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Funding and Preparedness: Why Ghana Needs a Public Health Emergency Fund

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Public Health

Ghana, like many other African nations, has repeatedly faced the devastating consequences of public health emergencies. From the Ebola scare in 2014 to the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring cholera and meningitis outbreaks, the country’s response has often been reactive rather than proactive.

Health facilities become overwhelmed, essential medical supplies run out, and many preventable deaths occur due to inadequate preparedness.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in Ghana’s health system, including its dependence on donor funding, limited healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate disease surveillance mechanisms.

Today, as Ghana battles yet another cholera, and meningitis, the familiar cycle of scrambling for emergency funds and resources continues. These crises highlight the urgent need a dedicated financial resource that ensures rapid and effective responses to outbreaks, reducing human and economic losses.

Unfulfilled Promises and a History of Unpreparedness

Public health experts have long emphasized the need for sustained investment in epidemic preparedness. In his inaugural address, President John Mahama stressed the importance of a robust public health system, acknowledging that epidemics threaten national stability. Despite such commitments, successive governments have struggled to allocate sustained funding for epidemic preparedness.

Ghana’s experience during COVID-19 underscored this reality. The Auditor-General’s report indicates that from March 2020 to June 2022, the government mobilized approximately GH¢21.8 billion to mitigate the pandemic’s impact.

However, nearly 50% of these funds were allocated for budgetary support rather than direct COVID-19 interventions. This allocation underscores the need for a dedicated Public Health Emergency Fund to ensure that resources are available for health emergencies without diverting essential funds from other critical areas.

Despite this, the country relied heavily on donor support for vaccine procurement, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical supplies. This external dependency left Ghana vulnerable when global demand for resources surged, forcing delays in vaccine access and straining healthcare systems.

Similarly, the country’s ongoing struggle with cholera highlights the structural weaknesses in its health system. Poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and limited hospital capacity has all exacerbated the crisis. Cholera, a disease that should be preventable with proper infrastructure and sanitation, continues to claim lives in Ghana. The government’s response to such outbreaks is often delayed, as funds must be redirected from other areas of the national budget an inefficient and unsustainable approach.

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Investing in preparedness is more cost-effective than scrambling for funds during a crisis. Studies show that every dollar spent on epidemic prevention saves multiple times that amount in response and recovery costs. A dedicated Public Health Emergency Fund would ensure that Ghana can:

  • Maintain a stockpile of essential medical supplies.
  • Strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems.
  • Rapidly deploy healthcare workers and resources to affected areas.
  • Establish emergency treatment centers before outbreaks escalate.

Recently, the Country Director of SEND Ghana, Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, during the SEND Ghana’s National Dialogue on Public Health Emergency Financing urged the government to establish public health emergency funds at the local and national levels to better prepare the country for unforeseen health catastrophes.

She believes the move is important as donor support for health emergencies continues to decline.

“In recent times, we do not have donors wanting to give us as much as they used to or at all. We should begin to look within. That is the message of our advocacy since 2021, asking our government to use domestic resources to fund public health emergencies.”

Mrs. Nuamah Agyemang further urged the Ministry of Health to incorporate a public health emergency fund into the revised Public Health Act, which being currently reviewed.

“We have called on the Ministry of Health to include a health emergency fund so that when the Act goes back to Parliament, the fund aspect will also be passed. That way, we will have a dedicated source of funding to implement the Public Health Act,” she said.

Without a proactive funding mechanism, the nation remains trapped in a cycle of preventable health disasters.

Lessons from Other Countries

Several countries have successfully implemented sustainable public health emergency funds, demonstrating that preparedness saves lives and money.

  • Rwanda has built a strong epidemic preparedness system through sustained local investment. Its public health emergency operations center, supported by a government-led emergency fund, allows for rapid responses to outbreaks. This proactive approach helped the country respond effectively to COVID-19 and other health emergencies.

Nigeria’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund, implemented through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has strengthened its healthcare system by ensuring continuous funding for epidemic preparedness.

Additionally, the Kano State Emergency Fund in Nigeria serves as a crucial example of how localized funding mechanisms can support rapid responses to health crises. This initiative has provided timely financial resources to manage disease outbreaks, demonstrating the effectiveness of decentralized epidemic preparedness models.

Ghana can learn from these models by creating a sustainable PHEF that is insulated from political interference and ensures rapid mobilization of resources during health emergencies.

The Dangers of Relying on Donor Funding

Ghana’s dependence on external donors for epidemic response poses a serious risk. During global health crises, wealthier nations prioritize their citizens, leading to delays or reductions in international aid. COVID-19 vividly illustrated this issue when wealthier countries hoarded vaccines, leaving African nations struggling for supplies.

Additionally, donor funding often comes with conditions, limiting how Ghana can allocate resources. Over-reliance on external support also means that funds may not be available when they are needed most, forcing the government into a reactive stance rather than a proactive one.

A sustainable Public Health Emergency Fund would ensure Ghana has immediate, unrestricted access to resources, allowing for faster, more effective outbreak responses.

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rex Manu Yeboah, has recently acknowledged the importance of structured finance for public health emergencies, supporting the call for a legal framework to regulate financial allocations. He emphasized the importance of the government transitioning from an overreliance on donor-driven finance, which has rendered many public health efforts vulnerable.

“Our health sector has been largely donor-driven, and we have over-relied on external support to the extent that we are not able to organize ourselves to take care of it,” he said, adding, “With USAID funds now withdrawn, it is perhaps a blessing in disguise, pushing us to rethink and find innovative ways to mobilize internal revenue to fund public health emergencies.”

Mr. Yeboah underlined that current legislation, such as the Local Government Act, Public Health and Sanitation Act, and NADMO Act, requires Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to allocate monies for health-related concerns.

He, however, pointed out that many assemblies have struggled to set aside finances for emergencies due to competing priorities. He asked for a policy that necessitates a specific amount of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) be committed to public health emergency preparedness.

“If we should have a fixed percentage of the Common Fund allocated for public health emergencies, it becomes a law that can be enforced. But currently, there is no such standardized percentage, and it is left to the discretion of the assemblies,” he explained.

Economic Implications of Epidemic Unpreparedness

Health emergencies do not only affect individual well-being, they also have far-reaching economic consequences. When Ghana faces a disease outbreak, economic activities slow down, businesses close, and the government is forced to divert resources from development projects to emergency responses.

The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, led to a significant decline in Ghana’s GDP growth rate, increased unemployment, and deepened poverty levels. Ghana’s GDP growth rate during the COVID-19 pandemic was 0.5% in 2020, a sharp decline from 6.5% in 2019. The economy rebounded to 5.4% growth in 2021 as recovery efforts took effect.

A proactive investment in health security could reduce these economic losses. The World Bank estimates that low- and middle-income countries could avoid billions in losses by investing in pandemic preparedness. A dedicated Public Health Emergency Fund would provide the financial stability needed to mitigate the economic impact of health crises, ensuring that resources are available to sustain businesses, keep schools open, and protect livelihoods.

How Ghana Can Establish a Public Health Emergency Fund

  1. Dedicated Annual Budget Allocations

The government should mandate a fixed percentage of the national budget for epidemic preparedness. This ensures consistent funding without waiting for donor pledges.

  1. Innovative Financing Mechanisms

There is the need to advocate for the government to use Covid-19 levy to fund Public Health Emergency Funding.

Challenges and Roadblocks

While establishing a Public Health Emergency Fund is essential, it is not without challenges. Ensuring citizens including those in the Diaspora, the private sector, require a lot education and trust building will get them to contribute funds to Public Health Emergencies.

Additionally, securing political commitment remains a challenge. Policymakers often prioritize short-term projects with visible results over long-term investments in epidemic preparedness. Advocacy from healthcare professionals, researchers, and the media will be essential in keeping epidemic preparedness high on the national agenda.

A Call to Action

Ghana cannot afford to continue its cycle of reacting to health crises instead of preventing them. Establishing a Public Health Emergency Fund is not just an option it is a necessity. The government must prioritize epidemic preparedness by allocating sustainable funding, strengthening infrastructure, and reducing dependency on external donors.

Policymakers, health professionals, and civil society must push for immediate action to safeguard Ghana’s public health future. Without decisive steps now, the country risks facing even greater health disasters in the years to come. The time to act is now.

Winners & losers for Tuchel’s England

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admin
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England players

‘Reece’s quality at highest level’

James was making his first England start since September 2022 against Latvia – and took his chance in style.

The 25-year-old – who won the Champions League with Tuchel at Chelsea – has seen his career plagued by injury but is back fit right now.

“Reece’s quality is at the highest level,” said Tuchel afterwards. “We were in close contact in the last weeks. We knew he was in good shape and a good space mentally. That’s what he proved. He was very positive throughout the camp.”

AC Milan’s Kyle Walker, 34, started the first game against Albania – and was solid – with James taking the right-back spot three days later.

“Where will Walker be in a year’s time? What stage in his career, what shape are we looking at going into the World Cup?

Who impressed at centre-back

Ezri Konsa had two solid games at centre-back, and was unlucky not to score, outperforming those alongside him – Dan Burn and then Marc Guehi.

Debutant Burn, 32, looked comfortable in the first half but was caught out a couple of times in the second half against Albania – and Guehi was involved in both of Latvia’s first-half chances.

“Those sort of games will give Konsa confidence. Two more games under the belt – for momentum, feeling at home in the squad, intangible stuff for an international footballer,” said Green.

“While they [Burn and Guehi] didn’t look as assured as Konsa, they didn’t do themselves any harm over the two games.”

On Newcastle’s 6ft 7in Burn, who hit the bar against Albania, Green said: “Going into tournament football maybe a big thing is you can throw him on. He’s a different option to when you’re playing against stronger opposition and might go to a back three.

Wingers fail to shine

 

Tuchel likes proper wingers who can get down the line and get crosses in. He will not have seen enough in these two games to convince him he has found his man.

The German will be keen to get Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka – who he spoke to after the game – and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer back from injury.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden – who likes to play in the middle – struggled in the system against Albania – and was replaced by West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen for the second game.

Bowen shot off target a couple of times and created a handful of chances on the right, but again did not set the world alight.

Marcus Rashford started on the left side for both games. He put 11 crosses into the box against Latvia, and created six chances – but lost the ball 36 times across both matches – far more than anyone else.

Eze took his chance when he replaced Bowen just after the hour-mark against Latvia. He cut in from the left before slamming England’s third goal home via a deflection.

Credit: bbc.com

Ex-Fifa chief Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini cleared of corruption

By
admin
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Sepp Blatter

Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter and celebrated French footballer Michel Platini have been cleared of corruption charges relating to allegations of fraud at the global footballing body.

An appeals court in Muttenz, near Basel in Switzerland, on Tuesday cleared the two of impropriety over a payment of 2m Swiss francs (£1.6m) Blatter made to Platini in 2011. Both men have consistently denied wrongdoing.

The two were first acquitted of fraud offences in 2022, but the verdict was appealed by Swiss federal prosecutors.

The long-running case stems from 2015, when Fifa became mired in allegations of fraud and corruption, culminating in a dramatic raid in Zurich resulting from a separate US probe.

The scandal, the biggest in football history, involved collusion between officials from the governing bodies and sports marketing executives, with fraud, bribery, racketeering and money laundering offences committed.

It forced Blatter to resign and ended Platini’s hopes of succeeding him as the head of Fifa.

Former Uefa president Michel Platini

Swiss prosecutors then accused Blatter, now 89, and Platini, 69, of deceiving Fifa over the payment to Platini, alleging forgery and fraud. They said the payment had “no legal basis”.

Both men argued the transfer was a belated payment for advisory work Platini – who had previously served as president of European footballing body Uefa – had done for Fifa.

In his testimony at the first trial, Blatter said that he had asked Platini to work as his adviser in 1998. He added that, at the time, Fifa could not afford the 1m Swiss francs annual fee requested by Platini.

They instead agreed on a reduced annual fee of 300,000 francs, with the rest paid later on.

Switzerland’s federal criminal court in Bellinzona cleared the two, accepting they had a “gentlemen’s agreement” over the payment. Federal prosecutors appealed the decision, leading to the new hearing. Credit: bbc.com

Real in talks over finalising Alexander-Arnold signing

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Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid are in talks over finalising the signing of Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer.

Discussions over the protracted transfer are ongoing as the Spanish side look to secure the England international before the start of next season.

Multiple sources close to the negotiations have told BBC Sport that while a deal is still to be fully agreed, work towards completing the transfer is reaching the closing stages – though nothing has been signed yet.

Alexander-Arnold is in the final three months of his contract at Liverpool and is free to discuss a move abroad.

Real have made the 26-year-old a priority target this summer with sources close to the situation saying the Spanish club have been tracking the player for close to two years.

Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire career at Anfield, coming through the academy to make more than 300 appearances for the club.

He has won every major trophy while playing for Liverpool and is the club’s vice-captain.

Having joined the club at the age of six, Alexander-Arnold progressed through the Liverpool academy and was given his first-team debut by Jurgen Klopp in October 2016.

He has established himself as a key member of a side that won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup in the space of 14 months in 2019 and 2020.

Alexander-Arnold signed a new four-year contract in the summer of 2021 and scored penalties in shootouts of both finals as Liverpool won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021-22.

The England full-back was named in the PFA team of the season for the third time at the end of that campaign and in July 2023 was named Liverpool vice-captain.

Credit: bbc.com

Driver Remanded for Stealing Plywood from Asuogyaman Warehouse

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Court gavel

A 38-year-old driver and customer of Asuogyaman Company Limited at the Timber Market in Accra has been remanded into police custody for allegedly stealing plywood worth GH¢2,700 from the company’s warehouse.

The accused, Kojo Addo, reportedly took advantage of a quiet moment at the warehouse around 10:30 a.m. on March 20 to steal 20 pieces of 6mm plywood. He is said to have hidden the stolen items in a nearby house for later collection.

According to police investigators, the act was captured on the company’s CCTV cameras, which led to Addo’s arrest. He was apprehended and taken to the James Town Police Station, where he was detained for further questioning.

During investigations, Addo admitted to the offence in his cautioned statement, attributing his actions to economic hardship. He subsequently led police to the location where the plywood had been hidden, and the stolen items were retrieved.

The case, prosecuted by Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko, was heard at the Dansoman Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit. Although the accused pleaded not guilty in court, his explanation was noted to be inconsistent with his plea.

He has since been remanded into custody and is expected to reappear in court on April 9, 2025.

The complainant in the case, Eric Badu Odoi, a supervisor at Asuogyaman Company Limited, reported the incident after the missing stock was discovered and CCTV footage reviewed.

Cyber Defence Systems Case: Adu Boahen Is A High Flight Risk …AG Ayine Directs EOCO To Release And Re-Arrest Him

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
Mr Kwabena Adu-Boahene

Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to release and immediately re-arrest Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), citing concerns that he poses a high flight risk.

Addressing the media in Accra yesterday, Dr. Ayine emphasised that the government’s legal team would vigorously oppose any attempt to secure bail for the suspect.

Adu-Boahene was apprehended on March 20, 2025 at the Kotoka International Airport, upon his arrival from London. His wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, was also arrested the following day.

The couple is under investigation for alleged financial misappropriation linked to the procurement of cyber intelligence equipment for the National Security Council.

Bail Granted for Other Suspects

Dr. Ayine disclosed that Angela Adjei-Boateng and other co-suspects had been granted bail set at GH¢260 million.

However, their release remains pending, as EOCO verifies the title deeds of properties submitted as surety.

Given Adu-Boahene’s significant connections and past attempts to alter travel plans to evade arrest, the Attorney-General stressed the urgency of presenting him in court within the constitutionally mandated 48-hour detention period.

Alleged Financial Misconduct and Asset Seizures

The AG alleged that Adu-Boahene and his wife orchestrated fraudulent transactions amounting to GH¢49 million.

A significant portion of these funds – intended for acquiring cyber defense systems – was allegedly funnelled into a private company, BNC Communication Bureau Limited, which they secretly controlled.

According to official records, on January 30, 2020 Adu-Boahene, acting as Director of National BNC, signed a contract between the Government of Ghana, the National Security Council and an Israeli firm, ISC Holdings Ltd., for the purchase of “Cyber Defence System Software” at a cost of $7 million.

A review of bank transactions reveals that:On February 6, 2020, Adu-Boahene transferred GH¢27.1 million from the National BNC’s operations account at Fidelity Bank to his private company’s account at UMB Bank, claiming it was payment for the Cyber Defense System.

Shortly after receiving the funds, his private company transferred GH¢9.54 million (US$1.75 million) to ISC Holdings Ltd., attaching a copy of the contract and an invoice to justify the transaction.

On March 18 and 30, 2020 he further transferred GH¢1 million and GH¢21 million respectively, from the National BNC’s directors’ account at Fidelity Bank to the same private company’s account.

The Attorney-General claimed that the suspect personally withdrew 99 percent of the funds from his private company account. S

ome of these withdrawals, made between February and September 2020, included GH¢16 million, GH¢7.25 million, and GH¢1.5 million.

EOCO’s probe, the minister told the media, had also uncovered extensive real estate acquisitions by the couple, including multiple properties at Mayfair Estates in Accra and 27 houses in the Vertex Properties development at Oyarifa.

Investigators are also tracing assets reportedly purchased abroad.

The A-G claims that the Authorities have flagged Universal Merchant Bank, Fidelity Bank and Stanbic Bank for possible complicity in enabling suspicious financial transactions.

Dr. Ayine assured the public that formal charges against Adu-Boahene and his associates would be filed in the coming days.

“This government remains committed to holding accountable those who misuse public funds,” he stated.He also warned directors and employees of companies linked to the suspects, as well as banks, to freeze any transactions on the accounts or movement of assets or face prosecution.

Additionally, he stated that he is open to plea bargaining under the law if the suspect is willing to admit to the allegations and repay the funds allegedly stolen from the state.

Meanwhile, EOCO has indicated that efforts to track additional assets linked to the suspects are ongoing.

Prosecution Of Political Opponents Outside Courtroom Is Very Distasteful –Minority

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admin
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Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin - Minority Leader

The Minority Caucus in the Parliament of Ghana has cautioned the Attorney General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, to review his approach to handling cases involving political opponents of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The caucus argues that convicting suspects in public before going to court is distasteful and undermines the rule of law

“The new approach where the Attorney General seeks to convict political opponents in the court of public opinion before going to the court of competent jurisdiction is an abomination that should not be countenanced. The courts of Ghana are the only ones that should be allowed to convict or acquit”, noted the group who are affiliated to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Addressing members of the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra on Monday, March 24, 2025 on the rising incidents of alleged unlawful raids on political opponents, the Minority contended the Attorney General’s actions seek to prejudice the public mind against the suspect, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law.

“This is terrible and a backward step in the growth of our democracy. Charges against a person should be laid in court for the person to enter a plea and advance a defense so that the courts can decide. This new operando of the Attorney General is totally against the principles of natural justice and should be stopped”, the 2nd Deputy Minority Whip and MP for Weija, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, who addressed the press on behalf of the group emphasised.

The Minority Caucus referenced the recent arrest of Kwabena Adu Boahen, former Director of the National Signals Bureau upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) from London, who was paraded and handcuffed through the arrival hall of the airport.

He has been held in police custody for more than 48 hours without charge or trial, according to the Minority.

In a seeming response to the concerns of the Minority, the Attorney General, Dominic AkuritingaAyineshared details of the arrest and subsequent detention of Mr. Adu Boahen, together with his wife, Angela Agyei Boateng and some others.

The Attorney General alleged that the former security capo was being investigated for diverting US$7 million public funds into private accounts in a shady deal he allegedly initiated whilst in office.

But to the Minority, this act of public prosecution flouts the dictates of the law, stressing that “If you have evidence against someone, go to court. If you don’t have evidence, don’t malign people through press conferences”.

Stop the intimidation

The Minority also condemned the ‘Rambo-style’ arrests of several government appointments under the Akufo-Addo administration and urged the government to desist from using state power to intimidate political opponents.

They argued that such actions violate Article 18 of the Constitution, which protects individuals’ rights to personal liberty, privacy and protection from arbitrary searches and seizures.

The residences of Ken Ofori Atta, former Minister of Finance, John Peter Amewu, former Minister of Energy and MP for Hohoe, Lord Oblitey Commey, former Director of Operations at the Jubilee House and Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Ekumfi, former Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority were all raided by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau on suspicion of corruption.

All but Mr. Adu Boahen have since been granted bail while investigations into the charges brought against them are being investigated.

“These arrests, detentions, midnight home raids, and threats are relics of the coup era and have no place in a functioning democracy. In a democracy, the administration has to focus on fulfilling its promise to improve the economic conditions of citizens and not resort to these antics. We urge the administration to let the rule of law prevail and stop these underhand tactics”, the group averred.

By Stephen Larbi

Armah Buah Asks: GH¢6.2bn Worth Of Excavators Imported To Ghana For What?

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Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has disclosed that about GH¢6.2 billion worth of excavators were imported into the country last year.

Speaking to journalists in Accra yesterday, he wondered the basis for the importation of the large volumes of the excavators if they are not meant for illegal mining businesses.

He, therefore, called on the media to help his ministry fight against illegal mining that is destroying the country’s vegetation cover

The purpose of the meeting was to demystify the complex and multifaceted issue of illegal mining and to secure their active participation in combating the menace around waterbodies and forest reserves.

The meeting, though planned earlier, coincided with reports of an attack on Forestry Commission officers.

According to Armah-Kofi Buah, this incident exemplifies the composite nature of the problem and underscores the need for inclusive, decisive and radical measures to permanently address the challenge.

During the engagement on Monday, March 24, 2025, the Lands Minister provided a detailed account of the galamsey situation as inherited by the Mahama government.

He disclosed that at the time of the Mahama government’s arrival, nine forest reserves in the country were completely under the control of illegal miners.

Another alarming statistic disclosed by the Minister during the meeting was the turbidity levels of water treated by the Ghana Water Company Limited, which ranged from 5,000 to 12,000 NTU, with a vast area comparable to thirty football fields consumed by illegal mining.

Having presented the situation to the press, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah outlined policy measures and initiatives by his government to stem the flow and eradicate the canker.

He stated that the government’s anti-galamsey drive is anchored on five key principles: enforcement of existing laws, overhauling of existing structures, intensified stakeholder engagements, deployment of technology, and public sensitization.

The Minister explained that reports from some committees identified the licensing regime in the small-scale mining sector as a major contributor to the thriving galamsey menace.

The Lands Minister noted that the centralization of the licensing process meant that traditional rulers and District/Municipal and Metropolitan Executives were excluded from the process, which affected their ability to exercise supervisory responsibilities over illegal mining activities.

As a result, the NDC government has decided to decentralize the licensing regime, ensuring that traditional rulers and District Security Councils become the first point of approval for granting mining licenses.

“We are doing about five things. One, we are strengthening enforcement. Working with law enforcement agents, you will see that enforcement is being intensified.

“We are making structural changes because, frankly, if a district commander has been at a mining site for five years, it’s time for a change. We also have to work with the military.

“But you know, that is already being intensified. I’m sad to note that efforts were made in the past, but from 2022, the military never entered the forest and that also added to the problem. We’ve also started engaging chiefs as part of stakeholder engagement.

“I’ve talked about technology. We think, as part of this, we must also use technology. The Ministry has established a whole technology sector with monitoring capabilities.

“In some areas where this has been implemented, it’s working very well because we can monitor the areas and see whether an excavator is within its mining area or moving away. We can track and take action. But it has to be expanded. We are also looking at the possibility of deploying technology in forest reserves,” he said.

Armah-Kofi Buah made a passionate appeal to the media to be vocal and objective in the fight against illegal mining. Urging against the politicization of the issue, he emphasised the media’s role as the fourth estate of the realm and encouraged them to use their platforms to support the government’s efforts.

The media practitioners commended the Minister for the engagement and efforts so far made and promised to use their platforms to amplify the fight against illegal mining.

Petroleum Hub to employ 700k Ghanaians

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Dr. Tony Aubyn (2nd from right) in a meeting with Joseph Nelson, WR Minister

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has pledged his full support for the development of the Petroleum Hub in the Jomoro district of the Western Region.

This was when Dr Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) paid a courtesy call on him at the Western Regional Coordinating Council in Sekondi.
Dr. Aubynn was accompanied by the Deputy CEO in charge of Operations and Technical, Kobby Onasis Rosely and some executive members of the PHDC.

The visit aimed to introduce the PHDC leadership and reaffirm the government’s commitment to accelerating the hub project.
Dr. Aubynn highlighted the transformative impact of the Petroleum Hub, emphasizing its potential to enhance energy accessibility, reliability, and affordability across Ghana and the broader West African region.
Once fully operational, the hub is expected to generate approximately 700,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting employment and driving regional economic integration.

“If it comes fully on stream, the Petroleum Hub will employ more people than any single entity in Ghana,” Dr. Aubynn stated.
He further stressed that at full capacity, the hub would position Jomoro as the “Rotterdam of Ghana,” contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.As part of preparations for the project’s rollout, Dr. Aubynn announced the launch of a training program aimed at equipping the youth with essential skills.

He explained that beyond preparing them for job opportunities within the hub, the initiative would enhance their general employability levels.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Joseph Nelson congratulated Dr. Aubynn on his appointment and acknowledged his wealth of experience in leadership roles across the public and private sectors.

He assured him of the full backing of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, describing the project as a game-changer for industrialisation and economic transformation.
“Having a petroleum hub in the Western Region is something I am extremely excited about. I am fully committed to supporting you in achieving this noble objective,” Nelson stated.
Dr. Aubynn had earlier paid a similar courtesy call on the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, where traditional leaders expressed their unwavering support for the Hub’s development and called for fair compensation for affected communities.

With strong government backing, traditional leadership endorsement, and strategic planning, the Petroleum Hub Project is steadily progressing towards becoming a key pillar in Ghana’s energy sector and a major driver of economic growth.

 

IFC to inject US$450m to boost Ghana’s private sector

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Mr Kyle Kelhofer

The International Finance Corporation (IMF) says it will invest US$450 million in Ghana’s private sector this year to boost productivity and create jobs.

Mr Kyle Kelhofer, the Senior Manager for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, IFC, World Bank Group, said such support to businesses was part of efforts to reduce poverty and improve development around the world.

He said this in an interview on the sidelines of a field trip to some Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies in the country by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, in Accra, over the weekend.

“Last year, we did over US$450m of investment here in Ghana, supporting the private sector. This year, we’re targeting a similar amount. So, we’re continuing to support companies on commercial basis to create more and better jobs.” Mr Kelhofer said.

He described the minister’s visit to the companies to ascertain their challenges and help solve them as a right step towards attracting and sustaining foreign businesses in the country to propel economic growth.

“The Government can continue these efforts to improve the investment climate, allow companies to expand and to grow and attract further companies like B5Plus to bring more and better jobs here in Ghana, and ensure more value addition here,” he said.

He was confident that more local production would help the country with a reduction in imports, and the cost for other industries’ development, and called for the creation of more avenues for the utilisation of local materials and human resources.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the Government through the Ministry would work towards the challenges of land litigation, using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and concerns of taxes to make companies thrive in the country.

She encouraged foreign companies to deal with their staff with dignity, saying, “your workers are your lifeline – treat them well and pay them well and work happily together.”

GNA

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