However, for development communicator Cecil Ato Kwamena Dadzie, that is part of the problem. He says it is time to go beyond awareness and start focusing on what truly drives change: behaviour.

“We’ve done well putting issues on people’s radar,” he says. “But we’re often mistaking awareness for action — and that’s a costly assumption.”

With years of experience supporting public health, meaningful youth engagement, and sanitation projects, he has witnessed firsthand how well-crafted messages sometimes fail to change outcomes.

“Just because someone knows the risks of open defecation doesn’t mean they’ll stop,” he explains.

“There are deeper social, economic, and behavioural layers at play.”

In development circles, communication campaigns have long been equated with raising awareness. Billboards are mounted, posts are made on social media, ads are run, celebrities and influencers are enlisted, and boxes are checked — but Cecil believes this approach no longer serves the complexity of the problems we face.

“Awareness is just the entry point. True change happens when people not only know what to do but want to do it — and are supported to sustain it,” he says.

This, he argues, requires a shift from traditional messaging to something more patient and participatory: Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC). Unlike awareness campaigns, which tend to broadcast information, SBCC digs into local realities. It asks questions. It listens. It tests assumptions.

“You can’t drive change with one-way messaging,” he says.

“You need to understand what motivates people, what holds them back, and what might tip the scale.”

While working with rural communities on sanitation practices, Cecil and his team used storytelling, community theatre, and peer dialogue to foster deeper reflection and ownership. The results, he says, were striking.

“We moved from preaching to listening. That’s when the magic started,” he recalls.

Behaviour change is not glamorous work. It takes time. It often unfolds in messy, nonlinear ways — but Cecil believes it is the only sustainable path.

“We have to accept that people don’t change just because we tell them to. They change when the message meets their reality.”

Cecil is not only inviting communicators to rethink their approach — he is also encouraging funders and policymakers to reflect on how success is defined in public education initiatives.

In his view, collaboration across all levels is essential to ensure efforts go beyond visibility and lead to meaningful, lasting change.

“Let’s be honest. Sometimes, it’s easier to show metrics on reach than on change,” he admits.

“But if we really care about impact, we must invest in approaches that go beyond the optics.”

He is calling for more collaboration between communications teams, behavioural scientists, community leaders, and programme designers. He also wants more room for experimentation and learning.

“We need to pilot more, fail faster, and be open to adjusting course based on real feedback.”

With information at our fingertips, it is easy to assume knowledge leads to change. However, the challenge is not what people know — it is how we support them to live it out.

For Cecil Dadzie, that means designing communications that respect people’s lived experiences, that move with humility, and that aim not just to inform, but also to inspire and sustain transformation.

“Behaviour change is where real development happens,” he says. “It’s not about being louder. It’s about being better listeners — and better partners in change.”

Source: Fiifi Adinkra

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The Association argues that retail trading is explicitly reserved for Ghanaian citizens under national law and laments the growing disregard for this provision.

According to Section 27(1) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865), non-Ghanaians are prohibited from engaging in retail trade, hawking, petty trading, or operating in stalls and markets.

Yet, foreign nationals continue to visibly flout this restriction, especially in major trading centres, sparking mounting frustration among local traders.

Traders, particularly mobile phone dealers and shopkeepers, have expressed dismay over what they describe as weak enforcement of the law, allowing foreign operators to undercut prices and threaten the sustainability of Ghanaian businesses.

In an interview with Citi FM, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GUTA, Nana Kwabena Peprah, criticised the government’s inaction and warned of growing agitation among members.

“We’ve not had any response from the government after the protest at Circle, neither have we had any invitation from the government to dialogue on the issues. Due to the protest at Circle, we are getting feedback from all other sectors including the regions,” he stated.

“People are agitating and the government must immediately take action or else, GUTA members will begin demonstrations on those issues.”

The threat follows a recent protest at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra and comes amid renewed debate about the country’s retail trade policy and its enforcement mechanisms.

GUTA has cautioned that if regulatory authorities fail to rigorously implement the GIPC Act’s provisions, the consequence could be widespread unrest within Ghana’s commercial landscape.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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First up, nine-time champions Nigeria have a mouth-watering tie against defending champions South Africa in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT.

Then, in Rabat, hosts Morocco face Ghana, the lowest-ranked side remaining, at 19:00.

There is still a chance we could see a repeat of the 2022 final, when Banyana Banyana beat the Atlas Lionesses 2-1, back in the capital on Saturday evening.

Form and expectation would point towards a meeting between Nigeria and Morocco, while an all-West African affair could add an extra element to a tournament that has already provided plenty of talking points.

Morocco and Ghana would be first-time winners, while the Confederation of African Football has doubled the prize pot for the victors to $1m and also unveiled a new trophy.

Image source: Backpage Pix

Image caption: Nigeria and South Africa have both had seven different goalscorers in Morocco, with Esther Okoronkwo (left) among those to have found the net for the Super Falcons

Nigeria delivered a statement to the rest of the continent when they thrashed much-fancied Zambia 5-0 in Casablanca in the last eight.

Former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie described the scoreline as “unexpected” but saw a vast improvement from their outings from the group stage.

“The Super Falcons have that winning mentality – they show up for big games,” she told Sportsworld on the BBC World Service.

“They showed who the African giant really is.”

The onus is now on the West Africans to back up that comprehensive performance against another of the continent’s top sides when they return to the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

“We hope to keep this mentality,” goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie told the BBC World Service.

“Big games define Nigeria.”

While they are yet to concede in their quest for a record-extending 10th Wafcon crown – a bid that has been dubbed Mission X – South Africa will pose the most difficult challenge yet.

The holders squeezed past Senegal 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw and have had 24 hours less to recover from those exertions – as well as travelling west from the city of Berkane.

However, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her players will not use that as an excuse.

“One hundred and 20 minutes with a day less to prepare, with a day to travel, takes a lot out of you.

“But I don’t have enough words to describe this team: the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude, the willing to fight for each other.”

Nigeria got the better of South Africa in the Wafcon final in both 2000 and 2018, but Ellis’ side triumphed 2-1 when they met in the group stage three years ago.

“They are the defending champions and the pressure is really on them,” Oparanozie said.

“The rivalry has been on for years and the semi-final is going to be a tough one for Nigeria.

“The Mission X agenda has been pushed. South Africa seemed to be the only team that would actually prevent Nigeria from achieving that.”

Atlas Lionesses eye return to final

Image source: Backpage Pix

Image caption: Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak has netted four goals at this year’s finals, putting her joint top of the race for the golden boot alongside Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye

The tournament hosts remain on track for a second successive appearance in the final after easing past Mali 3-1.

Another fervent home crowd at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium is expected in the capital to cheer on the Atlas Lionesses.

“The public that has come to the stadium has helped us from the first moment,” coach Jorge Vilda said.

“It has always been like that and we hope it will be the same in the semi-final. What we have in our head is the intention to reach the final.”

Ghana are back in the last four for the first time since 2016, having overcome Algeria on penalties after a scrappy 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Their coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is not fazed by the likelihood of a partisan crowd and thinks his side could feed off any nerves amongst the home fans.

“It can help you if you have a good day as a home country, but I know it can be the opposite,” the Swede said.

“I know how quiet it can be, even if you are 21,000 or whatever you will be. If we score a goal, the boost it will give us will be huge, and you can change how you think about the situation.

“We know they have quality, but like all teams they have their weaknesses as well.”

Vilda is aiming for his second major trophy after guiding Spain to the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

According to Moroccan journalist Saad Moufakkir, the 44-year-old has added extra layers to the North Africans’ game since his appointment in October 2023.

“He brings the Spanish vibe and now we are better as a unit,” he said.

“We are confident we can finish games earlier. With this coach, especially on the tactical level, I think we have a lot of weapons.

“We can attack from the wings, we can go through the middle and we can press high or sit back and wait for the counters. We have got options and I think this is the biggest impact [he had on] the national team.”

The 2025 edition, themed “From Awareness to Action: Advancing Autism Inclusion,” is a four-day event hosted at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Kicking off on Monday, July 21, the event opened with an in-depth workshop and continues with a three-day free consultation clinic running from Tuesday, July 22, through Thursday, July 24.

The initiative brings together professionals from medical, educational, and caregiving backgrounds, along with families, to advance understanding and acceptance of autism within Ghana and across the region.

The workshop on Monday, July 21, 2025—a key component of the event—featured expert-led panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to equip participants to identify, support, and empower people living with autism.

Speaking at the workshop, the Head of Corporate Communication and Customer Experience, Agnes Owusu-Afram, stressed that the programme goes beyond being a corporate social responsibility project. She described it as a strategic commitment to fostering long-term, inclusive impact.

“This initiative, over the past four years, has become a platform for self-advocacy, education, and awareness on autism. The feedback has been incredibly encouraging,” she said.

She noted how the programme has led to changes in attitudes among teachers and caregivers, who now have greater empathy and knowledge to handle neurodiverse behaviour.

“Teachers now approach students who don’t conform to conventional classroom norms with patience and new strategies. Parents, guardians, and even house helps are learning that, rather than punishing a child, it’s more effective to understand and respond appropriately to their behaviour,” she explained.

Through the initiative, Mrs. Owusu-Afram noted that some parents have made changes to the schools their children attend and have gained a better understanding of their strengths and capabilities.

The Head of Family Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Kennedy Brightson, who spoke on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Samuel Akoriyea, commended GTBank for such a bold and life-changing initiative.

Dr. Brightson acknowledged that no family is immune to autism; hence, the event brings awareness to the doorstep of every citizen.

“You don’t decide whether you want to have an autistic child or not. It comes your way. The children with autism live in the community, not in isolated places,” he said.

Dr. Brightson also affirmed the Ghana Health Service’s readiness to play its part, encouraging health workers to remain committed to caring for individuals with autism.

Since its inception, the GTBank Autism Workshop has grown into a respected regional platform, providing support to thousands of families and influencing important policy conversations that prioritise neurodiversity.

GTBank’s continued investment in autism advocacy reflects its broader aim of creating meaningful social impact beyond the financial sector. It is working toward a future where inclusion and empowerment are the norm.

More than just an annual event, the 4th GTBank Autism Workshop represents a broader call for empathy, acceptance, and structural change.

GTCO, in an earlier statement, reiterated its role not just as a leading financial entity but as a brand committed to promoting dignity, inclusion, and social development.

This ongoing initiative affirms the bank’s mission to uplift all members of society—especially those whose voices are often overlooked.

Source: Adomonline.com

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/police-to-establish-ai-powered-crime-fighting-centre-igp/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:28:22 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2558067 The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced plans by the Ghana Police Service to establish a Real-Time Crime Centre powered by artificial intelligence (AI) before the end of 2025.

He explained that the initiative was part of a broader agenda to transform the service into a smart and citizen-focused institution aimed at enhancing proactive policing and deepening public engagement to meet the complex demands of 21st-century security challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism and urban violence.

He made the announcement last Saturday, during the 2025 Conferral and Graduation Ceremony of the Accra Metropolitan University, where he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Honoris Causa, in recognition of his distinguished public service and leadership in national security.

He shared the honours with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, who also received an honorary doctorate for her contributions to digital innovation and inclusive development.

The colourful ceremony brought together dignitaries from security services, government, academia and families of students. It featured the conferral of academic degrees, special awards and prizes, and addresses from recognised alumni and the valedictorian of the graduating class.

Modern-day policing

IGP Yohuno, while delivering his acceptance speech on the theme: “The Evolving Role of the Ghana Police Service in a Modern Democratic Society”, reflected on the institution’s transformation from a colonial force to a democratic service, outlining how technology, community engagement, and accountability were reshaping the police service into a modern institution grounded in democratic values.

He revealed that the upcoming Real-Time Crime Centre will integrate CCTV feeds, emergency call data, and AI-powered predictive analytics to detect crime patterns, allocate resources efficiently, and prevent crimes before they occur.

“A mobile app will enable citizens to report incidents, monitor case progress, and receive timely safety alerts. Human Rights Impact Assessments will be standard before large-scale operations to ensure policing strategies respect community rights and minimise unintended harm,” he added.

Women empowerment

Mrs. Obo-Nai dedicated the honour to women breaking barriers in STEM and leadership, describing it as a symbol of the possibilities when women push beyond both real and imagined boundaries.

Sharing her journey from an all-female household to internships in construction and electronics, she championed inclusion, insisting, “innovation without inclusion is incomplete”.

She dedicated the award to women lighting the path for others, urging society to “equip every girl with the confidence to question, to create new solutions, and to lead.

Values, academic titles

The Director for Legal Education and Appeals Court Judge, Nana Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, urged graduates to embrace integrity, innovation and traditional and religious values as they navigated a rapidly evolving world.

“These principles, rooted in sacred texts, proverbs, cultural traditions, customs and practices, offer the best values to deal with today’s problems. We shouldn’t see the sea or the ocean or rivers as a pool of water. They are the habitats for deities who have been with the almighty God for generations, from the beginning of the world, and if we recognise this, then we will not desecrate them with Galamsey, for example,” he said.

He also encouraged responsible use of technology, particularly AI, and challenged them to be principled leaders, reminding them that their actions would shape the country’s future and societal transformation.

The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, cautioned against the misuse of academic titles, emphasising that titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” must be earned through rigorous academic work and not honorary conferments, drawing parallels with police ranks—one cannot jump from constable to Commissioner.

He said such titles carry academic weight and were regulated by law, warning the public to respect the integrity of academic ranks.

VC’s report

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Goski Alabi, presented a comprehensive report on the institution’s progress, announcing the addition of eight new academic programmes, including PhDs in Leadership and Sustainable Governance and Finance and Accounting.

She mentioned improvements in infrastructure, including an integrated learning management system with AI tutoring, plagiarism detection, and proctoring tools.

The university, she stated, was running three international projects, two funded by the EU, and had expanded its global presence with students from over 10 countries.

She also appealed for private universities to be included in the government’s free first-year tuition initiative.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Speaking during a working visit by the Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr. Amoako revealed that the company’s workforce has shrunk from 2,400 to just 800 employees as a result of depleted forest reserves.

“Illegal logging on about 40,000 acres of land has destroyed the forest reserves that feed our company. This was once a vibrant company, but now it’s gradually collapsing,” he lamented in an interview with Adom News.

He appealed to the government to take decisive action against illegal logging and to prioritise afforestation programmes to restore the depleted forests and sustain jobs for the youth.

Responding to his concerns, Ahafo Regional Minister Charity Gardiner assured that she would engage the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to explore ways of revamping the destroyed forest reserves.

“For a single company to employ over 800 people is commendable, and we cannot afford to let it collapse. I will work closely with relevant authorities to support the company and reduce unemployment in the region,” she pledged.

Ayum Timber Company, once a major employer in the region, now faces an uncertain future unless urgent measures are taken to restore its raw material supply.

Source: Sammy Asare

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Opinion leaders say attempts to stop the miners have been met with death threats, forcing residents to retreat.

They accuse some party executives of backing the illegal activities involving Chinese and Ghanaian nationals.

The Yonkamba Stream, a tributary of the Black Volta, has been blocked for mining and turned into muddy sludge.

Farmers are now deprived of clean water for their agricultural activities. They are calling on the President to intervene and save his hometown.

Source: Erastus Asare Donkor  

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NDC urges NPP to reset and become stronger opposition

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 18, the Ofoase Ayirebi MP commended the Business Committee of the house for its detailed schedule of parliamentary business but called for a supplementary statement to include key policy documents that are yet to be submitted to Parliament.

He said these are papers that concern issues of national and economic interest, and that the programmes have been launched by the government, and “till date, we have not received a single A4 sheet detailing them. That makes oversight difficult.”

Mr Oppong Nkrumah cited six major programmes that had been publicly launched in recent months but for which no official documentation had been laid before the House.

These include:

• FeedGhana (Agric4 Economic Transformation Programme) – Launched 14 April 2025
• One Million Coders Programme – Launched 17 April 2025
• National Apprenticeship Programme – Launched 30 April 2025
• Ejumawura Programme – Launched 28 April 2025
• 24-Hour Economy Initiative – Launched in early June 2025
• Labour Export Programme – Announced 31 May 2025

He said the flagship programmes of the current administration must of necessity, be scrutinised by parliament, and it is proper that the house is provided with the full documentation to effectively scrutinise them.

He recalled that even the Speaker of Parliament had recently urged that the 24-hour economy policy be formally presented for consideration by the House.

With just a few weeks left before Parliament rises, the former Information Minister urged the Business Committee to expedite the preparation of a supplementary business statement to ensure the documents are made available for parliamentary review.

He pointed out that Parliament cannot carry out effective oversight if policy documents are not laid before Parliament.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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This year, over 37,000 individuals are sitting for the exams, including 32,000 first-time candidates and about 5,000 re-sit candidates.

Addressing candidates at the centre, Mr. Iddrisu encouraged them to give their best, assuring first-time participants that provisions are in place for a second attempt if they do not pass.

“We are honouring the manifesto pledge. We will accept input, but for us, all of this must not compromise the quality of teachers we produce. We are committed to improving the quality of teachers,” he stated.

He reiterated his directive to the National Teaching Council (NTC) to ensure that those who previously failed are given another opportunity to rewrite the exam before the August 30 deadline.

According to the Minister, the goal is to integrate the teacher licensure examination into the final assessment process for graduating students from teacher training institutions.

“We are fulfilling our manifesto pledge. We welcome feedback, but we will not compromise the quality of teachers we produce,” he said. “We remain committed to enhancing standards in the teaching profession.”

Mr. Iddrisu also emphasized the importance of continuous professional development, noting that improved teacher capacity directly impacts learning outcomes.

“When teachers teach, learners learn,” he emphasized.

The Education Minister’s visit comes at a crucial time as government intensifies efforts to streamline teacher certification and raise professional standards in the education sector.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Speaking at a regional traditional council meeting in Ho, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV described the situation as “alarming” and a major obstacle to peace and development in the Volta Region.

He attributed the growing number of disputes to prolonged litigation, poor succession planning, and external interference in traditional affairs.

“Sixty-nine chieftaincy disputes are still unresolved in the Volta Region. This is a very worrying trend that threatens the stability of our communities,” he lamented. “As traditional leaders, we must reflect on the root causes and find amicable, culturally acceptable ways to resolve them.”

The traditional leader called on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as well as the National House of Chiefs, to expedite the adjudication process. According to him, delays often result in tension, conflict, and in some cases, violence in the affected communities.

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV further urged fellow chiefs and stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the chieftaincy institution by avoiding actions that could lead to division or litigation. “We must rise above personal interests and serve our people in unity. Traditional leadership should not be about power struggles but about service, peace, and progress,” he stressed.

Concerns Over Drug Abuse and Marijuana Cultivation

In addition to the chieftaincy concerns, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV also expressed worry about the increasing cultivation of marijuana in the region. He called on the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, to take drastic steps to combat the trend.

He also highlighted the growing abuse of drugs among the youth, particularly substances like ‘red’ and tramadol, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of the region if left unchecked.

Calls for Immigration Post Removal and Development Collaboration

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV further appealed to the Regional Minister to remove inland immigration posts at Asikuma, Juapong, and Sogakope, which he said have become unnecessary obstacles.

He also urged closer collaboration between the Regional Minister, the Volta caucus in Parliament, and traditional leaders to accelerate development in the region.

Regional Minister Responds with Assurances and Development Updates

In response, Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu described the opportunity to address the House as an honour, acknowledging the traditional leaders as the “true custodians of culture, values, and history.”

He pledged the commitment of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to work in close partnership with chiefs for the region’s development.

“The amalgamation of the Ministry of Local Government with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is not just a move to reduce ministerial portfolios but to strengthen collaboration for accelerated development and restore the lost glory of our traditional authorities,” he noted.

Highlighting Ongoing Development Projects

Mr. Gunu outlined various projects initiated since the NDC assumed power in 2024, including:

• Ongoing construction on the Eastern Corridor Road

• Rehabilitation of key feeder roads

• Modernization of the Aflao Market Complex to boost trade and regional integration

• Phase 2 of the Blekusu Tidal Waves Project, with sod-cutting set for Saturday

In agriculture, he revealed that the Volta Region is central to the government’s new Kenaf-Malaysia partnership, which seeks to introduce large-scale kenaf production to create jobs and boost agro-processing.

He also emphasized the 2025 Budget’s commitment to transforming local economies under the 24-Hour Economy Policy, with benefits such as:

• New agro-processing facilities

• Extended public service hours

• Energy support for SMEs and industrial parks

• The upcoming Volta Trade Fair, which will operate 24 hours on selected days

Land has also been secured at Adaklu for an industrial park, with more land acquisitions expected across the region to replicate the model.

Tourism Development

The Regional Minister highlighted plans to upgrade tourist and heritage sites across the region to attract visitors and investment while showcasing the region’s unique culture and identity.

Need for Peaceful Traditional Leadership

Mr. Gunu, however, emphasized that all development efforts hinge on one critical condition—peaceful and united traditional leadership.

“It is deeply troubling that our region continues to record a high number of chieftaincy disputes. These disputes, often prolonged in courtrooms and unresolved for years, slow down development and erode community trust and harmony,” he said.

He appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs to fast-track dispute resolution, adding that the government is ready to support with logistics, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and neutral facilitation.

“Let Us Build a Volta Region Where Tradition Powers Transformation”

In his concluding remarks, Hon. James Gunu said, “Let us remind ourselves that we share a common mission: to build a Volta Region where tradition powers transformation. With collaboration, unity, and respect for both modern governance and cultural leadership, we can secure lasting prosperity for our people.”

Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job

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Now, a bold new front has emerged in the battle to protect what remains: the media.

At a high-level workshop held in Cape Coast, seasoned environmental journalists, under the banner of the Journalists for Responsible Fisheries and Environment (JRFE), were equipped with new data and storytelling tools to help reverse the decline. The workshop unveiled the results of Ghana’s most comprehensive mangrove ecosystem assessment to date—conducted under the Sustainable Ocean Project (SOP), a three-year initiative funded by the Norwegian government and led by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) in partnership with Hen Mpoano and CEWEFIA.

Stephen Kankam, Deputy Director of Hen Mpoano, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying mangroves are not just trees. They are nurseries for our fish, shields against sea-level rise, and vaults of carbon. Yet we are watching them vanish—largely unnoticed. This project is not just about research. It’s about survival.

The Silent Victims of Development

Using satellite data and GIS technology, the assessment mapped dramatic changes in mangrove coverage between 2000 and 2022. It revealed not only widespread forest loss but also a sharp decline in biomass and carbon storage—resulting in over 351,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂eq) released into the atmosphere due to mangrove destruction.

“That’s more carbon than a small city produces in a year,” noted Justice Mensah, Program Manager at Hen Mpoano. “If mangroves are left out of climate and restoration strategies, we’re missing a huge part of the puzzle.”

According to the assessment, the Volta Region still holds Ghana’s largest remaining mangrove biomass, while the Greater Accra Region has seen its mangroves reduced to scattered patches. Despite signs of regrowth in the Western Region, the national picture remains bleak.

Mangroves are vital breeding grounds for key species like the Blackchin Tilapia, Redbelly Tilapia, and Swimming Crab—staples in coastal diets and economies.

“If we lose the mangroves, we lose the fish. If we lose the fish, we lose food and income,” Mensah warned.

A Media-Driven Turning Point

But hope remains—if action is taken quickly and decisively. And that’s where the media steps in.

“We believe in the power of the press to protect our coasts,” said Kingsley Nana Buadu, President of JRFE. “This story should be on front pages, not buried in the margins.”

Buadu recalled how fishery issues once received little media attention until a committed group of journalists—empowered by NGO training and support—brought the crisis into the spotlight. Their work helped catalyze major policy changes like the fishing closed season.

Now, JRFE is shifting its focus to the Blue Economy, with mangrove protection as a core pillar.

“There are no binding policies protecting mangroves in Ghana,” he added. “But journalism can trigger change—just like it did with fisheries.”

From Data to Dialogue

The Cape Coast workshop marked the launch of a national media campaign. Through hands-on training and access to real-time satellite data, journalists left ready to expose illegal encroachment, celebrate local restoration efforts, and advocate policy change.

“We’re not just telling stories—we’re saving coastlines, one headline at a time,” one participant said.

A Call for Urgent Action

The SOP project, funded by NORAD, is more than an academic study. Its goals are to:

• Reform fisheries governance and secure fisherfolk rights

• Strengthen local enterprises and sustainable value chains

• Build climate resilience through spatial planning and wetland restoration

“This assessment feeds directly into Ghana’s national risk management plan and global fisheries frameworks,” Kankam emphasized. “If mangroves are destroyed, we undermine every step toward a resilient coastal future.”

With sea levels rising and fish stocks dwindling, silence is no longer an option. The data is clear. The media is mobilized.

The question now is: will policy respond before the last mangrove falls?

Key Facts
Mangrove loss: ~3,000 hectares
Carbon emissions from loss: 351,000 tCO₂eq
Biomass decline: From 677,451 Mg to 473,318 Mg
Worst-hit regions: Greater Accra, Volta Estuary
Highest biodiversity: Volta Region
At-risk species: Blackchin Tilapia, Redbelly Tilapia, Swimming Crab, Crevalle Jack

Project Details
Title: Building Grassroots Capacity for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (SOP)
Funded by: Norwegian Government (NORAD)
Implemented by: EJF (lead), Hen Mpoano, CEWEFIA
Regions covered: Western, Central, Greater Accra, and Volta
Focus areas: Fisheries recovery, mangrove conservation, climate adaptation

Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie

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Akuaba, a crafted wooden doll, is traditionally believed to bless infertile women with children even in their despair.

Originally traced to the Fantes and other tribes along the Western coastline of Ghana, the dolls found their path into local arts shops and museums across the country.

In the heart of the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum in Kumasi, wooden crafters are busily sharpening their chisel and other working equipment to carve out the miniature dolls from the logs of wood packed close to their shops.

Patricia Amoh has been working at the museum for years now. She recounts the historic belief in these dolls.

“The belief was that faith in the doll, combined with spiritual rituals, could lead to conception. Some non-Ghanaian women received blessed dolls and successfully bore children,” she said.

The name of the doll is said to have been coined after a barren woman, named Akua, who finally conceived and birthed her first child when she received the doll and reposed the belief in it.

“So, people automatically called the child of hers ‘Akua ba,’ meaning Akua’s child, and that’s how we got the name ‘Akuaba’ in the Asante language,” explained Patricia.

She emphasizes that for one to receive the miraculous child, they must treat it like a real baby – carrying, feeding, and nurturing it with unwavering faith.

The psychological effect

Ms. Angela, another museum staff, highlights the psychological aspect of the Akuaba doll, saying the backlash encountered by infertile women impacts their hormones.

But these biological chemicals become effective once they get the fertility doll and treat it like an actual baby.

“The more pressure she receives from relatives, the more it has a psychological effect on her hormones. But the moment the woman gets herself the Akuaba doll and makes an effort to help herself conceive, by waking up in the morning to feed the Akuaba doll, bathe it, and sing songs to it like an actual baby, it relaxes her hormones and helps her to achieve the fertility rate necessary to give birth,” she emphasized.

Sacred trees?

But are there any sacred trees these inanimate objects are carved out from? Yes!

Nketiah, a wood crafter located among the stretch of local arts shops in Adum-Kumasi, shares the dolls are crafted from sacred woods such as Nyame Dua, Mahogany, and Ebony.

These trees located in the deep forests of Ghana are believed to bear unique spiritual and historic significance.

“Tourists cherish our crafts more than the citizens of Ghana. The said spiritual force behind these fertility dolls comes from the belief that spirits live in trees. And these trees are what we use to make the Akuaba,” noted Akwasi Wusu, an artisan.

Artisans use chisels and other tools to carve them according to specific measurements and designs which are then put on displays to attract buyers.

Once a sought-after artefact, their patronage is declining. Their sale among Ghanaians is low while people in diaspora are always eager to purchase them.

“It shouldn’t be something purchased only in a particular season or by tourists alone, but citizens should embrace and do away with the bad mentality most Ghanaians have about it,” Nketiah said.

June and July are the ripe market for these dolls and other wood carvings.

“During seasonal times like June/July, purchases of up to 2,000 Ghana cedis can be made in a day. Tourists are the ones who buy these dolls and carvings the most, not Ghanaians, even as we celebrate the Ghana Month,” he said.

Puberty dolls

Some carvers are introducing alternatives known as the puberty dolls. Unlike the fertility dolls, these are adorned with wide hips and waist beads, symbolizing femininity and readiness for marriage.

Rituals performed on these dolls are believed to attract suitors for young women.

Lord Bright Appau is one of such fertility doll makers at the Ashanti Cultural Center.

“We have a fertility doll that helps barren women to have a child of their own and a puberty doll, which is believed to attract a man into a woman’s life when she reaches her puberty period,” he said.

The wood carvers are dispelling myths of barbaric practices associated with the doll, as they emphasize the dolls represent faith, hope, and fertility.

“Ghanaians should erase the mentality that these dolls are used for bad things and come to realize that they are used for what we wish to achieve, with our faith attached to it,” they urged.

They clarified that: “trees have spirits living in them. And because they can be carved and used to represent spiritual beings, people perceive these dolls to be used for only bad things, which is not true.”

However, people from the diaspora and African traditional believers assert the Akuaba has an underlying ancient story, thus making their wishes come true.

The doll makers are encouraging Ghanaians to embrace their heritage, especially during the Ghana Month celebration, and support artisans who preserve this cultural legacy.

But they are calling for investments to establish dedicated spaces.

“The government should create a place where people who create these artifacts can work to make more of them and create job opportunities for others” Lord asserted.

Speaking on JoyFM on Tuesday, July 15, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim detailed the administration’s commitment to channelling these savings into critical social and development programmes, reinforcing President Mahama’s “reform and reset agenda”.

The directive, which eliminates free fuel for the everyday use of political appointees, is a significant move aimed at curbing wastage and promoting the productive use of state resources.

This initiative follows President Mahama’s manifesto promise to hold all appointees to strict ethical standards and ensure prudent resource management.

“There is no more free fuel allocation to political appointees in government,” Muslim stated.

She clarified that while fuel would still be provided for “strictly regulated, official assignments”, daily commutes and personal use would no longer be covered by the state.

She added that detailed parameters and categories of approved assignments would be communicated to all appointees, similar to the existing Code of Conduct.

This fuel directive is part of broader cost-cutting reforms initiated at the presidency.

Muslim highlighted that “a few days ago, there was a directive on what kinds of travel the government will pay for, what kinds of travel they won’t pay for and what kinds of travel would even be approved for you to attend.”

Earlier measures under President Mahama’s administration also included the cancellation of DSTV subscriptions for government officials, all aimed at “eliminating wastage in the system and also ensuring more savings.”

The government is currently quantifying the exact savings from this fuel policy, with figures expected to be made public in due course.

“As we speak now, remember that this is a new directive. So, again, there’s been a further directive to now cost all of it, how much we will be saving, how much we’re spending on fuel,” Muslim explained.

Priority Investment Areas:

Shamima Muslim explicitly identified several key areas that will directly benefit from these cost-saving measures and other ongoing financial prudence efforts:

1. Health Sector:
   • Beyond the specific Mahama Care Programme, health in general is listed as a priority area for intervention, signifying a broader commitment to improving health infrastructure and services across the country.
2. Education Sector:
   • Education is identified as another crucial area for investment. Significantly, Muslim highlighted the timely release of funds for student feeding. She revealed that “as we speak, 600 million Ghana Cedis has been given to schools for feeding since the beginning of this year,” showcasing a direct benefit from improved resource allocation. This support for the Ghana School Feeding Programme is vital for student welfare and attendance, especially in public basic schools.
3. Local Governments (Assemblies):
   • A substantial portion of the budget will be allocated to local government assemblies. Muslim hinted at further details to be revealed during the mid-year budget review on July 24.
   • “We would hear more details about how 80% allocation has been made to the assemblies,” she stated. This commitment aims to strengthen decentralisation and empower local authorities to drive development at the grassroots level, in line with Ghana’s decentralisation policy.

Ms Muslim assured the public of accountability for the saved funds.

“Because of the Public Finance Management Act, we do know there are more stringent ways of tracking what goes into the consolidated fund and what, you know, EMR funds to track what we’re using the money for,” she affirmed, citing legal frameworks that ensure transparency.

She also noted that the “new directive” on fuel is intended to be a long-term policy, signifying a sustained commitment to prudent resource allocation.

This measure complements the broader efforts to stabilise the Ghanaian economy, including the cedi’s recent strong performance and the $5 billion inflows from Gold Board operations since January, as well as the ongoing efforts under the IMF programme to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

The mid-year budget review by the Finance Minister on July 24 is expected to provide more comprehensive details on the financial impact of these reforms and the specific allocations to the identified priority areas, offering greater transparency on how the government intends to translate cost-cutting into tangible development outcomes for Ghanaians.

Source: Myjoyonline

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The gathering, which took place on Tuesday, July 15, in front of the party office, addressed growing concerns about alleged nepotism in appointments within the municipal assembly.

The NDC members accused the MCE of persistently appointing friends and family members to key positions, including the School Feeding Coordinator and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Coordinator.

They alleged that deserving and qualified locals have been overlooked, creating an atmosphere of mistrust and discontent within the community.

“Many of our leaders have been treated poorly, with some even forced to sleep in the bush due to the MCE’s actions,” a spokesperson for the Bomaa Branch stated during the press conference.

“We have worked hard for our community and believe we deserve better representation.”

The group is calling for urgent intervention from President John Mahama and the Minister for Local Government.

They have issued a two-week ultimatum for the government to address their concerns, warning that failure to act will result in a demonstration.

“We are prepared to take our fight to the streets if necessary,” the spokesperson added. “This situation cannot continue, and we will not sit idly by while our community suffers.”

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful 

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Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior and National Security, stated that a similar agreement will be signed to allow the Ghana Prison Service to procure and produce 20 per cent of sanitary pads under the free sanitary pad initiative.

“And this we are doing to ensure that our formative programmes within the prisons are completely transformed from the current state, which I call warehousing prisoners — keeping them idle with not much to do,” he said.

Alhaji Muntaka made these remarks during his Mid-Year Review Report for the Ministry of the Interior, presented at a press conference at the Presidency in Accra.

The press conference, organized by the Presidential Communications Bureau under the “Governance Accountability Series,” is part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.

The Minister revealed that the Ghana Prison Service had rolled out a juvenile and secondary education initiative to support education continuity for juveniles and inmates.

He also announced that the Damongo Correctional Facility had been completed, expanding correctional space and helping to reduce overcrowding.

“I want to take this opportunity once again to thank the Church of Pentecost for the great job they are doing in supporting the Ghana Prison Service,” Alhaji Muntaka said.

He noted that five camp prisons were at various stages of completion, and the recently completed Damongo facility made it the fifth.

“If a church can support the Ghana Prison Service this much, I want to encourage all of us — citizens, individuals, businesses, and corporate organizations — to come to the aid of the security services, especially the prisons, which face huge challenges in managing over 14,000 inmates, including foreigners,” he appealed.

“As you may be aware, the feeding allocation for inmates is GH₵1.80, which is woefully inadequate.”

To address this, the Ministry is focusing on agriculture to improve inmate feeding. The Minister said funding had been secured for a 5,000-layer poultry project, in addition to cultivating about 1,654 acres of crops. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the provision of equipment and inputs.

Alhaji Muntaka further noted that the Ghana Prison Service had begun drafting a 24-Hour Economic Proposal, aimed at aligning prison operations with national productivity goals.

He said the Service had also launched a digital literacy programme under the One Million Quotas Initiative, equipping inmates, officers, and their dependents with digital skills.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency, the Ministry had begun recruiting support staff to augment the Ghana Prison Service’s human resource capacity for non-custodial duties.

The Minister stated that, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ministry had removed and repatriated over 2,241 street beggars to their countries of origin.

This exercise, he said, had restored public order in urban centres while providing humane support for vulnerable populations.

“We are mapping a strategy to eliminate all these challenges on our streets, not only in Accra but across cities in the country,” he added.

Furthermore, he announced a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Youth Development to support security agency internships, enhancing youth employability while boosting agency operations.

The interns, he said, would be deployed across the police, prisons, and fire services, with the first batch commencing training on July 16.

Touching on the Ghana Police Service, the Minister said a 24-Hour Economy Secretariat had been established at the Police Headquarters in Accra to provide round-the-clock security for businesses under the government’s flagship programme.

He explained that this was to ensure the safe movement of goods and people and to foster economic growth without fear of attack.

The Ghana Police Service, he added, had also conducted intelligence-led anti-robbery operations across all regions, achieving breakthroughs in major cases, including the murders of mobile money vendors in Kumasi, Koforidua, and Aflao.

Source: GNA

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The global recommendation issued Monday at the International AIDS Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, comes about a month after the US Food and Drug Administration approved lenacapavir as a twice-yearly injection for the prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.

Lenacapavir was approved in 2022 to treat certain HIV infections, and in trials for prevention, it was found to dramatically reduce the risk of infection and provide almost total protection against HIV.

“These new recommendations are designed for real-world use. WHO is working closely with countries and partners to support the implementation,” Dr. Meg Doherty, director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, said in a news briefing.

“The first recommendation is that a long-acting injectable, lenacapavir, should be offered as an additional prevention choice for people at risk for HIV and as part of combination prevention. With that, we call it a strong recommendation with moderate to high certainty of the evidence,” Doherty said.

The second recommendation in the guidelines is that rapid diagnostic tests like at-home tests can be used to screen someone for HIV when they are starting, continuing or stopping long-acting medication to prevent infection – called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

HIV spreads primarily through unprotected sex or sharing needles. It attacks the body’s immune system, and without treatment, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Globally, about 40 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2023, according to WHO.

Growing concern around HIV funding

PrEP has been used to prevent HIV infections for years. In the United States, this may involve taking pills, such as a daily medication called Truvada, or getting injections, such as every two months of the medication Apretude.

But twice-yearly injections of lenacapavir, or LEN, have become another option in the prevention toolbox – not just for the United States but for the world.

“LEN is a six-monthly injectable option, and it may be particularly attractive for people who prefer fewer clinic visits or have challenges with daily oral PrEP. … It could improve adherence and reach more people who need HIV prevention and can be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women,” Doherty said.

“WHO is providing technical assistance to countries interested in adopting LEN and simplified testing strategies, in coordination with global partners like the Global Fund, UNAIDS and several other partners and donors,” she said. “We call on governments, funders, implementers and civil society to work together for implementing and integrating LEN into the HIV programs. And we believe time to act is now.”

There has been growing concern around funding for global HIV prevention efforts.

International assistance accounts for 80% of prevention programs in low- and middle-income countries, according to the United Nations. But in the past six months, the United States has significantly withdrawn funding for much of its foreign assistance.

The Trump administration has dismantled the US Agency for International Development, or USAID, and reduced funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which acts as the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history.

Gilead Sciences, maker of lenacapavir, announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the nonprofit Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to supply lenacapavir for HIV prevention at no profit to the company. Under this agreement, Gilead’s pricing reflects only the cost of producing and delivering lenacapavir.

“We are providing the medicine at no profit to Gilead, and in enough supply to reach up to two million people in low- and lower-middle-income countries ahead of generic lenacapavir becoming available,” Gilead Chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day said in a news release.

The company added that the cost of lenacapavir under this agreement remains confidential.

In the United States, the only place where lenacapavir has received approval for HIV prevention so far, the drug has an annual list price of $28,218 when used for HIV prevention. The cost is similar to the price of other prevention medicine options, according to Gilead.

Lenacapavir can “fundamentally change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic,” but only if it reaches the people who need it most, Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund, said in the news release.

“Our ambition is to reach 2 million people with long-acting PrEP. But we can only do that if the world steps up with the resources required,” he said. “This is a pivotal moment — not just for the fight against HIV, but for the fundamental principle that lifesaving innovations must reach those who need them most — whoever they are, and wherever they live.”

‘It’s a ticking time bomb’

The United Nations warned in a report released Thursday that millions more people could die from HIV-related causes by 2029 if funding for HIV programs permanently disappears.

Among the 60 low- and middle-income countries included in the report, 25 have indicated increasing their domestic budgets for HIV response efforts next year. But the report noted that may not be sufficient to replace the scale of international funding that these countries have been heavily reliant on.

“We know that PEPFAR had committed $4.3 billion to over 50 countries in 2025, and that support was suddenly ended in January of 2025,” Mary Mahy, director of UNAIDS’s Data for Impact department, said in a news briefing.

“If none of the PEPFAR funding is replaced, we’d expect something like 4 million additional deaths between 2025 and 2029, and another 6 million additional new infections,” she said. “We also know that drug resistance would likely occur with some of those people going off treatment.”

Some countries already have seen effects of the rollback of funding for HIV programs, according to Mahy. In Nigeria, facilities reported that there were about 40,000 people who received PrEP at least once during the later part of last year. That number dropped to fewer than 7,000 in April, according to UNAIDS data.

A similar trend emerged in Kenya, where there has been a decline in the number of women living with HIV who recently gave birth and received medications to reduce their risk of transmitting the virus to their newborns. About 3,000 women already received medications and nearly 900 initiated medications in October 2024, but those numbers fell to only about 300 already receiving and 100 starting medications in April.

“This is not just a funding gap — it’s a ticking time bomb. … We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home. And people — especially children and key populations — are being pushed out of care,” UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said in a news release Thursday.

“There is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity,” Byanyima said. “Countries are stepping up with domestic funding. Communities are showing what works. We now need global solidarity to match their courage and resilience.”

Source: CNN

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• More HIV patients not on treatment – New report reveals
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This bold initiative follows a high-level mission to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 25 to June 6, 2025, where a delegation comprising Ghanaian private sector players and officials from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) studied Malaysia’s acclaimed Kenaf industry.

The mission led to strategic partnerships aimed at replicating Malaysia’s model in Ghana.

Kenaf: Ghana’s Green Gold

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), often dubbed a “miracle crop,” matures in just 3–4 months and has over 31 industrial applications. These range from car interiors and biodegradable packaging to paper, textiles, building materials, animal feed, and edible oils. A single 1,000-hectare Kenaf plantation can generate up to $200 million annually and create 1,500 direct jobs.

“This is more than agriculture—it is the rebirth of an industry that can transform the economic destiny of our region and the nation,” said George Sika, Project Coordinator for the Kenaf initiative.

Malaysia Partnership Yields Major Milestones

The mission team held discussions with top Malaysian institutions, including the Ministry of Commodities and Plantations and the Kenaf Industry Association of Malaysia. Key outcomes included:

• Technical support: Malaysia pledged full assistance to Ghana in building the Kenaf value chain based on its successful 1,000-hectare model.

• Knowledge exchange: A renowned Malaysian researcher, known for pioneering Kenaf use in the automotive and aviation industries, was named “Kenaf Ambassador to Ghana.”

• Trial cultivation: Kenaf seeds were donated for pilot farming in Ghana.

• Formal agreements: An MoU and NDA were signed to solidify collaboration.

• Next steps: A Malaysian technical team will arrive in Ghana in August 2025 to begin trials and seed multiplication.

Volta Region Leads the Charge

The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has already secured more than 5,000 hectares of land across the region for pilot projects and seed trials. A Project Coordinating Unit and a management board are being set up to oversee operations.

Plans are also underway to establish the Volta Kenaf Development Company—a dedicated entity to attract investment and manage the value chain from seed to finished products.

“The land is ready, the structures are forming, and the vision is clear. The Volta Region is not waiting—we are leading,” Sika declared.

Smart Crop Rotation: Kenaf and Rice

To ensure food security is not compromised, Kenaf will be integrated into a smart rotation system with rice. The Volta Region currently contributes 23% of Ghana’s rice output.

“We’re not trading food for foreign exchange—we’re doing both,” said William Dzamefe, Volta Regional Director of Agriculture. “Kenaf is planted right after rice is harvested and removed before the next rice season, ensuring year-round land productivity.”

A National Model for Green Industrial Growth

This initiative is not just regional—it presents a blueprint for national agro-industrial transformation. By focusing on Kenaf, Ghana can reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, expand local processing and manufacturing, and empower rural communities with sustainable incomes.

“We invite investors, innovators, and development partners to join us,” said Sika. “Kenaf is the future—and that future begins in the Volta Region.”

Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie

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But not every betting app is made with Ghanaian punters in mind. Some work well with local networks and support mobile money seamlessly. Others feel slow, confusing, or even risky to use. With more apps launching every year, each claiming to offer the best odds, biggest bonuses, or fastest withdrawals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This article cuts through the noise. Whether you’re a casual weekend bettor or someone who tracks odds daily, this guide is built to help you spot the apps that actually deliver, not just on paper, but in real-world use across Ghana. From app speed and ease of navigation to payment flexibility and licensing, we’ve done the digging so you don’t have to.

Let’s explore the mobile betting apps that truly work for Ghanaian users in 2025 starting with why betting apps matter more than ever in today’s landscape.

Why Betting Apps Matter in Ghana

In Ghana today, if you’re not betting on your phone, you’re already a step behind. Gone are the days when sports betting meant finding the nearest shop, printing out slips, or standing in line to cash out. The modern Ghanaian punter wants something faster, something that works on the go, just like everything else in daily life.

That shift is being driven by two big factors: Android smartphones and mobile money. Affordable devices are now everywhere, and even entry-level phones can run betting apps without much hassle. At the same time, platforms like MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo have made deposits and withdrawals quick, familiar, and secure. You don’t need a bank account, just a phone number and a few cedis.

But it’s not just about convenience. Bettors are getting smarter. They want apps that load quickly, don’t eat up too much data, and are upfront about how bonuses work. Nobody wants to claim a welcome offer only to find out the terms are impossible to meet. That’s why speed, accessibility, and transparency have become deal-breakers for many users, especially those placing small but frequent bets on football.

In short, mobile betting has become the norm, not just for tech-savvy youth in Accra, but for everyday users across the country. And as competition heats up, only the apps that truly serve Ghanaian punters will stand out.

Evaluation Criteria – How These Apps Were Chosen

Choosing the best betting apps isn’t about which platform shouts the loudest or offers the flashiest interface. For most Ghanaian users, it comes down to what works on their phone, with their network, and within their daily routine.

That’s why this list wasn’t pulled from marketing claims or global rankings. It was built by looking at how these apps actually perform under local conditions.

1. App Speed and Performance on Budget Smartphones

Not everyone is walking around with a flagship device. Many bettors use mid-range or entry-level Android phones, and a good app needs to load quickly, scroll smoothly, and handle live odds without freezing. Any app that lags or drains your battery during a live match simply doesn’t make the cut.

2. Legal Status and Licensing

Safety matters. Apps officially licensed by the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG) are given priority, while reputable offshore operators are considered if they’re widely used and have a track record of fair payouts. If an app has a questionable background or poor transparency, it’s excluded, no exceptions.

3. Ease of Use and Data Efficiency

A great app should be easy to navigate, even for someone new to online betting. We looked for clean layouts, readable text, and quick access to football markets. And because data costs still matter, apps that are too heavy or include bloated graphics were scored lower.

4. Support for Local Currency and Mobile Money

If you can’t deposit or withdraw in Ghanaian cedis or use your preferred wallet, what’s the point? Apps that support MTN, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo, and display balances in GHS, scored higher than those that rely only on cards or foreign payment gateways.

5. User Feedback and App Store Ratings

Lastly, we considered real feedback from users in Ghana. Play Store and App Store reviews provided helpful clues about app stability, customer support quality, and common technical issues. If the community flagged consistent problems, we took that seriously.

In short, these apps weren’t just picked, they earned their spots based on how well they serve actual bettors in Ghana.

Top 5 Best Betting Apps in Ghana (July 2025)

With dozens of apps competing for your attention, only a few consistently get it right for Ghanaian punters. These five apps were selected not just for what they promise, but for how well they actually perform in day-to-day betting, especially on mobile.

Here’s a quick look at the top picks for 2025:

• 1xBet Ghana App

Known for its vast sportsbook and international reach, 1xBet offers market depth that few can match, including live streams and unique bet types.

• Betway Ghana App

One of the most trusted local operators, Betway combines a smooth user experience with local licensing, free data options, and strong football coverage.

• 22Bet Ghana App

Popular with accumulator players, 22Bet delivers fast bet settlement, competitive odds, and full mobile money support.

• Betika Ghana App

Focused on local punters, Betika brings a simple interface, daily jackpots, and full USSD betting for those with basic smartphones.

• Melbet Ghana App

Blending sports betting with casino options, Melbet offers a well-rounded mobile experience and fast withdrawals even without a GCG license.

Each of these apps will be covered in detail in the sections below, so you can decide which one best suits your style, budget, and betting goals.

1xBet Ghana App

If you’re the type of bettor who likes options and lots of them, 1xBet will feel like a playground. From top-tier leagues like the Premier League and Champions League to niche markets like eSports and futsal, this app leaves very little out. It’s one of the few platforms where you can bet on nearly anything, often with multiple bet types per event.

Live streaming is another area where 1xBet sets itself apart. Whether you’re tracking a tennis match in real time or watching a lesser-known league, the in-app streams add real value, especially for in-play bettors who want to react quickly.

The app also stands out for its modern features. It supports cryptocurrency transactions, offers bet editing tools, and lets you create accumulator combos with custom odds boosts. For more experienced punters or those familiar with international betting platforms, 1xBet offers both depth and flexibility.

That said, Android users won’t find it in the Play Store. To install the app, you’ll need to download the APK directly from their website and manually allow third-party installations – a small hurdle, but one worth noting. iPhone users can install the app from the App Store without issue.

In short, 1xBet is built for serious bettors who want global reach, high-volume markets, and the ability to stay one step ahead with features like live stats, streaming, and multi-bet flexibility.

Betway Ghana App

For many punters in Ghana, Betway is the app that started it all. It’s one of the few platforms that feels truly local, not just in terms of branding, but in how it actually works on the ground. The app is smooth, easy to navigate, and doesn’t overwhelm you with too much at once. Even first-time users can find their way around within minutes.

What sets Betway apart is its commitment to accessibility. Not everyone in Ghana has constant internet access, and Betway knows this. That’s why it offers SMS and USSD betting, letting users place wagers even without mobile data. It’s a smart move that keeps the platform inclusive, especially for those betting from basic devices or rural areas.

The app is also licensed by the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG), which adds a layer of trust and accountability. Deposits and withdrawals through MTN, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo are quick and reliable, with no unexpected delays.

On the downside, Betway’s casino section is limited compared to others on this list. If slots or table games are part of your routine, this might not be the ideal all-in-one app. But for football fans, especially those focused on major leagues, boosted odds, and weekly promos, Betway delivers consistently.

It’s a strong pick for beginners, casual punters, or anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss app that just works.

22Bet Ghana App

If you’re the kind of bettor who loves stacking multi-bets and chasing boosted returns, 22Bet is worth a serious look. The app is built with accumulators in mind, from how the odds are displayed to how quickly your slips are settled. It’s fast, responsive, and does a good job of keeping pace with in-play markets.

One of the standout features is how quickly bets are settled, especially on popular events. Whether you’re betting on a Premier League game or a tennis match in the early hours, winnings typically reflect in your account without frustrating delays, a detail that matters when you’re looking to roll over or cash out on the fly.

The app supports all major mobile money services in Ghana, including MTN, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo, and it keeps things simple with balances displayed in Ghanaian cedis. Registration is straightforward, and bonuses are fairly structured, particularly for new users making their first deposit.

The only downside is the interface. Compared to Betway or Betika, 22Bet can feel a bit busier with more markets, promos, and icons competing for your attention. It’s not hard to use once you get the hang of it, but it does take a bit more focus.

Still, for users who prioritize value in their odds, like mixing leagues in a single slip, or want flexibility in both sports and live events, 22Bet delivers quietly but effectively. It’s not flashy, but it does the job, and often better than you’d expect.

Betika Ghana App

Betika may not have the global footprint of some of its competitors, but on home soil, it knows exactly who it’s speaking to, and that’s part of its appeal. From the yellow-blue branding to the Swahili-inspired name, Betika feels like a platform built with local punters in mind.

One of its biggest draws is the daily jackpot, which has become a favorite among bettors who prefer small stakes with big potential returns. For as little as GHS 1, users can join thousands of others in chasing a shared prize pot – a fun, low-pressure way to stay engaged even during midweek fixtures.

Where Betika really shines, though, is accessibility. Thanks to full USSD compatibility, you can place bets without using mobile data. That’s a huge advantage in areas where internet access is patchy or expensive. And even on the app itself, load times are snappy, and the design is clean and intuitive, with no unnecessary clutter.

That said, it’s not the best option if you’re after obscure leagues or niche sports. International coverage is more limited compared to the likes of 1xBet or Melbet. But for local football, major European leagues, and jackpot-focused punters, Betika keeps things straightforward and budget-friendly.

It’s the kind of app that doesn’t try to do everything, but what it does, it does well.

Melbet Ghana App

Melbet sits somewhere between a sportsbook and a casino lounge and that’s exactly what makes it appealing to a certain type of bettor. If you like switching between your football slips and a quick spin on virtual slots, Melbet is one of the few apps that handles both worlds without feeling clunky.

The app’s layout is modern and responsive. Switching between live bets, casino games, and virtual sports happens without lag, and the menus are clearly labeled, even for users on smaller screens. It’s built to work well on Android and iOS, and doesn’t demand too much data to function smoothly – a practical win for many Ghanaian users.

When it comes to cashing out, withdrawals are typically fast, especially through mobile money channels like MTN and Vodafone. In most cases, users can expect their funds within minutes after confirming a withdrawal – a reliability factor that keeps Melbet in the good books of many regular punters.

The main thing to note is that Melbet isn’t licensed by the Gaming Commission of Ghana. It operates under an international license, which makes it technically legal to use, but not officially local. While the platform has built a solid reputation in Ghana and across Africa, users should always exercise a bit of extra caution when dealing with offshore brands.

For bettors who enjoy both sports and casino play, and who are comfortable using apps outside the GCG system, Melbet offers a smooth, flexible experience that ticks most of the right boxes.

Best Betting Apps in Ghana by Category

Not every betting app is built for the same kind of user. Some are great for live football odds, others for casino games or minimal data consumption. If you already know what matters most to you, whether that’s fast withdrawals, accumulator flexibility, or simple SMS betting, here’s a quick breakdown of the top performers by category.

For Football Betting – Betway or Betika

Both Betway and Betika have carved out a loyal following among football fans in Ghana. Betway offers wide coverage of major leagues with consistent odds boosts, while Betika keeps things local with weekly jackpot games and USSD access for matchday wagers.

For Best Odds – 22Bet and Melbet

If you’re hunting for slightly higher returns, especially on multi-bets, 22Bet and Melbet tend to offer better-than-average odds across key events. They’re particularly strong in European football, tennis, and less mainstream sports.

For Lowest Data Use – Betika and 1xBet Lite

Data costs are still a real concern for many punters. Betika’s clean interface and offline USSD option keep things light, while 1xBet Lite offers a stripped-down version of their main app that still covers all the essentials.

For Casino Access – Melbet and 1xBet

For those who like to mix in some virtual slots or table games between matches, Melbet and 1xBet are the most casino-friendly apps on this list. Both offer smooth gameplay, regular bonuses, and a wide selection of titles.

For a full comparison of data usage, payouts, and app speed, see this detailed breakdown of the best betting apps in Ghana for 2025.

How to Download and Install Betting Apps in Ghana

Getting started with a betting app is usually straightforward, but depending on your device and the bookmaker you choose, the process can vary slightly. Here’s what you need to know before hitting that download button.

For Android Users

Most betting apps aren’t listed on the Google Play Store due to gambling restrictions. Instead, operators like 1xBet, Melbet, and Betika provide a direct APK download link on their official websites.

To install:

1. Visit the bookmaker’s official site using your browser.
2. Look for the “Download App” or “Android App” section.
3. Tap the download button to get the APK file.
4. Before installing, go to your phone’s settings and enable “Install from Unknown Sources.”
5. Open the downloaded file and complete the installation.

Once installed, the app works just like any other, no need to repeat the steps.

For iOS Users

Apple users have it easier. Most betting apps that serve the Ghanaian market, including Betway and 22Bet, are available directly from the App Store. Just search for the bookmaker’s name, tap download, and you’re good to go.

A Word of Caution

Always download apps from official sources. Avoid using links shared via WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, or pop-up ads, these are often unsafe or cloned versions that can compromise your data or steal your funds. A legitimate app will always be linked clearly on the bookmaker’s own website.

Legal Betting Apps – What to Know

Before downloading any betting app, it’s important to know whether the platform you’re using is actually legal in Ghana. While many apps operate here, not all of them are registered with the country’s official gambling authority, and that can make a real difference in terms of trust and accountability.

The Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG) is the body responsible for regulating sports betting and online gaming within the country. Apps that are GCG-licensed are required to meet strict standards for fairness, responsible gambling, data protection, and payment processing. These platforms are also easier to hold accountable in case of disputes or delayed payouts.

From the apps featured in this guide, Betway Ghana and Betika are fully licensed by the GCG. They are authorized to offer sports betting services within Ghana’s legal framework, and their licenses are verifiable through the Commission’s official registry.

Other apps like 1xBet, 22Bet, and Melbet operate under international licenses from jurisdictions such as Curacao or Cyprus. These apps are still accessible in Ghana and widely used, but they are not officially regulated by local authorities. That doesn’t necessarily make them unsafe, but it does mean users should be a bit more cautious, especially when it comes to bonus terms, complaint resolution, or sudden changes in service.

As a rule of thumb:

• Always confirm an app’s licensing status before registering.
• Stick to platforms that publish their licensing info openly.
• Avoid any app that seems shady, lacks transparency, or promotes itself only through social media groups.

Choosing a legally recognized platform adds an extra layer of peace of mind, especially when your money is on the line.

Final Thoughts – Which App Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the best betting app comes down to your personal style and what you want out of your betting experience.

If you’re looking for something local, familiar, and straightforward, Betika is a solid pick. It’s built for Ghanaian punters, supports USSD, and offers affordable jackpot options that appeal to casual bettors.

Prefer an app that’s smooth, intuitive, and backed by a local license? Betway checks all the boxes. It’s easy to use, quick to load, and ideal for anyone who bets primarily on football.

For those who want more variety from international sports to casino games, both 1xBet and Melbet offer that wider scope. They may not be licensed locally, but they’ve gained traction for good reason: market depth, unique features, and fast transactions.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, new bettor or seasoned tipster, there’s something here that can suit your needs. But if you’re also curious about desktop platforms, broader betting features, or sites tailored for high rollers, it’s worth expanding your view.

For a wider range of platforms beyond mobile apps, see this guide to the best betting sites in Ghana.

FAQs – What Punters Are Asking

Which betting app is easiest for beginners?

If you’re new to online betting, Betway Ghana is one of the most beginner-friendly apps out there. The layout is clean, odds are easy to understand, and registration takes just a few minutes. It also offers tutorials and customer support that respond quickly, a big plus if you’re learning the ropes.

Are all betting apps legal in Ghana?

No, and that’s important to understand. Only apps licensed by the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG) are officially approved to operate in the country. Apps like Betway and Betika are licensed locally, while others like 1xBet, 22Bet, and Melbet run under offshore licenses. These international apps are still widely used, but they’re not governed by Ghanaian law.

Can I bet using MTN or Vodafone Cash?

Yes, absolutely. All the top apps in this guide support mobile money payments, including MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Money. You can deposit, withdraw, and even receive bonus payouts straight to your wallet, no bank account needed.

Do betting apps offer live streaming?

Some do, and it’s a feature worth looking for if you enjoy live betting. 1xBet and Melbet both offer live streams for select matches and sports events directly within the app. This makes it easier to place in-play bets without switching between apps or missing key moments.

Addressing the media, Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, affirmed the party’s readiness and commitment to ensuring a peaceful, well-coordinated conference.

Access and Security

Delegates and officials will only be granted access upon presentation of valid accreditation. Security personnel have been instructed to remove any unauthorised individuals found on the grounds. Delegates are expected to remain within their designated zones to avoid disruptions, which will be handled firmly by security operatives.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety Committee will enforce COVID-19 protocols. Ten medical stands—three outside and seven inside the stadium—will be manned by 50 volunteer medical personnel. An emergency medical team from the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) will be on standby, supported by the National Ambulance Service.

Accommodation, transportation, and feeding arrangements for delegates have also been finalised. Regional party executives will receive a detailed briefing on Monday, 14th July.

Enhanced Security Measures

The party’s internal security team, in collaboration with national security agencies, will ensure law and order. Security personnel will be deployed to hostels, kitchens, and rest areas, while the stadium’s inner perimeter will be restricted to authorised individuals. Each of the 16 regions will be assigned a dedicated gate to streamline access and enhance screening.

Any misconduct or security breach will attract swift legal action. Non-delegates are advised to follow proceedings remotely, as no special access will be granted without a formal invitation.

Ban on Campaign Materials

A total ban on campaign-related materials—including posters, flyers, T-shirts, and banners—will be enforced across Accra and the conference venue. Compliance teams will remove and destroy any such items. No campaign activity will be allowed before, during, or after the event.

Media Accreditation and Coverage

Media accreditation will be processed via a Google Form, with badges available from midday on Friday, 18th July. A designated media village will support press coverage, offering clean audio and video feeds with commentary in English and Twi.

Satellite uplinks will be provided for media houses outside Accra. All media setups must be completed 12 hours before the conference begins. A dedicated support desk will be available to assist media personnel.

The NPP has called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure a successful and incident-free conference.

Source: MyJoyOnline

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The programme, which begins in the first week of July 2025, is being rolled out across four regions: Greater Accra, Eastern Region, Central Region, and Volta Region. It offers a rare full-circle opportunity for participants to be trained, resourced, and integrated into a functioning agro-supply chain within just three months.

A Full Agricultural Empowerment Ecosystem

Unlike conventional training models that end in the classroom, the Maphlix model offers a complete empowerment package, structured to ensure that participants walk out of the programme not only skilled but economically active and agriculturally productive.

Participants will receive:

Comprehensive technical and agribusiness training

Feeding throughout the duration of the course

Support to access farmland through a collaborative arrangement with the Government of Ghana

Linkages to selected banks for account setup, tailored financial products, and possible microloans

A guaranteed market, as Maphlix commits to buying produce from trained youth to integrate into its supply chain

“This is not just a training programme; it is a pathway to ownership, empowerment, and economic freedom,” said Dr Felix Kamasah Mawuli “We’re creating a complete ecosystem where young people are trained, supported with land and capital, and provided a reliable off-taker for their harvests. It’s an investment in the future of Ghana’s food security and rural economy.”

🎓 Courses Designed for the Future of Farming

Participants will be trained in practical, high-demand areas, including:

Export Readiness & Standards Compliance – equipping participants to meet international trade requirements

Irrigation & Water Management for Smallholders – essential for year-round productivity

Farm Record-Keeping & Financial Literacy – helping farmers become business-minded

Greenhouse Farming & Controlled Environment Agriculture – promoting climate-smart innovations

Post-Harvest Management & Value Addition – reducing losses and improving market value

Investment Readiness for Start-Ups – preparing farmers for funding and growth

IT & Communication Skills – enhancing digital literacy and agricultural marketing

These carefully curated modules bridge the gap between traditional farming knowledge and modern agribusiness practices, empowering participants to thrive in both local and global markets.

Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie

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Speaking at a press briefing at the NPP headquarters in Accra on July 10, Mr. Osei-Owusu assured that all logistical and security arrangements are in place to ensure a seamless and incident-free gathering.

He addressed concerns over a recent COVID-19 case at the University of Ghana, stating that the party’s Health Committee has instituted comprehensive safety measures to protect participants.

“This is strictly a National Delegates’ Conference. Only accredited delegates will be allowed into the main conference area,” he cautioned.

The primary agenda for the conference will be the consideration of proposed amendments to the NPP’s constitution.

A 300-page report from the Constitutional Review Committee and a 64-page summary have been circulated to all regional and constituency branches. Delegates are urged to study the documents ahead of the conference.

Mr. Osei-Owusu also warned that campaign activities for presidential hopefuls will not be tolerated.

“No posters, banners, T-shirts, or other campaign materials will be allowed into the stadium,” he said.

On media coverage, he revealed plans for a designated media enclave with adequate facilities and a common broadcast feed to ensure consistent reporting.

“We are fully prepared to hold a peaceful, disciplined, and impactful conference that strengthens the internal democracy of the NPP,” Mr. Osei-Owusu assured.

Source: AdomOnline

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Last week, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after an eight-week trial. He faces up to ten years in prison on each count, though legal analysts predict he will get much less.

He was acquitted of the more serious charges of which he was accused – racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

After the verdict was announced last Wednesday, Judge Arun Subramanian had proposed scheduling the sentencing hearing for October 3, but was told by Combs’ lawyers that they’d hoped to expedite the process.

Ahead of a remote hearing on Tuesday, attorneys for Combs first proposed a date of September 22 for the sentencing hearing, but they later revised their proposal to October 3 in a subsequent letter to the judge shortly after.

The first letter said the defense proposal was subject to consent from the probation office. The second letter, which essentially backed off their push to expedite his sentencing, shifted the sentencing hearing back to its original date and said the probation office did not object to that schedule.

The attorneys and Combs dialed into the remote hearing, but it lasted less than a minute after Subramanian’s deputy told the attorneys on the call that the judge would get back to them about their proposed date.

The music mogul has been in custody at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest last September. During a bail hearing that followed the verdict last Wednesday, Combs’ lawyers requested he be released on bail, arguing that he was not convicted of any violent offenses.

The judge denied the request to release Combs on bail, telling Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo that in his closing arguments he “full-throatedly … told the jury that there was violence here. And domestic violence is violence. And you said this is a case that did involve violence.”

Combs received a standing ovation when he returned to the Metropolitan Detention Center after the verdict in his federal criminal trial last week, according to his spokesperson.

Prosecutors had accused Combs of leading a criminal enterprise in which he allegedly used threats, violence, forced labor, bribery and other crimes to coerce his former girlfriends Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified under a pseudonym Jane to engage in drug-fueled sex performances with male escorts called “Freak Offs” or “hotel nights.”

Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyers argued the so-called “Freak Offs” were consensual given his long-term relationships with both Ventura and Jane.

Combs also faces dozens of civil lawsuits, for which he has denied all wrongdoing.

Appearing before Parliament on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed that over 300 new Trading Standards Inspectors have been deployed to strengthen field enforcement and safeguard public safety.

The move forms part of a broader consumer protection and industrial quality assurance strategy spearheaded by the Ministry in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

“In April 2025 alone, 82 cement samples were collected from factories and markets across the country for laboratory testing,” Madam Ofosu-Adjare stated.

“Further surveillance between May 6 and 15 employed advanced techniques such as x-ray fluorescence to verify chemical composition and ensure compliance with safety standards.”

She warned that any company found producing or distributing substandard cement would face immediate shutdown and sanctions in accordance with national standards enforcement regulations.

The intensified quality control efforts come amid growing public concern over the proliferation of low-grade building materials, which industry experts say pose significant risks to infrastructure integrity and public safety.

The Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to raising quality benchmarks across the manufacturing and industrial landscape.

“This is not just about cement. It’s about building confidence in our domestic products and ensuring consumers get value and safety in what they purchase,” she added.

The crackdown on substandard cement is part of a broader reform agenda announced by the Ministry. This includes the implementation of a National Agribusiness Policy, targeted support for agro-processing factories under the Feed the Industry and ENABLE Youth programmes, and the establishment of Special Economic Zones to boost private sector competitiveness.

Addressing Parliament, Madam Ofosu-Adjare also highlighted the government’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to develop incentive packages for industries under a revitalized One District One Factory framework.

As Ghana pursues industrial transformation and export-led growth, the enforcement of product quality standards is expected to play a critical role in ensuring competitiveness, consumer protection, and investor confidence.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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• ECG deploys emergency teams to stabilise power supply in Obuasi
• Two employees arrested for plotting company robbery

This forms part of a coordinated response to recent power supply disruptions affecting Obuasi and its surrounding communities.

The move follows an emergency technical meeting convened between ECG’s Ashanti Sub-Transmission and Ashanti South Regional teams.

The high-level meeting, held on July 7, came after a broader sector-wide engagement involving the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, top executives of GRIDCo, ECG, and AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), along with their respective technical directors and managers.

It was aimed at implementing short-term stabilisation measures while pursuing a lasting solution to restore full reliability to the power supply in the area.

At the heart of the discussions were updates on system configurations already undertaken to mitigate the impact of the challenges, as well as contingency strategies ahead of the commissioning of GRIDCo’s 50/66MVA power transformer—a critical infrastructure project expected to provide long-term relief to Obuasi’s power situation.

As part of the immediate response plan, ECG’s emergency teams have been mandated to swiftly address any system interruptions to ensure minimal disruption to residents and businesses.

Work is also progressing on the construction of an upgraded overhead line (OHL) to receive a new 33 kV power feed from GRIDCo to ECG’s Obuasi substation, further boosting supply reliability in the interim.

Speaking at the meeting, Ing. Daniel Mensah Asare, General Manager of ECG Ashanti South, pledged his region’s full support to the emergency teams on the ground.

“Obuasi is too important to be left in the dark. We are fully committed to providing the resources, manpower, and technical guidance needed to keep the power on for every home, business, and institution,” he assured.

This latest intervention demonstrates ECG’s resolve not only to fix technical issues but also to remain proactive and customer-centred in addressing supply challenges in critical urban and mining zones like Obuasi.

Source: Ohemeng Tawiah

Mark Badu-Aboagye stated bluntly that “no one buys products just because it’s from a 24-hour economy.”

Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews, the Chamber boss stressed that without tackling the structural barriers facing Ghanaian businesses, the 24-Hour Economy model may not deliver the transformation it promises.

“Launching a 24-hour economy will not change the harsh business environment that we are facing now,” he said. “The first point for me is to look at how we can improve the business — talking about a harsh business environment.”

Host Kofi Agyei referenced recent macroeconomic improvements such as over 30% appreciation of the cedi, inflation falling to 13.7%, increasing reserves, and renewed business confidence.

But Mr. Badu-Aboagye was not impressed.

“It is a good start, but it’s not enough,” he insisted. “Having inflation down to 13.7% is a necessary condition, but not sufficient to change the structure of the economy.”

He emphasized the need for these macroeconomic gains to translate into tangible benefits for producers.

“We want to see how lower inflation will reduce the cost of credit. We want to see how it will reduce the cost of utility — electricity and water. These are key components when it comes to manufacturing.”

He lamented the high cost of utilities and borrowing in Ghana, which he says undermine the competitiveness of local manufacturers.

“In Ghana, the cost per kilowatt hour per manufacturing company, ranging from 12 to 15 cents, is among the highest. In other countries, it’s less than five cents,” he noted.

“If you have a policy rate of 28%, of course your interest rate will be around 30% and over. No company would want to manufacture and export under these conditions.”

Mr. Badu-Aboagye also questioned the practical focus of the 24-Hour Economy if it is aimed largely at serving the domestic market.

“If it’s for local consumption, then we don’t need a 24-Hour Economy, because we can produce much to feed ourselves,” he explained. “We want to export. That is why accelerated export is a component of the 24-hour economy.”

But, he added, the global market won’t accept uncompetitive products simply because they are made in Ghana.

“When you send your product abroad, people will not buy it because it’s coming from Ghana, because you have launched a 24-hour economy, hm?” he asked. “They will buy your product because one, it’s competitive; two, it’s of high quality.”

With African producers now competing under the AfCFTA, he warned that Ghana must act decisively to reduce production costs.

“You produce and you send it there, and you won’t get people to buy because it’s very expensive.”

He concluded with a call for a stronger link between macroeconomic stability and real benefits for businesses.

“Let’s look at how the improvements we are seeing now — the lower inflation and the cedi appreciation — will impact on the policy rate.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

According to him, the target is to farm 8,000 acres of land by the end of 20205 across the 16 regions.

During a tour of their farm at Abotantre in the Sekyere Afram Plains District, Mr. Donkor stated that they have 20,000 acres of land, which is the biggest farm under their project in Ghana.

They have already farmed 1,000 acres of maize on the land, using scientific farming methods, rather than traditional practices.

The Deputy Operations Manager said the initiative aims to educate and train national service personnel in agriculture, reduce unemployment, and support willing farmers with land and equipment. Additionally, they plan to establish a poultry feed factory and construct a 100,000-capacity poultry house for rearing broilers.

Fuseini Donkor emphasized that the National Service Authority is poised to be a leading agency for the government’s “Feed Ghana” project.

He added that service personnel posted to project sites will not only receive their allowances but also benefit from the profits of farm produce sales as a form of motivation.

The visit was attended by the Ashanti Regional NSA Director, Emmanuel Reagan Fynn, the Sekyere Afram Plains DCE, Joseph Owusu, and some service personnel.

Mark Badu-Aboagye, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, July 7, argued that producing more means nothing if local products cannot compete in the global market.

“Launching a 24-hour economy will not change the harsh business environment that we are facing now,” he said, calling for a hard look at structural barriers confronting Ghanaian manufacturers.

When host Kofi Agyei pointed to recent macroeconomic improvements such as the cedi’s appreciation, a drop in inflation to 13.7%, improved business confidence, and growing international reserves, Badu-Aboagye was firm in his response.

“It is a good start, but it’s not enough,” he said. “Having inflation down to 13.7% is a necessary condition, but not sufficient to change the structure of the economy.”

He stressed that Ghana needs to see how lower inflation translates into real benefits for producers.

“We want to see how lower inflation will reduce the cost of credit. We want to see how lower inflation will reduce the cost of utilities—electricity and water. These are key components when it comes to manufacturing.”

Mr. Badu-Aboagye revealed that the current electricity tariffs for manufacturers in Ghana are among the highest on the continent.

“In Ghana, the cost per kilowatt hour per manufacturing company, ranging from 12 to 15 cents, is among the highest. In [other countries], it is less than five cents.”

He warned that with a monetary policy rate at 28%, which translates into commercial interest rates above 30%, Ghanaian exporters are already priced out of competitive markets.

“No company would want to manufacture and export under these conditions.”

For Mr. Badu-Aboagye, the 24-Hour Economy must not be reduced to a slogan for self-sufficiency.

“If it’s for local consumption, then we don’t need a 24-Hour Economy, because we can produce enough to feed ourselves. We want to export. That is why accelerated export is a component of the 24-hour economy.”

But exporting, he stressed, will depend on cost and quality—not patriotic labels.

“When you send your product abroad, people will not buy it because it’s coming from Ghana, or because you have launched a 24-hour economy, hm? They will buy your product because, one, it is competitive, and two, it is of high quality.”

He urged policymakers to understand that Ghana’s products are competing with cheaper and equally high-quality goods from places like North Africa.

“So you produce and you send it there, and you won’t get people to buy because it’s very expensive.”

Mr. Badu-Aboagye concluded by calling for a sharper focus on how the gains in inflation and currency strength can impact the policy rate.

“Let’s look at how the improvements we are seeing now—the lower inflation and the cedi appreciation—will impact the policy rate.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, July 7, following the formal rollout of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagship policy by President John Mahama, Badu-Aboagye did not mince words.

“Launching a 24-hour economy will not change the harsh business environment that we are facing now,” he stated bluntly.

“The first point for me is to look at how we can improve the business environment… talking about the harsh business environment,” he stressed.

Responding to questions from host Kofi Agyei, who referenced recent gains in inflation, exchange rate stability, and improved business confidence, the GNCCI boss said those indicators alone were not enough to sustain the policy.

“This is a safe space for us to possibly start accepting a 24-hour economy. It is a good start, but it’s not enough. Having inflation down to 13.7% is a necessary condition, but not sufficient to change the structure of the economy.”

He explained that the relevance of improved macroeconomic indicators must be tested by their impact on real business costs.

“We want to see how the lower inflation will reduce the cost of credit. We want to see how the lower inflation will reduce the cost of utilities—electricity and water. These are key components when it comes to manufacturing.”

Mr. Badu-Aboagye pointed out that high energy costs remain a major hurdle for local production.

“In Ghana, the cost per kilowatt hour for manufacturing companies ranges from 12 to 15 cents—among the highest. For our competitors, it is less than five cents.

“If you really want to manufacture more, we need to bring down the cost of utilities and the cost of credit,” he added.

All times CAT.

—Football—

The FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) will draw to a close this week, starting with semifinal clashes pitting Fluminense against Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid on Tuesday and Wednesday evening respectively, before the two winners meet in the grand final, set for the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night.

Chelsea’s brand new striker, Joao Pedro (who was signed just last week and immediately jetted out to the United States to join the Blues’ squad), is looking forward to facing Fluminense – the club he came through the ranks in to establish himself as a professional player.

“I have some friends from Rio who have already sent me messages. Congratulating me, but letting me know that in the next round there will be Fluminense,” explained the 23-year-old Brazilian attacker. “I will meet several players who worked with me in the youth team, others that I met in England. And may the best player win!”

SuperSport’s pre-match analysis, range of camera angles, post-match banter, talk shows, and world-class commentary means you will squeeze every drop of enjoyment out of your viewing from the CWC.

SuperSport is also Here for Her, pushing forward the development and promotion of Women’s sports. And this week sees both the UEFA Women’s European Championship (Euros) and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continue with group stage matches.

Defending WAFCON champions South Africa are determined to enjoy back-to-back success, according to captain Refiloe Jane: “I don’t think it’s going to be different – the objective is still the same. We have to go out there and defend the title.

“Whether it’s different players, old or new, the motivation is still the same. It’s very difficult to win it, but it’s even more difficult to retain, and that’s the mission of this team.”

FIFA Club World Cup – Semifinals

Tuesday 8 July

21:00: Chelsea v Fluminense – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

Wednesday 9 July

21:00: Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

FIFA Club World Cup – Final

Sunday 13 July

21:00: Final – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

UEFA Women’s European Championship – Matchday 2

Tuesday 8 July

18:00: Germany v Denmark – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Poland v Sweden – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

Wednesday 9 July

18:00: England v Netherlands – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: France v Wales – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

UEFA Women’s European Championship – Matchday 3

Thursday 10 July

21:00: Finland v Switzerland – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Norway v Iceland – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Friday 11 July

21:00: Portugal v Belgium – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Africa 2, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Italy v Spain – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 2

Saturday 12 July

21:00: Poland v Denmark – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

21:00: Sweden v Germany – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

Sunday 13 July

21:00: England v Wales – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:00: Netherlands v France – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 3

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Matchday 2

Wednesday 9 July

18:00: Zambia v Senegal – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: DR Congo v Morocco – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Thursday 10 July

18:00: Tunisia v Algeria – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Botswana v Nigeria – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

Friday 11 July

18:00: Ghana v Mali – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Tanzania v South Africa – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Matchday 3

Saturday 12 July

21:00: Zambia v DR Congo – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Morocco v Senegal – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Sunday 13 July

21:00: Nigeria v Algeria – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Tunisia v Botswana – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

Monday 14 July

21:00: South Africa v Mali – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:00: Ghana v Tanzania – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 2

—Golf—

Golf fans are in for a thrilling week from July 10-13, with four important tournaments teeing off across the globe. The LPGA Tour heads to France for the Amundi Evian Championship, one of the tour’s five majors. Expect elite competition as top-ranked players like Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko contend for major glory on the stunning lakeside course in Évian-les-Bains.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Genesis Scottish Open serves as a crucial warm-up for The Open Championship, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. The Renaissance Club will test players’ links skills, with big names like Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland likely in the field.

In Kentucky, the PGA Tour hosts the ISCO Championship at Keene Trace Golf Club. Often a proving ground for rising stars and journeymen, it’s a prime opportunity for players outside the top tier to make a statement and secure vital FedExCup points.

Rounding out the weekend, LIV Golf lands in southern Spain for LIV Golf Andalucia at Real Club Valderrama. With team and individual titles on the line, expect drama as the likes of Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Cameron Smith battle it out in LIV’s fast-paced format.

LPGA – Amundi Evian Championship

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

DP World Tour – Genesis Scottish Open

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July, 14:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

PGA Tour – ISCO Championship

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July, 22:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

LIV Golf Andalucia

Friday 11 to Sunday 13 July, 14:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

—Rugby—

A packed week of international rugby awaits fans, headlined by the British & Irish Lions Tour and blockbuster Test matchups. On Wednesday, July 9, the Lions face the Brumbies in Canberra – an early tour test against Australia’s top provincial side. Expect fierce breakdown battles as the Lions continue to build cohesion ahead of the main Test series.

Saturday, July 12 brings a feast of action. In a highly anticipated clash, New Zealand host France in a clash of traditional powerhouses. The All Blacks, under new leadership, face a confident French side eyeing a rare win on Kiwi soil. Expect fireworks and flair in what could be a series-defining opener.

The Lions return to action later that day against the Australia Invitational XV, a composite side that promises to test the tourists’ depth and resolve. It’s a key opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s men take on Italy, with the Springboks aiming to assert dominance and nail down tactical issues ahead of tougher challenges to come.

In women’s rugby, South Africa host Canada, a fast-improving side. With both teams building toward future World Cups, this promises to be a physical and competitive contest. Altogether, it’s a massive week on the international stage.

British & Irish Lions Tour – Brumbies v The Lions

Wednesday 9 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Test Rugby – New Zealand v France

Saturday 12 July, 09:05 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

British & Irish Lions Tour – Australia Invitational XV v The Lions

Saturday 12 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Women’s Test Rugby – South Africa v Canada

Saturday 12 July, 13:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Test Rugby – South Africa v Italy

Saturday 12 July, 17:10 – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

—Cricket—

A thrilling week of international cricket lies ahead. England and India face off in both the men’s and women’s formats, with the 4th and 5th Women’s T20s set for July 9 and 12. England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, will look to continue their dominance, while India, with stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, aim to bounce back. Meanwhile, the men’s 3rd Test begins July 10 at Lord’s – a pivotal encounter in a hard-fought five-match series.

In the Caribbean, West Indies host Australia in the 2nd Test starting July 12 at Sabina Park. With the day–night pink-ball format and key World Test Championship points at stake, both teams will be eager to seize the advantage. Australia’s younger players, like Josh Inglis, will look to impress against a motivated home side.

Finally, a T20 Triangular Series kicks off July 14, with Zimbabwe taking on South Africa in Harare – short-format excitement is guaranteed!

England v India, 4th Women’s T20

Wednesday 9 July, 19:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

England v India, 3rd Test

Thursday 10 July – Monday 14 July, 12:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Cricket

West Indies v Australia, 2nd Test

Saturday 12 July – Wednesday 16 July, 17:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Cricket

England v India, 5th Women’s T20

Wednesday 9 July, 19:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

T20 Triangular Series: Zimbabwe v South Africa

Monday 14 July, 13:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

—Motorsport—

Major events across MotoGP, Formula E, and NASCAR ensure motorsport fans are in for a high-octane weekend. The MotoGP Grand Prix of Germany at Sachsenring features Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s main race on one of the calendar’s tightest, most technical circuits. Marc Márquez will look to continue his impressive dominance on the factory Ducati, as he chases a seventh premier-class Riders’ Championship title.

In Berlin, Formula E stages its Rounds 13 and 14 with back-to-back races at Tempelhof Airport. Known for its wide surface and high-degradation surface, Berlin often delivers unpredictable, strategy-heavy action. With just a few rounds left in the season, every point matters as drivers fight for pole and podium in the ultra-competitive Gen3 era.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. This technical 1.99-mile road course offers a different challenge from NASCAR’s usual ovals, with multiple elevation changes and tight corners. Martin Truex Jr., a three-time winner at Sonoma, leads a field of road-course aces including Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick.

From two wheels to electric power to stock cars, it’s a motorsport weekend packed with drama!

MotoGP – Grand Prix of Germany

Saturday 12 July

10:50: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport, SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

15:00: Sprint Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport, SuperSport Events and SuperSport Maximo 1

Sunday 13 July

14:00: Grand Prix – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport, SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

Formula E – Round 13 & 14, Berlin

Saturday 12 July

11:00: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Action

16:00: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

Sunday 13 July

11:00: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

16:00: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

NASCAR Cup – Toyota/Save Mart 350

Sunday 13 July, 21:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Action

—Variety—

A huge week of global sport awaits from July 8–14, featuring tennis, cycling, and athletics at the highest level. Wimbledon 2025 enters its final stretch, with quarterfinals kicking off Tuesday and the women’s and men’s singles finals set for Saturday and Sunday respectively – both starting at 5pm CAT.

Meanwhile, the Tour de France continues with Stages 4 to 10. Highlights include a key individual time trial in Caen (Stage 5), a Bastille Day showdown (Stage 10) ending at Puy de Sancy with over 4,400m of climbing, and several sprint and breakaway-friendly stages through Normandy and Brittany. The race is heating up for both general classification contenders and stage hunters.

On Friday 11 July, the Monaco Diamond League adds an electric night of athletics. African stars are set to shine: Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon may headline the 1500m, while Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay could return in the 5000m. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala (100m) also promise fireworks under Monte Carlo’s lights.

Tennis: Wimbledon Championships

Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 July

12:00: Singles  – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

12:00: Second Feed  – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Thursday 10 July

17:00: Mixed Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Saturday 12 July

13:00:Men’s Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

17:00: Women’s Singles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Sunday 13 July

13:00: Women’s Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

17:00: Men’s Singles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Cycling: Tour de France

Tuesday 8 July

13:05: Stage 4 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Wednesday 9 July

13:00: Stage 5 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Thursday 10 July

12:25: Stage 6 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Friday 11 July

12:00: Stage 7 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Saturday 12 July

13:00: Stage 8 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Sunday 13 July

13:00: Stage 9 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Monday 14 July

13:00: Stage 10 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Athletics: Diamond League – Herculis EBS, Monaco

Friday 11 July, 20:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Africa

Most simply want a short visit — a chance to breathe new air and broaden their worldview. But for many, those dreams dissolve into rejection slips and silence.

What’s left behind is not just disappointment, but debt, despair, and a bitter realisation: someone is cashing out of their failure.

The Price of Hope

Let’s talk numbers. As of 2024–2025, a UK Standard Visitor visa application from Ghana costs £115 — approximately GH₵2,200, depending on the exchange rate. The US B1/B2 tourist visa fee is $185 — about GH₵2,400.

These are non-refundable fees. Whether your visa is approved or denied, the embassy keeps the money.

Estimates from immigration analysts and local travel consultants suggest that over 100,000 Ghanaians apply for US and UK visas combined each year, with denial rates hovering around 60–70%. That’s at least 60,000 people denied annually.

Do the math:

• UK Embassy: £115 × 30,000 denials = £3.45 million

• US Embassy: $185 × 30,000 denials = $5.55 million

Combined, that’s over GH₵138 million (~$11 million+) collected annually from people who received nothing in return — no visa, no refund, not even an explanation.

Stories That Hurt

Ama, 29, Nurse from Kumasi
Ama saved for two years. She wanted to attend a three-week nursing conference in Manchester. Her employer endorsed the trip. Her itinerary was solid. She paid for the visa, booked her flights, bought new clothes — and then came the email: “Your application has been refused.”

No reason. No refund. Just a dead-end PDF.

“I felt like I was scammed,” she whispers. “I used part of my rent money to pay for that visa.”

She now walks two hours to work because she can’t afford transport.

Kwesi, 41, Father of Three
After selling his only taxi, Kwesi applied for a US tourist visa to attend his cousin’s wedding in New York. His brother in the States sent an invitation letter, affidavit of support — everything. But at the interview, the consular officer asked just two questions before saying, “I’m sorry, your visa is denied.”

His voice cracks as he recounts it: “They didn’t even look at my documents.”

He left the embassy with nothing but shame. Today, he’s unemployed and owes friends over GH₵3,000 in loans taken to fund the trip.

A System That Profits from Pain

Let’s be clear: embassies have the sovereign right to determine who enters their borders. Security, immigration control, and fraud prevention are legitimate concerns.

But what’s hard to justify is a system that charges hundreds of cedis in a country where the average monthly salary is around GH₵1,200, and keeps the money even when no service is rendered.

There’s no refund policy. No appeal process.
No transparency. No dignity.

If you were denied a product at the supermarket, you’d get your money back. But not here.

Here, failure pays — and not for you.

This system appears less like due diligence and more like a billion-dollar machine that monetizes rejection.

It’s not just about money.
It’s about fairness. About the right to be treated as human beings, not faceless statistics in a rejection database.

A Call for Justice, Not Charity

This isn’t a rant. It’s a plea.

To the Government of Ghana:
You have the diplomatic power to negotiate better terms for your people. Visa application fees should be partially refundable, or at the very least, tied to transparent processing outcomes.

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Demand that embassies publish their refusal statistics. Advocate for fair treatment, clear feedback, and dignity for every Ghanaian applicant.

To citizens and civil society:
It’s time we push back. Petition. Organize. Demand accountability.
Our silence is subsidising a system built on suffering.

Whose Dream Is It Anyway?

When hope becomes a transaction,
and failure becomes profit,
we must ask:
Whose dream is it anyway?

For too many Ghanaians, the cost of ambition is unbearable.

It shouldn’t be this way.

Let this article be more than words.
Let it be the beginning of a movement — not for open borders, but for open justice.

Because nobody should have to pay to be denied.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted as a publishable op-ed or blog layout, or a call-to-action graphic to support it.

The writer, Shadrach Assan, is the lead producer for Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.

Source: Shadrach Assan

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For a nation that imports everything from animal stomachs to basic foodstuffs while exporting raw materials, this comprehensive strategy could finally break the cycle of dependency. But that depends almost entirely on execution.

The programme’s strength lies in its integrated approach—linking agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and human capital development into a cohesive system.

Rather than piecemeal reforms, 24H+ promises to transform Ghana from a trading economy, dependent on imports into a productive, export-driven powerhouse.

The real test

But vision alone won’t suffice. As someone who has spent years building businesses in the face of our nation’s challenges, Ghana does not lack ideas.

Ghana has seen grand economic plans before even if not elaborate, detailed and deliberately integrated as the 24H+ programme.

That is why the difference this time must be in execution. History has shown that Ghana’s previous grandiose programmes, though often poorly thought through and conceptualised have always suffered from a lack of willpower, passion and sustained commitment to roll out these intensions in a manner that matters, not just excites a few foreign firms and entrepreneurs with tax rebates and other juicy incentives.

Consequently, the 24H+ programme’s success hinges on whether the government can resist the temptation to favour quick-win foreign investments over the harder work of building local capacity.

Broadly, the real test will be implementation. Can Ghana create the Volta Economic Corridor’s promised agroecological parks? Will the industrial zones actually materialise with reliable infrastructure? Most critically, will the Value Chain Financing Strategy deliver affordable credit to local entrepreneurs at the promised 12 percent rates?

If executed properly, 24H+ could be President Mahama’s defining legacy—transforming Ghana into a self-reliant economy that works for its people.

If implementation falters, it risks joining the graveyard of well-intentioned but poorly executed development plans.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. With hundreds of thousands of youngsters outside the labour bracket and disheartened by the quality of political governance in recent years, Ghana’s economic future depends not just on the brilliance of this vision, but on the government’s ability to deliver on its ambitious promises of sustainable jobs that give the youth the impetus to believe that good old democracy is worthy of pursuit.

What’s in the vision?

The 24H+ programme is not just about keeping businesses open around the clock. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the fundamental structural weaknesses that have kept Ghana dependent on imports while our talented entrepreneurs struggle to scale their operations.

With eight integrated sub-programmes—from Grow24’s agricultural transformation to Make24’s industrial renaissance—this initiative promises to create an economy that works for everyone, every hour of the day.

The statistics are sobering: Trade in imported goods now dominates our economy, overtaking agriculture as the biggest contributor to growth, while manufacturing has slipped from third to fourth place.

It is no longer news that we import almost everything we consume, including animal stomachs as our second-largest food import. This is unsustainable for a nation blessed with abundant natural resources and entrepreneurial talent.

Local must lead

While we await the implementation, the brilliance of the 24H+ programme lies in its recognition that sustainable economic growth must be anchored by local enterprises.

While foreign investments often come with strings attached and profits that flow back overseas, indigenous businesses reinvest locally, create lasting employment, and build generational wealth within our communities.

Ghana’s small scale enterprises (SMEs) currently face insurmountable challenges: limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, poor supply chains, and competition from cheap imports.

The 24H+ programme directly addresses these bottlenecks through its Value Chain Financing Strategy, which promises concessional loans at 12 percent interest rates, infrastructure tax credits, and performance-based incentives for companies that achieve export targets while supplying local markets.

Agbleduwo Revolution and industrial parks

Perhaps the most exciting component is the Agbleduwo network—modern agroecological parks that will transform how Ghana farms.

These integrated zones combine irrigation, renewable energy, processing centres, and mechanisation services, offering farmers and cooperatives a fully serviced environment to farm efficiently and profitably.

The Eden Volta initiative alone promises to unlock tens of thousands of hectares for farming, positioning the Volta Basin as West Africa’s breadbasket.

For local agribusiness entrepreneurs, this represents unprecedented opportunities to build processing facilities, supply chains, and export operations that can compete globally.

The Make24 sub-programme also envisions 50 industrial parks nationwide, but unlike previous attempts, these will be supported by reliable infrastructure, logistics, and utilities.

The Akosombo-Juapong Textiles and Garments Park, Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, and Kumasi Machinery & Technology Park are designed as ecosystems where local manufacturers can access shared services, training, and export markets.

For Ghanaian entrepreneurs in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery, these parks offer the scale and support needed to compete with international players while serving both domestic and regional markets.

Goosie Tanoh factor

Presidential Advisor Augustus Goosie Tanoh and his team at the secretariat deserve credit for conceptualising this integrated approach that moves Ghana ‘from fragmentation to integration; from dependency to self-reliance.’

Their diverse ideas reflect deep understanding of our economic challenges. However, and for the avoidance of sounding repetitive, the true test lies in implementation.

Legacy opportunity

Many people across the world, including me, have said that President Mahama has the best opportunity to regain public trust in Ghana’s democratic journey and leave a legacy that transcends political cycles.

With this well conceptualised 24H+ programme, President Mahama has a foot forward in actualising that. Unlike infrastructure projects that can be abandoned or policies that can be reversed, the 24H+ programme aims to fundamentally restructure Ghana’s economy. When local businesses become globally competitive, when farmers can feed the nation and export surpluses, when young people, majority of who are currently idling or labouring in menial jobs, find meaningful employment in thriving industries—these changes become irreversible.

For someone who creates employment, the programme’s promise to create 1.7 million quality jobs over four years is not just about employment; it’s about building a generation of economically empowered Ghanaians who can create decent lives for their families and drive continued growth.

The path forward

In conclusion, the 24-Hour Readiness Programme, which will prepare over 5,000 businesses across all the 16 regions to operate around the clock, must prioritise local SMEs.

These businesses understand our markets, employ our people, and reinvest their profits locally. They are the foundation upon which sustainable economic transformation must be built.

Ghana’s future lies not in hoping for foreign saviours, but in unleashing the potential of our own entrepreneurs. The 24H+ programme provides that framework. Now, we need the political will to make it work for Ghanaians first and having interacted with President Mahama and Mr Tanoh, I am more than convinced that execution will be flawless.

Indeed, this is our moment. Let us seize it!

The writer, Seidu Agongo, is a businessman and philanthropist.

Mr. Osei Asibey bemoaned that the Golden Arms, arguably the most consistent in Ghana and Africa, deserve better.

The National Team boasts of an impressive track record, having won a total of 350 international medals in five African championships and a World Championship.

The team, which also led the charge to save Ghana during the last Africa Games, has nothing to boast about.

The GAF President said, “We admit, it is not smooth economically, but there should be a way. The team requires about $42,000 to cater for essential expenses of transportation, feeding, accommodation, equipment, competition fees, and other logistical costs.”

He added, “It is a challenging situation and we at Ghana Armwrestling Federation call on Ghanaians, corporate organisations, and government agencies to contribute to our tireless effort to ensure we compete and win”.

The distressed leader has thus launched a campaign calling on corporate and state institutions to support Golden Arms’ participation in the upcoming 14^th African Armwrestling championship slated for July 23 to 27 at the Mashood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria where about 400 Armwrestlers from over 20 countries will converge to determine Africa’s best in the various Armwrestling categories.

The defending champions from Ghana, who have been training intensively since February and is poised to deliver an outstanding performance on the African stage, will be represented by a contingent of 20 athletes and 4 officials at the annual event.

The Ghana Armwrestling Federation, hopeful to receive some support from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)  and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) is committed to helping the Golden Arms achieve their goals and is counting on the support of the public to make this possible.

The two-day training programme was spearheaded by the Ashanti Regional Center for National Culture (CNC) to equip inmates with a skill they could rely on for income generation after being discharged.

The inmates who joined the training sessions were allowed to practice what they were taught with the needed materials which were made available to them by the CNC.

With great joy and enthusiasm, the inmates made various designs of batik, tie and dye fabrics to showcase their ability to redo what they had been taught with little or no supervision.

The Acting Director of the Ashanti Regional CNC, Peter K Marfo, said the training was part of the CNC’s annual project to equip inmates with skills to create jobs after leaving prison.

He recalled that in 2024, inmates of the Kumasi Central Prison were trained in such skills and were currently doing well in the batik, tie and dye business.

Mr. Marfo encouraged the inmates to take advantage of skills training opportunities, emphasising that the knowledge and experience gained would be valuable for reintegration and self-sufficiency after completing their sentences.

He called on individuals and philanthropists to support the CNC financially or provide materials to train more inmates in the region.

Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Hannah Hilda Ewoame, the Officer-In-Charge of the Manhyia Local Prison, said the training would build the capacity of beneficiaries and hopefully serve as incentive to stay away from committing another crime after serving their sentences.

“Some of them broke the law because they were unemployed. So, this training will help them to get something done to fetch them money when they are discharged,” she said.

DDP Ewoame noted that it was one of the mandates of the Ghana Prisons Service to equip inmates with skills development as part of their rehabilitation process.

The Prison, therefore, has various training sections including tailoring, shoe making, beading, electronic repairs, among others, she noted.

DDP Ewoame further disclosed that poultry farming, catfish farming and Kente weaving were added to the training sections of the Manhyia Local Prison this year.

She appealed to the public and Civil Service Organisations (CSO) to help construct a batik, tie and dye workshop for the inmates to continuously practice the knowledge they had gained.

This, she said, would not only keep the inmates busy, but also contribute to revenue generation to support the feeding and other needs of the inmates.

Source: GNA

According to them, the NHIA’s timely payment of claims significantly improves the day-to-day administration of both public and private health institutions in the country.

Dr. Tsibo-Takyi, the Medical Director for the St. John of God Catholic Hospital in Duayaw-Nkwanta, noted that while the NHIS claims are not entirely sufficient to sustain the facilities, their timely payment is highly appreciated.

These observations were made by the Medical Directors on Monday at Hwediem in the Ahafo Region, during a stakeholder engagement meeting between the NHIA, credentialed facilities, and the Ghana Health Service in the region.

The meeting provided a crucial platform for reflection, review, and renewal of collaborative commitment towards delivering quality and accessible healthcare to residents through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Attendees included the Regional Director of Health Services, various District Directors of Health, Medical Superintendents of hospitals, and representatives of mission hospitals in the region.

Dr. James Ankomah, the Medical Director for Goaso Municipal Hospital, urged the NHIA to consider an upward adjustment of the various tariffs under the Scheme in the Ahafo Region, emphasizing that the current amounts received by facilities are woefully inadequate.

In his remarks, the Ahafo Acting Regional Director for the NHIA, George Mawuli, confirmed that health facilities have received payments up to May, with only a few institutions having exceptional cases.

He expressed optimism that the prompt payment of claims to facilities should translate into quality service provision for persons seeking healthcare in the Ahafo Region.

However, Mr. Mawuli also pointed out that some facilities continue to engage in illegal charges or “copayments” to clients, which he stated undermines the credibility of the NHIS and fosters mistrust among members.

He indicated that this practice is not only unethical but also a breach of their contractual agreements, asserting that the NHIA cannot allow such actions to persist.

The Acting Regional Director therefore called on all providers to immediately halt any form of unauthorized charges and adhere strictly to the NHIS tariffs and policies.

“In our efforts to increase transparency and client education, we are introducing the ‘Pulpit System’ where NHIS staff will be stationed at various credentialed facilities daily to educate clients on their rights, responsibilities, and benefits under the Scheme,” he stated.

Mr. George Mawuli noted that this initiative will also serve as a feedback mechanism, ensuring real-time resolution of issues at the facility level, and urged “maximum cooperation to make this a success.”

The Acting Regional Director emphasized that, as part of their operational calendar, the NHIA is entering a new cycle of credentialing and contract renewals. “We urge all providers to ensure their documentation is up to date and submitted promptly,” Mr. George Mawuli stated.

He stressed that the NHIA is committed to offering a smooth and transparent process and expects the same level of professionalism and urgency from all facilities.

He reiterated that the success of the NHIS in the region is a shared responsibility, adding, “Let’s work together in mutual respect and accountability to build a system that our clients can trust and rely on.”

Source: Myjoyonline

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The case was brought to light by Akua Serwaa, mother of the teenage mother, who appeared on the Obra Show demanding a paternity test.

She claimed her daughter, Ruth, became pregnant after being in a relationship with the man, who later denied responsibility and went into hiding.

The denial sparked a heated back-and-forth, with the accused man and his family claiming the girl had mentioned several other men as potential fathers.

After the DNA test was conducted, anticipation for the results surged. Across social media and during subsequent Obra broadcast, the question became common: “So when is King Paluta’s DNA result going to be out?” It quickly became a trending topic among listeners, with most phone-ins and online messages centered around that particular case.

When the long-awaited results finally revealed live on the show, the outcome silenced critics. The DNA test confirmed that Stephen Odame is the father of Ruth’s child.

In an emotional reaction, Akua Serwaa, overcome with joy and vindication, broke into spontaneous praise and dance in the studio.

She declared that she would not let the matter rest until she is fully compensated for every cedi spent during her daughter’s pregnancy.

“I want every pesewa back,” she said. “From hospital visits to baby clothes and feeding — everything. He denied us and abandoned us, but today, the truth has spoken,” she said, while her eighteen-year-old daughter wept.

Obra host, Ohemaa Benewa, also responded with strong words, commending Ruth for her strength and resilience throughout the ordeal.

“Ruth, you have not disappointed the sisterhood,” she said. “Stephen Odame will compensate you and your mother. Now that we know the truth, you must return to school. Your mother will help with the child, and the father will take up his responsibility.”

The revelation sparked widespread reactions on radio and online, with many praising the Obra Show for its role in seeking justice and restoring dignity.

Social media exploded with commentary — some mocking the accused with memes comparing him to King Paluta, while others applauded Akua Serwaa for fighting fearlessly to protect her daughter’s future.

Stephen Odame, who had previously evaded responsibility, now faces mounting pressure from the public to own up and support the child, with some listeners praising Nhyira FM and the Obra Show team for their role in uncovering the truth.

“This is why we must support DNA tests. If not for Obra, this girl would have been called names forever while the real father walked free,” a social media comment read.

“Ohemaa Benewa is a national asset! The Obra Show is doing what entire systems have failed to do — giving women justice and restoring dignity,” another comment added, from a U.S.-based listener who also joined the show via phone.

Once again, the Obra Show has proven itself as a trusted and fearless platform that gives voice to the voiceless, uncovers the truth, and demands accountability. What could have ended as another tale of abandonment has instead become a story of truth, justice, and a mother’s unwavering love.

Speaking on PM Express, the Tamale South MP emphasized that government’s role will be limited to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive under the initiative.

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

His remarks followed the official unveiling of the 24-hour economy blueprint by President Mahama on July 2. Haruna described the launch as a “rare opportunity” and “not a nerve-breaking exercise at all” for the president, who he said has been contemplating the initiative for several years.

“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,” he noted. “He’s talked about it whilst being out of government, and expedited it due to the current economic realities.”

Haruna cited alarming figures shared by the president to highlight the urgency of boosting local production:
“About $3 billion on rice imports, $3.4 billion on cereal grains, $2.6 billion on frozen poultry, and $2.4 billion on other imported goods.”

He said the policy is a direct response to Ghana’s dependency on imports and the need to build a self-sustaining economy.

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

Haruna also highlighted the strategic importance of appointing businessman and policy expert Goosie Tanoh to lead the implementation of the programme.

“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.”

He added that the president is committed to moving beyond slogans and delivering real economic change.

“From policy or from slogan to action – that is the 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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The call is rooted in the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who are often vulnerable and struggle to access government’s social interventions.

According to Madam Alima Sagito Saeed, the immediate past National President of the Federation, the organization has been working with ministries and agencies under the agriculture and forestry sectors to support producer organizations and drive policy changes.

Addressing the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Federation in Kumasi, she noted that with responsive policies, smallholder farmers can sustainably use forest and farm products to improve their lives and contribute to the country’s economic growth and food security.

To support smallholder farmers, the government has initiated programs like the Feed Ghana programme, which aims to modernize agriculture, boost food security, and support Ghana’s economic transformation.

GhaFFaP believes an enabling environment and implementation of supportive policies can help smallholder farmers benefit from agricultural policies.

The Forest and farm facility (FFF) country Coach, Sophie Grouwels, says the United Nations supports forest and farm producers in Ghana to improve their livelihoods, build resilience and manage natural resources sustainably through farmer-led action and policy engagement.

The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) is a multiple-partnership trust fund between the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Agricord.

The 4th GhaFFaP AGM was held under the theme: “Renewed commitment to sustainable Forest and farm livelihoods: advancing inclusive polices and accountability in changing Ghana”.

The meeting produced new executives including Dr. Boadu Ayeboafo, President; Ernestina Owusu Banahene, Vice President; Maxwell Kpetaa, Secretary; Yaa Amankwa, Vice Secretary; Charles Oduro, Financial Secretary; and Cephas Kwaw Appiah Kumi, Vice Financial Secretary.

The National Women Champions leader is Esther Awuni and the National Youth Champion Leader is Midas Bambilla.

The new President of GHaFFap, Dr Boadu Ayeboafo, called on the government to put up more effort to combat illegal mining in the country’s forest reserve.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Hadzide expressed concern about the party’s current standing, saying it was not where they hoped to be.

However, he remained confident that the NPP had always been the better choice for Ghanaians.

“Ask anyone — even our opponents will admit it — Ghanaians prosper more under NPP governments,” he stated.

He stressed several key policies and interventions introduced under various NPP administrations to support his claim.

These include the introduction of free basic education from primary to junior high school under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and the school feeding programme which continues to support thousands of school children across the country.

“Who introduced school feeding? It was the NPP. Who made it possible for your child to go to school without paying a dime from primary to JHS? It was President Kufuor’s NPP government,” Mr. Hadzide noted.

He also cited the establishment of the Metro Mass Transit system, which he said greatly improved public transport and eased mobility for many citizens.

“Metro Mass was another NPP initiative — these are things that made life better for the ordinary Ghanaian,” he added.

Touching on more recent achievements, Mr. Hadzide pointed to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy introduced by President Nana Akufo-Addo as a major relief for many families.

“Free SHS is one of the biggest social interventions in our history — it was the NPP that brought it,” he stated.

According to him, businesses also thrived under the NPP due to favorable policies and stable governance.

While acknowledging that there may have been “minor hitches” during the party’s tenure, he insisted that the overall impact of NPP governments had always been positive.

“Even if there were challenges, the truth is that NPP governments make life easier for Ghanaians. Businesses grow, children go to school, and families get some breathing space,” he explained.

Mr. Hadzide warned that the current conditions under the NDC government could lead the country back into hardship if Ghanaians were not careful.

“We are not in government today, and if we don’t work hard to return in 2028, Ghanaians may fall back into the mess we’ve seen before,” he cautioned.

He called on all NPP members to unite and work hard toward a return to power in the next election to continue improving the lives of Ghanaians.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Musk’s criticism of Trump’s 940-page “Big, Beautiful Bill“, which proposes tax breaks and sweeping cuts to healthcare and food programmes, has been met with strong criticism from the Democratic Party as well as some members of Trump’s Republican Party.

In early June, Musk, a major campaign donor to Trump and a former key aide, called the bill a “disgusting abomination”, leading to a public falling out with the Republican president.

The two then appeared to cool tensions, with Trump telling reporters that he wished Musk well, while the latter wrote on X that he regretted having gone “too far”.

But as US Senators gathered to vote on amendments to the bill on Monday, Musk ramped up his criticism once again, saying lawmakers who had campaigned on cutting spending but backed the bill “should hang their heads in shame!”

“And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk said.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO called for a new political party, saying the bill’s massive spending indicated “that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”

“Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” he wrote.

Trump hit back at Musk on Tuesday, stating that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – which Musk had previously led – should review the subsidies that Musk’s companies have received, to save the federal government “BIG” money.

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He made the remark during a candid conversation on JoyNews’ PM Express, following his thought-provoking lecture titled “Iniquities of Iniquity in Our Santa Claus Democracy.”

In his view, Ghana does not practice a homegrown democratic system but rather an imported template lacking the critical foundations that allow such systems to thrive elsewhere.

“We imported democracy without the foundations that made it work in the West,” Nsarkoh stated, drawing a clear distinction between form and substance.

“You don’t get a working democracy just because you put up ballot boxes and sing an anthem. If you haven’t built the underlying institutions, you’re playing a dangerous game.”

His argument is rooted in both historical context and political economy.

Unlike nations where modern democratic systems evolved after sustained industrialisation and capital accumulation, Ghana and much of Africa, he explained, attempted to graft democracy onto states still grappling with the hangover of colonialism and severe economic fragility.

“When modern European democracy took root, they were distributing wealth that had already been created. We didn’t have that. We started from under $3,000 per capita GDP. That’s a fundamentally different conversation,” he said.

Nsarkoh emphasised that democracy without a strong economic and institutional base degenerates into a transactional contest—what he termed “a public auction for the highest bidder.”

In such systems, he noted, the electorate is reduced to passive participants, voting every four years and then retreating into silence while elite groups trade power for personal gain.

He was especially critical of the idea that independence automatically conferred sovereignty.

“Kabral Blay-Amihere said it and got into a lot of trouble: what kind of independence do you really have if you don’t control your productive forces?” Nsarkoh asked.

“Having a dark-skinned president and a new anthem doesn’t mean you’ve achieved independence. You’re still navigating a distorted reality.”

Citing the work of political economist Claude Ake, Nsarkoh argued that African states did not emerge organically but were shaped by colonial disruptions, leaving behind weak and artificial structures.

“The post-colonial elite took over the facilities of the state and became the new colonialists. They looked after themselves,” he said. “That’s the deformity we’ve refused to confront.”

He lamented the collapse of local governance, describing it as symptomatic of a broader democratic decay.

“Look at the space we’re in—local government has essentially collapsed. Where is the citizen engagement? Where is the accountability?” Nsarkoh asked.

“We’ve built a system where people come to power not to serve, but to recover their campaign investments.”

At the heart of his message is a warning: Ghana’s democracy, if not radically rethought, risks becoming a hollow ritual.

“This Santa Claus democracy we’re practising is not sustainable,” he said.
“It feeds expectations but doesn’t deliver outcomes. It’s dangerous because it breeds disillusionment—and disillusionment is the seedbed of instability.”

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Delivering the keynote address at the maiden national MSME Day celebration held in Accra on Friday, 27th June, 2025, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), outlined government’s strategic agenda to energize the MSME sector under the theme “Empowering MSMEs, Connecting Entrepreneurs for a Digital and Sustainable Future.”

“We are gathered as a full spectrum of Ghana’s enterprise ecosystem, from government and development partners to financiers and technology enablers, to connect, collaborate and chart a bold new path,” the Minister declared.

In her address, Madam Ofosu-Adjare described Ghana’s MSMEs as “bold, creative and resilient,” but often “malnourished” due to limited access to finance, digital tools, and supportive policy frameworks. She likened their struggle to watching a movie from outside the cinema, seeing the action but unable to participate fully.

Citing findings from a 2022 study on MSME digital transformation, the Minister pointed to key obstacles, including informality, poor digital literacy, and underutilisation of mobile and social platforms for business growth. Despite these challenges, she praised the ingenuity of young entrepreneurs using WhatsApp, Instagram, and mobile money to sustain their businesses, a phenomenon the study termed “digital bricolage.”

Reaffirming government’s commitment to the MSME sector, Madam. Ofosu-Adjare announced an ambitious four-pronged target for delivery by 2027:

• Unlock GHS 6 Billion in Affordable Lending – Targeting at least 100,000 MSMEs, with 60% of beneficiaries being women and youth-led enterprises.
• Operationalise Three Industrial and Agroecological Parks – Shared facilities providing energy, logistics and infrastructure to enable MSMEs to scale and generate formal jobs.
• Cut Certification Time and Costs by 40% – Supporting 5,000 MSMEs to achieve regulatory compliance with agencies such as the FDA, GSA and ORC.
• Digitally Onboard 250,000 MSMEs – Enhancing formality, access to finance, and visibility through e-commerce, payments, and business management platforms.

These goals she noted are ambitious, but ambition is what this moment demands,” she stated, adding that a collective review of progress would be conducted a year from now.

Touting a Comprehensive Policy and Institutional Reforms, The Minister revealed that the National MSME and Entrepreneurship Policy is being revised to reflect current sector realities, with a costed implementation strategy to ensure measurable results.

She also disclosed that the Ghana Enterprises Agency has been tasked to develop a new strategic plan focused on youth, women, persons with disabilities, and the informal sector.

Among the ongoing government interventions she highlighted were:

• The Business Regulatory Reform (BRR) Unit to simplify certification and registration.
• The Apprenticeship-to-Entrepreneurship Programme, which is investing in digital skills training.
• Access to innovative financial products like zero-fee mobile credit and merchant-friendly platforms.
• The creation of a Women’s Bank to ease access to capital for female entrepreneurs.
• Flagship programmes such as the Accelerated Export Development Programme (AEDP), Feed the Industry Initiative, Made-in-Ghana Promotion, and Rapid Industrialisation for Jobs Strategy.

“These initiatives are structured to integrate MSMEs as suppliers, processors, and innovators across value chains in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, garments, and the automotive sectors,” she emphasized.

Taking a personal tone, Madam. Ofosu-Adjare pledged her unwavering support for Ghanaian women entrepreneurs, from Makola market women to East Legon tech innovators, to transition from informal to formal, manual to digital, and local to global. “That is not just good policy; it is the foundation for a stronger, fairer, and more competitive economy,” she affirmed.

In her welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Madam Margaret Ansei, described the 2025 MSME Day as a purposeful convergence of key actors across Ghana’s enterprise landscape, coming together to reaffirm their shared commitment to the transformation of the MSME sector.

She noted that with 92% of all registered businesses in Ghana classified as MSMEs, contributing about 70% to national GDP and employing 85% of the country’s manufacturing workforce, their importance to Ghana’s economic future cannot be overstated.

Madam Ansei outlined GEA’s strategy to drive inclusion and resilience in the sector through improved access to affordable financing, capacity building, market access, digital empowerment, and formalisation support, with a keen focus on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

She also highlighted the planned launch of the MSME Gateway Portal, developed in partnership with the UNDP, as a major digital leap forward, serving as a one-stop platform to deliver timely access to business resources, tools, and support services. “Let today be a celebration of how far we have come, and a reaffirmation of how much further we will go together,” she concluded.

This year’s celebration, spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in partnership with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), GIZ Ghana, UNDP, UNCDF, the European Union, MTN, and Stanbic Bank, marks the first time Ghana has officially observed International MSME Day at the national level.

Participants included policymakers, private sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, entrepreneurs, and representatives from academia, all gathered to explore new solutions through exhibitions, business clinics, and panel sessions.

Nine excavators and other pumping machines were ceased in the process, with five suspects including four Chinese nationals arrested.

The Atatam D/A Basic School has the Junior High School and Kindergarten directly opposite each other with a road going through the middle.

At the time of the visit, learning activities had halted because excavators of the illegal miners were in motion just behind the school.

The Primary School faces similar challenge on the day.

Teachers say illegal miners have sometimes threatened to pull down the school in search for gold.

Apart from the dangers posed by the activity on the lives of learners, noise from the site makes teaching and learning difficult.

Ama Konadu, a parent in the community said, “I have a thirteen-year-old son in the school. I fear for him and others, but we can’t do much. They dug just behind the school, and we had to fight them with all our might to stop them. But there is some work ongoing there.”

A bird’s view shows large tract of land at Atatam heavily destroyed by the activities of the illegal miners.

The illegal miners are mining the Jimi and Subri Rivers which flow through the community are destroyed by the illegal mining activities.

The devastation has resulted in loss of livelihoods for the community.

“Some of us are unable to go to our farms because they’ve destroyed them. How do we feed our families?”, Leader of the community, Nana Kofi Sarfo Kantanka asked.

The perpetrators of the crime took to their heels upon knowledge of the presence of the team.

Subsequently, the chinese nationals were tracked to their hideout where the weapons and ammunitions were picked.

Administrator for the Minerals Development Fund, Dr. Hanna Bissiw-Kotei who led the operations expressed disappointment at the destruction done to the school’s compound.

“Sometimes, our children are not able to attend school because they are cut off by the miners. From what we have seen here if we are not touched and moved to work then I don’t know what we really want to do,” she said.

Dr. Bissiw-Kotei added, “These are some of the things that as a woman it touches my heart. I am a child from the village, so I understand their plight. We need to give these children a chance.”

Meanwhile, the renewed fight against the menace has become a discomfort for some persons involved in the illegality.

Already, some threats are being received by the administrator of the fund, Dr. Hanna Bissiw-Kotei

But she is not perturbed by the situation.

His appeal follows the conclusion of the 2024/25 football season, during which referees across various leagues remain unpaid for a significant number of match weeks.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Mr. Saijah disclosed that referees are owed allowances for 22 weeks.

According to him, officials in the Premier League, Division One, and the Women’s League have only received payments for 12 weeks out of a total of 34.

“We are calling on President Mahama and the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to come to our aid. We can’t keep pre-financing games. We are suffering, and we need our money,” Saijah lamented.

He added, “The Referees Association of Ghana has served this nation with dedication, but the GFA has failed to clear its debt.”

Mr. Saijah also expressed concern over how the association has been treated under GFA President Kurt Okraku. He alleged that RAG has been sidelined in key decisions, including the appointment of match officials.

“We had a meeting with the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, and we complained to him about how RAG has suddenly been sidelined. We told him RAG cannot exist while a different body appoints referees to officiate matches, but he didn’t give us any positive feedback,” he stated.

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Mr. Saijah expressed frustration over the GFA’s decision to create a separate body to handle referee appointments—a responsibility traditionally managed by RAG.

He revealed that the association raised the issue with Mr. Okraku but received no satisfactory response.

“We had a meeting with the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, and we complained to him about how RAG has suddenly been sidelined. We told him RAG cannot exist while there is a different body appointing referees to officiate matches, but he didn’t give us any positive feedback,” he told Asempa FM.

Mr. Saijah also disclosed that referees across the Premier League, Division One, and Women’s League are owed 22 weeks of unpaid allowances, having only been paid for 12 out of the 34 weeks in the just-ended season.

Calling for urgent intervention, he appealed to former President John Mahama and former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to step in.

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Even so, President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigrants is starting to chip away at his workforce.

About 15 people have left his company, Total Quality, since Trump won a fight to strip immigrants from Venezuela and Nicaragua of temporary protections shielding them from deportation, he says.

If the White House expands its efforts, it could cost him hundreds more of his workers, who rely on similar work permits and would be difficult to replace.

Similar kinds of concerns are reverberating at businesses across the US, as Trump’s deportation drive appears to pick up pace, threatening to choke off a supply of workers that is increasingly critical to the US economy.

Nearly one in five workers in the US was an immigrant last year, according to census data. That marked a record high in data going back decades, up from less than 10% in 1994.

Trump has said he is targeting people in the US illegally, who account for an estimated 4% of the US workforce. His pledge to conduct mass deportations was a centrepiece of his campaign and an issue on which he drew widespread support, including many Hispanic voters.

His administration has resumed raids at workplaces, a tactic that had been suspended under Biden.

But White House efforts have been much broader in scope, taking aim at people in the US on student visas; suspending admissions of refugees; and moving to revoke temporary work permits and other protections that had been granted to immigrants by previous presidents.

The actions threaten disruption to millions of people, many of whom have lived and worked in the US for years.

‘Stress on my mind’

“We are terrified,” says Justino Gomez, who is originally from El Salvador and has lived in the US for three decades.

The 73-year-old is authorised to work under a programme known as TPS, which grants temporary work permits and protection from deportation, based on conditions in immigrants’ home countries.

His employment, first as a dishwasher and line cook in a restaurant and now as a cleaner, helped him send an adopted daughter in El Salvador to school to become a teacher.

But Trump has already taken steps to end the programme for people from Haiti and Venezuela. Mr Gomez, who lives in Maryland, fears El Salvador could be next.

“Every time I leave home, I have this stress on my mind,” he tells the BBC, through a translator provided by his labour union, 32BJ SEIU. “Even when I go to the metro, I’m afraid that ICE will be there waiting to abduct us.”

Economic impact

Many of Trump’s actions have been subject to legal challenge, including a lawsuit over TPS brought by the SEIU.

But even if the White House does not successfully ramp up arrests and deportations, analysts say his crackdown could weigh on the economy in the near term, as it scares people like Mr Gomez into hiding and slows arrivals.

Growth in the workforce, which has been powered by immigrants, has already flattened since January, when Trump took office.

As firms have a harder time finding workers, it will limit their ability to grow, slowing the economy, warns economist Giovanni Peri of the University of California, Davis.

A smaller workforce could also feed inflation, by forcing firms to pay more to recruit staff.

If the policies are sustained, they could have far-reaching economic consequences, Prof Peri adds. He points to the example of Japan, which has seen its economy shrink as it keeps a lid on immigration and the population ages.

“The undocumented raids are a piece of a policy that really wants to transform the United States from one of the places where immigrants come, are integrated and part of the success of society to a closed country,” he says.

“Instead of an engine of growth, it will become a more stagnant and slow growing and less dynamic economy.”

Many firms say it is already hard to find people to fill the available jobs.

Adam Lampert, the chief executive of Texas-based Cambridge Caregivers and Manchester Care Homes, which provides assisted living and in-home care, says about 80% of his 350 staff are foreign-born.

“I don’t go out and place ads for non-citizens to fill our roles,” he says. “It is the immigrants who are answering the call.”

Like Mr Moran, he said Trump’s moves had already cost him some workers, who had been authorised to work on temporary permits.

He said he was also worried about the ripple effects of Trump’s crackdown on his business, which in some ways competes with undocumented workers employed directly by families to provide care.

He said if those workers are forced out, it will drive up demand for his own staff – forcing him to pay more, and ultimately raise his rates.

“We’re going to have incredible inflation if you scrape all these people out of the economy,” he warned. “We can’t do without these people in the workforce.”

At Harris Health System, a major hospital network in Texas, Trump’s policy changes have already led to the loss of some workers, says chief executive Esmail Porsa.

He says training American workers to fill the jobs available in his sector would take years, given the rising needs.

“As the population is getting older and we are clamping down on one viable source of current and future workforce, this issue will come to a head,” he says.

Trump last week acknowledged the disruption his policies were creating for sectors that rely heavily on undocumented labour, such as hospitality and agriculture, even reportedly pausing workplace raids in some industries temporarily after receiving blowback from fellow Republicans.

But despite the concerns about the economic impact, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the BBC that such raids remain a “cornerstone” of their efforts.

In the homebuilding industry, firms across the country are reporting seeing some work crews stop showing up for work, which will slow construction and raise costs in a sector where prices are already a concern, says Jim Tobin, president of the National Association of Homebuilders, which represents businesses in the sector.

The industry has called on Congress to reform immigration laws, including creating a special visa programme for construction workers.

But Mr Tobin says he was not expecting big changes to immigration policy anytime soon.

“I think it’s going to take a signal from the president about when it’s time to engage,” he says. “Right now it’s all about enforcement.”