File photo of someone using a mobile phone

Fast-changing consumer attitudes towards repair and reuse of mobile phones are driving a rapidly growing market for ‘circular’ devices and services which could exceed $150bn by 2027, according to a new report published by GSMA.

The GSMA’s ‘Rethinking Mobile Phones: the Business Case for Circularity’ report which surveyed more than 10,000 mobile phone users across 26 countries worldwide, showed that evolving consumer attitudes, regulatory changes and the growing impacts of e-waste are converging to challenge the traditional linear business model of the mobile phone industry.

The report said more than 70 per cent of consumers surveyed globally stated that they would be prepared to spend more on environmentally friendly phones.

It highlighted the growing opportunity for the mobile industry to embrace circularity, not simply for positive environmental reasons, but also commercial benefits.

Within the report, a survey of 31 operators from around the world highlighted how they were embracing circular business models.

About 90 per cent of operators surveyed already operated at least one circular business model, with refurbishment and e-waste management being the most popular.

However, respondents recognised huge potential in scaling up further; 80% with refurb programmes thought ‘a lot more’ could be done.

It said this could include developing leasing, renewal and upgrade propositions which would tap into new revenue streams, increase customer loyalty, and provide quality assurance.

Mr Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action, GSMA, said fast-growing consumer demand for green and refurbished phones, as well as repair services, was a fantastic business opportunity for the mobile industry.

He said unlocking this requires strong collaboration across the value chain, helped by enabling policies and incentives from governments, bringing together manufacturers, mobile operators, refurbishers, repairers, and recyclers to address key barriers to unlock new revenue streams and future-proof business models.

He said sales of new mobiles had slowed in recent years, with consumers holding on to devices for a year longer than a decade ago, and many turning into a rapidly growing market for used and refurbished phones.

This shift reflects growing consumer interest in refurbished phones to save money, get a higher-end device, and minimise environmental impacts.

About 85 per cent of consumers globally consider sustainability to be important when purchasing a device, exceeding other criteria such as device aesthetics (73 per cent) and AI capabilities (67 per cent).

One in six phones sold in France last year was refurbished, while over half of Indian consumers surveyed were likely to consider refurbished for their next phone purchase.

Two-thirds of consumers surveyed globally reported needing to have their current or previous phone repaired.

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By Kodjo Adams

Accra, Feb. 28, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring unfettered autonomy and academic freedom in tertiary institutions.

The move, the Minister stated, was necessary for tertiary education institutions to fulfil their respective mandates without interference.

This was in a statement read by Dr Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary, Ministry of Education, on behalf of the Minister at the climax of the 75th anniversary of Accra Technical University (ATU).

It was on the theme: “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovation.”

He encouraged the University to come up with innovative ideas and adopt the best practices in teaching research for the socio-economic transformation of the nation.

He said the University was among the first universities to be elevated to technical universities with great transformation, including the expansion of academic programmes.

The University, the Minister stated, had invested in cutting-edge technology, fostering an emerging culture of innovation in the institution.

He charged the University to produce competitive professionals, who are equipped to meet the current needs of the nation.

Mr Iddrisu urged the University to put in place measures to deepen the relationship between the institution and industry to foster the development of the relevant workforce for the country.

He pledged the government’s support to provide the needed resources for the development of the country’s educational institutions.

“The government will also continue to work with relevant stakeholders to expand infrastructure in tertiary education institutions,” he said.

He urged the alumni of the institution to sponsor the development of one building to accommodate about 500 students and be named the Alumni Hostel.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, commended the University for its profound impact on the nation, saying the anniversary was a testament to decades of commitment, diligence, and visionary leadership.

King Tsuru II said the University stood the test to become a beacon of innovation, practical knowledge, and vocational excellence.

University’s achievement in its ranking and Sustainable Development Goal awards, he said were indications of its exemplary achievements as a hub of academic excellence, shaping minds, developing skills, and advancing technical and vocational landscape.

He said the Ga state valued education as a cornerstone of progress by championing educational empowerment.

“Education uplifts communities, preserves our heritage, builds resilient societies, and our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with leading institutions like the Accra Technical University.”

He called for collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates possessed skills that match contemporary industrial needs, to boost socio-economic growth.

Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, said the University’s success had been transformative, from 15 students to over 29,000 currently.

The University has expanded academic programmes to meet technological development and remained a centre of excellence in practical knowledge.

The University, as part of its anniversary activities, organised debates with other sister technical Universities, donations to prison inmates, lectures on innovation and ecosystem, and clean-up exercises, among others.

GNA

File photo of some tourist sites in Ghana

In simple words, reciprocity means “tit for tat”, or “I will treat you the way you treat me”.In official language, reciprocity means: permitting the application of the legal effects of specific relationships in law when these same effects are accepted equally by foreign countries.

Others will explain it as the right to equality and mutual respect between states

So far, for the official and simplified explanation. Now let’s see what the differences and realities are and what the effects of reciprocity are to position Ghana as a tourist destination.

A Ghanaian traveling to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other – mostly developed countries – has to fulfill the following requirements:

I. Fill, complete and sign a visa form and show proof of payment, have a valid passport, submit a passport picture.

II. Have a travel insurance, submit proof of accommodation, submit a travel itinerary, show a round-trip ticket, submit proof of financial means, show supportive documents related to the purpose of stay and evidence of intention to return.

III. Provide an original copy of a birth certificate, previous passports, evidence of social ties, marriage certificate, salary slips, employment letter stating terms and monthly income, tax clearance certificates, proof of active business and any other document that the officer of the country we wish to visit deems necessary for your applications.

Equal application of rules:Because of reciprocity, the Government of Ghana applies almost the same rules for every visitor/tourist from developed countries who want to visit Ghana. Because we Ghana and Ghanaians deserve to be respected or treated the same way as the embassies of developed countries treat us.

Based upon equal treatment human rights, I think what Ghana demands: to be treated with equal respect (and I mean treated with respect 100%) but let’s look at the daily reality.

How many tourists or visitors from the earlier mentioned countries are overstaying, moving, or at least trying to move illegally to Ghana? How many Ghanaians have overstayed their visas and/or disappeared completely in the countries they visited?

Many developed European countries have been overflowed by asylum and greener pastures seekers illegally crossing land borders but many others have been hiding under the disguise of being tourists.

The story is not different in the USA and Canada. I recently read that the number of overstaying and disappearing Ghanaians in the USA has risen above the number of Nigerians overstaying their visas.That puts the visa abuse of Ghanaians at a level more than six times higher than the most populous African country Nigeria.

Should we be surprise that developed countries treat Ghanaian visitors as “suspects” who will try to establish themselves in their country?Let’s get to the effects of reciprocity on the Ghanaian tourism industry.

Tourists are going on holidays for relaxation and want to avoid problems and stress.The Western or modern tourists are getting more and more interested in visiting new countries around the world because they are looking for new, safe and affordable and adventures destinations and Ghana could profit from this trend.

In my opinion, Africa always has a magical sound to Europeans looking for adventure.But actually they are looking for safe and hassle free adventure (is that even adventurous?).South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya, Zanzibar, Tanzania and many other countries either allow visa free, visa on arrival or E-visa for tourists of most developed countries and forget about reciprocity in the interest of their tourism sector.

But not Ghana, with the exception of one month last year, we allow specific groups of tourists to travel to Ghana and obtain visas on arrival.

I started writing this article on the day our new government and President are settling down in office, and I pray that Ghana will drop its pride concerning reciprocity and will allow every tourist visa free entrance to Ghana, just like we did for travelers holding an African passport.

I am sure this simple step will have a larger effect on the development of Ghana as a tourist destination than many successful and less successful efforts of our Ghana Tourism Authority to promote tourism in Ghana.

But who am I, Just a Concerned Ghanaian; Nico van Stallone Nico is a graduate of the Hotel School of Amsterdam with majors in tourism, service and marketing with over 40 years experience in Tourism and Hospitality sector in the Netherlands, Ghana, Germany, France and South Africa, where he operated hotels, lodges restaurants and guesthouses.

Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) continues to stand as a beacon of hope for youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana, particularly in agribusiness.

Through its unique incubation programs and unwavering support, KIC has played a pivotal role in the success story of Agro Empire, a youth-led agribusiness that specialises in automated snail farming and ready-to-eat snail products.

By providing training, mentorship, and access to funding, KIC in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation supported Agro Empire transform a visionary idea into a thriving enterprise, a ripple effect of positive change by generating employment opportunities for the youth.

In 2023, the company emerged as one of the winners of the KIC AgriTech Challenge Pro and won USD 50,000 in seed funding. With its automated snail farming model and innovative processing techniques, Agro Empire has directly employed over 30 young people in roles ranging from farm operations and product processing to sales and marketing.

Additionally, the business indirectly supports countless others through its value chain, including suppliers of raw materials, logistics providers, and retail partners.

Agro Empire’s success is a testament to Kosmos Innovation Center’s commitment to nurturing youth-led businesses that address real-world challenges, from being an idea to becoming an actual start-up business. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks they need to thrive, KIC has created a lasting impact not only on individual livelihoods but also on Ghana’s economy.

For Dennis Ababio, co-founder of Agro Empire and his team, the journey from idea to impactful business highlights the transformative power of innovation and the pivotal role KIC plays in unlocking the potential of Ghana’s youth.

KIC supports youth entrepreneurship development working in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

President John Dramani Mahama is Ghana’s president

President John Dramani Mahama has painted a gloomy picture of the current state of Ghana’s economic situation.

According to him, in the next four years, Ghana’s debt servicing will amount to GH¢280 billion, and this comprises GH¢150 billion for domestic debt and GH¢130 billion in external debt servicing.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on the floor of Parliament in Accra on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama said, “Mr. Speaker, our financial sector continues to struggle despite the reportedly spending of GH¢29.9 billion on the financial sector cleanup exercise to date by the previous administration.

What is troubling is that in the next four years our debt servicing will amount to GH¢280 billion, and this comprises 150 billion for domestic debt and 130 billion in external debt servicing.”

President Mahama also touched on the severe financial challenges facing Ghana’s energy sector.

He revealed that the financing shortfall for the energy sector has risen significantly to approximately $2.2 billion or GH¢34 billion for the year 2025.

The energy sector, according to him, faces serious financial challenges primarily due to collection and system losses, non-compliance with the cash waterfall mechanism, and legacy debts.

President Mahama emphasised the urgent need for measures to reduce this shortfall to sustainable levels and ultimately eliminate it.

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President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged Ghana’s challenges in the housing sector, emphasising the current housing deficit of 1.8 million units.

According to him, the high costs of building materials, land, and other factors have contributed to the rise of slums in various communities.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2025, he pledged his administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing options for Ghanaians.

He also noted that one of his first steps would be to ensure the completion of the Saglemi Housing Project.

He said, “Mr. Speaker, the quality of life in any nation relies significantly on a well-regulated and efficient housing market that guarantees access to decent homes.”

“The housing deficit, estimated at 1.8 million units, has loomed large over us for years. High costs associated with land, construction materials, and financing have made homeownership unattainable for many, primarily affecting vulnerable populations and contributing to the rise of slums.”

The president stated that the Saglemi Housing Project would be just the beginning, as his government aims to implement additional affordable housing schemes for Ghanaians.

“My government is steadfast in its commitment to completing all ongoing housing initiatives, beginning with the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project. We will also implement a low-cost Social Housing Project supported by a District Housing Scheme. This project aims to remove the financial barriers to homeownership,” he added.

He also noted that workers in the formal sector, whether public or private, who have 15 to 20 years before retirement, would be able to purchase and own a house in cedis, with the cost deducted monthly from their salaries until fully paid.

SSD/MA

Meanwhile watch as John Dramani Mahama delivers 2025 SONA

As part of its Month of Love celebration, AT Touching Lives, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of AT Ghana, partnered with Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2024 Queen Nihad Titiaka Oases Ibrahim – Titiaka on the “Sweet Smiles” initiative to mark National Chocolate Day with pupils of Khairiya Islamic and Osu Salem Basic Schools.

Interacting with the pupils Queen Titiaka addressed the current effects of climate change, highlighting its adverse effects on cocoa farming and the need for proactive measures such as tree planting, recycling, proper waste management, and community education on climate action

She further promised to reward pupils who plant the most trees before her next visit. She also urged them to focus on their education, stressing that it is the key to unlocking future opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of AT Ghana, Mrs. Felicia Evame Thornhill, Community Engagement Manager of AT (formerly of AirtelTigo), reaffirmed AT’s commitment to education and innovation. She encouraged pupils to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to develop innovative solutions for climate-related challenges.

“There is a direct link between STEM education, climate change, and cocoa farming. As we celebrate National Chocolate Day, it is important to recognize the impact of climate change on cocoa production. I encourage you to explore STEM fields to contribute to sustainable solutions for our agricultural sector,” she stated.

The school authorities of Khairiya Islamic and Osu Salem Basic Schools expressed their deep gratitude for the initiative. The headmistress of Khairiya Islamic Basic School, highlighted Queen Titiaka’s achievements as an inspiration, particularly for young Muslim girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams through education and perseverance.

A class 4 pupil from Osu Salem Basic School, Muniratu Mohammed shared her excitement, saying, “I never knew climate change could affect cocoa farming. I have learned that planting more trees can help protect our cocoa so I will ensure to plant more trees and share this knowledge with my friends and family.”

The event was attended by notable figures, including the Zongo Chief of Adabraka, PTA representatives from both schools, members of Queen Titiaka’s team, and employees of AT Ghana.

The event wasn’t marked to not only celebrate Chocolate Day but also educate students on climate change and its impact on cocoa farming, encouraging them to adopt sustainable environmental practices.

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.

Actress cum entrepreneur, Kafui Danku-Pitcher

Actress cum entrepreneur, Kafui Danku-Pitcher, has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA) Ghana.

With a career spanning over a decade in the creative arts, tourism, and economic development, the actress seeks to bring a wealth of experience to her new role.

Her expertise includes leadership, creative industry innovation, and strategic policy development.

Kafui Danku-Pitcher’s appointment aims at fostering growth in Ghana’s creative arts industry, empower practitioners, and boost the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP.

The appointment, which was announced on February 29, 2025, comes a day after actor James Gardiner was announced as the Deputy Executive Secretary of the NFA.

Together, they have the task to regulate, promote, and develop Ghana’s film industry.

Since 2008, Kafui Danku-Pitcher has been a prominent figure in Ghana’s film industry, both as an actress and a producer.

The actress graduated from the University of Cape Coast with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classics, she is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Ghana.

Her philanthropic efforts include campaigns against child marriage, support for children with Kwashiorkor, and initiatives like ‘Silence Is Not Golden’, which encourages women to speak out against abuse.

Recognised by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) for advancing women’s roles in politics and economic institutions, the actress empowers start-ups through her Dream Achievers Project.

Delta Air Lines is excited to announce the launch of a seasonal daily nonstop service between Accra and Atlanta, beginning December 1, 2025, underscoring its strong focus on the Ghanaian market. 

This expansion is driven by the strong appreciation for Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo and the robust travel demand between the U.S. and Ghana, especially during the peak December-January holiday season when many Ghanaians reunite with family and friends.

Delta has proudly served Ghana since 2006, flying over 7.5 million customers across its African routes. With this new service, Delta will now operate two direct routes to Accra, the year-round daily flights from New York-JFK and the newly introduced seasonal flights from Atlanta.

“We know how important it is for families and friends to stay connected, and this additional flight ensures that more Ghanaians can easily reach their loved ones while enjoying world-class service.”, said Matteo Curcio, Senior Vice President of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India at Delta.

“Our new Atlanta-Accra service reflects our continued dedication to offering Ghanaian travellers more choices, convenience, and premium experiences” he said.  

The Accra-Atlanta route will be operated by Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo, an aircraft that has already been well-received by Ghanaian travellers. Featuring Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating, the A330-900neo offers next-generation comfort, modern in-flight entertainment, and an enhanced onboard experience. The positive feedback from customers on Delta’s New York-Accra flights led to the decision to bring this aircraft to the Atlanta route, further improving travel options for Ghanaians.

Connecting Ghana to the World
Delta’s Atlanta hub is the world’s largest airport, providing seamless connections to over 215 destinations worldwide. The introduction of this new route offers travelers from Ghana more flexibility and access to major U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston, making business and leisure travel easier than ever.

Additionally, Delta is expanding its African footprint with the launch of its first-ever nonstop flight from Atlanta to Marrakech, Morocco, beginning October 25, 2025.

Investing in an Enhanced Travel Experience
Delta continues to invest in the customer experience at its Atlanta hub to ensure smooth and efficient travel, including:

• A new 24,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club on Concourse D, opening this spring, offering panoramic views and premium amenities.
• Upgraded Sky Clubs on Concourses A and C to enhance guest comfort.
• Expansion of Concourse D to improve passenger flow and increase gate capacity.
• Delta Digital ID, enabling eligible travelers to move through security and baggage drop seamlessly without needing a physical ID or boarding pass.
• Free Wi-Fi expansion to international routes in West Africa (Lagos, Dakar and Accra )is well underway in the coming weeks

With these enhancements and new flight options, Delta is reaffirming its position as the leading carrier between Ghana and the U.S., providing unmatched service, comfort, and connectivity.

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Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwasi Asiama

The Governor of Ghana’s Central Bank, Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwasi Asiama, is scheduled to appear before the Parliament of Ghana on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Announcing the Business Statement of Parliament for the week ending Friday, March 7, 2025, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the governor would address the House regarding the cost of the new Bank of Ghana head office, constructed under the erstwhile Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.

“The governor’s invitation is scheduled for Wednesday and will take place at a committee of the whole. It has been provided for in the draft document that we have,” he said.

The new Bank of Ghana headquarters, dubbed “The Bank Square,” was commissioned on November 20, 2024, by President Akufo-Addo at a reported cost of approximately $250 million.

Construction began in 2019 under a contract initially awarded to Goldkey Properties Limited in 2020 for $81.8 million, with funding purportedly sourced from internally generated funds and government support.

However, the project’s cost escalated significantly over time, with revised figures rising to $121 million and eventually reaching approximately $250 million upon completion.

The 20-storey building, located in Accra’s Central Business District, spans 21,551 square meters and includes features such as a banking hall, a currency processing center, and extensive parking facilities.

Despite various justifications, the cost has sparked significant controversy, particularly given the country’s economic challenges, including a default on Eurobond debt in December 2022 and reliance on a $3 billion IMF bailout in 2023.

Critics, including the then-opposition National Democratic Congress, labeled it an extravagant misuse of public funds, questioning the bank’s transparency and financial priorities during a period of fiscal strain.

Dr. Ernest Addison, who oversaw the project as Governor of the Bank of Ghana, proceeded on terminal leave starting February 3, 2025, ahead of his retirement on March 28, 2025, after serving two full terms since his initial appointment in April 2017.

In his stead, President John Dramani Mahama swore in Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwasi Asiama as the new Governor of the Bank of Ghana, alongside Dr. Zakari Mumuni as the First Deputy Governor, on February 25, 2025.

GA/MA

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has claimed that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government left a debt of over GH¢450 million at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, on February 28, 2025, the minister explained that the GH¢450 million debt is mostly from access fee arrears the country owes to multinational organisations it belongs to, like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).

He made these remarks while bemoaning the amount of debt accumulated by the previous government, stating that some of the debt at his ministry is from arrears on payment of ongoing projects.

“The debt situation is really frightening… the foreign ministry was not left out. I have also met colossal arrears of about GH¢453 million – largely our access contributions to international organizations we belong to and a number of projects started that have not been paid for,” he said.

Ablakwa, who is also the Member of Parliament of North Tongu, said that because of the level of debts left by the Akufo-Addo government, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that the expenditures for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies be drastically cut.

He said that his ministry, for instance, has had to suspend a lot of ongoing projects and would also not be engaging in a number of activities, including the purchase of new cars.

“In preparing the 2025 budget, we had to suspend a lot of projects. What my departments wanted was about GH¢3.3 billion when we had our first management meeting, but we had to slash it; looking at the arrears situation, we took out about a billion Ghana cedis.

“We suspended all fiscal infrastructure in terms of the passport application centres we’re supposed to construct this year so that we can clear the arrears. The president instructed us that we need to cut expenditures. So, we’ve cut expenditures drastically… No new vehicles for ministers, for chief directors, whether saloon or V8s. We are cutting down on even the travel expenditure. No first-class travels,” he added.

BAI/AE

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Ghana is sitting on a ticking time bomb as it continues to confront modern crimes in 2025 with outdated laws from as far as 1972.

Security experts are sounding an alarm about the critical need for legal reforms to address evolving crime patterns, particularly in relation to small arms and light weapons.

Speaking at the WANSA-Ghana evening encounter on the theme “Enhancing Advocacy and Lobby Capacity for Reforms in Small Arms and Light Weapons in Ghana”, the Managing Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), Johnson Asante-Twum, highlighted the country’s failure to update its legal framework to keep pace with advancements in crime and technology.

According to him, the inability to revise these laws is exposing Ghana to significant security risks, making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat crime.

He pointed out that while criminals are becoming more sophisticated, the nation’s outdated regulations remain largely ineffective in addressing emerging threats.

One of the most alarming issues raised by Asante-Twum is the absence of a legal limit on the number of firearms an individual can own.

He expressed concerns that, if left unchecked, this loophole could allow individuals to build personal armories, potentially fuelling crime, armed violence, and insecurity.

“The laws currently in place do not specify the maximum number of weapons an individual can own. This means a single person could legally acquire and stockpile a large number of firearms without any restrictions. In a country where we are already struggling with illegal arms proliferation, this is extremely dangerous,” he warned.

Asante-Twum further stressed the urgent need to review existing gun laws and introduce stricter regulations on firearm ownership.

He called for measures to prevent the unauthorised stockpiling of weapons, which could lead to increased criminal activities and pose a serious threat to national security.

Beyond security concerns, the expert also highlighted the economic burden that poor regulation of arms ownership places on the country.

He explained that the lack of control and proper monitoring mechanisms is resulting in huge financial losses for the state, particularly in dealing with the consequences of gun-related crimes.

Additionally, he lamented the absence of competency training facilities for firearm owners. According to him, many people who legally own weapons lack the necessary training to handle them safely, thereby increasing the risk of accidental shootings and improper use.

“The government must prioritise the establishment of training facilities for individuals who possess firearms. Without proper training, gun owners may inadvertently cause harm to themselves or others,” he said.

Asante-Twum urged the government to take immediate action to reform Ghana’s laws on arms control. He called for a review of the 1972 legislation to align it with modern realities, ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the legal backing required to effectively combat crime.

The expert emphasised the need for increased advocacy and lobbying efforts to push for legislative changes.

He urged civil society organisations, policymakers, and security agencies to work together to draft new laws that address the current security challenges.

As Ghana grapples with rising crime rates and the proliferation of illegal weapons, stakeholders in the security sector are calling for a comprehensive approach to arms control.

This includes updating existing laws, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and investing in modern crime-fighting technologies.

Security analysts argue that without urgent reforms, the country risks becoming a haven for arms trafficking, organised crime, and armed violence.

They are urging the government to treat security reforms as a national priority to safeguard the safety and well-being of its citizens.

With crime continually evolving, the question remains: How long can Ghana continue to tackle modern threats with outdated laws before the situation spirals out of control?

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In a recent and highly anticipated policy review, the United States Department of State has announced the 2025 visa waiver programme update, which has significant ramifications for global travelers.

The United States removed Ghana and other African countries from the list of eligible countries for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), a visa-free travel initiative.

Among the most affected are African professionals from Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, as these nations are not included in the new list of waiver-eligible countries.

Impact of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The visa waiver program (VWP) is designed to allow citizens from designated countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Instead, eligible travelers can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before departure. 

This waiver simplifies entry procedures and reduces processing times for short-term business, tourism, or transit travel.

However, under the updated 2025 waiver, key African nations such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana are notably excluded from the list of 40 waiver-eligible countries. For African professionals seeking to work in the United States, this update means that the streamlined waiver option is not available, and instead, they must undergo the more rigorous traditional visa application process.

The Waiver Update: What Changed in the 2025 Program?

Enhanced Security and Diplomatic Considerations:

The 2025 waiver update has introduced significant changes focused on enhancing national security and reinforcing diplomatic ties. The US authorities have revised the list of eligible countries, now including a total of 40 nations. 

Notably, Romania has been added as a new entrant, while Taiwan and the United Kingdom remain eligible only under specific conditions. This strategic move reflects the US commitment to granting the waiver only to countries with robust border security and strong diplomatic relations.

Implications of the Waiver Exclusion for African Professionals

The exclusion of Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana from the waiver list means that professionals from these countries are required to go through the standard visa application process. 

This process involves several steps, including detailed documentation, an in-person consular interview, and thorough background and security checks. 

Although more time-consuming, the traditional process is designed to assess the applicant’s credentials comprehensively, ensuring that only qualified professionals gain entry into the United States. 

Nhyiaeso MP, Stephen Amoah

The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to provide a clear explanation for the resurgence of the erratic power supply, popularly known as “dumsor,” which has been affecting businesses and livelihoods.

This appeal was made by Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament of Nhyiaeso, during a press briefing following President Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since assuming office on January 7, 2025.

Referencing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final address before leaving office, Mr. Amoah pointed out that the previous administration had successfully tackled the energy crisis.

“In his last State of the Nation Address, the former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated, and rightly so, ‘it is worth emphasizing that I inherited a nation plagued by dumsor, but I am very happy to say that I leave office in 2025 with the lights on.’ Sadly, after January 7, 2025, the government of President Mahama has failed to keep the lights on,” he stated.

The Nhyiaeso MP also dismissed the government’s justification that the power crisis is a result of the maintenance program on the West African Gas Pipeline, questioning why such challenges did not disrupt the power supply under the previous administration.

“Several excuses have been given for the current excruciating dumsor – the latest being the current maintenance programme of the West African Gas Pipeline. We do not know whether, under the NPP government, the Gas Pipeline was going through similar maintenance. If so, why were the lights on, but cannot be on today because of the maintenance of the Pipeline?” he queried.

Mr. Amoah further emphasized the severe impact of the power outages on businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises such as dressmakers, ice water sellers, and hair salons, which rely heavily on a stable electricity supply.

He urged President Mahama to provide a concrete and transparent explanation for the crisis and to take immediate steps to resolve it.

“President Mahama needs to come clear on the real reasons for the current dumsor, which has created uncomfortable situations for businesses,” he asserted.

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