its books, end the perennial current accounts deficits and smash the mould of boom-to-bust cycles. Even as he continues to defy conventions and push the boundaries of executive power, dear country should learn from its history and leverage the population dynamics of countries like the United States and India to create a more sustainable and resilient economy.

The Chinese ideograph for CRISIS is, on one side, Danger, and, on the other side, Opportunity. Essentially therefore, Trump’s second coming presents a fantastic opportunity for Nigerians. We should seize it with both hands. We shouldn’t ask other countries to do for us what we are expected to do for ourselves. In a word, failure to have a coherent response to Trump’s ‘wahala’ only means that Nigeria will continue to move, irresistibly, in the direction of boom-to-bust, underperformance and underachievement, with more Nigerians sliding into poverty. And that will be sad!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

KOMOLAFE wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria ([email protected])

John Dramani Mahama is Ghana’s president

A former Majority Leader in Parliament cum former Member of Parliament of Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, is making arguments to the effect that President John Dramani Mahama, could face impeachment.

His argument is based on the fact that, through his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the president has violated the constitution by dismissing public service workers appointed by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to him, the former president lawfully appointed these public sector workers in accordance with the constitution and so his move could inform impeachment processes against him.

As these developments unfold, GhanaWeb delves into what the intricacies of an impeachment process is, as outlined in Article 69 of the 1992 constitution.

Here is the Procedure for Removal of President from Office

(1) The President shall be removed from office if he is found, in accordance with the provisions of this article—

(a) to have acted in willful violation of the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath set out in the Second Schedule to, or in willful violation of any other provision of, this Constitution; or

(b) to have conducted himself in a manner—

(i) which brings or is likely to bring the high office of President into disrepute, ridicule or contempt; or

(ii) prejudicial or inimical to the economy or the security of the State; or

(c) to be incapable of performing the functions of his office by reason of infirmity of body or mind.

(2) For the purposes of the removal from office of the President, a notice in writing—

(a) signed by not less than one-third of all the members of Parliament, and

(b) stating that the conduct or the physical or mental capacity of the President be investigated on any of the grounds specified in clause (1) of this article,

shall be given to the Speaker who shall immediately inform the Chief Justice and deliver the notice to him copied to the President.

(3) The notice referred to in clause (2) of this article shall be accompanied by a statement in writing setting out in detail the facts, supported by the necessary documents, on which it is claimed that the conduct or the physical or mental capacity of the President be investigated for the purposes of his removal from office.

(4) Subject to clause (5) of this article, the Chief Justice shall, by constitutional instrument, immediately convene a tribunal consisting of the Chief Justice as Chairman and the four most senior Justices of the Supreme Court and the tribunal shall inquire, in camera, whether there is a prima facie case for the removal of the President.

(5) Where a notice under clause (2) of this article is delivered to the Chief Justice in respect of the removal from of tile President, on the grounds of physical or mental incapacity Chief Justice shall, in consultation with the professional head of the Ghana Health Services, cause a medical board to be convened which shall consist of not less than four eminent medical specialists and the President shall be informed accordingly.

(6) The President shall be invited to submit himself for examination by the medical board within fourteen days after the appointment of the board.

(7) The President shall be entitled during the proceedings of the tribunal or of the medical board to be heard in his defence by himself or by a lawyer or other expert or person as the case may be, of his own choice.

(8) The Rules of Court Committee shall, by constitutional instrument, make rules for the practice and procedure of the tribunal or of the medical board for the removal of the President.

(9) Where the tribunal or medical board specified in clauses (4) and (5) of this article determines that there is a prima facie case for the removal of the President or that the President is by reason of physical or mental incapacity unable to perform the functions of his office, the findings shall immediately be submitted to the Speaker of Parliament through the Chief Justice and copied to the President.

(10) Parliament shall, with in fourteen days after the date of the findings of the tribunal or medical board, move a resolution whether or not the President shall be removed from office.

(11) The resolution for the removal from office of the President shall be by a secret ballot and shall be taken to be approved by Parliament if supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament after prior debate.

(12) The proceedings of Parliament for the removal of the President shall not be held in camera except where Parliament otherwise orders in the interest of national security.

(13) The President shall cease to hold office as President on the date Parliament decides that he be removed from office.

AE

The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Navy Captain Kamal-Deen Ali (Rtd.), PhD., wants Ghana’s sea ports to gain and retain the reputation of being Africa’s safest and most secure ports.

He has consequently asked the relevant agencies and institutions in the maritime industry to apply all the tools and skills at their disposal to achieve this purpose.

Dr. Ali said this in his remarks at a five-day workshop on cyber security in ports at the Marriott Hotel in the capital, Accra, this month.

The workshop, sponsored by the UK Department for Transport, was designed to equip the participants “with an understanding of threats to ports posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and security measures that can be implemented to protect against and respond to UAS threats.”

The organisers said they hoped the workshop would “raise delegates’ awareness of the threat of cyberattack, the role of the individual in keeping ports cyber secure and equipping delegates with a framework to produce a cybersecurity assessment and plan.”

The DG of Ghana Maritime Authority commended the UK Department for Transport and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for sponsoring the workshop and bringing together all the key state agencies in the country’s security sector to address “some of the most serious threats in the cybersecurity space.”

He was concerned that the sponsorship had run its course. However, he was hopeful that upon an intervention by his office, the sponsors may find a way to continue to fund these collaborative efforts.

“I convey to you the appreciation of the incoming Minister for Transport and the government of Ghana for the enormous support you give us in capacity building in many areas,” Dr. Ali stated.

He said the coming together of the agencies was particularly useful as it created a single platform to deliberate on key aspects of security and to fashion ways to deal with any threats.

The participating agencies included GMA, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Marine Police, Ghana Navy, National Security, National Investigations Bureau, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Cyber Security Authority, and Ghana Immigration Service.

Dr Ali urged them to take full advantage of the training to ensure the benefits are enduring and impactful.

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The Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing tomato shortages and reducing excessive imports during the dry season.

To stabilize market prices, the ministry through FSRP is implementing a Tomato Intensification Program in key production zones across Ghana to boost local tomato production.

The initiative is funded by a US$2.2 million Norwegian grant and is being executed under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, with coordination from the World Bank.

Through the FSRP-Norwegian Tomato Scheme, 1,500 tomato farmers are receiving inputs and training to produce 10,000 metric tons of tomatoes within the first quarter of this year.

As part of the intervention, the Crops Research Institute under CSIR in Kwadaso, Kumasi, is developing breeder and foundation seeds suited to Ghana’s hot and humid agroecological conditions.

In an interview with Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, Principal Research Scientist and Tomato Breeder at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, and Dr. Gabriel Owusu, Project Officer for the Norwegian Tomato Support under FSRP on Friday, February 14, they provided insights on the program.

“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is implementing a program called the Food System Resilience Project which is being funded by the World Bank and in that project there is a sub-project in which the Norwegian government is providing funding to support tomato production. The project has attracted private entities to produce certified tomato seeds at Wenchi

“For now, I can say we are in the right position to reduce importation and then in a long time we can be sure that this will be stopped as far as tomato importation is concerned. In the next two, or three years we should be able to reduce more than 50% of tomato importation.

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Hannah Acquah, Founder and CEO of TKC Africa Ltd, is set to deliver a compelling presentation titled “Why I Am Betting on Local Investors for Africa’s Economic Future” at the Inclusive Fintech Forum (IFF) in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2025. Acquah’s presentation will explore the transformative potential of Africa’s local investor ecosystem in driving sustainable economic growth and innovation across the continent.

As a vocal advocate for African-led investment, Acquah has consistently emphasized the importance of empowering homegrown capital to fuel the continent’s development. “Africa’s growth story cannot be complete without the active participation of local investors,” says Acquah. “By investing in our own businesses and innovations, we build resilience and unlock long-term prosperity.”

TKC Africa Ltd has been at the forefront of initiatives that connect African entrepreneurs with local and international investors, fostering inclusive economic participation. The upcoming presentation will shed light on the strategic opportunities within Africa’s fintech landscape and how local investors can lead the charge in shaping the continent’s economic trajectory.

The IFF Kigali 2025 will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the globe to discuss the future of inclusive finance. Acquah’s insights are expected to resonate strongly with stakeholders seeking practical strategies to support Africa’s growth through localized investment.

Stay tuned for more updates from the forum as Africa’s investment landscape continues to evolve.

www.tkcafrica.com

www.inclusivefintechforum.com

@InclusiveFinTechForum @TheFoundersPeak @NavinSuri @SagariWhte @hannahacquah @TKCAfrica @IFF @LocalInvestors @Rwanda @kigali @Africa @LPs @GPs @pensionsfirms @familyoffices @privateequity @venturecapital @insurancefirms @foundations @Economicfuture @wgcddne

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File photo of someone using a mobile phone

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) Bailout Dashboard and Debt Tracker tools platforms have been launched to provide citizens with accessible data on Ghana’s public debt and IMF programme progress.

These will provide the public, including journalists, researchers, and policymakers with data to facilitate their work in the bid to promote fiscal transparency and accountability in Ghana.

The Economic Governance Platform (EGP), a coalition of civil society organisations focused on sustainable economic growth, launched the online platforms on Thursday in Accra.

“The launch of the IMF Dashboard and Debt Tracker tools is a significant step towards promoting fiscal transparency and accountability in Ghana,” said Mary Amelana Addah, the Executive Director, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), when she launched the platforms.

She said the development of the tools by civil society, funded by OXFAM Ghana, was a way of demonstrating the commitment of the CSOs to promoting transparency and accountability in Ghana’s public finance management (PFM).

Data on the platforms would help advocate better fiscal downturns, better PFM regimes, and better debt sustainability for the people of Ghana.

Madam Addah commended the EGP, which had come a long way since its inception to earn international recognition, with the IMF and World Bank, citing it as an example for other countries to emulate.

“Kenya has even sent representatives to learn from Ghana’s experience,” she noted.

Dr Angela Azumah Alu, the Country Director of Oxfam in Ghana, expressed concern that the most vulnerable populations were disproportionately affected by Ghana’s unsustainable debt challenges.

She was optimistic that the new tools would help demystify the IMF process and Ghana’s debt situation, enabling citizens to hold leaders accountable for their actions.

Abdul Karim Mohammed, Coordinator, EGP, said Ghana’s debt crisis were attributable to a myriad of factors, including poor tax management, corruption, and economic mismanagement.

These factors, he noted, have persisted since the country attained independence.

To help address them, he disclosed that the EGP had commissioned a study to look into Ghana’s debt management practices.

The study, expected to be launched in the coming weeks, will examine the political economy of debt acquisition and accumulation, the legal and institutional framework for debt management, and debt transparency and accountability.

The EGP is a civil society-led initiative that aims to promote sustainable economic growth, reduce debt dependency, and ensure that Ghana’s economic policies benefit its citizens.

Over the years, the platform has metamorphosed into a viable group that brings together CSOs and academia to interrogate issues of fiscal governance, macro, micro, PFM issues, governance, and anti-corruption.

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The late professor Atta Mills and his classmates

It is always amazing when people sit back to reminisce how they have grown beautifully to become meaningful people in society.

Though not all can tell the rags to riches story, everyone has a story to share, be it good, bad, or ugly.

One of such moments about the early years of prominent people has flooded the internet, showing a moment the late former president of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, was captured in a group photo with some of his classmates.

From reports, the photo circulating on social media is from their days in Form 2 at Cadbury.

This was between 1954 and 1959.

The late Atta Mills and his friends were seen in their African print cloth wrapped around one shoulder, just as chiefs wear their regalia.

Atta Mills, with his 7 friends, posed for the camera with their bushy hairstyles.

Fast forward, the late Mills completed his secondary education at Achimota School, earning his Ordinary Level Certificate in 1961 and Advanced Level Certificate in 1963.

He proceeded to the University of Ghana, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and a professional law certificate in 1967.

He subsequently attended the London School of Economics, earning an LL.M. in 1968.

In 1971, he completed his Ph.D. programme at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Mills then entered into politics and became the Vice President of Ghana from 1997 to 2001 under the late Jerry Rawlings’ administration.

In 2008, he won the general elections and was sworn into office on January 7, 2009.

He, however, passed away on July 24, 2012.

The late Atta Mills is remembered for his dedication to democracy, social welfare, and economic reform.

He is also noted to be one of the most peaceful and truthful leaders Ghana has ever had.

SA/AE

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Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru

The re-imposition of a curfew on Walewale and its surrounding areas in the North East Region has sparked strong opposition from the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru.

The decision, which follows two incidents allegedly linked to the ongoing Bawku crisis, has been criticized as politically motivated and ineffective in addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region.

Dr. Abdul-Kabiru argues that the move unfairly punishes innocent civilians while failing to implement a comprehensive approach to ensuring peace.

In a statement addressing the curfew, he outlined several concerns, including the lack of consultation with affected constituencies, the selective application of security measures, and recent acts of military brutality against civilians.

See below for the full statement:

“My attention has been drawn to the recent decision to impose a curfew on Walewale and its surrounding areas following two incidents allegedly linked to the Bawku crisis within the Walewale constituency. While I have consistently condemned attacks on travelers in and around Walewale, I must emphatically state that this decision is both ill-advised and politically motivated, offering no real solution to the underlying issue.

Firstly, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, consulted Members of Parliament from the Bawku area without extending the same engagement to those of us equally affected. This exclusion demonstrates a clear lack of commitment to fostering peace and instead appears to be an unjustifiable use of state power to punish innocent civilians.

Secondly, if the government truly believes that a curfew is the best security measure at this time, then it should have been imposed across all areas where attacks on travelers have occurred, including Binduri, Zebilla, and Garu. It is particularly concerning that these attacks—some of which have happened under military escort—have not been met with similar security measures. Since December 2021, at least 25 such attacks have been recorded, including three in the last month alone. The selective enforcement of this curfew raises serious concerns about whether the lives of travelers to and from Bawku are being treated with equal importance.

Thirdly, a more reasonable and effective approach would have been to enhance highway patrols and provide security escorts for travelers. Deploying even half of the police and military personnel assigned to enforce the curfew could have ensured the safety of both travelers and businesses, rather than imposing restrictions that disrupt daily life.

Fourthly, the government’s intentions were laid bare when, on January 15, 2025, military personnel, without provocation, brutally assaulted innocent civilians. Although the military later apologized, their continued unlawful and excessive use of force is both distasteful and unacceptable. In the past two days alone, security forces have indiscriminately tortured residents in Kukua, Loagri, Walewale, Gbimsi, and Wulugu, resulting in one fatality and several others sustaining serious injuries. I will be working closely with the families of the deceased and other victims to pursue all available legal avenues to seek justice.

Lastly, the decision to impose this curfew, coupled with the Interior Minister’s communication on the matter, unfairly suggests that the people of Walewale are responsible for these attacks. This is a dangerous and misleading narrative. While it is true that certain individuals are exploiting the poor security situation to carry out attacks, the entire community should not be made to suffer for the failure of security forces to apprehend those responsible.

That said, I urge the people of Walewale and the general public to support security agencies in maintaining peace and stability in the area. Violence has no place in our society, and collaboration with law enforcement is crucial in addressing these security concerns. I also appeal to the Ministry of Interior to reconsider this decision and adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to restoring peace. Any forceful enforcement of this curfew will only breed resentment and further escalate tensions in Bawku.

Thank you.

Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, PhD (MP, Walewale)

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, impressed students at Harvard University in the United States when he delivered a lecture on Ghana’s digitalisation journey and its impact on economic transformation.

Speaking at Harvard University on Saturday as the keynote speaker on the theme “Africa Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress,” Dr Bawumia outlined Ghana’s digitalisation initiatives and their positive contributions to economic growth.

Dr Bawumia first reflected on how Africa had missed out on the first, second, and third industrial revolutions before stressing the necessity of embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution to drive economic transformation.

“Policymakers in Africa must adopt a mindset of possibilities. We should embrace technology and not be intimidated by it. We must believe that we can leapfrog advanced nations in many areas if we put our minds to it,” Dr Bawumia stated. He highlighted how Ghana’s digitalisation efforts, in which he played an instrumental role, are addressing long-standing challenges that have hindered modern economic growth.

“For over 60 years after independence, Ghana had a largely informal system without many of the basic elements necessary for a modern economy. Today, we are building a formal, data-driven economy to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.

Ghana’s digital success story

Dr Bawumia noted that in the past eight years, Ghana has pursued an “aggressive policy of digitalisation” to “jumpstart the economic transformation of our country.”

“Our focus has been on digital technology that addresses real challenges. At this stage of our development, we are not looking at driverless cars or humanoid robots. Instead, we seek technology that solves problems in agriculture, health, education, access to credit, payment system efficiency, public service delivery, and revenue mobilisation,” he explained.

Dr Bawumia pointed out that, before this digitalisation drive, the issue was largely seen as peripheral and not central to Ghana’s national development agenda.

“My focus on digitalisation as Vice President was initially ridiculed by political opponents. But I remained committed to my vision of using digitalisation to address everyday challenges faced by Ghanaians while building an engine for economic growth and job creation,” he stated.

Expounding on Ghana’s digital transformation, Dr Bawumia demonstrated how the country has tackled long-standing challenges through technology.

“One of the biggest challenges was the inability to uniquely identify individuals. It was possible to be born, live an entire life, die, and be buried in Ghana without any official record of your existence. This made it difficult to access public services such as acquiring a driver’s licence, passport, or government permits,” he explained.

He also highlighted the absence of a functional national property address system, which he described as a major obstacle to economic modernisation.

To address these issues, Dr Bawumia cited the issuance of Ghana Cards to 85% of the adult population and the implementation of a digital address system as transformative steps.

Other key challenges being addressed through digitalisation include:

• A large informal sector and over-reliance on cash payments, which has been mitigated through mobile money interoperability, making Ghana one of the most financially inclusive countries in the world.
• Fragmented and manual government databases, which have been streamlined through the digitisation of services such as passport applications, driver’s licences, and business registrations.
• Inefficient manual records in healthcare facilities, which have been replaced with digital health records in government hospitals.
• Poor healthcare access in remote areas, now addressed by Ghana’s world-renowned medical drone delivery service.

A major pathway for job creation

Beyond modernising the economy, Dr Bawumia emphasised that Ghana’s digital transformation has created job opportunities and strengthened businesses, particularly through digital payment systems.

“The digital payments infrastructure, along with the digital property address system, is boosting e-commerce in Ghana and creating jobs,” he said.

“E-commerce is thriving in Ghana. Many sales now take place via Instagram, Facebook, and websites. Individuals who cannot afford to rent or build physical shops can now conduct business online at little cost, with deliveries facilitated by digital addresses and payments enabled through mobile money interoperability.”

A call to African Leaders

Concluding his address, Dr Bawumia urged African leaders to embrace digital technology to unlock the continent’s vast potential.

“The digital economy holds the key to unlocking Africa’s potential and creating jobs for our youth. By working together—governments, businesses, educators, and innovators—we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.”

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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has reiterated the government’s commitment to providing resources, training, and market access to help Ghana’s chocolate industry thrive.

The sector minister said Made-in-Ghana chocolates not only tasted good but also contained numerous nutrients, including antioxidants, that helped to boost the immune system.

She said this at the climax of this year’s National Chocolate Week celebration, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Cocoa Board and the Cocoa Processing Company on Friday in Accra.

The celebration was themed: “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” with the sub-theme: “Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care.”

The week-long celebration, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, is to project the rich history and cultural significance of Ghana’s cocoa and to remind Ghanaians of the importance of love, affection, and the joy of sharing chocolate with others.

“Chocolate is indeed a universal language that brings people together, and we are proud to be one of the world’s leading producers. By celebrating the week, we are not only promoting our local chocolate industry but also showcasing the best of Ghanaian culture and hospitality,” Madam Gomashie said.

“The Black Star Experience” initiative, government’s flagship programme, was at the heart of the celebration and designed to promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, with cocoa as a symbol of national pride and economic strength, she said.

The occasion was also to pay glowing tribute to Tetteh Quashie for introducing cocoa beans to Ghana from Fernando Po in the late 19th century and to honour farmers who cultivate the prestigious crop, which was transformed into the sweet delight that brings joy to millions worldwide.

The minister urged Ghanaians to taste, share, and care for local chocolates and continue to promote them, support cocoa farmers, and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.

Marilyn Maa Efua Houadjeto, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, said the theme epitomised the need to inculcate in the people the habit of consuming cocoa in its various forms.

She noted that the programme had helped to reshape the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Ghana by leveraging chocolate as a symbol of love, providing a longer period of engagement, and increasing awareness.

Mrs Houadjeto said that promoting local consumption of Ghanaian chocolate would enhance domestic tourism and social cohesion and create jobs for the youth.

“Cocoa is a stress reliever, helps to reduce blood pressure, improves the blood flow to the brain and boosts brain function, acts as a stimulant, and a natural aphrodisiac,” she said.

“Cocoa has become a veritable component of Ghana’s tourism experience, igniting a sense of pride and heritage, and the industry is one of the leading industries that absorbs a significant number of Ghana’s labour force.”

She encouraged tour operators/guides to prioritise the inclusion of cocoa farms in their tours to the various tourist sites and attractions to educate clients on the health and economic benefits of cocoa.

“Tourism establishments must also ensure that chocolate-based products and chocolates are part of their menu and snacks so that the foreign exchange needed could be raked into the economy,” she said.

She called on stakeholders in the entire value chain to continue to promote the consumption of chocolate and cocoa-based products, adding: “It must be continually nurtured and promoted to attract both national and international attention and participation.”

“This will help not only keep the chocolate message constantly running in the minds of Ghanaians but also create avenues for those in the processing and manufacturing sectors to showcase their various cocoa products,” the GTA CEO stated.

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At a symbolic meeting at the Bui Power Authority Head Office in Accra, the outgoing CEO, Hon. Ing. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, officially introduced the newly appointed acting CEO, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam and handed over the seat leadership, in accordance with a directive from the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.

In his address, Hon. Ing. Dzamesi expressed his gratitude to the Management and Staff of BPA for their support during his tenure. He recounted his journey as CEO, which began on September 3, 2021, and highlighted the challenges and achievements of his leadership.

Hon. Ing. Dzamesi emphasized the importance of teamwork and professionalism, noting that the Authority’s success was a collective one.

Hon. Ing. Kofi Dzamesi expressed his confidence in the incoming CEO Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, describing him as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the Energy Sector. He urged Management and Staff to extend their full support to the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress for the Authority.

“I am delighted to hand over to Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, who comes with a wealth of experience from the energy sector. I am confident that he will build on the foundation we have laid and take BPA to even greater heights,” Hon. Dzamesi stated.

Following his remarks, Hon. Dzamesi formally presented his handover notes to Ing. Sam, symbolizing the transfer of leadership responsibilities.

In his response, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam expressed his gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minster for Energy and Green Transition for the trust and confidence reposed in him. He acknowledged the contributions of previous CEOs and commended their achievements in advancing the Authority’s mandate.

“I bring to BPA a wealth of experience and a commitment to firm, fair, and proactive leadership. The power sector is one that requires a high level of stakeholder consciousness, and I am determined to ensure that BPA remains responsive to the needs of all stakeholders,” Ing. Sam stated.

He also highlighted the importance of innovation and urged the young professionals within the Authority to harness their creativity to drive the organization forward. “I see a lot of young talent here, and I encourage you to ignite your innovative spirit. Together, we can position BPA as a leader in the energy sector and a blessing to our nation, Ghana,” he added.

The management, and staff of BPA extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Ing. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi for his leadership and welcome Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam as the new CEO of the Authority.

 PROFILE OF ING. KOW EDUAKWA SAM

Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam is a seasoned electrical engineer with over 25 years of experience in Strategic Leadership, Project and Contract Management, Protection and Control Engineering, Control and Instrumentation Engineering, as well as Technical and Energy Auditing.

He holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of Ghana (2004) and a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (1998).

Additionally, he has earned postgraduate certificates in Project/Investment Appraisal and Risk Management from Duke University (2012) and Power System Analysis from the University of Pennsylvania (2011).

In his most recent role as Head of Project Development at VRA’s Engineering Services Department, Ing. Sam led a team of engineers in identifying and developing bankable conventional and renewable energy projects, including Solar PV and Wind, to expand VRA’s power generation portfolio.

Notable projects developed under his leadership include the Lawra and Kaleo Solar PV projects, as well as the Floating Solar PV project, which is slated for implementation by the end of 2025.

Ing. Sam is credited with the development of VRA’s Project Life Cycle (PLC) and project templates, which guide and standardize the development and implementation of projects at VRA.

Part of his responsibilities included reviewing and auditing VRA’s projects to ensure compliance with the PLC and Procurement Procedures.

He possesses a strong understanding of Strategic Leadership and has acted as Director on various occasions in the absence of the substantive Directors of the Technical Services and Engineering Services Departments at VRA. Ing. Sam is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers.

ken Ofori-Atta, former finance minister

The Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) in the UK and Ireland, Kit Yawson, has criticised former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta for allegedly evading justice.

He stated that the former minister should be brought back to Ghana to face the law for his actions, which led to the loss of jobs for several Ghanaians.

Yawson proposed a public inquiry where Ofori-Atta would be made to answer for his role in the financial crisis he allegedly caused.

In an interview with Sir Richie on As It Is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio 92.4FM, UK, he claimed that former appointees of the previous administration engaged in activities that cost the country significant sums of money, and Ken Ofori-Atta was no exception.

He asserted that if Ofori-Atta and other corrupt NPP appointees had lived in South American or Arab countries, they would have faced execution for their involvement in corruption and related activities.

“Let me tell you this: if it were in Asian or South American countries, these guys would not be alive; they would have been arrested and executed for their corrupt practices,” he stated.

He further alleged that “the previous government ran a family-and-friends administration, stole state resources, and denied Ghanaians development.”

“We know that Akufo-Addo led a family-and-friends government. Ghana is not a broken nation—Akufo-Addo and his gang of corrupt appointees stole a large portion of our money. I’m not a direct witness, but we all know they stole from us. Every Ghanaian who reads about Ghana knows that our resources fell into the wrong hands,” he added.

Yawson also questioned the wealth accumulated by government officials, using former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah as an example.

“If Cecilia Dapaah had millions of dollars in her house, how much more would Ofori-Atta have? Some argue that the security officers who raided his home had no right to do so, but Ken Ofori-Atta had the right to flee from justice,” he remarked.

He concluded by describing Ofori-Atta’s appointment as a product of nepotism.

“Ofori-Atta became a minister after his cousin was elected president. He’s a complete Kwaku Ananse,” he said.

Kosmos Energy Ghana (KEG), a deepwater exploration and production company, has handed over a newly built and fully equipped school clinic to Senya Senior High School in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region.

The facility is expected to benefit more than 1,540 students and 110 teaching and non-teaching staff.

The air-conditioned clinic is stocked with essential medical supplies, including four modern hospital beds, four side cabinets, four oximeters, two non-contact infrared thermometers, two weight scales, first aid boxes, and disposable gloves.

Additional equipment includes two blood pressure monitors, four glucometers, two medicine cabinets, ward nurses’ cabinets, a three-step trolley, a fourfold screen, an examination couch, chairs for nurses and patients, a wheelchair, disposable syringes, and tables and chairs for staff.

The school management described the clinic as a timely intervention. Previously, students who fell ill at night had to lie on the ground outside the school gate while waiting for transport to the hospital due to the lack of an on-campus medical facility.

Kosmos Energy stated that its social investment programme for 2024 and beyond focuses on providing humanitarian relief to under-resourced senior high schools in Ghana, in addition to its joint initiatives with Jubilee and TEN Fields Joint Venture partners.

At the handover ceremony, Mr Joe Mensah, Senior Vice-President & Head of the Ghana Business Unit at Kosmos Energy Ghana, recalled that before this project, the company had donated 3,200 student mono-desks to four senior high schools: Savelugu SHS, Ningo SHS, Prampram SHS, and Tsiame SHS in the Northern, Greater Accra, and Volta regions.

He stated that Kosmos Energy expanded its support to the Central Region, acknowledging that the government alone cannot meet all the needs of educational institutions.

“Kosmos Energy selected Senya Senior High School after reviewing the school’s needs. We decided to build a clinic and stock it with essential medical supplies to serve the students,” he said.

“We believe this facility will not only provide timely first aid but also serve as an isolation unit to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.”

He added that KEG’s Humanitarian Relief Initiative, launched in 2022, focuses on supporting schools with special needs. So far, the programme has assisted four schools catering to children with disabilities in the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, and Northern regions.

Mr Mensah urged students to take their studies seriously and strive for academic success.

The headmaster of Senya SHS, Mr Ebenezer Nana Wilson, highlighted the previous challenges faced during medical emergencies, particularly at night, when staff had to wait for a tricycle (Pragia) to transport sick students to the hospital.

He described Kosmos Energy’s support as a crucial intervention that would significantly improve student welfare. He also noted the school’s urgent need for additional infrastructure due to increasing boarding student enrolment.

The Central Regional Director of Education, Mr Emmanuel Essuman, stressed the importance of a well-equipped school clinic.

“Health and education are closely linked. When students are healthy, they can learn more effectively and reach their full potential,” he said.

Mr Essuman commended Kosmos Energy for the initiative and assured that the clinic would provide essential medical care, guidance, and support to students. He urged healthcare personnel managing the clinic to demonstrate compassion and commitment.

The Member of Parliament for the area, Mrs Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, who is an architect, praised the company for its support and pledged continued assistance for Senya SHS and other schools in the district.

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