Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, has attributed the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi to a combination of strategic government actions—both past and present—while singling out former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for initiating a key policy that laid the foundation for the current gains.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, 8 May, Mr Bentil emphasised that the cedi’s strengthening is partly due to global factors but largely influenced by prudent domestic strategies such as the gold purchase programme pioneered by Dr Bawumia during the previous administration.
“The cedi is appreciating because the US government is acting in ways that is devaluing the dollar… but there is more,” Mr Bentil wrote. “We have gold reserves which were accumulated since the last government.
This government has also added to the gold reserves BUT a check of the numbers will reveal that most of what was purchased by this government has been sold for forex… and it’s shoring up the cedi.”
He added that while the current government led by President John Mahama (JM) has continued the gold strategy, credit must also go to its originator.
According to figures from the Bank of Ghana and PMMC, the Mahama-led government inherited 30.53 tonnes of gold reserves and, as of April 2025, increased it slightly to 31.37 tonnes.
However, gold sales in 2025 alone amounted to over $2.7 billion, with revenues from January to April totalling $506 million, $579 million, $742 million and $897 million respectively.
“The current JM government did not add much to the reserves but sold gold and has pumped the dollars received into the economy,” Mr Bentil stated, concluding that “the cumulative effect of these actions is why the cedi is strengthening.”
While praising the Mahama administration for its effective management of the currency, Mr Bentil stressed the importance of continuity and collaboration between successive governments.
“There’s something about the passion of an originator which no one else can emulate… we get nothing by spurning them, and gain everything by co-opting them,” he said.
“No government will develop Ghana alone… it is a baton relay and that is what is helping the cedi today. May this good work started by DMB and continued by JM go on.”
Dr. Eric Nkansah, immediate past Director-General of the Ghana Education Service and Haruna Iddrisu, Education Minister
Dr. Eric Nkansah, the immediate past Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has refuted claims by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu that 39,000 appointment letters were issued to teachers in 2024 without financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
Responding to a video circulating on social media in which the Minister made the claim, Dr. Nkansah described it as “factually inaccurate” and called for clarity in public communication on such sensitive matters.
“My attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media in which the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, alleges that 39,000 appointment letters were issued in 2024 without financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance,” Dr. Nkansah stated. “I wish to state respectfully that this claim is factually inaccurate.”
Providing a breakdown of recruitment processes in 2024, Dr. Nkansah clarified that financial clearance was duly obtained before any appointments were made.
“On 10th May 2024, the Ministry of Finance granted GES financial clearance to recruit 16,500 graduate teachers from the Colleges of Education,” he noted. “This was followed by an additional clearance on 26th July 2024 to recruit 2,000 more graduate teachers.”
He explained that on 10th October 2024, part of this clearance was amended to allow GES to use 2,000 of the slots to recruit diploma teachers instead.
According to Dr. Nkansah, the clearance was used as follows:
12,784 teachers were recruited from Colleges of Education,
2,629 limited university graduates were engaged,
920 slots were used to resolve spillover cases from the previous year, as agreed with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.
“This brings the total graduate teacher recruitments to 16,333, leaving a balance of 167. For the diploma teacher clearance, 1,387 were recruited, with 613 remaining,” he explained.
In summary, Dr. Nkansah said, “A total of 18,500 financial clearance slots were received in 2024. We recruited 17,720 teachers and still have a balance of 780. It is, therefore, inaccurate and misleading to assert that 39,000 appointment letters were issued without financial clearance.”
The chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing, Vincent Asamoah Oppong, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing dredging works in both the Odaw and the Korle Lagoon in Accra. The projects are being executed by Dredge Masters Limited, a subsidiary of the Jopsong Group of companies.
He was speaking during a field inspection exercise, which was undertaken by his committee members yesterday, as part of efforts by Parliament to monitor flood control measures, ahead of the heavy downpours expected to hit the national capital anytime soon.
“So far, Dredge Masters are doing a very good job and we are impressed with what you are doing,” he said.
“With the rainy season fast approaching, it is imperative that the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and particularly the Mayor of Accra, takes immediate steps to ensure these matters are well addressed.
“Sanitation must be taken seriously and encroachers must be relocated. We cannot afford to be reactive. We must be proactive if we want to save lives and reduce economic losses associated with flooding,” he lamented.
The committee chair also emphasised the importance of law enforcement and local government responsibilities in addressing the underlying causes of flooding.
To him, “the district and municipal assemblies are key players in this. Issues of sanitation and encroachment fall squarely within their jurisdiction.
“Ghana has good environmental and sanitation laws, but our biggest problem is enforcement. Along this river (Odaw River), for instance, there are numerous encroachments and from what we have been told, some of these individuals were even compensated to vacate, but they still remain here,” he noted.
He further pointed out an operational challenge that could undermine the entire dredging effort.
“The sand and silt that are being removed from the canals are currently being deposited on the banks.
“If these areas remain occupied or unmanaged, the material could easily find its way back into the drains during the rains, thereby rendering the entire project ineffective.
“This defeats the purpose of dredging, which is to clear the waterways and prevent flooding,” Asamoah Oppong cautioned.
During the tour, the Committee observed that silt removed from the canals during dredging was being temporarily deposited along the banks, awaiting evacuation.
However, with encroachers occupying the space, there was a real danger that the silt could be washed back into the drains during heavy rains, rendering the entire operation futile.
The Committee reiterated that this must be addressed immediately. “We cannot allow all this effort and investment to go to waste. If the silt re-enters the canal, it defeats the purpose of the dredging. The MMDCEs, especially the Mayor of Accra, must ensure that the right measures are taken quickly,” Asamoah Oppong emphasised.
The MP for Techiman South, Mr. Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, a member of the Committee, similarly expressed concern over the increasing rate of encroachment along the waterways.
“It is worrying to see people putting up buildings in flood-prone zones, despite repeated warnings. This is dangerous. We must begin to prioritise human life over illegal construction. Whenever floods destroy lives and properties, the state is forced to spend huge sums on relief and reconstruction and funds that could have gone into schools, hospitals, and other essential services are used for this,” he indicated.
He, therefore, called for urgent and strict enforcement of planning and sanitation regulations by city authorities.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director of Dredge Masters Limited (DML), overseeing the dredging works in both the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon, Ing. Samuel Borquaye, explained that the company was undertaking maintenance dredging works in the Odaw River.
“We started from Caprice and have now reached Circle, and from here we’ll move towards Korle Lagoon,” he disclosed.
The purpose, he said, was to desilt the channels to prevent flooding during the rainy season, especially with the forecast of heavy downpours this year.
He highlighted some key challenges affecting their work, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents along the waterways. “This makes the dredging process more difficult than it should be. We need to change our attitudes when it comes to waste disposal,” he lamented.
Ing. Borquaye also expressed a vision for transforming the area into a tourist-friendly zone.
“With proper planning and investment, this place could be developed into a beautiful site for tourism. But for that to happen, we must go back to the drawing board and work on both infrastructure and public behaviour.
“Our hope is that by completing the dredging, we can significantly reduce the risk of floods and protect lives and property,” he intimated.
Mr. Jones Owusu, Chairman of the Akatakyieso Unit Committee, addressing the media
A deepening conflict is brewing at Akatakyieso, a community in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region, following what residents describe as an unlawful attempt by a group, allegedly linked to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to seize a legally acquired mining concession belonging to Smart Mickey Mining Company.
The community has accused the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator of orchestrating what they call a politically motivated takeover of the concession, sparking fears of violent confrontation if the matter is not urgently addressed.
A resident of the Akatakyieso, Afia Adwubi Kete speaking to the media
In a scene reminiscent of the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) mine invasion in Obuasi, that claimed five lives in recent years, residents have vowed to resist any further attempts to transfer control of the concession by force.
According to eyewitnesses, the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinating Council stormed the concession last week, evicted workers of Smart Micky Mining Company and allegedly handed operations to a group described as affiliated with the ruling NDC. Community members say the act was carried out “under orders from above.”
This has provoked widespread outrage among residents of Akatakyieso, located just four kilometers from Obuasi.
During a protest yesterday, demonstrators – young and old – adorned in red bands, carried placards with messages such as “NDC is worse than NPP,” “Jabari Stop Frustrating Ashantis,” “Save Local Mining Companies” and “Otumfuo, Please Come to Our Aid.”
Addressing the media, Mr. Jones Owusu, Chairman of the Akatakyieso Unit Committee, described the attempted seizure as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the rights of the community, emphasising that the concession was lawfully acquired in 2019 by Michael Owusu, popularly known as “Lion” or “Kwame Macho.”
Mr. Owusu accused the group of greed and treachery, alleging that although members of the same NDC faction had previously worked with Smart Mickey Mining, they now seek to dominate operations and revenue.
Police Station at Akatakyieso being built by Smart Micky Mining Company
“We are not second-class citizens. Many of us supported the NDC in the last elections. This is our government too and this behavior is a disgrace,” he said, while pleading with President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene.
He added that since acquiring the concession, Smart Micky Mining has undertaken several development projects for the community, including renovating the Akatakyieso Palace, re-roofing a dilapidated Junior High School, supporting the local health post with logistics and initiating the construction of a police station currently 60% complete.
The company has also supported local churches, donated to orphans and the underprivileged during festive seasons and provided jobs to many residents, Owusu said.
Speaking to The Chronicle, a mine worker, Ishmael Kusi, expressed disappointment in the state-sanctioned actions, warning that the government risks alienating its own supporters.
“Even if your party is in power, you cannot just seize someone’s registered concession. That’s lawlessness. If this continues, there will be chaos in the next few days,” he warned.
He alleged that the invading group includes individuals who recently participated in the invasion of the AngloGold Ashanti concession and called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President Mahama to take swift action.
A visibly distressed resident, Madam Afia Adwubi Kete, described the development as a case of “state capture,” urging the President to remain true to his campaign promise that all Ghanaians will be treated equally.
The community’s NDC chairman, Joseph Gyamfi, alias “Pusher,” also condemned the incident, saying even he was denied access to the site during the raid, despite presenting his party credentials.
“Nana [Otumfuo], I am the NDC chairman here. I was prevented from entering the mine by people claiming this is ‘their government.’ This is our home and we cannot sit idle while royals are treated as strangers on their own land,” he lamented.
Residents are calling on the Presidency, the Regional Minister, the Ashanti Regional Security Council and traditional authorities to restore order, protect local interests and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah
An attempt by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, to overturn the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has failed, following a majority ruling by the Supreme Court.
In a 3-2 decision, the court dismissed the application brought by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, which sought to revoke the presidential warrant suspending the Chief Justice.
The applicant, represented by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that the process leading to the Chief Justice’s suspension was constitutionally flawed.
Presiding over the panel was Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who sat alongside Justices Yonny Kulendi, Amadu Tanko, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu.
The majority – Justices Baffoe-Bonnie, Kulendi and Amadu – ruled against the application, while Justices Mensa-Bonsu and Gaewu dissented.
Delivering the court’s decision, the bench held that the application failed to meet the threshold for the grant of an interlocutory injunction. The court emphasised that full reasons for its decision would be provided on May 21, 2025.
Legal Arguments and Objections
Counsel for the applicant, Attorney General Dame, argued that the Chief Justice had not been given the constitutionally required notice or opportunity to respond to three petitions seeking her removal before the President commenced the consultation process. According to Godfred Yeboah Dame, this omission rendered the entire process null and void.
“There has been a clear constitutional violation,” Godfred Yeboah Dame stated, adding that “irreparable damage” would be caused to the applicant if the court did not halt the ongoing process.
He further cited past judicial precedents, including the case of Justice Akpalu, to support the contention that due process must be followed in matters involving the removal of a sitting Chief Justice.
However, the court appeared unconvinced. Justice Kulendi queried Dame on the absence of a constitutional timeline for notifying the respondent under Article 146, suggesting that while notice is critical, the Constitution does not prescribe a timeframe that would render the process invalid if delayed.
Counsel for the state, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, countered that the application was misconceived, arguing that the MP lacked standing as the Chief Justice herself had been heard before a prima facie case was established.
He also maintained that the alleged harm was not irreparable, and any constitutional breach could be remedied by the court later.
Objection to Panel Composition Dismissed
In a dramatic twist, Dame objected to the participation of Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie in the case, arguing that it was inappropriate for him to empanel himself and preside over proceedings affecting the position of the Chief Justice, from which he temporarily benefits.
“This is unprecedented,” Dame said. “Never in our judicial history has an Acting Chief Justice empanelled himself in a case affecting the Chief Justice.”
But Dr. Srem-Sai refuted the claim, stating that the acting role is not a personal benefit, but a constitutional duty. He added that none of the precedents cited—such as the Tuffuor and Agyei Twum cases—were directly applicable to the present matter.
The panel unanimously dismissed the objection, citing Article 144(6) of the Constitution and declaring it “unmeritorious.”
A subsequent objection by Dame regarding the reconstitution of the panel was also dismissed, with the court holding that proceedings had not formally commenced at the time.
Dame later withdrew an earlier application filed on March 27, which was struck out without objection. With this ruling, the warrant suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo remains in effect.
President John Dramani Mahama launching the Code of Conduct
President John Dramani Mahama has launched a Code of Conduct for all political appointees under his administration, spelling out new rules on ethical behaviour, public accountability and misuse of office.
The Code, launched at the Jubilee House on Monday, May 5, 2025 applies to all ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executive officers, board members, members of the Council of State and other appointees serving under the Executive. It also binds the President and the Vice-President.
A key provision in the new Code is the prohibition against appointees accepting gifts or buying state assets.
The President stressed that appointees must not accept gifts from individuals or institutions that have business dealings with the government.
He added that government funds, including internally generated funds (IGFs), must not be used to purchase hampers or gift items.
The only exception, according to Mr Mahama, would be modest gifts to staff in recognition of excellence or on retirement, and even those must be budgeted for and approved by the Office of the Chief of Staff.
The Code also addresses conflict of interest and nepotism.
Mr Mahama said appointees must declare all private business interests, especially those with links to government agencies. They are barred from using their influence to secure contracts or appointments for relatives or close associates.
“Public perception matters. If your actions give even the appearance of bias, you compromise the integrity of your office,” he stated.
On ministerial travel, Mr Mahama said all trips outside Ghana, whether official or unofficial, must receive prior clearance from the Chief of Staff. Appointees must also submit a report within 14 days after returning from any official assignment. He cautioned that retroactive approvals would no longer be entertained.
The Code goes further to bar political appointees from purchasing state assets of any kind—land, vehicles, buildings, or shares, either directly or through third parties.
Violations of the Code will attract sanctions, ranging from public reprimands and suspension to outright dismissal.
To support enforcement, Mr Mahama announced plans to set up a portal for citizens to confidentially report suspected breaches.
The President also referenced his earlier directive requiring all political appointees who took office before March 31, 2025, to declare their assets.
He said those who failed to meet the deadline would lose three months’ salary, in addition to the one-month salary already required as a donation to the MahamaCares Trust Fund.
One of the major problems confronting Ghana in recent times is the sheer greed being exhibited by some of our political office leaders. Ghanaians go to the polls every four years to elect political leaders to implement policies that would inure to their economic benefits.
Unfortunately, when some of these leaders finally assume office, they throw the implementation of sound policies to the dogs and rather concentrate on how to amass wealth at the expense of the very poor people that voted for them. The Fourth Republic is replete with some of these stories.
The Jerry Rawlings administration, we believe, came out with in-filling land policy where large acres of land, hosting small government bungalows are divided and sold. The aim is to economise the use of the land. Unfortunately, this became an avenue for political office holders to grab state lands without blinking their eyes.
Some of these lands, located at North Ridge, Roman Ridge, Cantonments and Airport Residential area among a host of other prime areas were sold to politicians in the name of this in-filling policy. Space will not allow us, else we would have listed majority of these politicians and other public office holders who grabbed some of these state lands.
As if this is not enough, the same public office holders have crafted a policy where vehicles they use whilst in office are sold to them when they are leaving office at give-away prices. Meanwhile, the politician and non-public office holders are all tax payers, but the latter do not have access to some of these pecks. In fact, our politics have been commercialised to the extent that most of the youth today think the only way they can make it in life is to do politics.
Our university graduates are no more thinking outside the box on how to create wealth for themselves and the country as a whole. They only think about joining TEIN (National Democratic Congress Students wing) or TESCON (New Patriotic Party Students wing) on the various campuses so that they can get easy job opportunities after graduation. But one cannot begrudge these youth because they have seen some of their colleagues who, after engaging in politics for a few years, amass wealth that are difficult to comprehend.
Apart from the scramble for state assets, some of our public office holders have also made themselves ‘Arabian Kings’ and look down upon the very people that gave them the mandate to rule the country. In fact some of their conducts are very reprehensible, but they seem to get away with it, because the power is in their hands.
The Chronicle has not conducted any scientific research on the subject, but it will not be far-fetched to say that some of these conducts are the very things driving people away from exercising their franchise during elections.
The Chronicle is, however, happy that President John Dramani Mahama has decided to change the narrative through his resetting agenda.
On Monday, this week, the president launched a code of conduct for all his appointees. In this code of conduct, it is unlawful for any minister and other government appointees to purchase state lands or buy their official vehicles when leaving office. These appointees have also been barred from awarding contracts to companies they have business interest in them. Similarly, they cannot accept gifts beyond GHS20, 000 without declaring them to the Chief of Staff.
As if these are not enough, all foreign travels, according to the code of conduct, must be approved by the Chief of Staff. All these measures, we believe, are meant to protect the public purse and this is where we commend President Mahama for setting such a high standard for his appointees, which as we earlier indicated, will inure to the benefit of all Ghanaians.
The president will agree with The Chronicle that during his first term in office as president of Ghana, a number of things went wrong. But having spent eight years in opposition, he seems to have learnt a number of useful lessons and that is why his current administration is doing well when it comes to the issue of governance. As the president himself told the appointees, he is determined to leave a lasting legacy and we pray that he achieves his aims.
President Mahama is now constructing a new path, which all future presidents will tread to ensure the growth and development of our motherland. With the launch of this code of conduct, it will be foolhardiness on the part of any appointee to disobey them, knowing the consequences – dismissal.
We once again applaud the president and hope that the same zeal will be applied till the end of his term.
Officials and participants of the workshop in a group photograph
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its three interlinked projects, has convened a two-day multi-stakeholder workshop to explore how inclusive financial solutions can be leveraged to reduce decent work deficits and promote economic inclusion for vulnerable populations, particularly cocoa farmers, migrant workers and artisanal and small-scale miners.
The two-day workshop, which took place from Monday, May 5, 2025 to Tuesday May 6, 2025 in Accra was dubbed “Innovating for Inclusion: Financial Solutions to Advance Decent Work.”
It brought together key actors from trade unions, civil society, financial institutions and the government to brainstorm innovative approaches to financial inclusion that align with rights-based development strategies.
Some of the participants in a group work section
Opening the event, Mr. Abubakari Kamil, National Project Coordinator of the ILO, emphasised that despite years of effort by successive governments to promote sustainable development, decent work deficits continue to persist in vulnerable sectors.
“Limited access to decent employment, social protection, fair recruitment practices and financial services remain critical challenges.
“We are here today because we believe in the power of collaborative action and innovative solutions to address these needs,” he said.
Mr. Kamil pointed out that when implemented responsibly and effectively, inclusive finance has the potential to empower families, strengthen cooperatives and expand opportunities for all. “Over the next two days, we will be engaged in deep discussions about rights, about dignity and about the future of work in Ghana,” he added.
As Mr. Kamil noted, “We hope that this workshop will further strengthen our collaboration, inspire innovation and accelerate our common goal in ensuring that we are providing inclusive and resilient economies that work for all.”
Also addressing participants, Mr. Kennedy Atong Achakoma, Director of Education and Training at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), who emphasised the critical link between financial inclusion and decent work outcomes.
He noted that while financial issues are not always seen as barriers to decent work, their role in shaping access to social protection, productive employment, and income security cannot be ignored.
“Social protection is deeply connected to financial inclusion. So is productive employment and the ability to support oneself through decent income,” Mr. Achakoma stated, adding “When you talk about development, it is about bringing everybody – particularly vulnerable groups – into the center of that development.”
He stressed the need to develop innovative pathways that bring vulnerable workers into the mainstream economy.
By co-creating solutions with the affected communities, he said, Ghana could work towards a more just and fair society.
The workshop was jointly organised by three ILO projects operating in Ghana: “Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa),” “Fair Recruitment Initiative – Phase III” and the “Social Finance Programme.”
While each project targets a unique thematic area, they are united in their vision of addressing inequalities through inclusive finance as a lever for systemic change.
During the plenary sessions, ILO experts presented updates on the three core projects. These included strategies for reducing child labour in cocoa supply chains, ensuring fair recruitment of migrant workers, and designing financial tools that cater to the needs of informal and low-income workers.
Panel discussions brought together representatives from financial institutions, employers’ associations, unions, and government bodies to identify gaps and opportunities in financial service delivery.
Key issues discussed included the role of digital financial services, the need for gender-sensitive products and how to strengthen financial cooperatives in rural communities.
One of the workshop’s most engaging features is the co-creation sessions, where participants break into working groups to collaboratively design inclusive financial solutions.
The focus is on creating practical tools and models – such as credit and savings products linked to social protection, responsible mobile money platforms, and group-based financial literacy initiatives.
One of the workshop’s core innovations is its participatory approach, encouraging attendees to share field experiences and work together to design realistic, context – specific interventions. According to the concept note, the workshop is expected to produce a community of practice, promote peer learning, and inspire cross-sector collaboration that can be sustained beyond the event.
The workshop also sought to identify actionable strategies for strengthening financial resilience among informal workers, improving access to social security, and ensuring fair recruitment practices that are underpinned by ethical financing.
This effort is in line with ILO’s broader Decent Work Agenda, which promotes opportunities for people to obtain productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity.
It also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Works and Housing, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, has reignited the debate over a possible nationwide ban on plastics, citing the environmental threat they pose and their obstruction to ongoing flood mitigation projects in the capital.
Speaking during a working visit to the Odawna drainage site on Tuesday, the Chairman expressed concern over the volume of plastic waste clogging the drains – a major challenge stalling progress under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
“Everywhere we turned, the drains were choked with plastic waste,” he said, adding “This is not just about drainage; it is a national crisis and we must look at bold solutions like banning single-use plastics.”
The GARID Project, a $200 million initiative launched in 2020 with World Bank support, aims to address Accra’s perennial flooding, notably in flood-prone areas, along the Odaw River basin.
During the inspection, Mr. Asamoah called for the initiative to remain non-partisan, stressing, “This is a national project. Let’s keep politics out.”
The technical head of drainage at GARID, Richard Kofi Amekor, explained that while indiscriminate waste disposal remains a critical issue, effective waste collection and public behavioural change must work in tandem to prevent recurring pollution.
“The fisher folk are complaining. Their catch is declining, and all they bring in now is plastic,” Amekor noted. “Wherever the drains meet the sea, it’s just a stream of city waste flowing out.”
Asked whether a government ban on plastics would be a solution, Richard Amekor said it could be part of a broader strategy.
“Single-use plastics are the biggest problem. Some of these materials can stay in the environment for hundreds of years.”
Highlighting broader infrastructure concerns, Amekor revealed that the Odaw River collects water from as far as the Aburi foothills, but the lack of detention capacity upstream leads to heavy flooding downstream.
“During the June 3, 2015 disaster, 137 millimeters of rain fell in six hours. Ordinarily, that shouldn’t have caused flooding, but because we didn’t have upstream detention ponds, everything flowed downstream. We have now secured two sites for detention ponds and are ready to start construction.”
Despite the project’s urgency, committee members questioned delays. “This was supposed to be an emergency project. It started in 2019 and became effective in 2020. Why are we still waiting?” asked Ranking Member Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah, a former Minister for Local Government.
GARID officials attributed the delay to challenges in land acquisition and design finalization, both of which have now been resolved.
The inspection also shed light on the ongoing destruction of natural flood barriers. “Wetlands and floodplains are being filled up due to bad behaviour.
“We have identified over 5,000 structures built within 50 meters of the Odaw. This isn’t just low-income communities—it includes high-income areas too,” Amekor said.
With rains looming, the committee urged swift action on detention ponds and stricter enforcement on encroachment.
However, for Chairman Asamoah, the long-term solution must include a serious national conversation about plastic use.
“If we don’t act now, the problem will only worsen. The evidence is right before our eyes.”
Ghana’s gold reserves climbed to 31.37 tonnes in April 2025, up from 31.01 tonnes in March 2025 and a sharp rise from 8.78 tonnes in May 2023.
New data from the Bank of Ghana attributes this steady increase to ongoing gold purchases aimed at bolstering foreign reserves and enhancing economic stability.
By increasing its gold holdings, the Central Bank aims to reduce reliance on foreign currencies and diversify national assets.
Gold bars
As one of Africa’s leading gold producers, Ghana has focused on developing the small-scale mining sector.
A key move was the establishment of GoldBod, the regulator overseeing gold sales from small-scale miners.
Further boosting reserves, the Bank of Ghana secured a groundbreaking deal with nine major mining firms, requiring them to allocate 20 percent of their gold output to the domestic market.
This followed lengthy negotiations with companies previously outside the bank’s Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme.
The growing reserves are expected to strengthen Ghana’s defence against external shocks, stabilize the cedi, and attract more foreign investment.
