John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to develop the Volta Economic Corridor, aimed at harnessing the economic potential of the Volta Lake and its surrounding areas.

According to him, the initiative will create opportunities for industrial growth, agriculture, and trade, transforming the Volta Region into a major economic hub.

Speaking at the launch of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development initiative in Accra on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the President emphasised that the corridor would unlock vast untapped resources around the lake while supporting job creation.

“While the 24-Hour Economy programme is nationally focused, our flagship innovation is the Volta Economic Corridor, a transnational effort to unlock the economic and environmental potential of the Volta Lake and its surrounding lands,” he said.

President Mahama noted that the plan aligns with broader efforts to modernise transport, industry, and agriculture across the country, positioning the Volta Region as a key driver of inclusive growth.

He stressed the importance of establishing a modern transport corridor under the Connect24 programme, designed to connect Ghana’s north to south and east to west, thereby enhancing trade and mobility nationwide.

Additionally, the President highlighted the Volta projects in the Kosombo area as central to this development agenda.

He explained that the project would not only generate power to support Ghana’s industrial sector but would also serve as an integrated development initiative to promote active business opportunities.

“Our vision for the Volta projects at Kosombo is not just as a power source to energise Ghana’s industrial sector, but as part of a transport corridor that connects the north to the south and the east to the west under Connect24,” he explained.

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How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has revealed that an internal poll conducted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in June 2024 accurately projected a landslide victory for then-presidential candidate, now President John Dramani Mahama.

President Mahama secured a decisive win in the 2024 general elections, which Mr. Tanoh said did not come as a surprise to the party’s core strategists.

Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, July 2, Mr. Tanoh explained that while various polls — including Global InfoAnalytics — indicated strong public support for the NDC, the party remained cautious.

He added that although one member of the campaign team was convinced as early as June 2024 that a landslide was imminent, the party chose not to rely entirely on polling predictions.

He emphasised the party’s strategy of staying grounded and avoiding complacency, acknowledging that voter behaviour in Ghana can shift rapidly in the months leading up to elections.

“I was really surprised, I didn’t have a sense of the landslide in September 2024, because Ghanaians normally decide in October. But after a few of the Global InfoAnalytics and our own surveys that we do privately, it was very clear we were heading for a landslide. One of our team was dead set from June 2024 that it was going to be a landslide, but we said we had to be careful, but he was right,” he stated.

NPP rejects EC’s decision to rerun Ablekuma North polls

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The Center for Civic Engagement and Governance (CCEG) has called on the Mahama administration to expedite efforts toward enabling the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to help strengthen Ghana’s decentralisation process.

According to the civil society organisation, the current decentralisation architecture has failed to deliver the meaningful development envisioned under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).

Although the Act provides a robust legal framework for both administrative and political decentralisation, CCEG argues that communities at the local level lack true accountability, as MMDCEs often show loyalty to the appointing authority rather than to the people they serve.

In a statement analysing the shortcomings of Ghana’s local governance system, Wesley Owusu, Co-founder of CCEG, stated that the centralised mode of appointing MMDCEs “weakens local ownership and accountability because it creates a situation where MMDCEs are more loyal to the appointing authority than to the people they are meant to serve.”

Decentralisation and Development: What’s Missing?

For over three decades, Ghana has presented decentralisation as a key strategy for promoting equitable development, empowering communities, and deepening democracy. Successive governments have pledged to strengthen local governance structures, and while some progress has been made, the overall results have been inconsistent.

Local governments now exist across all districts, and District Assemblies are legally mandated to plan and implement development initiatives.

However, a deeper question remains: Why hasn’t decentralisation translated into tangible development outcomes for most Ghanaians? What is missing?

At the core of Ghana’s decentralisation architecture lies the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which establishes a strong legal foundation for both administrative and political decentralisation.

The Act grants Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) legislative and executive authority over their jurisdictions and tasks them with ensuring comprehensive local development. Yet, as with any law, effectiveness depends on implementation — and therein lies the problem.

Pearl Gborglah, an accomplished agribusiness executive and champion for women’s economic empowerment, has been honoured as “Business Personality of the Year (Agribusiness – Female)” at the 2025 Ghana Business League Awards (GBLA).

The prestigious ceremony, held on Friday, June 6, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, brought together leaders from across Ghana’s business landscape to recognise excellence, innovation, and social impact.

With a career spanning finance, public policy, and agribusiness leadership, Pearl Gborglah has earned a reputation for advancing inclusive growth and sustainability within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

She is especially known for her commitment to empowering women-led businesses and strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises across the agricultural value chain.

Speaking on receiving the award, Pearl offered an inspiring message, “Women can lead with strength, heart and purpose. Let’s lead boldly, manage fearlessly and impact deeply, in boardrooms, factories, farms, and every space in-between. I accept this award for every woman who blazed the trail before me, and for every unsung hero who chooses courage over comfort.”

As part of her ongoing mission to foster inclusive business development, She is currently spearheading a 10-week Inclusive Business Growth Course in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, McGill University, and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).

The course is designed to equip SMEs and women-led enterprises with practical tools to scale sustainably, adopt inclusive management practices, and access financing opportunities.

The Ghana Business League Awards, organised by Maven Communications in collaboration with Zeliatte Media Ghana, is one of the country’s premier business recognition platforms.

Under the theme “From Vision to Success: Celebrating Ghana’s Top Businesses,” the 2025 edition honoured 41 individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions to economic development, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurship.

Pearl Gborglah’s recognition at this year’s awards highlights not only her personal achievements but also her enduring commitment to transforming agribusiness in Ghana.

Her impact continues to inspire the next generation of African women leaders to lead boldly, manage fearlessly, and drive lasting change across sectors.

Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, says the newly launched 24-Hour Economy policy by President John Dramani Mahama will be led by the private sector, not government.

Speaking on PM Express, the Tamale South MP said the president made it clear that government would only act as a facilitator and enabler to support businesses willing to take up the initiative.

“What was profound is for the President to remark publicly that 24-hour economy will be private sector led, and that it will not be dominated by government, and that government will only be an enabler, a facilitator, for the private sector to take up the initiative in the various sectors of the economy,” he stated.

According to him, President Mahama launched the 24-Hour Economy alongside the Accelerated Export Development Initiative as part of a strategic national response to Ghana’s import-heavy economy.

“He launched the 24-hour policy and the accelerated Export Development Initiative of his government, and shared with the Ghanaian people that this has been in his thinking and contemplation in the last four or more years,” Mr Iddrisu noted.

“He’s talked about it whilst being out of government as President of the Republic, and expedited by the circumstance of our country that we still spend huge amounts of money on imports.”

He cited figures shared by Mahama to illustrate the challenge. “About $3 billion on rice imports, $3.4 billion on cereal grains, frozen poultry on $2.6 billion and sugar taking $2.4 billion,” he said, emphasising the urgency of promoting local production and export.

Haruna Iddrisu said he interpreted the launch as a direct response to a national need.

“It means that the President wants to respond to a national need, a need for us to invest more in – in his words – to have a self-reliant, dependent, food sufficient, producing country that can feed itself in a country that guarantees food security.”

He also highlighted the significance of the president appointing Goosie Tanoh to spearhead the initiative.

“That is why he’s gotten Goosie Tanoh, one of the sharpest and brilliant minds of the NDC, to be the anchor person to guide him in implementing the 24-hour economy.”

Haruna Iddrisu emphasised that Mahama’s intentions go beyond slogans.

“From policy or from slogan to action, 24-hour plus initiative of the president,” he said. “This is not an event or a race which must end today.”

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

ACCRA, Ghana — India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghana’s President John Mahama agreed on Wednesday to deepen security and mining ties during the first visit by an Indian leader in three decades.

Resource-rich Ghana, seen as a beacon of democratic stability in Africa, is Modi’s first stop in a tour that will take the Indian premier to four other countries in Africa, the Caribbean and South America.

The visit comes as the Asian nation competes with China and Russia for economic influence in Africa.

“We will increase our cooperation in areas such as the training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply and cybersecurity,” Modi said at a joint news conference with Mahama.

The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues, including the Sahel, where jihadists have recently intensified offensives in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

“We have decided to strengthen our mutual cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism,” Modi said.

India, the world’s most populous country and a nuclear armed power, has close ties with Russia but is often in rivalry with China — two powers vying for more influence in Africa.

Modi, who praised Ghana’s role in regional blocs including the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, said “it is a matter of pride for Ghana” that the AU obtained permanent membership of the G20 during India’s G20 presidency.

India held the annually rotating presidency of the G20 in 2023 and used the group’s summit to position India as a representative of countries outside traditional power blocs.

– Theatre of competition –

Africa has become a theatre of competition between the United States, former European colonial powers such as France, as well as Russia and China.

Mahama, who has been in office for just six months, said his government will “leverage on its relationship with like-minded countries such as India to achieve our set objectives”.

“Both countries will work to deepen economic and investment relations at a time that Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatments we are undergoing and the IMF programme,” said Mahama.

India is one of Ghana’s main trading partners and is the leading destination for Ghanaian exports, primarily due to Indian gold imports.

According to the Indian foreign ministry, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $3.1 billion in 2024–2025.

Modi pledged Indian companies’ support in the exploration and mining of “critical minerals”.

Ghana’s main exports to India include gold, cocoa, cashew nuts and timber, while India exports pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, transport vehicles, electrical equipment, plastics, iron and steel and alcoholic beverages.

The leaders also discussed cooperation in vaccine production.

A military guard, as well as traditional Ghanaian drummers and dancers performing in colourful kente outfits, welcomed Modi at the airport.

Modi will remain in Accra until Thursday, before flying to Trinidad and Tobago, and then on to Argentina and Brazil to attend a summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7.

Before returning to India, he will also stop in Namibia, a southern Africa country which in March elected its first woman president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The last time an Indian prime minister visited Ghana was in 1995.

Modi also met members of Ghana’s 15,000-strong Indian community, some of whom have been in the country since its independence nearly 70 years ago.

Modi conferred with highest state honour ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s highest civilian honour, during his official visit to Ghana. This recognition marks a significant moment in India-Ghana relations and adds to the list of prestigious global honours PM Modi has received in recent years.The award was presented by Ghanaian President John Mahama in recognition of PM Modi’s “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.” The Prime Minister, in his acceptance speech, described the honour as both a symbol of pride and a responsibility to deepen the friendship between India and Ghana.What is the Order of the Star of Ghana?The Order of the Star of Ghana is the second-highest national award given by the Government of Ghana to individuals who have contributed significantly to the country’s cause. It was once Ghana’s highest honour until June 23, 2008, when it was surpassed by the Grand Order of the Star and Eagles of Ghana.Recipients of this award are decorated at formal state functions chaired by the President of Ghana. The Order is awarded in three classes: Companion (CSG), Officer (OSG), and Member (MSG), each with honorary and various divisions such as civil, military, and police. The Prime Minister was conferred the Officer grade.The insignia and significance of the awardThe insignia of the Order includes a seven-pointed star medal, measuring 51 millimetres in diameter, worn with a ribbon collar, sash, pendant, and rosette. The ribbon has three equal stripes of red, yellow, and green, reflecting the Ghanaian flag. The sash width varies depending on the class of the award, with the Officer class sash worn over the left shoulder.This award symbolises Ghana’s appreciation for distinguished service and leadership, often granted to foreign dignitaries who foster strong bilateral relations. Notable recipients of the Companion class include Queen Elizabeth II, President Lula Da Silva of Brazil, and Charles III, highlighting the award’s prestige.Modi’s award and India-Ghana friendshipPM Modi’s acceptance speech emphasised the award’s deeper meaning, dedicating it to the aspirations of the youth and the rich cultural diversity shared by India and Ghana. He said, “This honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship.” His visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years, reinforcing diplomatic ties.BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya noted that this is PM Modi’s 24th global award, with past recognitions coming from countries such as Russia and Palestine. These awards reflect not only Modi’s leadership but India’s growing international stature.What students can learn from this honourFor students, the Order of the Star of Ghana is an example of how countries honour global leaders who promote cooperation and shared democratic values. It demonstrates the importance of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and leadership on the world stage.Understanding such awards can inspire young learners to appreciate international relations and the responsibilities that come with global recognition. Modi’s award also encourages students to see how strong bilateral friendships contribute to peace and development.

Ambassador Tong and his delegation toured the villas and apartments within the estate

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.

Modi conferred with highest state honour ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ and said that this honour is a responsibility, to keep working towards a stronger India-Ghana friendship. In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him and dedicated it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of the two countries, the historical ties between Ghana and India, and their rich cultural traditions and diversity.In a post on X, PM Modi said, “I thank the people and Government of Ghana for conferring ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ upon me. This honour is dedicated to the bright future of our youth, their aspirations, our rich cultural diversity and the historical ties between India and Ghana.”Ghana President John Mahama presented the award.“This honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship. India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner,” he added. The award was presented during PM Modi’s visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 30 years. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said that PM Modi has been conferred with 24 global awards including the countries from Palestine and Russia.“This prestigious recognition reflects not only PM Modi’s global leadership but also India’s rising stature on the world stage under his visionary guidance,” Malviya said in a post on X.The award was conferred on the prime minister in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” the MEA said in a press release.Thanking the people and government of Ghana for the special gesture, the prime minister noted that the “shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership”.He said the award “further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties.”

Modi received the award from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’,” the prime minister said in an X post.

In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him.

“I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians,” he said, dedicating it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of the two countries, their rich cultural traditions and diversity, and the historical ties between Ghana and India.

“This honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship. India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner,” he said in an X post.

ECG uncovers illegal connection at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recent disconnection exercise at the Rehoboth Kweiman Estate.

According to ECG, the company, on June 16, 2025, conducted an operation at the estate and uncovered 83 instances of illegal connections, including within the estate’s administrative office.

As a result, power was disconnected from the entire estate, which consists of approximately 400 apartments.

The management of Rehoboth was subsequently summoned to ECG’s Accra East Regional Office at Makola to discuss the situation and the applicable surcharges.

In a rejoinder issued on July 2, 2025, ECG explained, “It is important to note that we have only restored power to a select few apartments that have valid meters and have not engaged in any illegal connections based on our inspection.”

The company added that some customers who were inadvertently affected by the disconnection exercise have since had their electricity reconnected.

“The 83 instances of power theft, including the administration block of Rehoboth, remain disconnected and will continue to be until the estate’s management complies with service connection protocols, including the proper meter application process,” ECG stated.

ECG also addressed claims by Rehoboth that a meter shortage in 2023 contributed to the situation.

The company clarified that there was no meter shortage that year, adding that, records show Rehoboth applied for meters on July 4, 2023.

ECG emphasised that although invoices were issued, no payments were made that year. However, payment for 20 meters was made only on June 17, 2025, the day after the disconnection.

ECG further noted that on June 17, 2025, Rehoboth’s management acknowledged and signed a notice confirming that 83 apartments were directly connected without meters.

The power distribution company mentioned that each of these 83 units is required to pay GH¢19,247.40 as a recovery charge for illegal connections.

“A block factory on the estate was also found to have been using illegal power. It has been disconnected and is being dealt with separately,” ECG concluded.

SSD/MA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Wahu Mobility, Ghana’s trailblazing electric vehicle (EV) company, officially launched its much-anticipated digital platform, the Wahu Hero App, at an exclusive event held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Accra. The launch marks a pivotal milestone in the country’s journey toward clean, smart, and sustainable transportation.

The event, attended by dignitaries, mobility stakeholders, and members of the rider community, featured a keynote address from Dr. Samuel Antwi-Gyekye, Director of Digital Technology, on behalf of Hon. Sam George, Minister of Communications and Digital Innovation. Representatives from Letshego Ghana, the Ghana Carbon Office, DVLA, and other major public and private institutions also lent their support, highlighting the growing commitment to e-mobility in Ghana.

In a powerful speech, Valerie Labi, Co-Founder and CEO of Wahu Mobility, emphasized that “The Africa our generation desires can be won , it is real, it is possible, and it is ours.” She described the app as a critical tool in removing barriers to EV ownership and scaling sustainable transport across the continent. Built with an all-Ghanaian software development team, the app aligns with Wahu’s broader vision to create a digitally connected, data-driven ecosystem that supports riders, fleet partners, and energy providers.

About the Wahu Hero App:

This all-in-one digital platform offers:

 Real-time bike tracking

 Flexible payments and subscription management

 In-app purchase of EV components

 Battery monitoring and maintenance access

 Carbon emission tracking

 Gamified features to reward loyalty and engagement

Already boasting 3,000 beta-stage downloads, the app empowers Ghana’s gig economy and mobility entrepreneurs to take control of their journeys both literally and economically. With plans to extend beyond e-bikes to include e-motorcycles, e-trikes, and e-cars, the Wahu Hero App cements Wahu Mobility’s place as a leader in Africa’s e-mobility movement.

The event also underscored a call to action from Wahu Mobility to regulators, financiers, OEMs, and energy providers: “The time to collaborate is now. The time to plug into our e-mobility ecosystem is now.”

The Wahu Hero App is now available for download on Android and iOS.