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- "Intellectual property is a vital component of youth empowerment,” - Youth Development and Empowerment Minister
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Daren Tang, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, to explore deeper collaboration aimed at advancing youth development in Ghana and across Africa. Welcoming the WIPO delegation, Hon. Opare Addo underscored the rationale behind establishing the new ministry, explaining that it was created to focus squarely on the needs, challenges, and aspirations of young people. He stressed that intellectual property (IP) must play a central role in Ghana’s youth development agenda. “Intellectual property is a vital component of youth empowerment,” he said, noting that the visit reinforced ongoing efforts to integrate IP education into national training programmes such as the National Apprenticeship and Adwumawura initiatives currently underway across the country. Mr. Tang reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among young people. He highlighted intellectual property as a powerful tool for transforming ideas into impactful solutions and sustainable ventures capable of driving economic growth. The Ministry expressed confidence that a strengthened partnership with WIPO would provide young Ghanaians with the skills, opportunities, and global exposure needed to thrive in a competitive digital economy. Both parties agreed to deepen cooperation through training, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for young innovators to showcase their work internationally. They further committed to rolling out joint programmes aimed at raising awareness of intellectual property rights among young entrepreneurs, supporting youth-led startups with IP protection strategies, and advancing knowledge-sharing and capacity building across the country. The visit marked a significant step toward fortifying ties between Ghana and WIPO as both institutions work to empower the next generation to harness creativity and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- NPP Presidential Election Committee releases provisional register to flagbearer aspirants
The Presidential Election Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially handed over the provisional register to all contestants seeking the party’s flagbearer position ahead of the January 2026 elections. The register provides an official list of eligible delegates and forms a key part of the party’s preparations for a transparent and credible internal election. During the handover ceremony, committee chairman Joe Osei Wusu urged all aspirants to carefully review the provisional register and provide any feedback or discrepancies they might identify. He stressed that the committee is fully committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process. “We have taken all necessary steps to make sure the process is transparent and inclusive,” Mr. Osei Wusu assured the aspirants and party members of the committee’s impartiality. He further explained that the decision to release the register followed extensive consultations with all contestants to ensure fairness and consensus. “Before making the register public, we met with each aspirant to discuss the process and address any concerns,” he noted. The handover event was attended by key flagbearer aspirants, including Kennedy Agyepong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adu-Twum, and Engineer Kwabena Agyepong. Representatives were present on behalf of other contestants: Lawyer Appiah Kubi for Bryn Achempong and Fred Oware for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The provisional register release marks a significant step in the NPP’s preparations for the internal elections, providing contestants with the opportunity to verify the information before the final register is confirmed. The committee has emphasized that this process is designed to strengthen confidence in the party’s democratic procedures and ensure a smooth, credible voting exercise in the lead-up to the party’s selection of its 2026 presidential flagbearer. Joe Osei Wusu concluded by urging all stakeholders, including party members and delegates, to cooperate with the committee. He emphasized that the transparency and integrity of the process are vital for maintaining party unity and trust in the election outcome. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- “These numbers are not just statistics, but signals showing how different markets are performing” — Gov't Statistician
The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu (PhD), has underscored the significance of Ghana’s latest economic activity figures, stressing that the revised data provides critical guidance on how the country’s major sectors are evolving. He made the remarks when he addressed the media on Thursday at the Ghana Statistical Service conference hall, following the release of updated economic indicators for August 2025. Dr. Iddrisu explained that the revised growth figures — including the downward adjustment of the overall growth rate from 4.5 percent to 3.7 percent — should not be viewed merely as numbers on paper but as essential signals that reveal trends shaping Ghana’s economy. “These numbers are not just statistics, but signals showing how different markets are performing,” He highlighted that timely interpretation of such data enables policymakers, businesses, and households to respond swiftly and appropriately to changing economic conditions. Providing a sector-by-sector breakdown, Dr. Iddrisu noted that the professional services sector continued to show robust performance, recording 5.1 percent growth in August, surpassing the earlier estimate of 4.9 percent. This, he said, confirms stronger-than-expected activity in the sector based on updated assessments. However, the industrial sector remained a source of concern, contracting by 1.8 percent in August. This followed a revised contraction of 3.1 percent in July — a stark reversal from the 9.1 percent expansion captured in earlier project data. The persistent decline, he warned, underscores the need for closer monitoring of petroleum and manufacturing subsectors, which continue to weigh on broader industrial performance. On a more positive note, he pointed to the services sector, which expanded by 9.6 percent, compared with 2.6 percent recorded in August last year. Agriculture, he mentioned, also maintained steady growth, reinforcing its role as a key stabilizer within the economy. Dr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the Ghana Statistical Service’s commitment to delivering timely, high-quality, and relevant data to support evidence-based planning and decision-making. He emphasized that the Service continues to strengthen its internal systems, enhance collaboration with stakeholders, and expand public access to critical information needed for economic governance. To facilitate a deeper understanding of the latest economic developments, the Service has published several supporting documents on its website, including the newest edition of the Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (MIEA), a newsletter, and the full presentation corresponding to the August release. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "My husband accused me of infidelity, forced pepper into my intimate parts" — Wife recounts harrowing ordeal
The wife of John Odartey Lamptey has, for the first time, spoken publicly about what she describes as a “deeply disappointing and traumatic” experience with the Tesano Police Station during a critical moment in her ongoing domestic dispute. Her testimony follows a viral Facebook video in which her husband is seen physically assaulting a woman believed to be his wife at their Ofankor residence in the Ga East Municipality. According to the victim, her husband accused her of infidelity and subjected her to severe abuse, including forcing pepper into her intimate parts, tearing her clothes, and sexually assaulting her. She recounted that after her husband eventually fell asleep, she gathered her torn clothes, pieces of the pepper used on her, and went to the Tesano Police Station to present them—alongside her bruises—as evidence. However, the woman says the response she received from the police left her devastated. She claimed officers questioned her about her family, and after she explained that she was alone in Accra, they proceeded to invite her husband—who denied the allegations—and relied on his family members who appeared at the station. “After several visits, they told me these were just marital issues and that I should be patient,” she lamented. The victim believes she was denied protection and justice because she had no relatives present and no money to influence the process. She questioned why the police documented the evidence she brought forward yet failed to act on her complaint. Her account has sparked public outrage, with many calling for a full investigation into both the assault and the alleged negligence by the Tesano Police Station. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Forestry Commission rebuts reports on alleged interdiction of staff over GHc623,000 revenue
The Forestry Commission has dismissed media reports claiming two of its staff were interdicted for allegedly generating GHC623,000 in revenue for the institution. Describing the publications as “false, misleading and distorted,” the Commission said the reports sought to damage its reputation and misinform the public. The story, which appeared in the Supreme Newspaper and on several online platforms including opr.news, newsghana.com.gh, dailyviewgh.com, peacefmonline.com, and mydailynewsonline.com, alleged that officers from the Mim Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) were sanctioned over revenue-related issues. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission clarified that the interdictions were unrelated to revenue generation but rather linked to suspected professional misconduct uncovered during timber monitoring operations. The Commission explained that on April 17, 2025, its Chief Executive instituted a temporary freeze on the auction of confiscated lumber, wood products, and trucks used in transporting such products. The directive—issued to curb collusion between some officers and illegal timber operators—required that all confiscated materials be kept at designated Forestry Commission offices pending further instructions. The freeze, communicated under reference number FC/A.21/sf.4/vol.18/04, emphasised transparency in timber regulation and warned that any breach would attract severe sanctions. Key officials, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Director of the Timber Validation Department, were copied. On October 29, 2025, a checkpoint team at Techimantia intercepted a truck carrying 3,026 pieces of sawn lumber, reportedly auctioned by the Mim TIDD office. The truck, bound for Garu in the Upper East Region, had documents claiming the lumber was valued at GHC25,000. However, a detailed assessment revealed that the load was significantly under-invoiced. Based on the Commission’s standard rates, the true value of the lumber was GHC76,650. Additionally, more than 800 pieces on the truck did not match the dimensions indicated on the documents. The Forestry Commission said management determined that the inconsistencies pointed to possible professional misconduct. As a result, the implicated officers were interdicted to make way for full investigations, in line with the Commission’s disciplinary procedures. A six-member Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Executive Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, has been established to probe the incident. Investigations are ongoing. The Commission stressed that the interdicted officers — Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah — were not sanctioned for generating GHC623,000, as reported. It added that it continues to acknowledge and reward exceptional staff performance through its annual End-of-Year Staff Recognition Awards. The statement urged the public to disregard the circulating reports and rely on verified information from the Commission. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "Take decisive action to curb rising street prostitution" - Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah to Prez. Mahama
Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, is urging President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action to curb the growing prevalence of street prostitution across Ghana. Contributing to a panel discussion on an Accra-based television station, Dr. Boakye-Danquah expressed alarm over what he described as an increasing number of young women openly engaging in commercial sex activities, particularly in parts of Accra such as Osu and East Legon. “There are a lot of female prostitutes walking the streets of this country. The President must pay attention to the growing number of prostitutes in the country,” he said. He further alleged that many of the young women involved are foreign nationals, claiming that most are Nigerians aged between 16 and 20. According to him, some are brought into Ghana under various recruitment arrangements, which may amount to trafficking. Dr. Boakye-Danquah explained that through conversations he has had with some of the women, he learned that many come from remote regions of Nigeria and may have been lured or coerced into exploitative situations. Amid ongoing national debates on LGBTQ+ matters, he urged government not to overlook other pressing social concerns. "As we look at LGBTQ, the government should also focus its attention on prostitutes,” he stated. Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s remarks add to the broader conversation about social vulnerabilities, trafficking, and the need for stronger policy interventions to protect young women and maintain public safety. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "Transforming cancer care in Ghana has been long overdue" – Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai
Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer and Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Peace and Love Hospital, has issued a clarion call for a national reset in Ghana’s approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to her, the transformation of cancer care in the country “has been long overdue,” given the rising burden of the disease and the increasing number of families affected nationwide. Speaking on Day Two of the 2025 National Cancer Forum in Accra, Dr. Wiafe Addai challenged policymakers and health sector actors to confront long-held misconceptions that have slowed progress in cancer control. She noted that for many years, cancer was wrongly perceived as “that woman’s problem” or “that patient’s problem,” leading to limited public attention and delayed investments in national cancer systems. “Today, cancer has come so close to all of us—our homes, our workplaces, our communities,” she said. “Its impact has made the work of advocates easier, but also far more urgent.” Dr. Wiafe Addai, who also serves as President and Founder of Breast Care International and is recognised globally for her advocacy work, urged Ghana to draw lessons from international civil society organizations that have shaped global cancer policy and community engagement. She cited the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the NCD Alliance as key examples of civil society-led institutions that have successfully influenced policies, expanded access to care, and strengthened survivor support systems in various regions. “We do not need to reinvent the wheel,” she emphasized" “There are effective models across the world. What we must do is adapt them to our context with commitment and urgency.” Dr. Wiafe Addai described civil society organizations (CSOs) as indispensable partners in the cancer care ecosystem. She likened them to consumer protection agencies, explaining that they understand community realities, work closely with patients and survivors, and ensure that voices from the ground inform national decision-making. “Civil society is not detached from the people,” she said. “They are in the hospitals, in the communities, in the homes of patients. They are often the bridge between the health system and the citizen.” She highlighted their role in public education, community mobilization, early detection campaigns, and patient navigation services that help individuals move from diagnosis to treatment without being lost in the system. Addressing the cultural and religious barriers that continue to impede early detection, Dr. Wiafe Addai argued that bold and persistent advocacy remains necessary. She revealed that many cancer patients, especially those with breast cancer, still hide in prayer camps and only seek care after extensive public awareness campaigns—particularly after the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “You cannot change deeply rooted perceptions by whispering,” she said. “People are still arriving at the hospital when it is far too late. So if noise-making will save lives, why shouldn’t we shout? Why shouldn’t we educate boldly?” Dr. Wiafe Addai welcomed the presence of health professionals, policymakers, development partners, and CSOs at the forum, saying their collective engagement was critical for long-term progress. She stressed that cancer control must be understood as a shared responsibility. “Cancer is a joint venture—not one person’s responsibility,” she remarked. “If a community does not have a treatment centre, civil society and local leaders can still help build the bridge that connects patients to care. No one should suffer alone.” She noted that the absence of strong social support systems places significant strain on patients, caregivers, and families. Many, she said, struggle financially and emotionally throughout the treatment journey. As part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on patients, Dr. Wiafe Addai called for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to be enrolled in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme. She argued that those who travel long distances for treatment deserve temporary financial support until they complete therapy. “Once they finish treatment, they can exit the programme and new patients can be enrolled,” she suggested. “This is something we can do ourselves without reliance on donor funding.” Dr. Wiafe Addai made a strong appeal for a comprehensive national roadmap that guarantees sustainable prevention, effective early detection, and equitable treatment for all Ghanaians—regardless of where they live. “A woman in a village should receive the same quality of care as a woman in Accra,” she said. “Geography should not determine survival.” She urged stakeholders to view civil society not as an obstacle but as a catalyst capable of amplifying and accelerating existing national efforts. With strong collaboration, she said, Ghana can build a more resilient and equitable cancer care system. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "Guns down, Ghana up" - Interior Minister
The Minister for the Interior has announced a nationwide Gun Amnesty Programme, marking a major step in government’s renewed effort to curb the alarming rise in illicit firearms across the country. Addressing journalists at the Information Services Department in Accra, the Minister warned that the proliferation of illegal weapons has become “a silent threat that has infiltrated homes, workplaces, social gatherings, and even schools.” According to him, unregistered firearms continue to fuel armed robbery, land and chieftaincy disputes, domestic violence, and deadly community conflicts, turning minor disagreements into fatal encounters. The amnesty, themed “Guns Down, Ghana Up,” will run from 1st December 2025 to 15th January 2026. During this period, individuals in possession of illicit or unregistered firearms may surrender them at designated collection points without fear of arrest, interrogation, or prosecution. “This is a window of grace,” the Minister said. “Anyone who hands in a weapon will be commended, not condemned, as a patriot contributing to national safety.” He cautioned that after the amnesty period, security agencies will intensify nationwide operations to retrieve illegal weapons, and offenders will face the full rigour of the law. To support the programme, government has rolled out several complementary measures, including the suspension of firearm importation, sale, and registration; a temporary ban on the use of firearms in traditional celebrations; enhanced border security; and targeted joint security operations to mop up illicit weapons after the amnesty. The Minister disclosed that extensive groundwork has already been completed. This includes technical planning with the Police Service, NACSA, and other security agencies; consultations with regional ministers, chiefs, diplomats, arms dealers, and community leaders; broad public sensitisation; and specialised training for officials handling the process. He urged traditional leaders, religious bodies, civil society groups, and the media to help mobilise the public to voluntarily surrender unregistered weapons. “This is not a witch-hunt; it is a life-saving initiative,” he stressed. “Every gun handed over is one less tool of destruction and one more step toward a peaceful Ghana.” Calling on citizens to “choose dialogue over violence and safety over fear,” the Minister added that the country must not allow gun-related deaths to undermine its future. “Our children deserve playgrounds, not battlegrounds. Our families deserve laughter, not funerals.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- "Funeral of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is open to public" - Family announces
The funeral of the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady of Ghana, will be open to the general public, her family announced on Tuesday. She will be laid to rest on November 28, 2025 at the Black Star Square (Independence Square), Accra. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, family spokesperson Oheneba Akwasi Abayie said the state funeral will begin at 6 a.m. at Independence Square, where the cortege will arrive to commence the proceedings. “The funeral activities will start at 6 a.m. at Independence Square with the arrival of the cortege,” Oheneba Abayie told journalists. The family extended heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for the outpouring of sympathy and support following her passing. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings died on October 23 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) at the age of 76. She was the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and a prominent advocate for women’s rights, celebrated for her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which championed women’s empowerment across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Ghana begins work on new five-year National Cancer strategy
Ghana is set to develop a new Five-Year National Cancer Strategy (2026–2030) aimed at strengthening the country’s response to the rising burden of cancer, a disease now recognised as one of the leading public health threats in the country. The announcement was made at the opening of the National Cancer Forum held at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra from November 18–19, 2025. Mr. Desmond Boateng, Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. In the address, the Minister described cancer as a “formidable and urgent national challenge,” stressing that Ghana must adopt more coordinated, data-driven and inclusive strategies to curb the growing number of cases. The upcoming strategy will replace the previous National Cancer Control Strategy, which covered the period 2012–2016. For nearly a decade, Ghana has operated without an updated national roadmap, a gap that public health experts have consistently highlighted as a weakness in the country’s cancer response. According to the Ministry of Health, the development of the new plan will be closely supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO will assist in conducting a comprehensive impact assessment to evaluate the state of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care in the country. The findings, together with recommendations emerging from the two-day forum, will feed into a national cancer situational analysis, which will shape the main pillars of the 2026–2030 strategy. In the speech read on his behalf, Hon. Akandoh emphasised that the Ministry of Health cannot tackle the cancer burden in isolation. “The Ministry of Health will lead, but leadership in this effort must be collaborative,” Mr. Boateng stated. “We must draw on the strengths of our service delivery agencies, teaching hospitals, research institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, NGOs, innovators in the private sector, and key non-health ministries and agencies.” He further stressed the need to incorporate the experiences of cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families, noting that their insights are essential for building a system that is humane, accessible and responsive to real-life challenges. The Health Minister’s statement revealed that the new cancer framework will be anchored on four core principles: Equity, Access, Quality and Accountability. It will also align with international best practices, including the WHO’s Integrated People-Centred Health Services approach and Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The Ministry highlighted gaps in early detection, limited diagnostic capacity, the high cost of cancer treatment, and disparities in access between rural and urban populations as areas expected to receive strong attention in the new plan. By the end of the forum, stakeholders are expected to: Define a clear national direction for cancer control; Clarify the roles of government institutions, partners and private-sector actors; Identify priority strategies for improving prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care; Highlight sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term implementation. The forum brought together a wide range of participants, including ministers of state, heads of health agencies, oncologists, public health experts, researchers, civil society organisations, NGOs, development partners and media representatives. he multi-sector turnout reflected the Ministry’s emphasis on inclusiveness and shared responsibility. Stakeholders described the forum as a critical step towards revitalising Ghana’s national cancer response, with expectations that the upcoming strategy will provide stronger coordination, better funding, and improved outcomes for patients. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- Ghana marks African Statistics Day, launches governance series wave 2 report
Ghana joined the continent on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to mark the 2025 African Statistics Day with a call for data-driven governance and accountability. The event, held at the Assemblies of God Head Office in Accra, also saw the official launch of the Governance Series Wave 2 Report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Delivering the opening address, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu underscored the central role of credible data in building a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society—echoing this year’s theme: “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive and Prosperous Society for Africans.” He emphasized that sustainable development cannot rely on guesses or assumptions but on evidence that reflects citizens’ lived realities. “Statistics are the backbone of development,” he said. “They shine a light on truths we must confront and guide the decisions that shape our future.” Governance Series Wave 2: Innovation in Data Collection Dr. Iddrisu highlighted that Wave 2 of the Governance Series builds on modern technology and innovation, with the survey conducted via Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census frame. The survey was carried out between July 28 and August 20, 2025, covering citizen experiences from January to June 2025. He noted that the shift to an innovative approach allows faster, more reliable, and more comparable data over time—an essential evolution for national statistical systems. Key Findings: Progress and Persistent Gaps The Government Statistician outlined a mix of encouraging and concerning results across governance indicators. Bribery and Corruption – SDG 16.5.1 National bribery prevalence dropped from 18.4% to 14.3%. However, the share of respondents who paid bribes five or more times rose sharply from 6.9% to 24%. Most payments involved money, with over half paying GH¢100 or less. Direct requests for gifts by officials fell from 51.3% to 38.6%, while voluntary “appreciation gifts” nearly doubled. Reporting of bribery incidents declined, suggesting fading confidence in accountability. The MTTD, though still perceived as the most associated agency with bribery, saw its share drop from 61% to 51.9%. Inclusiveness and Responsiveness – SDG 16.7.2 Citizen engagement showed notable improvement: Those who felt they had a say in political decision-making increased from 54.8% to 68.4%. Perceptions of complete exclusion fell from 42.4% to 29.2%. Exclusion among youth aged 18–24 dropped from 56.1% to 36.3%. Persons with activity difficulties also reported improved inclusion. Exclusion, however, remains highest in the North East, Upper East, and Northern Regions. Citizens’ Expectations for the Next Six Months According to the report: 52.6% expect better infrastructure and improved public services. 25.9% prioritise economic stability, jobs, and business support. “These expectations tell us that while inclusion is improving, it is not equal,” Dr. Iddrisu said, calling for reforms targeted at regions and groups still lagging. The Government Statistician urged government institutions, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media to actively use the findings to shape reforms. “Evidence must guide policy choices, advocacy, and debate,” he stressed. He identified five priorities moving forward: 1. Strengthen institutional accountability and anti-corruption efforts. 2. Expand civic engagement. 3. Enhance transparency in public services. 4. Prioritise excluded regions and vulnerable groups. 5. Leverage data and digital tools for governance reforms. Dr. Iddrisu acknowledged partners including CHRAJ, the PAIRed programme, GACC, ACEPA, CDD-Ghana, Transparency International Ghana, the Hewlett Foundation, and survey respondents for their role in producing the report. “Statistics are the language of development,” he concluded. “If we want peace, justice, inclusion, and prosperity, then reliable data must be at the centre of governance.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
- KOICA, NDPC sign agreement to strengthen agribusiness value chains in Ghana
Ghana has hailed the signing of a Record of Discussion between the Government of Ghana, the Korea Development Assistance, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to implement a US$9.5 million agribusiness value chain project aimed at boosting local economic development. The agreement, which covers the Strengthening of Agribusiness Value Chains for Local Economic Development in Ghana project, was formalized at a signing ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking at the event, expressed appreciation to the Government of Korea, KOICA, and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) for the collaboration that made the initiative possible. He noted that the grant will help reduce post-harvest losses, enhance productivity, create jobs, and build institutional capacity through the construction of processing centres and comprehensive training for farmers, extension officers, and MSMEs. Dr. Forson reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s commitment to facilitating all necessary tax exemptions under the Exemptions Act, providing budgetary support, and ensuring strong oversight to guarantee smooth implementation. Director-General of NDPC, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, described the project as critical to improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting food and nutrition security. She said the initiative aligns with the government’s priorities in agricultural modernization, job creation, and local economic development, adding that the partnership reflects an effective model for agribusiness-led growth. Dr. Amoah also lauded KOICA for its longstanding support to Ghana, highlighting the Commission’s gains in capacity building, knowledge exchange, and project implementation over the years. Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyonsig, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic transformation. He said the project marks an important step in deepening development cooperation, noting that improved processing, stronger market systems, and better linkages between farmers and enterprises will drive innovation and rural growth. Drawing on Korea’s development experience, he expressed confidence that the partnership will deliver long-term benefits. The project will be implemented in the Volta and Central Regions, with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) as key partners. NDPC will lead coordination, while KOICA provides oversight to ensure lasting impact. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
















