Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, reiterated the pivotal role of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business in enhancing bilateral and trade relations between Ghana and Canada, particularly the extractive sector. Delivering an address at the 25th annual African Mining Breakfast and the 22nd annual Investing in African Mining Seminar held In Toronto, Canada on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Hon. Jinapor shed light on the historically rich relationship between Ghana and Canada, noting that the time has arrived for the two countries to ramp up the collaboration with investment in Ghana’s extractive sector as the focal point of the renewed relationship. The Lands Minister touted the summit as well as the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business as major platforms for the promotion of investment in Ghana’s mining sector. “We must leverage on this cordial relations to promote business and trade between Canada and African countries. That is why the work of Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and this Seminar are very consequential; for there is no better sector to promote trade and business than the extractive sector, which has proven to generate significant rent for its owners and stakeholders,” he said. In his bid to woo investors to Ghana’s thriving extractive industry, Hon. Jinapor touched on the various components of the Ghanaian mining architecture that makes the country a ‘welcoming’ destination for investors. “A welcoming investment climate should include appropriate policy, legislative, institutional and fiscal framework, and Ghana, the beacon of democracy in Africa, is reputed in this area. “Our modern day lives depend, largely, on minerals and mining, which provide the components for the manufacturing industry. And this has become even more profound as the world works towards a green energy transition. Fortunately, we in Africa, apart from our mineral endowment, have created a common market, through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Ghana’s vibrant capital city of Accra, with a market of over one point two billion (1.2billion) people. ”Africa’s mineral endowment places the continent in a unique position, particularly on this journey towards green energy. I am hopeful that this Breakfast and Seminar will renew the cordial relations between Africa and Canada, and encourage more businesses to invest in Africa’s mining industry, and, of course, my country, Ghana, the leading producer of gold in Africa, and the undisputed mining hub of the continent.” He also took time to explain Ghana’s tripartite mineral harnessing policy to the investors, noting that the government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the policies has opened up a myriad of investment opportunities in the extractive industry. “To realise the goal of IGF and the Africa Mining Vision, of utilising our mineral resources for sustainable development, and to ensure that these resources benefit our people and investors, equitably, the Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, is promoting three main policies within the mining industry. “Firstly, diversification of our mineral resource base to exploit the range of minerals that can be responsibly and viably mined. Secondly, beneficiation and value addition to minerals mined in our country, to ensure a mutually beneficial situation for both Government and investors" “Finally, enhancing local content and local participation, to ensure that, while the interests of investors as our partners are upheld, Ghanaians, who are, by law, the owners of our mineral resources, also, benefit from the mining industry.” Delivering the key note address at the event, Mr Peter Marrone, Chairman and Chief Executive officer of Allied Gold Corporation urged African governments to create opportunities in Africa as many investors the world over are looking up to Africa, stressing that " for over half of the world's population is in Africa which present a unique opportunity to invest". He noted that Africa is a youthful population and the youthful population wants to be better and mining should represent the industry that present the best opportunity and benefits across board. Touching on the Africa model with direct investment into the assets, he said that Africa cannot be overlooked and tasked investors to look for such benefits. He also urged African governments to keep their countries competitive to obtain the right investment including ensuring that mining companies maintain their interests. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s burgeoning and stable democracy, ever-improving business environment and dramatic shift in policy from mineral discovery to value addition as well as the fledging green mineral market are elements which makes the country the ultimate and consummate destination for investors, Lands Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has said. According to Hon. Jinapor, the government has managed the position Ghana as the perfect place for investment through initiatives which aims at “unleashing prosperity for our people, in an environment that is equitable to all stakeholders, particularly investors. “. Addressing participants at the country spotlight session, of the Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada (PDAC) Convention on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Minister explained that government has set out to diversify the mineral resources by ensuring the responsible and sustainable hitherto untapped mineral resources such as Lithium. He made the assertion that government views the green mineral as the cornerstone for Ghana’s metal industry and is thus pursuing collaborations with the private sector to ensure its effective harnessing. “Particularly, the Government of Ghana has identified the development of green minerals as a strategic metal development. Government is, therefore, seeking strategic partnerships with the private sector for the exploitation of these minerals. Last year, Ghana’s Cabinet approved a policy for the exploitation and management of these minerals, which include investment incentives and the assurance of optimal return on investment." “Based on this Policy, we have granted a Mining Lease to Atlantic Lithium, a company listed on the Australian and London Stock Exchanges, to commence construction, subject to parliamentary ratification, for the mining of lithium, after the company successfully completed exploratory works and feasibility studies. Available data shows large deposits of lithium from the northern part of the country to the south, and investors are welcome to partner with Government for the exploitation of these minerals.” Touching on theme “Leveraging a Century of Mining to Enhance Value Addition for the Development of Ghana,” Hon. Jinapor noted that Ghana is already on the path to become the mining hub in Africa through the establishment of refineries that will add value to the raw minerals" “The second pillar is beneficiation and value addition to minerals produced in our country, to ensure a mutually beneficial situation for both Government and investors. Again, the Government of Ghana has been working to create the operating vehicles to partner with the private sector to promote value addition. “We have, therefore, established the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), both state agencies, to work with the private sector to promote and develop integrated aluminium and iron and steel industries in the country,” Touching on what he terms to be the final pillar of Ghana’s tripartite mining policy, he stated that the government continues to engage mining companies in the country to employ more and competent Ghanaian hands so as to ensure employment while protecting the interest of the mining companies. “The final pillar is local content and local participation, to ensure that Ghanaians, who are by law the owners of our mineral resources, benefit from the mining industry. But we do this in a manner that is not detrimental to the interest of investors; for we recognise that investors are our natural partners working towards the same goal; that is, the exploitation of the mineral resources for our collective benefit. “In acknowledgement of the critical importance of human resource capacity, the Government of Ghana has built credible training institutions which have produced the manpower for the sector in Ghana, with major spillover to virtually all mining economies, globally. “. At a panel discussion aimed at showcasing Ghana's positive investment climate, some notable mining investors praised the country's rule of law, stable democracy, right regulatory regime and cordial relationships among stakeholders based on mutual respect and the expectation of equitable distribution of benefits obtained as positive factors attracting their investment into the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed the selection of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate to the party's flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, for the 2024 Presidential elections. General Secretary of the party, Fiifi Kwetey confirmed the selection in a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com. He said "Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished academic and leader renowned for her dedication to education and public service. Having served as Minister for Education and as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she has emerged as a trailblazer for women in leadership across Ghana" He added that her nomination underscores the NDC's unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. "Possessing extensive qualifications and experience, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NDC's presidential ticket. Flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama, expressing confidence in his running mate, stated, "I am proud to have Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my running mate. Her integrity, dedication, and vision for a better Ghana make her the ideal candidate to join me in leading our party to victory in the upcoming elections." The NDC says it is excited to present such a formidable team to lead the party's ticket. It stressed that, with John Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the forefront, the NDC is poised to introduce a bold and progressive vision for the future of Ghana Story by: Joshua Kwabena

The Ministry of Health (MoH) and World Health Organization (WHO) has advised the general public to embrace walking and cycling as integral components of urban landscape and non-motorized means of transportation which will improve economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and health by reducing Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. These remarks were made at a two (2) day country workshop to disseminate World Health Organization's (WHO) Health and Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) report held in Accra on Thursday. Delivering a speech on behalf of the Chief Director of Ministry of Health, Dr. Hafiz Adam; Director, Technical Coordination, Ministry of Health, Dr. Baffour Awuah said "The Heat Assessment in Ghana provides an opportunity to develop additional policies and innovations that enhance road safety and prioritize access for pedestrians and cyclists to safe, comfortable and fair infrastructure for walking and cycling" He added that facilitating access to reliable and affordable public transport has shown to decrease reliance on personal motorized vehicles, leading to improved health, community well-being, and overall quality of life. "Given Ghana's rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the importance of promoting physical activity for overall health and well-being, a HEAT Assessment could provide valuable insights into the potential cost savings and health benefits of prioritizing investments in walking and cycling infrastructure" Dr. Awuah affirmed the Ministry of Health's commitment to implementing a multifaceted approach to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including the development of a comprehensive NCD Policy and Strategy. "Alongside legislative measures such as the Public Health Act, which target major risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, aiming to reduce incidence of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer while promoting healthy lifestyles" "Although, we have made progress as a nation in coming up with policies and strategies to tackle chronic diseases in the country, we still need to do more considering the increasing trend of these diseases in Ghana, with a goal of reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity by 15% by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On her part, Program Officer, NCDs/Risk Factors/Mental Health, WHO Ghana Country Office, Dr. Joana Ansong said "Rapid economic growth and unplanned urbanization have contributed to the increase in the number of motor, vehicles in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), with an increased shift from walking and cycling to private motorized vehicles" She stressed that more than 55%of the world's inhabitants live in urban centers and by 2050, the proportion is expected to grow to 68%, with Asia and Africa seeing a rise of almost 90%. "Walking and cycling are key means of transportation and leisure, enabling people to engage in regular physical activity daily, but their role and popularity are declining as the use of personalized motor transport has increased as urbanization increases" "Fast unplanned urbanization in Ghana means a reduction in walking and cycling levels" She revealed that the current estimated prevalence of physical inactivity of 22% for 2016 tends to increase if no interventions for both, better public and non-motorized transport are put in place. Taking her turn, Director of Evaluation, Ministry of Roads and High Ways, Wasila Sufyan acknowledged the inadequacy of facilities for vulnerable and hazardous conditions of some sections of the roadways which may pose danger to people. "The Ministry of Roads and High Ways have implemented a number of strategies to ensure safety and security of the roads for all users. "Incorporating pedestrian safety facilities in planning, design, construction and maintenance of roads infrastructure" "We have to ensure that when these facilities are provided, they are not abused" "We also ensure that there are adequate road signs, marking, traffic calming measures, streetlights and the provision of Non-motorized facilities" She called on the public to help enforce road safety measures especially on Non-motorized facilities. Representing the Mayor of Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), Sule Salifu, Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Tamale Metro Assembly (MCD), Abdulai Mohammed said "It is important to note that, physical activity is not just about staying fit, it is about nourishing our bodies, refreshing our minds, and connecting with our surroundings" He added that by incorporating exercising in the daily routines of the public, the citizenry can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, boost immune systems and enhance overall quality of life. "Moreover, active transportation options such as walking and cycling not only benefit our health but also reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment for all. Touching on Health, Social and Economic Consequences of NCDs in Ghana, Acting Head, Public Health & Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, Dr. Mavis Sakyi revealed that NCDs including heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases are collectively responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide. "More than three-quarters of all NCD deaths, and 86% of the 17 million people who died prematurely or before reaching 70years of age, occur in low-and middle-income countries like Ghana" She hinted that in Ghana, 6 in 10 outpatient attendance in health facilities are due to NCDs. Madam Sakyi stressed that non-communicable diseases are contributing to 37% deaths in Africa. She stressed that 56.5% stroke contribute to death among women in a data generated in 2022. "Type 1 and 2 of diabetes when not treated well can lead to death. Health is becoming the most expensive commodity in the country. Productivity becomes slow because the personnel are hit by NCD" Consultant in Health Economics, Physical Activity Unit, Department of Health Promotion, World Health Organisation (WHO), Andreia Santos said "Investing in walking and cycling helps to contribute to many SDGs, such as Air pollution (SDG 11), Equity (SDG 10), Physical Activity (SDG 3), Road Safety (SDG 3), Sustainable Transport (SDG 11), Carbon Emissions (SDG 12)" She hinted that data from 2016 revealed that 28% of adults do not meet recommended levels of physical activity likewise 81% of adolescents facing the same fate. "Rapid urbanization; 5.5 million inhabitants, 2% annual population growth. Car ownership increased to 12% in the past 5%, mostly second-hand (average 14 years of use) and Public transport; unreliable, expensive and uncomfortable" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Kumah has been reported dead. Sources close to the family confirmed to Citi News that the 45-year-old MP reportedly died after a short illness. He left behind a wife and six children. John Ampontuah Kumah, popularly called Lawyer John Kumah, in Ejisu, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, was commonly described by his constituents as a man of integrity with a focus on job creation and inspires hope for the future in both young and old. He was the founding Managing Director of Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction firm with footprint construction projects all over Ghana. Upon becoming a lawyer, he founded the Aduaprokye Chambers and was the Managing Partner of the law firm, until the President appointed him as CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) in 2017. At the helm of NEIP, he oversaw the training of 45,000 start-ups in three years, under the Presidential Business Support Programme, and supported 10,000 beneficiaries, leading to the creation of numerous jobs for the youth all over the country. He has over 17 years of continuous working and leadership experience which exhibits his creativity, innovation and resourcefulness in creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting youth development. He was adjudged the most Efficient, Prominent Government Appointee in 2018 and was listed among President Akufo Addo’s top 20 Most Humble and Respectful Appointees in 2019. As a loyal member of the NPP, he worked for the party from the grassroots since 1992. He was the founding father of the Young Patriots, a youth political activist and pressure group of NPP. He was a member of the Communication Team of the NPP. In fulfilment of promises made to his constituents in Ejisu, he successfully solicited and secured substantial funding to execute several infrastructure and job creation projects in the constituency. Credit: Citinewsroom

A twelve-hour mass requiem in remembrance of the late ace broadcast journalist, Martin Kwabena Kwakye, will come on this Saturday, March 9, 2024 at forecourt of Oman FM, Madina Zongo Junction. The event, which forms part of the activities earmarked for the one-week observation of the late Wofa K. K. as Kwabena Kwakye was affectionately called, will see the broadcast legend being celebrated for his impact in the Ghanaian media landscape. The mass service dubbed Harmony In Remembrance of a Broadcast Legend-“The Life and Legacies of Wofa K. K”, will kick off at 7am to 7pm at the precincts of Oman FM where the late broadcast journalist was plying his trade until his untimely death. He was the Director of Radio at Oman FM, a subsidiary of Kencity Media Limited. Born on October 16, 1970, Wofa K. K’s leadership significantly impacted the operational activities of multiple radio stations in the country. His professional journey spans various roles and responsibilities. He was the Head of Political Desk at Multimedia and served as a News Editor at Adom FM. His tenure as the Vice Dean of the Presidential Press Corps reflects his commitment to excellence in media and journalism. Additionally, his remarkable contributions to academia as a Research Assistant in the Linguistics Department at the University of Ghana, Legon, is highly recognized. As the Executive Chairman of MM Global Limited and the Executive Director of Pathos-AIB Limited, Wofa K. K demonstrated his capacity for strategic leadership and business acumen. Throughout his professional career, he faced challenges typical of the dynamics of the media industry. From navigating the political landscape of the country to managing operational complexities, Kwabena Kwakye demonstrated resilience and adaptability to overcome his adversities. The late Wofa K. K. was married and blessed with four children. Saturday’s mass service will be an event to celebrate his remarkable impact in the Ghanaian media landscape. Some of the important personalities that would grace the occasion include Dr, Boadi Nyamekye, and Dr. Joyce Aryee. The Harmonius Chorale and some other musicians such as Tagoe Sisters, Joe Beechem, and Uncle Ato are also expected to grace the occasion. Credit: Daily Democratic

President Akufo-Addo has praised the country’s effort as regards the practice of democracy. According to him, whatever Ghana has achieved in this regard has been done by Ghanaians. The President said this when he delivered the 67th Independence Day anniversary speech on March 6, at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. The celebration was held under the theme, “Our Democracy, Our Pride.” President Akufo-Addo said. “… we have good reason to choose as our theme and to celebrate OUR DEMOCRACY, OUR PRIDE at the 67th anniversary of our independence. We are a democratic nation, and not every country can make such a claim" "It is important to note that the democratic system of government we have today was not given to us at independence; more than a hundred years (100) of British rule had not prepared us in any way for democracy, there is nothing democratic about colonial rule, and, whatever we have today, we have worked out for ourselves.” He added that, “All the defining elements of a democracy, that are part of our governance architecture today, we have had to fabricate ourselves" "Everything we know about elections today, and we know quite a bit, we have learnt through hard practice, and, in the past thirty-one (31) years, we have been stable.” President Akufo-Addo acknowledged though that “We have not got a perfect system, but, every time we have had elections during this 4th Republic, it has been an improvement on the previous occasion" "We still have a lot more to learn especially when it comes to the tolerance of opposing views. But we also know that we dare not relapse, as there are many examples of countries that have disintegrated into chaos as a result of disputed elections.” Credit: 3news

National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi (Esq) has described a suit challenging the constitutionality of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill as an NPP-sponsored suit. According to him, he is disappointment in President Akufo-Addo, his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the entire ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the ongoing Anti-LGBTQ bill brouhaha. In a Facebook post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he posted "This legal action is nothing but an NPP-sponsored suit, calculated to serve as a convenient excuse for the President to refuse to assent the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values" "The NPP pretended to support the anti-LGBTQI Bill in the open, only to stab the Christian community, Muslim community, Traditional authorities and Ghanaians at large, in the back" "Shame on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his complicit Vice, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the entire NPP, for toying with the values of our nation and the future of our children" "The scales are off. Ghanaians now know who the real gay lobbyists are" "As can be seen on the face of the writ, the suit challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was filed in the Supreme Court of Ghana today, 5th March, 2024 at about 1pm" "This begs the question as to how President Akufo-Addo could refer to the suit in his speech yesterday, when same was filed only today" "How did President Akufo-Addo know as at yesterday, that the suit had already been filed at the Supreme Court, when same was filed only today?" "Why did the President lie to the nation and international community yesterday, that a suit had been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, when he knew that to be false?" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A man allegedly sustained gunshot wounds in analtercation with the Tema police night patrol team. The incident happened Friday night, February 23, 2024, in Kpone within the Tema region. The victim reported being shot in the shoulder from behind while seated in his car. According to his narration, the police began pursuing his vehicle without apparent cause around the time of 11:30 pm to midnight as he was making his way home. Describing the sequence of events, he recounted, “My car became stuck on a pile of soil, and as I endeavored to dislodge it, I observed a vehicle rapidly approaching. Though I managed to free my car, I was met with a barrage of gunfire.” “It was fired three times. I sped away in fear for my life, thinking they were armed robbers,” he recounted. He added, “I later learned they were police officers from the Tema regional office on night patrol duties. They have not explained to me why they chose to shoot at me in the middle of the night when I had no guns or weapons.” The traumatized victim told Citi News that despite his near-death experience, the police are not forthcoming with the investigation to hold those officers responsible. He foresees a possible cover-up and machinations against him. The young man noted that, he was out with his friend at a spot for a drink and on his way picked up a strange lady who later fled his car over disagreement over money. According to him, he’s been denied access to his car and its contents since the incident happened. Credit: Adom Fm

Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has announced the venues scheduled to host each sporting discipline of the 2023 African Games. He made the announcement while interacting with the media in Accra. It is emerging that the 2023 Afican games which was expected to begin on March 8 ha already commenced. Addressing the media, he said "Ghana has constructed multi-purpose sports facilities for the Games at Borteyman and at the University of Ghana, but a number of sports disciplines will take place outside of these venues" On Athletics, he revealed that it will be held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium & Warm-up Track, Borteyman & University of Ghana Sports Stadium. "Badminton will be held qt the multi-purpose Hall, Borteyman New ‘N’ Block, University of Ghana." Touching on Cycling, he explained that the Cyclists will be using the Ablekuma - Ablekuma – Pokuase Highway He cited the Accra International Conference Centre as the venue to host table tennis. On Tennis, he mentioned will be played at the Tennis Complex, Borteyman Legon Tennis Courts/ Accra Sports Stadium Tennis Court "Triathlon will be held at Borteyman Sports Complex, Wrestling will take place at Hana Hathramani Hall ‘N’ Block, University of Ghana while Arm Wresting Cedi Conference Hall, Legon University of Ghana Gym" "Basketball (3X3) Netball Court, Legon Outdoor Basketball Court, Legon, Boxing - Bukom Boxing Arena, Chess - Alisa Hotel, Cricket - Achimota Cricket Oval while Football will be played at both the Accra Sports and Cape Coast Sports Stadia" "Handball will be played at the Borteyman Sports Complex, Hockey will be at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium, Judo - Ga Mashie Hall, Bukom New ‘N’ Block, University of Ghana" "Karate-do will ve at the Borteyman Sports Dome New ‘N’ Block while Rugby will also be played at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium" "Swimming - Aquatic Centre, Borteyman Aquatic Centre, Borteyman, Taekwondo - Ga Mashie Hall, Bukom ‘N’ Block, Indoor Volleyball - Multipurpose Hall, Borteyman, Weightlifting - GCB Hall, Legon Central Cafeteria, Legon with E-Sports at the TBC TBC" The Minister added that Mixed Martial Arts will be held at Bukom Boxing Arena while Pickleball Netball Court will come off at the University of Ghana Netball Court. "Speedball will be at the GCB Hall, Legon while Sambo will happen at the Hana Hathramani Hall, Legon" Scrabble, he noted will also be held at the Hill View Guest Centre. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Akufo-Addo has said an anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana's parliament last week, which could derail international aid for the West African country if it becomes law according to an internal government memo, has not yet reached his desk, Reuters reported. The law imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+ and also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups. "I have learnt that today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court," Akufo-Addo said in a statement. "In the circumstances, it would be as well for all of us to hold our hands and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken." The approval of the bill coincides with Ghana's efforts to recover from a severe economic crisis and debt default. The country sought a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, along with financing from the World Bank. If enacted into law, the bill has the potential to result in a loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years, thereby jeopardizing a $3 billion IMF loan package, as indicated by the finance ministry. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is closely monitoring events in Ghana. According to the IMF, diversity and inclusion are values it embraces. “Our internal policies prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics, including but not limited to gender, gender expressionn, or sexual orientation. Like institutions, diverse and inclusive economies flourish," the Washington-based lender said. The United States has also said it is "deeply troubled" by the proposed legislation and urged a review of the "constitutionality of the bill." Credit: Business Insider

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has said he will not assent to an anti-gay bill until the Supreme Court rules on its constitutionality. Earlier, the finance ministry warned that billions of dollars in World Bank funding could be lost if it became law. Passed by MPs last week, it imposes a jail term of up to three years for identifying as LGBTQ+ and five years for promoting their activities. Human rights groups went to court even before it was passed by parliament. The proposed tough new legislation - The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill - was backed by both of Ghana's main political parties but cannot become law without the president's approval. The bill has been widely condemned by the UK and the US - and rights groups have described it as regressive. President Akufo-Addo had previously said that he would sign it if the majority of Ghanaians wanted him to do so. But he is now seeking to assure the diplomatic community that Ghana is committed to upholding human rights. He acknowledged that the bill had "raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law" "I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned." On Monday, the country's finance ministry said Ghana could lose a total of $3.8bn (£3bn) in World Bank funding over the next five to six years. Ghana is suffering a major economic crisis and last year had a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is unlikely that the Supreme Court will rule on the case before presidential and parliamentary elections due in December. The elections will see Ghanaians vote for a new president, as Mr Akufo-Addo will be stepping down at the end of his two terms. Credit: BBC