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- "Stop describing me as leader of NPP Caucus" - Alexander Afenyo-Markin corrects media over majority leader title
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who asserts his role as Majority Leader, has expressed frustration over media reports describing him as the "leader of the NPP caucus." Confronting a Citi TV reporter on the issue, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the courts and Speaker of Parliament have ruled in his favor, reaffirming his position as Majority Leader and restoring the status quo. "I am the Majority Leader. You've been saying it consistently and I've been correcting you. The court has pronounced, stop describing me as leader of NPP caucus. You should know better. Say the right thing" "Young man, wait. For the purpose of education, the speaker made a pronouncement. The court has ruled. You have lawyers at Citi. I don't know your experience in reporting. But once a court has made a pronouncement to restore the status quo, don't say that I am saying" "You, as a reporter, there have been two rulings confirming that. So don't continue to describe me as leader of NPP Caucus. Is that okay? Don't tell the public that I am claiming and that you don't know what it is. Unless you don't know why you are doing court reporting. So clarify it" This clarification underscores the sensitivity surrounding leadership titles in Ghana’s Parliament, and Afenyo-Markin urged journalists to report with accuracy to avoid misinformation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- “We must protect our democracy at all costs” - John Mahama
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on Ghanaians to safeguard the nation’s democratic legacy amidst rising challenges. Speaking at the “Worship with the Clergy” event in Kumasi, Mahama expressed concern over the growing economic hardships and the erosion of respect for the rule of law, attributing these issues to mismanagement by the current administration. “The cost of living has skyrocketed, and the rule of law seems increasingly disregarded. This has fueled a strong desire for change among Ghanaians, who now look to the NDC for a solution,” Mahama asserted. He highlighted key concerns such as food inflation, the depreciation of the cedi, ongoing debt restructuring, and the return of dumsor (power outages) due to debt in the energy sector. “For some time now, there have been rampant power outages due to accumulated debt by this government. Food prices are among the highest in Africa, according to the World Bank, and Ghanaians are tired of the hardship,” he noted. Mahama also touched on the ongoing tensions between Parliament and the Supreme Court, urging President Akufo-Addo to bring both parties together, with the involvement of the clergy, to resolve the impasse through dialogue. Additionally, he called for constitutional reforms to reduce dependency on the Supreme Court for interpretation, saying, “Leadership can solve what’s happening in Parliament. If the President called both Parliament and the Supreme Court and involved the clergy, the issue would be resolved. We need to review our constitution to avoid repeated legal challenges that undermine our democracy.” The Former President reiterated his commitment to banning mining in forest reserves and water bodies, citing galamsey (illegal mining) as a major threat to the environment. “Our lands, rivers, and forests are being devastated. An NDC government would ban mining in river bodies and forests and implement responsible mining practices to protect the integrity of our environment,” Mahama pledged. Mr. Mahama urged the clergy and citizens to work together to preserve Ghana’s democratic values, especially as concerns over democratic backsliding and youth disillusionment grow. “Ghana’s democracy was recently rated low, and many young people no longer believe in its promise, even expressing a preference for military rule. We must protect our democracy at all costs. Let’s not return to the era of military rule. Democracy and peace are our collective responsibility,” he affirmed. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Mahama advocates for political solution over Supreme Court ruling in vacant seats dispute
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has called for a political resolution to the ongoing case concerning the declaration of vacant parliamentary seats, suggesting it would be more effective than a Supreme Court judgment. Speaking to members of the clergy at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama argued that a political approach, rather than a judicial one, would be best to resolve the impasse. In his remarks, Mahama noted that while the Supreme Court is set to deliver its ruling on the matter, Parliament is not bound by the judiciary and could potentially disregard the decision. “I think that it is something we can solve politically. The solution is not legal because the Supreme Court can give a ruling, and Parliament can decide not to obey because they are not under the Judiciary. So, this requires a political solution,” Mahama stated. The Former President proposed that if he were currently head of state, he would seek to withdraw the case from the Supreme Court and instead convene a meeting with leaders from both political sides, the Council of State, the Speaker of Parliament, and religious representatives to reach a consensus. He emphasized that the involvement of President Akufo-Addo could also be instrumental in resolving the issue peacefully and constructively. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has postponed its ruling until Tuesday, November 12, following the absence of lawyers for Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin. The case, which was filed by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus, challenges Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant—a decision that has sparked political debate and renewed calls for constitutional reform. The court’s impending ruling, focusing on Bagbin’s interpretation of constitutional provisions regarding vacant seats, has raised questions about the separation of powers and the legislative autonomy of Parliament. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- JUST IN: John Mahama condemns LGBTQ+ in Ghana, urges Supreme Court to expedite bill
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has strongly condemned LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana and is urging the Supreme Court to facilitate the quick enactment of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. He spoke during a church service with members of the clergy at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday. Mr. Mahama expressed his concerns about the influence of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Africa, noting that Western nations push such agendas due to the aid they provide to African countries. He emphasized that the majority of Ghanaians, including traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians, oppose LGBTQ+ practices, which he described as inconsistent with Ghanaian cultural and religious values. Mahama urged the Supreme Court to ensure that the bill, already approved by Parliament, is passed into law by the President before the current parliamentary term ends. Failure to enact the bill by then would necessitate restarting the legislative process. “It is sad that LGBTQ+ agendas are directed towards Africa while Arab nations are spared,” Mahama stated, calling for national unity in opposing these influences. He further stressed the importance of swift action, highlighting the risk of the bill’s expiration if left unsigned. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Inaki Williams faces likely withdrawal from Ghana’s upcoming crucial AFCON qualifiers
Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification hopes have been dealt a potential blow, as star forward Inaki Williams faces a likely withdrawal from the upcoming qualifiers against Angola and Niger. Athletic Bilbao confirmed Williams is suffering from a hamstring overload in his left leg, sidelining him for their La Liga game against Real Valladolid. Williams, named in Coach Otto Addo’s 25-man squad, recently scored in Bilbao’s Europa League victory over Ludogorets but may miss the Black Stars’ high-stakes matches. Ghana must secure maximum points and hope for Sudan to lose both of their remaining games to progress. Ghana will play Angola on November 15 in Luanda, followed by Niger on November 18 in Accra. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Supreme Court to deliver verdict on controversial parliamentary seat declaration on Nov. 12
News coming in indicated that the Supreme Court is set to deliver a landmark judgment on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, concerning the declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. The case, which has sparked intense debate and calls for constitutional review, was postponed from Monday, November 11, due to the absence of Speaker Bagbin’s legal representatives. “The judgment of this matter will be delivered tomorrow, November 12, 2024,” Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo announced. The dispute, filed by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus, contests the Speaker’s authority to declare seats vacant based on his interpretation of constitutional provisions and the House’s standing orders. Speaker Bagbin’s controversial decision on October 17, 2024, argued that the MPs in question had breached constitutional obligations, thereby warranting the declaration of their seats as vacant. Following this declaration, Afenyo-Markin filed an ex parte motion at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Speaker's decision. Subsequently, the Supreme Court granted a stay of execution on Bagbin’s declaration, halting any immediate effects. In response, the Speaker, through his lawyer Thaddeus Sory, contested the stay of execution, arguing that the court had overreached by intervening in what he described as a non-judicial ruling. On October 30, 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed Speaker Bagbin’s application to nullify the stay of execution and instructed him to submit additional documents by November 11. This directive set the stage for Tuesday's anticipated verdict, which is expected to provide clarity on the Speaker’s powers concerning the declaration of vacant parliamentary seats and potentially reshape constitutional interpretations within Ghana’s parliamentary framework. The case continues to capture national attention, with observers awaiting a decision that could influence future legislative procedures and the authority of parliamentary leadership in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Akufo-Addo commissions Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, largest single-stream gold mine in West Africa
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially commissioned Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, the largest single-stream gold mine in West Africa and Ghana’s third-largest mine, marking a new chapter in the country's mining industry. The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region, included the symbolic pouring of the mine’s first gold. Cardinal Namdini is projected to produce 300,000 ounces of gold annually for its first three years, reinforcing Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading gold producer. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the mine's launch as a key milestone in Ghana's ambitions to establish itself as a premier mining hub in Africa, fostering job creation and local development. "Today, we take another giant step toward the vision of Ghana as the continent’s mining hub, where all mining activities, from exploration to production, and from research to innovation, are centered," President Akufo-Addo said. He credited his administration’s initiatives since 2017 for strengthening Ghana's natural resources sector, emphasizing substantial investments in the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to broaden Ghana’s exploration capabilities. “This mine’s creation is a testament to the wealth of mineral resources in Ghana’s north, an area that will now play a significant role in Ghana’s economic growth,” he noted. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the shift of large-scale mining to northern Ghana, noting that for many years, small-scale mining had dominated the region while major operations focused on the south. He attributed the establishment of Cardinal Namdini to increased exploration efforts, which have uncovered significant resources in the north. Additionally, the President announced plans to increase funding for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, amending the Minerals Development Fund Act to boost its allocation from mineral royalties from 8% to 13%. He revealed that, starting next year, a $10 million annual allocation will support ongoing geological investigations. The mine’s opening aligns with the government's broader vision for job creation and economic empowerment, President Akufo-Addo said, emphasizing the mine’s potential to catalyze local infrastructure development, including roads, utilities, and community facilities. Notably, Cardinal Namdini’s parent company, Shandong Gold Group, has pledged to build an airport in Bolgatanga to enhance accessibility for mining operations and benefit the broader Upper East Region. The President underscored the importance of adhering to Ghana’s mining regulations, calling on Cardinal Namdini to meet high standards for safe and sustainable operations. "As you begin production, I expect you to uphold best practices in mining, ensuring that environmental and regulatory standards are met,” he emphasized. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, detailed further government efforts to support large-scale mining in northern Ghana. He announced the construction of a five-story regional office complex for the Minerals Commission in Tamale, equipped with a laboratory to support the regulatory needs of emerging mines. To boost local gold value addition, Minister Jinapor outlined plans for a new $450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region, set to start soon under the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company. He also highlighted the recent commissioning of a 400-kilogram gold refinery, which will help process Ghana’s gold locally, translating mineral wealth into economic benefits for citizens. Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, attended the event and lauded President Akufo-Addo's dedication to the mining sector and commitment to strengthening Ghana-China relations. He noted that China has invested over $1 billion in the Cardinal Namdini mine, which underscores its role as Ghana's strategic partner in mining. “China’s presence in Ghana’s mining sector represents a significant commitment to employment and sectoral development,” Ambassador Defa remarked, reinforcing the partnership’s benefits for both nations. As the largest single-stream gold mine in West Africa, Cardinal Namdini represents a transformative step for Ghana’s mining sector, set to create jobs, drive local development, and affirm Ghana’s status as Africa’s top gold producer. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- ELECTION 2024: "Vote for political party that brings you development" - Napo to Gonjaland
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP has appealed to the people of Gonjaland to vote for a political party that has a better record of providing them development. According to him, the true essence of democracy is to achieve development, and therefore, it is incumbent for voters to elect political leaders who prioritize their development needs. Dr. Prempeh emphasized that in Ghana no political party comes close to the NPP when it comes to matters of development. The NPP government, he said, has not only implemented the most social intervention programmes in the nation’s history, but has also delivered more developmental projects in every part of the country, including Gonjaland than any government. He made these remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, at the Ndewura Jakpa Palace in Damango on Thursday, 7th November, 2024, as part of his constituency focused campaign tours of the Northern Region. Napo, as he is affectionately called, stressed that “since politics is all about development, the politician who is not your son but gives you development and attends to your needs, is the one you should vote for" "He deserves your vote more than even your son who does not give you development”. He cited the creation of the Savanna Region for Gonjaland by the NPP government as one of the many reasons why the people of Gonjaland should vote for the NPP. According to him, the creation of the Savanna region has paved way for many developmental projects to be undertaken in the region which has, indeed, happened. The NPP, he said, is yet to be rewarded electorally by the people of Gonjaland, for the creation of the Savanna region, which the chiefs and people had clamored for, for over 40 years. “Your son [John Mahama] who hails from here could not meet this legitimate demand of yours when he was President despite promising to do same. It had to take President Akufo-Addo, who hails from Eastern Region to grant your demands" "The person who helps you to develop is your brother, not the person who your mother gave birth to”, he remarked. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Ghana Water Ltd. launches leak detection field to combat water loss
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL), Ing. Dr. Clifford A. Braimah, has announced a significant development in the company’s mission to address water loss and improve urban water management with the launch of a new Leak Detection Field at the Ghana Water Institute (GWI). This facility aims to train GWL engineers and technicians in advanced leak detection techniques, as part of an ongoing partnership with Denmark, specifically the City of Aarhus. Addressing attendees at the launch, Ing. Dr. Braimah outlined GWL’s vision of becoming a “world-class utility” and noted the urgent need for modernization to keep pace with rapid technological advancements in water management. “Today marks an important milestone as we embrace new technologies to reduce water losses in our networks, a step essential to improving our service and meeting the demands of our customers,” he said. Water loss remains a pressing issue for Ghana’s urban water systems. Currently, nearly 48% of all water produced by GWL is lost before it reaches consumers due to pipeline leaks, unreported or “background” leaks, and other issues within the infrastructure. To combat these losses, GWL has invested in advanced tools and is transitioning from mechanical to smart water meters, enabling more accurate remote readings and detailed data analysis. Through collaboration with Danish engineers and specialists from Aarhus Vand, the Leak Detection Field was designed to train GWL personnel at all levels on precise, effective methods to identify and resolve leaks. This initiative is part of a larger framework supported by Denmark to develop asset management strategies and improve water loss reduction across Ghana. The project also includes training sessions in Denmark for GWL staff and pilot programs in Tema to test and implement best practices in water loss prevention. “The Leak Detection Field will serve as a critical training ground where our staff will learn to detect and locate leaks with precision,” Dr. Braimah explained highlighting the importance of addressing both visible leaks and unreported background leaks that significantly impact water availability, network pressure, and financial performance. In his remarks, Dr. Braimah extended his gratitude to Denmark for their ongoing support, as well as to other partners such as the World Bank, PURC, and the Water Worx Project, who have contributed to various aspects of GWL’s efforts to improve Ghana’s water infrastructure. He also acknowledged the role of the public and the media in supporting GWL’s drive towards world-class service. The new Leak Detection Field signals a major step forward in GWL’s commitment to efficient water management and sustainable urban supply, leveraging advanced technology to improve infrastructure resilience and enhance the quality of water delivery across the country. Denmark is furthering its commitment to sustainable water management in Ghana through a new partnership aimed at combating water loss and promoting safe drinking water. Representatives from the Danish utility Aarhus Vand highlighted Denmark’s longstanding dedication to international development, including a robust strategy to expand collaborations with African countries. Aarhus Vand, recognized globally for its expertise in minimizing non-revenue water (NRW), reported a water loss rate as low as 4.6% in the city of Aarhus—a benchmark in the industry. Denmark’s advanced leak detection technology and training are being shared with GWL, who now has a similar leak detection field in Ghana for training personnel on reducing water losses in urban areas. The newly established Ghanaian facility mirrors Aarhus Vand’s own leak detection field in Denmark, inaugurated just three months ago, enabling ongoing cross-training and technical knowledge-sharing between the two countries. During the event, Danish officials emphasized the two-way benefits of this partnership. "While Aarhus Vand provides expertise in water loss management, Denmark also recognizes the valuable insights Ghana offers, especially in navigating technical and political challenges in water utility,” a representative stated. The project is part of Denmark’s recently launched Africa Strategy, which seeks to establish equal partnerships across the continent, prioritizing areas like trade, investment, climate adaptation, and cultural exchange. A significant new initiative under this strategy involves a 100 million DKK (USD 15 million) project in northern Ghana, in collaboration with UNICEF and GWL, focused on enhancing access to safe drinking water and promoting energy efficiency in water-scarce areas. Denmark is also investing in educational exchanges with Ghana, with over 30 Ghanaian civil servants set to receive fully funded scholarships for a two-year master’s program in Denmark. The first cohort of six students has already begun their studies, marking a substantial commitment to people-to-people connections between the nations. Denmark's ongoing contributions to development aid underscore its commitment to global sustainable development. Annually, the country allocates DKK 16 billion toward international development, adhering to the UN’s recommended minimum of 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) for aid. Only a few countries meet this threshold, a reflection of Denmark’s dedication to promoting lasting, impactful change around the world. With water management as a critical priority in this agenda, Denmark’s partnership with Ghana continues to strengthen, aiming to improve both nations’ capacities to tackle water challenges and foster sustainable growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- National sickle cell strategy and vaccine policy launched
The Ministry of Health has unveiled the National Strategy for Sickle Cell Disease 2024-2028, alongside the National Vaccine Policy, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to tackling the high burden of sickle cell disease and bolstering vaccine self-sufficiency. Dr. Darius Kofi Osei, Technical Advisor to the Health Minister, delivered the speech on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, at the Ministry of Health in Ridge, Accra. Dr. Osei emphasized that the strategy aims to address the socio-economic impacts of sickle cell disease, which affects an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 newborns annually, representing 2% of all live births in Ghana. With approximately 25% of the population carrying the sickle cell trait, he noted the significant risk this poses for future generations and the importance of intervention. "The high prevalence of sickle cell disease creates a substantial burden on our healthcare system and affects the lives of thousands of families," Dr. Osei stated. "This disease disrupts the lives of children, adolescents, and pregnant women the most, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates in these vulnerable groups." The strategy will focus on enhancing preventive and therapeutic services for sickle cell disease, with an emphasis on community education to reduce stigma and discrimination. Dr. Osei highlighted that Ghana is the first African country to include hydroxyurea, folic acid, and penicillin as part of the National Health Insurance Scheme’s covered services for sickle cell patients. The program also offers pneumococcal vaccines for children under five through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), a vital measure for young patients vulnerable to infections. Dr. Osei also introduced the National Vaccine Policy, a critical initiative designed to foster vaccine self-reliance in Ghana and position the country as a manufacturing hub within the region. Led by Prof. William K. Ampofo, the National Vaccine Institute spearheads this effort, aiming to address emerging health challenges and secure a consistent vaccine supply for both routine immunization and new public health threats. While applauding the establishment of these policies, Dr. Osei stressed that successful implementation is crucial. "It is not enough to create policies without effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation," he said. "These policies reflect our government's commitment to improving the quality of life for those affected by sickle cell disease and preventable illnesses, and we must all work together to see them through." Dr. Osei urged collaboration among the Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, teaching hospitals, and other healthcare entities to align their initiatives with national priorities and avoid duplicating efforts. The Ministry of Health extended its gratitude to stakeholders who contributed to the development of these policies, including Pfizer, GIZ, WHO, and GTZ, which provided both technical and financial support. Dr. Osei concluded by calling for collective dedication to the vision set forth in the new documents, expressing confidence that, with sustained partnerships, Ghana would make significant strides in combating sickle cell disease and strengthening its immunization landscape. The National Strategy for Sickle Cell Disease 2024-2028 and the National Vaccine Policy were officially launched and are expected to play transformative roles in Ghana’s healthcare landscape in the coming years. Speaking on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam; Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director for External Health Cooperation at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the significance of these initiatives. He noted that sickle cell disease, Ghana's most prevalent genetic condition, affects around 18,000 of the 896,000 babies born each year, with one in four Ghanaians carrying the gene. Meanwhile, children under five are especially vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and yellow fever. "The launch of these documents marks a significant step in reducing the health burden associated with genetic and vaccine-preventable diseases," Dr. Taher said. He thanked partners, including Pfizer, GIZ, WHO, and GTZ, for supporting these efforts, noting that the Vaccine Policy's goal is to enable Ghana to produce its own vaccines by 2030. The Ministry underscored the need for strong partnerships among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates to ensure effective implementation of these strategies. Dr. Taher expressed confidence that the collaborative approach will make a lasting impact on Ghana's healthcare system and the lives of vulnerable populations. On her part, Dr. Angela Ackon, Technical Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the policy’s role in strengthening Ghana’s health security. She emphasized that the policy aligns with the global Immunization Agenda 2030, which aims for equitable vaccine access worldwide. "This policy represents Ghana's dedication to science, equity, and accessibility in health," Dr. Ackon stated. With support from WHO, the policy sets a vision of domestic vaccine production by 2030, aiming to protect people from preventable diseases like diphtheria, measles, and influenza. The establishment of a National Vaccine Institute is a critical step in realizing this goal, ensuring safe, effective vaccines are accessible to all. Dr. Ackon congratulated Ghana's government for its commitment to public health, reiterating WHO's continued support in the effort to expand immunization coverage. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "Nov 8 is not a public holiday" – Ministry of Interior clarifies
The Ministry of the Interior has clarified that Friday, November 8th, 2024, will not be recognized as a public holiday, despite the National Farmers’ Day celebration set for that date. In a public notice issued by the Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, the Ministry emphasized that Farmers' Day will still be officially celebrated on Friday, December 6th, 2024. This date will be observed nationwide as a statutory public holiday, allowing citizens to honor the contribution of farmers to Ghana’s economy. The statement advises the public to regard November 8th as a regular working day, and government institutions, businesses, and educational facilities are expected to remain open. This clarification seeks to ensure that there is no confusion regarding the observance of the annual Farmers' Day holiday, which is traditionally marked on the first Friday of December. Ghana’s National Farmers’ Day, established to celebrate the efforts of farmers and fishers in contributing to the nation’s agricultural productivity, typically involves an award ceremony honoring outstanding farmers. This year, however, the ceremony will take place on November 8th, with the statutory holiday reserved for December 6th. For further details, the public is encouraged to consult official government announcements and adhere to the designated holiday on December 6th. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "BOST charts strategic path for revival and growth" - BOST MD
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) is taking critical steps to restore operational efficiency and financial stability after years of neglect, its Managing Director Edwin Provencal announced during a press briefing on Wednesday. Mr. Provencal outlined several key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the company, with a vision of transforming BOST into a profit-generating asset for the people of Ghana. Mr. Provencal explained that BOST was at the brink of collapse, prompting leadership to identify urgent priorities to revive the company. "We focused on building both infrastructure and human capital to ensure long-term growth," he said, emphasizing that growth isn't limited to physical assets but also involves enhancing employee knowledge and skills. "We recognized the need to invest in our workforce, improve infrastructure, and introduce new business lines," he added. One major initiative includes the completion of the long-awaited 12-inch pipeline project and plans for a new pipeline from Accra to Kumasi. Additionally, BOST is expanding into the liquid petroleum gas (LPG) business and seeking strategic partners to strengthen its trading activities. On the operational side, Provencal highlighted efforts to restore BOST’s aging infrastructure. "Our biggest project currently is the depot upgrade, as some of our depots date back decades, even centuries," he said, noting that automation is key to modernizing these facilities. Marine facilities and pipelines have also been prioritized for rehabilitation. To measure success, BOST has established a strategic framework with specific targets under the acronym SAR 9673. Mr. Provencal explained, "Our goals are ambitious but achievable. We aim for 90% customer satisfaction, reduce our truck turnaround time from four hours to 60 minutes, improve asset optimization to 70%, and boost revenue to at least 3 billion cedis by 2024." Provencal emphasized the shift toward a performance-driven culture at BOST, marking a new era of accountability. "We had to redefine our approach, setting measurable benchmarks for success and holding our team accountable," he said. BOST's revitalization strategy underscores the company's commitment to contributing to Ghana's economic growth by turning around operations and making significant investments in infrastructure, human resources, and customer satisfaction. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith












