In the hearts of Ghana's Correctional facilities lies a beacon of hope and transformation: the vocational and technical skill development programs for inmates in the forty five (45) prison establishments nationwide. Whereas incarceration serves as a form of punishment, these skill development initiatives offer a pathway to rehabilitation, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society upon their release. The Ghana Prisons Service's approach to inmate rehabilitation recognizes the importance of equipping individuals with practical skills that enhance their employability and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Through partnership with government agencies such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovative Program (NEIP), Commission for Technical and Vocational Education Training (CTVET) and other non-profit organizations, prisons facilities across the country offer a diverse range of training programs tailored to the needs and interest of inmates. A typical example of such program is the carpentry workshop at the James Camp Prison, where inmates learn carpentry skills under the guidance of experienced trainers who are prison officers. From crafting furniture to mastering woodworking techniques, inmates undertaking this trade develop marketable skills that open doors to employment opportunities upon their reintegration into society. Similarly, vocational and technical training workshops within the prison system offer training in tailoring, auto mechanics, baking, shoemaking, kente weaving, soap making and bead making. These programs do not only provide practical skills but also instill discipline, teamwork and a sense of purpose among inmates. The impact of these initiatives extends beyond individual transformation. By investing in vocational and technical skill development, the Prisons Service contribute to the workforce development and economic growth of the country. Beneficiaries of these programs become skilled artisans, entrepreneurs and mentors, enriching communities and driving progress. These programs also serve as a testament to the power of second chances, providing inmates with the tools to rebuild their lives. Currently, the Ghana Prisons Service is rated among the few correctional systems in Africa that promote reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, reducing the cycle of crime and incarceration. In the success of these initiatives, challenges however remain in its sustainance and improvement. Limited resources, overcrowding of inmates and societal stigma present barriers to the effective implementation of vocational and technical training programs in the prisons. Addressing these challenges require continued collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector to expand access to skills training and employment opportunities for inmates. The conscious effort by the Prisons Service in skill training is not solely about teaching trades, these are strategic efforts by the service to restore dignity, foster hope and build brighter futures. I encourage government agencies and other non-profit organizations with the needed resources to invest in the potential of individuals behind bars. The Prisons Service is not only transforming lives but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive, productive, responsible and a prosperous society. Credit: DSP. Samuel Kofi Opoku, Prisons Headquarters, Accra Email - samronalds99@ yahoo.com

Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced a transformative initiative to introduce 5G network services in Ghana, poised to revolutionize the country's digital landscape. Speaking to journalists in Accra on Thursday, the Minister outlined the comprehensive plan designed to elevate Ghana’s technological infrastructure. “Ghana is well positioned for 5G Network Services,” Minister Owusu-Ekuful stated. She revealed that the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) plans to adopt India’s successful model, which combines affordable handsets, digital platforms, and localized content, aiming to replicate high-speed mobile data accessibility across Africa. This strategy, she noted, will ensure that digital services remain accessible and relevant across all sectors. "The wholesale 5G service is slated for launch in the last quarter of this year, with plans to deploy 4,400 sites, targeting 37 million end-consumers by 2028, and striving for 100% digitalization by 2030" Despite a mobile penetration rate of 115%, she disclosed that Ghana’s current 4G penetration stands at only 15%, with many still relying on 2G networks. She explained that through NGIC, the goal is to increase 4G penetration to 80% and beyond, deploying 3,200 4G and 1,200 5G sites over the next three years. She added that the Rural California Project has already built over 1,000 4G sites, significantly boosting adoption in rural areas. "NGIC aims to expand these services to ensure high-speed internet reaches even the most remote communities in Ghana. The benefits of 5G technology are numerous,” Owusu-Ekuful emphasized. “It offers faster speeds, lower latency, more connections, and better reliability. These improvements will support a range of new applications and services, from enhanced mobile broadband to massive machine-type communication and ultra-reliable low-latency communication. 5G will transform industries, enable new business models, and drive economic growth.” "As of January this year, 261 companies in 101 countries have launched commercial 5G services. In Africa, 15 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, have deployed 5G services" The Minister hinted that Ghana’s innovative shared network infrastructure model for 5G deployment will provide a level playing field for all service providers, ensuring equal access to 5G services. "NGIC (National Ghana Infrastructure Company) will collaborate with network operators to launch affordable 4G and 5G-enabled devices within the year, making advanced services accessible to all Ghanaians regardless of their network provider. This initiative learns from past experiences, such as the limited 4G infrastructure initially acquired by only one network operator" Madam Owusu-Ekuful stressed that in-line with international best practices, NGIC's licenses will be long-term, issued for a minimum of 10 years. This approach, she hinted acknowledges the capital-intensive nature of these projects, allowing sufficient time for licensees to see returns on their investments. Ghana’s robust regulatory framework, existing infrastructure, market demand, and government support position the country as a leader in digital transformation in Africa. The shared infrastructure model aims to reduce investment pressures on incumbent Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) while delivering top-tier 5G services to all consumers. The increased speed and network capacity will enable significant data transactions, fostering economic growth, innovation, job creation, and new business opportunities across various sectors. "Key partners in this initiative include Nokia, which will provide a state-of-the-art radio access network and establish its first technology innovation lab in Accra, offering career opportunities for engineering graduates and creating 5G use cases for the continent" "Tech Mahindra, a global managed services company, will build a cloud-native core network to support infrastructure deployment and associated services, also setting up a global software delivery center in Ghana. Radisys, a geoplatform company, will provide Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) and affordable 4G and 5G devices, fostering sustainable and inclusive development" “This collaboration is a significant step towards achieving a fully digitalized Ghana by 2030,” concluded Owusu-Ekuful. "Our proactive approach and commitment to innovation have positioned us as a leader in digital transformation in Africa, and we are excited to see the benefits of 5G technology come to fruition.” This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Ghana's digital journey, promising to transform the nation’s technological landscape and enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a strategic move to advance Ghana's telecommunications sector, the Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced plans to establish a neutral infrastructure company dedicated to delivering 5G services across the country. Addressing journalists in Accra, the Minister explained the rationale behind this innovative approach and highlighted the government's commitment to inclusive and rapid digital transformation. "Our government should make a decision that we would use a neutral infrastructure company to deliver this service," Owusu-Ekuful said. "There is no existing neutral infrastructure company at the moment, so it has to be specifically formed for the purpose of delivering this service, based on the strategic policy decision of the government." The Minister underscored that this decision was informed by past experiences and aimed at ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services across Ghana. Unlike previous auctions that limited infrastructure ownership to a few entities, this initiative seeks to accelerate the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies to reach a broader population. "The Finance Minister would have been happy if we had sold it off at auction, collected our money, and moved on, without caring what impact it would have on the sector," she noted. "Unfortunately for the finance minister, we in the Ministry of Communications care about the impact of decision-making on the growth of the sector." With 4G introduced in 2015 and only 15% penetration to date, Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the need for a different approach to avoid similar slow uptake with 5G. The new neutral infrastructure company, NGIC (National Ghana Infrastructure Company), will be key to achieving this goal, ensuring faster, wider-reaching deployment of high-speed networks. "Key partners in the NGIC consortium include Accent Digital Solutions and KNEX, both experienced in managing shared infrastructure. Accent Digital Solutions, along with two Chinese partners, has been instrumental in setting up rural telecom networks, while KNEX operates a shared digital terrestrial broadcasting platform" She added that these companies bring valuable expertise and human capital to the consortium. "Every mobile network operator operating in this country has been invited to be part of the consortium," Owusu-Ekuful announced, ensuring no operator is excluded. The government will retain a small percentage in the consortium, while private investors are also welcomed to participate. Drawing from successful models in countries like Malaysia, Germany, and the United States, Ghana's shared network infrastructure is designed to reduce investment pressures on incumbent Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) while delivering top-tier 5G services. The deployment will incorporate Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology, a first for Ghana, providing a scalable and cost-effective solution. "The consortium will look for its own funding," the Minister said, with initial deployment costs estimated around $200 million. The robust legal and regulatory framework in Ghana will support this ambitious rollout, ensuring it meets the highest standards. The rollout plan aims to expand 4G coverage from the current 15% to 80% within three years, a record achievement for the continent. The benefits of 5G technology, including faster speeds, lower latency, and increased reliability, are expected to transform industries, enable new business models, and drive economic growth. "This initiative is a significant step towards achieving a fully digitalized Ghana by 2030," Owusu-Ekuful concluded. "Our proactive approach and commitment to innovation have positioned us as a leader in digital transformation in Africa." The establishment of NGIC marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s digital journey, promising to enhance connectivity, spur innovation, and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned Dancehall Artist, Shatta Wale has expressed a bold vision for his future, revealing his readiness to transition from music to politics. In a recent interview shared on TikTok, the artist disclosed that he has been encouraged by his father and other influential figures to consider a presidential bid, recognizing his leadership qualities and potential to drive national development. “I am so confident and know the guidelines of how to really run a movement,” Shatta Wale stated. He emphasized that his long-held dream is to help change Ghana for the better, urging Ghanaians to support and encourage his political aspirations. The dancehall star, known for his energetic performances and hit songs, believes that with the right support, he can leave behind his music career and successfully navigate the political landscape. “Politics is not about you coming to speak big grammar. Ghana is not a big grammar country; we speak local languages,” Shatta Wale noted, stressing his commitment to a relatable and inclusive political approach. Shatta Wale’s vision for Ghana centers on uniting the youth and fostering a collective effort to build the nation. His declaration has sparked conversations across social media, with many fans and political commentators weighing in on the feasibility and potential impact of his candidacy. As Shatta Wale continues to entertain with his music, his new political ambition adds a compelling twist to his public persona, leaving many to wonder if the dancehall king will indeed become Ghana’s next political leader. Story by: Sarah-Joyce Komenan

Controversial Musician and Media Personality, Abubakar Ahmed known in showbiz as Blakk Rasta has publicly criticized the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following his appearance at a recent private event with Freemasons. The event, which was part of the Asantehene’s birthday celebrations, became a hot topic after pictures and videos surfaced online despite strict instructions prohibiting photography and videography. Blakk Rasta expressed his discontent on his UrbanBlend show on 3FM, questioning the necessity of the Asantehene’s attire for the occasion. The media personality took issue with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II wearing a Freemason suit, considering it inappropriate for someone of his stature. "Why should you dress in a suit, let alone a Freemason suit? You being the king of the Ashanti kingdom is not a joke. Freemason is a powerful ancient entity. Do we know what it means to say you would dress in a Freemason suit? I think it’s a disgrace," Blakk Rasta remarked. As a staunch Pan-Africanist and advocate for African cultural heritage, Blakk Rasta lamented that such a move was a departure from traditional values. He suggested that the Asantehene should have embraced his cultural roots by wearing traditional Kente cloth instead. "I’m not happy about this as a Pan-Africanist, a man who loves the culture of our great ancestors," he added. "I think Asante people should start speaking with Otumfuo about this. I wouldn’t even have too much of a problem if you had worn your Kente and in your palanquin. Let the other Freemasons wear their Freemason garments." Blakk Rasta's comments have sparked a conversation about the balance between modern affiliations and traditional roles, especially concerning respected cultural figures like the Asantehene. The musician's criticism underscores a broader debate about cultural preservation and the influences of external organizations on African traditions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the North East Region has intensified its efforts against drug abuse, successfully seizing and destroying over 200 medical products, including the highly abused tramadol. This operation is part of a broader strategy to combat the escalating issue of drug addiction among the youth in the region. The FDA, in collaboration with the Gambaga and Nalerigu Youth Associations, the National Investigation Bureau, the Narcotic Control Board, and other key stakeholders, executed a joint operation targeting illegal drugs. The seized drugs, valued at thousands of dollars, were confiscated from various locations in Gambaga. Jacob Amoako Mensah, the head of the FDA in the region, emphasized the detrimental effects of drug abuse on individuals and society. He warned the youth against the use of tramadol, highlighting the severe consequences of addiction, including the potential for criminal behavior. “What we want to tell the youth is that they should desist from tramadol,” Mensah stated. “When it gets to a point when the person has become addicted, it is difficult to treat such a person. So we don’t want them to be using tramadol. Let doctors prescribe tramadol before one uses it.” The recent operation is part of the FDA's sustained efforts to mitigate drug abuse in the North East Region. The agency is calling on parents, teachers, and community leaders to play a proactive role in preventing drug abuse among young people. Mr. Mensah expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the community and law enforcement agencies. “This exercise today, we have the youth, we have the Gambaga and Nalerigu Youth Associations, the National Investigation Bureau, and the Narcotic Control Board, all being part and the two Associations who have helped us to embark on this particular exercise to destroy this quantity of tramadol that we are destroying today.” Drug addiction, particularly among the youth, remains a pressing issue in Ghana. The FDA's crackdown is a critical step in addressing this challenge, ensuring that dangerous substances are removed from circulation and that young people are steered away from harmful practices. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq.), has embarked on a week-long tour of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) installations across the five northern regions of Ghana. The tour commenced with a visit to the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, Northern Region. Upon arrival at the Gbewaa Palace, CGI Takyi was warmly received by the Council of Elders in the absence of His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, the King of Dagbon, who was attending to an emergency. During his meeting with the Elders, CGI Takyi expressed his gratitude for the cordial reception and sought their blessings. He emphasized his commitment to regularly visiting officers nationwide to understand their challenges and boost their morale. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of seeking the guidance of the traditional Overlord of the land. The comprehensive tour covers the Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, Northern, and North East regions. One of the significant events during the tour is the commissioning of a renovated border facility at Namoo in the Upper East Region. CGI Takyi's itinerary included visits to the North East and Northern Regional Command Headquarters and the Yendi Sector Command during the first two days. His initial stop was at the Northern Regional Command, where he conducted a durbar with officers and men, urging them to uphold Ghana's flag and demonstrate high professionalism in their duties. He reassured them of the management's commitment to providing essential logistics and welfare to enhance their working conditions. The Comptroller-General was accompanied by several high-ranking officers, including the Northern Regional Commander of GIS, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Dr. Prosper P. D. Asima, and the Sector Commander of Yendi, Chief Superintendent of Immigration Mr. Williams M. Korley, alongside other officers from the National Headquarters and the Command. In a related visit, CGI Takyi paid a visit to the Regent of Mion, Alhassan Abdulai, to offer condolences for the loss of his father, Mohammad Abdulai, and to congratulate him on his enskinment as the new Paramount Chief. CGI Takyi thanked the Regent for his support to GIS officers in his jurisdiction and pledged to maintain the strong relationship established with the late Paramount Chief. CGI Takyi's tour underscores his dedication to the welfare and professional development of GIS officers, as well as the importance of fostering strong relationships with traditional leaders to ensure effective immigration management in the northern regions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Aspiring Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dumelo, was involved in near fisticuff at the Legon centre. The fight occurred during misunderstanding over the ongoing voter registration process in the district. Details surrounding the cause of the fight remain unclear, but eyewitnesses suggest that the altercation began over Dumelo being restricted from using his phone. Despite complying with the preventive orders, Dumelo argued that he would protest if his opponent, Lydia Alhassan, were allowed to use her phone. During his argument, a student from the University of Ghana, reportedly aligned with the opposing party, challenged Dumelo. This confrontation, captured in a viral video, showed Dumelo warning the student, escalating the situation to near physical violence. Security forces present at the scene intervened promptly, escorting Mr. Dumelo away and restoring calm at the center. Credit: Adomonline

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the resignation of Attorney-General, Godfred Dame. During a media briefing in Accra, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, accused Attorney-General Godfred Dame of professional misconduct and criminal behavior in the ongoing ambulance procurement case involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. He said "As you may be aware, since late 2021, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has been persecuting the Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Dr. Cassiel AtoForson, over the purchase of some ambulances by the Ministry of Health under the erstwhile NDC/Mahama government" "As a law-abiding political party, we have restrained ourselves from commenting on this matter publicly. This is because we respect the principle that matters pending in court should not be commented on in a manner that prejudices the outcome. We therefore have no intention of doing so today" "However, in the light of repeated falsehoods, deliberate misrepresentations and distortions churned out by Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame and NPP propagandists, we are compelled to correct certain misconceptions in the public domain about the said ambulance transaction and situate this discussion in its proper context" Mr. Asiedu Nketia explained that this was without prejudice to any matters pending before the law courts in the case. "For the avoidance of doubt, the specific claim that the Attorney-General has based his persecution of the Minority Leader on is that, in the Attorney-General’s view, there has been financial loss to the state because he as Deputy Minister of Finance, wrote letters to the Bank of Ghana requesting the Bank to set up Letters of Credit in favour of Big Sea Trading Limited of Dubai, suppliers of the ambulances in question, without authorisation from his then boss and Finance Minister, Hon. Seth Terkper. This is publicly available information captured in the records of the High Court, Accra" "It is also a matter of public record, that Hon. Seth Terkper has appeared before the trial court and stated unequivocally under oath that he gave express authorisation to his then Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Ato Forson, to write the said letters to the Bank of Ghana for Letters of Credit to be established in respect of the ambulance transaction. This authorisation is evidenced by the seal of the Ministry of Finance that is apparent on the face of the letter written by Hon. Ato Forson" Mr. Asiedu Nketia hinted that it was instructive to note that the establishment of the Letters of Credit was done on the advice of the Attorney-General then, that failure to do so was going to make it difficult for the Government of Ghana to defend any suit brought by Big  Sea Trading for breach of contract. "Godfred Dame and hordes of NPP propagandists also continue to falsely claim that the NDC government brought in ordinary vans purporting to be ambulances without medical equipment under the said transaction" The NDC stated emphatically that the first set of 30 ambulances supplied under the transaction arrived in the country with the necessary fittings in them sometime in the year 2015. "In addition, a container load of medical equipment to be installed in these ambulances were shipped by Big Sea and arrived in the country around the end of 2016. Sadly, these medical equipment have been sitting at the Tema port for the last eight (8) years because this government, specifically the Ministry of Health, which is the consignee, has refused to clear them just so they can falsely claim that there were no equipment" "Once again, we have projected on the screen a copy of the bill of lading dated 8th October, 2016 covering this shipment. As can be seen, this container has 30 sets of medical equipment and defibrillators for installation, as well as spare parts for the 30 ambulances" "All that was required for this government to do was to clear the medical equipment from the ports and give engineers of Big Sea access to the ambulances, which have since been parked at the Airforce Base in Accra, to install them, train personnel of the Ghana Ambulance Service to use them and then formally take possession of the said ambulances" "It therefore makes no sense that after refusing to do this simple task and allowing the ambulances to deteriorate for 8 years, Godfred Dame would turn around to persecute Hon. Ato Forson for allegedly causing financial loss to the State, when that loss has been clearly occasioned by the deliberate negligence of the government he represents" The NDC stressed that it believes that the decision to take the Minority Leader and some others to Court over the matter was born out of a malicious, sinister and wicked desire to silence him through unjust imprisonment and nothing more. "As we publicly stated from the very outset of this case, the timing and circumstances of this socalled prosecution, show that it was instituted mainly to intimidate and silence the then ranking member on Finance, now Minority Leader, following his vehement opposition to the government’s 2022 budget, the E-levy and the general economic mismanagement by the AkufoAddo/Bawumia government. This is the very embodiment of political witch-hunt and persecution" "Ladies and gentlemen of the media, last Thursday, 23rd May 2024, the 3rd Accused person in this case, Richard Jakpa, took the stand to be cross-examined by counsel for Dr. Ato Forson. During this cross-examination, Attorney-General Godfred Dame, shot up from his seat to accuse Mr. Richard Jakpa of defending Dr. Ato Forson rather than himself" "In response to the Attorney-General’s accusation, Mr. Jakpa who was testifying under oath and felt attacked without provocation, dropped a bombshell that Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney-General, has been having clandestine meetings and telephone conversations with him at odd hours to persuade him to falsely testify against the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson, so that the prosecution can secure a conviction. This testimony by Mr. Jakpa was given to the court under oath and captured by the court’s record" He noted that at last Thursday’s hearing, the Attorney-General who was personally present in court, could not object to this damning evidence of Mr. Jakpa. "He did not deny calling and meeting Jakpa at odd hours. Neither did he deny Jakpa’s claim that he has been impressing on him to skew his testimony in a manner that will allow the State to secure a conviction against the Minority Leader" "Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, in the period following these startling revelations, the National Democratic Congress, has obtained compelling evidence which supports Mr. Richard Jakpa’s claim that the Attorney-General indeed has engaged him on countless occasions and urged him to falsify his testimony to aid the case of the Attorney-General against Dr. Ato Forson. "This evidence points to a devious, diabolic and dangerous plan by the Attorney-General to secure conviction against Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson at all cost, contrary to what the 3rd Accused knows and believes to be the truth." "We have in our possession a series of recordings in which the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, is clearly heard goading, urging, impressing upon and coaching Mr. Jakpa to bear false testimony against the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson" "Ladies and Gentlemen, the first of these recordings is a 16-minute five seconds telephone conversation between Godfred Dame and Richard Jakpa, the 3rd Accused person, held on the morning (7:12am) of 9th April, 2024, a day that the 3rd Accused Richard Jakpa was preparing to go to court to continue his testimony" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, little Emmanuel Richard Ampomah, the 3-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident, has been laid to rest. The accident, which involved Ghanaian actor and movie producer Kwadwo Nkansah, occurred over the weekend in the Ashanti Region. The community is enveloped in grief as they bid farewell to the young life that was cut short so suddenly. The circumstances of the accident have cast a pall over the entire region, leaving many in a state of mourning. Family members, friends, and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects, their hearts heavy with sorrow. The pain of losing a child in such a tragic manner is unimaginable, and the community stands in solidarity with Emmanuel's family during this difficult time. Emmanuel's untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep impact of such tragic events on families and communities. As investigations continue into the accident, the community hopes for answers and a semblance of closure for the grieving family. Photo credit: Luv Fm Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The family of a 3-year-old child killed in the accident caused by Lilwin has vowed that one way or another, the comic actor is going to face justice. According to a family rep, the manner of the accident demands that Lilwin be made to pay. Over the weekend, Lilwin was involved in an accident in Kumasi while joyriding in the city ahead of the premiere of his new movie. Lilwin appeared to have gotten carried away in his celebrations and slammed into a car containing a man and his 3-year-old son. The child died and the man is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Lilwin was reportedly speeding at the time of the crash and thus the family involved have vowed to make him pay. According to them, they would take on the matter legally but if the justice system fails to make Lilwin pay, they would take him on spiritually as well! Credit: Ghana Celebrities

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has made a heartfelt appeal to multinational companies to reconsider their decisions to exit the Ghanaian market. Speaking at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, Mr. Mahama addressed the growing trend of multinational firms relocating due to the challenging economic environment that has persisted since 2022. Economic Exodus and Recent Departures The economic climate in Ghana has seen significant shifts, prompting several multinational companies to move their operations elsewhere. The latest to announce its exit is the food delivery giant Glovo. The Spanish company declared its departure from the Ghanaian market on May 10, 2024, attributing the decision to profitability challenges and a reassessment of its investment priorities. Impact on the Economy Mahama highlighted the adverse effects of these departures on the nation's economy. "Their departure will obviously impact negatively on job creation, tax revenue to the state, and ultimately economic growth," he stated. The former president underscored the urgency of retaining multinational investments to support economic stability and development. Appeal for Patience and Perseverance Addressing the summit attendees, Mahama acknowledged the dire state of the economy, marked by soaring public debts amounting to 658.6 billion cedis. Despite these challenges, he urged business leaders to hold on a bit longer. "Amid all the companies leaving, our public debts have hit a staggering 658.6 billion cedis. But we cannot despair over the poor quality of governance that has served us in the last seven and a half years. I use this opportunity to appeal to you captains of the industry to tarry a bit more. Please don’t leave our country. There is a saying that the darkest hour is before the dawn," he said. Promises of a Conducive BusinessEnvironment Mahama assured the business community of the NDC’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for businesses should they win the 2024 elections. "The beauty of our democracy is that it affords us the opportunity to change our current trajectory. You can be rest assured that the new NDC administration will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive," he promised. Looking Ahead The NDC flagbearer's appeal comes at a critical juncture for Ghana's economy. As multinational companies weigh their options, Mahama's assurances aim to instill confidence and encourage businesses to stay the course in Ghana. His vision for a supportive and thriving business environment under an NDC-led administration offers a glimmer of hope amid current economic difficulties. John Dramani Mahama's address at the Ghana CEO Summit highlighted the pressing need for multinational companies to remain in Ghana, emphasizing the potential for economic recovery and growth with the right governance. His call for patience and his commitment to creating a conducive business environment reflect a strategic approach to stabilizing and revitalizing the Ghanaian economy. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith