President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Adwumawura Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship in Ghana.

The launch event took place at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi on Monday, April 28, 2025, drawing a significant audience of government officials, young entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

The Adwumawura Programme is designed to create, mentor, and support at least 10,000 businesses annually, with a strong focus on empowering young people aged 18 to 35. Beneficiaries will receive comprehensive assistance, including skills training, mentorship, access to start-up capital, and equipment.

This holistic approach aims to ensure the sustainability and success of new businesses.

Speaking at the event, President Mahama emphasised the importance of the programme in tackling youth unemployment, which he described as one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to creating decent and sustainable jobs for young people, aligning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s broader agenda to foster economic growth and innovation.

The initiative is backed by a GH₵100 million allocation from the 2025 Budget Statement, presented by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson. In addition to the Adwumawura Programme, the government plans to roll out complementary initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, offering free technical and vocational training to further support the youth.

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, also addressed the gathering, urging young people to take full advantage of the programme to build a brighter future for themselves and the nation.

He reiterated the government’s dedication to empowering the youth and creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive.

The launch of the Adwumawura Programme marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to combat unemployment and position the youth as key drivers of national development. With its comprehensive support system, the programme is expected to transform the entrepreneurial landscape and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Read also…

Forgive our mistakes, we’ll do better in future – Bawumia begs Ghanaians

Isaac Yaw Ofosu, who is currently recovering from drug addiction, has shared his inspiring and miraculous transformation journey, expressing his sincere gratitude to the Church of Pentecost for helping to save him from his condition.

At the age of 14, Mr. Ofosu ignorantly indulged in drug abuse, becoming hooked on marijuana, tramadol, cigarettes, alcohol, and other substances, as it was prevalent in his parents’ business. Gradually, he became addicted for over twenty years. For more than two decades, he lived a life marked by pain, isolation, and hopelessness.

What began as a form of fun turned into a long-standing habit, deteriorating his body and damaging his immune system; something he later wished to quit but could not.

“My dad was selling weed and my mom sold alcohol. So, I used to sniff the weed and drink the alcohol. I used to take jot, tramol and every drug. I didn’t know anything but I started mingling with some boys in the area and we were engaged in deviant acts. It got to a point I wasn’t sleeping at home and I could join other boys who were usually contracted to beat or kill people. Later, I realized that what I was doing was not right so I tried to stop but couldn’t because whenever I tried, I would hear voices pushing me to go back.”

Being the youngest child of his parents, they least expected this from him. However, ignorantly, when he started sniffing drugs, Mr. Ofosu did not realize that he could become addicted.

Fortunately, he was saved by some members of the Church of Pentecost at the Nii Okaiman District. He was taken to a rehab center and discharged after a year.

“All I have to say is that God bless them so much for their support,” Mr. Ofosu expressed.

According to Dr. Albert Sedohia, addiction is not curable, but it can only be managed depending on the individual’s lifestyle.

 “They’re chronic conditions that have treatment modalities available. So, he is in recovery and forever he will be in recovery,” Dr. Sedohia emphasized.

However, it is everyone’s prayer that Mr. Ofosu will not relapse during his recovery and will remain committed to the trade he is about to start.

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Ghana’s gold reserves has hit a significant mark in its economic strategy with its gold reserves increasing to 31.01 tonnes as of April 2025.

This marks a threefold rise from the 10.2 tonnes it recorded in April 2023, underscoring Ghana’s strengthening its financial stability.

The Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold reserves now constitute approximately 41.2% of the country’s total international reserves.

This substantial growth positions Ghana as the fifth-largest holder of central bank gold reserves in Africa, trailing only Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and South Africa.

The Bank of Ghana’s gold reserves climbed to a total of 31.01 tonnes as of March 31, 2025.

This reflects a steady build-up strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s foreign reserves and monetary stability framework.

It also marks a notable increase from 30.81 tonnes recorded at the end of February 2025, and continues a sustained growth trend that has been observed over the past two years.

Starting from 8.78 tonnes in May 2023, the central bank’s gold holdings have more than tripled, underscoring a strategic pivot toward leveraging Ghana’s position as a major gold producer.

The domestic gold purchase programme is seen as playing a key role in build up with the Central Banking noting at the time of the launch of the programme that it will pave the way to grow its foreign exchange reserves to foster confidence, enhances currency stability, creates a more attractive environment for foreign direct investments and economic growth.

SP/MA

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The Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology say it is upbeat about the huge socio-economic potential in the carbon market, calling on businesses to tap into its prospects.

The Committee said the country could earn millions of dollars in taxes, fees, direct investment into innovative smart technology, create jobs through development projects for local communities, enhance local air quality, and build resilience to climate change.

The leadership made the call at the end of a two-day training on the progress of Ghana carbon market initiative, organised by the Carbon Market Office (CMO) of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for the committee members.

Yaw Frimpong Addo, the Chairperson of the Committee, urged local businesses to take interest and identify opportunities in the carbon market value chain and participate fully.

“I am still learning about revenue streams the value chain offers and how local business participation will boost the economy. We should not lose our guard like we did in the cocoa sector where the beans are exported and the country makes less revenue,” he said.

“It is sad to know that out of the 70 projects presented to the CMO seeking approval, only about seven are initiatives from Ghanaians with the majority being foreigners. I acknowledge the technicalities involved in the market but the CMO officials are at hand to provide all the explanations businesses will need.”

Addo, who is the Member of Parliament for Manso Adubia Constituency in the Ashanti Region, said the committee members would educate their fellow parliamentarians and constituents on the carbon market and the opportunities it presented to businesses.

The carbon market allows companies and countries to buy and sell carbon credits – permits that represent 1ton of greenhouse gas emissions reduced or removed or avoided from going into the atmosphere.

This system helps countries like Ghana to raise funds and enhance its climate ambition through mitigation activities while contributing to global emission reductions.

A recent report from the Office estimates that Ghana’s carbon market could attract more than one billion dollars in investment by 2030.

Professor Hamza Adam, the Ranking Member of the Committee, described the carbon market as an emerging economy that Ghana was well positioned to rake in revenue to contribute to the transformation of the economy.

He noted that the market was “pregnant” with projects including technology – based solutions such as clean cooking stoves, solar, and nature-based solutions.

“Our youth stand the chance of benefiting from capacity building to render services including conducting monitoring, reporting and verification services (MRV), which hither to would have been sublated to foreigners,” he said.

Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, stated that the carbon market was a huge opportunity to meet global climate obligations while building a resilient economy.

She said the CMO was committed to facilitating the scaling up of projects and increasing local participation in the growing carbon market ecosystem.

One of the key focus areas of the Office in 2025 was to assist local service providers in securing the necessary accreditation to operate within the carbon market space, she said.

She hinted that the Office was also taking deliberate steps to ensure that carbon projects were anchored in Ghana by promoting local manufacturing and assembling facilities.

As of December 2024, the CMO had received 70 project proposals focused on cutting emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Leading the pipeline of project is the clean-cooking initiative, which aims to distribute 9.1 million efficient stoves by 2030. It accounts for 26 of the proposals received so far.

Other proposals include three electric mobility projects, targeting the distribution of 120,160 electric bikes and vehicles.

Additionally, 15 projects centre on nature-based solutions, with others focusing on solar energy biochar, wastewater treatment, and electric vehicle initiatives.

Ghana has already signed bilateral agreements to trade carbon credits with Switzerland, Sweden, and Singapore.

It also has an agreement with South Korea, which is currently seeking Cabinet approval, while that of Liechtenstein is at the negotiation stage.

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Ghana’s sports industry is poised for transformative growth following the election of Evans Yeboah as Treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and his subsequent selection to the World Board of the International Sports Institute (ISI).

A career spanning over two decades in sports finance and administration, Yeboah’s leadership signals a strategic shift toward transparency, sustainable funding, and global collaboration—key pillars of his campaign mantra: “Grants, Growth, and Glory.”

A Track Record of Financial Excellence

Yeboah’s credentials speak volumes:

• 20+ years in sports finance, including roles as GOC Vice President, GOC Finance Chair, and Vice-President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) and Treasurer of the National Paralympic Committee.
• Goldman Sachs-trained financial strategist with expertise in finance and investment management.
• 14-year tenure as Africa Badminton’s Governing Body, including Finance Chair, overseeing continental funding structures.

His election as GOC Treasurer ensures that Ghana’s sports federations will benefit from data-driven financial policies, ensuring fair and performance-based disbursement of Olympic Solidarity funds, government grants, and sponsorship revenues.

Grants: Maximizing Funding for Athletes and Federations

One of Yeboah’s key mandates is optimizing Ghana’s access to IOC and international sports grants, including:

• Olympic Scholarships for Athletes and National Federations (LA 2028) – Ensuring Ghanaian athletes secure training and qualification funds.
• Team Support Grants – Strategic allocation to high-potential sports like athletics, boxing, Badminton and Football.
• Youth Development Funds – Investing in grassroots talent for long-term success, including the upcoming Youth Olympic Games.

His role on the International Sports Institute’s World Board further strengthens Ghana’s ability to attract global sports investments, ensuring federations receive timely, transparent, and impactful funding.

Growth: Financial Sustainability for Ghana Sports

Yeboah’s vision extends beyond grants—his financial model prioritizes:
✔ Corporate Partnerships – Leveraging his Goldman Sachs background to attract sponsors.
✔ Digital Tracking of Funds – Implementing real-time grant disbursement dashboards.
✔ Anti-Corruption Safeguards – Ensuring every cedi reaches athletes and coaches.

His appointment to the ISI World Board means Ghana will now have a direct voice in international sports funding policies, influencing how grants are structured for developing nations.

Glory: Elevating Ghana’s Global Sports Standing

With better-managed funds, Ghana can expect:

• More athletes qualifying for the Olympics/World Championships.
• Stronger youth development pipelines.
• Enhanced reputation in international sports governance.

Yeboah’s dual role—GOC Treasurer and ISI World Board Member—positions Ghana as a leader in sports financial innovation, setting a benchmark for Africa.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Ghana Sports

Evans Yeboah’s leadership marks a turning point—where financial accountability meets global sports strategy. His “Grants, Growth, and Glory” agenda ensures that Ghana’s sports industry will no longer struggle with funding shortfalls but thrive through smart investments, transparency, and world-class partnerships.

The future of Ghanaian sports is brighter than ever, and with Yeboah at the financial helm, the medals, the talent, and the global recognition will follow for the benefit of all national federations.

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April 27 is a historic day in the Netherlands; a momentous occasion when the people celebrate the birthday of their beloved King Willem-Alexander. It is a historic moment etched in tradition and unity, and packed with activities that embody the rich Dutch culture.

The King of Netherlands holds a symbolic role as head of state and the monarch of the Royal House; hence the annual celebration of his birthday has become a symbol of national unity.

“The Royal House stands for the unity of the Netherlands as a nation. So for us, the celebration of the birthday of our king is also a celebration of the unity of our country and the independence of our country since 1648,” Netherlands’ ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, shared the significance of the day in an exclusive interview.

The King’s Day, also known as “Koningsdag” reflects a vibrant expression of Dutch national pride and unity; serving as the most significant public celebration across the country. It is more than a birthday celebration: a profound tribute to Dutch heritage, freedom, and communal spirit.

This year’s celebration will be marked on Saturday, April 26, 2025—when the king will visit Doetinchem, one of the cities in the Netherlands, and interact with the people to celebrate his birthday, a blissful occasion laced with sports, games and musical performances.

“In a number of places, in a number of cities, there are free markets, so people are allowed to put things up for sale without any permits or any difficulties. They put a blanket in front of their house and sell their goods or products, amid fanfare, games and musical activities,” Ambassador Verheul narrated how the day is marked across Dutch cities and streets.

In Ghana, he said the celebrations will kick-start with an official reception that will host government  officials, the diplomatic and business community at his residence on Thursday.

This will be followed by a gathering of the Dutch community, entrepreneurs and Ghanaian business partners. This celebration seeks to entrench the good relations between the embassy,  the Dutch community and their local business counterparts.

Ghana and the Netherlands share a rich and enduring bilateral relationship that spans over more than three centuries, rooted in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

In Ghana, the King’s Day celebration is also an opportunity for cementing the enviable Ghana-Netherlands economic relations where investors and the business community are convened to explore partnerships and investment opportunities in both nations.

Trade has been a cornerstone of Ghana-Netherlands relations. Historically, Ghana exported commodities like gold, ivory, and cocoa, while importing Dutch textiles and firearms. In recent years, the Netherlands has become one of Ghana’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching €2.2 billion in 2020. Ghana’s exports include cocoa, fruits, and vegetables, while Dutch exports to Ghana comprise machinery, chemicals, and electronics.

There are currently over 150 Dutch companies operating in Ghana, investing more than €2 billion across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy, according to the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC).

According to ambassador Verheul, the embassy will continue to facilitate investments to key areas of interest for Dutch investors looking to explore business opportunities in key areas of the Ghanaian economy, especially in the horticulture, cocoa and security sub-sectors.

Although direct development aid to Ghana has ceased, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Netherlands government to support the country’s growth aspirations, through targeted investment in the provision of small grants to advance innovative solutions in key sectors of the local economy.

He said: “The Netherlands phased out development cooperation for Ghana almost a decade ago. But we still have some specific budgets to support trade and investment, especially in horticulture, cocoa and security initiatives.”

“Going forward, big grants and economic support will be channeled through multilateral institutions like the World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU)—but not on bilateral basis,” he added.

In all, we can say that the annual celebration of the King’s Day by the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana does not only sell the rich Dutch culture and heritage locally, but also provides an opportunity for the Dutch government to affirm its position as a reliable partner to Ghana’s development and growth aspirations.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢14.54 and a selling price of GH¢14.55 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢19.37 and sold at GH¢19.40, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢16.54 and a selling price of GH¢16.56.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 28, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.85 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢21.00 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢18.00 on the retail market.

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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The Ghana Gold Pendant has been unveiled with the aim of promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, April 26.

This initiative seeks to showcase Ghana’s unique traditions and creative industry to a global audience.

The Ghana Gold Pendant is expected to become a symbol of national pride, highlighting the country’s artistic excellence, cultural diversity and inspire a new generation of artists and cultural enthusiasts

The event themed, “Experience Ghana: Gateway to Africa,” was graced by actor and Executive Secretary of National Film Authority (NFA), James Gardiner, Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson, filmmaker Fred Nuamah, and Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto.

The ceremony, organised by MentraxOro Jewellery, also had dignitaries from the diplomatic corps, top government officials, CEOs, and creative industry players in attendance.

A representative from the Ga Mantse Palace was present to mark the occasion that spotlight Ghana’s rich culture and traditions.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Victor Wellrich, Head of Marketing at Mentrax refinery, emphasises that the launch showcases the depth of Ghanaian excellence and is part of broader efforts to promote tourism, arts, and culture through innovative, proudly made-in-Ghana initiatives.

He also mentioned that the unveiling of Ghana Gold Pendant falls in line with government’s commitment to position Ghana as a preferred cultural and tourism destination in Africa.

The strictly by invitation programme wasn’t just about the unveiling of a product to promote Ghana’s arts and culture but a night filled with live music and cultural performances, showcasing Ghana’s vibrant  creative industry.

According to KOD, Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, the Ghana Gold Pendant will amplify Ghana’s position as a leading cultural and heritage tourism destination on the continent.

The affairs on the night was steered by media personality, Kafui Danku.

The children’s commissioner for England is calling on the government to ban apps which use artificial intelligence (AI) to create sexually explicit images of children.

Dame Rachel de Souza said a total ban was needed on apps which allow “nudification” – where photos of real people are edited by AI to make them appear naked.

She said the government was allowing such apps to “go unchecked with extreme real-world consequences”.

A government spokesperson said child sexual abuse material was illegal and that there were plans for further offences for creating, possessing or distributing AI tools designed to create such content.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

By Albert Oppong-Ansah

Accra, April 28, GNA – The Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology say it is upbeat about the huge socio-economic potential in the carbon market, calling on businesses to tap into its prospects.

The Committee said the country could earn millions of dollars in taxes, fees, direct investment into innovative smart technology, create jobs through development projects for local communities, enhance local air quality, and build resilience to climate change.

The leadership made the call at the end of a two-day training on the progress of Ghana carbon market initiative, organised by the Carbon Market Office (CMO) of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)for the committee members.

Mr Yaw Frimpong Addo, the Chairperson of the Committee, urged local businesses to take interest and identify opportunities in the carbon market value chain and participate fully.

“I am still learning about revenue streams the value chain offers and how local business participation will boost the economy. We should not lose our guard like we did in the cocoa sector where the beans are exported and the country makes less revenue,” he said.

“It is sad to know that out of the 70 projects presented to the CMO seeking approval, only about seven are initiatives from Ghanaians with the majority being foreigners. I acknowledge the technicalities involved in the market but the CMO officials are at hand to provide all the explanations businesses will need.”

Mr Addo, who is the Member of Parliament for Manso Adubia Constituency in the Ashanti Region, said the committee members would educate their fellow parliamentarians and constituents on the carbon market and the opportunities it presented to businesses.

The carbon market allows companies and countries to buy and sell carbon credits – permits that represent 1ton of greenhouse gas emissions reduced or removed or avoided from going into the atmosphere.

This system helps countries like Ghana to raise funds and enhance its climate ambition through mitigation activities while contributing to global emission reductions.

A recent report from the Office estimates that Ghana’s carbon market could attract more than one billion dollars in investment by 2030.

Professor Hamza Adam, the Ranking Member of the Committee, described the carbon market as an emerging economy that Ghana was well positioned to rake in revenue to contribute to the transformation of the economy.

He noted that the market was “pregnant” with projects including technology – based solutions such as clean cooking stoves, solar, and nature-based solutions.

“Our youth stand the chance of benefiting from capacity building to render services including conducting monitoring, reporting and verification services (MRV), which hither to would have been sublated to foreigners,” he said.

Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, stated that the carbon market was a huge opportunity to meet global climate obligations while building a resilient economy.

She said the CMO was committed to facilitating the scaling up of projects and increasing local participation in the growing carbon market ecosystem.

One of the key focus areas of the Office in 2025 was to assist local service providers in securing the necessary accreditation to operate within the carbon market space, she said.

She hinted that the Office was also taking deliberate steps to ensure that carbon projects were anchored in Ghana by promoting local manufacturing and assembling facilities.

As of December 2024, the CMO had received 70 project proposals focused on cutting emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Leading the pipeline of project is the clean-cooking initiative, which aims to distribute 9.1 million efficient stoves by 2030. It accounts for 26 of the proposals received so far.

Other proposals include three electric mobility projects, targeting the distribution of 120,160 electric bikes and vehicles.

Additionally, 15 projects centre on nature-based solutions, with others focusing on solar energy biochar, wastewater treatment, and electric vehicle initiatives.

Ghana has already signed bilateral agreements to trade carbon credits with Switzerland, Sweden, and Singapore.

It also has an agreement with South Korea, which is currently seeking Cabinet approval, while that of Liechtenstein is at the negotiation stage.

GNA

ABD

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released the latest prices for its new investment initiative, the Ghana Gold Coin.

The Central Bank introduced the coin as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of U.S. dollars.

As of Monday, April 28, 2025, the Bank reported the following updated prices:

• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢12,962.69, down from GH¢13,584.35

• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢25,068.26, down from GH¢26,304.21.

• The 1.00 oz coin is currently selling for GH¢49,338.36, down from GH¢51,786.07.

According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market and help strengthen the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies.

The Ghana Gold Coin is available in three denominations; one ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and is being sold through commercial banks.

“The Ghana Gold Coin is manufactured from gold mined in Ghana and refined to 99.99 percent purity. It is issued and guaranteed by the Bank of Ghana,” the Bank stated.

SSD/MA

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A leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ken Ohene Agyapong, has urged the party’s leadership to grant a general amnesty to all party members who were dismissed or who left the party due to internal strife as part of the party’s rebuilding exercise.

He specifically pleaded for such amnesty for the suspended former National Chairman of the party, Paul Afoko; former presidential aspirant, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, and a former National Women’s Organiser of the party, Otiko Afisa Djaba.

Mr Agyapong, the immediate past Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, said the party would need everyone on board to achieve the ultimate goal of winning power back in 2028, but stressed that the healing process must begin by extending an olive branch to all party members, especially those who had been suspended or who left on their own for one reason or another to come back into the fold.

Mr Agyapong, who joined the 2024 flag bearer of the party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for the “Thank You” tour of the Western Region, said the party must quickly put behind the 2024 electoral defeat and initiate the necessary rebuilding processes.

Addressing a packed audience that included party executives, grassroots members and students in Takoradi last Saturday, he explained that his call for forgiveness and unity was based on biblical wisdom.

The auditorium was filled to capacity with party supporters from Shama, Sekondi, Takoradi, Effia, Kwesimintsim, Essikadu-Ketan and Wassa East.

The team also included the National Chairman of the party, Stephen Ayesu Ntim; the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong; some former and  current Members of Parliament (MPs) and other bigwigs of the party.

Referencing Matthew 12:25 and Mark 3:25 that generally state that a house divided against itself cannot stand, he said uniting towards 2028 was non-negotiable.

Suspensions, dismissals

While Mr Afoko was suspended prior to the party winning the 2016 presidential election, Mr Kyerematen and Ms Djaba parted ways with the party under different circumstances, with Mr Kyerematen quitting to contest the 2024 presidential election in pursuit of the Movement for Change agenda.

Besides the three prominent personalities, the party also dismissed some members, including  former MP for Agona West, Cynthia Morrison, and hundreds of others accused by the party of acting in ways that undermined the party’s electoral fortunes.

The list includes former Communications Director of the party, Yaw Buaben Asamoa; former Deputy Information Minister, Nana Ohene Ntow, and others who joined Mr Kyerematen’s Movement for Change.

Mr Agyapong, who contested the party’s 2024 flagbearership, said without unity, even the most powerful political organisations would falter, emphasising that rebuilding the NPP must begin by healing old wounds and reaching out to those who were once part of the party but had since been pushed out due to unresolved issues.

“It is time to let go of past grudges and focus on what truly matters: the success of the party and the future of our country,” he added.

Mr Agyapong said such political amnesty must not be limited to only high-profile former members of the party, but should also encompass grassroots members who had been expelled or alienated over the years.

He also called for the reintegration of polling station executive, constituency officers and other party members who had been expelled over the years, urging the party to heal the rift at all levels.

“These individuals have families, friends and significant influence within their communities.

Some may not be with us today, not because they abandoned the NPP but because we abandoned them when grievances were left unresolved.

Bringing them back into the fold will strengthen our base and ultimately increase our chances of electoral victory,” he stressed.
He also appealed to disgruntled former members to accept the olive branch and return home for the unity and rebuilding process.

Reasons for defeat

Dr Bawumia outlined a number of factors that contributed to the party’s defeat in the elections, mentioning the government’s failure to reshuffle ministerial appointees for eight years, the passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) Bill, poor economic performance, high cost of living and arrogance of power among government appointees.

“When you study all the reports we have so far, certain factors were highlighted.

These include the high cost of living; the prices of goods and services went up and left many Ghanaians struggling.

Another factor that was highlighted is the arrogance of power. We were not willing to listen.

“The party members told us to conduct a reshuffle, but after eight years we didn’t listen. The party members told us they didn’t want E-levy, but we implemented it.

Things were bad, and we were not able to pay NABCO (Nation Builders Corps employees), those employed under Youth and Afforestation, caterers and others were also not being paid,” he said.

Dr Bawumia said a huge part of the party’s support base who did not vote accounted for the party’s defeat in six regions, namely Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Eastern, Central and Bono.

He said in the Western Region alone, 169,000 supporters refused to vote, while 234,000 in Central and 100,000 in Bono also declined to vote.

He said the party’s votes only appreciated in North East, his home region.

Religion/tribalism

Dr Bawumia said religion and tribalism could not have affected his candidacy, arguing that in the Western Region his votes appreciated compared with the parliamentary candidates’, citing Ahanta West, Amenfi West, Essikadu-Ketan, Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Sekondi as examples.

He expressed optimism that the party would bounce back in 2028.

He consequently called on party supporters from the polling stations to the national level to remain steadfast, united and resolute to recapture power.

Ghana’s persistent electricity reliability challenges may soon see a technology boost as tech developers work to introduce and harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The “AI for Energy” project under the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) initiative is collaborating with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to predict transformer faults and schedule preventive maintenance through the use of AI.

The AI4SD Energy theme lead, Prof. Francis Kemausuor, revealed that the goal is to reduce downtime caused by transformer failures, a major contributor to power outages.

“Transformers are critical not only for electricity distribution but also for industrial operations. When they fail, the resulting downtime is expensive and affects thousands of homes and businesses,” Prof. Kemausuor noted.

The project, still in its early stages, is currently training AI models using publicly available data from academic and industrial sources.

These models are being tested to determine the suitable model for use with Ghana’s grid data.

“We have requested for data from GRIDCo. Once we receive it, we shall test the models using the GRIDCo data” Prof. Kemausuor said.

According to the Energy theme lead, the collaboration with GRIDCo involves access to several years of transformer performance data.

He added that, “The initial plan is to pilot the system using a few transformers”. “If successful, the technology will be scaled across the national grid”

“We’re looking for transformers with long-term operational data. That history is key for AI systems to identify patterns that can lead to faults.”

Explaining how the system would work, Prof. Francis Kemausuor gave the analogy of a mobile phone overheating.

“Let’s say your phone shouldn’t operate in a temperature beyond 50 degrees Celsius. If it does repeatedly, it might break down. A transformer has similar parameters. If we can track and analyze those using sensors and AI, we can prevent failures before they happen,” he explained.

The initiative is also looking outward, hoping to learn from international examples.

“There are companies in France and Finland already doing this. We want to visit them, study their systems, and see what can be adapted for Ghana,” he said.

Prof. Kemausuor acknowledged the support of the French government through the French Embassy in Ghana, which is backing the AI4SD initiative.

He also extended an invitation to local AI experts to collaborate on the project.

“This work is a collective effort. Our team includes young engineers and computer scientists who are gaining valuable skills along the way. We’re excited about the potential to improve electricity reliability for Ghanaians using AI.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.