Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has extended support to traders affected by the recent devastating fire at Adum, Kumasi, donating GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to aid in rebuilding their businesses.
The fire, which broke out on Friday, March 24, ravaged several shops and stalls in the bustling business district, destroying goods worth millions of Ghana cedis.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia interacting with the victims
During his visit to the scene on Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Bawumia expressed his sympathies to the affected traders and called on Ghanaians and private businesses to assist in their recovery.
“I am donating GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags to the victims, and I urge private individuals to also support the traders in getting their livelihoods back,” he stated.Source:By:Kabah Atawoge
The former assembly member for the Kumawu Dadease Electoral Area in the Sekyere Kumawu district in the Ashanti Region, who is also a senior reporter for “Oyerepa 100.7 FM & TV” in Kumasi, Mr. Kofi Adade, has suggested to the government, through the Ministry of Education, to reconsider the wholesale Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, so as to bring competition among students and also improve quality standards.
Mr.Kofi Adade
Mr. Adade, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kofi Adade Foundation, is therefore advocating a policy change that would offer free SHS education to students who achieve the best grades in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Sharing his views on the way forward for the FSHS policy introduced by the previous administration in 2017, Mr. Adade said this approach would help the government reduce costs, as only top-performing students would benefit from free education, rather than providing it to all students regardless of their BECE results.
According to him, the FSHS programme has faced a lot of challenges, especially financial resources.
Mr. Adade believes that if his proposal is implemented, it will go a long way to help the government to manage the programme more effectively.
The proposal of the CEO of Kofi Adade Foundation comes in the wake of the current government setting up an educational review committee to solicit opinions from some Ghanaians to enable it to take decisive decisions geared towards sustaining and improving the FSHS policy and education as a whole in the country.
The Ghana National Fire Service has issued a public apology following unflattering remarks made by a member of its Public Relations team, ADOI Alex King Nartey, concerning a recent fire outbreak in the Adum area of Kumasi.
In a formal statement, the Fire Service extended unreserved and profound apologies to the Regional Minister and Chair of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for any disrespectful comments that were made.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Ghana National Fire Service, we unreservedly extend our profound and sincerest regret for any unfortunate comment made against your good self and reputable office,” said a spokesperson for the Fire Service.
The statement also acknowledged the vital role played by the Regional Minister in the effective management of the fire incident.
“We appreciate your contribution, sacrifices, and untiring efforts that contributed to the Operational Response and Management of this unfortunate Fire Incident,” the statement emphasized.
Furthermore, the Ghana National Fire Service assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This affirms my earlier discussion with you on this subject, and be assured that appropriate disciplinary measures shall be taken against the officer to avert the future occurrence of this unfortunate incident,” the statement continued.
The Fire Service also reiterated its commitment to supporting the Ashanti Region in reducing fire outbreaks. “Kindly accept this apology and be informed of our profound and invaluable support towards the reduction of Fire Outbreaks in the Ashanti Region.”
The apology concluded with an assurance of continued cooperation and support: “Please count on our valued and compassionate support at all times.”The public relations team has pledged to address the issue internally, ensuring that such comments are not repeated in the future.Source: Kareen Tei
The Ghana Green Guard USD$25 billion climate futures initiative agreement commits to deliver a series of diversified regenerative solutions to drive a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians. The agreement is a public-private collaborative partnership between the developer CarbonPura Africa, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) representing the government of Ghana and PSPH (Private Sector Participation in Health). Leveraging carbon financing, and carbon and biodiversity monetisation, the agreement will drive environmental restoration, clean water access, and community-based social programmes in Ghana.
Wednesday, 5th March 2025 Accra, Republic of Ghana. CarbonPura pioneers Ghana Green Guard, a transformative series of privately funded environmental protection, restoration, and climate-smart projects and initiatives bespoke to the landscape of Ghana. The Ghana Green Guard Agreement harnesses the power of leveraging a climate futures ecosystem combined with flows unlocked from carbon finance to address critical climate and sustainability challenges while advancing Ghana’s environmental restoration and socio-economic development goals.
Chief Executive Officer of the EPA of Ghana, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse says “the Ghana Green Guard Agreement is a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental journey and marks the beginning of a new era in public-private stakeholder engagement to implement development practices and leverage international carbon markets to achieve sustainability, protect our water bodies and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.”
One of the most significant nature-based project methodology solutions globally it will generate over 305 million high-quality, investment-grade carbon credits across 12 million hectares of diverse landscapes with a projected cumulative revenue of $10.4 billion over 25 years.
Each project supports Ghana’s socio-economic and community enhancement programmes and initiatives to empower women, children, and the most vulnerable farmers and communities.
Aligns international and local partners, government support, NGO and University Collaboration, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments.
Immediate intervention to enhance Ghana’s water security using the most effective and sustainable solutions and technologies that ensure long-term protection and safeguarding for the provision of clean water and the restoration of polluted water sources caused by illegal mining.
Ghana Green Guard combines the relationship driven socio-economic benefits of a public–private partnership to deliver projects that align seamlessly with President Mahama’s Policies for the Future of Ghana, Ghana’s net-zero and global climate commitments and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement will utilise restorative and ecosystem vision – not only in project execution but from new relationship driven economic models fuelled by investment grade biodiversity and carbon credit projects.
Dr. Fred Bedzrah, the Vice President of Operations for CarbonPura Africa, stated that “the Green Guard Ghana Agreement sets a new benchmark for environmental and socio-economic impact and is a bold step forward toward positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable carbon finance by integrating transparent governance, investment grade carbon credit generation, and inclusive community engagement. CarbonPura is proud to deliver a framework that enhances global climate action and ensures tangible benefits for healthier local communities and ecosystems. Ghana demonstrates how high-integrity restorative biodiversity and climate smart projects can drive sustainability and long-term investment confidence.”
The Ghana Green Guard Project leverages 12 million hectares of risk assessed eligible land across various regions of Ghana, strategically and with scientific rigour, chosen for their ecological, biodiversity and socio-economic potential. The expansive project ensures scalable investment-grade carbon credit generation goals and sustained environmental improvement by carefully integrating targeted activities such as reforestation, regenerative agriculture, illegal mining restoration and coastal environment restoration.
The Executive Director of PSPH Dr. Francis Adjei adds that “True sustainability is not just about restoring the environment—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity for the most vulnerable. Through the Ghana Green Guard initiatives, we are ensuring that climate action translates into better healthcare, stronger communities, and a future where no one is left behind.”
Cath Thrupp, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Planet, says that “Ghana is leading the way in terms of showcasing a sustainable future for their country and the world. They are actively originating large-scale decarbonisation and landscape restoration programmes that will support their country to transition to net zero. In working with the global carbon markets to support this transition, Ghana is actively creating new jobs and opportunities for local communities. As a company, Carbon Planet is honoured to work with the Government and people of Ghana to create a sustainable future, with no one left behind”.
Each project methodology activity is designed to deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits, creating a positive feedback loop where ecological improvements—such as increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and enhanced coastal resilience—foster sustainable community development, employment creation, strengthen food security, provide clean water, eliminate species extinction, and drive long-term economic resilience across regions dependent on agricultural and coastal livelihoods.
Mark Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Capital Corporation, says that “through strategic collaboration with Carbon Planet we lead the Ghana Green Guard project origination and ensure that all credits are investment ready, meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and financial integrity and achieve long term environmental and social impact. This initiative exemplifies how carbon finance can drive real change, protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting Ghana’s climate commitments. Through Ghana Green Guard, we demonstrate that carbon markets can be a force for equitable and sustainable development.”
The Parties to the Ghana Green Guard Agreement
About the EPA
The EPA is the leading statutory body for protecting and improving the environment in Ghana and is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. Recognising the need for stronger oversight, the Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124) was enacted. Effective from January 6, 2025, this Act elevated the EPA to an Authority, expanding its mandate to regulate, protect, coordinate, and oversee all matters pertaining to the environment. This new legislation marks a pivotal moment in the EPA’s evolution towards greater environmental stewardship and governance.
For further information on Ghana EPA, please visit: www.epa.gov.gh/new/
For media enquiries, please contact: info@epa.gov.gh
About CarbonPura
CarbonPura Africa is the Ghana Green Guard lead developer and is committed to advancing global sustainability through large-scale innovative carbon management and stewardship initiatives that transform environmental goals into impactful realities.
CarbonPura is dedicated to pioneering projects that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and propelling the world towards a greener and more prosperous future.
CarbonPura provides end-to-end expertise in net-zero advisory and bespoke solutions that ensure each project contributes to carbon reduction and enhances ecological and social value. CarbonPura integrates top-tier methodologies with community-based conservation efforts for land, forestry wetland and marine ecosystems protection and restoration with scalable carbon solutions.
The social capital and ecological model demand the highest degree of team expertise, including ecologists and environmental auditors, trusted partners and strategic alliances, to enhance the capabilities for CarbonPura in carbon-backed funding, project development, and community reinvestment. CarbonPura navigate market complexities with data-driven precision, ensuring each project maximises value and supports global sustainability.
For more information, visit: www.carbonpura.com/greenguard
For media enquiries, please contact:
Melanie Budden
melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com
About Private Sector Participation in Health
Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH) is a leading not-for-profit organisation driving transformative healthcare and social development in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities. As a key partner in the Ghana Green Guard Agreement, PSPH integrates healthcare, education, and social empowerment into climate resilience efforts. Through innovative public-private partnerships, PSPH expands access to essential healthcare, empowers women and youth, and fosters alternative livelihoods, creating lasting socio-economic impact. By bridging corporate Ghana with grassroots needs, PSPH ensures that sustainability, health, and development go hand in hand; building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.
For further information on PSPH, please visit: www.psphghana.com
For media enquiries, please contact: DrFred@carbonpura.com
About Carbon Capital Corporation [CCC]
CCC is an Australian registered company that operates under an Australian Authorised Financial Services License [278530]. CCC is part of the GBC Group and stands out in global carbon markets offering unique and specialised feasibility, origination, procurement, trading and advisory services for both the buy and sell side. With operations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Pacific CCC facilitates large scale carbon projects with stackable value methodologies that allow projects to generate multiple environmental and social co-benefits.
CCC utilises an integrated approach that combines financial structuring, technical expertise, and advanced technology, delivering unmatched value in carbon markets. By optimising carbon and biodiversity credits to meet the high standards demanded by institutional buyers, CCC achieve both financial returns and measured sustainability impact.
For more information, visit: www.carboncapitalcorporation.com
For media enquiries, please contact: markphillips@greenbondcorporation.com
About Carbon Planet
Carbon Planet is an Australian registered ecological company globally leading project feasibility, origination and technical development, bringing extensive expertise in carbon project execution and innovation. Carbon Planet picture a world where natural capital has value, investments are transparent, landholders can feed their families, and local communities can create new jobs and regenerative industries. This requires creating a world where trees and natural capital are valued.
For further information on CarbonPlanet, please visit: www.carbonplanet.io/
For media enquiries, please contact: cath@carbonplanet.io
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Francis Adomako, popularly known as Francois, has called for urgent retooling of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and other security agencies to work effectively and efficiently instead of demoralising them.
According to him, the need for the government and all Ghanaians to support the GNFS, especially with the needed tools to work, especially when there are fire outbreaks and other emergencies, cannot be overemphasised.
A scene from the firefighters dousing inform
Dr. Adomako, who doubles as the Dean of all Regional Organisers, expressed concerns about attempts to demoralise the personnel of the GNFS like what happened last week during the fire outbreak in the Adum Blue Light area within the Central Business District (CBD) of the Kumasi metropolis.
The appeal by Francois follows a clash between the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and some personnel of the GNFS in their efforts to quench last Friday’s inferno.
In a viral video, Dr. Amoakohene is heard clearly shouting and making demoralising comments against some personnel of the GNFS. In his opinion, they were not committed to dousing the fire.
The Minister’s comments have so far attracted widespread criticisms.
Francois said, “Instead of demoralising our gallant fire service personnel and other security agencies whenever they’re in the battle front, let’s give them the necessary equipment and logistics, so that we can hold them accountable.”
“Yes, Dr. Amoakohene might have been overtaken by the inferno leading to his unfortunate comments captured by the media, I wish to appeal to the government and all Ghanaians to support the GNFS and other security agencies devoid of politics since fire outbreaks and disasters are no respecter of political party colours or ethnic colours. Let’s rally behind GNFS and other security agencies at all times for our own good,” he stressed.
It would be recalled that on Friday, 21st March 2025, fire destroyed over 5,000 shops. And the victims are still counting their losses as they wait for the necessary support from the government as promised by the President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama.
First and foremost, we would like to use this opportunity to commend President John Mahama led government for the 2025 Budget, capturing few of their policies and programmes(about 10%) that they promised the Ghanaian people during the 2024 general elections.
Kwabena Owusu Junior
However, there are some weaknesses and inconsistencies contained in the 2025 Budget that Ghanaians need to know as follows:
1. Resetting the Economy and Creating Prosperity for All(Chapter 1 of 2024 Manifesto of NDC). According to the 2024 Manifesto of the NDC, to achieve macro-economic stability, restore fiscal and debt sustainability for long-term economic growth and prosperity, they will:
(a). Scrap the import duty on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes. Unfortunately, nothing was heard about the scrapping of the aforementioned tax regime in the 2025 Budget.
(b). Reduce food inflation to lower the high cost of living in the country through agriculture for economic transformation(point 9 of page 3 of 2024 Manifesto of NDC.
However, in terms of resource allocations to Key Policy Initiatives and Interventions of Mahama’s government, only 1.5 Billion Ghana Cedis was allocated to Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) of which Feed Ghana Programme, Ghana Grains Development Project, Vegetable Development Project and Nkokor Nketenkete are all key components of the 1.5 Billion Ghana Cedis.
Dr Ato Forson, Finance Minister
Meanwhile, Ghana Gold Board(GoldBod), a national looting agenda also aimed at creating monopoly of gold trading business in Ghana was allocated US$ 279 Million at current(23/03/2025) Cedi equivalent of over 4.3 Billion Ghana Cedis.
So, now John Mahama and the NDC want to tell Ghanaians that the purchase, selling, export and import of gold is highly essential and Paramount than Food and Agriculture in the Country, and that the trading of gold is superior to Food and Agriculture when it comes to the GDP of Ghana. This is serious a terrible error in judgement thinking that GoldBod is important than Food and Agriculture.
Absolutely, there is no Country around the world that the budgetary allocation for Food and Agriculture is far less than the budgetary allocation of gold trade.
The decision of Mahama’s government to allocate more financial resources to GoldBod at the detriment of Food and Agriculture can best describe as a criminal enterprise committed against the citizens of Ghana. Food and Agriculture is undeniably more important than gold for human survival and well-being. When it comes to the growth of GDP, gold trading doesn’t come close near to Food and Agriculture
President John Mahama.
(c). Prioritise investments in the productive sectors of the economy (point 1 of 1.1.2 of 2024 Manifesto of NDC). Sadly, the 2025 Budget of Mahama’s government woefully FAILED to allocate significant investments in the productive sectors of the economy.
(e). To manage the Exchange Rate, lower Inflation, the government will review the Foreign Exchange Act 2006(Act 723), under point 2 of 1.2.2 of 2024 Manifesto of NDC.
However, in the 2025 Budget, Mahama’s government is now telling us under 131 and 132 sections of the 2025 Budget Speech that, the establishment of the GoldBod would be the key measure to stabilize the exchange rate (Cedi Depreciation), inflation and fuel prices.
The big question is, how would the GoldBod with a budget of $279 million (over 4.3 Billion Cedis at current rate of 23rd March 2025) help Ghana to stabilize exchange rate, imported inflation and fuel prices?
Has even Guyana that John Mahama’s government is blindly copying their GoldBod initiative been able to stabilize its currency, inflation and fuel prices with the trading of gold business?
(f). Roll-out of “the Big-Push”
In accordance with section 191(ii) of the 2025 Budget Speech, the government would roll out the implementation of US$10 Billion “Big Push” policy for strategic infrastructure development to open up the country and drive sustainable economic growth and transformation under the 24-hour economy policy. But unfortunately under 195 of the same 2025 Budget Speech, only 13.85 Billion Ghana Cedis(around US$ 900 million) was allocated for the Big Push Programme. Who is John Mahama’s government deceiving?
Set up Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to regulate the small-scale mining sector, and this board will restructure the small-scale mining sector(point 15 under 4.3.2.1 of the 2024 Manifesto of the NDC).
However, deliberately, erroneously, and diabolically under 191(iii), the primary objectives of the GoldBod are as follows: “shall regulate, oversee, monitor, and undertake the purchasing, assaying, refining, exporting, selling, and other related activities concerning the gold resources of Ghana.”
This is completely crazy, ridiculous, and unwise strategy to create useless monopolization for the gold trading industry in the Country.
How do you rationalise the Gold Purchase Programme(point 4 of 1.2.2 of 2024 Manifesto of NDC) with the establishment of a Monopoly Entity of GoldBod?
What is the interest of a Socialist Political Party with predominantly capitalist gold trading industry as a key operator instead of being a regulatory body?
What would then be the use of Minerals Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the role of Private Sector as enshrined in Article 36 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana if the senseless intents and purposes of Ghana Gold Board are implemented?
Again, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Ato Forson stated that, “the government will abolish the 1.5% withholding tax on winning of unprocessed gold by small-scale miners” under section of 141 of the 2025 Budget Speech. Why then should the government turned around to increase the Growth & Sustainability Levy from 1% on the gross production of mining companies to 3% under the same 2025 Budget?
Respectfully, does it make sense politically, socially, and economically for a Socialist government of NDC to allocate feeding cost per meal per child per day to 2 Ghana Cedis while GoldBod enjoys an overwhelming budget of over 4.3 Billion Ghana Cedis?
… Signed…
Kwabena Owusu Junior
Chief Executive Officer
UP Tradition Institute
The Kofi Job Foundation has come to the rescue of a 2-year-old girl, Halaila Suleiman, who was at risk of going blind due to a severe eye cancer called Retinoblastoma.
The foundation, headed by renowned road contractor Mr. Kofi Job and his wife, Dr. Esther Okyere Gyebi, donated GH₵60,000 to cover the cost of surgery at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The little girl
The girl’s family was unable to afford the surgery, prompting Paediatric Oncologist Dr. Alimatu at the Kumasi South Hospital to reach out to the Kofi Job Foundation for assistance.
Thanks to the foundation’s timely donation, Halaila has undergone successful surgery, saving her from potential blindness or even death.
Dr. Alimatu in an interview with OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng on Sunday March 23,2025,expressed her gratitude to the Kofi Job Foundation, stating that the donation was timely and has saved the child’s life.
She prayed for God’s blessings for Mr. Kofi Job and Dr. Esther Okyere Gyebi.
Dr. Esther Okyere Gyebi praised her husband, Mr. Kofi Job, for his philanthropic efforts, emphasizing that the Kofi Job Foundation will continue to change lives and empower the vulnerable in society.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has suspended her planned radio tour in the Ashanti Region following a meeting with respected members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Kumasi.
The intervention by party elders comes amid concerns that her public outbursts could escalate tensions within the opposition party, which is already struggling to recover from its 2024 electoral defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Last week, the former Minister of State began a media tour in Accra, where she addressed several corruption allegations that happen in her minister which investigative report were swept under carpet by President Nana Akufo Addo during her tenure in government.
She also accused faceless individuals in the presidency of deliberately collapsing her father’s transport business and labeling her as a disloyal party member.
Adwoa Safo claims that these accusations were linked to her absence from Parliament during key votes, including the election of Speaker Kingsford Sumana Bagbin and the passage of the E-Levy at a time when her son was seriously ill in the United States.
She further alleged that former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, and his family played a role in her political downfall, which led to her defeat in the NPP parliamentary primaries.
Fearing that her revelations could deepen divisions within the party, some respected NPP members reportedly visited her home in Kumasi and urged her to halt her Ashanti Region media engagements.
Adwoa Safo had been using the radio tour to clear her name and expose internal sabotage, but party insiders worry that her continued public criticism could weaken efforts to unify the NPP ahead of the next elections.
It remains unclear whether she will resume the tour at a later date or if further internal discussions will be held to address her grievances.
President John Dramani Mahama has criticized former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for failing to provide textbooks to students after introducing a new curriculum.
Speaking at the Jubilee Park in Tamale on Saturday, March 22, during his ‘thank you’ tour, President Mahama announced that his government has allocated GHC564.6 million for textbooks to improve learning for basic school children.
He added that Hon. Haruna Iddrisu is overseeing the implementation of this initiative, ensuring that textbooks are printed locally to boost the Ghanaian economy.
“If you will recall, the previous administration changed the curriculum, and, yet, refused to provide textbooks for our basic school students.
This no-textbook phenomenon will end this year. Your own son, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu [Education Minister] is responsible for implementing this. And he has assured us that these textbooks are going to be printed by Ghanaian printers so that the money stays here in Ghana,” he stated.
President Mahama also revealed that his administration has expanded the school feeding programme with increased funding to provide better meals for students.
Additionally, he announced that resources have been allocated to provide free sanitary pads for female students to support their education.
“We have allocated resources to provide free sanitary pads for our female students.”
