An audit report by Deloitte and Touche has revealed that Ghana’s National Cathedral project, initiated by President Nana Akufo-Addo, has cost taxpayers $97 million (GH¢339 million) as of December 2023—with no significant physical structure to show for it. 

The report, classified as “Confidential” and spanning 76 pages, exposes financial mismanagement, procurement breaches, and questionable payments, raising serious concerns about accountability and transparency. It was shared on social media by government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

FULL DOCUMENT: Read the full Deloitte and Touche audit report on Ghana’s National Cathedral

Key findings from the report

1. Payments without contracts

The government paid GH¢15.7 million to Sir David Adjaye & Associates (the project’s lead architect) before a contract was signed in August 2019.

Some payments were made before the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) approved the use of single-source procurement for the architect.

2. Discrepancies in payments

Conflicting records show GH¢4.9 million in unexplained differences between payments declared by the Office of the President and those confirmed by Adjaye’s firm.

Mobilization fees paid to consultants varied significantly, with $861,000 unaccounted for in one instance.

3. Unauthorized additional work

$12.4 million was spent on design variations (including a 350-seater restaurant and Bible Museum) without a signed contract or PPA approval.

4. Questionable expenses

$110,630 was spent on fundraising events in the U.S., but no donations were traced to these efforts.

$24,498 was spent on personal items (e.g., engraved mugs, pens, and an Apple laptop for a consultant) under “reimbursable expenses.”

5. Lack of documentation

GH¢243,255 in 2023 expenses lacked supporting documents, including payments for funerals, media engagements, and transport.

GH¢117,180 was paid to the Board Secretary for “rent,” but no formal approval was found.

6. Procurement violations

The single-source selection of Adjaye did not meet legal requirements under Ghana’s Public Procurement Act.

The Procurement Committee was improperly constituted, lacking key members as mandated by law.

7. Financial mismanagement

The project owes GH¢343 million to contractors, with construction stalled since May 2022 due to funding shortages.

Pension contributions for staff were unpaid, violating Ghana’s National Pension Act.

8. Going concern risks

Deloitte flagged “material uncertainty” over the project’s survival, as fundraising efforts failed and government seed money dried up.

Government and Management Responses

The Board claimed some payments were “administrative decisions” and denied wrongdoing.

The Office of the President did not provide explanations for pre-contract payments.

Deloitte noted inadequate responses and unresolved issues in its final report.

Conclusion

The audit paints a picture of poor governance, financial irregularities, and weak oversight in a project meant to be a national monument. With no clear funding plan and mounting debts, the future of the National Cathedral remains uncertain—leaving Ghanaian taxpayers questioning where their money went.

Ghana’s National Cathedral project—once hailed as a landmark of faith and national pride—has been plunged into controversy after a damning audit report exposed financial irregularities, procurement breaches, and questionable spending.

The confidential document, prepared by Deloitte and Touche, reveals how $97 million of taxpayer money was spent with little physical progress to show for it.

From unauthorised payments to missing contracts and lavish expenses, here are 10 shocking revelations from the audit that every Ghanaian should know:

1. $97 Million Spent, No Cathedral Built

The project has no significant structure despite $97 million (GH¢339 million) spent between 2021 and 2023.

2. Payments Made Before Contracts Were Signed

GH¢15.7 million was paid to architect David Adjaye before a contract was signed.

3. Unexplained Differences in Payments

Confirmation documents showed GH¢4.9 million discrepancies between government records and Adjaye’s firm.

4. $12.4 Million Spent on Unapproved Design Changes

Additional work (museum, restaurant) was done without PPA approval or a signed contract.

5. Fundraising Events Yielded No Donations

$110,630 was spent on U.S. fundraising, but no money was raised from these efforts.

6. Personal Expenses Charged to the Project

$24,498 was spent on engraved mugs, pens, and an Apple laptop for a consultant.

7. No Loan Agreement for GH¢2.6 Million “Soft Loan”

A Board member’s company gave a loan with no signed terms, repaid in just 12 days.

8. Procurement Laws Were Violated

The single-source selection of Adjaye breached Ghana’s Public Procurement Act.

9. Staff Pension Contributions Were Not Paid

The Secretariat failed to remit pension funds, violating Ghana’s National Pension Act.

10. Project May Collapse Due to Debt

Contractors are owed GH¢343 million, and construction has been stalled since 2022.

Final Takeaway: The report reveals financial mismanagement, weak controls, and questionable spending, raising doubts about the project’s viability and accountability.

The Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has assured learners of the Father Campbell Foundation that they will be  integrated into society after being equipped with the necessary employable skills.

“We will not abandon you. Through apprenticeship and vocational training, the Ministry will support you to become independent and contribute meaningfully to society,” he assured the learners.

He gave the assurance  when he visited  the Foundation at Weija to interact with street children currently benefitting from the Ghana Education Outcomes Project (GEOP).

GEOP is a national intervention aimed at reintegrating out-of-school youth into education and skills development pathways.

The Minister’s visit formed part of his commitment to supporting inclusive education and ensuring no child is left behind.

He commended Rev Father Andrew Campbell and his team for their unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through education, shelter, and care.

Mr Iddrisu also pledged to provide the necessary educational infrastructure to upscale the current intake from 170 children to 1000.

“Father Campbell’s selfless work is restoring dignity and giving hope to children society once ignored. These are the kinds of interventions that demonstrate the power of compassion combined with structure. As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting this vision,” hon. Iddrisu extolled.

The Foundation is one of the key implementing centers under GEOP, a results-based education programme supported by the World Bank and other development partners.

It provides a structured learning environment for out-of-school children between the ages of 15 and 18, many of whom have lived on the streets.

These learners undergo a 6 to 9 months accelerated learning programme focused on literacy and numeracy. Upon completion, they transition into certified competency-based skills training in areas they are passionate about, helping them build sustainable livelihoods and rejoin society with purpose.

Several of the children shared emotional stories about their lives on the streets and how the programme has given them a second chance.

Many of them expressed profound gratitude to the Foundation, the Ministry, and GEOP for giving them access to education, shelter, and a renewed sense of purpose.

With support from trained social workers, educators, and healthcare professionals, Father Campbell’s Foundation provides holistic care addressing not only the educational but also the emotional and social needs of its learners.

The Minister said the Ministry was committed to scaling similar interventions across the country, ensuring that vulnerable children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

By Cliff Ekuful

Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama

Governor of the Bank of Ghana(BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, has reassured the public that the recent gains made by the cedi are sustainable, asserting that the local currency is not on the verge of a reversal.

Amid public anxiety following slight fluctuations over the past few days, Dr Asiama addressed the concerns head-on, noting that short-term movements are normal in any flexible exchange rate regime.

“Now that the cedi somehow has stabilized, we are seeing some bit of tension. Everybody thinks the cedi is about to reverse its gains. No! It’s not,” he said.

“If we allow the cedi to perform the function it is supposed to perform within the flexible exchange rate regime, you will see these movements. It doesn’t mean the world is coming to an end. It will move again.”

The cedi recently became the best-performing currency among its African peers, posting significant gains against major international currencies. These improvements have been attributed to tight monetary policy, falling inflation, and higher export inflows—particularly from Gold.

However, minor declines in recent days have sparked a fresh wave of speculative trading, prompting fears of a potential reversal.

“These jitters are precisely why we need calm heads,” Dr Asiama noted. “Market fundamentals remain strong, and the central bank is committed to preserving that momentum.”

Speaking at the ABSA-UPSA Quarterly Banking Roundtable, he encouraged Ghanaians to trust in the cedi, highlighting the dangers of informal dollarization, where services such as tuition fees or luxury goods are priced in foreign currencies.

“The cedi can be as strong as any global currency if we commit to it. You don’t need to hold the dollar. The cedi can be as good as any currency. It all depends on what we collectively do with it.”

He warned that these local behaviors undermine the cedi more than external shocks or inflation.

With inflation on the decline, foreign reserves improving, and the IMF program on course, analysts say Ghana is entering a more stable macroeconomic phase. The BoG’s renewed emphasis on currency legitimacy, responsible FX behavior, and targeted inflation policies will be crucial in maintaining this stability.

Dr Asiama concluded with a call to civic action: “We all have a role to play when it comes to preserving the cedi. We will do our part at the Bank of Ghana but you must do your part. When you find someone doing the wrong thing, report it.”

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor

Ghana’s energy sector is experiencing a major turnaround, with significant improvements in power reliability, financial accountability, and infrastructural upgrades, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Jinapor has announced.

In an interaction with the media, Mr Jinapor stated that ongoing reforms have resulted in the stabilisation of the national grid.

In line with a directive from the Minister, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has initiated a comprehensive programme to tackle unplanned outages. This involves detailed mapping of overhead feeders, identifying structural defects and interferences.

A major rationalisation exercise has seen the termination of about 202 dormant supply contracts flagged for non-performance valued at $227.6 million, £1.17 million, and €4.08 million respectively.

An additional 145 contracts are under further scrutiny, with likely termination if breaches are confirmed.

The Minister revealed that his Ministry has introduced clear KPIs for ECG’s management at national, regional, and district levels to ensure accountability, adding that ECG has transitioned to a new billing system (Zeus), with the aim of modernising customer billing and commercial processes.

“The ECG has fully complied with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) since February 2025, ensuring timely payments to power generators, fuel suppliers, and GRIDCo”. He noted.

The Yapei Kusawgu lawmaker revealed that a single holding account has been set up at GCB Bank to support the appropriate disbursement of the Cash Water Mechanism to enhance transparency and equity.

“In June 2025, ECG recorded its highest-ever monthly collection of GH¢1.678 billion, representing a 47.3% increase over June 2024, between January and June 2025, 63 new communities were connected to the national grid under the government’s accelerated rural electrification programme,” he emphasised.

In support of the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda, the Energy and Green Transition Ministry has commenced rehabilitation of grid-connected streetlights across the country to improve public safety and boost nighttime economic activity.

Cabinet has approved a new Private Sector Participation (PSP) model in electricity distribution through a Multiple Lease Option.

A Steering Committee has been formed to lead the implementation.

He said the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, in collaboration with the Finance Ministry and Independent Power Producers (IPPs), are reviewing legacy Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), emphasising that these reforms are part of a broader vision to secure affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all Ghanaians while preparing the sector for future demands.

By Emelia B. Addae 

Koforidua, July 18, GNA – The Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) has ramped up its initiatives to facilitate the mediation of minor disputes by engaging court clerks and audience at the Koforidua District Court A and B. 

Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, a Court of Appeal Judge with oversight responsibility for CCADR, led the sensitisation session as part of ADR pre-week outreach programme of activities. 

 She highlighted the benefits of CCADR as a flexible, interest-based process that empowered parties to voluntarily resolve their issues outside traditional courtroom litigation. 

“Mediation under CCADR allows parties to choose their mediator and withdraw at any time. It is designed to ease the burden on the courts while delivering more accessible justice,” she explained. 

During the engagement, which featured a dynamic question-and-answer session, Justice Mensah-Homiah introduced the staff of the Koforidua CCADR centre and encouraged parties with unresolved cases to contact the centre for assistance.  

She urged the CCADR team to remain free, fair, and firm in fulfilling their duties. 

She also announced that the Eastern Region would host the national launch of this year’s CCADR Week on July 21, 2025, with mass media session set to address long-pending Alternative Dispute Resolution cases.  

Justice Mensah-Homiah appealed to members of the public, particularly those with minor pending disputes in court, to consider transferring them to the CCADR for a peaceful and expedited resolution. 

The outreach formed part of nationwide sensitisation efforts leading to the annual CCADR Week celebration. 

GNA 

Edited by D.I. Laary/Christian Akorlie  

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is convening its much-anticipated National Delegates Conference today, Saturday, July 19, at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.

More than 5,500 delegates from across the country are expected to attend the conference, which comes at a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to regroup and reposition itself following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Held under the theme “Rebuilding Together with our Values,” the conference signals a call for introspection, unity, and a reaffirmation of the party’s founding ideals.

Joseph Osei Owusu, Chairman of the Planning Committee, disclosed in an interview with Channel One News that the conference will consider and vote on over 50 consolidated motions. These motions, he explained, are the result of a thorough review process involving more than 300 proposed amendments submitted to the party’s Amendments Committee.

“In all, we have about a little over 50 motions. You may have one amendment, which will have about 50 proposed amendments. So what the motions are doing is to consolidate the various issues that come around, and the members will have to vote on those motions,” Osei Owusu explained.

He further revealed that the motions have been compiled into a booklet, which has already been previewed by the party’s National Executive Committee. The documents are expected to be distributed to delegates before the voting session begins.

“All of the motions will be considered. We believe that by 4 PM we should be done,” he added.

The outcome of the conference is expected to shape the NPP’s constitutional and strategic direction as the party prepares for the future.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Council of the Elders has submitted a series of significant proposed amendments to the party’s constitution, seeking to address the underlying issues that contributed to their defeat in the 2024 general elections.

These amendments, aimed at strengthening the party’s foundation and democratic processes, are expected to be a key focus of deliberation at the NPP National Delegates Conference, scheduled to take place today, July 19, at the University of Ghana.

The NPP experienced an electoral setback in December 2024, with its presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, losing to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) John Dramani Mahama.

The NDC secured 56.55% of the popular vote and a commanding 184 out of 276 parliamentary seats, marking the NPP’s most significant loss in the Fourth Republic and ending their two terms in office.

This heavy defeat has prompted widespread calls for introspection and fundamental reforms within the party, as it looks towards the 2028 elections.

The submission by the National Council of the Elders forms part of a 59-point proposal to revise the party’s constitution.

Typically, the Council of Elders plays an advisory and mediating role within the party, often stepping in during times of crisis to guide the party back to its core principles.

The Council’s proposals focus on enhancing internal party democracy, fostering unity, and strengthening grassroots structures – themes that emerged strongly in post-election analyses of the NPP’s performance.

Below are the suggestions of the National Council of the Elders:

AMENDMENT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY THE NPP NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS

1. All members of the NCOE shall vote in ALL National Elections.
2. In addition to the Regional Representatives on the NCOE, the Council is allowed to nominate five (5) members for appointment to the Council based on distinguished service, support, and exemplary commitment to the advancement of the Party. This will be done from time to time.
3. All past Presidents, past Vice Presidents, and past National Chairmen will be inducted to NCOE at the end of their service to ensure the harnessing of their experiences to the Council.
4. The NCOE must not support or be seen to favour any candidate.
5. When in power, there shall be a mandatory quarterly meeting with the President where issues of concern will be discussed. This meeting will offer the President or the Presidential Candidate to give account of his/her stewardship for appropriate political counsel.
6. The NCOE shall be represented by five (5) of its members (Chairman, Vice Chairman, plus three others) on the National Council of the Party.
7. The NCOE shall be given an operational budget to carry out its functions.
8. The NCOE shall institute an annual nationwide conference to review the Party’s activities at all levels to secure the foundation upon which the party’s stability and strategic direction can be anchored.
9. The NCOE shall establish a Judicial Committee consisting of both lawyers and non-lawyers which shall act as the final appeal body within the party. The Committee shall apply wisdom to the law, ADR and no bias to resolve controversies and disputes.
10. The NCOE shall also be advisory to the National Council of the Party at all levels including the Flagbearer.
    40
    Circulated by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong
11. Upon election, the Flagbearer shall appear before the NCOE for advice and input into the campaign strategy and direction. Principles regarding the selection of Running Mate (gender, regional balance, religion, etc.)
12. The Flagbearer, upon selection/ election, shall be introduced to the NCOE by the National Chairman before the official outdooring.
13. The NCOE must be kept informed of the contents of the Flagbearer’s maiden speech.
14. The elected President must select ministers, chief executives, MMDCEs in consultation with the NCOE.

Below is the full 59-point constitution review proposal of the NPP.

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.

Accra, July 18, GNA-Ms Peace Hyde, Africa’s leading media maven has participated in Second United Bank of Africa (UBA) Business Series as a panelist in Lagos, Nigeria   

The highly anticipated quarterly Business Series focused on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to build strong businesses that will drive lasting impact across the continent.  

The event was on the theme: “Stronger Together: Building Powerful Business Partnerships for Progress.”  

A statement issued in Accra said the event formed part of the bank’s broader commitment towards business development and financial inclusion.  

This edition of the Business Series brought together seasoned business leaders, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs, who shared insights on how collaboration and strategic alliances can help MSMEs overcome growth barriers.  

Named as Africa’s architect of unscripted television revolution by GQ Magazine South Africa, Ms Hyde who is   

also the creator and executive producer of the most successful and only African Original Netflix Reality TV Series, Young, Famous and African, spoke on the power of authenticity and integrity in the attention driven economy of today’s media industry.  

Her successful journey had culminated in three seasons of the Netflix Original Series which was the winner of the South African Film and Television Awards for 2024.  

She was also being shortlisted as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.  

Ms Hyde advocated for young creatives to understand the power of protecting their intellectual property and ensuring that creatives remained bold and authentic when it comes to sharing their vision with the world.  

GNA  

Christian Akorlie   

Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah

Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has thrown his weight behind the government’s proposed plan to export Ghanaian nurses through a bilateral labour migration agreement.

The initiative, aimed at creating international job opportunities for health professionals, was described by the MP as a positive step that aligns with earlier national efforts.

In an exclusive interview on Channel One Newsroom, Mr Acquah said the policy has long been part of discussions among stakeholders and was even included in the party’s manifesto.

“This is a kind of policy that we have all spoken about. It was contained in our manifesto. This is something that most countries are doing,” he noted.

Reflecting on previous efforts, Mr Acquah pointed to programmes he participated in during his time as Deputy Minister for Health.

“When I was the Deputy Minister for Health, I had travelled to Frankfurt and I had been told that there was an agreement that we needed to pursue to get Ghanaian nurses to Frankfurt,” he recalled.

“We started the Barbados programme. We often sent people there, which was an interesting programme.”

He expressed optimism about the current government building on these past initiatives and called for rigorous scrutiny to ensure the best outcomes.

“So if this government is building on it, we will do the right checks and balances on it to get the right deals for our nurses and make sure even the country benefits from such an arrangement,” he added.

Mr Acquah’s comments follow an announcement by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, July 18.

The minister disclosed that over 13 countries have shown interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses, signaling growing global demand for the nation’s healthcare workforce.

By Eric Appah Marfo 

Accra, July 18, GNA – The Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA) has called for the expansion of Victim-Offender Mediation (VOM) and other Restorative Justice (RJ) approaches within Ghana’s justice system. 

Speaking at a forum in Accra, Mr. Martin C. Nwosu, Chair of GHACMA’s Restorative Justice Committee, described RJ as a vital reform to ease the burden on Ghana’s overstretched criminal justice system. 

“Our courts are inundated with cases—some so minor they do not merit full trials.  

“Under restorative justice, both the victim and the offender can sit down, discuss the harm caused, and agree on how to make amends. This is more beneficial than simply punishing the offender,” he said. 

The seminar was organised by GHACMA in collaboration with the Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR), and California State University, Sacramento. 

It brought together stakeholders from the judiciary, law enforcement, academia, civil society, and community organisations. 

GHACMA and CAPCR are advocating for greater public awareness, training for justice actors, the establishment of private mediation centres, and policy reforms to institutionalise RJ within Ghana’s criminal justice framework. 

Mr. Nwosu criticised the retributive nature of the current system, noting that victims are often sidelined once the State assumes prosecution, while offenders face stigma and exclusion post-sentence, increasing the risk of reoffending. 

He argued that minor cases such as non-aggravated assault and property damage congest courtrooms without delivering meaningful outcomes. 

“A man slaps another. He’s fined or jailed. But what has the victim gained? Restorative justice allows the parties to talk, reconcile, and continue coexisting in peace,” Mr. Nwosu illustrated. 

He cited Ghana’s Courts Act (Section 73) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Section 64) as existing legal provisions for RJ, but noted that judicial discretion to refer cases to mediation is rarely exercised and often delayed. 

“Referrals only happen after the first court appearance, which can take up to two or three months—causing unnecessary delay.” 

Mr. Nwosu called for RJ to be institutionalised at pre-trial, trial, and post-trial stages to improve accessibility and flexibility. 

Professor Ernest Uwazie, Director of CAPCR, said RJ focuses on repairing harm, restoring victims, rehabilitating offenders, and reintegrating both parties into society. 

“It is especially crucial in preventing reoffending by addressing root causes like social exclusion and trauma.” 

He outlined RJ mechanisms such as victim-offender mediation, peacemaking circles, family group conferencing, and community reparation boards, while cautioning that RJ must be part of a broader strategy involving investment in education, health, and youth employment. 

Mr. William Pitt, Acting Chair of GHACMA’s Interim Management Committee, hailed the seminar as a pivotal step in advancing justice reform. 

He expressed confidence that the gathering would foster bold dialogue, enhance awareness, and empower attendees to champion restorative approaches. 

Mr. Pitt emphasised the need for Ghana to re-examine its justice system—not solely through the lens of punishment and legal formalities, but with a focus on empathy, healing, and reintegration. 

Restorative justice, he noted, is more than a framework; it is a transformative movement reshaping justice across societies, institutions, and global communities. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Featured

Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor

Jul – 18 – 2025 , 18:30

2 minutes read

The 6th National Youth Quadrennial Delegates conference of the Industrial Commercial Workers Union (ICU) was yesterday held in Tema

The conference is a prelude to the 12th Quadrennial Dele­gates’ Conference of the National Union which serves as a forum for stock-taking on the activities of the National Youth Committee for the past four (4) years, and reconstitute the National Youth Executive for the ensuing quadrennial conference.

Delivering the keynote address, the General Secretary of Industrial Commercial Workers Union (ICU), Mr Morgan Ayawine, said the Union was expected to nurture and groom the youth to play productive and responsible roles not only at the workplace but at the national level as well.

With a full-fledged Education Department with capable human resources, Mr Ayawine said, the Union had the capacity to shape and mentor young generation through different forms of trade union training and retraining pro­grammes.

“Some youth in our part of the world today, aspire to reach the highest point in whatever posi­tions they find themselves without subjecting themselves to adequate training necessary to build and pre­pare them for such positions. This trend tends to impact negatively not only on their performance but the productivity of their organisations,” Mr Ayawine lamented.

“It is important that, as future leaders, you take part in such training programmes that may be designed to broaden your knowl­edge and skills in trade unionism and the world of work amidst its complexities,” he advised.

Mr Ayawine urged the youth, both in and outside of trade unions, not to indulge in unproductive ac­tivities especially social vices arising out of youthful exuberance that would negatively impact their future progress.

Rather, he advised this group to guard themselves against any conduct or practices that would jeopardise their future ascension to higher positions of responsibility, as every workplace environment holds you accountable for the productive outcomes of its operations.

Mr Ayawine lamented about the current rate of youth unemploy­ment which he said: “is of grave concern to us as a trade union which advocates for job creation and sustainable employment for the youth”.

He appealed to the government to create an enabling environment for businesses and industry within the public and private sectors to create more and sustainable jobs to absorb the teeming unemployed youth to protect and secure their future.

“Once we have majority of our youth in gainful employment, the national economy would witness a quick turnaround that ensures mas­sive development of our country,” he said.

The Head of Youth and Gender Desk of ICU, Mrs Esinam Afua Poku, assured that her leadership would work hard to promote gen­der equity and empower the youth across all sectors of the organisa­tion.

Over the past four years, she said the desk has implemented numer­ous programmes and advocacy ini­tiatives aimed at strengthening the participation of women and young people in decision-making, capacity building, leadership development, and social transformation.

 OM CYNTHIA ASAMPANA, TEMA

Ghana’s government has thrown its weight behind a campaign to scrap visa requirements for Africans travelling across their own continent.

The Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign received official backing from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week, marking a major boost for the initiative.

The campaign wants to make it easier for Africans to visit other African countries without needing visas. Currently, many Africans face lengthy visa processes and high costs when travelling within Africa.

Ras Mubarak, a well-known broadcaster and former Member of Parliament, is leading the campaign. He believes removing visa barriers will boost tourism, trade and help African countries work together better.

Read Also: Ghana Central Bank expected to deliver sharp cut in rates

“We are deeply honoured by the Government of Ghana’s endorsement, which strengthens our resolve to champion a visa-free Africa,” Mubarak said. “This is a historic step toward unlocking the immense potential of our continent’s cultural and economic diversity.”

The plan also fits with the African Union’s long-term vision for the continent, known as Agenda 2063, which aims to create a more united and prosperous Africa.

Also, several major media companies have already signed up to support the campaign, including Ghana’s Graphic Communications Group, Nigeria’s New Mail online, EIB Network, Woezor TV, Sierra Leone’s Eyewitness News, and Asaase Radio. More media partners are expected to join next week, helping spread the word about the campaign across Africa.