A scene from the recent clashes in Bawku

The Ghana Police Service has provided details of the recent clash in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the police said the clash occurred between its personnel and some youth in Bawku.

The statement indicated that the incident resulted in the death of one man, identified as Fuseini Iddrisu, and left five others injured.

According to the police, two of the injured individuals were security officials, one police officer and one officer from the Ghana Immigration Service.

It also stated that several properties belonging to the police and its personnel, including vehicles and residential accommodations, were completely destroyed during the clash.

“One person, Fuseini Iddrisu, unfortunately lost his life during the incident. Five others, including one police officer and one immigration officer, sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement read in part.

“Some properties belonging to the police, including two vehicles and a rented police accommodation at Binduri, as well as the homes of some police officers, were damaged,” it added.

The police provided these details while announcing the visit of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunoo, to Bawku, accompanied by a team of intelligence officers and investigators.

According to the statement, the IGP is visiting Bawku to “attain first-hand knowledge and assess the security situation on the ground.”

“While in Bawku, the IGP and his team will also commiserate with the family of the deceased, visit the injured persons currently on admission, and reach out to officers who lost their properties as a result of the violence,” the statement further noted.

The police also stated that, together with the Ghana Armed Forces, they have restored calm in Bawku, adding that “security has since been intensified in Bawku and surrounding communities as joint police and military patrols continue.”

Meanwhile, the Bawku residence of the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who is also the Majority Leader in Parliament, was allegedly set on fire by unidentified arsonists.

According to multiple news outlets on April 10, 2025, the incident followed a similar attack on police buildings in the town.

One person reportedly died in the arson attack on the police buildings, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

In response, the Member of Parliament, who also serves as the Majority Leader, issued a statement on April 9, 2025, condemning the recent shooting incident.

In his statement, Mahama Ayariga distanced himself from the decisions taken by the law enforcement officers.

Read the full statement of the police below:

BAI/MA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

Accra, April, 10, GNA – A total of 60 adolescent apprentices from cocoa-growing communities in Ghana have successfully completed a year-long vocational and technical training programme spearheaded by Cargill, in partnership with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).

The initiative formed part of Cargill’s long-term Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) strategy under the Cargill Cocoa Promise, focused on identifying, preventing, and remediating child labour within the cocoa supply chain.

A graduation ceremony was held at Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North Region on Wednesday, where graduates were presented with official TVET certificates from the Ministry of Education and received tools of trade to launch their careers.

The apprenticeship specifically supports 15–17-year-olds in cocoa-growing communities beyond compulsory school age and often face limited access to further education or skills training.

Through practical training in carpentry, tailoring, and glass fabrication, the initiative equips youth with income-generating skills for self-reliance and community resilience.

Mr Max Essoh Latte, Managing Director of Cargill Ghana, said promoting human rights were fundamental to the work of the Organisation, hence the decision to introduce the programme.

“We believe that the best way to safeguard the future of cocoa is to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers and their families. This programme empowers young people with real opportunities to succeed,” he said.

Mr Mike Arthur, Country Director of ICI, said the joint programme was a “great example” of how child labour and poverty in cocoa-growing communities could be reduced.

“By investing in adolescents and providing access to vocational training closer to home, we can equip them with skills that help them be economically independent in the future, allowing them to support their families, diversifying income in cocoa-growing communities, and reducing the prevalence of child labour,” he said.

Mr Samuel Apana, Sustainability Operations Manager at Cargill, said more youth would be added to the programme in the coming months, adding that the Organisation combined short-term support with long-term investment in education, women’s empowerment, and community infrastructure.

Some community leaders including Oyeadieyie Basaoe Kwadwo Armah III, Omanhene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area applauded Cargill’s leadership and called on other private sector actors to follow suit in supporting youth development.

GNA

GRB

US President, Donald Trump

President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports are now at least 145%, far above the level many economists said could decimate US-China trade.

Trump is imposing a 125% charge designed to both counter America’s trade deficit with China and punish Beijing for retaliating against US import taxes.

The number, published in a White House memo Thursday, comes in addition to a 20% levy put into place earlier this year over China’s role in fentanyl trafficking.

The staggering US tariffs on the world’s second largest economy have triggered a tit-for-tat trade war that has unnerved global financial markets.

Stocks fell on Thursday one day after the biggest buying spree in years, as investors braced for more trade hostility. The S&P 500 Index fell about 3.5% on the news, as euphoria again gave way to unease.

rump’s tariff rollout has been marked by confusion, as Trump has repeatedly shifted course. The president on Wednesday put off plans to impose higher levies on dozens of nations hours after they went into place, even as he escalated his trade fight with Beijing.

The US’s other trading partners will face a 10% blanket import tax to allow for a 90-day period to negotiate individual trade agreements. If that doesn’t succeed, the higher duties are set to go into place on July 9.

The president’s order published Thursday raised taxes even further on small packages from China that were previously not taxed, which could hit American shoppers purchasing goods from retailers like Temu and SheIn Group Ltd.

The US will tax imports of items priced up to $800 at a rate of 120% of their value, up from a prior plan to levy a 90% ad valorem tax.

The per postal item fee on goods entering after May 2 and before June 1 will rise to $100 from the planned $75. Parcels entering after June 1 will face a charge of $200 per item instead of $150 announced previously.

Accra, April 10, GNA – Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Paramount Chief of Akuapem, has called on stakeholders in the various sectors of the economy to make good use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the lives of the citizenry.

He said in the education sector, AI-driven platforms could provide personalised learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their own pace and style and improve educational outcomes.

He said this in Accra at an AI Conference organised by Rethink Africa, supported by MTN Ghana, Academic City and MEST Africa.

The Chief said AI was not merely a tool but a powerful catalyst for change, urging all and sundry to utilise its benefits for sustained growth.

In healthcare, he stated that AI could analyse vast amounts of data to assist in early diagnosis and treatment recommendations, leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced access to quality care.

“In agriculture, AI technologies enable precision farming that is allowing farmers to make informed decisions that increase yield sustainability.

“In finance, AI algorithms can streamline transactions and enhance fraud detection, fostering economic growth and stability,” he said.

Oseadeeyo Akuffo III stressed that AI could empower traditional authorities by providing data-driven insights that enhance decision-making and governance.

“This can strengthen their roles in community development, enabling them to address local issues more effectively,” he said.

He said as participants explored these vast possibilities, it was important to remain steadfast in committing to ethical implementation.

“Optimising our systems means not only improving efficiency but also ensuring inclusivity.

“We must advocate for policies that protect our people and promote responsible AI practices, ensuring that this technology revolution uplifts every citizen,” he said.

Mr John Ofori, President of Rethink Africa, said Kenya and Rwanda had positioned themselves well in the AI space and called on Ghana to follow suit.

He called on the youth to make good use of social media, adding that, in the next two years, a lot of young people would be displaced because AI would replace most jobs in the world.

Mr Richard Densu, Manager, Customer Enablement, MTN Ghana, said MTN had installed more than 200,000 fibre broadband to people’s homes to ensure access to the Internet to facilitate services in the country.

“We have made a lot of progress. More than 50 per cent of Africans have connectivity to the internet, but a large number of people, especially in rural areas, do not have that,” he said.

GNA

CA/

By Morkporkpor Anku

Accra, April 10, GNA – Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, the Governor of Bank of Ghana, has called on all banks to strengthen internal controls and enhance oversight of operational areas.

The Governor said the responsibility for securing banking products and services must fall more squarely on institutions than on the average customer, who relied on the integrity of systems and due diligence.

The Governor was speaking at the maiden post-Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting with the Chief Executive Officers of banks in Accra.

He said these engagements with the CEOs were central to ensuring a mutual understanding of policy direction and alignment in the collective efforts to foster macroeconomic stability and recovery.

He said the BoG’s Information Security Office continued to share real-time threat alerts, and institutions were expected to act swiftly under the Cybersecurity Directive.

“We take cyber threats seriously and urge all financial institutions to match that level of commitment,” he added.

Dr Aisama urged banks to take advantage of the gathering to emphasise the need for unwavering vigilance and full compliance with Anti money laundering obligations.

The Governor said lessons from past bank resolutions continued to shape crisis preparedness and the refining of supervisory and resolution tools.

He said this would include work to strengthen recovery planning and introduce a Resolvability Assessment Framework to ensure banks were both well-capitalized and resolvable in distress, especially in an increasingly interconnected system.

He said as the central bank deepened reforms and reposition the financial sector for the future, it was equally important to reflect on how banks could do more to drive Ghana’s economic transformation.

The Governor said the Bank expected stronger support especially from foreign-owned banks for trade finance, cross-border payment infrastructure, and platforms like Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.

He said BoG would engage with the sector to develop coordinated, practical solutions that improve transaction efficiency, expand export support, and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

“To build true resilience, we must move decisively beyond traditional, reactive supervision toward a more forward-looking, risk-sensitive, and system aware model,” he said.

Dr Asiama said the shift was not just about enforcing compliance, but also about shaping a banking system that was agile, accountable, and prepared for the future.

He said the strategy was anchored on focusing on risk identification and mitigation, building digital resilience, focusing on governance and compliance, enhancing collaboration, building capacity for future challenges and prioritizing sustainability oversight.

GNA

CA/

GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has announced that it will not hesitate to embark on a nationwide demonstration in response to what it describes as a deliberate attempt to collapse the used clothing business in Ghana.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the President of GUTA, Dr Joseph Obeng, declared that the union will strongly resist any efforts to undermine the industry.

“We want everyone to understand that the propaganda being spread to undermine secondhand clothing should not be tolerated because we will not allow any ban,” he stated, expressing solidarity with the strike action declared by used clothing dealers at the Kantamanto Market.

Referring to the activities of the OR Foundation, an organisation accused by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association of leading a calculated attempt to sabotage the business, Dr Obeng urged the government and relevant ministries to intervene to prevent further escalation.

“We are calling for accountability. We demand a forensic audit into these activities, and we call on the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of the Interior to act because this issue could lead to a serious security problem. The division among traders is concerning, and if care is not taken, it could result in major conflict, which we are determined to avoid,” he said.

“The government must step in as early as possible, or we will call for a nationwide demonstration. That will not benefit anyone, as it would mean all sectors of trade joining us in supporting our brothers and sisters in the secondhand clothing industry to fight against this fraudulent grouping that is sowing seeds of discontent among us,” Dr. Obeng added.

He also announced that GUTA is taking steps to promote the proper recycling of secondhand clothing in alignment with the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy.

The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association declared a strike on Thursday in direct response to what it described as “continued defamatory statements and publications” by the OR Foundation, an organization frequently critical of the secondhand clothing trade in Ghana.

According to a statement released by the association, the OR Foundation has consistently portrayed the industry, particularly activities within the Kantamanto Market, in a negative and misleading light.

The association accused the foundation of spreading “false, unbalanced, and damaging narratives” that undermine the contribution of the used clothing sector to Ghana’s economy.

“These reports have painted an inaccurate picture of our operations, ignoring the significant role our industry plays in job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of Ghanaians,” the statement read.

SA/MA

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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region has launched an immunisation campaign against poliomyelitis (polio) for children aged between seven and 11 months, in a bid to protect them from the disease.

In Ghana, the immunisation schedule for children begins at birth and continues until they reach 18 months.

This includes vaccinations against tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, rubella, and yellow fever.

As part of the implementation of both routine and mass immunisation programmes, Ghana uses the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which contains poliovirus serotypes 1 and 3, as well as the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), which strengthens a child’s immune system and protects them from polio.

With high coverage rates and ongoing efforts to prevent outbreaks and maintain a polio-free status, four doses of OPV are administered at birth, at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with IPV given at 14 weeks.

Public Health Officer for Disease Control Stephen Owusu Sekyere, speaking at the launch of the campaign in Kenyasi, emphasised that unvaccinated children remain vulnerable to polio.

He urged parents, guardians, and teachers to collaborate with the GHS to ensure the campaign’s success.

He refuted the erroneous claim made by some residents that the vaccine has harmful effects on the health of children, reiterating that “the vaccines are approved and very safe.”

The District Director of the Ghana Health Service, Bryan Sienso, in his remarks, encouraged caregivers to report any side effects resulting from the vaccine to the nearest health facility for prompt attention.

He noted that coverage for routine polio vaccinations has consistently remained above 90 per cent and therefore urged parents and teachers to ensure that no child is left out of the vaccination programme.

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Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader in Parliament

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has confirmed that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has opted to follow due process after initial concerns were raised about their approach to handling the drug trafficking claims linked to the Assin South MP, Rev John Ntim Fordjour.

In an interview on Joy FM on April 10, 2025, the Minority Leader disclosed that after engagements with the NIB, they agreed to apply the necessary legal and parliamentary protocols in handling the matter.

“This matter, I am reliably informed, that a letter has been conveyed to the Speaker’s office. The known procedure will be followed, and we will take it from there,” he said.

“Let us allow due process. One day, you may be out of power, and you’ll be calling for due process. That is my message to my colleagues,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin explained that the leadership of the Minority had expressed concern over how the initial stages of the matter were being handled, particularly regarding alleged attempts to arrest the Member of Parliament without following parliamentary procedures.

He, however, clarified that there was never an issue of resisting arrest, as widely reported, but rather a call for the right procedures to be followed after their engagements with the authorities.

“It is not a matter of resisting arrest. There’s no issue of resisting arrest. We were concerned and as the leader of my caucus, I engaged the authorities and pointed out the law and the protocols. They agreed to the due process, which they have now initiated,” he explained.

VPO/MA

Meanwhile, watch this captivating story of the Ghana’s 100-year-old World War II veteran whose name is widely known in the Buckingham Palace, below:

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur

The Executive Director of Journalists for Responsible Fisheries and Environment (JRFE), Kingsley Nana Buadu, has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, to reconsider their decision to exempt artisanal fishers from the annual closed fishing season.

According to him, the Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026) requires the government to enforce a closed fishing season for all fleets to help rebuild Ghana’s depleting fish stocks.

In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the group urged the Fisheries Ministry to ensure strict adherence to the closed season policy.

Buadu stated that Section 42 of the Fisheries Act (Act 625) mandates the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission to ensure that all fisheries policies and decisions are based on scientific evidence to prevent overexploitation.

“Since the 2014 Fisheries Management Plan came into force, Ghana has been implementing closed seasons since 2016, with the inclusion of artisanal fishers in 2019, after initial challenges with their participation in 2018,” part of the release noted.

“Unfortunately, the current Minister has announced that artisanal fishers will be exempted from this year’s closed season. We find this decision quite concerning, especially considering that Ghana, over the past two years, has succeeded in getting other countries in the sub-region to implement closed seasons for all fleets,” the statement added.

This follows an announcement in March by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, that artisanal fisherfolk will not observe a closed season in 2025.

However, owners of industrial trawl vessels will observe the closed season for two months.

Speaking to Accra-based TV3 in an interview monitored by GhanaWeb Business, the Fisheries Minister stated that this move is not new but rather a modification of the existing management strategy, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s marine and fisheries resources.

“We are modifying the existing management measure known as the closed season. The closed season for semi-industrial and industrial fisheries will remain unchanged. However, in 2025, there will be no closed season for artisanal fishers, I mean the fishers using canoes supported by outboard motors,” she announced.

Previously, artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial trawl fleets observed the closed season from July 1 to August 31, 2024.

This strategy was agreed upon with stakeholders to reduce excessive pressure and overexploitation of marine resources. It is also aimed at replenishing the country’s declining fish stock.

Meanwhile, illegal and unreported fishing activities are said to cost Ghana’s economy more than US$50 million annually.

The fisheries minister has warned individuals engaged in such activities to desist in order to protect the marine sector, or risk facing legal consequences if apprehended.

SA/MA

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By: Peter Kelly AGBEEHIA 

What role does culture play in shaping our built environment? Does it seamlessly merge tradition with modernism, or does it translate tradition into modernism?

The way we design, and construct homes is not just about shelter—it is a reflection of who we are, our history, values, and way of life. In Ghana, cultural influences have long dictated housing structures, materials, and spatial arrangements.

However, with the rise of urbanization and globalization, modern construction is taking a new shape—often blending traditional concepts with contemporary designs or completely redefining them.

The deep connection between culture and housing

Housing is not just about four walls and a roof; it is a representation of identity. Different cultures perceive and experience space differently. According to anthropologist Edward Hall (1996), cultural backgrounds shape how individuals interpret and interact with their environment.

In Ghana, the concept of ‘home’ varies significantly across ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions influencing how houses are built and lived in.

Traditionally, Ghanaian homes were designed to suit communal lifestyles, with compound houses being the dominant housing type.

These structures typically feature a central courtyard surrounded by multiple rooms, accommodating extended families. The design supports social interaction, shared responsibilities, and a sense of unity.

In rural settings, homes were often built using locally sourced materials like mud, thatch, and wood—materials that were not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable.

The shift from traditional to modern housing

Over time, Ghana’s housing landscape has evolved significantly. The influence of Western architectural styles and economic growth has led to a shift from traditional compounds to single-family homes, townhouses in gated communities, and high-rise apartment complexes catering to an expanding middle class (Ndoum, 2018).

While this shift reflects development and modernization, it also raises questions about how much of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage is being preserved in contemporary housing designs.

Our very own Akans, provide a striking example of how culture influences architecture. Akan homes traditionally featured courtyard designs, open-air living spaces, and decorative symbols embedded into walls, reflecting their deep-rooted customs and spiritual beliefs.

However, in urban areas today, many of these cultural elements have been replaced with Western-style layouts that prioritize privacy and individualism over communal living.

How cultural influences can improve housing solutions

While modern housing in Ghana has largely followed Western blueprints, there is a growing realization that cultural influences can offer practical solutions to housing challenges such as affordability, sustainability, and community integration.

By understanding and embracing cultural diversity, developers and policymakers can create housing solutions that are not only functional but also resonate with the people who inhabit them.

1. Sustainability through local materials: Traditional Ghanaian houses used earth-based materials like mud and bamboo, which are highly sustainable and well-suited for the local climate. Modern construction can incorporate these materials alongside contemporary innovations to create energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes.
2. Community-oriented housing: Urban housing developments can take inspiration from the communal aspects of traditional compound houses, promoting shared spaces that foster social interactions while maximizing land use.
3. Affordable housing solutions: By revisiting indigenous building techniques, construction costs can be reduced. Instead of relying heavily on imported materials, integrating locally sourced resources can make housing more accessible to the average Ghanaian.

Striking a balance – merging tradition with modernism

One of the critical questions in Ghana’s housing evolution is whether modernization should completely replace traditional architecture or if there is room for a fusion of both. The truth is, there is no need to erase tradition in the name of progress.

Rather, the best approach is to merge the two—creating designs that honor Ghana’s cultural identity while embracing modern advancements.

For example, while modern gated communities have become the preferred housing choice for the middle class, incorporating traditional elements such as inner courtyards, verandas, and natural ventilation can create a familiar and comfortable living environment.

Similarly, the practice of decorating homes with adinkra symbols or using local materials can keep Ghanaian heritage alive in modern developments.

The challenge of cultural erosion in modern housing

Despite the benefits of integrating cultural influences into housing, one of the biggest challenges facing Ghana’s construction industry is the rapid adoption of Westernized building styles that often disregard traditional ways of living.

Many modern luxury apartments and middle-income dwellings are designed with little consideration for Ghana’s climatic conditions and cultural norms (Nduom, 2018).

Furthermore, as globalization continues to influence lifestyles, younger generations may gradually lose appreciation for indigenous architecture. Without intentional efforts to preserve and incorporate Ghanaian cultural elements, the country risks losing a significant part of its architectural identity.

Conclusion – a way forward

As Ghana’s housing and construction industry continues to grow, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound role that culture plays in shaping the built environment. While modernization is inevitable, it should not come at the cost of cultural heritage.

By finding a middle ground—where tradition and innovation coexist—Ghana can create housing solutions that are sustainable, practical, and deeply connected to its identity.

Architects, urban planners, and developers must engage with local communities, learning from traditional practices while integrating contemporary advancements.

The future of housing in Ghana should not be an either-or choice between tradition and modernism, but rather a harmonious blend that reflects both the past and the future.

Our homes should tell our stories, honor our roots, and yet stand ready for the generations to come. Culture and construction are not separate entities—they are two sides of the same coin, shaping the way we live, interact, and define the very essence of home.

Source: Housing In Ghana Magazine

Housing in Ghana magazine is a publication under the Housing in Ghana Foundation, an organization that is committed to promoting and facilitating access to quality housing solutions across Ghana. The bi-annual magazine publication serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals, families investors as well as other key industry players seeking information on real estate trends and news, property listings and investment opportunities within the country. Email: [email protected] 0555444665 | 0599663344

The British High Commission in Accra has officially launched the Ghana chapter of Queen Elizabeth II’s Commonwealth Trust, an initiative founded in honour of the late British monarch.

The programme aims to nurture young people from across the country, equipping them with the skills and mindset to become future leaders in Ghana and across the African continent.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Thursday, 10 April, former Rector of GIMPA, Professor Emeritus Stephen Adei—one of the guests of honour—commended the initiative and emphasised the importance of giving young people the right opportunities.

He encouraged them to remain in Ghana and work towards its development rather than seeking greener pastures abroad, which often worsens their situations.

“There is a need for us to encourage young people and motivate them to believe in themselves—that they can succeed locally. They don’t have to cross the Sahara Desert in search of the meritarian,” he said, referencing the hardships many face while migrating.

Professor Dean Roberts Jnr, High Commissioner and Continental Vice President of UNIPGC USA, as well as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was also present at the event.

He urged world leaders to offer genuine hope to the youth in their countries.

“Please, leaders of the world, remember what empowerment truly means. Empowerment is not just employment or handing someone money. Empowerment means giving them hope—letting them live through hope,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of peace and security, warning against provoking young people. “If there is no security, there is no peace. I told someone, ‘Don’t provoke the youth.’ In the universities, when the youth are angry and they bring out weapons you never expected to find under their beds, you’ll run. You’ll flee your barracks, because they have more experience than you realise.”

Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, Keith McMahon, expressed his belief in the potential of Ghanaian and African youth. He noted that the Trust provides a vital platform to empower the continent’s next generation of leaders.

“This is a proud moment not only for Ghana but for the entire Commonwealth family, as we take another step towards unlocking the full potential of young leaders across our community,” he said.

Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah, Chairman of the Ghana Chapter of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, added:
“It is essential to recognise the immense potential that resides within the youth of Ghana. You are the drivers of innovation, the problem-solvers, and the voices of the future. In Ghana, as across the Commonwealth, young people represent a powerful force for change. The future of our economy, our environment, and our social fabric depends on the energy, creativity, and commitment that the youth bring to the table.”

He explained that the QCT Ghana Chapter seeks to empower youth leaders with the tools they need to scale their initiatives, build sustainable enterprises, and positively impact their communities.

“But we cannot do this alone. We call on the government, private sector, development partners, civil society, and international organisations to collaborate with us in building an ecosystem that promotes equity, access, and agency for all young people—particularly those from marginalised and underserved communities,” he added.

A total of 33 young people have been selected for the Trust in Ghana, most of whom are university graduates, students, and young entrepreneurs.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, established with a strong commitment to youth empowerment, has become a beacon of hope for young social entrepreneurs.

Through the QCT, young people across the Commonwealth have been supported to transform their communities, drive innovation, and deliver sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges.

Since its inception, QCT has supported over 200 young entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth—and this number is expected to grow with the establishment of the Ghana Chapter.

Some of the impacts made over the years include seed grants provided to over 50 social entrepreneurs, enabling them to implement innovative solutions in areas such as climate change, education, and healthcare, capacity-building programmes for hundreds of young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to scale their businesses and create employment and also, partnerships have been formed with leading organisations to unlock further opportunities for collaboration, funding, and mentorship for youth-led initiatives worldwide.

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Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Abiba Zakariah

The Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Abiba Zakariah, has reminded members of the Chartered Insurance Ladies Association of Ghana (CILAG) to underwrite and practise insurance with integrity.

“The first duty as professional insurance ladies especially is to underwrite with integrity and not allow themselves to be cowered into doing unhealthy practices for negative things, lest they be remembered as weak professionals,”

She made this known during her address at the launch of CILAG’s 10th anniversary, held at the auditorium of the National Insurance Commission (NIC) in Accra on April 10, 2025.

The Acting Commissioner, who is also a founding member and the first President of CILAG, urged members to contribute to the sanitization of the insurance industry, one of the new strategic pillars in regulatory policy and to join in the conversation around market penetration.

She further encouraged them to be part of the broader success story of bringing Africa and the world to Ghana through insurance-focused discussions.

She added, “Women perform 60% of the world’s work and produce 50% of the food yet earn only 10% of the income. Whether the issue is poverty, improving education in the developing world, or fighting global climate change or addressing nearly any other challenge we face, empowering women is critical if we want to succeed. Women have abilities that are far beyond our thoughts and capabilities.”

Dr Zakariah urged the ladies to embrace current technological trends to become better versions of themselves as professionals.

Francisca Karikari, CEO of Glorygate Capital and an experienced figure in the insurance sector, served as chairperson for the event.

She commended the association’s leadership, under its President Nicholina Naa Yeye Aduamuah, for its efficiency and achievements.

These include the annual orphanage project, the establishment of an awards scheme for the best female student at the Ghana Insurance College (GIC), and the organisation of health and wellness webinars for members.

She also highlighted CILAG’s instrumental role in the formation of the African Insurance Women Association (AIWA).

Mrs. Karikari encouraged members to “continue attending events and participate in activities to network, learn and relearn to advance their careers.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, President of CILAG, Nicholina Naa Yeye Aduamuah, shared the association’s vision which aims to promote integrity and support among professional insurance women, encouraging their growth up the corporate ladder.

She emphasised that beyond personal development, CILAG also aims to uplift others through mentorship programmes.

Aduamuah also mentioned that while the association receives some financial support from industry players, raising funds for their projects remains one of their biggest challenges.

In congratulating the association on its 10th anniversary, Ms. Rebekah Ratliff, Vice-President of the North American Insurance Association (NAIA) and special guest at the event, expressed NAIA’s readiness to collaborate with CILAG and the broader Ghanaian insurance industry.

The event was also attended by patrons and executives of CILAG, the Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Bernard Ohemeng Baah, the President of the Young Insurance Professionals, Lawrence Daniels, and the CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana, Elsy Adadey.

Other distinguished guests included Davis Iyasere, Secretary-General of the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA), Faris Atrikie, Managing Director of Priority Insurance, and CEOs of several insurance companies.

MA

Avetakpo (V/R), April. 10, GNA – An outbreak of a communicable skin disease has hit several residents of Avetakpo, a farming community in the Ho West district.

The disease, which has spread to neighboring communities, has affected over 46 residents, leaving both children and adults to experience sleep deprivation, acute and prolonged bodily pains.

Togbe Kwasi Amedor III of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume has expressed deep concern over the outbreak, citing the community’s inability to access medical treatment due to lack of funds.

Mama Aku Seme II, the Queenmother of the area, engaged officials of the Ho West District Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), who mentioned that a required budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 would be needed to combat the disease.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Togbe Amedor stated.

The chief called for immediate government intervention to support the community with funds for mass medical treatment and stringent measures to prevent further infections.

The Ghana News Agency has observed that the community’s situation is further complicated by inadequate access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing water sources with cattle and animals, potentially contributing to the outbreak.

Additionally, health officials have not provided the actual name of the disease or its source, leaving the community uncertain.

Some victims urged immediate government support to address the outbreak as the situation becomes increasingly serious.

The GNA also observed that a comprehensive response is needed, including emergency funding to support mass medical treatment and disease investigation to determine the source and nature of the disease.

There is also the urgent need of water and sanitation interventions to improve access to clean drinking water to prevent further outbreaks.

Mr Courage Dogbe, Health Promotion Officer of the GHS, said the number of infections was exaggerated mostly because of poor hygiene.

He said the infection is fungal in nature and GHS are on top of the situation.

GNA

MA/CA