President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Edmond Kombat as the new Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The seasoned lawyer, entrepreneur, and energy expert is set to spearhead the refinery's transformation amid ongoing operational and financial challenges. Kombat, whose extensive experience spans leadership roles in the oil and energy sectors, is expected to bring his expertise to bear in restructuring and modernizing TOR. His appointment signals a renewed commitment by the government to revitalize the refinery and position it as a key player in Ghana’s energy industry. Mr. Kombat expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by President Mahama. "I am honored to lead TOR at such a critical time," he said. "With the dedication of the team at TOR and strategic partnerships, I am confident we can restore the refinery’s legacy and meet the energy needs of Ghanaians." The new CEO is also the Founder and Chairman of the Edkom Group of Companies and a Co-Founder of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), where he served as Director of Research and Finance. His proven track record in leadership and innovation is expected to drive private sector investment into TOR’s operations. Kombat’s appointment underscores President Mahama’s vision for a robust energy sector to support Ghana's industrial and economic growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

"Projet Afrique," the flagship exhibition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025, will showcase the beating heart of the continent's innovation, creativity, and resilience. Taking place from 30 January to 1 February 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre, this one-of-a-kind event aligns with APD 2025's bold theme of"Delivering Africa's Single Market through Infrastructure: Invest. Connect. Integrate." According to Chief Executive officer of the Africa Prosperity Network, Sidig Faroug Eltoum: "the exhibition will spotlight Africa's dynamic identity across critical sectors including arts, agriculture, technology, engineering, and the automobile industry" Highlights of “Projet Afrique" Arts, Culture, and Fashion Experience the celebration of Africa's creativity through bold paintings, unique mixed-media art, and wearable designs by talents like Samuel Oseigyei, Victoria Adoe, and Prophask. Visitors will also witness authentic Bonwire Kente weaving and contemporary fashion by Jkarta Fashion, highlighting the richness of Africa's cultural heritage. Agribusiness Africa's future thrives in modern, sustainable agriculture. At "Projet Afrique" you will experience climate-smart farming technologies, export-ready products, and innovations driven by youth and women entrepreneurs. Come and discover how partnerships in the agriculture sector are fuelling regional trade, creating jobs, and transforming economies across the continent. Technology and Engineering Experience Africa's tech-driven transformation with advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, urban planning, and renewable energy. This segment proves that Africa isn't just adopting cutting edge technology, but also shaping the future. Automobile Industry From rugged terrain vehicles to clectric mobility, Africa's automotive industry is driving sustainable mobility and local manufacturing. Exhibitors like Volkswagen, KIA, and Rana Motors showcase how African innovation is powering industrialisation and advancing green technology. Why Attend “Projet Afrique"? If you believe in Africa's potential to drive global innovation, "Projet Afrique" is the place to be. Connect with leaders, explore investment opportunities, and experience the creativity and resilience shaping Africa's future. Event Details: Date: 30 January -1 February 2025 Venue: Accra Intermational Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana *Projet Afrique" is a celebration of what is possible when vision meets action. Join us to be part of Africa's bold journey towards unity, innovation, and global leadership. About Africa Prosperity Network (APN): The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to contributing to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through its annual flagship Africa Prosperity Dialogues, APN creates platforms for bold collaboration, innovation, and action, fueling Africa's economic integration and prosperity. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Many Brands and businesses fall into a common trap: mistaking frequent posting for a genuine social media strategy. This is a lengthy write-up, but I’d like you to walk with me through it. As a digital marketing professional, I've witnessed countless organizations treating social media as a mere checklist item, seven posts per week, check. Some companies even go as far as posting every employee’s birthday celebration image on social media, thinking it’s a strategy. Well, it could be. Few Digital marketing agencies are also charging companies for simply posting content without any strategy. But true digital success requires far more nuance, intention, and strategic thinking. Posting content repeatedly is not a strategy, it's noise. Real social media success stems from a carefully crafted, purpose-driven approach that aligns with your broader business objectives. A "business objective" is a specific, measurable, and actionable step that a company aims to achieve to reach a broader business goal ; essentially, it's a clear, defined target that allows a company to track progress toward its overall aspirations , often with quantifiable metrics to gauge success. Key points about business objectives: Specific: They outline a clear and focused target, not a vague aspiration. Measurable: Progress towards the objective can be tracked using defined metrics. Actionable: They provide a clear direction for the team to take steps towards achieving the goal. Examples of business objectives: Increase market share by 10% within the next quarter. Achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 90%. Reduce operational costs by 5%. Launch a new product line that generates $1 million in sales within the first year. What then is a Strategy and Social media Strategy Strategy is the systematic methodology and action plan that transforms a desired outcome or objective (the "what") into a practical, executable approach (the "how") . Basically, strategy is how you get your what. It involves: 1. Defining clear goals 2. Analyzing current capabilities 3. Identifying potential pathways 4. Creating a structured plan to bridge the gap between the current state and the desired outcome The core purpose is to convert strategic intent into actionable steps, ensuring purposeful and efficient progression toward achieving specific organizational objectives. Social Media Strategy is a comprehensive plan that outlines how an organization or individual will use social media platforms to achieve specific marketing, branding, engagement, or communication objectives. Key components typically include: 1. Goals - Brand awareness - Lead generation - Customer engagement - Sales Conversion - Community building 2. Target Audience Analysis - Demographics - Platform preferences - Content consumption habits 3. Content Strategy - Content types (videos, posts, stories) - Posting frequency - Brand voice and messaging - Content calendar 4. Platform Selection - Choosing platforms aligned with the target audience - Tailoring content for each platform 5. Metrics and Performance Tracking - Engagement rates - Follower growth - Conversion metrics - ROI measurement The goal is to create a deliberate, structured approach to leveraging social media to achieve specific organizational or personal communication objectives. 1. Establish Clear, Measurable Objectives Your social media strategy must be more than a random collection of posts. Define specific, measurable goals (e.g., increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, enhance customer engagement). Align social media objectives with broader marketing and business strategies. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress It needs: Specific, quantifiable goals Alignment with overall business strategy Clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs) Example: Objective: Increase product awareness and generate qualified leads Specific Goal: Acquire 50 demo requests through LinkedIn in Q2 KPI Tracking: Tracked demo request conversions Cost per lead Engagement rates on product-related content 2. Deep Audience Understanding Effective social media strategies begin with profound audience insights: Conduct in-depth research to understand your target demographic. Create detailed audience personas, including Demographics, Online behaviors, Preferred social media platforms, Content consumption preferences, Pain points, and interests Develop detailed audience personas Understand demographics, behaviors, and pain points Identify which platforms your target audience uses Example: Sustainable Fashion Brand Audience Persona: "Emily, 28-35, Urban Professional" Interests: Ethical consumption, minimalist lifestyle Platforms: Instagram, Pinterest Pain Points: Finding stylish, sustainable clothing Content Strategy: Behind-the-scenes manufacturing transparency, Styling tutorials 3. Strategic Content Architecture Content is not just about frequency, it's about value, relevance, and strategic intent. Ensure your content adds genuine value to readers. Remember, you're not the only content creator on social media. Your audience is simultaneously viewing competitors' content in their feeds. If they choose to consume your content, it must provide a meaningful benefit that justifies their time and data expenditure. Content is the lifeblood of social media platforms. Create a balanced content mix Tell compelling brand stories Provide genuine value to your audience Maintain consistent brand voice and visual identity Example: Retail Brand Content Mix Educational Content (30%) Styling tips, Product care guides, Size and fit recommendations User-Generated Content (25%) Customer photo showcases, Testimonial highlights, Community challenge submissions Brand Storytelling (20%) Founder's journey, Sustainability initiatives, Employee spotlight Product Highlights (15%) New collection teasers, Limited edition announcements, Exclusive member previews Interactive Content (10%) Polls about upcoming designs, Q&A sessions ,Live unboxing events 4. Systematic Content Planning Transform spontaneous posting into a strategic framework: Develop a comprehensive content calendar Plan themes and topics strategically Use social media management tools for consistent execution Ensure content diversity and audience engagement Example: Technology Training Platform Content Calendar Framework: Week 1: Industry Trend Analysis: Monday: Trending tech article. Wednesday: Expert commentary. Friday: Emerging skill highlight. Week 2: Learning Pathway: Tuesday: Course preview. Thursday: Student success story. Weekend: Skill challenge announcement 5. Proactive Community Management Social media is a two-way conversation: Establish clear engagement protocols Respond thoughtfully to comments and messages Monitor brand sentiment and mentions Create guidelines for meaningful interactions Example: Customer Service Scenario Nordstrom's Social Media Response Model: Immediate Acknowledgment: Within 2 hours Personalized Response: Address the customer by name Solution-Oriented Approach: Publicly show problem-solving, Offer direct communication channel, Follow up privately if needed 6. Data-Driven Performance Optimization Measurement is the cornerstone of strategic improvement: Utilize advanced analytics tools Conduct regular performance reviews Track comprehensive metrics beyond vanity numbers Generate insights for continuous refinement Example: Key Tracking Parameters: Engagement Rate, Comparison Post type performance, Best posting times, Audience interaction patterns The most successful social media strategies recognize that: Quality always trumps quantity Authenticity builds genuine connections Adaptability is a competitive advantage Continuous learning is non-negotiable Social media strategy is not about how often you post, it's about why, what, and how you communicate. It's a sophisticated blend of art and science, requiring strategic thinking, creative execution, and data-driven refinement. Story by: Samuel Kwabena Ansong, Marketing Manager

Some scores of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Effutu Constituency have vandalized the party's constituency office in protest against the government’s decision not to appoint James Kofi Annan, the party’s 2024 Parliamentary Candidate, to a key position. The disgruntled supporters, who took to the streets on Friday, stormed the office and destroyed property, including furniture, windows, and party paraphernalia. They expressed disappointment with the government for overlooking James Kofi Annan, whom they believe played a pivotal role in the party's activities during the last election. According to the protesters, James Kofi Annan is a highly competent and dedicated party member who deserved recognition through an appointment. They accused the party's leadership of failing to advocate for him and neglecting the interests of the grassroots. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Sylvester Adinam Mensah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export–Import Bank (GEXIM). In his new role, Mr. Mensah will lead GEXIM in its mission to support the Government of Ghana's vision for a sustainable, export-driven economy in line with the Ghana Export-Import Bank Act 2016 (Act 991). His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as the Bank aims to transform Ghana’s economy into an export-led one. Mr. Mensah will oversee strategic initiatives to foster trade between Ghana and other countries, encourage overseas investments by Ghanaian businesses, and address critical market gaps to enhance Ghana's global competitiveness. A seasoned finance professional, Mr. Sylvester Mensah brings extensive experience in public sector banking, fund management, strategic financial management, and governance. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Nobel International Business School. Additionally, he is a faculty member of the Certified Strategy Professional (CSP) program. With his background and expertise, Mr. Mensah is well-positioned to guide GEXIM in achieving its objectives and advancing Ghana’s export-led development agenda. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Mr. Thomas Kofi Alonsi of his duties as Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority. Mr. Alonsi, who was appointed in March 2019, brought over 16 years of legal expertise spanning the private and public sectors. Before joining the Maritime Authority, he practiced law with Sory@Law in Accra and briefly served as a research officer with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). A barrister-at-law, Mr. Alonsi holds a Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History from the University of Cape Coast, where he also pursued an M.Phil in History. He transitioned to legal studies at the Ghana School of Law and was called to the Bar in 2003. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has terminated the appointment of COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah as the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Sources at the presidency confirm that COP Addo-Danquah has been directed to hand over her duties immediately and report to the Ghana Police Headquarters for reassignment. This directive forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen EOCO’s operations and enhance its effectiveness in combating economic crimes and corruption. Appointed to head EOCO in January 2022, COP Addo-Danquah brought extensive experience from her career in the Ghana Police Service. However, her tenure has been marked by mixed reviews. The decision, according to insiders, is aimed at reinvigorating EOCO and addressing growing concerns about its performance and public trust in Ghana’s anti-corruption initiatives. Until a new Executive Director is appointed, the agency’s deputy director is expected to oversee operations. President Mahama’s move underscores his administration’s commitment to reforming key law enforcement institutions to tackle corruption more effectively and restore public confidence in state agencies. COP Addo-Danquah’s reassignment signals her return to active service within the Ghana Police, where she is expected to continue contributing to national security and law enforcement. More updates will follow as the story develops. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has named Malik Basintale as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). The appointment follows the resignation of Kofi Baah Agyepong, who officially steps down from the position on January 24, 2025. Mr. Kofi Agyepong, in a resignation letter to the President, described his time at YEA as a “privilege and honour” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Reflecting on his tenure, he stated, “I am formally tendering my resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, effective 24th January 2025,” citing personal commitments as the reason for his decision. President Mahama’s appointment of Basintale comes at a critical moment for YEA, which is tasked with creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth. Mr. Basintale, a dynamic political figure, is known for his commitment to addressing youth-related challenges, a focus he is expected to bring to his new role. He is set to officially assume his duties on Monday, January 27, 2025, with stakeholders expressing optimism about his leadership and vision for the agency's future. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has called on the leadership of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to prioritize diligence, innovation, and excellence in their operations. In his address during a working session with these pivotal institutions under his ministry, Dr. Forson emphasized the critical role they play in ensuring fiscal discipline and advancing national development. He challenged the agencies to surpass performance expectations and establish a legacy of efficiency and economic transformation. “Your work directly impacts the financial stability of the nation. I urge you to embrace innovation and discharge your duties with the highest level of integrity to ensure sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Forson stated. The Finance Minister also stressed the need for teamwork and strategic thinking to address the nation's economic challenges. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the leadership and staff of these institutions to drive revenue mobilization and prudent financial management. Dr. Forson's engagement with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and the GRA forms part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration among government agencies and align them with the ministry’s vision for fiscal stability and development. The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to fostering efficiency and accountability within its financial institutions as it works to achieve economic resilience and national progress. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Renowned Kumawood Actor, Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, has made a bold statement regarding his unwavering loyalty to his mother, Madam Adwoa Offe. Speaking in an interview, LilWin emphasized his deep respect and affection for his mother, declaring that her opinions take precedence over his marriage. "If I haven’t divorced my wife, my sisters can’t tell me to do so. But if my mother tells me to divorce her, I will do it. I don’t need any respect from my wife; I want her to respect my mother," he firmly stated. The actor credited his mother for shaping his perspectives on life and marriage, adding that his wife should emulate the values and wisdom his mother embodies. LilWin’s devotion to his mother was recently demonstrated when he gifted her a luxurious 12-bedroom mansion to celebrate her 80th birthday. The gesture follows a similar act of gratitude in 2017, when he built an eight-bedroom house for her, acknowledging her sacrifices in supporting his acting career. The actor’s declaration has sparked conversations about the influence of parents on marriage dynamics, with LilWin unapologetically reaffirming his commitment to his mother’s guidance above all. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has successfully held its maiden Nationwide Essay Competition Awards Ceremony, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the impact of organized crime and its related vices among young people. The event, which attracted participants from various schools, focused on equipping the youth with knowledge about cybercrime, financial crime, and other organized crimes, as well as encouraging them to share their thoughts and experiences on these critical issues. Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah highlighted the importance of the initiative in creating a proactive approach to tackling economic and organized crime. "This competition was designed to assess the knowledge of young people on issues such as cyberbullying and other prohibited cyber activities." "he essays revealed an impressive understanding of these topics, with some participants drawing from personal experiences to enrich their submissions," The awards ceremony showcased exceptional entries, with one participant narrating how their sibling fell victim to cyberbullying. The emotional account underscored the need for increased awareness of the dangers of the internet and social media misuse. As part of EOCO's five-year strategic plan, the essay competition aims to educate the younger generation on the effects of organized crime and how they can contribute to its prevention. "If we want to stay ahead in the fight against economic and organized crime, we need to educate our youth and provide them with the tools to make informed decisions," she added. The event also provided a platform for participants to suggest innovative solutions to combat organized crime. Students as young as ten years old shared insightful recommendations, emphasizing the importance of using technology responsibly and distinguishing between credible and false information on social media. The Executive Director expressed optimism about the future, noting that the competition was a step in the right direction. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to include tertiary institutions and engage a wider audience in subsequent editions. The ceremony concluded with a call for society to leverage the internet for positive purposes while remaining vigilant about its potential dangers. EOCO reiterated its commitment to creating more opportunities for youth engagement and fostering a society well-informed about the threats posed by organized crime. Ransford Nana Addo Jnr, Head of Financial Crime Management at Fidelity Bank, has lauded the involvement of young people in raising awareness about organized crime and its effects on society. Mr. Addo Jnr expressed his optimism about the future, highlighting the insightful contributions made by participants. “I’m not surprised that the young ones are taking charge of organized crime knowledge,” he remarked. "One of the participants shared an essay on cyberbullying, a concept that even some adults struggle to fully understand. This shows we have a bright future ahead, and initiatives like this should be encouraged.” Mr. Addo Jnr further emphasized the importance of empowering the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to combat crimes such as cyberbullying and other financial crimes. He applauded EOCO for creating a platform that inspires youth to share their thoughts and experiences, thereby fostering a culture of awareness and proactive engagement in addressing organized crime. Dominic Cummins, International Relations Officer at the National Crime Agency (NCA) based in Accra, has praised the efforts of Ghanaian youth in addressing organized crime through creative and thought-provoking essays. Mr. Cummins highlighted the importance of engaging young minds in understanding and tackling issues related to economic and organized crime. “It’s remarkable to see the younger generation taking charge of organized crime knowledge at such an early age,” he stated. “Some of the essays were truly eye-opening, touching on topics like cyberbullying and other cybercrimes, areas that even many adults struggle to comprehend fully. This shows a level of maturity and awareness that is inspiring.” Mr. Cummins noted the transformative potential of such initiatives, emphasizing how they help educate young people on the detrimental effects of organized crime and empower them to be part of the solution. He acknowledged the personal experiences shared by some participants, which underscored the real-life impact of these issues on individuals and communities. “The creativity and critical thinking displayed by these students were outstanding. It’s encouraging to see teachers, parents, and guardians supporting and guiding their children to think deeply about these challenges,” he added. He also commended EOCO’s partnership with other stakeholders in rolling out this initiative, stating that early engagement with the youth is vital in building a resilient society. “This partnership is a great step towards addressing the impacts of organized crime, which ultimately affects everyone in their daily lives. The ideas presented here today demonstrate a promising future for combating these issues,” Mr. Cummins concluded. The competition marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to create awareness and educate the public, especially the younger generation, on the implications of financial and organized crime. Below are the award winners and the marks scored. Speaking after receiving the awards, the winners expressed joy and urged fellow colleagues to take up challenges when such topics pops up. They promised to be good ambassadors. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a display of honesty and integrity, a worker with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) under Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZL), Mr. Salifu Ibrahim, has been praised for returning a staggering GHS 20,000 to its rightful owner in Tamale, Northern Region. The incident, which has been hailed as a shining example of moral rectitude, occurred when Salifu Ibrahim, found the large sum of money. Instead of keeping it for himself, he chose to track down the owner and return the money. When asked why he returned the money, Salifu Ibrahim indicated that it was against his religion to take something which is not his. The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude to Salifu Ibrahim for his exceptional honesty and integrity. "I am overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for this selfless act," the owner gladly expressed. This remarkable display of character by Salifu Ibrahim has earned him widespread acclaim, with many calling for him to be rewarded for his honesty. The incident serves as a reminder that integrity and honesty are essential values that should be upheld by all members of society. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith