The Minister-Designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has described the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s proposed 24-hour economy as a transformative policy aimed at boosting productivity, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods. Speaking during his vetting by Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Pelpuo emphasized that the initiative, championed by former President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to extend economic activities beyond the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work schedule. He explained that the policy would introduce a three-shift system across various industries to ensure continuous economic operations, optimize labour efficiency, and address youth unemployment. “The 24-hour economy is a policy by President John Dramani Mahama proposed to the people of Ghana. It is a commitment to engage the Ghanaian worker effectively and improve the existing work arrangements,” Mr. Pelpuo stated. He stressed that the initiative is not about longer working hours but ensuring fair compensation for workers. “The whole commitment is to increase production by our working class and ensure they earn what they deserve,” he added. The 24-hour economy remains a key policy focus of the NDC, with proponents arguing that it will drive economic growth, attract investment, and expand job opportunities for Ghanaians. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially confirmed the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, marking a significant shift in West African diplomacy. In a statement issued today, ECOWAS acknowledged the departure of the three Sahelian nations but assured that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions for their citizens and businesses. The decision, which comes amid ongoing political tensions between the military-led governments of these nations and ECOWAS, raises concerns about regional stability, trade, and security cooperation. Despite their withdrawal, ECOWAS has emphasized that, for the time being, citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will still enjoy certain privileges within the bloc. The regional body has directed all relevant authorities to: Recognize national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo from these countries. Maintain trade relations under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies. Allow citizens from the three nations to continue traveling visa-free and enjoy rights of residence and establishment under existing protocols. Support ECOWAS officials from the three countries as they complete their assignments within the bloc. These provisions will remain in place while ECOWAS negotiates the future of its engagement with the three countries. The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS marks a major challenge to regional integration. The three countries, all led by military governments following recent coups, have increasingly distanced themselves from the bloc over sanctions and governance disputes. They have also strengthened ties with Russia and other non-traditional allies while advocating for a new Sahel alliance. The departure also raises questions about security collaboration, as all three nations are battling jihadist insurgencies and had previously relied on ECOWAS support for regional stability efforts. ECOWAS has announced the creation of a special structure to facilitate discussions with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to determine the next steps in their relationship. The bloc has reiterated its commitment to regional unity and expressed hope for continued dialogue with the three nations. As the transition unfolds, businesses, travelers, and policymakers across West Africa will closely watch how this historic decision reshapes the economic and political landscape of the region. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo has announced plans to establish job centres in every district across the country as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and provide young people with better access to job opportunities. Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, made this announcement during a working visit to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decentralizing job placement services nationwide. According to Mr. Opare Addo, the initiative aligns with the government's broader vision of creating sustainable employment opportunities and equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in both the public and private sectors. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that President John Mahama is determined to reposition the YEA as a key institution for youth employment and training, ensuring that job-seeking young Ghanaians can access career guidance, training, and direct employment links with ease. “The assurance I am going to give is that President Mahama is going to work hard to reposition the YEA as a place where young people can seek refuge anytime they are looking for job opportunities and training,” Mr. Opare Addo stated. He further noted that the government’s manifesto outlines a clear strategy to expand the initiative by establishing job centres in all districts, ensuring that employment services are more accessible to job seekers across the country. “We have a similar policy in our manifesto, and so our assurance to them is that we are going to scale it up so that we have similar centres in all districts. The job centres should be closer to the person who seeks the job for young people to easily access it and the opportunities made available to them,” he added. The initiative is expected to complement existing employment programs and address concerns about youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has issued a stern warning against corruption within the agency, stressing that it is not a platform for personal gain but a vehicle for youth empowerment and job creation. Speaking to his staff, Mr. Basintale declared his commitment to reducing unemployment through sustainable job creation and entrepreneurship development. "Our focus is to create sustainable jobs and help the youth transition into entrepreneurs who can employ others,"  he stated. However, he cautioned against any form of financial mismanagement within the agency, stating, "YEA is not a place for personal enrichment. Anyone with such intentions should resign immediately." Reassuring employees of job security, he called for teamwork and dedication to achieving the agency’s objectives. He further disclosed plans to integrate YEA’s operations into the proposed 24-hour economy framework to maximize opportunities for young people. Describing youth unemployment as “a national security threat,”  Mr. Basintale pledged to introduce innovative strategies to tackle the challenge and transform YEA into a beacon of hope for Ghanaian youth. His comments signal a renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the agency’s core mandate of empowering the next generation through meaningful employment opportunities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the authority’s operations and advancing Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector. Addressing management and staff in Accra on Monday, Mr. Tameklo emphasized his determination to align with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of transforming the industry. He underscored the need for a new approach, stating, “It is not going to be business as usual.” Mr. Tameklo assured the NPA staff of his commitment to fairness, teamwork, and their welfare. He pledged to create a conducive working environment, ensuring that employees’ well-being remains a priority. “In the spirit of cooperation, let’s work together to make the authority the very best,” he urged. The NPA Welfare Chairman, Ernest Ayeh-Datey, congratulated Mr. Tameklo on his appointment and assured him of the staff’s readiness to support his leadership for the growth of the authority. A seasoned legal professional, Mr. Tameklo brings over a decade of expertise to the role. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Natural Resources (Downstream Petroleum) from the University of Ghana and was called to the Ghana Bar in 2013 after completing the Professional Law Course at the Ghana School of Law. Prior to his appointment, he was a Partner at Ayine & Partners, specializing in criminal, civil, and commercial litigation. His extensive experience in legal advisory and strategic counsel has positioned him as a key figure in governance and regulatory affairs. Mr. Tameklo has played critical roles in political and governance-related initiatives, serving as the Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He has also contributed to major committees, including the 2024/2025 Transition Subcommittee for Legal and Governance and the 2024 NDC Manifesto Committee. With his expertise in legal strategy and industry governance, stakeholders anticipate a progressive shift in the petroleum downstream sector under his leadership. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has assured the Ghanaian public that no contaminated Coca-Cola products from Belgium have entered the local market. This follows recent reports of a recall by Coca-Cola Belgium due to high levels of chlorate found in some of its beverages. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, the affected brands include bottled Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico, Minute Maid, canned Appletiser, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero. These products, identified by production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, were recalled across Europe between November 23 and December 3, 2024. Dr. Darko emphasized that no Coca-Cola products from Belgium have been registered for sale in Ghana, nor have any been officially imported into the country through designated entry points since November 2023. Additionally, market surveillance conducted by the FDA has found no traces of these affected products in Ghanaian retail outlets. To provide further clarity, the FDA listed the only approved imported Coca-Cola products in Ghana, which originate from Algeria, Liberia, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, the UK, USA, and Canada. Locally manufactured Coca-Cola products, including Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Lime-Lemon, are produced under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards and undergo FDA approval before distribution. Dr. Darko reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to monitoring and ensuring the safety of food and beverages in Ghana. The FDA will continue surveillance in collaboration with other agencies to prevent the circulation of any unsafe products. Consumers who suspect the presence of Coca-Cola products from Belgium on the Ghanaian market are urged to report immediately to the nearest FDA office. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Official Creditor Committee (OCC), marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to restructure its external debt and restore economic stability. The agreement, which has been signed by all Participating Creditor Countries, formalizes the debt treatment terms agreed upon with Ghana’s Official Creditors. It provides significant debt service relief during the period of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported program, allowing the government to channel financial resources into economic recovery efforts. Ghana’s Ministry of Finance expressed gratitude to all OCC members, with special recognition to China and France, the committee’s co-chairs, for their role in facilitating the debt restructuring process. “This agreement is a crucial step towards restoring long-term debt sustainability and ensuring that Ghana can allocate resources effectively to support economic growth,” the statement from the Ministry of Finance’s Public Relations Unit noted. With the MoU now in place, Ghana will proceed with bilateral agreements with each OCC member to implement the agreed debt restructuring terms. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging commercial external creditors in good faith to finalize restructuring agreements that align with Ghana’s need for debt relief while ensuring fair treatment among creditors. The signing of this MoU comes amid Ghana’s broader efforts to stabilize its economy, reduce debt burdens, and create a more sustainable financial framework for future growth. Background Ghana has been navigating a severe debt crisis, prompting negotiations with international creditors to secure relief under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments. The country has been implementing an IMF-backed economic reform program aimed at stabilizing public finances, improving fiscal discipline, and fostering economic resilience. With the successful signing of this agreement, Ghana is one step closer to achieving its debt restructuring goals, paving the way for economic recovery and sustainable growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convenor of the #FixTheCountry movement, has formally apologized to Ghana’s Parliament’s Appointments Committee. His earlier statements alleging that some committee members solicited bribes from ministerial nominees sparked controversy. Barker-Vormawor emphasized that his remarks were not intended to undermine the committee's members but aimed to shed light on broader concerns regarding corruption and transparency. In a session with the committee in Accra on Wednesday, January 29, Barker-Vormawor clarified, “I am saying here clearly that my post was not intended to disparage members of the committee. I have not intended to say that members of this committee have received or demanded bribes from various individuals.” He expressed regret for any misunderstanding his statements may have caused. Barker-Vormawor's legal counsel, Nana Ato Dadzie, supported his position, framing his comments as a whistleblower's call for accountability rather than an assault on the committee’s integrity. The committee had previously summoned him to provide evidence regarding his allegations, which he agreed to fulfill. Addressing why he had not removed the controversial post sooner, Barker-Vormawor noted, “The reason why I have left the post on was because I saw that the words had been twisted, and it became imperative for me to maintain the post in its original form for verification.” As part of his commitment to resolving the matter amicably, he indicated a willingness to delete the post. His statements come at a time when discussions surrounding transparency and accountability in Ghana’s political landscape are increasingly critical. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The prosecution handling the high-profile trial of former Ghana Cocoa Board CEO, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, and businessman Seidu Agongo has officially dropped all charges against the duo. The pair were facing 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretenses, willfully causing financial loss to the state, corruption by public officers, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act. During a court session on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, State Attorney Enam Mensah informed the High Court that the Attorney General had directed the withdrawal of the charges. The prosecution subsequently filed a notice of discontinuation under Section 59 of Act 30. This decision brings an abrupt halt to a case that began in 2018, revolving around allegations of financial loss exceeding GH¢271 million in transactions involving Lithovit foliar fertiliser. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Prominent activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has affirmed his readiness to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee to substantiate allegations of bribery involving committee members. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Barker-Vormawor announced his scheduled appearance on Wednesday, January 29, and expressed optimism about the opportunity to engage with the committee. “I look forward to appearing before the committee tomorrow,” he wrote. “This is how a democracy improves.” The activist’s claims, which allege that some members of the committee solicited bribes from ministerial nominees in exchange for approval, have sparked widespread debate and drawn sharp denials from the committee’s leadership. Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, dismissed the accusations as unfounded during a press briefing on Tuesday, January 28. According to Mr. Ahiafor, neither he nor any committee member has engaged in such practices, describing the allegations as an attack on the integrity of the committee’s work. “To address these allegations, I have directed the Clerk to the Committee to formally invite Mr. Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee tomorrow to provide evidence. Should he fail to do so, we will apply the necessary legal measures,” Mr. Ahiafor stated. Division Among Lawmakers The allegations have caused a rift among lawmakers, with some members of Parliament's Minority Caucus advocating for the suspension of the vetting process until the matter is resolved. They argue that the accusations undermine public trust in the committee’s integrity and cast doubt on its proceedings. Others, however, have opposed any delay in the vetting process. South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor cautioned that halting the process could disrupt government business and set a dangerous precedent for future parliamentary work. Mr. Barker-Vormawor’s claims, coupled with his high-profile advocacy for democratic accountability, have intensified public interest in the matter. His appearance before the committee is expected to either lend credence to his allegations or clear the names of committee members. The meeting comes amidst growing calls for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s political landscape. The outcome of the activist’s appearance is likely to have significant implications for the reputation of the Appointments Committee and broader parliamentary processes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been summoned to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee to substantiate allegations of bribery against its members. Barker-Vormawor recently accused the committee of demanding money from ministerial nominees in exchange for their approval, a claim the committee has vehemently denied. The Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, dismissed the accusations during a press briefing on Tuesday, January 28, labeling them as baseless and unfounded. He maintained that neither he nor any member of the committee had engaged in such unethical practices. “These are serious allegations that attack the integrity of the Appointments Committee,” Mr. Ahiafor stated. “I am directing the Clerk to the Committee to invite Mr. Barker-Vormawor to appear before us tomorrow [Wednesday] to substantiate his claims. Failure to provide evidence will result in the application of the necessary legal measures.” The summons follows mounting pressure from some members of the committee, particularly those in the minority New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have called for a temporary suspension of vetting until the matter is resolved. “This is a critical moment for the integrity of the committee and the democratic processes it upholds,” a minority member said. Barker-Vormawor is expected to meet with the committee on Wednesday, January 29, where he will be required to present evidence to support his allegations. Chairman Ahiafor has reiterated the need to protect the reputation of the Appointments Committee and preserve public confidence in its work. "The processes of this committee are transparent and guided by rules. We will not allow baseless allegations to undermine our integrity," he added. The outcome of the session could have significant implications for both the committee and the activist, particularly if the allegations are proven—or disproven. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has been appointed as Policy Adviser, Political, at the Office of the Vice President. The appointment, approved by President John Dramani Mahama, was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President. The statement highlighted the appointees’ wealth of experience and expertise, emphasizing their critical roles in advancing the “Resetting Ghana agenda to build the Ghana we want.” Other notable appointments include Alex Segbefia as Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Maame Ama Pratt as Press Secretary, and Mrs. Alberta Graham as Head of Administration. The team also includes Professor Theresah Ennin as Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice President, Ms. Daniella Mavis Mathias as Secretary to the Vice President, and Prof. Sharif Mahmud Khalid as Policy Adviser, Economic. Dr. Hamza Zakaria and Ms. Mansa Amoa Awuah will serve as Policy Advisers in Economics and Finance, respectively, while Dr. Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu takes on the role of Policy Adviser for the Social Sector. This strategic team is expected to play pivotal roles in shaping policies and ensuring the success of the Vice President’s agenda. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith