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Aug – 09 – 2025 , 18:18

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A nation is wounded in the heart when an unfathomable tragedy befalls. It is a moment when the vivacious drumbeat of life quietens and citizens are collectively engulfed in sorrow.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, our beloved country stood on the cliff of a woody mountain gazing into the shadow of death. A helicopter christened Z9 fell, taking with it eight beloved gallant souls.

A terrible darkness of grief descended upon us all, and the government ordered the national flag to fly at half-mast.

In this darkness lies the tale of the unethical depiction of the unbearable tragedy. It is an account of how we, as the storytellers, chose to paint this heart-wrenching loss.
The responsibility of the journalist, in a time like this, is not simply to narrate the facts; it is to be a storyteller with a conscience.

As writers, we are the documenters of history, but our pens and cameras must be guided not by a thirst for spectacle but by a deep and steadfast empathy for the human condition.
The remains of a shattered helicopter are evidence of a tragedy, but the loss of lives within is a testament to the fragility of our very existence. We must never confuse the wreckage with the human spirit it once carried.

The compulsion to reveal all, to show total horror, is unethical. What is the reward for broadcasting an image of carnage, a picture that feasts on pain? Isn’t that a defilement? It is the ultimate, heartless act of stripping dignity from those who can no longer defend themselves. Publishing such images and broadcasting or sharing videos of such nature publicly is to further distress families who are already down, in grief.

Images of Pain and the Ethics of Empathy

Journalism is the art of embroidery of words and images. It is also a mirror held up to the world. However, that mirror must be polished with the right quantity of “ethical powder” and kindness.

The Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) Code of Ethics is not a stiff set of rules; it is a sacred covenant, an assurance to our people that we will at all times be guided by a greater moral purpose.

Guideline 16 of the 2017 GJA Code of Ethics, a guiding light in this quagmire, speaks directly to this issue. “A journalist does not intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by an overriding consideration of public interest.”

Article 16 of the old Code of the Association reads, “In case of personal grief or distress, journalists should exercise tact and diplomacy in seeking information and publishing.” This article, in its quiet command, is a supplication for humanity. It is an appreciation that the drive to do a story must never dwarf the sanctity of a person’s grief. The Code entreats us to be discreet, sensitive and diplomatic in seeing not just the news, but the tears behind it.

The publication, broadcasting and social media sharing of gory images-a close-up of a broken body, a disfigured part of the body, the remains of a life brutally ended are the direct opposite of this ethical obligation.

It serves no public interest, because the tragedy is already known. It serves only to sensationalise, increase traffic to online sites and to re-traumatise the families who are already troubled by the final moments of their loved ones.

What is gained from a photograph or video that lowers the dignity of the dead and torments the living?

The Digital Torrent and the Call for Integrity

In the era of instantaneous information, the enticement to share is as strong as the wind. New media platforms, which are considered a double-edged sword of connectivity and disorder, are the main field for ethical journalism.

The race to be first, to have the most shocking image, can drown out the inaudible voice of conscience. This is the new sphere of our ethical dilemma, and it is here that we must draw our firmest lines.

The GJA’s ethics are not just for the traditional media; they are a moral compass for every Ghanaian who selects to call herself or himself a journalist.

The digital sphere, with its speed and facelessness, does not absolve us from adhering to our ethical obligations.

The trauma inflicted by a gory image on social media can be everlasting as it becomes an inerasable scar on the digital record, an excruciating reminder that the bereaved must face for years to come.

As practitioners of this noble profession, we must all become gatekeepers of decency. Our role is not to be a channel for horror, but a filter for empathy. The people have a right to know, yes, but they do not have a right to desecrate the dead. We must teach our audiences, through our conduct, that empathy is the highest form of journalism.

A Call for Repentance

To the traditional media houses, editors and our promising exuberant media practitioners, we say this: Repent and remain the moral anchor. Be the citadel of ethical reportage in a sea of sensationalism. Let your front pages, your television screens, be a tribute to dignity, not a testament to tragedy. Remember Article 17 of the GJA Code: “A journalist should respect the individual’s right to privacy and human dignity.” Investigations and intrusions into a person’s private life can only be defensible when done in the public interest.

The ghastly depiction of a person’s death is not an inquiry; it is the most severe intrusion. The public interest is served by a considerate, responsible account of the facts, not by an outrageous display of human suffering.

To the new media, to the citizen journalists and content creators, well-meaning and ethics-loving people of our profession extend an invitation to you to the ethical table. You are the future of our information ecosystem, and your influence is huge.

To this end, we urge you to embrace ethical responsibility. The chase for huge ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ cannot be attained at the cost of a family’s peace. You have to be mindful of the trauma you may be inflicting with a single post. Let it be ingrained in your thoughts that a photograph of a body is not a headline; it is a final, intimate moment of a life that has abruptly ended. Repent, protect and respect that moment.

The GJA stands ready to enforce its ethical Code by holding journalists accountable. Failure to do so will be the betrayal of the very essence of our profession and to inflict more agony upon the already grieving families.

Let us remember the names of the eight gallant heroes. Let us speak of their service, their dreams, and their families. Let us tell the story of their legacy, not the unacceptable depiction of their final moments. Let us, as an industry and as a nation, come together in this moment of collective national sorrow and choose the path of sympathy over the path of spectacle.

May this tragic event be a turning point for journalism in Ghana when it comes to adhering to ethics? Let it be a period when we restate our commitment to a higher and relevant purpose when we choose empathy over viewership and clicks, and dignity over who broadcasts or shares gory videos first.

May it be said that we are the storytellers who lift the veil of sorrow with reverence, who give voice to grief without exploiting it. And as the nation is in tears, let us remember that the ultimate duty of a journalist is to serve humanity with a heart that is both fearless and gentle.

The tears of a nation are a sacred river. Let us not pollute it with distasteful images of our fallen gallant heroes. Let us help pay tribute to their memory with a compassionate voice and with persistent commitment to the sacred ethics that define who we are as journalists. In doing so, we will keep intact not just our professional integrity, but our shared humanity.

–

Dominic Hlordzi
General Secretary
Ghana Journalists Association

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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.

Over 700 members of the Ghana National Association of Garment Makers (GNAGM) received certificates today after completing a financial management program backed by Germany’s GIZ.

The training, part of a broader initiative across 13 trade associations, equipped 2,909 micro and small business owners with skills in bookkeeping, risk management, and credit access.

Held at CSIR’s Accra headquarters, the ceremony highlighted tangible impacts: graduates now save strategically, negotiate better loan terms, and open formal bank accounts.

“I learned to grow my business bit by bit,” one participant shared. The program prioritized inclusion 54% of trainees were women, 17.4% persons with disabilities, and 27% youth.

GIZ funded the scheme through its Support to Private and Financial Sector Programme, aligning with Ghana’s development goals and Germany’s 2030 Agenda. You might notice how such partnerships tackle real barriers; many seamstresses here once relied solely on daily cash flow.

The initiative advances UN Sustainable Development Goals on decent work and reduced inequality. GIZ Ghana continues collaborating with financial institutions to strengthen MSME ecosystems nationwide.

When I first landed in Ghana, the multiple cultural differences felt overwhelming and trying to understand it all was too much.

The chickens roaming the streets and the hawkers weaving through traffic jams to sell petty items seemed like a world away from my normal life.

After six weeks, these sights became my new normal, and I began to look past the obvious cultural differences to see the deeper, less visible layers of society, which requires a deeper look.

The experience was like cutting the skin off an onion and realizing how many layers are still to go to unravel the hidden mystery.

One of the most heartbreaking realities I noticed was the predicament of the Kayayei girls.

For those unfamiliar, “Kaya” is a Hausa word meaning “load” or “goods”, and “yei” is a Ga word for “women”.

So, the two combined translate to “load women”.

These young women and sometimes children work the markets of Southern Ghana as head porters, carrying the goods of shoppers in large aluminium bowls on their heads for a small fee in the bustling markets of southern Ghana.

By small, I mean sometimes nothing because these girls do not set the prices.

They often just ask for whatever the person can give, which typically ranges from nothing to 10 cedis (the equivalent of $1), which cannot afford a three-square meal in the capital, Accra.

Make no mistake, the fee may be small, yet the volumes of goods these girls carry are definitely not.

With the girls’ ages ranging from about 10 to 30, they are very often smaller and the loads they transport significantly outstrip their body weights.

In the markets, I was hit by shocking scenes of children hustling, carrying more than I, a six-foot adult, ever could.

They do it without complaint, using only a rolled-up scarf as a makeshift buffer from the immense pressure on their heads and necks.

I couldn’t help but notice the wear and tear on their aluminium basin, scratched and dented from years of labour.

It made me wonder: if this is the impact on metal, what kind of toll does this job take on their young bodies and souls?

Most Kayayei girls migrate from the poorer northern regions of Ghana to southern cities like Accra and Kumasi.

They are driven south by a desperate search for a better future, whether for themselves or to send money back to their struggling families.

The reasons for their migration are multifaceted, including a lack of educational opportunities, economic hardship, and a lack of job prospects in their home villages.

Many are either sent by their families or run away, full of hope for a future that often remains elusive.

According to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) of Ghana, the number of head porters in Accra alone is estimated to be over 100,000, with a significant portion being children.

This grim reality stands in direct violation of Ghana’s own laws.

The Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560) explicitly states that no child under 15 shall be engaged in labour.

Furthermore, it completely bans “child exploitative labor,” which is defined as work that deprives a child of their health, education, or development, a clear description of the gruelling work of head porters.

The challenges these girls face go far beyond the physical toll of their work. They are often vulnerable to physical and sexual assault, lack access to proper sanitation and shelter, and live on the fringes of society.

The voices of the Kayayei

I visited Mallam Atta Market, just a short walk of about 10 minutes from my workplace at Joy FM, Kokomlemle, to hear their stories firsthand.

The women I met were not just head porters; they were mothers whose children had only ever known this life and dreamers with hopes for a life beyond the market.

Kande, a head porter for five years, shared a painful truth: “It’s not the labor, it’s the pain we carry from the way people treat us. Discrimination, rejection – sometimes they even spit on us, as if we’re invisible, as if we don’t deserve respect. We walk through this market every day, but we don’t feel safe. The stress eats away at us quietly, but it’s there, deep inside, breaking us bit by bit.”

Another head porter, Barika, also with five years of experience, added, “The bullying never stops. We didn’t come here because we wanted to. We had no choice. Back home in the North, there’s no work, no hope. We left everything behind, chasing a chance to survive. But here, we have no one to turn to. We live from the little we earn each day, struggling without shelter or help. We need jobs – anything that can ease this heavy pain we carry.”

Despite the immense hardship, their dreams remain.

Hubaida, with six years of experience, told me her deepest wish is “for my child to go to school. That is my deepest hope, for her to have a future I never had. Someday, I dream of returning home to help the young girls in my village build their own futures. I want to be a light for them, a philanthropist who brings hope where there was none.”

Hamida, a head porter for seven years, shared her regret, explaining, “if I could go back to school, I would be a different woman. This life breaks me. I wanted to be a cosmetic vendor; one of my friends dreamed of being a makeup artist. But instead, we are treated like we don’t matter, like we have no blood running through our veins. Sometimes people give us pennies for the goods we carry, barely enough to survive. It’s cruel, but still, we carry on, because what else can we do?”

Final reflections

The collective plea of these women to the government is clear: “Please, hear us. Create jobs in the North. Stop forcing your young people to risk everything by rushing to cities like Accra with no future. We need hope, shelter, and opportunity where we come from so that others don’t have to endure what we do. Without this, dreams die, families break, and the cycle of pain never ends.”

Their plea is a powerful call to action, and addressing the issues facing the Kayayei will require a multi-faceted approach.

Here are some possible ways to address the challenge:

• Implementation of targeted economic development in northern Ghana: The government and other stakeholders should consider investing in job creation and sustainable economic projects in the northern regions to reduce the pressure on young people to migrate south.
• Enforcement of child labour laws: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and law enforcement agencies must strictly enforce the Children’s Act to protect minors from exploitative labor.
• Provision of safe shelter and social Support: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and state-led programs should establish safe shelters and offer vocational training, healthcare, and education to help adult Kayayei transition to more dignified work.
• Public Awareness: Campaigns are needed to change public perception and reduce the discrimination and abuse that Kayayei face daily.

The strength of these women is awe-inspiring, but they should not have to be this strong.

The story of the Kayayei is a challenge that requires more than passive acceptance; it requires a collective commitment to meet their needs and end a cycle of exploitation.

The writer is a graduate of The University of Oregon, US, and the article represents personal views and reflections during a visit to Ghana and internship at Joy FM.

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

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

Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has inaugurated governing boards for the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), signaling intensified efforts to position Ghana as a premier cultural and investment destination.

The move aims to drive innovation and stakeholder collaboration in a sector critical to economic diversification.

“Your leadership must embody integrity and professionalism,” Gomashie told appointees at separate Accra ceremonies. She challenged both boards to justify President John Mahama’s confidence by advancing policies that unlock Ghana’s tourism potential. Board representatives pledged immediate action, with GTA’s Suweibatu Adam committing to “advance tourism and creative sectors” and GTDC Chair Ben Ohene-Ayeh vowing “strategic accountability.”

The newly sworn-in boards blend expertise from academia, business, and culture. The GTA board includes figures like Gertrude Emefa Donkor and Samuel Seth Passah, while GTDC’s team features Prof. Kobby Mensah and Dora Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor. Their mandate comes amid Ghana’s push to attract global visitors through heritage sites like Cape Coast Castle and creative industries like “Gollywood” film production.

Industry watchers see timing as crucial. “This isn’t about paperwork it’s about making Ghana compete with Senegal or Rwanda for cultural tourism dollars,” said Accra-based analyst Kwame Addo. With tourist arrivals still recovering post-pandemic, the boards face pressure to streamline regulations and amplify marketing.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed condolences to President John Mahama and the people of Ghana following Wednesday’s military helicopter crash.

The tragic incident claimed eight lives, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa said South Africans stood in solidarity with the bereaved families and Ghana in this period of mourning.

He recalled the historic ties between the two countries, forged during the fight against colonialism and apartheid, noting that relations had deepened over the years.

President Ramaphosa expressed confidence in Ghana’s resilience, assuring that South Africa’s thoughts remained with its West African counterpart as it navigates the tragedy.

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

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

Ghana’s financial sector made over 30 million credit bureau enquiries in 2024, more than double the previous year’s total.

The Bank of Ghana credits this record spike to lenders embracing data-driven risk assessment for loans, recoveries, and customer checks.

Commercial banks drove the surge, responsible for 85% of searches as they integrated credit histories into everyday lending. Monthly enquiries averaged 2.46 million, up 16% from 2023. Fintechs also played a key role, with 55% of checks targeting individual borrowers and 44% focused on digital loan customers.

Data quality improved markedly—76% of searches now return usable financial or demographic details, up from 72%. The central bank linked this to stricter compliance and better industry collaboration. It also approved two major advances: credit scoring services from licensed bureaus and a cross-border deal letting Ghanaians abroad share credit histories with foreign lenders.

While praising rising public awareness and fewer bounced checks, the BoG pledged ongoing vigilance. “We’ll monitor data providers closely to ensure compliance,” it stated, aiming to build a transparent and resilient credit ecosystem.

This acceleration signals a financial landscape increasingly shaped by data, technology, and global connectivity.

By P.K. Yankey

Ampain (W/R), Aug. 09, GNA – The  Executives of the  Nzema Manle Traditional Council have extended their sincerest condolences to President of the Republic, the government, Parliament, the bereaved families, and the people of Ghana during this period of national mourning of the eight officials who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash incident.  

Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Area, speaking at a news conference during an executive council meeting, at Ampain in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, said the fallen heroes served the country with distinction, dedication, and patriotism. 

“Their passing is not only a great loss to their families and the government, but also to the entire nation which they served diligently with honour and integrity,” he said. 

He said the Nzema Manle Council stood united with the people of Ghana in grief and prayer and called on the citizenry to join in offering solemn thoughts, prayers, and support to the bereaved families. 

GNA  

Edited by Justin Paaga/Kenneth Odeng Adade 

Three Ghanaians accused of masterminding a vast international cybercrime network arrived in the United States this week.

They face federal charges for allegedly stealing more than $100 million through elaborate romance scams and business email frauds targeting vulnerable Americans, many elderly.

Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, and Derrick Van Yeboah landed in New York on August 7th following extradition from Ghana. They are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. A fourth man, Patrick Kwame Asare, remains wanted by authorities. Prosecutors say the group operated a sophisticated Ghana-based network that tricked victims into sending large sums, often by posing as romantic partners online or hijacking legitimate business email threads.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York detailed how the stolen money flowed back to West Africa. Funds were allegedly laundered through figures known as “chairmen,” who coordinated the criminal activities. Boateng and Ahmed are believed to have held these leadership roles within the organization.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the scheme as a massive conspiracy exploiting trust and vulnerability. He emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to pursuing cybercriminals globally. FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia echoed this, vowing relentless pursuit of those targeting the elderly.

Each defendant faces five serious federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Convictions could lead to prison sentences of up to 20 years. The successful extradition resulted from close collaboration between U.S. agencies, Ghana’s Attorney-General, the Economic and Organized Crime Office, INTERPOL, and the Ghana Police Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner are prosecuting the case for the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.

By Edward Williams

Kpando (V/R), Aug. 9, GNA – Okpewuokpe Togbui Dagadu IX Paramount Chief of Akpini State in the Kpando Municipality of the Volta Region, has joined mourners to extend condolences to the government, families, and friends on the passing of eight persons in the August 6, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter crash.  

The victims were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Dr Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister. 

The rest are Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. 

Okpewuokpe Togbui Dagadu, in a statement said the devastating event had left not only the nation at grief but also the people of Akpini in mourning. 

He said he recalled with fondness a recent visit to the Defence Minister’s office, during which matters of mutual interest to the people of Kpando and the Ministry were thoughtfully discussed. 

Okpewuokpe Togbui Dagadu said the Minister received him with grace and demonstrated a sincere commitment to working collaboratively for the benefit of all, especially in enhancing civil military relations within the Volta Region. 

“The Honourable Minister of Defence was a true statesman, an accomplished professional, and a servant of the Republic, whose life was dedicated to the protection, peace, and unity of our dear country”.  

He said the Minister’s humility, foresight, and dedication to duty were evident and his passing was not just a national tragedy but a personal loss to the Akpini State. 

He said the paramountcy extended their heartfelt condolences to the President, the government, Ghanaians, Ministry of Defence and bereaved families of the victims. 

“May the soul of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and the seven others rest in perfect peace and may his service to Ghana continue to inspire us all.  

“We share in this grief and stand in solidarity with all those affected.” 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade 

The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and the Ho Municipal Assembly will hold a solemn vigil in memory of former Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, who perished in a tragic military helicopter crash.

The vigil, scheduled for Sunday evening at the Nfojoh Park in Ho, will form part of a series of regional activities aimed at honouring the memory of the departed and offering spiritual support to their grieving families.

Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, called on various religious bodies across the region to join in prayers for the victims, their families, and the nation.

“This is a moment for us to unite in faith and grief. We stand with their families, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the entire nation in profound sorrow at this devastating loss,” he said.

He specifically appealed to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church to offer special prayers during Sabbath service for the repose of the souls of the ministers and gallant soldiers, who died in the crash, as well as for the Government of Ghana during this period of mourning.

“The region is calling on the SDA Church to pray earnestly for the souls of our ministers and soldiers, for our nation, and for the strength of the bereaved families,” Mr. Gunu said.

“On Sunday, we will gather in churches again for further prayers before converging in the evening for the vigil.”

The Regional Minister noted that these religious observances were designed to bring comfort to the grieving and to collectively seek divine guidance for the nation.

“When tragedy strikes, we must turn to God for healing, direction, and unity,” he added.

The vigil at Nfojoh Park will feature intercessory prayers, hymns, candle-lighting, and tributes from regional leaders, clergy, and members of the public. It will also be a platform for residents to express their solidarity with the Ghana Armed Forces and the bereaved families.

The Volta Region has been deeply shaken by the loss of two senior government officials and six military personnel in the helicopter crash, which has plunged the nation into mourning. Flags are flying at half-mast, and various institutions have suspended public celebrations in respect of the national mood.

Religious leaders in the region have welcomed the call for united prayer, describing it as a necessary step toward national healing. They have urged all congregations to set aside time during their services this weekend to remember the victims and their families.

“The passing of these distinguished leaders and brave soldiers is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to value unity, peace, and service to humanity,” A church leader told the GNA.

Residents from across the Volta Region are expected to attend the Sunday evening vigil, which will be open to all denominations, civic groups, and individuals who wish to pay their respects.

The VRCC has assured that security and logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a solemn, safe, and dignified commemoration of the lives lost in the helicopter tragedy.

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

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

Dr Shelter Lotsu (third from right) at the launch of ESG sustainable reporting summit

Founder and CEO of TSL Sustainability, Dr Shelter Lotsu, has called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to advance environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability across Ghana.

Speaking at the press launch of the ESG Sustainable Reporting Summit in Accra, Dr Lotsu stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address pollution, restore sanitary conditions in urban areas, and promote regenerative growth through ESG practices.

DVLA vows to take legal action over alleged sale of 37 office

“We call on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and other state institutions whose mandates align with ESG sustainability to combine forces. The future of our cities, environment, and economy depends on it,” he stated.

Dr Lotsu noted that investor expectations have shifted significantly over time, with modern investors now focusing on metrics such as carbon emissions.

He attributed this shift to the growing influence of global sustainability reporting frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities.

“In the past, companies could attract investors with only audited financial statements. That era is over. Today, investors demand integrated disclosures, on carbon emissions, water usage, community engagement, waste management, diversity and inclusion, and governance structures,” he said.

He further urged private sector entities, civil society organisations, research institutions, and grassroots groups to actively contribute to daily sustainability initiatives.

Ghana’s economy to exceed its 2025 targets – IC Research

SP/MA

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ulster University in Northern Ireland, are working on a fire safety syllabus for basic schools. 

The Acting Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, said the initiative is to help the children learn fire safety in school, grow up to understand the importance of being safe, and become ambassadors for safety in their homes and communities.

She said this at the Ghana National Fire Service’s National Safety Awards 2025, held at the Headquarters, where the Minister for Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, together with some service personnel, civilians, and corporate institutions, were honoured for their contributions towards fire safety promotion.

CFO Sapong said, “The fire safety syllabus will help shape the country for a safer future. I commend the team putting up the syllabus, but let us also remember to teach our children how to be safe. Let us take care in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Let us make safety a habit for everyone.”

She said the GNFS wore many hats as safety officers, teachers, rescuers, investigators, and partners in building a safer country; however, they could not do it alone and needed the public’s support and collaboration.

“We are asking corporate Ghana and individuals to support us, not just with words but with actions to build the capacity of our workforce to serve them better, get better equipment and logistics to reach more communities with the gospel of safety,” she said. 

The Acting CFO said the National Safety Awards were about building a lasting culture where every Ghanaian, whether young or old, embraced safety as a way of life in homes, schools, workplaces, roads, farms, markets, and public spaces.

She said GNFS personnel had, through their hard work and dedication, issued out over 41,000 fire certificates, given out over 9000 fire permits and carried out 32,626 fire safety audits and inspections in the past two years.

They had also held over 33,000 public education sessions across the country and helped save over GH₵354 million worth of properties from fire ruins in the past two years.

In the first half of 2025, GNFS recorded 3,595 fire cases compared to 3,576 during the same period in 2024, a marginal increase of 0.53% and that the GNFS attributed to the rise in fire cases because people did not follow basic fire safety rules coupled with bad weather in the first quarter of 2025. 

Project Lead for the National Safety Awards 2025, Joseph T. D. Narnor Jnr, said the awards were not given on any financial commitments but true recognition of those who demonstrated commitment to promoting fire safety. 

He said they dreamed of a Ghana where every child knew “safety first” before they played, every community trained responders – not just in uniform but in heart and skill and a Ghana where safety would not be an afterthought but the foundation of how citizens lived, worked, and grew.

The Minister was honoured with a citation and plaque for his support of fire safety initiatives. 

Other honourees included Chief Fire Officer (CFO) (Rtd) Julius Aalebkure Kuunor, Acting CFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, DCFO (Rtd) Paa Kwasi Adu Twum, DCFO (Rtd) Tonny K Lawoe, DCFO (Rtd) Kwame Kwateng, DOI Michael Ato Korsah and GNA’s Chief Reporter, Samira Larbi. Corporate institutions were also recognised. 

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

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

The Ghana Energy Awards (GEA) has postponed the media launch and opening of nominations for its 9th edition, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in honour of helicopter crash victims.

According to the organisers, the decision was taken after extensive consultations with stakeholders and partners, in light of the recent military helicopter crash in the Adansi area that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others.

The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, plunging the nation into mourning.

In a statement issued on August 8, the GEA expressed its condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased, describing them as “distinguished statesmen and gallant soldiers” whose service and sacrifice had left an indelible mark on the nation.

The organisers said the postponement was in solidarity with the government’s declaration of a three-day national mourning period, the opening of books of condolence, and preparations for the inter-denominational state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025.

The statement added that the new date for the media launch and nomination opening would be announced later, and called on all partners and stakeholders to join in paying tribute to the fallen heroes.

The organisers extended their appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding and support during the three-day national mourning period.

“We invite all partners and stakeholders to join us in paying tribute to these remarkable individuals whose service and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on our nation. May their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their legacy continue to inspire us all.

“The Ghana Energy Awards extends its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding and support during this solemn period of national mourning,” the statement said.

The eight victims were:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central

Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

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