Author: Voices of Concern

The Director of Climate Change and Ozone at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Felix Addo-Okyireh, says technology and social media can play a major role in helping Ghana tackle climate change. He said social media can be used to break down climate change issues for ordinary people and help them understand the role they can play in protecting the environment. Mr Addo Okyere said people across the country need to understand practical actions they can take to address climate change, including avoiding construction on waterways, planting trees and improving sanitation. He was speaking at the grand finale of the 2026…

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) says Ghana has made significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability but must now shift its focus towards economic transformation, job creation and stronger productive sectors. In an assessment of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, the IEA said the economy recorded 6.4% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of the government’s full-year target of 4.8%. It also noted that inflation had fallen from 23.8% in December 2024 to 5.7% by June 2026, while the Monetary Policy Rate declined from 27% in January 2025 to 14% by June 2026. The policy think tank,…

Economist and Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Professor Alexander Bilson Darku, has argued that the much-discussed losses recorded in connection with the Ghana Gold Board’s operations should not be treated as an actual loss to the Ghanaian economy. He said a significant portion of the reported $1.7 billion loss is linked to accounting and valuation methods rather than money actually lost by the country. Speaking at a press conference organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs to assess the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, Professor Bilson Darku said two components of the reported losses were payments made…

Legal practitioner and journalist George Sarpong has warned that the growing role of money in Ghanaian politics could undermine democratic institutions and create opportunities for wealthy individuals with questionable interests to gain influence over the state. Mr. Sarpong said political competition driven primarily by financial power could gradually shift the focus of elections away from ideas, character and public service, creating a system where those with the deepest pockets have the greatest influence. “If we allow money to drive our democracy, we will end up having criminal gangsters control the state,” he said. He was speaking at a media workshop…

Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Goosie Tanoh, has said his secretariat has no responsibility for the government’s 24-Hour Markets project, and that the 24-Hour Economy transformation program is facing resistance from vested interests. Speaking at a media briefing on August 19, Tanoh was direct about the markets project. “The 24-Hour Markets Project is not our responsibility. We are not into development of markets. We don’t know anything about that,” he said. On the broader transformation agenda, Tanoh said resistance from those who benefit from the existing economic order was expected. “When you are changing things,…

A coalition of civil society organisations has called for a national referendum to allow Ghanaians to decide whether President John Dramani Mahama should be permitted to seek a third term in office. The coalition, comprising Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO), New Voter Forum and the Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research, made the call at a press conference at the International Press Centre on Monday. The organisations urged Parliament, the Council of State, the Judiciary and other relevant stakeholders to begin what they described as a lawful national conversation on a possible constitutional amendment that could allow Mahama to contest…

The Economic Fighters League (EFL) has criticised Parliament’s ratification of six mining leases, arguing that the decision will allow Ghana’s mineral wealth to benefit private interests more than the country. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group said the approval of the leases would permit mining activities over more than 300 square kilometres for periods of up to 25 years. The EFL questioned the long-term benefits of the agreements, arguing that communities affected by mining have often continued to face environmental degradation and limited economic gains despite promises of development. The group also criticised what it described as the…

Before social media, an unkind statement might have been heard by a few people and forgotten with time. Today, one insulting comment, humiliating photograph or malicious post can be shared repeatedly, viewed by thousands and remain online long after the person responsible has moved on. Digital technology has transformed how Ghanaians communicate, learn, work, build relationships and participate in public discussions. According to the National Communications Authority, Ghana recorded approximately 30.52 million mobile-data subscriptions in June 2026, representing a mobile-data penetration rate of 89.53 per cent. These figures demonstrate how deeply digital communication has become part of everyday life. However,…

About 220 young people have completed specialised training in climate science and geospatial technologies under the Africa Climate Collaborative at the University of Ghana, aimed at building a new generation of professionals equipped to tackle climate challenges. The three-week programme, organised in collaboration with the University’s Department of Geography and Resource Development, focused on practical skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geo Intelligence, Earth Observation, climate change, equity and social inclusion. Project Manager of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Dr. Joseph Clottey, said the initiative attracted 534 applications, from which participants were selected through a competitive process. According to him, the…

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has expressed concern over the absence of a clearly defined budget allocation for the government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. Speaking on the budget, GNCCI President Stephane Miezan said the government’s Reset agenda was expected to deliver a major shift in economic policy and implementation rather than incremental improvements to existing programmes. He noted that although the 24-hour economy initiative is intended to boost productivity and encourage businesses to operate beyond traditional working hours, the budget review did not identify any specific funding to support its…