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The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission (FC) has intercepted 3,967 dried shark fins at the Swissport Cargo Centre at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The consignment, weighing about 488 kilogrammes, was concealed in 14 wrapped jute bags commonly referred to as “Ghana Must Go” bags and is estimated to have a street value of between US$300,000 and US$400,000. Mauritania was listed as the final destination of the shipment. According to the Forestry Commission, officials were tipped off by the Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA after the items were initially declared as dried fish. However, a physical inspection revealed that the cargo contained dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration. Investigations further showed that the consignment lacked the requisite export permit and accompanying documentation, in breach of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). Section 22(2)(a) of the Act requires a permit for the export, re-export or importation of wildlife and wildlife products. The seized fins were identified as belonging to several shark species, including the Blue shark (Prionace glauca), Common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) and Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). These species and their derivatives are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which mandates export permits to ensure that international trade is legal, sustainable and does not threaten the survival of the species. The Forestry Commission said the seized items are currently in its custody, while the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations and possible prosecution. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has stressed that meaningful national development must begin with deliberate investment in children, warning that infrastructure alone cannot secure the future of society. According to the Ga Mantse, even the construction of the finest schools, roads and houses amounts to little if children are neglected in the development process. “You can build the best schools, you can build the best roads and houses, but if you cannot invest in that child, then you have lost the battle for the future of the state,” he stated. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II made these remarks in Accra on Monday when he paid a royal visit to the headquarters of Promasidor Ghana Limited, as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships that support child welfare and community development. The Ga Mantse commended Promasidor Ghana Limited for its consistent support for children-focused initiatives, particularly through its involvement in Kiddafest and the annual Kinka Bronya celebrations held on January 1. He noted that the company’s support has enabled thousands of children in Ga communities to experience recreation, nutrition and educational support they would otherwise not have access to. He highlighted that, for many children, events such as Kinka Bronya represent a once-in-a-lifetime experience — giving them access to recreational facilities like trampolines and bouncy castles, as well as nutritious meals and dairy products provided by Promasidor. “For the first time, some children in our community get to enjoy these simple but meaningful experiences — a proper breakfast, nutritious drinks, recreation and care. For that child, it becomes the most important day of their life,” he said. The Ga Mantse further called for deeper collaboration between Promasidor and traditional authorities, proposing expanded partnerships around major festivals such as Homowo, which he said could also boost the visibility and patronage of Promasidor products, including Onga. He emphasized that investing in children is not only a social or corporate responsibility but a long-term investment in national stability and growth. “My entire focus is on the children. They are all we have left. If we fail them, we fail the future,” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II added. He expressed optimism that the growing relationship between the Ga State and Promasidor Ghana Limited would continue to deliver mutual benefits, while ensuring that children remain at the center of development efforts. Taking his turn, Festus Tettey, ECOWAS Chief Executive Officer of Promasidor (excluding Nigeria), has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Africa, stressing that the continent remains the core focus of its operations despite exports to Europe and the Americas. According to him, Promasidor’s mission is to consistently provide high-quality food products to consumers across Africa, while building one of the continent’s leading food manufacturing businesses through manufacturing excellence and a strong distribution network. “Our focus as a business is Africa. Even though we export to Europe and the Americas, our primary responsibility is to serve African consumers with quality food products,” He explained that the company’s values are anchored on putting consumers first, respecting communities and the environment, driving excellence, and building trust both internally and with the communities it serves. Outlining changes in Promasidor’s leadership structure, Mr. Tettey announced that from January 1, 2026, he will be elevated to Group Chief Executive Officer. He noted that the current Group Executive Chairman, Ondi Thierry, will remain on the executive board as a non-executive director, while the current Group CEO, Anders Ennes, will assume the role of Group Executive Chairman. He also highlighted the strength of Promasidor Ghana’s management team and revealed that the Ghana operation serves as a key export hub for the sub-region, supplying products to 14 African countries, including Togo, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cameroon. He said about 40 percent of production from the Ghana factory is exported, while 60 percent is sold on the local market. Touching on product performance, Mr. Tettey disclosed that Promasidor operates across five main categories in Ghana, including infant cereals, dairy, non-dairy creamers, beverages and seasonings. He noted that yumvita is the second-largest infant cereal brand in Ghana with nearly 30 percent market share, while Cowbell dairy products also command about 30 percent of the market. He added that Promasidor leads the non-dairy creamer market with over 30 percent share, dominates the coffee three-in-one category with close to 80 percent market share, and controls about 72 percent of the soy seasoning market across Ghana and the sub-region. Mr. Tettey further emphasized Promasidor’s commitment to community engagement and partnerships, particularly in initiatives that support vulnerable communities through access to water and other social interventions. He expressed optimism that the growing relationship between Promasidor and traditional authorities, including the Ga State, would create shared value for communities while strengthening the company’s presence across Africa. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has reiterated the need for officers of the Ghana Police Service to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and discipline as they confront crime across the country, particularly illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. He acknowledged the significant risks associated with policing, disclosing that about 20 officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025 alone. Despite these sacrifices, the IGP stressed that officers must remain resolute, courageous, and fair in the enforcement of the law, regardless of the challenges they encounter. IGP Yohuno made the remarks on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters in Accra during a promotion ceremony for officers drawn from the Special Investigative Team that investigated violence related to the 2020 and 2024 general elections, as well as personnel of the IGP’s Anti-Galamsey Task Force. According to him, the promotions were intended not only to reward outstanding service but also to motivate officers across the Service to remain committed to ethical conduct and national duty. He emphasised that integrity, loyalty, and bravery must underpin all police operations if public confidence in law enforcement is to be sustained. “This is about selflessness, determination, and perseverance,” the IGP stated. “We want the more than 49,000 officers working in communities across the country to understand that honest and dedicated service matters” “You must not work to impress anyone; work with a pure heart, and in time, your efforts will be recognised and rewarded.” Speaking on behalf of officers of the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force who were promoted, Superintendent of Police Bawah Abdul Jalil reaffirmed the team’s unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal mining and other forms of organised crime. He disclosed that the task force was deployed to the Ashanti Region with 105 officers to restore law and order in areas heavily affected by galamsey. He explained that the operation was met with fierce resistance, particularly during the seizure of excavators used for illegal mining, with officers coming under gunfire. “We faced serious threats and attacks in the course of our duties, but through discipline and teamwork, the situation was brought under control. The outcomes of our work are there for the public to see,” he noted. Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent of Police John Kwaku Lodonu, speaking for the Special Investigative Team that probed the 2020 and 2024 election-related violence, said the team remains focused on ensuring accountability for all election offences. He explained that while some prosecutions have already been successfully secured, investigations are ongoing to ensure that all individuals involved in electoral violence are dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. The ceremony, according to police authorities, forms part of efforts to recognise exemplary service, boost morale within the Service, and reinforce the leadership’s commitment to professionalism and accountability in policing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced plans to revoke the licenses of several large-scale mining companies found to be in breach of regulatory requirements. According to the Ministry, the decision follows an ongoing comprehensive review of large-scale mining operations being undertaken by a special committee set up for that purpose. Acting on the directive of the Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), the committee has named an initial batch of 50 companies cited for violations, including operating without permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Resources Commission (WRC), despite holding valid leases. The exercise forms part of government’s broader strategy to clamp down on irregularities within the mining industry and to promote lawful, responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country. Officials say the review is intended to ensure strict adherence to due process and regulatory protocols at all operational levels, in line with the government’s commitment to sanitizing the sector. This initiative mirrors a similar audit previously carried out in the small-scale mining subsector, which resulted in the revocation of 278 licenses over various infractions. The Ministry indicated that more enforcement actions will be taken as necessary as it continues to strengthen regulatory oversight of the mining sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Labadi Beach Hotel has appointed Mr. Kelvin Tetteh Caternor as Chairman of its reconstituted Board of Directors, as part of efforts to strengthen corporate governance and enhance strategic oversight. Mr. Caternor is a seasoned top management executive, entrepreneur and communications specialist with extensive experience in development leadership. He is widely recognised for his goal-oriented leadership style and strong administrative and strategic management capabilities. A distinguished entrepreneur and communicator, Mr. Caternor brings broad expertise in oil and gas project management, natural resource management, security and information consultancy, as well as development communications to the role. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Natural Resources Law, a Master of Arts in Development Communication, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and a Diploma in Data Processing. He studied at the University of Ghana, the Ghana Institute of Journalism, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He will lead a diverse and experienced board made up of Mr. Larry Kwesi Jiagge, a barrister and chartered insurer with over three decades of leadership experience in finance and governance; Mr. Isaac Kodom, a chartered accountant and corporate strategy executive; Dr. Belinda Smith, a University of Ghana lecturer and sociologist; Mr. Charles Wordsworth Fui Tsagli, a hospitality and business development executive; and Ms. Felicity Lekia Nelson, an operations professional, media personality and social justice advocate. Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana’s leading five-star beachfront hotel, is located along the La coastline in Accra. The hotel is renowned for its luxury accommodation, state-of-the-art conference facilities and world-class service, and remains a flagship destination for business, leisure and international events. The hotel is managed by Mr. David Eduaful, Managing Director, a veteran hospitality professional with over 33 years of industry experience and the first Ghanaian to head a five-star hotel in the country. Hotel Investments Ghana Ltd. (HIGL); a company under SSNIT's investment portfolio. The newly constituted board is expected to provide strategic direction and support management in sustaining Labadi Beach Hotel’s legacy of excellence and competitive leadership in Ghana’s hospitality industry. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ing. Godfred Fiifi Boadi, ESQ, Head of Climate Action, Sustainability and Partnerships at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has underscored the need for targeted, district-level interventions to sustain water treatment and handwashing practices across the country. Speaking at the presentation of a recent sector report, Ing. Boadi said the findings provide critical guidance for directing national interventions, particularly those aimed at vulnerable populations and varying levels of disability. He noted that several development partners are already supporting initiatives such as the distribution of chlorine filters and the promotion of solar water treatment at the district level. According to him, the Ministry welcomes the report and will draw on its insights to strengthen policy direction and implementation. “This report will go a long way in helping us refine our interventions and ensure they are better targeted,” he said. Touching on hygiene practices, Ing. Boadi observed that post-COVID-19 trends show a noticeable decline in the sustained availability of soap and water at designated handwashing points. He explained that although handwashing activities increased significantly during the pandemic, those behaviours have not been fully maintained. He questioned why heightened handwashing practices seen during the COVID-19 period have waned, even though public health risks persist. He attributed the decline partly to the perception that COVID-19 was more a life-threatening crisis than a long-term health concern, leading to reduced vigilance once the immediate threat appeared to subside. Ing. Boadi further pointed out that while existing policy-relevant indicators capture access to water and hygiene facilities, they do not adequately measure frequency, consistency and correct usage of water treatment and handwashing practices. He described this as an analytical gap that needs to be addressed. To bridge this gap, he said the Ministry is ready to deepen collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). He outlined key implications from the report, including the need to strengthen institutionally linked monitoring systems, enhance the measurement of point-of-use and behavioural sustainability indicators for handwashing, and ensure district-specific targeting of interventions based on disaggregated data. He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and collaboration, and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the research and reporting process. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

A Data Scientist at the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Mr. Peter Yeltulme Mminlaaru, has clarified that alcohol consumption in itself is not considered harmful, but becomes a public health concern when intake exceeds medically defined moderate levels for men and women. Speaking at the release of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) District-Level Reports at the British Council Hall in Accra on Monday, Mr. Mminlaaru explained that the GDHS classifies alcohol intake as excessive only when it goes beyond established moderate thresholds. According to him, moderate alcohol consumption differs by sex. For men, consuming up to two standard drinks within a given period is considered moderate and acceptable, while any intake above two drinks is classified as excessive. For women, he noted, one standard drink is regarded as moderate, and anything above one drink is deemed excessive. Mr. Mminlaaru stressed that the definition of a “standard drink” depends on the type and alcohol content of the beverage, a principle that has long been reflected in traditional drinking practices. “Our forebears were very wise. Different alcoholic drinks were traditionally consumed in different containers based on their strength,” he explained. He illustrated that a bottle of beer is generally considered a single standard drink, which is why it is commonly sold in full bottles at drinking spots. For men, taking up to two bottles of beer is considered moderate, while consuming more than that becomes excessive. Similarly, stronger alcoholic beverages are usually sold in smaller measures, reflecting their higher alcohol content. “The idea is not to discourage alcohol consumption entirely,” Mr. Mminlaaru noted, “but to promote responsible drinking by understanding the limits beyond which consumption becomes harmful.” He added that the same principles apply to locally brewed beverages such as palm wine and other traditional alcoholic drinks, where moderation is determined by quantity and alcohol strength. The clarification forms part of findings from the Small Area Estimation reports derived from the 2022 GDHS, which include excessive alcohol consumption among men as one of the thematic indicators. The reports are intended to support evidence-based planning and targeted public health interventions at the district level. Mr. Mminlaaru emphasized that understanding what constitutes excessive alcohol intake is critical for both policymakers and the public, as harmful drinking patterns have implications for health outcomes, productivity, and social wellbeing across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Greater Accra Region has recorded the lowest prevalence of the Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM) in Ghana, highlighting a sharp contrast in nutritional outcomes across the country, according to newly released district-level data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Speaking at the dissemination of six district-level reports derived from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), the Acting Deputy Government Statistician, Alhaji Omar Seidu, described the findings as both encouraging and deeply troubling. He explained that districts within Greater Accra—La Dade-Kotopon, Adentan, and Accra Metropolitan—posted DBM prevalence rates of 3.1 percent, 3.3 percent, and 3.8 percent respectively, making the region the lowest nationwide and significantly below the national average of 11.7 percent. According to Alhaji Seidu, the Double Burden of Malnutrition reflects the simultaneous presence of child stunting and maternal anaemia, a condition that undermines child development, weakens maternal health, and entrenches cycles of poverty. “Greater Accra’s performance demonstrates the dividends of improved access to healthcare, better nutrition, diversified diets, and relatively stronger infrastructure associated with urban settings,” he stated. However, he warned that the positive story in Greater Accra must not obscure the stark inequalities elsewhere. Alhaji Seidu revealed that several districts in the Northern and North East regions recorded DBM prevalence levels more than twice the national average, with figures exceeding 20 percent in some areas. He described the gap of over 22 percentage points between the best- and worst-performing districts as evidence of deep structural disparities in access to food security, healthcare, and social services. “These disparities are disturbing and unacceptable. They call for urgent, integrated, and district-specific interventions, particularly in northern Ghana, where children and mothers remain disproportionately affected,” he emphasised. The Acting Deputy Government Statistician stressed that the district-level insights were made possible through the application of Small Area Estimation techniques, which combine data from the 2022 GDHS and the 2021 Population and Housing Census to generate reliable indicators for all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He noted that the availability of such granular data equips local authorities and health directorates with the evidence needed to design targeted nutrition, health, and social protection programmes. “The purpose of this data is action. We expect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to use these findings to prioritise interventions, allocate resources effectively, and close the nutrition gap across regions,” Alhaji Seidu said. The reports form part of broader efforts by the Ghana Statistical Service to support evidence-based planning and track Ghana’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). He concluded by calling on government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to deepen investments in nutrition-sensitive interventions to ensure that no district is left behind, despite the relatively strong performance of Greater Accra. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched its Community Engagement and Policing (CEP) Strategy, together with a comprehensive curriculum and training manual, aimed at strengthening border governance and deepening collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. The CEP Strategy represents a significant shift from traditional enforcement-focused border management to a people-centred and community-driven approach, particularly in border and coastal communities where vulnerabilities to irregular migration, human trafficking, and transnational organised crime are high. Under the new framework, community members are recognised as critical partners in safeguarding national security and promoting sustainable development. Speaking at the launch ceremony held in Accra, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu, underscored the importance of community trust in effective border management, stating that “sustainable border security relies on mutual trust and open communication with communities.” He explained that the CEP Strategy provides a structured and practical guide for GIS officers to engage communities respectfully, build confidence, and encourage cooperation in addressing security challenges. Mr Amadu expressed appreciation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and key development partners, including the German Federal Foreign Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, for their technical expertise and financial support in developing the strategy, curriculum, and training materials. The launch coincided with the commemoration of International Migrants’ Day 2025, observed globally under the theme “Migrate: Stories, Cultures,” reinforcing the link between humane migration governance and sustainable development. As part of the implementation plan, Mr Amadu announced that training-of-trainers workshops would be conducted early next year to ensure nationwide rollout of the strategy. He said the CEP curriculum would be fully integrated into GIS training schools and the Immigration Academy, ensuring that both new recruits and serving officers are equipped with the skills needed to engage communities effectively. hief of Mission, IOM, Ms Fatou Diallo Ndiaye congratulated GIS and its partners on the milestone, noting that the CEP Strategy strengthens community-centred security and resilience, particularly in vulnerable border areas. She observed that incorporating community perspectives into border governance reduces risks, addresses root causes of insecurity, and contributes to regional stability. Presenting details of the CEP curriculum and training manual, ACP Kofi Asano explained that the programme was designed to foster trust, collaboration, and proactive civic engagement between communities and law enforcement agencies. He said the approach ensures that communities understand their role in supporting security, while GIS officers uphold human rights and professional standards through a people-focused policing model. According to ACP Asano, the curriculum merges entry-level and post-entry training into a unified framework, with specialised modules reserved for senior officers. He noted that the programme comprises 15 modules covering areas such as community engagement, policing concepts, conflict resolution, gender equity, protection from sexual exploitation, transnational organised crime, referral mechanisms, project management, community safety planning, media and communication skills, and religious orientation. He added that each module outlines clear learning objectives, duration, teaching methods, and continuous assessment tools to ensure measurable outcomes. The accompanying training manual, he said, provides detailed instructional guidance while allowing flexibility to adapt content to participants’ experience levels and operational contexts. The CEP Strategy is expected to enhance cooperation between GIS officers and communities, strengthen border security, and support safer, more orderly migration across Ghana’s borders. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has renewed Africa’s call for reparations while openly acknowledging the complex historical role some African traditional authorities played in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Speaking at the opening of the Diaspora Summit 2025 in Accra, the Ga Mantse described the gathering as a historic moment of reflection, unity and purpose for Africa and its global diaspora. He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the invitation and praised him for his leadership in championing reparations and racial justice on the global stage. According to the Ga Mantse, Ghana’s establishment of the Global Office for Reparations underscores the country’s moral commitment to pursuing historical redress and global justice for Africans and people of African descent. He reiterated that the African Diaspora, recognised by the African Union as the continent’s Sixth Region and by Ghana as its 17th Region, remains an inseparable part of Africa’s story. He stressed that millions of Africans who were forcibly uprooted during the slave trade endured immense brutality yet remained resilient across centuries. Describing the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as one of the greatest crimes against humanity, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II noted that over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly removed from their homelands, with enduring economic, social and psychological consequences that continue to affect nations on both sides of the Atlantic. In a rare and candid admission, the Ga Mantse acknowledged that some African kings, chiefs and intermediaries were complicit in aspects of the slave trade. Speaking on behalf of traditional leadership in the ancient Ga State and in solidarity with custodians of African heritage, he expressed regret and apologised for any roles played by their forebears. He emphasised that acknowledging this painful truth strengthens, rather than weakens, Africa’s demand for reparations, adding that genuine justice and reconciliation must be grounded in honesty and shared accountability. The Ga Mantse cautioned that the global reparations agenda is complex and will require sustained diplomacy, legal expertise and continental unity. However, he expressed optimism, citing the leadership of Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah at the Global Office for Reparations as a critical asset in advancing the cause from rhetoric to international recognition. He further noted that reparations go beyond financial compensation and must include the restoration of dignity and identity, the return of stolen artefacts, economic restructuring, truth-telling and healing for African peoples. Addressing members of the diaspora, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to welcoming them home as family, not visitors, describing their return as the restoration of a circle broken by history. He concluded by calling for unity among Africa and its diaspora, urging stakeholders to pursue the reparations journey as one anchored in truth, justice, healing and collective responsibility. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, has called on young people to take greater personal initiative and start something small on their own as a practical way of addressing the country’s persistently high youth unemployment rate. Dr. Alhassan made the call in an exclusive interview with Thinknewsonline.com on the back of the release of the 2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which was published on Thursday by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). According to the survey findings, youth unemployment remains significantly high at about 32 percent, more than double the national unemployment rate of 13 percent. In addition, the number of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) stands at approximately 1.34 million, a figure Dr. Alhassan described as deeply concerning. He stressed that while government, the private sector, and other stakeholders must intensify efforts to create jobs, young people themselves also have a responsibility to take advantage of available opportunities. He encouraged the youth to invest in continuous learning, particularly in emerging and fast-growing sectors such as information technology and digital services, where entry barriers are relatively low. Dr. Alhassan noted that government initiatives, skills programmes, and short-term employment opportunities even when temporary can help young people acquire practical skills and work experience that improve their employability over time. Beyond formal employment, the Government Statistician urged the youth not to wait indefinitely for jobs in the public or private sector. He explained that with relatively small capital ranging from GH¢1,000 to GH¢5,000, young people can start small businesses based on their existing skills and gradually expand them. He further highlighted the availability of micro-credit and small-scale financing schemes designed to support young entrepreneurs, encouraging the youth to take advantage of such support rather than resorting to risky alternatives, including irregular migration. Dr. Alhassan emphasized that many successful businesses in the country began on a small scale and grew over time, adding that self-initiative and entrepreneurship remain critical tools for reducing unemployment and building sustainable livelihoods. He concluded by calling for a collective national effort to address youth unemployment, stressing that empowering young people to create their own opportunities is key to driving inclusive economic growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Government Statistician has called on employers to ensure that the skills of workers align with the jobs they are hired to perform, warning that skills mismatch undermines productivity, output and overall profitability of organisations. Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com on Thursday while addressing employers, the Government Statistician revealed that recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows a mixed picture of skills alignment in the labour market. According to him, about 65.8 per cent of employed persons in Ghana believe their skills adequately match their jobs, indicating that a majority of workers feel well placed in their current roles. However, the data also shows significant gaps: 20.7 per cent of workers are unsure whether their skills match their jobs, while 10 per cent feel their skills exceed the requirements of their positions. In addition, about 3 per cent of employed persons believe their skills fall below the demands of their jobs. He stressed that employers must pay closer attention to skills-job alignment during recruitment, noting that organisations hire workers primarily to enhance productivity and increase output. “You cannot achieve increased productivity if you bring in people whose skills do not match the job,” he explained. He added that proper matching ultimately contributes to profitability and the attainment of broader organisational goals. The Government Statistician also pointed to the role of the education system in addressing skills mismatch. He said the availability of labour market data from the GSS provides clear evidence that should guide educational planning. "It is important to identify the skills required for good jobs so that our educational system is refined to provide the right courses and programmes that deliver relevant, job-specific skills,” he noted. Beyond employers and educational institutions, he said households and individuals also have a responsibility. He called for greater sensitisation of families and job seekers on the impact of skills match or mismatch on careers, economic outcomes and overall wellbeing. He expressed optimism that with increased awareness, better alignment of education and labour market needs, and the creation of more job opportunities, the incidence of skills mismatch in Ghana could be significantly reduced. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith