February 14 has been named National Chocolate Day

Nana Agyemang Ansong, the Sales and Marketing Manager for the Cocoa Processing Company of Ghana, producers of the Golden Tree brand, has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to make Ghana’s National Chocolate Day celebration viral.

Nana Ansong said just like most Ghanaian youths used their social media statuses to promote hashtags and happenings around the world, they should consider promoting Ghana’s Chocolate Day initiative, which was aimed at promoting the consumption of chocolate and other cocoa products.

He said promoting and lifting the status of the celebration on social media would help people all over the world to hear about it and plan towards joining Ghana annually to celebrate, making it possible for the country to become the “Chocolate Hub of Africa” to boost the country’s economy.

Nana Ansong said achieving this aim would help create more jobs for the youth, as cocoa had the potential of employing more than half of Ghanaians in its value chain.

“Cocoa can employ more than half of Ghanaians along its value chain, from farming, harvesting, fermentation, warehousing, shipment, sales, and producing cocoa-based products among others,” he said.

He eulogised Tetteh Quarshie for bringing cocoa to Ghana, noting that his singular act had changed the whole fortune of the country, stating that even though Ghana was now the number two cocoa-producing country in the world, the country had the potential to recapture the first position.

Nana Ansong further said that over the years the contribution of scientists and farmers had greatly impacted the cocoa industry, putting Ghana on the global market, and said the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, who initiated the National Chocolate Day in 2005 when he was the Minister of Tourism, also deserved to be celebrated for his contribution.

The initiative brought Ghana another enterprise, as many people developed the habit of consuming cocoa products and chocolates through the National Chocolate Day celebration over the past two decades.

The National Chocolate Day is celebrated in Ghana on February 14 annually to coincide with the Valentine’s Day celebration, to increase the local consumption of cocoa products, especially chocolates, while shifting the focus of the youth from immoral activities on the day to celebrating Ghana’s cocoa.

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The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have attacked Congolese government forces in the South Kivu province, breaking a two-day lull in fighting.

Heavy shelling began on Tuesday morning, three days after a summit of East and Southern African leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

The rebels have seized vast swathes of land in the eastern DR Congo, including the major city of Goma.

They are now pushing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu – another key city in the region.

Around 2,900 people have been killed since early January as a result of the hostilities, the latest UN figures suggest.

Approximately 700,000 others are estimated to have been forced from their homes and thousands more injured.

Tuesday’s fighting erupted near Ihusi, a locality around 70km (43 miles) from Bukavu and 40km from South Kivu’s airport, security sources told news agency AFP.

A spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance (known by its French acronym AFC), an alliance of rebel groups including the M23, suggested its fighters could take their battle to Bukavu.

Lawrence Kanyuka responded to the arrests by the Congolese authorities of 84 army personnel for crimes such as killing civilians near Bukavu, saying: “If these crimes persist, we will take full responsibility to eradicate the threat at its source and protect our people”.

Meanwhile, reports say that hundreds and thousands of refugees, who have fled the ongoing fighting, were being forced to return home by the M23.

The M23 has denied this allegation, but French broadcaster RFI reported that several large camps for displaced people have been dismantled and their inhabitants made to trek back to their villages in conflict zones.

Ocha, the UN’s humanitarian agency, said the M23 had given displaced people in Goma 72 hours to return home.

Mr Kanyuka said such reports were “propaganda” and that displaced people were returning voluntarily. The M23 “does not compel anyone to return without firm security guarantees”, he said.

The M23, which is made up of ethnic Tutsis, say they are fighting for minority rights, while DR Congo’s government says the rebels are seeking control of the eastern region’s vast mineral wealth.

DR Congo and the UN accused Rwanda’s Tutsi-dominated government of backing the M23 – an allegation that Kigali has persistently denied.

But recently, the official response has shifted, with government spokespeople stating that fighting near its border is a security threat.

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Citi News has gathered from reliable sources that Ing. Julius Kpekpena barring any last-minute changes will be appointed as the acting Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Ing. Kpekpena served as the Director of Engineering at ECG before transitioning to the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA).

If confirmed, he faces the significant challenge of revitalizing the company, which is grappling with operational difficulties and struggling to maintain a stable power supply amid ongoing privatization discussions.

Since September 26, 2024, David Asamoah has been serving as ECG’s Acting Managing Director following the resignation of Samuel Dubik Mahama.

Before assuming this role, Mr. Asamoah was the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Commercial Services at ECG.

COCOBOD fertilizer sale: I spent two nights in EOCO cells – Seidu Agongo

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Global growth is expected to hold steady at 2.7 percent in 2025-26, the January 2025 World Bank Global Economic Prospects has revealed.

However, the global economy appears to be settling at a low growth rate that will be insufficient to foster sustained economic development—with the possibility of further headwinds from heightened policy uncertainty and adverse trade policy shifts, geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and climate-related natural disasters.

Against this backdrop, emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs)—which fuel 60% of global growth—are set to enter the second quarter of the 21^st century with per capita incomes on a trajectory that implies substantially slower catch-up toward advanced-economy living standards than they previously experienced.

Without course corrections, the report said, most low-income countries are unlikely to graduate to middle-income status by the middle of the century.

It added that policy action at both global and national levels is needed to foster a more favorable external environment, enhance macroeconomic stability, reduce structural constraints, address the effects of climate change, and thus accelerate long-term growth and development.

Growth is projected to moderate in East Asia and Pacific, amid weak domestic demand in China, as well as in Europe and Central Asia due to decelerations in some large economies following strong growth last year.

In contrast, a pickup is anticipated in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, partly underpinned by robust domestic demand.

In 2026, growth is expected to strengthen in most regions.

Sub-Saharan Africa Growth

Growth in SSA is expected to firm to 4.1$ in 2025 and 4.3% in 2026, as financial conditions ease alongside further declines in inflation.

Following weaker-than-expected regional growth last year, growth projections for 2025 have been revised upward by 0.2 percentage points, and for 2026 by 0.3 percentage point, with improvements seen
across various subgroups.

At the country level, projected growth has been upgraded for nearly half of SSA economies in both 2025 and 2026.

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Impact on Ghana

Growing struggles and uncertain future

The World Bank has revised Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate projection for 2024 to 4.0% from the initial 4.8% reported by the October 2024 Africa Pulse Report.

This is however same as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast of 4.0%.

According to its January 2025 Global Economic Prospects, the country’s economy is expected to expand by 4.2% and 4.8% in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

This is however lower than the pre Covid-19 pandemic average of 5%.

The World Bank said the risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside.

Further downside risks include a sharper-than-expected economic slowdown in China; escalating global geopolitical tensions, especially an intensification of the conflict in the Middle East; and worsening political instability and an escalation of violent conflicts in the region, especially in East Africa and the Sahel.

Furthermore, it said more persistent inflation than expected could keep global interest rates elevated, compounding the challenges confronting highly indebted countries, while greater frequency and intensity of adverse weather events could exacerbate poverty in many countries across SSA.

Meanwhile, the World Bank said growth in Sub-Saharan Africa picked up from 2.9% in 2023 to an estimated 3.2% in 2024.

This was 0.3 percentage points lower than projected in June 2024, reflecting the ongoing violent conflict in Sudan as well as various country-specific challenges that weighed on the region’s economic recovery last year.

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Businessman Alhaji Seidu Agongo has revealed that he spent two days in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over allegations of selling adulterated fertilizers to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

On January 28, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, formally withdrew all charges against Dr. Stephen Opuni, former CEO of COCOBOD, and Seidu Agongo.

State Attorney Enam Loh Mensah informed the court that the Attorney-General had directed the withdrawal of all charges, leading to the filing of a formal notice.

Dr. Opuni and Seidu Agongo had faced 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretenses, willfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer.

The trial, which commenced in 2018, revolved around allegations of procuring substandard fertilizers for COCOBOD, reportedly resulting in financial losses to the state.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Seidu Agongo, recalled, “I was arrested, detained and slept I think about two days at the EOCO cells. I was told they were looking for me so I went there to report myself. They said I had sold adulterated fertilizers to COCOBOD.”

He accused EOCO of detaining him in an attempt to intimidate him into making a confession.

“They wanted to detain me and put fear and panic in me. That was my first time [sleeping in a cell].”

Michael Harry Yamson appointed Administrator of District Assemblies Common Fund

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My perspective on U.S. Aid cessation globally, including its impact on the ‘Resetting Ghana Agenda’ of the new government, highlights some critical key issues that warrant discussion. Here are several points that encapsulate my views while addressing the complexities of foreign aid:

1. Dependency vs. Self-Sufficiency: Critics argue that U.S. Aid fosters dependency, hindering countries like Ghana from developing their own sustainable solutions. By shutting down aid, Ghana is forced to become more self-sufficient, encouraging local innovation and resilience in the face of challenges.  This will challenge the citizens, private and public organisations to dig deep within to find sustainable and local solutions for development and growth. We have more capacity, competence, independent mindedness and capability than we have been allowed to exhibit as a nation and as citizens.

2. Cultural Influence: The view that U.S. Aid is a “Trojan horse” resonates with the concern that aid can allow negative influences to enter to impose negative foreign values and practices that may conflict with local cultures, undermining traditional practices and societal norms. This cultural intrusion can create tension and resentment towards foreign influence.

3. Political Interference:  The perception that the U.S. uses aid as a tool for political leverage is prevalent. By influencing political decisions through financial support, it often prioritizes American interests over local needs. This manipulation can stifle genuine democratic processes and local governance.

4. Job Loss and Economic Impact: The cessation of aid may lead to immediate economic challenges, including job losses. However, it can also motivate the private sector and local entrepreneurs to fill the gaps left by aid, potentially fostering economic growth in the long run.

5. Empowerment and Agency: While the loss of aid may present challenges, it also provides an opportunity for countries to assert their independence and agency. Developing nations can focus on crafting policies that are truly reflective of their needs and aspirations without external pressures.

6. Redefining Progress: The idea that progress should be dictated by U.S. standards is contentious. Fostering local definitions of progress allows communities to work towards development goals that are more aligned with their realities and aspirations, ultimately leading to more sustainable outcomes.

7. Alternatives to Aid: To achieve true independence, nations may explore alternative funding sources, including investments from emerging economies or international partnerships that prioritize mutual benefits rather than unilateral dependencies.

In conclusion, while the withdrawal of U.S. Aid from Ghana may present difficulties, it also opens doors for self-reliance, empowerment, and a focus on authentic progress tailored to local needs.

The “god syndrome” associated with foreign aid further complicates the narrative, highlighting the need for a shift in mindset towards mutual respect and collaboration. The conversation surrounding foreign aid is complex and multi-dimensional, necessitating careful consideration of both positive impacts and detrimental influences.

Author, Bishop Dr Suzanne Nti can be reached via Email: bishopsuenti@gmail.com

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President John Mahama has made significant leadership changes at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), appointing Kwesi Afreh Biney as the new Director-General.

Adam Sulley has also been named Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits.

These appointments come following the revocation of Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo’s position as Director-General of SSNIT.

According to sources the contracts of his three deputies have also been terminated.

The affected officials are Kwame Adu-Darkwa, Deputy Director-General, Finance and Administration; Juliana Kpedekpo, Deputy Director-General, Operations and Benefits and Nana Serwah Bonsu Amoakom, Deputy Director-General, Investment and Development

This leadership shake-up is the latest in a series of changes at SSNIT.

In April 2024, then-President Nana Akufo-Addo removed Dr John Ofori Tenkorang from his position as Director-General and appointed Osafo-Maafo in his place.

Mr Osafo-Maafo, son of former Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo-Maafo, took charge at a time when SSNIT was grappling with multiple resignations, including that of then-Deputy Director-General for Finance and Administration, Michael Addo.

His appointment also resulted in the reassignment of Pearl Nana Ama Darko, who was transferred from SSNIT to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as Commissioner for Support Services.

Juliana Kpedekpo, who replaced Darko at SSNIT, is now among the officials whose contracts have been revoked under the new administration.

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By Kwame Bediako 

Nana Apinkrah, Chairman of Asante Kotoko‘s Interim Management Committee, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding their response to the tragic death of club fan Francis Frimpong, affectionately known as “Pooley.” In a recent statement, Apinkrah emphasized the need for enhanced security measures before the club resumes participation in the Ghana Premier League, highlighting the seriousness of the situation that led to the suspension of the league.

In his remarks, Apinkrah stated, “What we seek is for the security measures and our requests to be addressed before we can resume the league. We can’t say we won’t play the league again. We will play, but only if the security measures are put in place.”

The Asante Kotoko chairman further asserted that the club would not return to the league until their demands are met. “Asante Kotoko not returning to Ghana Premier League until our requests are granted” – Nana Apinkra

“It would have been nice if GHALCA had come here for this meeting earlier before the IGP even did. For the GFA, we know they don’t value us but we will force you to respect us whether you like it or not,” he declared, reinforcing the club’s stance on the importance of being taken seriously in discussions about safety and security.

The incident that claimed Pooley’s life has prompted the GFA to convene a meeting with the 18 Premier League clubs to discuss strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future. The shocking nature of the event has raised alarms across the football community, leading to the suspension of the league as safety protocols are reassessed.

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Related

Telecel Ghana has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to customer service, earning the coveted Customer Service Leader in the Ghanaian Telecommunication Sector honour in the 7th Ghana Customer Service Index.

Scoring the highest with 75% ahead of other telcos, the prestigious accolade demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s dedication to providing superior customer experience in the telco sector, almost a year after its rebranding efforts. The recognition reflects the telco’s consistent efforts to prioritise customer needs and deliver efficient service.

This recognition reflects our longstanding commitment to exceeding our customers expectations at every touchpoint.

Addressing our customers needs is always our top priority, and we will continue to innovate and adapt to provide efficient, and inclusive customer service for all,” Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, said.

The Ghana Customer Service Index, a survey conducted by the Institute of Customer Service Professionals, is a national indicator of customer evaluations for the quality of goods or services patronised by both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians living in Ghana.

Commenting on the recognition Mercy Dawn Akude, General Manager of Commercial Operations said; “At Telecel Ghana, we believe that our customers are at the heart of everything we do and that drives us to continuously improve how we serve them, be it in-person or through our self-help channels. This recognition is a testament to our team’s devotion to building lasting relationships with our valued customers.”

The Ghana Customer Service Index uses ten parameters in its survey of organisations across eleven sectors – trust, competence, professionalism, look and feel, customer-centric innovation, staff engagement, processes and procedures, health and safety, and ease of doing business.

Telecel Ghana made significant strides in enhancing its customer service experience, achieving a 32 percent increase in the number of calls answered at their Call Centre last year. This rose further in January 2025, with a remarkable 68 percent rise in call responses.

The telco also rolled out a series of initiatives including the expansion of multi-channel support, over 400 community shops nationwide, upgraded Telecel Play App and AI-powered chatbot, TERi and a clear demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity through its Super Care initiative – tailored assistance for the Deaf community.

In a world where agriculture and technology are becoming increasingly intertwined, Naa Ayeley is leading the charge with innovative solutions that transform post-harvest practices. As a co-founder of Sunify Solardry Technology, a KIC-funded agribusiness startup, she is redefining sustainable food preservation through cutting-edge mobile solar drying technology.

Naa Ayeley started her journey when she joined the KIC AgriTech Challenge Classic program in 2023. In 2024, her team won at the AgriTech Challenge Pro Final Pitch event and joined the KIC Incubation program the same year. Through her experience at the KIC program, she founded a start-up with her colleagues to provide solar technology solutions for post-harvest storage.

With a deep understanding of post-harvest challenges, Naa Ayeley and her team are tackling food waste, improving grain quality, and empowering smallholder farmers with affordable and accessible drying solutions.

“I was a science student in Senior High School (2016 to 2019) and offered midwifery at the Tertiary level which has shaped my analytical mindset, but I can boldly say that my experience at Kosmos Innovation Center is what has broadened my perspective on agribusiness and entrepreneurship,” she said.

By harnessing the power of the sun, her innovation reduces spoilage, ensures food security, and creates employment opportunities for young people in the agribusiness space. Her work stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities that science and technology offer in shaping the future of agriculture.

“Through science and innovation, we are converting solar energy into a powerful solution for food preservation. At Sunify Solardry Technology, we bridge technology and sustainability to revolutionize agribusiness,” she adds.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate Naa Ayeley’s remarkable journey, one that exemplifies the power of knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship in driving the sustainable development of many other young women transforming the agricultural sector as well as other industries.

As we honour women using science to solve pressing global challenges, we encourage young girls to explore the intersection of STEM and agriculture, knowing that their ideas can shape the future of food security and sustainability.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, KIC is committed to providing empowerment to young people through entrepreneurship and innovation within the agricultural sector.

The residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was raided by unknown men.

Sources indicate that the group, dressed in military uniforms, stormed the former minister’s residence on Tuesday, February 11.

The incident occurred in Cantonments in the afternoon while Mr. Ofori-Atta was reportedly out of the country.

However, some family members, including his wife, were present at the time.

The motive behind the raid remains unclear.

Reports confirm that multiple uniformed individuals entered the premises, but it has yet to be determined whether anything was taken.

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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the King of Asanteman

Life Patron of Asante Kotoko, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has extended a helping hand to the children of the late Nana Pooley, a devoted supporter of the club.

The passionate Kotoko fan tragically lost his life after being fatally stabbed during the club’s game against Nsoatreman on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The incident occurred when an on-field altercation among players escalated into the stands, leading to the horrific attack.

His untimely passing has left a deep void in the lives of his family, particularly his children, who now face the harsh reality of growing up without their father’s love and guidance.

However, in a compassionate and generous move, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has stepped in to support them.

The Asantehene has officially enrolled Nana Pooley’s children onto his educational fund, easing the financial burden of their education and securing a brighter future for them.

Chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), Nana Apinkra, visited the bereaved family to share the news of Otumfuo’s benevolence with them.

“Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Otumfuo, and he instructed me to inform you that he will cover all the children’s educational expenses by adding them to his foundation,” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts to bring those responsible for Pooley’s tragic death to justice are still ongoing.

The Bono Regional Police Headquarters is preparing to take the case back to the Sunyani District Court after the prosecution team withdrew charges against four suspects.

Also, watch as Afenyo-Markin exposes NPP appointees pretending to be NDC to maintain positions

FKA/AE

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has refuted claims of corruption and mismanagement regarding the $90 million Boankra Inland Port Project, following allegations published in The Insight newspaper on January 29, 2025.

The allegations, raised by the Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG), have prompted GPHA to issue a detailed response clarifying its position on the matter.

GPHA emphasized that the Boankra Inland Port Project is a national infrastructure initiative under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), with oversight from the Ministry of Transport. According to the Authority, all its engagements in the project were duly authorized by the State and followed proper procedures in line with national regulations.

The Authority also addressed concerns regarding the Keta Port Project, stressing that it is part of a broader maritime infrastructure plan for the Volta Region. Contrary to claims that its proximity to the Tema and Lome Ports makes it unviable, GPHA pointed out that a comprehensive feasibility study confirmed the project’s potential.

National and international stakeholders have been engaged, and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has been completed, awaiting public review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before the issuance of a permit.

Furthermore, GPHA defended its execution of the Keta Port Administrative Building contract, stating that all advance payments complied with legal requirements.

Responding to accusations that a Reach Stacker (RST4517) was auctioned under dubious circumstances and that 10 new trailers were missing while 10 old trailers were distributed to Members of Parliament under questionable terms, GPHA stated that all auctioning activities adhere to Ghanaian law and established administrative procedures.

To address these concerns, an eight-member committee has been established to investigate the matter. The Authority stressed that the committee’s report is still pending and that due process must be followed before any conclusions are drawn.

GPHA has also dismissed allegations of fraudulent staff recruitment, describing them as “false.” The Authority maintained that all recruitment processes have followed established protocols in accordance with Ghana’s labor laws.

In its statement, GPHA reaffirmed its dedication to developing Ghana’s ports and ensuring that they serve national interests. The Authority also expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with any statutory investigative body looking into the allegations.

GPHA emphasized that port infrastructure projects are long-term investments requiring careful planning and sustained effort, citing the gradual development of Tema and Takoradi Ports as examples. The Authority assured Ghanaians that it remains committed to boosting trade, economic growth, and job creation through its maritime projects.

The response was signed by Dr. Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at GPHA, and was directed to all media houses to ensure the public receives accurate information regarding the ongoing developments.

The GPHA’s firm stance highlights its commitment to accountability and operational integrity while calling for patience as investigations proceed into the allegations raised by FDAG.