The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, has expressed…
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EPL Ghana celebrates graduation of 6th cohort of public service fellows
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Read Time:3 Minute, 26 Second
Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) of Ghana marked a significant milestone on July 2, 2025, as it celebrated the graduation of the 6th Cohort of its flagship Public Service Fellowship.
Held under the theme “Staying to Build: Re-Imagining Public Service Leadership,” the event brought together about 150 guests to honour 33 dynamic young leaders who have completed a year of high-impact service within key government and civil society institutions across Ghana.
The graduating Fellows served in agencies at the heart of Ghana’s development agenda, including the Ministry of Finance, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Commodity Exchange, Ghana Enterprises Agency, the National Development Planning Commission, and the Millennium Development Authority.
Through this immersive Fellowship, Fellows gained hands-on experience and contributed to vital reforms, operational improvements, and innovation in their respective placements.
A Call to Stay and Lead
Delivering a stirring keynote address, Juliet A. Amoah, Country Director of EPL Ghana, challenged the graduates and the nation to reimagine public service as a space for innovation, accountability, and purpose.
“To re-imagine public service is to break free from the tired script of inefficiency, bureaucracy, and mistrust. It is to see public service not as a fallback career, but as a platform of purpose. It means we don’t just change policy; we change mindsets.
“We don’t just digitise services, we humanise governance. We don’t just fill vacancies; we fill them with values,” she said.
“Staying is not passive. It is not a resignation. It is a decision. It is an active hope. It is declaring with your feet, your heart, your skill, and your integrity that “this nation is worth it.”, she added, calling Fellows to take ownership of the public sector’s transformation.
Celebrating Leadership and Excellence
The ceremony also featured the debut of EPL Ghana’s Special Awards, a new tradition recognising Fellows whose service and character have been truly outstanding:
● Public Service Fellowship Excellence Award was awarded to Charity Ama Yekple, who served at the Ministry of Finance and led the graduating class as their Cohort Representative. Her leadership and policy contributions earned wide praise.
● Innovation in Leadership Award was presented to Abel Buertey Okudzeto of the Ghana Commodity Exchange, whose creative approach to systems improvement led to a full-time job offer from his agency.
● EPL Values Ambassador Award went to Naomi Tiyumba Joseph, who served at the Ghana Education Service and exemplified EPL’s values of integrity, humility, and impact throughout her Fellowship year.
Additionally, Founders’ Awards were presented to Priscilla Elorm Akrong and Mohammed Napare Abdul Hakam, of the newly-admitted Cohort VII Fellows selected to serve as cohort representatives on the EPL Ghana Board and as liaisons for their cohort.
Honouring the Journey and Each Other
As part of the celebrations, Fellows presented citations of appreciation to members of the EPL Ghana team, recognising the unwavering support that shaped their journey. They also honoured peers whose contributions elevated the group experience, those who showed up not just to do their jobs, but to build community, spark growth, and lead with heart.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs Elizabeth-Zionita Akorfa Dzah, Head of Programmes at EPL Ghana, shared a reflective story about a Fellow who once felt under-challenged at her posting but eventually found her leadership voice.
“Public service isn’t always about fast wins or dramatic change,” Dzah noted. “Sometimes, it’s about showing up consistently. Asking thought-provoking questions. Starting small but thinking big,” she added.
Partners, Poetry, and Purpose
The graduation featured remarks from key partners, EPL Global, facilitators, mentors, and supervisors. A stirring poetry performance by Michael Agbenyegah, a member of the graduating cohort, captured the spirit of public service. A powerful video montage showcased highlights of the cohort’s one-year journey in public service.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic “pinning” of Fellows and a resounding charge from the Advocacy, Communication and Impact manager formally inducting them into the EPL Alumni Network.
As they transition into the next phase of their leadership journeys, the Fellows were charged to carry forward a new kind of public service: principled, passionate, and people-centred.
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E/R NPP mourns Akwatia MP, Ernest Kumi
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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Eastern Region is saddened by the passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, Member of Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency.
In a statement released by the Regional Communication Officer of the party described the development as “sudden and untimely.”
“This heartbreaking news has come as a great shock to the Party, the people of Akwatia, and the nation at large.”
Ernest Yaw Kumi was widely regarded as a dedicated public servant, whose commitment to the development of Akwatia and the ideals of the NPP was unwavering.
The Committee reflected on his devotion, saying, “Ernest Yaw Kumi was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the development of Akwatia and the ideals of the NPP was unwavering.”
- Read also: Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi is dead
The Party has extended its deepest condolences to his immediate family, the chiefs and people of Akwatia, and the entire NPP fraternity across the country.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, the chiefs and people of the Akwatia Constituency, and the entire NPP fraternity across the country.”
As they mourn, the Committee offered a heartfelt farewell: “May the soul of our beloved brother and compatriot rest in perfect peace.
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Heartbreak for Holy Child as Winneba SHS blazes through NSMQ contest to claim fifth qualifier slot
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Read Time:2 Minute, 4 Second
The 2025 central regional qualifiers of the National Science and Maths Quiz are moving into tougher territory, and with each contest, the stakes get higher, the heartbreak deeper.
In the second contest of Day 2, it was Winneba SHS who lit up the stage with an unstoppable performance, sweeping every round to secure the fifth qualification slot of the competition.
But for Holy Child School, it was a painful repeat of last year’s outcome, bowing out once again at the regional level.
The contest began with familiar NSMQ pageantry: representatives from Holy Child School sat closest to the Quiz Mistress, followed in order by Siddiq SHS, Obrachire SHTS, Boa Amponsem SHS, and Winneba SHS occupying the final seat.
Round one saw a mix of gains and near misses.
Winneba SHS took an early lead with 23 points, while Holy Child and Boa Amponsem both tied with 15 points. Siddiq SHS and Obrachire SHTS trailed behind with 9 and 8 points, respectively.
In round two, Winneba SHS widened the gap, surging to 34 points. Boa Amponsem overtook Holy Child with 22 points, while Holy Child dropped slightly to 14, a point less than their round one performance. Siddiq SHS managed 11 points, and Obrachire SHTS remained stuck at 8.
The third round, true or false, showcased Winneba’s sharp focus. They answered every question correctly, climbing to 50 points. Boa Amponsem followed with 32, and Holy Child tried to hold on with 27 points. Siddiq SHS reached 18, while Obrachire saw modest improvement.
In the final riddle round, all but Siddiq SHS attempted answers. Winneba added 3 more points, ending the contest with 53 points, securing their qualification in grand style. Boa Amponsem SHS finished with 38 points, and Siddiq SHS remained at 18.
But the emotional twist came at the end.
Holy Child School, once seen as a strong contender, failed to qualify once again.
For a second year running, their NSMQ journey ends at the regional level, despite a determined showing.
But as the dust settled, the bigger lesson became clear: at the NSMQ, where you sit on stage doesn’t determine how far you’ll go.
Holy Child School, seated closest to the Quiz Mistress, bowed out once again. Winneba SHS, seated at the far end, walked away with victory and a ticket to the national championship.
Because in this contest of minds, success isn’t about position; it’s about precision, preparation, and the power to perform under pressure.
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New oil discoveries were made under Akufo-Addo – Minority to gov’t
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Read Time:1 Minute, 9 Second
The Minority in Parliament are defending the record of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government in the upstream Petroleum sector.
Following the announcement of the new Eban/Akoma oil and gas discovery, some persons in government have claimed the previous government collapsed the upstream Petroleum sector.
But addressing a news conference in Parliament, Deputy Ranking Member on the Energy Committee Collins Adomako Mensah highlighted a number of developments in the sector which he attributes to the previous Akufo-Addo government’s foresight.
“ENI, as required by the CTP Block 4 Petroleum Agreement, formerly issued two separate notices of discovery to the then Ministry of Energy, the Petroleum Commission and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. These discoveries were also announced or published by sections of the Ghanaian media,” he said.
The Minority also described as disingenuous any claim that the latest Eban/Akoma oil and gas discovery is attributable to the Mahama administration.
According to him, the government is on an intentional agenda to unjustifiably claim credit for the discoveries.
“The Minority wonders how the Mahama administration, which had nothing to do with the drilling of the Akoma and Eban exploration wells as well as approval of the appraisal programme of the two discoveries, will all of a sudden claim that the results of an Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration-approved appraisal programme that are a result of commerciality are a credit to it.”
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Unregulated cashew exports will sabotage 24-Hour Economy – ACPG warns
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Read Time:1 Minute, 59 Second
The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana (ACPG) is worried over what it describes as a looming collapse of the local cashew processing industry, warning that the country’s 24-hour economy vision is under serious threat.
In a statement signed by its President, António Manuel Caramelo Raposo, the group points to policy inaction, raw material shortages, and lack of government support as the major drivers of a crisis that could spiral into a national employment disaster.
Foreign merchants, ACPG says, are flooding the sector and offering high prices to farmers for Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN), drawing supplies away from local processors.
“This unsustainable practice distorts the market, undermines the national value-addition agenda, and threatens the long-term viability of Ghana’s cashew sector,” the group warned.
The impact is already devastating. “Many ACPG member companies have either shut down or significantly downsized their operations.”
Secondary processors are also unable to operate at capacity because primary processors can no longer function.
“What began as an industrial challenge is now evolving into a national economic and employment crisis,” the statement said. Thousands of jobs are on the line, especially among youth and women in rural areas where cashew processing is a key source of income.
Despite existing policies meant to support local processing, ACPG notes that enforcement has been weak and ineffective.
“The sector continues to suffer from a policy vacuum,” the group added, calling on the media and civil society “to hold policymakers accountable and demand more than promises and policy documents.”
The imbalance in government attention has also drawn sharp criticism.
“Cashew, although one of Ghana’s top non-traditional export earners, receives minimal support compared to other agricultural sectors like cocoa,” ACPG stated.
The Association says this lack of investment is hampering Ghana’s broader industrialization and export diversification ambitions.
Calling for swift and decisive government action, ACPG is demanding emergency raw material buffers, low-interest working capital, tax reliefs, and power subsidies to keep processors afloat.
“Action is needed and fast.”
The Association insists that public awareness is critical.
“Many Ghanaians remain unaware that a vital local industry is collapsing before their eyes,” the group said, urging the media to help mobilize public support and pressure government to intervene.
Reaffirming its role as the united voice of cashew processors, ACPG declared its readiness to partner with government and stakeholders to drive reform and investment.
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Photos from the 44th Guard changing ceremony
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Read Time:19 Second
The 44th Guard Changing Ceremony held at the Jubilee House marked the official handover of security duties from the Ghana Navy to the Ghana Army, upholding the longstanding tradition of protecting the Presidency.
This quarterly event represents a seamless transfer of responsibility and showcases the discipline and commitment of Ghana’s armed forces.
Here are some photos from the event held today:
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TEWU-GH strike bites hard, leaving KNUST mid-semester exams in jeopardy
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Read Time:2 Minute, 3 Second
Academic activity at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is under severe strain as the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) escalates its strike action, causing major disruptions to mid-semester examinations.
Non-teaching staff — including cleaners, porters, and security personnel — have withdrawn their services in protest against the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) refusal to recognise TEWU-GH’s representation on university councils.
This has resulted in significant operational challenges across campus, leaving students stranded and the academic calendar in jeopardy.
Chairman of KNUST TEWU-GH Charles Arthur stated unequivocally that the strike will persist until their demands are met.
These demands include the immediate withdrawal of GTEC’s letter permitting the rival group, TEWU-TUC, to represent staff on university councils, as well as a comprehensive verification of union membership at all public universities.
“They come to KNUST, they count us. We know that KNUST is still in Ghana, so TEWU-GHANA will lead here. You go to Legon, it’s still TUC who leads. That will bring, what do you call it, peace and harmony,” Mr Arthur stated.
He warned that the strike, if unresolved, risks not only the mid-semester exams but also the forthcoming main examinations.
“If nothing is done, this strike will continue and likely disrupt the main examination, which we will not allow, just as we did with the mid-semester. Mid-semester has already been scheduled, and we think that we have to go. The main examination — we will not allow that. And whatever they want to do, they can do it.”
In a strongly worded message, Mr Arthur reaffirmed the union’s commitment.
“If they want to kill us, we are prepared. Our members are here; they are prepared — they should kill all of us, and we’ll leave. If we are not Ghanaians and they want to treat us the way they want to treat us, if we are coming from Niger, they should tell us that we are Nigerians, and therefore this is how they will treat the Nigerian people.
“But if we are Ghanaians, then we assert that this strike will impact the main examination unless action is taken.”
As tensions continue to mount, the future of thousands of students hangs in the balance. With no resolution in sight, calls are growing louder for university authorities and government officials to intervene urgently before the academic calendar suffers irreparable damage.
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Police condemn reckless use of firearms at public events
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Read Time:1 Minute, 37 Second
Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Regional Police Command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, has issued a stern warning against the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural gatherings.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Superintendent Obeng condemned such behaviour, describing it as a serious threat to lives and public safety.
“At this moment, we would want to take the opportunity to strongly condemn the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural events, which poses a grave risk to lives and public safety,” she said.
The police command also reminded the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence under the law.
Superintendent Obeng emphasised that anyone found violating these laws would face strict legal consequences.
“The command goes again to remind the public that possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence and those who are found to be flouting the law will be dealt with accordingly,” she stated.
Her remarks follow the tragic death of Fatima, a second-year student at Bimbilla Senior High School, who was killed by a stray bullet during the annual Fire Festival in Bimbilla, Nanumba North Municipality, in the Northern Region.
The incident occurred as a crowd moved in procession from the regent’s palace to Wampu Dam, where festival rituals were expected to take place on July 6.
The caution comes ahead of a number of upcoming cultural events, including the Homowo festival by the Ga people in Accra, as authorities seek to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
Celebrations are usually accompanied by the firing of musketry loaded with gunpowder, but there is an increasing trend of the use of sophisticated guns and live ammunition.
The police urged the public to cooperate fully and report any illegal activity to help maintain peace during these celebrations.
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WAFCON 2024: Ghana vs South Africa game schedule and how to watch live
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Read Time:1 Minute, 1 Second
Ghana’s Black Queens begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign today against reigning champions South Africa.
This marks Ghana’s return to the tournament for the first time since 2018 when they exited at the group stage as hosts. After missing the 2022 edition, Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side is eager to make a statement.
Their opening match is a familiar one, Ghana and South Africa have opened against each other twice in the past at WAFCON, with the Queens winning both encounters: 4-0 in 1998 and 3-0 in 2004. In total, the two sides have met seven times at the tournament.
Ghana vs South Africa – WAFCON Head-to-Head:
• 1998: Ghana 4-0 South Africa
• 2000: Ghana 0-1 South Africa
• 2004: Ghana 3-0 South Africa
• 2006: Ghana 1-0 South Africa
• 2008: Ghana 0-1 South Africa
• 2014: Ghana 1-1 South Africa
• 2016: Ghana 1-0 South Africa
The match kicks off at 16:00 GMT and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Channel 224, with radio commentary on Joy 99.7 FM.
How to Watch:
• TV: SuperSport, GTV Sports-Plus
• Radio: Joy 99.7 FM (Live Commentary)
• Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
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