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SoNA 2026: Kadjebi residents shared views on expectations 

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Residents of Kadjebi in the Oti Region have shared varied views on the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) to be delivered by President John Dramani Mahama on February 27. 

While some residents commended government for stabilising the Ghana Cedi against major foreign currencies, they expressed concern about what they described as lack of liquidity in the local economy, saying the availability of goods on the market had not translated into improved purchasing power. 

They said though prices of some commodities had seen relative stability in recent weeks, the absence of cash flow in the system continued to affect businesses and household incomes. 

Mr Kordzi Adzola, a resident of Akporsor Kordzi, applauded the government for the Cedi’s performance and urged authorities to sustain the gains made. 

“We are happy the Cedi is gaining strength, but what we need now is money in the system. Traders have goods, but customers do not have money to buy,” he said. 

Madam Stella Nyame, a market woman, told the Ghana News Agency that the situation was affecting sales at the Kadjebi market. 

“Foodstuffs are available and some prices are stable, but buyers are few because there is no money circulating. We expect the President to address this in the SoNA,” she stated. 

She appealed to the government to introduce measures that would improve liquidity, support small-scale traders, and boost local economic activities. 

Mr Gabriel Kumah, a resident of Cocoa Market, expressed scepticism about what new measures would be announced in the Address. 

He told the GNA that the government had failed to honour earlier promises, citing concerns about cocoa pricing. 

“They promised to increase the price of cocoa to GHS6,000.00 per 64kg bag but later reduced it to GHS2,587.00. So, we are wondering what new message will come during the SoNA,” he said. 

Mr Kumah said the economic challenges had made it difficult for him to purchase school prospectus items for his child, who gained admission into Senior High School (SHS) last year. 

He urged the President to outline practical interventions that would directly impact farmers, traders, and low-income earners in rural communities such as Kadjebi. 

Some youth in the area who spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity also called for job creation initiatives, skills training programmes and support for agribusiness to curb unemployment in the district. 

They expressed the hope that the 2026 SoNA would go beyond macroeconomic indicators and focus on policies that would improve livelihoods at the grassroots level. 

Residents appealed for improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and educational facilities in the Kadjebi enclave. 

NDC professionals urged to reaffirm their dedication to the party’s service 

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Professor Ohene Adjei, Ghana’s Ambassador to Germany, has inaugurated the executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professionals Forum (PROFORUM), urging members to reaffirm their dedication to the party’s service.‎ 

He emphasized that, the party’s future significantly hinged on an active, disciplined, and visionary organization, underscoring the necessity to enhance member participation.‎ 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Forum and made available to the Ghana News Agency. 

Prof. Ohene Adjei speaking at the induction ceremony in Germany, said the group must evolve into a powerhouse of innovative ideas, a mobilizing force, and a beacon of unity within the NDC.‎ 

He asserted that, the induction of the executives signified the commencement of a new chapter in the collective journey towards deepening democracy, amplifying participation, and advancing the development of both the NDC and Ghana as a whole.‎ 

He remarked that the group must acknowledge that the strength of any political movement resided not solely in its leadership, but also in the hands of its members.‎ 

The Ambassador pointed out that political communication, youth engagement, digital mobilization, and policy advocacy necessitated contemporary tools and fresh perspectives; hence, they must be willing to make sacrifices.‎ 

“We must bear in mind that political organizations are not predicated on noise but rather on robust structures. 

It is not about slogans but rather about strategic direction. 

It is not about positions but fundamentally about purpose”, he stressed.‎  

Reflecting on the origins of PROFORUM, Professor Ohene Adjei, recounted that following the NDC’s defeat in the 2004 elections, a committee was established under the chairmanship of the late Prof. Kwesi Botchwey, a former Finance Minister.‎ 

He added that the committee’s report revealed that the NDC lacked an intellectual and professional foundation, resulting in many youth entering tertiary institutions gravitating towards the NPP, as the NDC was perceived as a party of the common people and non-professionals.‎ 

This realization prompted the party hierarchy to establish a professional organization (PROFORUM) across various countries, including Germany, the USA, the UK, China, and Russia, among others.‎ 

Gradually, numerous individuals joined, including President John Dramani Mahama, who was then an opposition leader, and other party officials, he noted.‎ 

He explained that since then, the organization had adopted its own charter, conducted elections to appoint its executives, and secured registration.‎ 

Prof. Ohene Adjei advised the executives to nurture and mentor the next generation of leaders as an integral part of the group’s mission.‎ 

He also tasked them with championing policies that addressed unemployment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.‎ 

He underscored the importance for the executives to uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, and dedicated service to the Ghanaian populace.‎ 

Mr. Ahmed Musah, the newly elected President of the group, stated that his administration would be anchored in professionalism, accountability, and collaboration. ‎  He affirmed that the group would prioritize institutional strength, performance, and measurable outcomes, rather than individual accolades or symbolic gestures.  

AngloGold Obuasi Mine, supports Obuasi Divisional Command with generator

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AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, has reiterated its unwavering commitment to support the police and other security institutions to promote a safe and secure environment for businesses to thrive, while protecting life and property in the Adansi enclave. 

               Mr Edmund Oduro, Community Relations Manager of the Mine, who stated this, said the company’s commitment had been consistently translated into strategic investments, to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana Police Service in the municipality.  

He was speaking at a ceremony to present a Caterpillar generator set to the Obuasi Divisional Command of the Ghana Police Service.  

Mr Oduro pointed out that, over the years, the Mine had undertaken several security-focused interventions.  

In 2019, it donated pick-up vehicles to enhance police mobility and improve rapid response to crime.  

In 2024, it further demonstrated its support by constructing a modern police station at New Bediem to promote effective community policing and improve accessibility for residents. 

He said the donation of the generator set was to ensure uninterrupted power supply and enhance efficiency in the operations of the Division. 

Mr Oduro pointed out that the gesture formed part of the 10-year socio-economic development plan of the Mine, which security enhancement had been identified as a key priority area, 

Chief Superintendent Kwasi Boahen, Obuasi Divisional Police Commander, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Mine for its sustained partnership and generous support, describing the donation as a timely response to the Service’s operational needs.  

He reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to combating crime and maintaining law and order in the municipality, 

Mr Boahen appealed to other business organizations in the Municipality to collaborate and support the Ghana Police Service to further strengthen security in Obuasi. 

Fidelity Bank launches Green Lending Fund to accelerate climate-smart business growth 

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Fidelity Bank Ghana has launched the Fidelity Green Lending Fund (GLF), a dedicated concessionary financing facility designed to support businesses operating within Ghana’s growing green economy. 

The fund is to provide tailored financing to climate-friendly and environmentally responsible businesses whose operations reduce environmental harm, promote sustainability, and contribute to inclusive economic growth.  

“The initiative aligns with the Ghana Green Finance Taxonomy (2024) and supports key Sustainable Development Goals including affordable and clean energy, industry innovation, and climate action,” a release copied to Ghana News Agency said on Tuesday.  

“The Green Lending Fund offers financing ranging from GHS 50,000 to GHS 10 million, with a maximum tenor of five years.” 

“The facility is priced at the Ghana Reference Rate minus up to five percent per annum, making it concessionary and accessible for businesses seeking to scale responsibly.” 

Mr Julian Opuni, the Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, described the fund as a tangible manifestation of the bank’s vision to building a sustainable future.  

“The transition to a sustainable economy is a global imperative and a local necessity; especially for Ghana’s long-term resilience,” he was quoted as saying.  

“At Fidelity Bank, we recognize that green businesses; whether they are solving challenges or pioneering initiatives, often face hurdles in accessing patient and affordable capital. The Green Lending Fund is our answer to that challenge.” 

“It provides the financial fuel that inclusive, climate-smart economic growth requires. By supporting these businesses, we are fostering long-term partnerships built on high standards of governance and ethics.” 

The fund was opened to green start-ups that had been operational and generating consistent cash flow for at least one year, and established businesses across corporate, business banking, and SME segments.  

Eligible sectors include renewable energy such as solar and biogas, sustainable agriculture, forestry, water management, waste recycling, green construction, clean transportation, cleaner manufacturing technologies, and circular economic activities. 

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR, emphasised the intentional design of the product to incentivize high-impact sectors. 

“We designed the Green Lending Fund to be a catalyst. The goal is to offer concessionary pricing and longer tenors, which will ultimately de-risk the green sector for entrepreneurs,” she was quoted as saying . 

“The fund is structured to support businesses that are making a measurable difference. Our rigorous review process, led by the Green Finance Review Committee, ensures that funds flow to projects that are truly aligned with national climate goals.” 

“Our objective is to prove that profitability and environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.” 

Police sweep Kumasi relay championship  

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The Police Athletics Team delivered a dominant performance at the Kumasi Relay Championship held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Paa Joe Sports Stadium.  

Twenty-eight athletes represented the Service at the competition, which commenced at 0930 hours and featured 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and 4x800m relay heats and finals for men and women.  

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency said the Police team displayed discipline, speed and endurance, winning all four men’s relay events and securing three gold medals in the women’s category.  

The men won gold in the 4x800m, 4x400m, 4x200m and 4x100m events.  

The women matched the intensity, clinching gold in the 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m relays, and adding silver in the 4x800m to crown an impressive outing.   

The championship ended at 1730 hours without any injuries or incidents.  

The team said it was determined to build on the success as preparations gather momentum for upcoming national and regional competitions.  

Volta Regional Minister opens 2026 Inter Circuit Sports Festival in Alavanyo

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Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has opened the 2026 Hohoe Municipal Inter Circuit Sports Festival in Alavanyo with a charge on identifying and nurturing young talents.

He said the festival showcased patriotism, discipline and unity because sports is one of the tools that could be used to unite the country, which was evident in the support for the National Football Team, the Black Stars.

Mr Gunu said since such festivals were organised annually, it was time to find innovative ways to improve past events as well as achievements chalked, adding that “how would young talents identified excel at the national level?”.

He tasked stakeholders to work towards identifying the talents and promoting them so they would become useful to their communities and to the nation while admonishing the competitors to be disciplined.

Mr Gunu donated an amount of GH₵5,000 and three sets of jerseys and footballs to be presented to the top three emerging circuits.

The festival themed: “Sports, the foundation of good health”, has eight competing circuits including Hohoe West, Hohoe East, Hohoe Central, Gbi-South, Alavanyo, Fodome West, Fodome East and Wli/Gbledi in the events of handball, football, netball, table tennis and volleyball.

Mr Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Hohoe Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), said Alavanyo and Nkonya were peaceful communities and the former created a conducive environment for the festival to thrive and be successful.

He advised the competitors and officials not to engage in activities that had the tendency to mar the event.

Mr Tsekpo said his office and the Assembly had put in the necessary plans to make the event a success while promised to complement the sport needs of the Constituency.

Mr Victor K. Kovey, Hohoe Municipal Director of Education, said the event being held at Alavanyo showcased the peaceful environment to enhance sports development in the Municipality.

Miss Miriam Koso and Madam Delase Hodienukpor on behalf of the competitors and officials respectively, swore oaths of sportsmanship.

Mahama calls on corporate to support funding sporting activities

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President John Dramani Mahama has called on corporate Ghana to support the funding of the nation’s sporting activities.

The President made the call in his address at the maiden Presidential Dialogue with the Private Sector in Accra.

“This is a sector often seen as social but fundamentally economic, and that’s the area of sports and recreation. Sports today influence global markets, tourism, media rights, youth employment, creative industry, and investment flows. In 2026, Ghana stands at the center of several global platforms,” he stated.

“Our national football team, Black Stars, is preparing for its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. Our women’s soccer team, Black Queens, heads into continental competition with renewed credibility. We also prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.”

President Mahama emphasised that these moments position Ghana before global audiences and investors in ways that few sectors could do. 

“We will therefore establish the Ghana Sports Fund, a transparent financing framework for grassroots development, school sports, athlete welfare, infrastructure modernisation, and long-term talent pathways. No country achieves sporting excellence without deliberate funding systems,” President Mahama said.

“I invite Corporate Ghana to view this not as charity, but as a partnership in national development. Government has created the framework, let us build the systems.” 

The President proposed a covenant between the Government and the Private Sector.

He said the Government must commit to maintaining stable macroeconomic policy declaring that macroeconomic policy affects their businesses.

“We must maintain regulatory clarity. Regulations must be clear and simple and not intended to obstruct private business. We must look at the whole structure of industrial financing and apply industrial financing reform,” the President said.

“We must enforce fair trade, so fair trade enforcement.”

He noted that the Government also commits to improving infrastructure, including the roads, utilities, power, water, so that the private sector and industry could expand and thrive. The government commits to regular consultation with the private sector to resolve the challenges and obstacles that prevent their businesses from growing.

“In return, I ask the private sector to invest and scale up domestic production, create additional Ghanaian jobs, prioritize local content, invest in skills development, maintain international standards for our products, and engage transparently in policy dialogue with government,” he said.

“The Ghana we all seek will not be built by speeches. It will be built by factories operating at scale. It will be built by farms that are linked to processing plants. It will be built by laboratories that produce pharmaceuticals. It will be built by industrial parks that are producing for Ghana and exporting to Africa and beyond,” he added.

“Today is a Presidential Dialogue with the private sector, let us move from dialogue to delivery as we leave this place. Together we will build an industrial Ghana that is competitive, resilient, and prosperous.”

Ghana’s economy has seen significant improvement – Government Spokesman   

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Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications has said that Ghana’s economy has seen significant improvement since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office.  

Speaking at the maiden Presidential Dialogue with the Private Sector in Accra, Mr Ofosu said since January 2025, the President and his government had been busy cobbling together various policies aimed at fostering a continual business environment.  

“Indeed, much of the heavy lifting has been done and some of the results are beginning to show. Everybody in this room would attest to the truism that the business environment today is much better than it was before His Excellency assumed office. But it is one thing to sit in the hallowed halls of Government and make policy,” he said.  

“It is quite another to have a more visceral and candid assessment of the impacts of those policies in order that those policies can be fine-tuned and that they are better created to meet the needs of the audience, which in this case are those within the business community.”  

The Minister said the Dialogue had been put together as part of a series of engagements with important segments of Ghanaian society.   

He said after the engagement, because the President had a deliberative and consultative approach to governance, he would also engage members of organised labour who form a chunk of the workforce of Ghana.  

He would also meet members of civil society for his policies to come under scrutiny and come out in ways that were more beneficial.   

“Many reasons exist why this sort of governance is important. At the very least, it offers an opportunity for ideation and the synthesis of various viewpoints so that only the best policies can come out for the benefits of all,” Mr Ofosu said.  

“Again, it provides an important platform for feedback so that the President and his government are able to assess exactly what the impact of those policies have been and what could be done better in order to foster an even better business environment.”  

He indicated that it was not only people within segments of Ghanaian society that the President would be engaging; declaring that this was part of an overarching objective to take governance to the people.  

He noted that in addition to these engagements, the President would be stepping out to meet the people of Ghana as well; saying “they are, after all, the reason why he is in office”.   

“You may have noticed that at the presidency, we hold regular briefings through which various ministers of state and other officials engage with the Ghanaian public to tell them exactly what that man is doing.”  

Mr Ofosu said the President wanted to take it a step further by having regional accountability fora and district accountability fora where he would lead a delegation of ministers who will be joined by regional ministers, district Chief executives and other office holders at various levels of government, so that he was able to account directly to the people.   

He reiterated that all of this was aimed at achieving one objective, to make his government better than he intended it to be. “It is my belief that the objectives set for this evening will be achieved by the time we are done,” Mr Ofosu said.  

He said the President would encourage the Private Sector to be as candid as possible in their assessments and engagements with him so that overall, they all leave the Dialogue much better informed about what policies the President had for them and how those policies had impacted.   

Ghana-Indonesia discusses grassroots sports development 

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Mr Paskal A.B. Rois, Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, has called on Mr Kofi Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, to discuss collaboration in football development. 

The engagement sought to strengthen bilateral relations between Ghana and Indonesia, promote grassroots sports and establish structured partnerships to advance football in both countries. 

Mr Rois told the Minister that although he had supported several ministries through facilitation and collaboration with Indonesia, he had not extended similar assistance to the sports sector and was ready to support the Ministry in advancing its mandate. 

He congratulated Ghana and the Minister on the nation’s qualification for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and commended the resilience and dedication of the team and its management. 

Mr Rois said many young Ghanaian footballers travelled to Indonesia to play for clubs through visa support and diplomatic coordination he had facilitated but noted the absence of a formal bilateral framework governing such exchanges. 

He proposed a structured agreement covering club exchange programmes, talent and skills transfer, joint training initiatives, exchange matches and capacity building with technology transfer. 

Mr Rois, known in the music industry as Togbe Afrika, also introduced a patriotic song titled “GO GO GO BLACKSTARS”, composed to rally national support for the team ahead of the tournament. 

Responding, Mr Adams said the ministry’s new strategic direction under President John Dramani Mahama prioritised grassroots and school sports development to nurture young talents from the foundational level. 

He urged Mr Rois to liaise with coordinators for school and grassroots sports to ensure that any collaboration was well structured and beneficial to young athletes. 

Mr Adams welcomed the proposed partnership but stressed the need for proper planning to prevent situations where young players travelled abroad without adequate support systems. 

He said Mr Rois’ song sought to restore public confidence, motivate players, unite the nation and inspire young people, while showcasing Ghana’s tourism attractions and natural resources as a creative diplomatic tool. 

Mr Adams described the song as impactful and strategically crafted and gave the assurance that it would be forwarded to the technical committee responsible for selecting official songs for the tournament. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Ghana–Indonesia cooperation in sports, culture and education. 

Young innovators shine at Lancaster University Ghana Business Cup Challenge 2026  

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Lancaster University Ghana has completed the Business Cup Challenge 2026, an annual innovation competition designed to empower Senior High School students to develop creative and practical solutions to real-world challenges.   

This year’s event was organised on the theme: “Youth Economy” and sponsored by Transnational Academic Group, POD Solutions, Bel Beverages, and Blue Skies.  

A statement issued in Accra said the Business Cup Challenge provided a platform for Ghana’s young innovators to demonstrate their potential for creativity, innovation, and socio-economic impact.   

It said by connecting SHS students with academia and the corporate sector, the competition encourages participants to develop and present practical, forward-thinking solutions to contemporary challenges and opportunities within the youth economy.  

This year’s Business Cup Challenge 2026 brought together 37 teams and nearly 250 students from 15 schools across Ghana, underscoring rising national interest in youth entrepreneurship and innovation.  

It said following a competitive Elevator Pitch semi-final and Case Study rounds, the top teams advanced to a high-stakes Grand Finale judged by leading figures from academia and industry, with a strong focus on innovation, feasibility, and measurable impact.   

The statement said Team Adwuma360 of Delhi Private School International Ghana emerged as overall winners, followed by GIU Team 2 of GIU International Christian Academy as first runner-up, while Team Youth Power of Delhi Private School International Ghana and Team Romana-VI of The Roman Ridge School secured joint second runner-up positions.  

Madam Gloria Sraha, the Head of the Department of Business Studies, LUG said the top three teams would be incubated through the University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub to help transform their concepts into viable businesses.  

She said the Business Cup Challenge reflected the University’s continued commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, and practical problem-solving among young people in Ghana.   

“By bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders, the competition provides an early platform for students to engage with ideas that can shape the future of the youth economy and sustainable development,” she added.  

The University congratulates all participating schools and students for their outstanding creativity, dedication, and innovation, and extends sincere appreciation to its sponsors, judges, and partners for their continued support in empowering the next generation of leaders.  

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