News Guide Africa

Category: News

  • MiDA rallies MCC successful strategies to champion Grow24 initiative

    The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) under the leadership of Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, is poised to play a central role in Ghana’s agricultural transformation under the government’s new Grow24 initiative.

    The Authority envisage to apply the successful strategies from the US$547 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.

    Grow24, recently launched by President John Dramani Mahama, is a bold agricultural policy under the broader “24hr+” development agenda. At its heart is the Volta Economic Corridor project, which aims to irrigate over two million hectares of land for intensive, commercially viable farming.

    MiDA, originally established to implement the U.S.-funded MCC Compact, will now take on an expanded role as a national delivery agency for agricultural transformation efforts. MiDA’s broad experience in infrastructure, energy, and agro-industrial development makes it ideally suited to drive large-scale agricultural initiatives across the country.

    “Through the MCC Compact, we developed proven, high-impact models ready for nationwide implementation,” he stated. “We’re now building on that foundation to support food security, economic diversification, and rural industrialization under Grow24”, MiDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mould disclosed in an interview.

    One of the key successes of the MCC Compact was its $189 million Agriculture Project, which included the Land Tenure Facilitation (LTF) Activity. This pilot program enhanced land tenure security, encouraged investment in agriculture, and boosted productivity.

    Mr. Mould explained that core components from the Compact—such as land preparation, irrigation engineering, and integrated agronomic systems—will be adapted and scaled to meet Grow24’s ambitious targets.

    He described ongoing efforts to clear and level land using precision methods, alongside the design of advanced irrigation systems tailored to various landscapes. These efforts combine agricultural science, economics, and engineering to build sustainable, large-scale farming enterprises.

    The Volta Economic Corridor, seen as a flagship of the Grow24 policy, is expected to become a key food production hub, improve export capacity, and create thousands of jobs in rural communities.

    MiDA’s role, Mr. Mould said, will be to provide the technical and managerial backbone necessary for the long-term success of the initiative.

    “Grow24 represents a bold new vision for agricultural development in Ghana, and MiDA is fully prepared to deliver on that promise,” he concluded.

    As Ghana embarks on this new chapter of agricultural growth, MiDA’s renewed mandate under Grow24 could transform the landscape of farming and agribusiness across the nation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Julius Debrah: An Embodiment of Leadership, Loyalty, and Paragon of Patriotism

    By Lawrence Odoom alias Phalonzy

    For over two and a half decades, Julius Debrah has indelibly etched his name in Ghana’s national political landscape, emerging as a towering figure who embodies the virtues of loyalty, humility, and patriotism. His remarkable journey to becoming Chief of Staff for two consecutive terms has become a defining chapter in the annals of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, replete with invaluable lessons in politics, leadership, and morality.

    Hon. Julius Debrah’s ascent to prominence was not predicated on vindictiveness or performative leadership, but rather on his exceptional human relations skills and result-oriented approach. Julius Debrah’s appointment as Chief of Staff by John Dramani Mahama serves as a prove to his ability to deliver results through a charismatic and charming leadership style.

    Infact, as a seasoned politician, Julius Debrah has consistently demonstrated unrelenting loyalty to President John Dramani Mahama, standing by him through the most trying times and celebrating their triumphs. This unshakeable commitment has earned him the reputation as one of Ghana’s most trusted and loyal political allies.

    Beyond his impressive political credentials, Mr. Debrah is widely revered for his compassionate and benevolent nature.

    Undoubtedly, his humanitarian gestures have touched countless lives across the country, particularly among the vulnerable and destitute. His kindness is often exercised in silence, devoid of fanfare or expectation of recognition.

    As the conversation around his potential future leadership grows, many believe that Julius Debrah possesses the requisite qualities to ascend to the highest office in the land. His name is increasingly resonating across regions, and his ability to connect with Ghanaians at the grassroots level has earned him plaudits as a unifier.

    Ultimately, with his remarkable track record, Mr. Debrah’s potential presidency is seen as a natural progression, building on the foundations laid by his mentor, John Mahama. To separate the truth from the falsehood, as the country and the umbrella Fraternity contemplates its future leadership, Julius Debrah’s name is increasingly mentioned as a credible and capable candidate, positioned to take Ghana to greater heights.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Education Minister wants teachers, invigilators be banned from mobile phone during exams

    The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for the extension of the ban on mobile phone use in examination halls to include teachers and invigilators.

    Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the new National Education Inspectorate Board, the Minister stressed the need to strengthen examination integrity and curb cheating in schools.

    “The idea of a student having access to phones in the examination room is a no-no. Probably, we have to even review this concept to include the usage of phones by examiners and supervisors,” he said.

    According to Mr. Iddrisu, there have been instances where some invigilators may have aided students in cheating during examinations, and as such, stricter controls are necessary.

    “In some instances of cheating, it may be some of them who are aiding the cheating; therefore, we have to limit who can carry a phone into an exam room,” he stated.

    While acknowledging that some examiners may require phones for official communication, such as calling for exam papers or filing reports, he insisted that any allowance must be met with strict enforcement.

    “I would have pronounced a complete ban on phone usage, but we have cases when examiners will have to call for exam papers or send a report. But we expect strict compliance and enforceability of this,” he added.

    Mr. Iddrisu emphasised that any invigilators found to be complicit in examination malpractice must be held accountable.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • MiDA rallies MCC successful strategies to champion Grow24 initiative 

    Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, CEO of MiDA

     

    The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) under the leadership of Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, is poised to play a central role in Ghana’s agricultural transformation under the government’s new Grow24 initiative.

     

    The Authority envisage to apply the successful strategies from the US$547 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.

     

    Grow24, recently launched by President John Dramani Mahama, is a bold agricultural policy under the broader “24hr+” development agenda. At its heart is the Volta Economic Corridor project, which aims to irrigate over two million hectares of land for intensive, commercially viable farming.

     

    MiDA, originally established to implement the U.S.-funded MCC Compact, will now take on an expanded role as a national delivery agency for agricultural transformation efforts. MiDA’s broad experience in infrastructure, energy, and agro-industrial development makes it ideally suited to drive large-scale agricultural initiatives across the country.

     

    “Through the MCC Compact, we developed proven, high-impact models ready for nationwide implementation,” he stated. “We’re now building on that foundation to support food security, economic diversification, and rural industrialization under Grow24”, MiDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mould disclosed in an interview.

     

    One of the key successes of the MCC Compact was its $189 million Agriculture Project, which included the Land Tenure Facilitation (LTF) Activity. This pilot program enhanced land tenure security, encouraged investment in agriculture, and boosted productivity.

     

    Mr. Mould explained that core components from the Compact—such as land preparation, irrigation engineering, and integrated agronomic systems—will be adapted and scaled to meet Grow24’s ambitious targets.

     

    He described ongoing efforts to clear and level land using precision methods, alongside the design of advanced irrigation systems tailored to various landscapes. These efforts combine agricultural science, economics, and engineering to build sustainable, large-scale farming enterprises.

     

    The Volta Economic Corridor, seen as a flagship of the Grow24 policy, is expected to become a key food production hub, improve export capacity, and create thousands of jobs in rural communities.

     

    MiDA’s role, Mr. Mould said, will be to provide the technical and managerial backbone necessary for the long-term success of the initiative.

     

    “Grow24 represents a bold new vision for agricultural development in Ghana, and MiDA is fully prepared to deliver on that promise,” he concluded.

     

    As Ghana embarks on this new chapter of agricultural growth, MiDA’s renewed mandate under Grow24 could transform the landscape of farming and agribusiness across the nation.

  • Agricultural Development Bank Ghana PLC Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Health Walk and Social Activities

    Agricultural Development Bank Ghana PLC Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Health Walk and Social Activities

    Story by Phalonzy

    In commemoration of its 60th anniversary, Agricultural Development Bank Ghana PLC embarked on a health walk and other social activities at the Aviation Social Centre in Accra.

    The event was marked by a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the Bank’s staff, as they came together to celebrate this significant benchmark.

    In his declarations, the Managing Director, Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong, highlighted the Bank’s impressive performance in the first and second quarters of 2025, citing it as a powerful blueprint to the institution’s resilience and dedication to excellence.

    He specifically mentioned the newly established MSMEs Desk and Women’s Desk, as well as the Bank’s innovative products, as key drivers of its growth and success.

    Mr. Sarpong emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration among staff members, urging them to be each other’s keeper and work in harmony to increase productivity.

    He noted that the Bank’s new tagline, “Beyond Banking,” underscores its unrelenting commitment to going above and beyond to meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders.

    Joseph Mensah Abakah, alias COMMANDER 1, who serves as the Coordinator in Charge of MSMEs Banking at ADB PLC, was present at the event, offering moral support and enthusiasm for the Bank’s future endeavors. Ultimately, as a key member of the bank’s team, Abakah’s presence underscored the Bank’s commitment to its MSMEs Banking initiatives and its determination to give the Bank a new shape.

    The celebration was a fitting tribute to the Bank’s six decades of service to the Ghanaian economy, and a prove to its ongoing efforts to innovate and improve the lives of its customers in the country and the broader community.

  • Working group to draft new National Anti-Corruption Strategy inaugurated

     

     

     

    The Government of Ghana has inaugurated a working group to develop a new National Anti-Corruption Strategy, with a strong charge to deliver bold reforms aimed at reversing the country’s declining performance in the fight against corruption.

     

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah congratulated the members of the group on their appointment and reminded them of the critical responsibility entrusted to them.

     

    He noted that this next strategy comes at a pivotal moment in Ghana’s anti-corruption journey, and under the renewed leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.

     

    Mr. Debrah recalled that Ghana’s first National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), passed in 2014 during President Mahama’s previous administration, helped raise awareness about corruption, encouraged whistleblowing, and drove the digitisation of key public services, including ports and financial systems.

     

    The period also saw an increase in operational activities from agencies like CHRAJ, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and EOCO in investigations and asset recovery.

     

    However, he admitted that despite these strides, Ghana’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score had dropped from a high of 48% in 2014 to a record low of 42% in 2024, the final year of the NACAP’s implementation.

     

    “One could argue that NACAP has not performed too well when it comes to the actual reduction of corruption in our country. The evidence is out there for all Ghanaians to see,” he said.

     

    “We have to reverse this trend, and I charge this group to ensure that the strategy does precisely that.”

     

    The Chief of Staff emphasised that ethics and moral integrity must be central pillars in the new strategy.

     

    He urged the team to depart from past assumptions and deliver a framework that delivers measurable and sustainable outcomes, describing the effort as a “shock therapy” for Ghana’s anti-corruption drive.

     

    The strategy, which is expected to be delivered in draft form by August 31, 2025, will be coordinated by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme (PANACP), in collaboration with the Chief of Staff’s office and principal partners such as the Attorney- General’s office, the OSP, and CHRAJ.

     

    Mr. Debrah assured the team of the government’s support, promising resource allocation despite the country’s ongoing fiscal challenges.

     

    However, he called for prudence and accountability from the team in managing resources.

     

    He also expressed gratitude to CHRAJ for its decade-long leadership in coordinating Ghana’s anti-corruption agenda, pledging continued collaboration to promote human rights and administrative justice.

     

    “We have confidence in the technical expertise of the team that has been assembled,” he  said.

     

    “We expect your fullest commitment to the cause,”he concluded

     

     

     

    The formation of the working group marks the beginning of the second phase of Ghana’s national fight against corruption, with the government pledging a more robust, technology-driven, and ethical approach to tackling the canker.

     

     

     

  • Nana Agradaa Sentenced to 15 Years for Money Doubling Scam

    Nana Agradaa Sentenced to 15 Years for Money Doubling Scam

    Story by Phalonzy

    Nana Agradaa, a self-proclaimed evangelist and former traditional priestess, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for running a money-doubling scam that duped numerous unsuspecting victims.

    The Accra Circuit Court convicted Agradaa of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence, stemming from a 2022 televised broadcast where she falsely claimed to possess supernatural powers to double money.

    The court’s verdict was delivered by Justice Evelyn Asamoah, who presided over the case and ordered a mandatory pregnancy test before passing the sentence. Agradaa was found guilty of luring victims into giving her money in exchange for promised miraculous financial returns that were never fulfilled.

    The court determined that Agradaa deliberately deceived worshippers using television and social media to promote the scheme, knowing full well that no “money doubling” would occur.

    This landmark ruling marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to crack down on spiritual and financial fraud masked as religious practice. Agradaa’s conviction and sentencing underscore the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent schemes and deceptive practices.

  • Gov’t prepares to honor US$1.4bn Eurobond debt servicing next year …as it completes 2025 obligations

    President John Mahama in a tit-a-tit with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The Government of Ghana as part of its Eurobond debt servicing obligations under the Debt Restructuring negotiations has made the last batch payment of US$349.52 million.

     

    This is bring the total of payment made towards Eurobond servicing since October 2024 to US$1,174.64 million.

     

    The Ministry of Finance in a statement released today gave the breakdown as follows: In October 2024, the government made an initial payment of US$475.60 million, covering obligations due under the restructuring agreement, including the first post-restructuring debt service.

     

    “In January 2025, the government paid US$349.52 million. And, in July 2025, a further US$349.52 million has been paid. This brings Ghana fully up to date on all scheduled Eurobond debt service obligations for 2025”, the statement signed by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson read.

     

    “Looking ahead to 2026, a total debt service of US$1,409.06 million is scheduled.

     

    “This timely payment reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, and constructive engagement with external creditors.”

     

    The Ministry expects that, the timely honoring of the debt obligations will:

    “Positively influence Ghana’s credit ratings trajectory in the months ahead, as it demonstrates continued discipline in debt servicing post-restructuring;

     

    “Boost investor confidence in Ghana’s sovereign credit profile and economic recovery programme; and

     

    “Support foreign exchange market stability, as it has been incorporated into the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and liquidity management strategy.”

     

     

  • From Classroom to Banking Hall: The Journey of Joseph M Abakah

    Joseph Mensah Abakah, Coordinator in Charge of MSMEs Banking at Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC

     

     

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    As he assumes a new role at Agricultural Development Bank (adb) as Coordinator (Head of Operations) in Charge of MSMEs Banking, Joseph Mensah Abakah’s story is a testament to the power of education and determination.

     

    From his early days as classroom teacher in Junior Secondary School to his current role in the banking industry, Mr Abakah has demonstrated a commitment to learning and professional growth.

     

    Early Education

     

    Abakah’s educational journey began at University Junior Secondary School from 1992 to 1994. He then proceeded to Adisadel College for his secondary education, where he developed a strong foundation in business accounting from 1995 to 1997.

     

    Tertiary Education

     

    Abakah pursued higher education at the University of Cape Coast, College of Distance Education (CODE) where he earned a Diploma in Basic Education from 2013 to 2015 and later obtained a Post-Diploma (Bachelor’s Degree) in Psychological Foundation of Education from 2015 to 2017.

     

    Professional Career Opportunities

     

    After completing his education, Abakah worked as a professional teacher from 2005 to 2011. He then transitioned to the Youth Employment Agency, where he served as the Municipal Director for the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly.

     

    Current Role

     

    Abakah’s current role as the Coordinator in Charge of MSMEs Banking at Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC allows him to leverage his skills and experience in business accounting and human resources management to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

     

    Future Plans

     

    Abakah is set to start his MA in Human Resources Management at the University of Cape Coast in the 2025/2026 sandwich session. This further demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

     

    Joseph Mensah Abakah’s journey from the classroom to the banking hall is an inspiring example of how education and determination can lead to success. His story highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the value of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. As he continues to grow in his career, Abakah’s experiences and insights will undoubtedly benefit the MSMEs and the banking industry as a whole.

     

     

     

     

  • GOIL reports strong growth at 56th AGM, projects positive outlook for 2025

    GOIL Plc has announced impressive financial growth for the 2024 financial year, driven by sound financial management, strategic marketing, and operational efficiency, despite navigating a challenging economic environment.

    Addressing shareholders at the company’s 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra, Board Chairman Nana Philip Archer disclosed that total consolidated assets grew by 20.1% to GH₵4.8 billion, while current assets recorded a strong 34% growth, largely attributed to increased trade receivables.

    Though operating costs rose by 11.2% and finance costs increased by 20.25%, the company’s disciplined approach to asset management and strong revenue performance helped sustain profitability.

    GOIL’s earnings per share jumped significantly by 54.3%, from GH₵0.140 to GH₵0.216. Over a five-year span, profit before tax surged to GH₵136.839 million in 2024, up from GH₵87.272 million in 2023.

    In recognition of this performance, the Board proposed a dividend payout of GH₵0.056 per share, amounting to GH₵21,944,335 for the year under review—a proposal which was unanimously accepted by shareholders. Nana Archer emphasised that the decision strikes a balance between delivering shareholder value and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

    Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism that a stable macroeconomic environment and smooth political transition would create a favourable climate for growth. Key strategic initiatives include the expansion of LPG bottling plants in Tema and Kumasi, with a combined capacity of 1,200 metric tons, to support the national Cylinder Recirculation Model.

    GOIL also plans to strengthen its presence in the aviation, mining, and auto gas sectors.

    According to Nana Archer, the company’s focus for 2025 will be on embedding innovation, leveraging technology, and enhancing risk governance to secure long-term growth.

    Group CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Edward Abambire Bawa echoed these sentiments, noting that GOIL is aligning its operations with the global green transition. He said management is committed to adapting to innovations and improving competitiveness in the downstream petroleum sector.

    Mr. Bawa further revealed that a new target-based performance review system is being implemented to drive operational efficiency and help meet key business objectives.