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“If education is a passport to the future, Ghana’s passport is filled with expired visas.” – Dr Koranteng Pimpim

By
Ivy Hollys
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Dr. Pimpim on education

Dr. Koranteng Pimpim has described Ghana’s education system as outdated and unfit for the demands of the 21st century. He said the time has come for Ghana to rethink its approach to education. Dr. Pimpim made these remarks during a lecture at the University of Education. He traced the history of education in Ghana, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

In his words, “If education is a passport to the future, Ghana’s passport is filled with expired visas. We are trying to enter the 21st century with credentials that were forged in colonial classrooms.”

Dr Pimpim explained that Ghana’s education began long before colonial influence. He stated that indigenous knowledge systems were the foundation of early education in Ghana. These systems were deeply rooted in cultural practices. Highlighting Ghana’s educational system reforms, he said the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy in 2017 marked a significant reform.

The Current State of Ghana’s Education

Dr. Pimpim expressed concern over the current state of education in Ghana. He said that despite the high number of qualified teachers and professors, the system remains ineffective.

“According to the Ghana Statistical Service report, 23% of tertiary-educated individuals experience long-term unemployment. By the age of 10, according to the World Bank, nearly 80% of Ghanaian children cannot read and understand a simple sentence.”

“It seems to me that our present educational system is not only woefully inadequate for the present needs, but also for the future,” he said. 

The Future of Education in Ghana

Dr. Pimpim stressed the need for education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. According to him, Ghana must move away from outdated systems and embrace modern teaching and learning methods.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Dr. Pimpim stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

He argued that Ghana’s education must not only focus on access but also on quality and relevance. Dr. Pimpim called for policies that produce critical thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

He reminded the audience of Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s vision that education was placed at the heart of nation-building by Ghana’s first president.

Dr. Pimpim addressed policymakers and educators to take bold steps in reforming Ghana’s education sector.

He said the future of Ghana depends on the kind of education provided today. Without urgent reforms, the country risks remaining behind in a competitive global environment.

He called on all stakeholders to rethink and reimagine education in Ghana. This, he said, is the only way to secure a bright and prosperous future for the nation.

Wendy Shay Rewards Viral Schoolgirl With Full Scholarship

By
Ivy Hollys
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WENDY SHAY
WENDY SHAY- SCHOLARSHIP

Wendy Shay has rewarded a young girl with a full scholarship after her viral dance to “Too Late” melted hearts. On April 3, 2025, Tracy, a pupil of Ridoana Comprehensive School in Ashaiman, went viral for dancing to the hit song.

The 30-second video captured Tracy singing and dancing passionately during a school performance at the All Ashaiman Schools Festival. While many admired Tracy’s enthusiasm, some critics called her dance inappropriate for her age, sparking online debate.

Wendy Shay quickly defended the girl on social media, calling her talented and creative despite the backlash she faced. In a touching move, Wendy Shay returned to Ridoana Comprehensive School to honor Tracy in front of staff and students.

She shared a heartfelt video from the visit, saying she came to reward her “shining star” for her passion and talent. Wendy Shay announced a full scholarship for Tracy, covering her education from Class 5 through to university level.

“About a week ago, I came here to this school, to perform and during my performance there was this talented beautiful shining star, dancing and singing passionately to my song ‘Too Late.’ The video gained so much attention and it’s still trending so I am here today to say thank you and reward my little star, my shining star Tracy.

“To show my appreciation to you, I have decided that I am going to sponsor your education which is school fees from Class 5 to the university,” Wendy says in the video

She also gifted Tracy an undisclosed sum of money, assorted drinks, and other valuable items to support her journey. Tracy’s mother was present at the school and thanked Wendy Shay deeply for the generous and life-changing gesture.

Wendy Shay’s act has turned viral fame into a hopeful future for the young talent, now known fondly as Tracy Shay.

Watch the full video here

 Second Dose of Polio Vaccination Efforts Targets Over 24,000 Children in Ahafo Region

By
Ivy Hollys
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POLIO VACCINATION
POLIO VACCINATION

The Ahafo Regional Health Directorate has launched the second dose of the polio vaccination campaign in Goaso.

The campaign aims to vaccinate 24,104 children aged 7 to 11 months across the Ahafo Region.

Deputy Regional Public Health Director Dr. Bernard Ziem announced the launch during a press briefing at Goaso.

He confirmed that the first round of polio vaccination was completed across all targeted districts.

Dr. Ziem explained the second dose, given by injection, provides full protection against poliomyelitis.

He noted the campaign is part of a broader national effort to eradicate the disease in Ghana fully.

According to Dr. Ziem, Ahafo Region has recorded no recent polio cases due to proactive health measures.

Asunafo North Health Director Theresa Krah urged mothers and caregivers to ensure children receive the second dose.

She emphasized that the injection remains the most effective way to guarantee long-term polio protection.

Krah stated that nurses are deployed at health facilities and vaccination sites in all communities.

She encouraged full participation from parents, noting that the second phase of polio vaccination is already ongoing.

Police Commander’s Home Burned as Chieftaincy Clashes Rock Bawku

By
Ivy Hollys
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POLICE COMMANDER
POLICE COMMANDER

Violent clashes linked to a chieftaincy dispute in Bawku claimed one life and left two others critically injured, and a police commander house was burned on Wednesday.

Police said the unrest began when one faction ordered women from the rival group to leave the local market.

The police intervened as tensions escalated between the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions over access to the market center.

According to police, young men opened fire on officers, prompting the police to return fire in self-defense.

A civilian was killed and two others injured during the gunfire exchange, police confirmed.

Outraged youth from the Kusasi faction retaliated by burning the private residence of Police Commander ACP Adamu Seidu.

The mob also set fire to a police vehicle and the police barracks, forcing an emergency evacuation of officers.

The police commander’s house, located in Manga, was completely destroyed in the attack.

It remains unclear whether anyone was inside the police commander’s residence during the incident.

Security forces, including police and military, have since taken control of the situation and restored calm in Bawku.

Despite the military presence, tensions remain high in the conflict-prone Upper East Region town.

SIM Card Re-Registration Set for July with No Queues- Sam George

By
Ivy Hollys
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MTN CYBERSECURITY
MTN CYBERSECURITY

The government will launch a streamlined SIM card re-registration exercise in July 2025, promising a queue-free experience.

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, announced the new approach on April 8, 2025. He revealed the SIM card re-registration will be fully digitised, making the process faster, more efficient, and user-friendly.

Citizens can complete their SIM re-registration online, eliminating the need for long waits at registration centers. The new platform will automatically verify users’ information, drastically cutting down on manual data entry and delays.

“People will save time and avoid the usual stress of in-person registration,” Minister George said during his announcement.He added that the online SIM re-registration will also improve data accuracy and ease the verification process.

The announcement came during the Minister’s visit to Margins ID Group (Intelligent Card Production Systems) in Accra. The SIM re-registration campaign, which began in 2021, has seen multiple deadline extensions due to low participation.

Citizens are required to use the Ghana Card, the national ID, to complete the mandatory SIM re-registration process.

Despite outreach efforts, millions of active SIM cards remain unregistered, forcing the government to shift deadlines repeatedly. The delays raised public concern over data privacy and the risk of fraud through the mobile registration platform.

Officials insist SIM re-registration is vital for national security and combating SIM-related crimes and fraudulent activities.

The initiative also aims to strengthen regulatory oversight by ensuring accurate data on all valid SIM cards nationwide.

Petr Pavel, President Mahama and New MOUs

By
Ivy Hollys
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President Mahama

President Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to stronger ties with the Czech Republic during the state visit of Petr Pavel. The Czech President, Petr Pavel, is on a three-day state visit to Ghana aimed at deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

President Mahama welcomed Petr Pavel and his high-level delegation, describing the visit as another milestone in Ghana-Czech Republic relations. He noted that Ghana and the Czech Republic have enjoyed cordial relations since 1961 when both countries opened diplomatic missions.

According to President Mahama, both countries share democratic values, respect for human rights, and good governance practices. He emphasized that these shared principles will foster fruitful dialogue and promote mutual understanding.

MOUs to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

During their bilateral discussions, President Mahama and Petr Pavel signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation. They also signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, commonly referred to as an Air Transport Agreement.

President Mahama expressed optimism that the implementation of these MOUs will “reinvigorate and spearhead cooperation in various sectors between our two countries.”

He urged the private sector of Ghana and the Czech Republic to explore opportunities for cooperation in different areas of the Ghanaian economy. He highlighted the need to boost trade and investment between the two countries, noting the untapped potential.

“Through trade and investment, this can serve as a bedrock of our economic relations, and more could be done to increase the low levels of trade between our two countries,” President Mahama said.

They are expected to participate in a business roundtable between Ghanaian and Czech businessmen, which President Mahama said would foster closer economic ties.

President Mahama encouraged Petr Pavel to consider the African market, with its population of over 1.3 billion people, as a major opportunity for Czech businesses. He invited the Czech business community to partner with Ghanaian counterparts to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

At the multilateral level, President Mahama praised the long-standing cooperation between Ghana and the Czech Republic at international forums, especially the United Nations. He urged Petr Pavel to support Ghana’s candidature of Ambassador Mohamed Adam for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization.

In return, President Mahama pledged Ghana’s support for the Czech Republic’s bid for membership on the UN Security Council.

“I assured President Petr Pavel of my confidence in Ambassador Adam’s ability to lead and cooperate with his colleagues to bring on board a strategic vision for the UN Tourism Organization,” President Mahama said.

Petr Pavel Applauded for Support to Ghana’s Health Sector

President Mahama commended Petr Pavel and the Government of the Czech Republic for their contributions to Ghana’s health sector. He highlighted the support through some health projects, such as, the construction of 12 forty-bed capacity hospitals and 12 units of two-bedroom semi-detached houses for hospital staff in some communities in Ghana. 

Mahama also noted that it was the cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Defense Industries Holding Company, DHOC, that led to the revamping of the Kumasi shoe factory. He said they discussed the possibility of further cooperation between DHOC and the Czech private sector to go into more industries for mutual benefit.

President Mahama further called for the two countries to explore ways to revive the 50 Bridges Program. Petr Pavel’s visit, according to President Mahama, reflects the enduring partnership between Ghana and the Czech Republic, built on mutual respect, shared values, and the desire for greater collaboration.

Trump Tariffs: Everything you need to know. 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Donald Trump tariffs

The global economy is feeling the shockwaves of the recent Trump tariffs, with Ghana among the affected countries. The tariffs, described as unprecedented by global trade experts, have disrupted international markets and forced many nations to seek urgent solutions.

In Ghana, key government ministries have been engaging U.S. officials to understand the full implications of the Trump tariffs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Trade and Finance Ministries, held a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana. The discussion focused on the impact of the new tariffs and possible areas of relief for the country.

The Trump tariffs have introduced a 10% levy on Ghanaian exports to the United States. While this applies to most items, some key products have been granted exemptions. According to government sources, cocoa and garment exports, which account for nearly 70% of Ghana’s exports to the U.S., may escape the new tariffs.

AGOA Products Hit by Trump Tariffs

Despite the exemptions, many Ghanaian products will still face the 10% Trump tariffs. This includes items listed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA, a U.S. trade policy, has allowed African countries to export goods to the U.S. duty-free and quota-free for several years.

However, the Trump tariffs have overridden these benefits. Ghana’s exports under AGOA, particularly from the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, may now attract additional costs. These sectors have created jobs and supported Ghana’s economy through access to the U.S. market.

There had been earlier speculation that AGOA products would be excluded from the Trump tariffs. Yet, recent developments indicate that the U.S. government will apply the tariffs to all goods, including those under AGOA. This move has raised concerns about Ghana’s trade future, especially as AGOA is set to expire later this year.

The uncertainty surrounding the renewal of AGOA has added to Ghana’s economic challenges. The trade agreement, approved by the U.S. Senate, is due to expire in September. There are growing fears that the Trump administration may not renew the agreement.

Ghanaian authorities are hoping for further exemptions from the Trump tariffs, especially for cocoa and garment exports. These products remain crucial for the country’s economy and job creation efforts.

While the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana has assured that the tariffs are not targeting Ghana maliciously, the impact on the local economy is expected to be significant. Many businesses that depend on exports to the U.S. are bracing for higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the American market.

Ghana’s Response to the Trump Tariffs

Government officials have indicated plans to explore alternative markets and trade partnerships to reduce the country’s dependence on the U.S. market. They are also engaging in diplomatic efforts to negotiate further exemptions from the Trump tariffs.

The new tariffs come at a time when Ghana is implementing policies to boost export-driven growth. The Trump tariffs could undermine these efforts if strategic solutions are not found.

As the global trade environment evolves under the Trump tariffs, Ghana is bracing herself to adopt proactive measures to protect its economy and maintain access to critical markets.

Bank of Ghana Raises Policy Rate to 28% 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Bank of Ghana over increased policy rate

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana has increased the policy rate by 100 basis points, moving it from 27% to 28%. The decision was announced on Friday, March 28, 2025.  

According to the committee, which is chaired by the governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, the latest adjustment in the policy rate was driven by persistent inflationary pressures, government fiscal expansion, excess liquidity in the market, and external geopolitical risks.

The committee explained that the move aims to help sustain the disinflation process, adding that as inflation expectations become better anchored, there may be room to gradually ease the policy rate in the future.

Concerns over the timing of the hike

However, the Institute of Public Policy and Accountability (IPPA) has raised concerns about the timing of the rate hike. While acknowledging the challenges highlighted by the Bank of Ghana, the institute believes that increasing the policy rate at this time may worsen the situation for businesses and consumers.

Inflation in the country remains above 20%, but recent data shows two consecutive marginal declines. In the view of the IPPA, the MPC could have waited a while longer to observe the impact of these declines before adjusting the policy rate upwards.

An increase in the policy rate generally leads to higher lending rates for businesses and households, raising the cost of borrowing and operational expenses.

Call for Review of Inflation Targeting Framework

The IPPA is therefore calling on the central bank to reconsider its inflation targeting framework, arguing that relying solely on this approach may not be the most effective tool for managing inflation — especially when the current inflation drivers are largely supply-side rather than demand-driven.

The Institute pointed out that increasing the policy rate when inflation remains stubbornly high often impacts the survival of businesses. Higher borrowing costs discourage companies from expanding their operations, which affects job creation and government revenue generation.

Historical Perspective

Historically, Ghana’s policy rate has rarely fallen below 10%. The country recorded its lowest policy rates between December 2006 and August 2007 and again from July 2011 to December 2011, when the rate stood at 12.5%.

The IPPA believes that these low-rate periods were supported by strong fiscal discipline from the government. The Institute emphasized the need for consistent fiscal prudence to maintain stable macroeconomic conditions such as lower interest rates, reduced inflation, controlled borrowing, and a stable exchange rate.

Source: Business and Financial Times

NPP Disciplinary Committee: Adwoa Safo Questions Absence of Hearing After Summons

By
Ivy Hollys
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Adwoa Safo vs NPP disciplinary committee

The NPP Disciplinary Committee is at the center of controversy after former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, questioned the absence of a scheduled hearing despite being summoned to appear before it.

Adwoa Safo expressed her frustration after leaving the office of the NPP Disciplinary Committee without any engagement or interaction with its members.

Speaking to the media, she said, “There was no committee hearing. There was no hearing. So, I’m asking myself, why was I allowed to appear when there was no committee sitting?”

She further queried the committee’s communication process. “If there was a change of plan, why wasn’t I told? I was telling the person, okay, if there was a change of plan, why wasn’t a phone call placed on my phone?” she asked.

Adwoa Safo noted that she arrived fully prepared for a hearing before the NPP Disciplinary Committee, only to be told otherwise.

She further expressed concern about the public perception created by the NPP Disciplinary Committee‘s decision to summon her. She said the the message they were sending is that she had done something untoward. “I’m a lawyer. When a client is referred to a disciplinary committee, the presumption is that the person has done something untoward,” she lamented.

Adwoa Safo Defends Her Reputation 

Adwoa Safo defended her integrity, stressing that she has served the country diligently in various roles, including former Deputy Minister and former Minister of Justice.

She also questioned the relevance of the sections of the party’s constitution cited in the letter summoning her to appear before the NPP Disciplinary Committee.

“Even if you check the letter that they wrote to me. The sections in our party constitution that they were quoting… It’s unrelated,” she said.

According to Adwoa Safo, the leadership of the NPP Disciplinary Committee knows the real reasons behind their actions.

“I’m here to prepare my rebuttal to all these presumptions in the case,” she told journalists.

When asked about reports that the meeting had been postponed to allow the party to focus on alleged drug trafficking issues in the country, Adwoa Safo denied receiving any such notice.

“I haven’t heard. And I don’t expect my general secretary to say that. And I don’t think he said that. If he did, then he owes himself an explanation,” she said.

The NPP Disciplinary Committee is yet to respond publicly to the concerns raised. 

Tariffs by Trump: African Trade Leaders to Meet Over New U.S. Import Charges

By
Ivy Hollys
-

The recent Tariffs by Trump have triggered urgent discussions among African trade leaders. The new U.S. directive, signed by President Donald Trump, imposes import tariffs on countries worldwide.

Under the tariffs by Trump policy, Ghana will face a base rate of 10 percent on imports from the U.S. Other countries like Lesotho could pay as much as 50 percent when the directive takes effect on April 9.

Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, confirmed that African ministers of trade will converge for a crisis meeting on April 14. The meeting will be to deliberate on how the continent should respond to the tariffs by Trump.

Wamkele Mene stressed that while Africa must act quickly to deal with these tariffs by Trump, it is equally a wake-up call to the continent. He said, “The President of the United States has given us a wake-up call, and the wake-up call is that we must accelerate our own economic self-sufficiency. The ministers of trade will meet on the 14th of April to deliberate on this matter and exactly how our continent should respond.”

New Partnerships Aim to Mitigate Impact of Trump’s Tariffs

While preparing to respond to tariffs by Trump, AfCFTA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. National Bar Association. The agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment. The agreement also seeks to strengthen collaboration with the African diaspora and promote legal and economic partnerships within the AfCFTA framework.

Despite this development, concerns remain that tariffs by Trump and America-first policies could limit Africa’s gains. However, Wamkele Mene maintains that Africa will not compromise its interests.

“We will continue to pursue that trade and investment partnership that is based on mutual respect and mutual benefits. We will pursue what is in Africa’s best interests, not last interests- but best interests, as we seek a path forward,” he declared. 

Turning Tariffs by Trump Challenges Into Opportunities

Wamkele Mene expressed confidence that Africa can turn the tariffs by Trump challenge into an opportunity. He emphasized the importance of pursuing Africa’s development goals despite external trade restrictions.

Mene stated, “Combined with some of the trade instruments that we have introduced, as well as the overall liberalization objective of the AFCFTA, I believe that we are well-positioned as a continent to turn this crisis into an opportunity.”

Many African stakeholders remain hopeful that the agreement with the U.S. National Bar Association will promote dialogue. They believe this partnership can help Africa navigate the legal and economic impacts of tariffs by Trump.

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