The Exclusive

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reiterated its commitment to women’s empowerment, pledging to introduce targeted policies to support women if elected into office. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the vice presidential candidate of the NDC, assured traders at the Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region that the next NDC government, led by Mr. John Dramani Mahama, will prioritize the welfare and empowerment of women through impactful programs. Addressing the traders as part of her campaign tour, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang outlined several planned initiatives. These include establishing a Women’s Development Bank, launching a Markets Enhancement Programme, and implementing a National Apprenticeship Programme aimed at equipping women and the youth with essential skills. Additionally, she promised to support a "24-Hour Economy" model that would allow for greater economic participation. "It is time we change our voting pattern as women and stop saying we always vote in a...

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has introduced an emergency cash transfer initiative, the "Dry Spell Emergency Cash Transfer," to support vulnerable households impacted by prolonged dry spells in eight key agricultural regions across Ghana. This program is a collaborative effort between the Government of Ghana, the World Bank, UNICEF, and other partners, offering immediate financial relief to affected communities. The eight-week-long dry spell has hit the Bono, Bono East, Oti, Northern, North-East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions, which collectively contribute 62% of Ghana's grain production. The resulting agricultural setbacks have incurred estimated losses of GHS 3.5 billion, endangering food security and livelihoods for residents. To address these challenges, the government will distribute a one-time cash transfer of GHS 1,000 to each of 212,273 targeted households through the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) P...

  At the Sixth Medical Herbalist Induction Ceremony in Accra, the Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, and the Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Dr. Michael Kyerematen, celebrated Ghana's progressive strides toward a healthcare system that combines traditional and modern medicine. This year’s theme, "Unlocking the Potential of Herbal Medicine in the National Health Insurance Scheme for Inclusive Holistic Healthcare," highlighted Ghana's focus on creating a holistic, culturally rooted healthcare system accessible to all citizens. In his keynote address, Hon. Acquah emphasized that the Ministry of Health's commitment to integrating herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare honors Ghana’s cultural heritage while enhancing healthcare accessibility. He underscored how herbal medicine, with its deep roots in traditional wisdom and generations of empirical knowledge, offers unique therapeutic approaches to complement con...

  The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi, has declared that the party will not allow any form of intimidation before, during, or after the upcoming December general elections. Speaking at a rally in Obuasi on Wednesday during the Ashanti Regional campaign tour of the NDC’s vice presidential candidate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Nana Kwasi emphasized the party’s commitment to safeguarding its votes in the 2024 elections. Nana Kwasi urged NDC supporters to turn out in large numbers on election day to cast their votes for the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, and all parliamentary candidates. Highlighting the party's plans, he assured the public that an NDC government would collaborate with traditional authorities to revitalize and complete abandoned development projects across the Ashanti Region. He also highlighted that women’s empowerment would be a high priority for the next NDC administ...

Mr. Korsi Dzokoto, from Waxson Advisors, shared insights on the alarming trend of skilled labor migration during an interview at the Caucus For Democratic Governance, Ghana Public Forum in Accra. Themed "The Alarming Exodus of Skilled Labour from Ghana: Political and Economic Strategies Aimed at Trend Reversal, and Immediate Necessity," the forum tackled the economic challenges prompting Ghanaians to seek opportunities abroad. In his remarks, Mr. Dzokoto acknowledged migration as a natural part of life, with many Ghanaians moving within the country to cities like Accra. However, he emphasized that today's exodus of skilled labor is driven by severe economic hardship, a significant departure from historical migration patterns. "The rise in living costs is crushing families," Dzokoto stated. "If you used to buy kenkey at one cedi, it now costs six, seven, or even eight cedis. Incomes aren’t increasing to match these prices, leaving the average Ghanaian strugg...

  Ghanaian cocoa farmers are being urged to enhance their understanding of modern fiscal reforms transpiring in the cocoa value chain. Joseph Otchere Osei, Project Officer at SEND Ghana, believes that the inclusion of farmers' voices in decision-making processes related to fiscal reforms in the cocoa sector is crucial.  He emphasizes the need for Ghanaian farmers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential advantages and disadvantages of these reforms to ensure their meaningful participation. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has the primary responsibility to ensure that a viable fiscal policy is put in place to support the growth and sustainability of the cocoa sector across the country, he mentioned. He explained that COCOBOD strategic tax cuts on export duties on cocoa exported out of the country to the international market for sale could help turn around the current consistent financial losses that COCOBOD is experiencing. Speaking at a capacity building workshop ...

The Scout and Guide Fellowship Ghana, led by President Mr. Andrew Botchwey, has launched Peace Gathering 2024 (PG 2024), an initiative aimed at fostering unity and promoting peace across Ghana as the country approaches its December elections. Speaking at the event, Mr. Botchwey highlighted the critical role that unity plays in national progress, urging Ghanaians to come together and celebrate their shared identity. This year’s theme, "A Call to Unity: Fly the Flag for Peace," encourages citizens to embrace national pride and harmony. One of the main events under PG 2024 is the Kumasi to Accra Peace Walk, scheduled from November 21 to November 29. Scouts will trek from Kumasi to Accra, carrying a powerful message of peace and unity. Mr. Botchwey emphasized that the Peace Walk is not just a physical journey but a symbolic call for all Ghanaians to come together and take pride in their nation. The initiative also calls on Ghanaians to display the national flag proudly during the...

The President of Arise for Change for Economic Growth (ACEG), DS. Mahama Idrisu, has launched the group’s new initiative, the Regional Crusade on the People’s Economy, at Freedom Center in Kokomlemle, Accra. The crusade, touted as the first of its kind in Ghanaian politics, aims to engage citizens directly on critical economic issues. In his address, Idrisu urged Ghanaians to consider the state of the economy under the current administration and vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming general elections. Idrisu criticized the current government led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, arguing that the economy has sharply declined under their leadership. He noted that Dr. Bawumia, once promoted as the “economic messiah” of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), now avoids discussing the economy, shifting focus instead to digitalization. “Digitalization has long been part of our development journey, ...

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang Urges Ashanti Region to Vote for Change and Development The National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice presidential candidate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has appealed to voters in the Ashanti Region to consider a new direction in the upcoming December 7 general elections. During her campaign visit to the Nhyiaeso Constituency on Monday, she addressed local professionals, emphasizing the need for change and development that aligns with the region's needs. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that despite the Ashanti Region’s history of strong support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), it has not seen the level of development it deserves. She argued that although the NDC has received fewer votes from the region, it has nonetheless delivered significant projects like the Kejetia Market and the Kumasi Airport. "The NPP has often relied on your votes, but the developments have not matched your loyalty," she told the audience, urging them to consider the NDC as an...

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has pledged that the next NDC administration will revamp market centers across Ghana under a new Markets Enhancement Programme. This initiative, she emphasized, is intended to improve trading activities—particularly for women traders—and to boost local economies. Speaking to Muslim queen mothers and traders in Asawase during her campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the NDC's track record in market infrastructure development, citing the modern markets built in Kejetia, Kumasi, and Kotokoraba, Cape Coast, among others. She assured the gathering that an NDC government led by Mr. John Dramani Mahama would deliver on its promise to modernize markets across the country. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted the NDC’s past efforts to support Muslim communities. She mentioned a policy initiated by the previous NDC administration that trained Muslim wo...

The Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has commenced her four-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, beginning today. Her itinerary includes visits to several constituencies, where she will meet and interact with various groups, including professional bodies, trade associations, artisans, and the general public. Constituencies on her schedule include Asawase, Afigya Kwabre South, Subin, Manhyia South, Nhyiaeso, Asante Akim South, Sekyere Afram Plains, Juaben, Ejisu, Obuasi West, and Atwima Kwanwoma. During her tour, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is expected to address a regional gathering of Muslim women and engage with market women, NDC members, and supporters to emphasize the NDC's achievements in the Ashanti Region. Highlighting notable projects such as the ultra-modern Kejetia Market, the new airport, and health facilities, she will reinforce her party’s commitment to the region. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang will underscore ...

Hundreds of Ga Dangbe youth and community members took to the streets of Accra on October 26, 2024, in a large-scale demonstration to voice solidarity with Palestinians affected by ongoing violence in Gaza. Joined by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana and Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Mission, Mr. Abdalfatah Ahmed Khalil Alsatarri, the group marched from James Town through the heart of Accra, concluding their protest at Mantse Agbonaa. The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting for peace, decried what they described as acts of genocide committed against Palestinians by Israel. Nii Afrah Yemo, a member of the Ga Dangbe Youth group, shared his thoughts with Newsflashafrica.com, expressing that violence anywhere is a concern for people everywhere. "What happens in Palestine matters to us here in Ghana," he said, emphasizing the global responsibility to condemn what he sees as an unjust killing of civilians in Gaza. Ambassador Alsatarri, visibly moved by the outpouring of s...

The ongoing court case surrounding the recent demolition of ten houses in East Legon has taken a new twist, as the family of Ghana’s Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, has been revealed to have ties to the property in question. Property owner George Oti Bonsu filed a contempt case against Hajia Aisha Ahmed, who was represented in court by her attorney-in-fact, Charles Edem Adogodo, after the contentious demolition incident. In previous weeks, representatives of Samira Bawumia's family denied any involvement in the demolition. However, during a hearing on October 26, 2024, defense attorney Kofi Abotsi confirmed that Hajia Aisha Ahmed, the respondent, is indeed the mother of the Second Lady. This revelation has added a significant layer to the case, fueling speculation about the family’s role in the property dispute and the demolition. The issue of Hajia Aisha Ahmed’s attendance was raised in court by Elikplim Agbamava, lawyer for the applicant Mr. Oti Bonsu, who noted her absence from cou...

Road accidents in Ghana continue to claim lives daily, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the institutions set up to tackle this crisis. The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) are tasked with reducing road accidents to protect innocent lives. Yet, despite their efforts, it seems these agencies may be misdirecting their focus, contributing little to real progress in combating road carnage. Often, when the MTTD sets up checkpoints, the emphasis seems to be on verifying driver's licenses, roadworthiness certificates, and insurance papers—documents that, while important, address only a fraction of the safety issues on Ghana’s roads. This focus on paperwork overlooks the primary causes of most accidents. For instance, vehicles used for public transportation, like Accra’s "trotros," are frequently in disrepair, leaving passengers vulnerable. Passengers are somet...

In a show of solidarity, elected Assembly Members from Greater Accra have declared their endorsement of former President John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s preferred choice for the 2024 presidential elections. Convening a press conference led by Hon. Ziyad Musah, the assembly members voiced their discontent with the economic management under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, particularly focusing on the policies spearheaded by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the head of the Economic Management Team. In a unified statement, the assembly members expressed frustration over the economic downturn that has characterized the past seven years under the NPP government. “The economic issues Dr. Bawumia campaigned on—currency depreciation, inflation, public debt, unemployment—have only worsened,” they noted, citing increased inflation, a depreciating cedi, and rising costs of living. The group argued that these economic hardships have left many Ghanaians struggling to afford ...

Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Project Director of the Democracy Project, provided in-depth insights into public attitudes about corruption, drawing from the Afrobarometer and other surveys, during a capacity-building workshop for journalists in Accra. He highlighted the media’s crucial role in governance and anti-corruption efforts, pointing out both the opportunities and challenges. In his presentation, Dr. Osae-Kwapong noted that while Ghana had made significant progress in its fight against corruption, recent Afrobarometer surveys indicate there is still much work to be done. “There was a period when we were doing well in the fight against corruption, but in the last couple of rounds of Afrobarometer, you can see that there is a lot more to be done,” he remarked. He emphasized that corruption goes beyond high-profile political scandals, drawing attention to conflicts of interest, which often go unnoticed by the public. “People don’t know that conflict of interest is also corruption, but it...

  Mrs. Mary Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), has emphasized that citizens' ability to hold public officials accountable is severely compromised when they lack access to vital information. She made this statement during her welcome remarks at a capacity development workshop for media on governance and anti-corruption reforms held in Accra. The workshop, organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), and the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), aimed to strengthen the role of the media in promoting good governance and accountability in Ghana. Mrs. Addah stressed the critical role the media plays in ensuring transparency and accountability. She also noted that corruption continues to erode the country's development, and it is essential to adopt new strategies to combat it. "It is time to depart from the top-down approach to fighting corruption and instead build the capacity of citizens to un...

At the second National Kaizen Awards held at the Accra Digital Centre, Ms. Suzuki Momoko, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ghana, delivered a solidarity message highlighting the longstanding partnership between JICA and Ghana’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event, organized by the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) in collaboration with the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), recognized outstanding enterprises that have successfully implemented Kaizen practices to enhance productivity and competitiveness. In her speech, Ms. Momoko emphasized JICA’s nearly two-decade commitment to supporting MSME development in Ghana, beginning with the 2006 introduction of the Kaizen approach to palm oil manufacturers in the Ashanti Region. Through the implementation of Kaizen, the manufacturers improved both productivity and product quality, enabling them to export their palm oil to Germany. This success marked one of the fi...

  The Ghana National Kaizen Awards (GNKA) took place on October 23, 2024, at the Accra Digital Centre, bringing together key stakeholders, distinguished guests, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country. The event, organized by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), celebrated the achievements of Ghanaian enterprises that have embraced the Kaizen philosophy, which stands for continuous improvement and operational excellence. In her address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEA emphasized the significance of Kaizen in transforming the Ghanaian entrepreneurial landscape. “Kaizen is not just a business strategy; it is a way of life. It teaches us that there is always room for improvement, no matter how small,” she remarked. The CEO highlighted GEA's efforts, in partnership with JICA, to introduce Kaizen to over 100 MSMEs across seven regions, helping these businesses enhance efficie...

Penplusbytes, a leading organization focused on technology and governance, has launched an innovative digital tool, the Voters' Compass, aimed at enhancing electoral transparency and accountability ahead of Ghana’s 2024 elections. The launch, which took place during a Policy Dialogue event under the theme “Do Manifestos Matter?”, brought together political party representatives, civil society organizations, youth groups, and academics for discussions on manifesto promises and their impact on national development. In his opening remarks, Jerry Sam, Executive Director of Penplusbytes, emphasized the importance of shifting political discourse away from personality-driven politics and focusing on policy-based discussions. He highlighted that manifestos, despite being at the heart of political campaigns, often face a disconnect with voters, particularly the youth, who question the feasibility of promises and the political will to follow through. The Voters' Compass, developed in par...

Accra, October 23, 2024 – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its admiration for Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, for his exemplary leadership in presiding over the day’s parliamentary session. In a statement signed by NDC General Secretary, Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party commended Speaker Bagbin for his “masterclass” handling of parliamentary proceedings, which they described as a reflection of his mature and visionary leadership. The NDC noted that Speaker Bagbin’s management of the business of Parliament has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the nation, particularly in ensuring that the legislative arm remains a pillar of integrity. “His leadership today was exceptional,” the statement said, adding that the Speaker’s efforts contribute significantly to safeguarding the independence and dignity of Parliament. The party further praised the NDC Majority Caucus for their resolute stance during the day’s session, commending their unwavering commit...

   The devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, are now too glaring to ignore. Our nation’s once-pristine rivers and water bodies have turned into polluted streams of toxic chemicals, severely impacting both aquatic life and human health. Mercury and cyanide, two of the most dangerous chemicals used in the extraction of gold, have been found in alarming concentrations across Ghana’s water bodies. These chemicals are not only harming our ecosystems but are also posing significant health risks to the population. The Threat to Water Bodies Illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Ghana, and its effects on the environment are catastrophic. The use of mercury and cyanide in galamsey activities is highly dangerous, as these chemicals find their way into rivers and streams, polluting vital water sources. Many of these water bodies serve as the primary source of drinking water for nearby communities, putting millions of lives at risk. Aquatic life has...

Vice President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Mirigu Traditional Area, Naaba Anonsona Abisa Anthony Atasige III, together with the Navro Pio, Pe Ayiakwo Balinia Asagipare III, have enskined a new Kassena-Nankana Chief in the Greater Accra Region. The ceremony, held at the El Wak Stadium, saw the installation of Joseph Babi Achindiba as the new leader for the Kassena-Nankana people residing in Accra.  This momentous event marked the third time the Kassena-Nankana people have installed a chief to serve their community in the nation’s capital. In his address to the gathering, which included a grand durbar of chiefs and people from various Kassena-Nankana communities, Naaba Atasige III and Pe Asagipare III  performed the traditional rituals required for the enskinment. Naaba Atasige III emphasized the divine nature of chieftaincy, stating that no chief could assume their position without God’s appointment. He reminded the new chief that his r...

The People's National Party (PNP) has expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs in Ghana, calling attention to the struggles of everyday citizens amidst skyrocketing prices and environmental degradation. In a statement, PNP Chairperson and Leader Janet Asana Nabla lamented the focus of the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on trivial issues like parliamentary leadership, while critical problems affecting Ghanaians remain unresolved. “The country is facing severe hardships, with rising costs of basic necessities such as baby food and fuel. Meanwhile, our water bodies and environment continue to suffer due to illegal mining. Despite these pressing issues, the NPP and NDC are consumed by disputes over who should lead the majority in Parliament,” Nabla stated. According to the PNP, Ghanaians are indifferent to who holds the majority in Parliament if it doesn’t translate into tangible solutions to their ...