By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu  
Sege, July 6, GNA — The National Youth Authority (NYA), Ada West District Secretariat, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other youth groupings, has held a youth-led town hall meeting to promote inclusive governance and youth participation in local planning and budgeting processes. 

The event was held at Sege on the theme: “Empowering the Youth for Participatory Governance and Sustainable Development.” 

 It brought together 98 young people from across the Ada West and Ada East Districts. 

Participants engaged development actors, local authorities, and civil society organisations on strategies for integrating youth perspectives into Ghana’s local governance systems and demographic dividend agenda. 

Mr Matthias Kofi Blay, Greater Accra Regional Director of the NYA, emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to actively influence decisions that affect their communities. 

“The goal is to empower youth to understand the local assembly structure and how planning and budgeting processes work,” he said, adding that “At NYA, when we say ‘youth’, we mean all young people, including those with disabilities, the visually impaired, students, and graduates. No one is left behind.” 

Mr Blay encouraged the youth to build their capacity and develop a deep understanding of youth issues to effectively advocate for themselves and contribute meaningfully to local development. 

Mr Dennis Agbi, Ada West District Director of the NYA, noted that the platform was created to foster dialogue, accountability, and empowerment, stating that sanitation and youth involvement in violent extremism were two key challenges affecting young people in the area. 

While acknowledging that sanitation remains the responsibility of designated service providers such as Zoomlion, Mr Agbi stressed that maintaining a clean environment must be a shared civic responsibility. 

On the issue of violent extremism, he attributed the growing risk to youth unemployment and underemployment, stating that more livelihood opportunities were needed to steer young people away from destructive behaviours. 

The meeting featured interactive sessions on education, health, employment, and youth empowerment. 

Participants raised concerns about the limited youth involvement in district-level planning and called for the institutionalisation of youth representation on the District Planning and Coordinating Unit (DPCU) and other sub-committees of the Assembly. 

Ms Nyame Patience, a participant from Sege, described the meeting as timely and enlightening. 

“This meeting has opened our eyes to how the district budget works. We now know where to direct our concerns and how to follow up on government interventions,” she said. 

Representatives from the District Assembly and partnering NGOs acknowledged the issues raised and pledged to enhance collaboration with youth groups going forward. 

The programme concluded with a call for regular engagement and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that youth voices are integrated into the 2026 District Medium-Term Development Plan. 

GNA 

Edited by Laudia Sawer/Christian Akorlie  

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park saw the most visits in 2024

The 2024 Tourism Report by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has revealed that Ghana welcomed 1,288,804 international visitors in 2024, representing a 12% year-on-year increase as the country maintained its status as one of West Africa’s top travel destinations.

According to the report, 2.43% of these visitors came for business, making it the leading reason for travel to Ghana last year.

Study or teaching recorded (7,06%), visits to family and friends (22.29%), and holidays or vacations (22.15%) show a near-even distribution across the top four travel motivations.

Other reasons included conferences, cultural events, sports, and transit.

The report also listed the places most visited in the year under review.

See the five most visited tourist sites below

1. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

2. Kakum National Park

3. Bunso Arboretum

4. Kumasi Zoo

5. Cape Coast Castle

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park drew over 333,000 visitors in 2024.

It was followed by Kakum National Park with 183,757 visitors, and Bunso Arboretum with 155,149.

Kumasi Zoo registered 133,954 visitors, while Cape Coast Castle and the Manhyia Palace Museum attracted 120,242 and 106,100 visitors, respectively.

Elmina Castle welcomed 87,691 visitors, and the Accra Zoo drew 83,953 visitors.

Also featured were the Shai Hills Resource Reserve with 67,881 visits and Aburi Botanical Gardens with 52,330.

The majority of international arrivals, which were over 1.13 million, entered the country through Kotoka International Airport, while Aflao, Elubo, and Paga also served as notable land entry points.

In terms of visitor origin, the United States led with 137,862 arrivals, followed by Nigeria with 111,581, and the United Kingdom with 52,845.

These three countries accounted for a significant share of Ghana’s inbound traffic, reinforcing the country’s strong ties to the diaspora and business communities abroad.

A striking 88% of international respondents described Ghana as an “ideal tourism destination,” citing Ghanaian hospitality (94%), cultural heritage (39%), local cuisine (28%), and safety (39%) as key attributes that shaped their experiences.

The report also indicated that visitor satisfaction was equally strong, with 78% rating their overall experience as excellent, and high scores recorded for tour guide services, restaurants, wildlife attractions, and historical sites such as forts and castles.

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Prof Godfred Bokpin is an economist

Professor Godfred Bokpin, an economist, underscored on Saturday the need for the Government to embed robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within the newly launched 24-Hour Economy initiative.

He said while the new policy signalled good intentions, without measurable targets and clear accountability, it risked replicating the fate of previous well-meaning but underperforming national development initiatives.

Speaking on a current affairs programme on the Media General platform and monitored by the Ghana News Agency, Prof Bokpin said the 24-hour Economy must have a rigorous monitoring mechanism inherent within the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme.

He highlighted the explicit data reporting that characterised the IMF programmes, as well as the weekly, monthly and quarterly reports from key institutions such as the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana to aid periodic analysis and measurability.

“This structured reporting fosters ownership and binds institutions to their commitment, a crucial element currently lacking in the government’s new economic vision,” he said.

Prof Bokpin said incorporating KPIs and monitoring strategies would enable a proper analysis of the 24-hour economy by policymakers to identify deviations from the intended purpose and implement necessary reforms across governance, market, and product sectors.

“By incorporating clear KPIs and leveraging established institutional frameworks, the 24-hour economy could transition from a concept to a measurable and accountable national development programme,” he said.

The economist advised against the creation of new, potentially costly, secretariats or authorities for the policy’s implementation.

He cited the previous burden of high administrative costs and limited value derived from similar initiatives such as the Northern Development Authority by the past government.

Instead, he called for the strategic utilisation of existing national institutions like the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Statistical Service and the Bank of Ghana to aid in implementation.

“These institutions already possess the capacity and mandate for data collection and reporting,” he noted.

That would not only ensure low-cost implementation but also integrate the policy within the existing system, fostering broader ownership and sustainability.

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Jemima Okang Addae

Jul – 06 – 2025 , 07:55

2 minutes read

The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to mutual interests and strategic partnerships with Ghana, aimed at fostering development and prosperity for both nations.

Speaking at the celebration of the United States’ 249th Independence Day in Accra last Thursday (July 3), Mr Olson said Ghana and the US had maintained enduring cooperation across key areas such as security, health, education, and trade.

“We can build on the strong foundations that US assistance helped construct by fostering increased private sector-led growth in energy, mining, and various other critical sectors of Ghana’s economy,” Mr Olson stated.

He added that the US was keen to support Ghana through innovation, investment, and job creation. “The US can help create high-skilled and high-value jobs, building on the innovation, ingenuity, and industriousness that have characterised US companies who are eager to explore more business in and with Ghana, when the conditions are favourable to investment,” he said.

Mr Olson took over from former Ambassador Virginia Palmer.

Shared celebration

The US gained independence from British rule on July 4, 1776, and the day is commemorated annually to mark the country’s birth and its ideals of liberty and democracy. This year’s celebration in Ghana reaffirmed shared values between the two countries, including good governance, rule of law, and mutual respect.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business executives, celebrities, and members of the American community in Ghana. Notable attendees included the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador, Maher Khei; Australian High Commissioner, Berenice Owen-Jones; Algerian Ambassador, Mourad Louhaidia; Israeli Ambassador, Roey Gilad; Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie; Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emilia Arthur; and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation

Mr Olson highlighted the US government’s ongoing support for Ghana in areas such as health, agriculture, border security, and military cooperation.

“Together, we worked to secure Ghana’s borders and people through the collaboration of the US armed forces and other security services, the conduct of numerous military exercises, and the exchange of information that helps keep Ghanaians and Americans safe,” he noted.

He also emphasised the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in enhancing Ghana’s export capacity and job creation over the past 25 years.

Call for AGOA renewal

Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian government, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, praised the US for its global leadership in promoting freedom and its consistent support to Ghana.

She described the US as “a steadfast partner in Ghana’s pursuit of self-determination, growth, and development” and urged Washington to renew and modernise AGOA, which is set to expire in September.

“AGOA remains a critical mechanism for deepening US-African trade, reducing poverty, and driving shared prosperity within a fair, rules-based global economy,” she said.

She cited figures from the Office of the United States Trade Representative indicating that Ghana’s exports under AGOA reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with apparel, cocoa products, and processed agricultural goods leading the way.

“These trade flows are more than statistics; they represent livelihoods, dignity, and the empowerment of Ghanaian workers, especially women and youth,” she stated.

Ms Gomashie also reiterated Ghana’s readiness to work with US public and private partners in exploring opportunities in renewable energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and green industrialisation.

Bright Simons is the Vice President of IMANI Africa

The Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has reiterated that Ghana’s current high export rates are due to the increase in gold prices on the global market, rather than the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board or due to some new government policies.

According to him, GoldBod is one of the most complex entities ever set up in Ghana, therefore, to be effective, it needs the most tuned-up management system.

He made the comments on the back of the model Goldbod uses in setting the prices at which they buy gold.

The CEO of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, told the press that Ghana’s gold exports in the first six months of 2025 have already surpassed the total gold exports recorded for the entire year of 2024.

He noted that over 50 tons of gold from small-scale miners have been exported since the establishment of the GoldBod.

Addressing a press conference on June 30, 2025, Gyamfi stated; “You know that in the whole of 2024, gold exports for the entire year stood at 66 tons, with an export value of $4.6 billion. We’ve done only six months, and yet we’ve crossed the $4.6 billion we achieved in the whole of 2024. We’ve gone beyond $5 billion.

“In terms of volume, we are also approaching the 66-ton mark. We’ve already done over 50 tons, and we are optimistic that by the end of next month, we will have hit 60 tons.”

But Simons said the claim is not entirely accurate.

In a post on X on July 3, 2025, he said; “It is also very important that people realise that the gains recorded by Ghana on the gold export market from January till date were as a result, largely, of higher gold prices & NOT govt policy. The GoldBod has only now issued licenses. It is not responsible for the boost in export volume and value between January and July 2025.

“Thus, until this week, the export trade has been in the hands of the same companies that have been dominating the sector all this while and operating according to the same rules in place in 2024 (e.g. export of gold had not been restricted only to GoldBod).”

The policy analyst noted that the effectiveness of GoldBod will now be seen as it has announced an end to all old gold trading licenses issued under the Precious Mineral Marketing Company (PMMC) and deems it illegal and an offence to trade with them.

“It is only now that we are going to start seeing the REAL EFFECTS of the GoldBod, especially if it goes ahead and invalidates the licenses of all existing exporters and restricts trading solely to freshly licensed players according to the new rules introduced by the new law.

“In fact, we have some evidence that a not insignificant part of the considerable increase in export volumes in the last 4 months is due to current players rushing to process stockpiles and export gold before the new rules set in,” he added.

He concluded by noting that the efficacy of the operations of the GoldBold must hinge on transparency.

“It goes without saying that transparency would be hugely critical going forward so that we can monitor the GoldBod’s performance and gauge the effectiveness of the new law.

“I won’t pretend that I am not worried. When government intrudes so aggressively into a market that has long evolved to suit private players, one must always be anxious. For now, though, we are giving the govt the benefit of the doubt. Until they give us reason to doubt,” Simons noted.

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Popular Ghanaian comic actor and comedian Richard Kweku Asante (Kalybos) has shed light on his decision to actively campaign for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections.

He revealed that his involvement was driven by a deeply personal commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Dispelling notions of selfish gain, Kalybos explained his motivation during a candid interview on JoyFM’s #ShowbizAtoZ, stating he joined the campaign solely to champion a cause he believed would genuinely benefit others.

“I’ve always had this thing with me, to get involved in something I believe is right. I believe it will serve a purpose for someone. Never about any selfish gain. Never about any talk about it. Whatever I join with NPP, I’ve never gained anything from it,” Kalybos asserted, addressing common perceptions that celebrities endorse political parties for financial benefit.

The actor recounted the significant financial burden he bore before the advent of Free SHS, a situation that profoundly influenced his decision.

He highlighted the societal expectation that public figures, once on television, are perceived as wealthy, leading to numerous requests for financial assistance, particularly for school fees.

“If I were to tell you back in the days when you know Free SHS never came on, the amount of school fees I pay [would] shock [you],” Kalybos revealed.

He explained that a substantial portion of his earnings went towards supporting family members from both his mother’s side and his community.

“You know, from the family side, from the mother’s side, and even in my area, my community I’m living in, do you get it? And all of it was coming out of school fees; you know, they come and it’s about school fees, about school fees.”

It was this relentless financial strain that cemented his resolve to back the policy.

“So my motive to join was to help champion something that was being put up with the free education. And I’ve said it over and over: I went in for that policy…. I’ve worked with both sides and all that,” he clarified, emphasising his previous political neutrality.

Kalybos admitted to a “little bit selfish” angle to his motivation, but one rooted in financial prudence rather than greed.

“If I can throw my weight on it to push and make sure this thing facilitates, that means I can save some money. And believe you me, it did happen. Now I could save money and start doing some projects that I’ve always wanted to do ’cause it was crazy papa. I wouldn’t get money after September, and after fees, you know, provisions and all that. So now it became something that I was like finding ways and means to, you know, sort this thing out for myself so that I can also, and then this thing came in, and then I said, okay, I want to be a part to help champion it. It’s on record there. I’ve always said it,” he concluded.

Kalybos’s candid explanation provides a unique perspective on celebrity political endorsements, linking his activism directly to a policy’s tangible impact on his personal finances and, by extension, his ability to achieve other life goals.

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.

Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson

The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has urged the government to place Agriculture and Manufacturing at the centre of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Programme, arguing that these sectors hold the key to Ghana’s economic recovery and job creation.

Koomson praised the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative as bold and timely but warned that its impact would be limited unless production-driven sectors are prioritised.

“I believe the 24-Hour Economy initiative can work,” he said.

“But for it to truly drive transformation, we must put our energy into Agriculture and Manufacturing.

These are the sectors that can revive the economy.”

While welcoming efforts to extend operational hours in institutions like the Passport Office and various ministries, the GFL leader stressed that sustainable economic transformation requires a shift in focus from service delivery to production.

“Yes, offices can operate around the clock, but that alone won’t fix the economy,” he explained.

“If we’re serious about transformation, the focus must be on farming and factories—on producing, processing, and exporting.”

Koomson proposed the concepts of “Grow24” and “Manufacture24” as central themes of the policy, where round-the-clock activities in agriculture and manufacturing would lead to real growth, higher exports, and reduced dependency on imports.

He reaffirmed the Ghana Federation of Labour’s readiness to work with the government in refining and implementing the policy to ensure it delivers tangible results for workers and the wider population.

“We will keep reminding the government of what needs to be done,” he said.

“As a federation, we’re proud that our input was reflected in the NDC’s manifesto.

That gives us hope that the right things will be done.”

Koomson said the labour movement remains optimistic that, with adequate support for the right sectors, Ghana’s economy can recover and thrive.

He concluded with a direct call to policymakers and stakeholders to align the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Programme with the sectors most capable of generating jobs, wealth, and long-term national prosperity.

“If Agriculture and Manufacturing are properly supported, Ghana’s economy can bounce back stronger,” he said.

He made this call while speaking on Ahotor FM on Saturday on July 5, 2025.

Indian Prime Minister, the Veep and the Foreign Affairs minister in a photograph

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has outlined key milestones chalked after the visit of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to Ghana.

According to him, the visit did not only rewrite history, but also led to the strengthening of diplomatic ties between India and Ghana.

In a post on X announcing the conclusion of the Prime Minister’s visit, Ablakwa wrote: “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Ghana has come to an end but this was not merely historic because Ghana hasn’t hosted an Indian PM in 30 years; it marks a watershed moment in our diplomatic relations.”

He listed a summary of key visionary agreements reached between Ghana and India as follows:

1) Elevating our bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, which makes us special allies for wider and deeper priority cooperation;

2) Committing to double trade from the current $3billion to $6billion in the short term;

3) Partnership with India being the world’s pharmaceutical headquarters to make Ghana the Vaccine Hub of Africa so we can change the unacceptable situation where Africa produces only 1% of its vaccine requirements;

4) A strategic Defense Cooperation Pact;

5) A standardization of trade standards;

6) Establishment of a world-class Institute for Medicines at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS);

7) Enhanced Agricultural Cooperation for rapid agric modernization and food security;

8)Digital Technologies Collaboration to support President Mahama’s One Million Coders Initiative, Innovation Hub and Fintech Promotion — acknowledging that 50% of global digital transactions take place in India;

9) Renewable Energy Partnerships under the Solar Alliance;

10) New Terms for deeper Creative Arts and Cultural Exchange.

The Indian Prime Minister visited Ghana on July 2, 2025, to strengthen diplomatic ties and bilateral trade relations.

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Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

The Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission has directed Heath Goldfields to cease operations at the Bogoso-Prestea mines, pursuant to Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety, and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2182).

This was contained in an order issued on June 24, 2025, following a robust and thorough review of the company’s operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures, among other factors.

In statement issued by the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Ministry explained that the company has been granted forty-five (45) days, from the day of the directive to rectify all breaches and carry out essential services as outlined by the Chief Inspector of Mines at the Minerals Commission.

According to the Ministry, Heath Goldfields had failed to comply with necessary arrangements, leading to an order to halt mining activities.

“This cautionary notice follows the company’s unsatisfactory operations, as determined by a robust and thorough review of its operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures, among other factors”, the statement emphasised.

Background

The Minerals Commission endorsed an earlier proposal from Heath Goldfields on November 13, 2024, granting the company clearance to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases after a satisfactory technical and financial review.

The bid was accompanied by a revised Strategic Mine Development Plan, outlining a Four-Phase Implementation Timeline to revitalize and invest in the mine, from Q1 2025 (Site Preparation and Infrastructure Development) to Q4 2039 (Reclamation and Mine Closure).

However, as of May 16, 2025, the Minerals Commission reported no activity at the site, with the land and plant in a worse state since the last inspection.

The company also defaulted on its contractual obligations under Section 1.18 of its revised Strategic Mine Development Plan.

Again, the Tailings Storage Facility was found in poor condition, with no contractors on site, and the Process Water Treatment Plant was non-operational, with a predominance of illegal mining activities in some designated areas of the company’s concession.

Heath Goldfields also transported gold-bearing concentrates without prior written approval from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the Minerals Commission, violating Clause 7 of the mining leases.

In addition to these blatant violations, a group of concerned workers also petitioned the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP) – regarding various grievances.

In response, Buah visited the mine site on May 23, 2025, to assess the situation firsthand.

Following post-inspection investigations, it has been confirmed that Heath Goldfields is facing severe operational and financial challenges, including unpaid staff salaries.

In the light of these regulatory breaches, Buah has therefore directed the Minerals Commission to issue formal notices to the company in strict compliance with statutory requirements.

Meanwhile, pursuant to Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement, the company is granted a 120-day remediation period to rectify all violations.

Failure to comply will result in the termination of the mining license previously issued to Heath Goldfields.

This decisive action reflects the ministry’s commitment to enforcing mining regulations and protecting national resources.

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Sam George is the Minister of Communication, Digitalisation, and Innovation

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George (MP), has proposed a 30% reduction in DStv subscription fees in response to the performance of the Ghana cedi.

This comes after the minister hosted a delegation from DStv, led by the Group Executive for Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng, on July 4, 2025, in response to public concerns over the high subscription fees.

The minister had earlier vowed that he would ensure that Multichoice Ghana reviews its prices.

Earlier, DStv responded to the appreciation of the cedi by introducing promotional offers that provided double value for its packages.

However, customers said this does not correspond with the cedi’s gains, seeking a price reduction instead.

Sam George told Multichoice to respond formally with a proposal by July 21, 2025, reflecting the expected price reduction.

The minister also raised several concerns, including a rise in cross-border piracy involving unauthorised DStv boxes, advocacy for increased local content and stronger anti-piracy measures.

Multichoice stated that it is committed to responding by the stated deadline and to balancing consumer expectations with business viability.

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