The government is finalising processes to start implementing an incentive-based payment system to encourage the return of electronic waste (e-waste) to designated collection centres.

When operational, the programme will be part of a broader effort to manage e-waste effectively and promote a circular economy for electronic and electrical equipment.

This initiative aims to significantly reduce the environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal, such as pollution and contamination, and to promote sustainable waste management practices that prioritise human health and environmental protection.

It will be implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Fund (E-Waste Fund), as a funding agency.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the E-Waste Fund, Amos Blessing Amorse, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic during an engagement with operators in the e-waste value chain in Accra last Thursday, stated that the programme, when fully operational, would help reduce environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal.

“These are ways of disposing of e-waste. In fact, in the coming days, what we want to do is that we will be collaborating with the EPA, where we will have bins for the collection of some of these fractions.

“A lot of people do not even know that when you have e-waste products in your house and you take them to certain designated centres, you are entitled to incentives.

This is something that is not known, and so, we want to introduce it to encourage people to return their e-waste,” he said.

The workshop

The workshop brought together actors across the electronic waste value chain, including representatives from academia, development partners, industry associations, recyclers and scrap dealers to validate a new guideline on engagement with stakeholders.

The engagement marks a major step in ensuring transparency, collaboration and clarity in how the fund interacts with its diverse partners and how those stakeholders, in turn, engage the fund.

The workshop created an opportunity for participants to review and provide feedback on the draft guidelines, which outline the channels, modalities and procedures for engagement between the fund and various stakeholder groups.

These include protocols for public consultation, information sharing, feedback mechanisms, and roles during project implementation.

Accountability

Mr Amorse stated that the validation of the guidelines was expected to pave the way for a more inclusive and accountable management system for the fund, especially as it scales up operations in line with Ghana’s environmental and development goals.

He said the fund was established under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) with a mandate to mobilise and disburse financial resources to support the sound management of electrical and electronic waste across Ghana.

Significant strides

The Head of Operations at the E-Waste Fund, Obed Boah, stated that the fund over the past year had made significant strides in implementing pilot projects, awareness campaigns and financing mechanisms aimed at reducing the harmful environmental and public health impacts of e-waste.

He said as part of its institutional strengthening, the fund has developed a set of engagement guidelines to streamline communication, roles and expectations with its stakeholders.

He added that the E-Waste Fund remained committed to working hand in hand with both formal and informal sector actors to ensure that the country’s growing electronic waste challenge was tackled sustainably and equitably.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

The government has committed $1.4 billion to servicing Eurobond debts in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Ghana has cumulatively serviced $1.174 billion in Eurobond payments since 2024.

In a statement on July 3, 2025, the ministry announced that the government had successfully made a payment of US$349 million towards Eurobond debt service obligations on the same day.

The debt payments were detailed as follows:

The government has committed $1.4 billion to servicing Eurobond debts in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Ghana has cumulatively serviced $1.174 billion in Eurobond payments since 2024.

In a statement on July 3, 2025, the ministry announced that the government had successfully made a payment of US$349 million towards Eurobond debt service obligations on the same day.

The debt payments were detailed as follows:

• In October 2024, the government made an initial payment of US$475.60 million, covering obligations due under the restructuring agreement, including the first post-restructuring debt service.

• In January 2025, the government paid US$349.52 million.

• In July 2025, a further US$349.52 million was paid.

“This brings Ghana fully up to date on all scheduled Eurobond debt service obligations for 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, a total debt service of US$1,409.06 million is scheduled. This timely payment reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, and constructive engagement with external creditors,” the statement said.

The ministry further noted that this development is expected to positively influence Ghana’s credit ratings trajectory in the coming months, as it demonstrates continued discipline in debt servicing post-restructuring.

It added that this will also boost investor confidence in Ghana’s sovereign credit profile and economic recovery programme, while supporting foreign exchange market stability, as the debt service has been factored into the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and liquidity management strategy.

In October 2024, the government made an initial payment of US$475.60 million, covering obligations due under the restructuring agreement, including the first post-restructuring debt service.

In January 2025, the government paid US$349.52 million.

In July 2025, a further US$349.52 million was paid.

“This brings Ghana fully up to date on all scheduled Eurobond debt service obligations for 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, a total debt service of US$1,409.06 million is scheduled. This timely payment reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, and constructive engagement with external creditors,” the statement said.

The ministry further noted that this development is expected to positively influence Ghana’s credit ratings trajectory in the coming months, as it demonstrates continued discipline in debt servicing post-restructuring.

It added that this will also boost investor confidence in Ghana’s sovereign credit profile and economic recovery programme, while supporting foreign exchange market stability, as the debt service has been factored into the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and liquidity management strategy.

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GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Ashaiman community came alive on Saturday, 5th July, as hundreds of young people gathered for the premiere of three youth-led short films under the Ghana Grows Program. The event, a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, with creative direction from Meraki Arts Africa, utilised the power of storytelling to redefine how young Ghanaians perceive agriculture and agribusiness.

The films, written and produced by Meraki Arts, boldly challenges long-held stereotypes around agriculture and ATVET (Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training), while spotlighting real-life stories of transformation and purpose.

Describing the evening, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, said:

“This was more than a film premiere. It was a turning point, proof that stories can unlock confidence, reshape mindsets, and inspire a new generation to see agriculture and ATVET as creative, fulfilling, and dignified career options.”

Celebrated actor Adjetey Anann, who appeared in the series, praised the energy and insight the young filmmakers brought to the screen. “It’s more than entertainment, it’s about identity, dignity, and the future we’re building together,” he said.

The premiere drew participation from youth across Ashaiman and beyond, along with media houses, creative industry leaders, and key stakeholders. Following the screenings, a lively panel discussion offered the cast and production team a platform to share their journey and reflections on storytelling as a tool for mindset change.

Ashaiman was chosen for its vibrant youth population and track record of community-led success stories. Its energy and engagement captured the very essence of Ghana Grows, to spark real change where it matters most.

Led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the Ghana Grows Program continues to make strides nationwide by promoting agriculture and ATVET as modern, viable, and respected career paths for Ghana’s youth. With support from creative and technical collaborators such as Meraki Arts Africa, Lyme Haus, and others, the program remains committed to mindset shift, skills development, and youth empowerment.

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

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

Ghana welcomed over 1.28 million international visitors in 2024. Business travel topped the list at 24.3%, followed closely by holidays and family visits. Kotoka International Airport handled the most visitors—over 1.13 million—while key land borders like Aflao and Elubo saw steady regional traffic. The US, Nigeria, and the UK led as top source countries, highlighting Ghana’s strong diaspora and business links. Most importantly, visitors to the country loved the experience. An impressive 88% rated Ghana as an ideal tourist destination, citing warm hospitality, rich culture, and safety. Notably, 78% rated their stay in the country as “excellent,” affirming the tourism sector’s success. These ratings make it clear that Ghana’s tourism sector is thriving, blending memorable experiences with meaningful connections that are bound to keep people coming back.

Business Insider Africa

The security guard at the seat of government, the Jubilee House, is being changed today, Monday, July 7, 2025.

This is the 44th Guard Changing Ceremony. The ceremony is held every three months.

This means that the new guards will be responsible for the security at the Jubilee House for the next three months.

In attendance at the event are President John Dramani Mahama, as well as senior officials of his government.

Watch a livestream of the event below:

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GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is now the immediate past President of Ghana

In July 2024, the then President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, called on Ghanaians to protect the nation’s forests, describing them as invaluable assets.

He noted that while forests offer ecological, economic, and cultural benefits, they are increasingly under threat from illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

Akufo-Addo made these remarks at the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation held in Brazzaville.

Read the full story originally published on July 8, 2024 by Classfmonline.com.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasised the importance of Africa’s forests to its people, describing them as invaluable.

He said that although the forests provide ecological, economic, and cultural benefits essential to our way of life, they are threatened by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

At the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation in Brazzaville, on Friday, July 5, 2024, he encouraged leaders to take decisive action to implement sustainable forest management policies, combat illegal activities, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

He suggested that investing in research and technology to enhance the understanding of forest dynamics is also crucial for improving reforestation efforts.

Making a case for Ghana, he said the West African country has made significant strides in forest restoration, adding that since 2016, “we have established over one million hectares of forest plantations, enrichment planting, and native tree seedling projects.”

These efforts, he said, have created rural employment for thousands and supported food security through agroforestry initiatives.

Nana Akufo-Addo further stated that Ghana’s Green Ghana Day Initiative, launched in 2021, has seen the planting of over 52 million trees in just four years, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of citizens, schools, and the private sector.

Despite these achievements, he admitted that much work remains.

“We need increased and dedicated financing to sustain our efforts. The tropical domain, home to nearly half of the world’s forests, cannot fund the required $393 billion annually alone. We must pool resources and incentivize local communities to protect forests,” he said.

He encouraged the gathering to think globally but act locally, prioritising environmental stewardship alongside development.

He indicated that Ghana remains committed to leading in forest conservation and restoration, thus helping to ensure a sustainable future for all.

More than 200,000 children in Ghana suffer from uncorrected refractive errors, a leading cause of visual impairment, with one in four schoolchildren requiring vision correction.

A Chief Optometrist at the Trust Hospital in Accra, Dr Naa Kowah Agyemfra, said that although refractive error, which causes visual impairment, accounts for 50 per cent of the cases, less than 30 per cent of those with refractive errors have access to proper correction due to cost, access issues or myths.

“Obviously, this is not just a clinical problem but a public health crisis and a cultural communication gap,” she stressed.

Dr Agyemfra made the remarks while delivering an address at the second Refractive Error Day Symposium & 8th White Coat Ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

It was on the theme: “Bridging the gap: Dispelling refractive error myths to improve access”.

The white coat ceremony marked the transition of 100 level 400 Doctor of Optometry students from preclinical studies to clinical practice, where they were robed in white coats, widely recognised as a symbol of medical professionals.

They took the optometry oath, promising to practise the art and science of optometry diligently and conscientiously, uphold and promote the highest standards, ethics and ideals of the profession, as well as safeguard patients’ information.

Disproving myths about refractive errors, she explained that it was false to believe spectacles weaken the eyes.

Instead, she emphasised they help the eyes focus better, stressing “without them, you strain your eyes more and may even develop headaches”.

Additionally, she said sugar does not directly cause refractive errors.

However, it can affect the vision of people with diabetes, but glasses or spectacles are for refraction and not for sugar levels.

She also added, “children, teens and adults can all have refractive errors.”

Dr Agyemfra, also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eye Express, Accra, emphasised that wearing glasses was not a sign of weakness but a means of empowerment, noting, “refractive errors are not curses but are correctable conditions”.

Recruitment

The President of the Ghana Optometry Association (GOA), Professor Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, stated that no optometrists have been employed in the public sector for nearly five years, despite training institutions producing approximately 200 optometrists annually.

Instead, he said that what was always done was replacing those in active service who retired, resigned or died.

Therefore, he called on the government to recruit optometrists to work actively, especially in underserved areas.

Furthermore, he urged the Ministry of Health and its agencies to urgently review the long-overdue approval of a two-year horsemanship programme for Doctors of Optometry, with suitable remuneration.

Prof. Boadi-Kusi advocated refractive services to be integrated into primary healthcare and included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He emphasised that refractive error was a health issue and a barrier to education, opportunities and dignity.

Challenges myths

A Professor at the School of Optometry and Visual Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Abu, who chaired the event, said that globally, refractive errors remained underdiagnosed, undertreated and misunderstood.

Despite the availability of simple, affordable interventions such as spectacles, he expressed concern that millions still suffer because of misinformation, cultural beliefs and limited access to services.

He told the students that their field was rapidly evolving with advances in diagnostic imaging, ocular therapeutics, contact lens innovations, and public health strategies.

Therefore, he encouraged them to stay curious and keep up with new trends.

Impact

In a welcome address, the Head of Department of Optometry and Visual Science at KNUST, Professor Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, stated that refractive error, if left uncorrected, can significantly and adversely affect patients’ well-being and may also lead to poor academic performance among children.

He urged the students stepping out to begin the clinical phase of their training to work harder and stay up-to-date with modern eye health and optometry care techniques.
 
Writer’s email: [email protected].

 The Anti-Landguard Unit of the Ghana Police Service on Thursday arrested 10 sus­pected landguards who were allegedly terrorising residents of Ashongman Estates in the Ga East District of the Greater Accra Region.

The specialised unit, led by DSP Nafiu Shittu, carried out the operation at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) lands within the Ashongman Estates.

Included in the suspects who were arrested during the raid are Yussif Touffik, Chief Ali Ibrahim, Abdul Wajeed, Seidu Issah and Graham Smith.

The rest were Latiff Larry, Mohammed Omar, Emmanuel Mensah, Abdul Wallah, and Said Abdullai.

According to DSP Shittu, the suspects were part of a well-organised criminal group that has operated with impuni­ty for several years.

He added that the raid was based on intelligence gathered from continuous complaints by residents about the activities of the gang.

DSP Shittu also indicated that his outfit would contin­ue to ensure that lives and properties are protected, and make the area and country at large, very uncomfortable for criminals to operate in.

He added that the operation was part of a broader national strategy to eliminate landguard activities, restore peace, and secure landowners’ rights.

Residents have expressed joy over the arrests and com­mended the police for raiding the hideout of the landguards, whom they described as ter­rorists.

“We finally feel protected. These men have destroyed homes and lives for far too long,” Mr Isaac Ansah, one of the residents stated.

 BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG

John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

During his campaign in the 2024 general elections, John Dramani Mahama categorically stated that appointees and public office holders would not be permitted to acquire or own state assets in any form if he won the elections.

His remarks followed allegations against government officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who were accused of acquiring and owning state assets.

Read the full story originally published on July 7, 2024 by www.ghanaweb.com.

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has declared that appointees and public office holders in his administration will not be allowed to acquire or own state assets in any form.

His comments come after some current government officials of the ruling New Patriotic Party have been accused of owning and acquiring state assets.

Speaking with journalists during a media encounter on Sunday, July 7, 2024, the former president said his administration will not tolerate the acquisition of state assets if given the nod in the upcoming December polls.

“Appointees and public office holders must change their attitudes. That is what we’re going to insist on. People that we appoint must be modest and humble, open to the people, and do things that will improve the lives of our young people. So, we’re going to hold them to a higher standard of service. You must not go and buy state property,” John Mahama declared.

“Anybody serving in my government will not be allowed to buy a state asset. Nobody serving in my government will buy a state asset. Vehicles, cars, buildings, land, or anything else, nobody serving in our government will be allowed to buy a state asset,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the acquisition and ownership of state assets by government officials. This has prompted the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to initiate a process to push a Private Members’ Bill preventing any government official or public office holder from acquiring state assets.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Ambassador Tong, led a delegation to visit the Alphabet City residential development, a flagship project by Waylead, one of Ghana’s leading real estate developers.

Ambassador Tong and his delegation toured the villas and apartments within the estate, expressing high regard for the project’s master planning, construction quality, and overall environment.

Following the tour, a meeting was held at Waylead’s office, where Mr. Keegan Wang, the Managing Director (MD) of the company, briefed the ambassador on Waylead’s operations and development journey in Ghana.

During the discussion, Ambassador Tong engaged in in-depth conversations with both Chinese staff representatives from Waylead and its contractors—China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) and Kweichow Construction. He also showed keen interest in the working and living conditions of Chinese staff as well as the employment situation of local Ghanaian workers. The Alphabet City project directly employs over 240 Ghanaians and around 20 Chinese staff members.. Ambassador Tong commended the company’s contribution to job creation in Ghana.

Upon learning about the project’s building material supply chain, Ambassador Tong encouraged Waylead to attract more high-quality Chinese building material manufacturers to invest and establish local factories in Ghana, thereby creating more jobs in Ghana.

In addition, Ambassador Tong inquired about the company’s relationship with local authorities and chiefs. He offered valuable advice on strengthening community engagement and urged the company to operate in full compliance with local laws, build a strong brand image, and strive for sustainable and higher-level development.

The visit by Ambassador Tong and his delegation demonstrated the Chinese government’s strong support for Chinese private investments in Ghana, injecting renewed confidence and momentum into Ghana’s economy and Waylead’s future growth.

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.

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Government raises GH¢2.96 billion in its last treasury bills auction

The government has failed to meet its treasury bills target for the sixth consecutive week.

The latest auction results from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) indicate that the government fell short of its treasury bills target by GH¢388.13 million, resulting in an undersubscription of 11.56%.

The target for the auction was GH¢3.356 billion, but total bids received amounted to GH¢2.96 billion.

The government accepted all bids tendered on July 3, 2025.

All GH¢2.02 billion tendered for the 91-day bill were accepted, as well as the GH¢622 million for the 182-day bill.

For the 364-day bill, all GH¢316 million in bids were also accepted.

Meanwhile, interest rates continued to decline across the curve.

The 91-day rate dropped to 14.56%, the 182-day rate fell to 15.01%, and the 364-day rate eased to 15.16%.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed a Senior Economist with the Fund, Dr. Adrian Alter as the new Resident Representative to Ghana.

Dr. Alter is expected to formally assume office from September 2, 2025.

He will take over from current Country Representative, Dr. Leandro Medina whose tenure of office will end in August 2025, after three years of service with the IMF in Ghana.

Dr. Madina, who was appointed in September 2022, played a key role in Ghana’s current Extended Credit Facility programme with the IMF which is expected to end in May 2026.

JOYBUSINESS understands that Dr. Alter will be in Accra in August to aid the smooth transition and hand over.

Who is Dr. Adrian Alter

Dr. Alter is currently part of the IMF Mission Team that is currently supervising Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility.

He is a senior economist at the IMF, where he works at the intersection of finance, policy, and development.

He has over a decade of experience at the IMF. Dr. Alter has supported countries across Africa and beyond in navigating complex economic challenges, including those related to financial stability, inflation, and sovereign debt.

His work has contributed to IMF-supported programmes in Ghana, Serbia and Tunisia, among others, where he has engaged closely with national authorities to design policies that promote macroeconomic stability, durable growth and resilience.

Dr. Alter brings a deep commitment to equitable development and sustainable progress.

Prior to joining the IMF, he held positions at the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and UBS Investment Bank.

Educational Background

He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Finance, and has completed executive training in financial stability at Yale University.

His research focuses on macroprudential and monetary policies, as well as the nexus between governments and financial institutions—critical areas for building stronger, more inclusive economies.

2016 – Programme on Financial Stability, Summer Institute, Yale School of Management, New Haven

2013 – PhD in Quantitative Economics and Finance (magna cum laude), University of Konstanz, Germany

2009 – MSc in Finance, HEC Lausanne, Switzerland

Previous Work Experience

2012/05 – 2012/11: European Central Bank, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (PhD Internship) Financial Stability Surveillance Department (DG-F) – contributed to the Financial Stability Review – Dec 2012, Surveillance Notes, the European Banking Union

2011/07 – 2012/04: Deutsche Bundesbank, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Visiting Scholar) Banking Supervision Department – analyzed interbank interconnectedness, systemic risk, and bank capital buffers from a network perspective using the German Credit Register

2009/02 – 2009/07: UBS Investment Bank, Zürich, Switzerland (Internship) European Equities Trading Floor – contributed to reports for the Swiss Equities Management using data applications such as Bloomberg and Reuters

Dr. Adrian Alter’s Focus and priority Areas

Dr. Alter is expected to coordinate affairs locally on Ghana’s current programme with the IMF.

He may play important role on ongoing tax reforms being led by the IMF.

Dr. Alter is also expected to act as the local spokesperson for the IMF and engage other stakeholders like Government, Finance Ministry and the Bank of Ghana as well as civil society groups.

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.

Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy policy, Goosie Tanoh and officials from AfDB

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a landmark Letter of Intent (Lol) with the government of Ghana to support development of the Volta Economic Corridor, a transformative initiative under the country’s flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+).

The agreement – signed in partnership with the 24H+ Secretariat and Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) – aims to unlock Lake Volta’s potential as a vital transportation artery, fostering agricultural and industrial growth while enhancing regional trade with landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The signing ceremony follows official launch of the 24H+ Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at boosting production, enhancing export competitiveness and attracting private investment through strategic collaborations between the public and private sectors.

Under this agreement, the 24H+ Secretariat – housed in the Office of the President – will lead the Volta Economic Corridor project’s overall coordination and strategic implementation.

The Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund will serve as the anchor institution for infrastructure and establish three Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to drive investment and execution across critical domains: (1) Inland Water Transport and Port Infrastructure, (2) Agro-Ecological Parks and Irrigation Systems, and (3) Lakeside Industrial Parks and Logistics Zones.

The African Development Bank (AfDB), a leading multilateral financial institution committed to the sustainable economic and social advancement of its member countries, will explore co-financing options for key infrastructure components while helping to mobilise additional funding from other development partners and private lenders.

Signing on behalf of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Mike Salawou, Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development, emphasised the bank’s commitment to infrastructure-led transformation across Africa.

“The African Development Bank welcomes this opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Ghana by working closely with the 24H+ Secretariat and GIIF to support the Volta Economic Corridor project’s success,” he affirmed.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Augustus Tanoh – Presidential Advisor and Head of the 24H+ Secretariat – described this collaboration as a strong endorsement of the programme’s potential.

“This partnership signals Ghana’s commitment to mobilise transformative capital, world-class expertise and public-private partnerships to drive our 24-hour production ambition and unlock export competitiveness,” he said.

“AfDB’s collaboration with GIIF and the Secretariat gives us confidence that we can deliver projects which create jobs, raise incomes and position Ghana as a leading trade and industrial hub under AfCFTA,” he added.

According to Tanoh, the programme will be private-sector driven – with government seed funding helping to unlock larger pools of private capital.

Nana Dwemoh Benneh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), emphasised his outfit’s role in connecting government initiatives with private investors to drive crucial infrastructure projects.

He expressed confidence that GIIF, backed by government funding, is poised to secure the necessary capital for successful large-scale implementation.

“As a bridge between government and private investors, we deliver critical infrastructure with optimism – leveraging seed funding to attract capital for full-scale impact,” he revealed.

The Volta Economic Corridor is a flagship example of how Ghana’s 24H+ Programme is translating national priorities into bankable, high-impact projects. By enhancing inland logistics, supporting industrial and agricultural growth and unlocking trade with landlocked neighbours, the corridor directly advances Ghana’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It also aligns with objectives of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for sustainable industrialisation and regional integration.

The project is also in tandem with the African Development Bank’s development priorities to Feed Africa; Industrialise Africa; and Integrate Africa.

“What you don’t know won’t kill you” is a common Ghanaian adage. But when it comes to climate change, ignorance is proving not only dangerous, but also deadly.

Across the country, there are signs of avoidable man-made climatic conditions that are becoming harder to ignore, thereby resulting in rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and unexpected floods.

These are not distant scientific predictions, they are real-time events disrupting lives, destroying livelihoods, and threatening ecosystems.

In spite of this growing threat, awareness and understanding of climate change among the Ghanaian population, particularly in rural communities, remains alarmingly low.

A startling knowledge gap

According to the 2022 Afrobarometer survey, only 22% of Ghanaians reported having heard of climate change and understood what it meant. Even more worrying about the outcome of the survey is that nearly half of all respondents said they had never heard of it at all.

This lack of awareness persists in the face of dire scientific warnings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana estimates that by 2080, average temperatures could rise by 2.5°C, while rainfall may decline by up to 30% in some regions.

These changes would devastate Ghana’s agriculture sector, the economic lifeline of rural communities, especially in the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions, where smallholder farmers depend almost entirely on rainfed agriculture.

Already, the World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that over 1.6 million Ghanaians are at risk of food insecurity due to climate-induced crop failures. In coastal areas like the Volta Region and Greater Accra, rising sea levels are steadily eroding land, homes, and livelihoods.

Ghana is currently listed on the Climate Vulnerability Index as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in West Africa.

Yet, public education and awareness efforts remain limited and inconsistent, particularly in hard-to-reach rural communities.

Community perceptions and misconceptions

In many villages, climate shifts are being noticed, but not scientifically understood. In the absence of accurate information, people often turn to spiritual or religious interpretations.

At Gomdakura in the Mion District, Mr. Alhassan Abu, a farmer, was seen disposing of used weedicides into a nearby stream. He appeared unaware of the environmental implications of his actions.

“These floods and droughts are just natural events that come and go,” he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), shrugging off concerns about pollution or man-made factor to climate change.

For Elder Elijah Tumakavi (not his real name), a 55-year-old church leader in Kpandai, climate change is less a scientific reality than a divine sign.

“These droughts and turbulent times are signs of the end days,” he said. “The Bible foretold famine and hardship before the end of time.”

Mr Moom Lijol, a traditional leader in Latagim, a farming community in the Yendi Municipality, believes the climate crisis is a spiritual punishment.

“We are suffering because of the sins and wickedness of mankind,” he said. “The floods and droughts are retribution for our wrongdoings.”

These views reflect a deep disconnect between environmental realities and public understanding, highlighting the urgent need for culturally sensitive climate education that respects traditional beliefs while introducing scientific facts.

The science of Climate Change and its impact on livelihoods

Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather conditions in a particular region. While some climate changes occur naturally, recent trends are primarily driven by human activities.

Burning fossil fuel, deforestation, and industrial emissions release large quantities of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing global temperatures to rise and triggering extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms.

Dr. Mahama Wayo Smith, an Agriculture and Food Security Researcher and Lecturer at Tamale Technical University, told GNA that climate change was already disrupting ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources in Ghana.

He explained that erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells were making it difficult for farmers to predict planting seasons, leading to lower yields and increasing food insecurity.

“In addition to agriculture, climate change is heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular complications, and the spread of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and respiratory infections,” he noted.

Dr. Smith emphasized the need to empower vulnerable communities, especially women and youth, with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and respond to these challenges.

Recommendations: Bridging the knowledge gap

To address the climate knowledge gap and build resilience across communities, the following steps are crucial.

Awareness campaigns should be tailored to local contexts, using local languages, community radio, drama, and storytelling to effectively communicate climate concepts. Involving religious and traditional leaders can improve credibility and community reach.

The Ghana Education Service must prioritize the integration of climate science and adaptation strategies into basic and secondary school curricula. Children are powerful messengers who can carry new knowledge into their homes and communities.

Government, NGOs, and local leaders should collaborate to roll out visible, practical adaptation projects, such as climate-smart agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and early warning systems, which can serve as both learning hubs and resilient tools.

Conclusion

Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract issue, it is here, and it is first affecting the most vulnerable and hardest. Bridging the climate knowledge gap through education, grassroots engagement, and policy support is not just necessary but urgent.

By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, Ghana can empower its communities to adapt, survive, and thrive in the face of a changing climate.

By Solomon Gumah

Source: GNA

Featured

Jessica Love Otoo

Showbiz News

Jul – 07 – 2025 , 08:00

1 minute read

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has appreciated slightly on the interbank market against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢10.31 and a selling price of GH¢10.32 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢14.07 and sold at GH¢14.09, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢12.12 and a selling price of GH¢12.13.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on July 7, 2025, at 8:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢12.40, while the pound is selling at GH¢17.00 at some forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢14.60 on the retail market.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana has announced that Ghana is expected to receive $360 million from the IMF in July 2025 to further stabilise the cedi.

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