Bank of Ghana’s gold coin

The investment price of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins has appreciated, a development attributed to the strengthening of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

The Central Bank introduced these gold coins as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of US dollars and absorb excess liquidity in the market, ultimately aiming to strengthen the cedi against major foreign currencies.

Cedi firms at GH¢10.50 to $1 on interbank market on August 8

As of Friday, August 8, 2025, the BoG reported the following updated prices for its gold coins:

• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢9,853.59, down from GH¢9,822.60 on August 7, 2025.

• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢18,985.27, down from GH¢18,923.29.

• The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢37,291.79, down from GH¢37,167.83.

The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations: one-ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and can be purchased through commercial banks.

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— Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) August 8, 2025

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Ghana’s cocoa heartlands show divided reactions to the government’s new producer price of GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 season.

Announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the rate—equivalent to $5,040 per tonne—marks a 4% increase in cedis but a 62.58% surge in dollar terms from last season. While some farmers welcome the rise and accompanying support measures, others call it inadequate for their grueling work.

Samuel Torbi, a 36-acre farmer and former “best cocoa farmer” in Assin North, backs the move. “President Mahama’s strategies help us—free fertiliser, chemicals, and scholarships for our children,” he told Business and Financial Times.

But he warned against politicizing the sector: “People who know the work are often removed when power changes.” At Assin Fosu, Comfort Larbi called the price “acceptable” but urged better roads and telecom access: “We hope it continues to increase.”

Dissenting voices emerged too. Joseph Adjalo of Assin Foso expected at least GH¢4,000 per bag. “To move from GH¢3,100 to GH¢3,228.75 is small,” he argued, demanding transparency in the new scholarship scheme for farmers’ children. Joseph Mensah, managing 15 acres, echoed the frustration: “This is not what we were expecting.”

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will reintroduce free fertilisers, insecticides, and spraying machines starting this season. A tertiary scholarship for farmers’ children launches next academic year. Minister Forson emphasized that despite the cedi’s strength against the dollar—which could have justified price cuts—government maintained last season’s rate to protect farmers.

Globally, cocoa prices remain volatile. After historic peaks above $11,000/tonne early this year due to West African crop failures, prices settled near $8,100–$8,300 by August. The International Cocoa Organisation confirms one of the largest global deficits in two decades.

Industry groups offered measured support. The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative praised Ghana’s “sustained commitment,” while farmers’ association COCOSHE called the price “a step forward” but stressed timely input distribution and traceability investments.

For farmers like Larbi, the true test lies beyond numbers: “Will my daughter get that scholarship? Will trucks reach our harvest before rains ruin the roads?”

Former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, claiming the lives of several Ghanaians, including personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.

In a heartfelt statement issued on Thursday, Nana Konadu described the incident as “a sad loss for the entire country,” extending her condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Ghana.

“It is with deep sorrow that I mourn with the families, government and people of Ghana on the sad loss of lives in the tragic helicopter incident,” she said. “Their loss is a sad one for the entire country and indeed the international community, many of whom may have interfaced with some of the departed.”

The former First Lady, who is also the wife of late President Jerry John Rawlings, acknowledged the sacrifices made by the fallen officers, particularly those from the Ghana Armed Forces who, she noted, died in active service to the nation.

“My sympathies go also to the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces who have lost men who were on duty for God and country,” she stated.

Nana Konadu concluded her message with a prayer for divine strength and comfort for the grieving families and the nation at large, adding, “May the Lord give us all strength and fortitude to mourn during this sorrowful time. I pray that the souls of the departed rest in eternal glory.”

The cause of the helicopter crash remains under investigation by the relevant authorities. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with many prominent figures and institutions joining in national mourning.

This message from Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings adds to the chorus of tributes pouring in for the victims of what is being described as one of the country’s most tragic aviation incidents in recent years

The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) has convened a high-level policy seminar under the theme “Monetary Policy in Action: How MPC Decisions Shape Ghana’s Economy and Financial Sector,” to examine the practical implications of monetary policy decisions on lending, inflation, and financial sector development.

President of CIB Ghana, Benjamin Amenumey, in his welcome address,  reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing professional discourse on national economic policy.

“Our mandate requires that we promote ethical and professional conduct while advancing the development of the banking profession. Fostering dialogue on monetary policy is a national duty,” he stated.

Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, shared key findings from a recent study conducted by the Institute. The research, which surveyed senior banking executives and other officials, revealed widespread stakeholder alignment with the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) recent policy stance.

“Over 85 percent of respondents had anticipated the latest rate cut. Stakeholders are looking for greater alignment between monetary policy actions and economic growth. We also heard concerns about liquidity constraints, credit risk, and volatility in funding costs,” he added.

The event’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the BoG, who described the current disinflation process as “real, sustained, and progressive,” supported by coordinated, data-driven measures between the central bank and the Ministry of Finance.

Inflation fell from 25.8 % in March to 13.7% in June 2025, while the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) declined from 32.5% in January to 27.7% in July. Dr. Asiama cited the Cedi’s appreciation, over 40% year-to-date, as a key factor in lowering imported inflation and improving purchasing power.

He cautioned, however, that banks must prepare for the evolving financial landscape.

“Banks have to start assessing themselves, especially their credit infrastructure. We will soon come out with a notice on credit risk for banks, and it is all in line with what we see coming,” he said.

The Governor encouraged commercial banks to transition from passive investment in government securities to core credit intermediation.

“The era of high interest rates and passive investment is ending. Banks must now reimagine their business models, focusing on SMEs, agriculture, and green finance,” he added.

A panel discussion followed, featuring insights from key industry stakeholders.

Professor Festus Ebo Turkson, an external member of the MPC, explained the decision-making framework behind the recent rate cut.

“It is data-driven. Every decision we make reflects a rigorous review of economic conditions and risks,” he stated.

Dr. Humphrey Ayim Dake, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), expressed support for the changing interest rate environment. “We welcome the imminent low interest rate regime and expect to see more banking—that is, credit flowing into real businesses,” he said.

Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), noted that declining prices of imported goods are already evident due to the Cedi’s appreciation against major trading currencies, especially the US dollar. “If the Cedi holds steady, prices will continue to come down across the board,” he said.

Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, Managing Principal for Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa Bank, observed that banks are ready to lend but require better-prepared businesses.

“Banks are willing to lend, but businesses must be in good shape to receive credit. Sound governance, financial discipline, and transparency matter,” she said.

The seminar affirmed the importance of inclusive, transparent dialogue in shaping policy and enhancing financial sector performance.

Energy analysts propose sector efficiency as global oil companies reel under operational losses

File photo of raw shea nuts

Tamale is poised to take centre stage on the global agro-industry calendar as it prepares to host World Shea Expo 2025, scheduled for 2–4 September 2025.

Touted as the largest gathering ever assembled for the country’s rapidly growing shea industry, the Expo is expected to attract over 8,000 participants, including shea producers, international buyers, prominent investors, development partners, and high-level policymakers.

For three transformative days, Tamale will become the epicentre of global dialogue on trade, sustainability, innovation, and empowerment within the shea value chain.

Spearheaded by Savannah Golden Tree Ltd., in partnership with a coalition of key national stakeholders, including the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana EXIM Bank, Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Ghana Cocoa Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Northern Development Authority, and the West African Centre for Shea Innovation Research at UDS, the event transcends the conventional trade fair model.

It is on the theme, “Empowering Women and Youth-Led SMEs: The Role of Government and Financial Institutions.”

The Expo aims to shine a spotlight on the grassroots players whose labour and innovation sustain the shea industry, particularly women and young entrepreneurs.

The event will serve as a vital platform for policy alignment, business networking, and sectoral transformation, as Ghana stakes its claim in the global $2 billion shea market.

President John Mahama will officially inaugurate the Expo under the auspices of Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture & Agribusiness.

The World Shea Expo 2025 is set not only to elevate Ghana’s position in the global shea trade but also to serve as a powerful testament to the country’s vision of inclusive, sustainable, and locally anchored economic growth.

Ghana’s cocoa sector, the “soul” of the country’s economy, is facing a pressing challenge that threatens its very foundation.

The sector generates a substantial $2 billion in annual revenue but has become a pawn in the country’s political landscape. The growing politicisation of the sector has sparked widespread concern among farmers, who are demanding a greater say in the decision-making process.

On the issue of the appointment of the sector’s leadership, some farmers in the Ashanti region and other cocoa-growing areas are frustrated with the lack of transparency and merit-based selection in the appointment of the CEO. For them, experts in the sector should be taking the reins, but political considerations seem to be driving the process.

According to them, this has led to a lack of trust and confidence in the sector’s leadership, hindering its growth and development.

They say the impact of politicisation on the cocoa sector cannot be overstated. Ghana’s economy is heavily reliant on the industry, and any instability or inefficiency has far-reaching consequences. The sector’s performance affects not only the farmers but also the livelihoods of countless others who depend on it.

Some farmers are now calling for a more inclusive approach to leadership selection. They want a say in electing a CEO who understands the intricacies of the industry and can drive growth and development. This demand is not just about representation; it’s about ensuring the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

With the current pricing for farmers, which has been increased from 3,100 to 3,228, some farmers are of the view that the government has deceived them based on its political promises.

For some farmers, the government promised to double the price of cocoa. Some say the government has deceived them.

Again, some cocoa farmers believe that issues like cocoa pricing should not be politicised.

Over-politicisation has not only affected pricing but also the distribution of chemicals to farmers.

COCOBOD has over 700,000 registered farmers across the country. But some farmers say the distribution of the chemicals does not get to them, leading to the use of unapproved chemicals, which is affecting the growth of the cocoa.

To curb this, the COCOBOD, through the partnership with the European Union and GIZ, has introduced the Cocoa Management System (CMS) to get all data of cocoa farmers across the country to address issues of sharing fertilisers and other farm inputs. Under this, COCOBOD has the Cocoa Traceability and other initiatives.

Over twenty-eight thousand (28,000) farmers have been registered under an initiative called

Efforts by GIZ and COCOBOD have led to the mapping of some cocoa farms in Assin Fosu.

Also, with the cocoa traceability program, each cocoa can be traced from production to distribution. This project is expected to curb the smuggling of cocoa beans and other goods.

With this initiative, which is yet to be implemented in the Ashanti region and other Cocoa farming areas, they believe this will help ensure transparency and accountability.

By: Towfik Mohammed

Journalist, 

Citi FM/ Channel One TV

Ministry of Education to review school security amid rise in violence

Customer Experience Professionals Ghana (CXP Ghana) and KPMG Ghana have unveiled the country’s inaugural Customer Experience Excellence (CXX) Awards, creating a cross-industry platform to honor brands and individuals transforming service standards nationwide.

The initiative responds to Ghana’s accelerating business landscape, where customer expectations often outpace organizational delivery.

CXP Ghana President Esther Dokuwaa Ofosuhene called the awards “long overdue” during the August 5 launch, framing them as an extension of her association’s mission to professionalize customer-centric practices.

Since evolving from a LinkedIn community in 2020 to a registered body, CXP Ghana has championed embedding customer-first thinking into policy, training, and daily operations. Advisory Council Chair Margaret Takyi-Micah emphasized the timing, noting customer experience “matters now more than ever” in Ghana’s competitive environment.

The awards target pervasive service gaps—endless queues, dropped calls, unreliable digital services—by spotlighting innovators who turn complaints into solutions and frontline staff into service champions. Categories include Lifetime Achievement for industry pioneers, CX Rising Star for emerging talent, Contact Center Leader of the Year, and sector-specific CX Practitioner awards spanning banking, telecoms, insurance, public services, health, and hospitality.

KPMG Ghana’s Jonathan Lutterodt, serving as Knowledge Partner, stressed the awards aim to “set a higher standard” for service excellence beyond mere recognition. An independent panel of CX leaders will judge entries, with KPMG auditing the process for credibility. Nominations open August 8 and close September 5, welcoming both self-submissions and third-party recommendations through CXP Ghana’s website.

For an industry where frustration often overshadows progress, the awards offer more than accolades. They signal that in Ghana’s evolving economy, exceptional service is becoming non-negotiable.

Former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has claimed that the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed went to their graves untainted by corruption.

The two Ministers of Defence and Environment, respectively, and six other persons died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.

The other six were: Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East and Deputy NADMO Director; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the NDC and a former Kumasi Mayor.

The crew members who also perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews following the tragic crash, Mr Mornah paid tribute to the integrity of the two statesmen. “These two gentlemen, virtually of my age, I can say that they died without being corrupt.”

Mr Mornah described the deceased as principled public servants who stood firm in their convictions and served the nation with clean hands. “They died, and they would not have taken any dime from anybody for their good rather than the good of humanity. I can attest to their level of commitment to our nation.”

“If there are human saints, I will name Omane Boamah and Murtala that in the field of public service, they can be adjudged as some of the saints that we have had,” he added.

His comments come as tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum, honouring the lives and legacies of the two men.

President John Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square in Accra to honour the eight individuals.

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.

Top bankers, businesses, and the central bank are urging Ghana’s policymakers to forge stronger links between interest rate reductions and fiscal reforms.

At a high-level forum in Accra, stakeholders agreed that the Bank of Ghana’s recent monetary easing while positive,won’t translate into broad economic gains without coordinated tax relief, infrastructure spending, and private-sector support.

Hosted by the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB Ghana), the seminar united central bank officials, commercial lenders, manufacturers, and traders. CIB President Benjamin Amenumey framed the dialogue as a professional duty: “Banking isn’t just about balance sheets. It’s about shaping policies that lift businesses and households.” New data from CIB Ghana revealed over 85% of financial executives anticipated the latest rate cut, signaling growing confidence in the Bank of Ghana’s predictability. Yet most warned that disjointed fiscal actions could stifle its impact.

The Alignment Gap

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama pointed to tangible progress: inflation fell from 25.8% in March to 13.7% in June, while the cedi rallied over 40% year-to-date. The Ghana Reference Rate dipped to 27.7% in July. “But cutting rates is half the battle,” Asiama stressed. “Banks must shift from parking funds in government bonds to backing SMEs, agriculture, and green ventures. That’s where jobs are born.” He hinted at upcoming credit-risk guidelines to spur lending.

Industry leaders echoed the call for synergy. Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Dake of the Association of Ghana Industries noted cheaper borrowing helps factories, but without tax breaks and reliable roads, “hiring and expansion plans stay shelved.” For traders, a stronger cedi has trimmed import bills, yet Joseph Obeng of GUTA highlighted stubborn hurdles: “Port fees drain profits, and tax rules shift weekly. You’d find more stability during a rainstorm.”

Banks Seek Clarity

Absa Ghana’s Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa acknowledged lenders’ role but emphasized reciprocity: “We’ll lend more when businesses show clean books and governments offer stable policies. Uncertainty breeds risk premiums.”

The consensus was clear: lasting recovery hinges on merging monetary tools with fiscal actions—streamlining taxes, upgrading infrastructure, and clearing state arrears to free up capital. For ordinary Ghanaians, this isn’t theory. It means affordable loans for market stalls, steady prices for kenkey, and paychecks from thriving local factories. As the ruling NDC government eyes 2028 elections, delivering this coordination could define its economic legacy.

Parliament House of Ghana

Stakeholders at the 2025 National Project Management Conference have called on the government and Parliament to consider the passage of the proposed Project Management Act, describing it as essential to project continuity and national development.

The resolution, part of a ten-point communiqué issued at the close of the conference held at Aqua Safari Resort on July 25, stated that the Act “will provide a legal backbone for project continuity, ensuring that no viable national project is abandoned except by independent technical audit.”

This call comes amid growing concern over the number of stalled or abandoned public sector projects across the country, a trend that has raised questions about fiscal discipline, planning, and institutional memory in the nation’s development process.

The communiqué, signed by Frank Owusu-Asamoah, President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) – organisers of the aforementioned conference, emphasised the need for structural reforms to professionalise project delivery and protect public investments from political disruptions.

It stated, “The culture of discarding or altering strategic projects with political transitions must end. National projects must be protected from partisanship to preserve Ghana’s development agenda.”

During the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President John Mahama disclosed that there were at least 55 stalled national projects, requiring some GH¢15 billion to complete.

In addition to legislative reform, the communiqué outlined several complementary proposals, including the establishment of an independent National Project Delivery & Accountability Authority to “oversee the lifecycle of all public projects and manage a National Project Register accessible to the public.”

The proposed Act would also support a Finish-to-Start policy, backed by a dedicated National Project Completion Fund to prioritise and finance stalled or abandoned national projects before new ones are initiated. According to the communiqué, “This fund will anchor a Finish-to-Start policy, ensuring that existing projects are completed and deliver value before the initiation of new ones.”

These recommendations form part of a broader strategy to transform project management into what the communiqué describes as “a cornerstone of national development where every cedi spent delivers value, and every project completed becomes a symbol of national pride and trust in governance.”

The statement included a a call to mandate the use of certified project management practitioners for all public sector projects.

According to the communiqué, “We recommend that all public projects be led by certified project management practitioners to safeguard quality, efficiency, and ethical execution across all sectors.”

The conference also advocated for the adoption of the Ghana Integrated Project Management Framework (GIPMF) as a national standard. Developed by Ghanaian experts, the GIPMF was described as a tool for “project governance, delivery, sustainability, and monitoring.”

Delegates further recommended that the framework be fully integrated into the operational systems of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and aligned with the Public Financial Management Act to “ensure budget discipline and eliminate cost overruns.

To improve transparency and real-time performance tracking, participants called for the institutionalisation of Earned Value Management (EVM) and the deployment of public dashboards across all government projects.

The communiqué stated, “We call for mandatory implementation of Earned Value Management (EVM) and real-time public dashboards on all government projects to improve transparency, performance monitoring, and accountability.”

Gender inclusion was also a key focus. The communiqué urged the formal adoption of the Women in Project Management Framework, developed in collaboration with PMI Ghana. It set a benchmark that at least 30 percent of project leadership roles in public sector projects are held by qualified and Certified women.

It also addressed the environmental and developmental risks posed by illegal mining. It called on the government to “declare galamsey a national development risk,” and recommended that efforts to combat illegal mining be formally tracked as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Police Commanders in galamsey-prone areas.

This, it noted, would help ensure that local authorities are directly responsible for preserving environmental assets, protecting public investments, and fostering a culture of enforcement, responsibility, and long-term national value.

The statement included a collective pledge from participants, reaffirming their commitment to the resolutions and urging collaboration across government, private sector, professional bodies, and development partners to advance a new era of project excellence, value-for-money, and national transformation.

President John Dramani Mahama was stricken with grief at the event

The wreath-laying and flower-laying ceremony at the ceremonial grounds of the Jubilee House, held as part of activities marking the three-day national mourning for the eight individuals who lost their lives in the fatal helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, was marked by a somber and solemn atmosphere.

Overwhelmed with grief and sadness, Ghanaians, led by President John Dramani Mahama, his Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and senior members of the government, including Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, could not hold back their tears, weeping in the full glare of the cameras as they mourned the tragic loss.

The perished victims were on their way to attend an event at Obuasi when the tragedy struck.

The names of the perished are: Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Limuna Muniru, Ag Dep National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Samuel Aboagye, NADMO Deputy Director-General.

Also confirmed are the deaths of 3 Airforce officers, namely Squadron Leader Peter Anala (the pilot); Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

See photos from the ceremony below:

4 Incidents, 35 Fatalities: Four deadly aircraft crashes recorded in Ghana’s history

4 Incidents, 35 Fatalities: Four deadly aircraft crashes recorded in Ghana’s history

MAG/AE

Watch as Ghana Armed Forces prepares to receive remains of 8 killed in helicopter crash;

Ghana is in a period of national mourning after the helicopter crash

Ghana’s President John Mahama has promised a full investigation into Wednesday’s helicopter crash that killed two government ministers and six other people.

Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, were among those killed when a military aircraft crashed in the central Ashanti region.

In a televised address to the nation, Mahama said the crash represented “a personal loss” for him.

“I shared a bond with many of those who died. Our nation is grieving,” he said.

The Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew and five passengers, came down in a dense forest as it was flying from the capital, Accra, to the town of Obuasi for an event to tackle illegal mining. There were no survivors.

The bodies of the eight deceased have been recovered from the crash site, and samples have been sent to South Africa for forensic identification and analysis.

Ghana’s Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Agriculture Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed was also among the dead, along with Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress party.

A state funeral will be held on 15 August for the victims, AFP reported.

Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crash but Mahama confirmed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been retrieved and that Ghana’s armed forces had “initiated a full and transparent investigation”.

Ghana’s meteorological agency had forecast unusually cold weather for August, with recent rains and light showers causing foggy conditions in many forest areas. Local farmers near the crash site reported morning fog as the helicopter flew overhead.

One eyewitness told the BBC the helicopter was flying at an “unusually low altitude” and the weather was bad.

He said he heard the sound of the helicopter passing by, followed by a “loud sound” and then a “bang”.

“That’s when I realised that the helicopter had exploded. So I hurried to the place to see if I could find survivors,” he said.

The farmer said when he got to the scene there was “no-one to be rescued”.

This is the most deadly of three separate emergency incidents involving Ghana Air Force helicopters in recent years.

In 2020, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter made an emergency landing near Tamale Airport, and last year, another Ghana Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing at Bonsukrom in Ghana’s Western Region.

Many Ghanaians are shocked by the news and are still struggling to come to terms with the news. Images purportedly showing the charred remains of the helicopter have been circulating on social media.

President Mahama has suspended all his scheduled activities for the rest of the week and declared three days of mourning starting from Thursday.

The country’s flags are flying at half-mast.

The crew members were named as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Boamah served under Mahama’s previous government as communications minister and before that he was minister of environment. As defence minster he tackled jihadist activity that was brewing in the northern border in Burkina Faso.

In 2022, a France-based NGO, Promediation, said its research showed that jihadist groups had recruited between 200 and 300 young Ghanaians.

Violence in the area has also been on the rise, with concerns that jihadists may be trying to exploit communal in-fighting between rival communities in northern Ghana.

Boamah’s book A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy, about former president John Atta Mills, was due to come out later in the year.

Muhammed was at the forefront of the battle against illegal gold mining, which has wrecked the environment and contaminated rivers and lakes.

Protests against the practice, known locally as Galamsey, peaked during Mahama’s run for the presidency last year.

President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Ex­porters (FAGE), Davis Korboe

The Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Guzakuza, a Pan-African women-led agribusiness organisation, to roll out WISE Exports 2.0, a four-year initiative to scale 300 women-led non-traditional export SMEs across Ghana.

Targeting $15 million in cumulative export sales and over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs by 2029, the programme will focus on high-value chains such as cassava, moringa, cocoa, dried fruits, shea, baobab, coconut, and fashion accessories.

“This MOU signals to Ghana, Africa, and the world that women-led exports are a strategic priority,” Emmanuel Ansah-Amprofi, FAGE’s Youth & Gender Coordinator said.

“WISE Exports 2.0 is not just a programme, it’s a transformational movement to build inclusive wealth and sustainable trade opportunities,” he added.

FAGE CEO Abdul-Karim Dubiure added, “We are committed to placing women at the forefront of Ghana’s export drive, marking a bold turning point for women-led initiatives that will transform lives nationwide.”

The initiative brings together FAGE’s trade policy leadership, Guzakuza’s expertise in empowering agribusinesses, and BuyAfricaMade’s digital platform to connect SMEs with global buyers.

It will tackle three major barriers facing women exporters; limited export readiness, inadequate trade finance, and exclusion from global market systems.

“Women entrepreneurs are powering Africa’s growth quietly, it’s time they get the systems and scale to go global,” Guzakuza Founder Nana Adjoa Sefa said.

WISE Exports 2.0 is seeking strategic investors, development agencies, and trade finance partners to co-fund its $3 million implementation plan.

The programme aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality, economic growth, and industry innovation.

AM/MA

Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures: