The Exclusive

The Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), H.E. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, has called for decisive action to empower women in trade and agrifood systems to unlock Africa’s economic potential. Speaking at the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in Accra, under the theme "Empowering Women, Transforming Trade: Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential," he emphasized the need to remove systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in trade. Haile-Gabriel highlighted that women are central to Africa’s agrifood systems, making up nearly two-thirds of the workforce. However, they face significant challenges such as limited access to finance, restrictive trade policies, gender biases, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges are further exacerbated by climate change, which disproportionately affects women due to their limited assets and additional care responsibilities. Citing the FAO’s 2024 report, The Unjust...

At this year’s International Women’s Day celebration in Accra, Dr. Betty Annan, AGRA Country Director, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the vital role of women in Africa’s agri-food sector and the urgent need for accelerated action toward their empowerment. Speaking under the theme “Accelerate Action: For ALL Women and Girls. Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” Dr. Annan underscored the transformative power of investing in women, citing a 2023 FAO report which revealed that equal access to resources could boost women’s farm yields by up to 30%, reducing global hunger by as many as 150 million people. AGRA’s impact-driven initiatives, such as the VALUE4HER program and the Youth Employment for Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, have already empowered thousands of women across Africa. Over 10,000 women agripreneurs are now leveraging the VALUE4HER platform for training, mentorship, and digital market access, while YEFFA is equipping young wome...

The celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day in Accra saw passionate calls for women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and policy reforms aimed at improving the lives of women in Ghana. Speaking at the event, Hon. Lydia Timpani, Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms, emphasized the crucial role women play in Ghana’s economy, describing them as the true drivers of trade and agriculture. “We own the world because it is from our small farms, our peppers, tomatoes, and other produce that the economy thrives,” she stated. However, she acknowledged the many challenges women face, including lack of access to finance, land, and markets. To address these, she reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to implementing the National Action Plan for Affirmative Action, which aims to ensure that at least 30% of public sector positions are occupied by women. “We are working closely with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to guarantee this representation across all sectors,” she added. Ho...

 

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Rev. Kweku Addo, has assured constituents of his unwavering commitment to transforming the municipality through infrastructure, healthcare, job creation, and social development. Speaking at the 68th Independence Day celebration at Karikari Park in Dansoman, Rev. Addo emphasized the need to "Reflect, Review, and Reset" after years of neglect, pledging to implement projects that will improve livelihoods. He announced that the MP’s Forum , the first initiative under his 7-point development vision, will be held on March 7 at Ebenezer Senior High School. The forum will provide an opportunity for residents to engage directly with him and local authorities, ensuring accountability and inclusive decision-making. On healthcare, Rev. Addo reaffirmed his commitment to improving access, revealing that the Gbegbeyise Polyclinic is nearing completion, the Dansoman Polyclinic Annex at KitKat is being fast-tracked, and plans are underway for a...

The Ablekuma West Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Samuel Amoah, has called on young people to prioritize education and personal development, warning against the dangers of gambling, social media distractions, and moral decay. Speaking at the 68th Independence Day celebration at Karikari Park in Dansoman, Mr. Amoah emphasized that Ghana’s future depends on disciplined, educated, and morally upright youth. Addressing students, he highlighted the importance of education in securing a better future, urging them to avoid teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and excessive use of social media, particularly TikTok. “Education is the key to unlocking your potential. Do not let distractions like bad friends and social media ruin your future,” he cautioned. Mr. Amoah also expressed concern about the growing influence of sports betting among young people, describing it as a dangerous habit that could lead to addiction and financial ruin. “Instead of gambling your future away, invest in your educ...

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) have intensified efforts to combat romance fraud, urging victims and the public to report suspected fraudsters through their new dedicated hotlines. With Ghana becoming a hub for online scams, particularly romance fraud, the two agencies have launched the Report Sakawa phoneline ( 0547-491-491 ) and a toll-free number ( 0800-910-910 ) to encourage victims and witnesses to report fraudulent activities. Romance fraudsters use deception to build emotional connections with victims, eventually manipulating them into sending money or personal details. The financial and emotional toll on victims is severe, and in some cases, these crimes are linked to money laundering and human trafficking. EOCO and the NCA's Fraud Reporting Campaign will include roadside billboards, social media outreach, and community engagement to raise awareness and make reporting easier. The campaign aims to educate the publ...

Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) and The Gambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to replicate its African tailored waste management solution in The Gambia. This move is seen as an "African solution to an African challenge."  The signing ceremony was led by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Honourable Rohey John Manjang and Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, at a brief but significant ceremony in Accra on Monday, March 3, 2025. According to Madam Manjang, there was the need for Africa to devise homegrown solutions to its challenges, stating her ambition to build a waste treatment plant in The Gambia within six months through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. "I know, for Africa to go forward with our limited resources, we need to be innovative in making sure that we fix our problems. We cannot just say that we do not have money,” she said. This follows a five-day duty tour of the ...

The Chief Executive of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, has assured Ghanaians that the resolutions from the National Economic Dialogue (NED) will be implemented and not left to gather dust. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the dialogue, Mr. Mould emphasized that MiDA, as the government’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU), is fully prepared to oversee cross-ministry and cross-sectoral projects. He affirmed that the dialogue would not be another talk shop but a catalyst for real economic transformation. “MiDA is committed to ensuring that resolutions from the dialogue translate into tangible, game-changing projects, including other transformational projects in the NDC’s manifesto,” he stated. The National Economic Dialogue is structured around six thematic areas crucial to Ghana’s economic transformation. Subject matter experts are leading discussions in breakout sessions, generating practical solutions that MiDA is prepared to implem...

Dr. Gameli Dominic Hoedoafia officially assumed office as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) on Monday, February 17, 2025, following a formal handover ceremony at the IMCCoD Secretariat. This transition marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s decentralisation agenda and reaffirms the government’s commitment to strengthening local governance structures. The IMCCoD, established in 2010, serves as the central institutional mechanism for inter-sectoral policy coordination on decentralisation and local governance. Its mandate is to ensure that Ghana’s local government system is effectively administered to drive rapid development through accelerated decentralisation and efficient service delivery. Commitment to Decentralisation and Local Governance During the handover ceremony, the outgoing Executive Secretary, Mr. Dennis Edward Aboagye, expressed confidence in His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to appoin...

The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s plastic waste management sector. Speaking during a visit to selected plastic recycling companies under the Establishing a Circular Economy Framework for the Plastic Sector in Ghana (CEF-PS) project, he emphasized the need to expand recycling facilities across the country and ensure a fair regional distribution of resources. Dr. Murtala Muhammed noted that while grants and support have been extended to plastic waste management entities, most of these beneficiaries are concentrated in Accra. Out of 11 applicants, eight were approved, with only one facility located outside the capital in the Central Region. He questioned why no such initiatives exist in the Ashanti Region or Northern Ghana, despite the nationwide plastic waste crisis. “Accra generates about 60% of Ghana’s plastic waste, but that doesn’t mean other regions shou...

Tensions are rising in Kyebi following the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s controversial decision to introduce an armed land guard group alongside a task force to protect the Birim River. The move, which directly violates Ghana’s Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), has sparked fear and outrage among miners and residents. Leading the vigilante group is the notorious land guard commander, Abass Sakini, who was personally introduced to sub-chiefs by the Okyenhene. Sources indicate that these land guards have been tasked with asserting control over mining operations in the area. However, their aggressive tactics have been met with strong resistance, with some miners reportedly arming themselves in fear of violent confrontations. Okyenhene’s Move Violates Ghanaian Law The formation of this armed group stands in direct contradiction to Act 999, which strictly prohibits the establishment and operation of vigilante groups, including land guards. The law states: Proh...

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kurt Okraku, led the Black Stars’ technical team to pay a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, on Monday afternoon. The visit was aimed at introducing the newly assembled technical team to the Minister and seeking his support as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Kofi Adams emphasized the need for collective effort to ensure the success of the national team. He assured them of his open-door policy and encouraged them to seek his intervention whenever necessary. “I urge you all to work together and do your best to secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup,” the Minister stated. Among the delegation were head coach Otto Addo, technical director Winfried Schäfer, and assistant coach Desmond Ofei. The meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the Black Stars in their quest to qualify for the next Wor...

 

Residents  in and around  Potrase, Osino,Kibi,Asikam Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa South Districts are crying out for urgent intervention as illegal mining (galamsey) activities continue to destroy their water bodies and forests. At the center of the allegations are two bodyguards of President Nana Akufo-Addo,Ofori-panyin Fraizer and Eric Antwi . They are accused of engaging in galamsey with impunity, polluting rivers bodies, ravaging forests, and threatening livelihoods. According to distressed residents, these men openly brag about their connections to power, claiming to be untouchable. More alarming, the residents allege that some officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Commission are complicit in these illegal activities. One name that has emerged is Dr. Jones Kumi Agyei, a Forestry Commission regional officer for the Ashanti Region who was recently transferred from the Eastern Region. He is accused of facilitating access to p...

  All too soon, we will mark the Sixty-Eight (68) years of our beloved country called Ghana aka ‘Ama Ghana’ after transitioning from Gold Coast. As we inch to commemorate this memorable day, we must recognise the basic fact that the day marks a significant milestone achievement with a greater impact on the past, present and future of Ghana after the attainment of our freedom; hence the need to reflect on the progress and challenges encountered since obtaining independence from the British (Colonial Master). The attainment of independence from colonial rule with the toil of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta (the BIG SIX) as founding fathers of Ghana and the traditional leaders as well as Yaa Asantewaa, Queen mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Empire in their struggle for independence. Whilst appreciating the efforts of the big six, we must acknowledge the major role the former Prime Minister, and the ...

Names of some NPP PROs in government institutions who have consistently refused to engage with pro-NDC media to be exposed soon

  The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has launched the Regional Sanitation Day, underscoring the need for a collective effort to maintain cleanliness and prevent diseases in the national capital.  The initiative, she explained, aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's reintroduction of National Sanitation Day, aimed at addressing Ghana's poor sanitation challenges.  During the launch on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the Madina Zongo Junction, Mrs. Ocloo encouraged market women to make cleanliness a daily habit, praising their active participation in the cleanup exercise.  She also appealed to roadside sellers to move into the market for a more organised trading environment. She highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring enough space for free movement, and preventing the outbreak of diseases like cholera, and urged everyone to support the initiative and make sanitation a part of their daily lives. “Working in a ...