Former President John Dramani Mahama has strongly criticized President Akufo-Addo for not removing Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from office earlier. According to Mr. Mahama, Ofori-Atta should have been reshuffled out of his position as early as 2019 due to his detrimental financial decisions and conflicts of interest. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Sunday, the NDC Flagbearer emphasized the importance of cabinet reshuffles in maintaining an effective government, suggesting that bringing new individuals into different roles can lead to improved performance. He highlighted that cabinet reshuffles are a common practice worldwide and often necessary when a minister is underperforming in a specific sector. Former President Mahama’s call for the removal of Ofori-Atta dates back to 2019, predicting that his tenure would lead to significant financial distress for the country. He criticized Ofori-Atta's reliance on borrowing from international capital markets, which he argued was not only a limited approach but also benefited Ofori-Atta personally. Mr. Mahama pointed out that Ofori-Atta's company, Data Bank, received commissions from government borrowings, creating a conflict of interest that incentivized borrowing. Comparing their records, Mahama noted that during his four-year tenure, his administration borrowed $3.5 billion from the Eurobond market, primarily investing in projects and infrastructure. In contrast, he accused Ofori-Atta of borrowing $13.5 billion over six years, much of which went into consumption and unproductive projects that failed to yield returns for the country. Mahama argued that if President Akufo-Addo had removed Ofori-Atta earlier, the current economic crisis could have been mitigated. He suggested that the president's decision to keep Ofori-Atta in office was influenced by their familial relationship, as they are cousins. This, he claimed, was the primary reason for Ofori-Atta's prolonged tenure despite his poor performance. The former president dismissed any notion of congratulating President Akufo-Addo for the eventual removal of Ofori-Atta, stating, "The distraction has been done. In English, they say it's bolting the stable after the horses have escaped." Mr. Mahama argued that removing Ofori-Atta now, after significant economic damage has been inflicted, is too little, too late. Mahama's comments underscore his belief that proactive leadership and timely decisions are crucial for effective governance. He asserted that Ofori-Atta should have been dismissed in 2019, preventing the economic turmoil that the country is now facing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a pointed critique of the current central bank leadership, former President John Dramani Mahama questioned the likelihood of a contract extension for a governor responsible for significant financial mismanagement. Mr. Mahama's remarks come amidst growing scrutiny over the economic performance and decision-making of the central bank during the current administration. Mahama began by explaining the typical tenure of a central bank governor, which is a four-year contract subject to renewal based on performance. He noted that the term of a governor often overlaps different administrations, ensuring continuity and stability in monetary policy. However, he pointed out that this continuity can be disrupted when a governor is forced to resign, as was the case with former Governor Isaku Nashiru, who served during Mahama's presidency. Mahama highlighted that the renewal of a central bank governor’s contract should be contingent upon their performance. He questioned the rationale behind extending the contract of a governor who had overseen a $60 billion loss, printed 42 billion Ghanaian cedis, and injected it into the economy, thereby driving inflation to 54%. “If you are a governor who presided over a $60 billion loss, I wonder if you expect a contract extension,” Mahama stated. He criticized the decision to print and inject such a large sum of money into the economy, arguing that it exacerbated inflation and contributed to economic instability. Mr. Mahama also took issue with the governor's choice to invest $215 million in a new headquarters building during a financial crisis, suggesting that such decisions demonstrate a lack of prudent fiscal management. The former president stressed that contract renewals for central bank governors should be merit-based, reflecting their ability to maintain economic stability and make sound financial decisions. He implied that underperformance and poor decision-making should not be rewarded with extended tenure. Mahama's comments underscore the importance of accountability and performance in public office, particularly in key financial institutions like the central bank. His critique adds to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of current economic policies and the leadership overseeing their implementation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a proposal aimed at addressing the burgeoning urban sprawl and mounting pressure on social services in Accra, former President John Dramani Mahama has suggested the creation of a new city. Speaking on Sunday during a Mahama Media Encounter, he noted that the initiative will help distribute the load more evenly across the region and ensure sustainable urban development. Mahama outlined the challenges posed by Accra's rapid expansion, emphasizing the difficulty in maintaining effective social services as the city's population grows. He drew a parallel with Nigeria’s decision to establish Abuja as its capital, highlighting how this move helped decongest Lagos, which would otherwise have faced severe gridlock. "Can you imagine if Nigeria had not built Abuja today? Lagos would have been in red lock. You would not be able to even walk in Lagos because it would have been shut down," Mahama remarked. He stressed the importance of proactive planning to avoid similar congestion and inefficiencies in Accra. The former president proposed the development of a new city to house various government agencies and departments, thereby reducing the strain on Accra. He emphasized the necessity of connecting the new city to Accra with efficient transportation networks to facilitate easy movement between the two cities. Aside from easing congestion, Mahama highlighted the potential benefits of the new city in terms of urban planning and quality of life. "We have the opportunity to plan that city better and ease the gridlock in Accra," he said. He envisaged a city with access to clean water from nearby lakes and rivers, smart city infrastructure, well-organized markets, supermarkets, schools, parks, and recreation facilities. Mahama also saw the new city as a potential tourist hub, proposing the creation of amusement parks and water parks. "We have no water park in this country where you can go with your family and have a nice time," he noted, underscoring the importance of such amenities for enhancing the quality of life. Acknowledging that the project would be a long-term endeavor, Mahama estimated a 20-year timeline for its completion. He stressed the need to begin feasibility studies and planning within the next four years, laying the groundwork for future administrations to implement the vision. "We might not live to see the end of it for some of us, but our children and our children's children will benefit from the establishment of a new city like that," Mahama concluded. This ambitious proposal reflects Mahama’s commitment to addressing urban challenges and improving the quality of life for future generations. As Accra continues to expand, his vision for a new city offers a forward-thinking solution to the pressures of urbanization. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The HR Certification Centre has inaugurated its new training center building, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide a safe and conducive environment for both students and instructors, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. The anniversary celebration brought together innovative leaders in the HR field to recognize outstanding contributors to the country’s human resource fraternity. Executive Director of the HR Certification Centre, Pearl P. Tehoda, reflected on the institution's decade-long journey. “Having been operational for 10 years, we have trained some 4,500 HR practitioners and business leaders, who have since gone on to make significant impacts in their various organizations" "You will bear with me that some 10 years ago, when we spoke about HR, it was often equated with personnel management, merely handling payroll" "Today, we can proudly say that HR has evolved into a strategic business partner, making great strides in the organizations they work with.” The Founder and Board Chairman of the HR Certification Centre, Dr. Jeff Bassey, highlighted the importance of leadership skills in managing both hard and soft aspects of leadership in the nation. “The Ghanaian manager is often trained in hardcore management with little or no leadership training" "The result is that organizations are over-managed and under-led. We believe technical skills alone are not sufficient for effective leadership" "Our goal is to contribute to our managers' development, blending hard management skills with the soft arts of leadership to ensure long-term success.” Mr. Adolph Kpegah, Interim Managing Director of ABSA Bank Ghana, also spoke at the event, encouraging individuals to foster cordial relationships with their employees. During his lecture on leadership skills, he emphasized the importance of hard work and the aspiration for better positions through the demonstration of good leadership qualities. Founded in 2010 by Dr. Jeff Bassey, the HR Certification Centre is the Approved Certification Preparatory Provider of the Global Professional HR Certification in Ghana. The global professional HR certifications are awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institution (HRCI), USA. Story by: Thinknewsonline

At a news conference on Thursday, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, expressed concerns over the recent interactions between the Chief Justice and President Nana Akufo-Addo. Mr. Kwetey highlighted that both the Judicial Council and the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) have opposed the continual addition of judges to the Supreme Court. He asserted that the Chief Justice has no constitutional authority to recommend justices for the Supreme Court, rendering her letter to the President invalid. "The Chief Justice's letter is illegal and of no effect. Her actions undermine due process and compromise her independence as the head of the judiciary," Mr. Kwetey stated. He also voiced worries about a discernible pattern suggesting that the President is appointing only party loyalists to the Supreme Court, thereby attempting to control the judiciary and secure protection post-regime. "The blatant abuse of power by President Akufo-Addo, and his overzealous ambition to dominate all branches of government, poses a severe threat to our democracy and governance structures. President Akufo-Addo must understand that the current events in Kenya remind us there is a limit to the tolerance for executive excesses," Mr. Kwetey warned. Mr. Kwetey called upon all Ghanaians to resist this perceived tyranny. "We must protect our democracy, our judiciary, and our future. The actions of President Akufo-Addo and his associates are not mere political maneuvers; they are existential threats to the core of our nation. It is time to stand up, speak out, and demand justice," he urged. This statement marks a significant escalation in the NDC's critique of the government's judicial appointments and reflects broader concerns about the independence and integrity of Ghana's judiciary. Story by: Sarah-Joyce Komenan

The Chefs Association of Ghana has said Chef Smith is not a registered member of their organization. This revelation by the Association’s General Secretary, Peter Agbovi adds to the woes of the chef who is under fire for claiming a world title after a cook-a-thon challenge. “You can call him a chef because he is a professional, but he is not a registered member of the Chefs Association of Ghana,” Agbovi stated. He explained that, the Association became aware of Chef Smith’s cook-a-thon on social media. Mr. Agbovi said they became alarmed when they saw their logo on Chef Smith’s attire. However, he said all attempts to get him to register as a member proved futile, that is why they did not post Chef Smith on their platform. On the Guinness World Record brouhaha, the chef could not fathom why a professional like Chief Smith will fake such an important certificate. “It’s unfortunate that it’s a fake Guinness World Records certificate. Once you are a qualified chef, we give you respect. It was heartbreaking to see a colleague chef come out with a fake certificate, and we don’t know if it’s his own doing. We have not been able to speak with him yet,” Mr. Agbovi said in an interview on GhOne. He said given the circumstance, Chef Smith cannot claim to be a member of the Association. Mr. Agbovi emphasizes the importance of proper registration and adherence to guidelines for anyone wishing to attempt significant culinary feats. This ensures the authenticity and credibility of their achievements within the professional culinary community. Credit: Adomfmonline

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and University of Ghana (UG) have held an inaugural quarterly economic roundtable in Accra. The event offended industry players opportunities to deliberate and share ideas on restoring macroeconomic stability in Ghana. On his paet, Dr. Nii Kwaku Sowa, Country Director for the International Growth Centre (IGC Ghana) emphasized the critical need for effective resource management to ensure Ghana's macroeconomic stability. Dr. Sowa shed light on the persistent fiscal deficits and their implications for the country's economic future. Dr. Sowa explained that deficits are a natural part of economic management, with a nation's deficit often reflecting another's surplus. "For countries like the U.S., deficits are often balanced by domestic surpluses. In Ghana, however, our deficits are primarily due to debts owed to foreign creditors, meaning those resources don't return to our economy," Dr. Sowa noted. Addressing the methods of financing the deficit, Dr. Sowa outlined three main options: borrowing domestically, borrowing internationally, and printing money. He warned that each option carries significant drawbacks. "Domestic borrowing can restrict private sector growth, international loans can lead to unsustainable debt levels, and printing money can trigger inflation and currency devaluation," he said. Dr. Sowa highlighted the risks associated with macroeconomic imbalances, including inflation, currency depreciation, and resource mimisallocation. He cautioned that these issues can destabilize the economy and lead to recession. "In the 1980s, Ghana experienced inflation rates as high as 123%, causing severe economic disruption. We must learn from the past to prevent similar occurrences," Dr. Sowa emphasized. He stressed the importance of investing borrowed funds in high-return projects. "Borrowing should focus on investments that generate more than the interest owed. This prevents us from falling into a debt trap," he advised. On her part, Madam Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Finance Ministry said "In our pursuit of economic stability and growth, it is imperative that we engage in continuous dialogue with all sectors of society," "This roundtable provides a unique platform for exchanging ideas, sharing research, and developing strategies that will propel our nation forward." "We recognize the invaluable contributions of our universities in shaping economic policies. Your research and analytical capabilities are vital in guiding our decisions and ensuring that our strategies are grounded in evidence and best practices," she remarked. "Engaging civil society is essential to ensure that our economic policies are inclusive and address the needs of all segments of our population," Minister Osei-Asare noted. "Your insights and advocacy play a crucial role in shaping a fair and equitable economic landscape." "The success of our economic policies depends on our ability to work together, harnessing the strengths of each sector. I am confident that this roundtable will yield valuable insights and strategies that will drive our nation's economic growth" Prof. William Baah-Boateng, Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Ghana, offered insights into the potential for savings through pragmatic fiscal policies and reduced government spending. Prof. Baah-Boateng suggested a shift towards a more sustainable model where officials manage these expenses independently. "Imagine if the government only provided essential benefits, such as a modest voucher for housing and transportation, while officials handled their own expenses," Prof. Baah-Boateng proposed. Prof. Baah-Boateng's proposal involves reducing the number of government-provided amenities and encouraging officials to maintain their own properties. This approach, he argued, could lead to considerable reductions in public spending. "For instance, if we cut the number of ministers by 50% and provided vouchers instead of maintaining cars and houses, we could save a significant amount of money," he explained. "These savings could then be reinvested in essential public services and infrastructure." Prof. Baah-Boateng emphasized that while these measures may seem minor individually, their cumulative effect could lead to a more sustainable and balanced budget. "These changes require political will and public support," he noted. "However, the long-term benefits for the economy make them worth considering." As Ghana strives for macroeconomic stability, adopting efficient fiscal policies and reducing unnecessary government expenditures can play a crucial role. The insights from Prof. Baah-Boateng provide a roadmap for policymakers to explore practical solutions that ensure sustainable growth and economic resilience. Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Director of the Economic Strategy and Research Division at the Ministry of Finance emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive productivity study to guide fiscal policies and improve efficiency within the public sector. "We need to understand where our money goes and how we can enhance productivity," Dr. Iddrisu stated. He noted that compensation, including wages, salaries, and employee benefits, constitutes about 50% of Ghana's medical bills. When combined with interest payments and transfers related to earmarked funds, this figure rises to 115% of the medical bills, highlighting the need for urgent reform. Addressing the issue of compensation, Dr. Iddrisu emphasized the need for sustainable wages and salaries. He pointed out that every percentage point increase in base pay for public servants on the single spine salary structure costs the government approximately $30 million. Therefore, negotiating sustainable wage increases with organized labor is essential. "We must ensure that wage increases are sustainable and do not burden the economy," Dr. Iddrisu stated. Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu's call for comprehensive productivity studies and sustainable compensation policies underscores the need for strategic fiscal management in Ghana. In a push for greater fiscal responsibility, Dr. Leslie Dwight Mensah, Economist and Research Fellow, Institute for Fiscal Studies has urged the government to undertake a thorough examination of public expenditure. His call for action highlights the need to scrutinize every aspect of spending, aiming to identify and eliminate inefficiencies that burden the national budget. Dr. Leslie Dwight Mensah's call for a comprehensive review of public expenditure and the establishment of a fiscal rule for public sector pay highlights the need for prudent fiscal management in Ghana. By identifying unnecessary spending and setting limits on public sector pay, the government can work towards a more sustainable and balanced budget, fostering economic stability and growth. Prof. Peter Quartey, an esteemed economist and Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, has emphasized the importance of responsible borrowing for sustainable economic growth. Drawing on insights from a recent IMF report, Prof. Quartey highlighted key considerations for nations seeking to manage their debt effectively. Prof. Quartey underscored that countries must learn how to borrow responsibly to ensure that debt levels remain sustainable. He pointed out that while borrowing can be beneficial, it must be done with the capacity for repayment in mind. “Your debt-to-GDP ratio should be manageable,” he said, “and should take into account economic shocks and fluctuations.” Prof. Quartey stressed that borrowing should primarily fund investment rather than consumption. He advocated for a private investment mindset, where borrowing is guided by thorough cost-benefit analyses. “When private entities borrow, they conduct extensive appraisals and analyses to ensure the viability of their investments,” he noted. Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President and CEO of the Imani Centre for Policy and Education, has provided a detailed analysis of Ghana’s debt management issues and policy shortcomings. Mr. Cudjoe pointed out a significant gap between policy thinking and its actual implementation. He noted that irrespective of the government in power, there has been a consistent failure to translate policies into effective action. This disconnect, he hinted, has led to repeated borrowing and inefficient use of funds, exacerbating the nation’s debt situation. The CEO remarked on the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in highlighting the deficiencies in policy-making. Contrary to popular belief, he argued that sovereign credit agencies are not to blame for the current economic downturn, instead, the pandemic revealed existing structural weaknesses and poor financial planning. Furthermore, Mr. Cudjoe stressed the importance of building a resilient economy that can withstand external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Samuel Arkhurst, Director of the Treasury and Debt Management Division at the Ministry of Finance elucidated the intricate nature of national debt, emphasizing its roots in accumulated deficits. Mr. Arkhurst explained that debt essentially represents the accumulation of annual deficits over time. He illustrated this by noting that a consistent deficit of 5% each year over 20 years would equate to a cumulative deficit of 100% of GDP. He emphasized that financing these deficits requires proper appropriation and that without it, financial management becomes untenable. Reflecting on Ghana's fiscal history, Mr. Arkhurst posed a hypothetical question about the country's deficits from independence to date, highlighting the need for comprehensive understanding and strategic planning. Mr. Arkhurst stressed the importance of learning from these fiscal patterns and adapting strategies accordingly. He acknowledged that managing debt requires not only strength but also strategic foresight and continuous effort. Debt management, he noted, is a full-time responsibility that necessitates diligent oversight and adaptability. He called for a focus on maintaining manageable levels of debt and ensuring that financial strategies align with long-term economic goals. By doing so, he stated that Ghana could better navigate its financial challenges and sustain economic growth. Prof. Ebo Turkson, an External Member of the Monetary Policy Committee said "If someone wants to lend to you, he/she will look at the rate of inflation and make sure that his/her returns will be positive. If inflation is high, the interest rate will have its own effects likewise if the inflation goes down. That is why inflation is key" "If we don't tackle inflation, our aim to bring down interest rates and stabilise the currencies is not going to be possible, so that is why the primary mandate of the Central Bank is monetary policies" "We don't only look at inflation. I have already told you that exchange rates could have a pass through to inflation" "We also look at underlining factors that causes inflation" On gold for oil, Prof. Turkson said "We have gold for oil and have gold reserves that the Central Bank has been doing with for the past two years or so. We are still doing the gold for oil" He hinted that the move was to cure the demand pressure which comes from the BDCs. "We are importing oil through that exchanges using cedis. If we use the cedis to buy the gold, we will build the reserves and we will use the gold to bring the oil. We are actually bringing the oil in cedis, that was why the cedi was stable" Touching on the sharp depreciation of the cedi in the first quarter of the year, Prof Turkson said "Ghana, at the moment is making payments of the IPP debts, that we owe and these payments are in forex" Joe Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance voiced both praise and criticism concerning the Central Bank’s and the government’s handling of economic policies. He highlighted key issues affecting the financial sector and pointed out past mistakes that continue to impact the economy. “One of the most important things in the financial sector is ensuring that lending occurs,” Jackson stated. Mr. Jackson highlighted the high interest rates as a necessary consequence of past financial mismanagement. “We are now paying for the assistance committed in previous years,” he noted. “High interest rates are something we may have to accept as a result of these past decisions.” Reflecting on the missed opportunities for fiscal discipline, Mr. Jackson criticized the government for not making tough decisions when they were necessary. “There was a time when we should have taken painful fiscal decisions, but we didn’t,” he remarked. Prof. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, an Economist at the University of Ghana Business School praised the Central Bank’s inflation-targeting strategy, attributing it to the recent relative decline in inflation. Speaking on the effectiveness of the Central Bank’s approach, Prof. Gyeke-Dako noted that inflation rates were higher before the implementation of the inflation-targeted imaging system, particularly before the flooding incident that exacerbated inflation figures. She added that since the introduction of this strategy, data indicates a notable decrease in inflation. “The inflation-targeted imaging is indeed working when we examine the data,” Prof. Gyeke-Dako stated. She emphasized that the primary mandate of the Central Bank under this strategy is to ensure price stability, with other concerns, such as ballooning assets and import considerations, being secondary yet not overlooked. Prof. Gyeke-Dako likened the Central Bank to "fire-fighters," explaining that they are often summoned to resolve economic crises rather than being the root cause of them. She urged the public to give the Central Bank the benefit of the doubt, recognizing the complexity of their role in stabilizing the economy. Her insights underline the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by the Central Bank in maintaining economic stability through targeted inflation measures. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Chef, Ebenezer Smith, also known as Chef Smith, is in police custody in La, Accra. He was arrested on the same day he announced that he had secured confirmation for his attempt at the Guinness World Record’s longest cooking marathon. The chef was picked up at the La Palm Hotel in Accra, where the press had gathered as he explained the long road to his achievement. Speaking on Hitz FM, Chef Smith’s manager, Benny explained that the incident was occasioned by musician Nana Boro, who claimed to be owed some money by Mr. Smith. "A few minutes into the programme, some people came to us. One identified himself as Nana Boro, the musician and one or two people. Apparently, their issue was that they were part of the old team that one way or the other supported Chef Smith during the cook-a-thon and that Chef Smith is owing them and until he settles them, he won’t allow the press conference to come on," the manager told Dr Pounds on Tuesday. The manager further explained that despite pleas to resolve the matter after the ceremony, the security personnel did not budge, leading to the cook’s eventual arrest. Meanwhile, social media users are speculating over the credibility of Chef Smith's supposed Guinness World Record achievement. Netizens have pointed out discrepancies including the key features on the plaque he showed. But Benny said the Record is not fake adding that Guinness World Records sent them an email to confirm it. Chef Smith started his cook-a-thon journey on February 1, 2024. He cooked for 820 hours, ending his marathon on March 6, 2024, even though he initially targeted 1,200 hours. Credit: Myjoyonline

Dr. Kojo Essiem Mensah-Abrampa, a distinguished development planner and economist, has died. He passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Late Dr. Mensah-Abrampa was serving as the Director General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) at the time of his death. Sources close to the family revealed that Late Dr. Mensah-Abrampa was rushed to the hospital in the early hours of Monday after suffering from what appeared to be a heart attack. Despite efforts by medical professionals, he could not be revived. Dr. Mensah-Abrampa was highly regarded for his contributions to national development and economic planning. His leadership at the NDPC marked a significant period of progress and innovation in the commission’s efforts to shape the country's development agenda. His passing is a significant loss to the nation and the field of development planning. Late Dr. Mensah-Abrampa's legacy will continue to influence future generations of economists and planners. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Civil and Local Government Service Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has announced a nationwide strike commencing on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. This action is in response to the government's failure to implement a new salary structure for its members. A notice issued on July 2, 2024, and signed by Isaac Bampoe Addo, the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, instructs all members to refrain from reporting to work until further notice. The statement highlights the association's frustration with the government's delay in addressing their demands for fair remuneration. The strike is expected to impact various civil and local government services across the country. CLOGSAG represents a significant portion of the public sector workforce, and their absence is likely to cause disruptions in essential services. In the notice, Mr. Addo expressed disappointment over the government's inaction despite multiple engagements and assurances. He emphasized that the new salary structure was agreed upon to ensure equitable compensation for the efforts and contributions of civil and local government staff. The association has called on its members to remain resolute and united in their demand for justice and fair treatment. They are urging the government to expedite the implementation process to prevent further escalation of the situation. This strike comes at a critical time, with many public services already under strain. The government is yet to respond to CLOGSAG's announcement, and it remains to be seen how quickly a resolution can be reached. Stakeholders and the general public are being advised to anticipate disruptions and seek alternative means for accessing services usually provided by CLOGSAG members. The association has indicated that they will only resume work when the new salary structure is fully implemented and their demands are met. The ongoing strike underscores the persistent challenges in labor relations within Ghana's public sector, highlighting the need for timely and effective communication and negotiation between the government and worker unions. As this situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the government's next steps to address the grievances of CLOGSAG and restore normalcy to the civil and local government services across the nation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

TECNO, a leading smartphone brand in Africa and a globally recognized brand with operations in over 70 countries across five continents, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Africa’s youth through its TECNO Future Star initiative, "Empower the Pioneer." In a notable ceremony, TECNO awarded GHS 100,000 in scholarships to 34 students from the University of Ghana’s College of Humanities. This significant event, held under the auspices of the Memorandum of Agreement between TECNO and the College of Humanities, underscores TECNO's dedication to supporting brilliant students facing financial challenges, particularly those pursuing STEM subjects. Mr. Ernest Sonkor, National Channel Manager of TECNO Mobile Ghana, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: "We are incredibly proud to be here today, presenting these scholarships to such deserving students" "At TECNO, we believe in the transformative power of education and its ability to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth. Through the TECNO Future Star Initiative, we aim to inspire and support young college students, ensuring they have the resources needed to pursue their dreams and contribute to technological advancement." Professor Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana, commended TECNO for its invaluable support: "This scholarship program is a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian scholars and innovation pioneers. The College of Humanities is proud to partner with TECNO in this endeavor, and we are confident that these scholarships will have a lasting impact on the lives of the recipients." Mabel Ntiamoah, a scholarship recipient, expressed her gratitude. "This scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me," she said. "It significantly reduces my financial stress and encourages me to excel academically. I am profoundly grateful to TECNO for their belief in us and their investment in our future." By empowering these future pioneers, TECNO and the University of Ghana, college of humanities are working together to create a brighter future for all. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

New York just passed a law on "addictive" social media feeds for children, but some researchers are questioning what that actually means. New York Governor, Kathy Hochul was clear about her opinion of social media earlier this month, speaking at a press conference to announce the signing of two new state laws designed to protect under-18-year-olds from the dangers the online world. The apps are responsible for transforming "happy-go-lucky kids into teenagers who are depressed", she said, but according to Hochul, the legislation she signed off on would help. "Today, we save our children," Hochul said. "Young people across the nation are facing a mental health crisis fueled by addictive social media feeds." Starting in 2025, these new laws could force apps including TikTok and Instagram to send some children back to the earliest days of social media, before content was tailored by users' "likes" and tech giants collected data about our interests, moods, habits and more. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act requires social media platforms and app stores seek parental consent before children under 18 use apps with "addictive feeds", a groundbreaking attempt to regulate algorithmic recommendations. The SAFE Act will even prevent apps from sending notifications to child or teenage users between midnight and 6am – practically a legal bedtime for devices – and require better age verification to avoid children slipping through undetected. The second law, the New York Child Data Protection Act, limits the information app providers collect about their users. "By reining in addictive feeds and shielding kids' personal data, we'll provide a safer digital environment, give parents more peace of mind, and create a brighter future for young people across New York," Hochul explained. The laws are part of growing concerns over the effects of social media on the mental health of young people. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently went as far as calling for warning labels for social media apps, similar to the notices on cigarette packaging. In the US and many parts of the world, young people are facing a mental health crisis, and even big tech employees have acknowledged the harms they've caused some children. But the science linking social media and mental health problems is far less clear than many assume. In fact, numerous studies have even shown social media can have benefits for teenagers' mental health. It's led some technology analysts and child psychologists to call recent political interventions a "moral panic". Some policy advocates and social media experts also question how easy legislative interventions like the SAFE Act will be to enforce. They say it could set back the much-needed efforts to address the real hazards of social media, such as child sexual abuse material, privacy violations, hate speech, misinformation, dangerous and illegal content and more. Mixed messages Many studies that do find a link with poor mental health outcomes focus on "problematic social media use", where individuals have a lack of regulation over their use of social media. This has been associated with increased prevalence of various forms of anxiety, for example, but also depression and stress. Some studies suggest there is a dose-related aspect at work, where negative mental health symptoms increase with time spent on social media. But other studies suggest such associations are weak or have even found no evidence that pins the spread of social media to widespread psychological problems. Mixed responses Some experts in online safety have welcomed the new laws in New York. "While New York's legislation is much broader and less targeted on concrete harms than the UK's Online Safety Act, it's clear that regulation is the only way that big tech will clean up its algorithms and stop children being recommended huge amounts of harmful suicide and self-harm content," says Andy Burrows, an advisor at the Molly Rose Foundation, set up by the parents of Molly Russell, a UK teenager who killed herself in 2017 after seeing a series of self-harm images on social media – a contributing factor to her death, according to a landmark ruling in 2022 by a London coroner. Burrows says Hochul's swift actions should be seen favourably compared to the US Congress, which he claims "drags its feet on passing comprehensive federal measures". "The bar is quite low and this legislation only stands out as better compared to the numerous pieces of bad legislation out there," says Jess Maddox, assistant professor in digital media at the University of Alabama. "In terms of states in the US trying to regulate social media, this is some of the better attempts I've seen." Credit: BBC