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Key Takeaways from President Mahama’s Exclusive Interview with TIME Magazine

By
Ivy Hollys
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president John Mahama on private sector
President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

TIME Magazine is one of the world’s most influential publications. It has featured global leaders, innovators, and changemakers for over a century. For many, being featured in TIME is a sign of international relevance and impact. That is why President John Dramani Mahama’s recent interview with the magazine is so significant.

In the interview, Mahama shared his economic vision, views on foreign aid, and belief that Africa must take charge of its own future.

His personality came through clearly: witty, bold, and unafraid of controversy. At one point, he joked, “It will get me into trouble again!” after discussing his op-ed in The Guardian, where he criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Africa and South Africa. The interview portrayed Mahama as a confident and outspoken leader ready to push for African reform.

He spoke about his “Resetting Ghana” agenda, which has halved inflation and strengthened the cedi. His plan includes a 24-hour economy, free tertiary education for first-year students, and free sanitary products for girls. These measures aim to rebuild the economy and restore public trust.

Still, Mahama’s second term began with challenges. U.S. cuts to USAID funding hit African countries hard. Ghana lost $156 million in support for health, education, and research. Yet, Mahama said the country adjusted.

“We’ve covered it with our budget,” he explained, urging other nations to become more self-reliant.

He also criticized U.S. trade tariffs, calling them “ineffective foreign policy.” Mahama warned that such decisions weaken America’s influence and strengthen rivals like China. Yet, he believes the shift away from aid could make Africa stronger. “It teaches us to be self-reliant,” he said.

In closing, Mahama described a confident and ambitious Africa. “The future is African,” he declared at the UN General Assembly — a message he repeated to TIME, calling for innovation, unity, and independence.

Mahama Ends All SML Contracts After OSP Investigation

By
Ivy Hollys
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Sona 2026: gdp
President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cancellation of all contracts between the government and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). The directive follows findings from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, issued the directive in a letter to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. He instructed the minister to take immediate action to terminate every existing agreement with SML.

The OSP recently concluded its probe into revenue assurance contracts between SML and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Investigators examined alleged procurement breaches, excessive contract terms, and value-for-money concerns. As a result, the findings raised doubts about the necessity of SML’s role.

At a press conference in Accra on October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that the investigation found no genuine need for SML’s services. He added that officials secured the contracts through “self-serving patronage, sponsorship, and promotion based on false and unverified claims.”

However, SML rejected the findings. In a statement released on Friday, October 31, 2025, the company said it cooperated fully with the investigation. It also urged the public to rely on verified facts rather than speculation.

“We will submit all relevant documents to the appropriate authorities,” said the company’s Lead Counsel. “We remain proud of our work, the systems that guided it, and the measurable value we created for Ghana.”

Meanwhile, SML described itself as a wholly Ghanaian owned firm with no political ties. The company said its contracts with the GRA operated under a “risk-and-reward” model. It added that the GRA paid for services only after independent verification of results.

Ghanaian Travelers Spent the Most in Togo in 2023 — GSS Report

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghanaian travelers spent the highest amount in Togo in 2023, confirming it as Ghana’s top short-haul destination. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2023 Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey revealed that visitors to Togo spent GHS 12.8 million in the first quarter alone. In total, 77,501 same-day travelers spent GHS 59.8 million across the year, mostly on business, trade, and family visits. “Togo remains a key hub for cross-border trade and cultural exchange,” the report noted.

The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of same-day travelers, reflecting its strong commercial activity. Most outbound travelers were between 25 and 44 years, Ghana’s most active economic group. Overall, overnight outbound trips dominated foreign spending, totaling GHS 3.4 billion in 2023. “West Africa accounted for the largest share of spending, ahead of Europe and North America,” the GSS added.

Hurricane Melissa Kills 19 in Jamaica

By
Ivy Hollys
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Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, according to Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities struggle to deliver aid to the worst affected communities.

The powerful storm, one of the strongest to hit the Caribbean in years, has also killed at least 30 people in Haiti. In Jamaica, Dixon said “entire communities appear marooned and some flattened,” describing scenes of “devastation” in the western parts of the island.

Electricity remains out across most of Jamaica, and thousands are growing desperate for food and clean water. Many areas have been without running water for several days, while relief efforts face major obstacles due to damaged infrastructure.

Although Kingston’s main airport has resumed operations, several regional airports remain partly functional. Aid agencies and the military are transporting supplies by road, but many routes are blocked by fallen trees, mudslides and debris. A journey from Mandeville to Black River, normally an hour, now takes up to eight hours.

Satellite images show that nearly all buildings in some western Jamaican villages have been destroyed.

“No one can reach their loved ones,” Trevor Whyte told the BBC from White House in Westmoreland. “Every tree is on the road — you cannot go far even with a bicycle.”

In Haiti, many victims died when a river overflowed in Petit Goave. About 15,000 people remain in shelters. Cuba has reported no deaths but widespread flooding and landslides have cut off more than 200 communities.

The United States, the United Kingdom and the United Nations have pledged aid to support recovery across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.

Education Ministry Dismisses Claims of Dropping English as Teaching Language

By
Ivy Hollys
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education
Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education

The Ministry of Education has clarified that English remains the language of instruction in Ghanaian basic schools and has not been dropped from the curriculum.

The clarification follows public concern over a recent directive encouraging the use of local languages for pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Three.

In a statement signed by Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak on Thursday, October 30, the Ministry explained that the use of home languages alongside English has been a long-standing national policy since independence, although implementation has been inconsistent.

The Ministry said teaching children in a language they understand, while introducing English, improves literacy and learning outcomes in all subjects. It added that using a language unfamiliar to learners can create barriers to understanding and hinder academic progress.

To strengthen early education, the Ministry announced plans to review the existing policy and build on successful local initiatives such as Complementary Basic Education, which engages communities and promotes early grade instruction in Ghana’s 12 approved local languages.

The goal is for pupils to gain proficiency in their home or playground language by the end of Basic Year Three, laying a solid foundation for learning English and other languages in later years.

Citing global examples from China, Finland, Japan, and Malaysia, the Ministry said evidence shows that early mastery of one’s home language supports learning in additional languages and strengthens cultural identity.

It assured the public that English and other international languages will continue to be taught, ensuring quality education while nurturing confident and globally minded Ghanaian citizens.

Umar Harris Commends Government’s Efforts to Recover Looted Funds and Curb Corruption

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Umar Harris has praised the government for its strong and consistent commitment to fighting corruption.
Speaking on Orange Sunrise, he said the administration is working tirelessly to recover stolen state funds.
According to him, this forms part of the government’s pledge to ensure accountability and transparency.

Umar Harris explained that during the campaign, the ruling party promised to retrieve all looted public resources.
“This government is doing exactly what it promised to recover what was stolen,” he said confidently.
Harris added that these efforts reflect the government’s determination to restore integrity in governance.

He also criticized the previous administration for what he described as massive misuse of public funds.
“The people of Ghana know the truth, and that’s why they voted for change,” he noted.
Harris said citizens expect responsible leadership, and the current government is living up to that trust.
He urged continued public support to help sustain the fight against corruption and safeguard national assets.

Shamima Muslim Urges Review of Ghana’s Four-Year Presidential Term

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana's

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has called for a national discussion on extending Ghana’s presidential term. She said the current four-year mandate is too short for any government to achieve lasting progress.

Ms. Muslim said the short political cycle causes instability and wasteful spending. She explained that frequent elections make it hard for governments to plan and deliver long-term results. “The four-year term is wholly insufficient if we are truly to change the path of our development,” she stated. “Expensive elections that start soon after another ends are not a practical way to manage scarce resources.”

She noted that new governments spend the first year on appointments and the rest preparing for elections. “Year one is spent making appointments, and by year two, people already talk about the next election,” she said.

Ms. Muslim warned that repeated elemight lead to abuse of power but said constitutional reforms could ensure accountability.

“Even if we do not extend term limits, political parties should be allowed to keep a performing leader for more than two terms if citizens agree,” she suggested.

She stressed that voters remain the ultimate check on power. “If we have a bad president, we simply don’t vote for that person again,” she said.

Ms. Muslim added that keeping capable leaders longer could give governments up to 15 years to deliver steady progress. However, she cautioned that a longer stay in office does not always mean good leadership. “Citizens must use their power to demand change when leadership fails,” she said.

She urged policymakers to use the ongoing constitutional review to rethink Ghana’s governance system. “It would be harmful to the country if we fail to have this conversation,” she concluded.

Ghana’s Gold Industry Contributes GH¢88.1 Billion to GDP in 2024

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana

The government has revealed that Ghana’s gold industry added GH¢88.1 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, with gold exports reaching a record US$11.2 billion as of August 2025.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang announced this during the inauguration of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

She said the mining sector continues to play a vital role in Ghana’s economy, driving job creation, revenue generation, and investment growth. “The opening of the Ahafo North Mine is an act of partnership and progress the result of mutual respect and collaboration,” she stated.

According to her, the strong performance of the gold sector reflects investor confidence and national stability. “Last year, Ghana’s gold industry contributed GH¢88.1 billion to our GDP. This year, gold exports have already reached US$11.2 billion. These figures demonstrate and inspire more confidence in our economy and governance,” she added.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang described the over US$1 billion investment in the Ahafo North Mine as proof of Ghana’s attractiveness to major global investors. She noted that the project will enhance national revenue while creating jobs and promoting community development in the Ahafo Region and beyond.

China City at Santasi Gutted by Fire

By
Ivy Hollys
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China city
China city

A massive fire outbreak has destroyed the China City located at Santasi in Kumasi on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m., has left traders and workers in shock.

According to eyewitnesses, it consisted of two main compartments.

The ground floor contained light goods such as plastics and electronics.

The upper section was filled with furniture and other heavy materials.

A sales attendant who witnessed the incident said she first noticed thick smoke upstairs.

“I saw smoke from the second compartment and shouted for everyone to leave,” she recounted.

She added that all staff managed to escape before the fire intensified.

Within minutes, the flames spread quickly across both compartments, consuming everything in sight.

Another saleswoman alleged that someone might have started the fire intentionally.

“We saw a man acting suspiciously before the fire started,” she said.

She explained that the man, believed to be in his mid-thirties, walked in as a customer.

CCTV footage reportedly showed him performing suspicious actions before the flames began.

Authorities later apprehended the suspect, though the details of his arrest remain unclear.

People immediately called firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

However, several witnesses claim the response came too late.

By the time officers arrived, most of the building had already been engulfed.

Residents at the scene criticized the delay, describing it as “unacceptable.”

They said emergency teams could have contained the fire earlier if they had responded quickly.

The raging flames burned for hours, leaving the building in ruins.

Authorities have not confirmed any casualties yet, but they estimate extensive property loss.

Workers of China City now fear losing their livelihoods as the structure lies completely destroyed.

One attendant said the fire has taken away their “only source of daily bread.”

Authorities are yet to release an official report on the cause of the fire.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the act was intentional or accidental.

Workers at City Mall Appeal for Affordable Food Options

By
Ivy Hollys
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food

Employees working in and around the City Mall are appealing for the establishment of more affordable food joints nearby, citing the high cost of meals within the mall. Many workers say that the current dining options are too expensive for daily lunches, forcing them to either skip meals or depend on snacks.

“The prices inside the mall are costly for workers and staff members who eat there every day,” said one store attendant. “We spend most of our day here, but it’s hard to afford a decent meal without spending a large part of our salary.”

An employee from Melcom said he spends about GH₵100 on food each day, adding that it significantly affects his budget. Another worker shared that he spends around GH₵30 daily on meals, which still strains his finances.

Several workers have expressed that the lack of affordable eateries makes lunch breaks stressful, as they have limited time and few nearby alternatives. Some rely on snacks or small portions to get through the day.

Local observers believe that introducing low-cost food stalls or small restaurants around the mall could ease the burden on workers and improve their overall well-being. “Affordable dining options would not only support employees but also create a more positive working environment,” said a local business consultant.

As the number of workers in the area continues to grow, the call for reasonably priced and accessible food options is becoming increasingly urgent. Many hope that new investors will recognize this need and respond with solutions that cater to the working community.

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