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ECOWAS Launches 50th Anniversary in Accra Today

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will today, April 22, 2025, officially launch its 50th anniversary in Accra, Ghana.

The event marks the start of year-long celebrations to commemorate the West African economic bloc, founded 50 years ago, on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Heads of state from member countries are expected to attend the launch.

Among the early arrivals for the Summit is Mr. Muhammed B. S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia.

Celebrations across Member States will follow throughout the year, as recommended by the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government.

The programme of activities was validated by the ECOWAS Administrative and Financial Committee during a virtual meeting in February 2025.

Originally comprised of 15 nations, ECOWAS welcomed Cabo Verde in 1977, while Mauritania withdrew in 2000, signing an association agreement in 2017.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger exited in January 2025 due to disagreements.

Current members include Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.

As a key pillar of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS works to foster unified economic cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, and trade, boasting a regional Gross Domestic Product of $734.8 billion.

In 2007, the Secretariat transitioned into a Commission to strengthen leadership and strategic direction.

The Commission is led by a President, Vice-President, five Commissioners, and an Auditor General.

Primarily funded by a 0.5 per cent Community tax on imports from non-member states, ECOWAS drives integration through strategic programmes.

It envisions a 2050 transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of Peoples,” aiming for lasting peace and prosperity.

Pope Demise: Ghana to organise national memorial mass 

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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) will organise a national memorial mass for His Holiness, Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff and Servant of the Servants of God, who passed on to eternal glory on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, in the Vatican, Rome.

The solemn liturgical celebration, the date of which will soon be communicated, will be attended by bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful to honour the memory and legacy of the late Holy Father.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, signed by the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, announced the death of the Holy Father and urged archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes to organise local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in honour of Pope Francis.

It called on the parishes to observe moments of prayer and reflection on his teachings and witness.

 The statement encouraged Catholic schools, seminaries, and other institutions to host prayer services, talks, and discussions to help the faithful, especially the young, to appreciate the life and legacy of Pope Francis.

It said as the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis, served the Church with profound humility, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to the poor, to peace, and to the care of the environment.

The late Pope Francis’ life and ministry were a powerful witness to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and compassion.

“In this moment of great loss for the Universal Church, I ask that all bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful across the Local Church in Ghana offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis,” it said.

 Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina on December 17, 1936, was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

He had won many awards including the Independent Publisher Book Award for Freedom Fighter of the Year 2017.

President Mahama Calls for Sacrifice and Unity at Good Friday Miracle Service

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President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to embrace sacrifice, justice, and national unity in his Easter address delivered at the Good Friday Miracle Service 2025, held at Independence Square in Accra.

The President, speaking before a packed crowd at one of the country’s largest annual Christian gatherings, emphasised the need for citizens to carry one another’s burdens and live lives rooted in truth and purpose.

“Let us share generously. Let us bear one another’s burdens — including the weight of unemployment and the struggles within our communities,” President Mahama said.

In a speech that echoed the spiritual and moral themes of Easter, the President called on Ghanaians to reflect on their personal sacrifices and commitment to Christ.

“Are we standing for justice? Are we living as the salt and light we are called to be?” he asked. “Even when the night is darkest, we must trust Christ. Even though Friday is the darkest day, resurrection is coming.”

The President urged the nation to allow the hope of the resurrection to inspire resilience, declaring that with Christ, Ghanaians can rise above any challenge.

“We must walk together in unity and in truth,” he said.

Thousands Gather at Independence Square

The Good Friday Miracle Service, organised by Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills and the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, drew thousands of worshippers from across the country and beyond.

Themed around salvation, healing, and the message of the cross, the service featured moments of prayer, worship, healing, and mass altar calls.

Evangelist Heward-Mills urged attendees to come with faith, proclaiming: “Bring the sick, bring the broken, bring the lost — Jesus still saves, heals and delivers!”

Attendees, many of whom arrived hours before the 3pm start, described the atmosphere as “electric” and “life-changing.”

The event is now considered one of the largest annual religious gatherings in Ghana, with Independence Square filled to capacity.

National Significance

President Mahama’s presence at the event marked a significant gesture, blending faith and leadership in a moment of national reflection.

His message comes at a time when many Ghanaians are navigating economic pressures, social uncertainty, and spiritual searching.

The President’s Easter address served as both a pastoral message and a call to action — rooted in faith, unity, and hope.

For continuing coverage, audio highlights, and testimonies from the service, stay tuned to Sweet Melodies 94.3 FM.

Minority slams petition to remove Chief Justice as ‘spurious,’ ‘naked attempt to subjugate Judiciary 

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, describing it as a blatant attempt to undermine the judiciary’s independence.  

Mr John Darko, the Legal Counsel of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, argued that the petition’s grounds, including allegations of advising the President on judicial promotions and presiding over a contentious case, were “flimsy and politically motivated”. 

“We see the spurious petition for the removal of the Chief Justice as a serious setback to our democratic journey. 

Mr Darko, who was addressing a Press Conference at the Parliament House on Wednesday, said the purpose of the petition was to malign the head of the judiciary, orchestrate her removal, and thereby silencing the judiciary and exerting control”. 

Mr Darko, also the NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame in the Ashanti Region, drew parallels between the current situation and historical instances of judicial interference, such as the June 30, 1982, abduction and murder of three high-ranking judges.  

He urged traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the public to speak out against the perceived Executive overreach. 

“To our revered traditional leaders and religious leaders, the time to call the President to advise him is now, the time to pray for our country is now,” Mr Darko emphasised.  

“You, the people of Ghana, are the fountain from which justice flows… You are the one who must rise up and say enough,” he added. 

One Million Coders Programme, a bold step towards Ghana’s digital future-Minster  

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Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has said that the Government’s One Million Coders Programme is a bold step towards Ghana’s digital future. 

“This is a bold and transformative initiative that marks a new chapter in Ghana’s digital journey,” Mr George stated in his welcome remarks at the launch of the Government’s 

One Million Coders Programme in Accra by President John Dramani Mahama. 

“This is not just a programme, it is a promise to our youth, to our future, and to the idea that no Ghanian should be left behind in a digital age.” 

The Coders Initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, which is taking effect within the Government’s 120-Day Social Contract Period, seeks to empower Ghanaians with the skills of the future – coding and digital skills. 

Courses being offered include Certify Cybersecurity Professional, Certified Network Support Technician (CNST), Data Analyst Associate, Certified Data Protection Supervisor, Certified Data Protection Practitioner (CDPP) and Certified Data Protection Officer. 

The training is taking place at Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT learning centres in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, which will soon be scaled up to other regions of the country. 

The programme launch covers the first cohort of 560 trainees, which are in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, reflecting the Government’s commitment to gender balance and regional inclusivity. 

Mr George said the One Million Coders Programme was a flagship initiative of the Government, driven by a simple but powerful objective, to equip the nation’s young people with the digital skills they needed not just to survive, but to lead in the 21st century economy.  

He explained that it was about preparing a generation of thinkers, builders, and problem solvers, who would shape the future of this nation with code in their hands and opportunity in their sights. 

He recalled that President Mahama made a pre-election promise to launch the One Million Coders Programme, which had been touted as a bold initiative by their international partners to train one million Ghanaians in coding and digital skills; there by, empowering them to thrive in the rapidly growing business process outsourcing and knowledge process outsourcing ecosystems.  

“We have quickly moved to turn this vision into action to equip our youth for the future of work through the One Million Coders Programme,” Mr George said. 

He reiterated that this was happening within the 120-day social contract period, which shows how committed and focused the President was. 

“This is a bold step towards resetting and building the Ghana we want together, the Ghana of opportunities, innovation, and prosperity for all,” Mr George said. 

“I firmly believe we are at a defining point in Ghana’s digital journey, a moment where resetting Ghana is not just necessary, but urgent.” 

Mr George reiterated that this was a call to action, to transform Ghana’s economy, create sustainable jobs, and invest boldly in their people. 

“We must harness science, technology, and innovation, not as buzzwords, but as tools for inclusive growth,” he said. 

He said the One Million Coders Programme was designed to do exactly that, bridge the gap between what was taught in classrooms and what the job market demands, to boost digital literacy nationwide, and equip the youth to compete and thrive on the global stage. 

New Keta MCE holds familiarisation meeting with government institutions

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Mr Wisdom Seade, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta, in the Volta Region, has engaged various government institutions in the area to introduce himself and discuss issues that would foster development.

The institutions visited include the Ghana Police Service, Ambulance Service, Municipal Hospital, National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE), Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Ghana Education Service and others within the Municipality.

Mr Seade, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the experience within the first-two days at work was encouraging and said the collaboration from workers would help the assembly to progress.

“My first day at work as MCE was very interesting one. l used the opportunity to have meeting with the Coordinating Director, Human Resource Management Department, Municipal Finance Department, and others for the way forward,” he said.

He said the visit to the various heads of institutions was to learn at first hand succeses and challenges for immediate resetting actions for the development of the municipality.

“My brother, you know previously l was here as an assembly member, but now am here as the new Municipal Chief Executive, so l deem it necessary to have proper details of the personnels l am coming to work together with and the offices as well, we will do that before leaving for the Easter break.”

He said that serious administrative works would commence after the Easter breaks and urged all heads of institutions, individuals and workers to get ready for action to restructure the assembly to meet the resetting agenda of the ruling government.

The MCE said the assembly was committed to addressing the numerous challenges identified in collaboration with Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, the Member of Parliament of Keta, the Presiding Member (MP) Mr Christopher Mensah, assembly members and other stakeholders and urged the public to also provide the necessary support to achieve the targeted goals.

He said the assembly would outline plans to improve infrastructure, education, economic development, sports, agriculture, health, among others for the assembly to create a better and enabling living environment for residents and promote economic growth and development.

Mr Seade commended the Keta Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Innocent Gawuah, heads of institutions and all other individual assembly workers for their support to previous MCEs over the years and demanded for same collaboration to work hard to fix challenges and make Keta a favourite destination for all.

Some heads of institutions GNA engaged during the meeting expressed satisfaction about the MCE’s visit and pledged to work together with him for the progress and development of the Keta municipality.

They described the MCE’s engagement as a move that demonstrated the assembly’s commitment to work hand in hand with other government institutions within the area to reshape the structures of the assembly for effective solutions and answers.

Krachi East MP unveils NDC’s plan for small town water system in Dambai 

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The member of parliament (MP) for Krachi East constituency, Mr. Nelson Kofi Djabab, has highlighted the irony of Dambai, the Oti Regional capital, struggling with water access despite being surrounded by River Oti. 

He expressed concern over the resident’s plight, emphasizing the need for a reliable water supply system. 

He said the issue has been a long-standing challenge for the community, with residents facing difficulties in accessing clean water for household consumption and economic activities. 

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Dambai, the MP disclosed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was working to implement a small-town water system in the area. 

He said the initiative aimed to address the community’s inadequate access to potable water, a long-standing issue despite the area’s proximity to River Oti. 

The lawmaker urged his constituents to have faith in the NDC government led by Mr. John Dramani Mahama. 

Mr Djabab highlighted the party’s commitment to tax relief, mentioning the cancellation of the E-Levy and Covid-19 tax, with more tax relief measures expected to follow. 

Speaking about the NDC’s governance proposals, he stated that Mr Mahama emphasized the need to reset Ghana’s governance and democratic systems to improve citizens living conditions. 

FIFA Forward Program: GFA hands over vehicles to Regional Football Associations

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA), led by its President Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has presented eight brand new Nissan Navarra pickups to its Regional Football Association’s (RFA) across the country.

The vehicles, under the FIFA forward program were handed over to the Brong Ahafo RFA, Upper West RFA, Central RFA, Western RFA, Eastern RFA, Upper East RFA, Volta RFA and the Ashanti RFA.

The FIFA Forward program is built to provide 360-degree tailor-made support for football development in each of FIFA’s member associations and the six confederations.

Mr. Okraku speaking at the short ceremony expressed excitement having seen a promise made to various regional chairmen years back finally accomplished.

He said the project cemented GFA’s commitment to fix the fundamentals of the sport, hence equipping regional associations with tools needed to succeed.

“This move is in line with the agenda of the leadership of the Association to fix the fundamentals of the football industry in Ghana by endowing grassroots football in such a manner that it becomes the bedrock and foundation for discovering and developing and nurturing talent for the nation’s age national teams.”

The GFA President added that the vehicles would enhance the mobility and efficiency of the Regional Football Associations, allowing them to focus on developing the game and nurturing talent.

Mr. Okraku revealed that through the FIFA forward program, the GFA had invested $100,000 in purchasing footballs for clubs in division two, women’s division one and at the colts level.

He said the GFA would again invest $100,000 solely on colts football across various regions to purchase footballs.

“The FIFA Forward program has been a key enabler in our execution of our strategy to fix the fundamentals of our game,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to join in the GFA’s agenda to bring back the love for Ghanaian football.

“Let us work together to create a football ecosystem that is inclusive, supportive, and nurturing. Let us empower our young players, coaches, and administrators to reach their full potential.

The Greater Accra RFA and Northern RFA are also slated to receive their vehicles as part of a subsequent FIFA Forward program.

Minister Urges Auto Industry to Support Ghana’s Energy Transition Goals

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Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Agribusiness, has urged vehicle manufacturers to align their production with Ghana’s energy transition goals and provide sustainable transportation solutions.

“I’ve been informed that you are actively developing new energy-efficient electric vehicles to meet the global demands. I urge you to consider assembling some of the vehicles to complement Ghana’s just transition initiatives,” she said.

The Minister made the call at the commissioning of the new Foton Truck showroom in Tema and during a tour of Japan Motors and Volkswagen Ghana assembly plants.

She expressed confidence in the auto industry’s ability to produce climate-friendly, energy-efficient electric vehicles, contributing to Ghana’s goal of achieving net-zero energy-related carbon emissions by 2060.

Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare announced plans to review the Ghana Automotive Development Policy after its five-year implementation to meet market demands and reduce reliance on used vehicles.

“When we did it five years ago, E-Vehicles were not that popular, so we are amending the law to include E-Vehicles, E-Bicycles, and E-Tricycles. We are doing this to ensure that subsidies and tax waivers are also available for E-tricycles or E-motors,” she said.

Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare disclosed that stakeholder consultations would soon be held to integrate the government’s 24-hour economy initiative into the policy to create jobs.

“The automotive industry is ready for investment. We are creating an enabling environment for businesses in the automotive industry to thrive,” she said.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a fully integrated automotive industry, leveraging the country’s resources to produce components and parts for manufacturing.

She highlighted plans to promote after-sales services, recycling, and the adoption of green technologies.

“Our key vision is to focus on technically enhanced local value chain development by supporting the production of raw materials for industry, both agro and non-agro,” she noted.

Mr. Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director of Japan Motors Ghana, pledged support for Ghana’s economic growth through logistics and infrastructure development.

He called for improved policies and tax privileges to produce affordable vehicles and stimulate job creation and skills development.

“Foton has already established a West Africa Training Centre here in Ghana, and plans are underway to develop a West Africa spare part centre to enhance after-sales support and meet the evolving needs of our customers,” he said.

President Mahama to launch One Million Coders Initiative

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President John Dramani Mahama will on Wednesday, April 16, launch the Government’s One Million Coders Initiative in Accra.

According to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, which is implementing the programme, the Ghana Government’s One Million Coders Initiative is empowering Ghanaians with the skills of the future.

Whether one is a student, professional, or simply curious, the programme offers a pathway to a brighter future.

Courses to be offered include Certify Cybersecurity Professional, Certified Network Support Technician (CNST), Data Analyst Associate, Certified Data Protection Supervisor, Certified Data Protection Practitioner (CDPP) and Certified Data Protection Officer.

The Courses will be held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT learning centres in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani and Bolgatanga.

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