There was a time—not too long ago—when owning a telephone line in Ghana was a privilege reserved for the patient and the connected.

You didn’t simply apply and get one. You waited. Sometimes for years.

And then, almost without warning, the entire system became irrelevant. Mobile phones arrived, and with them, a quiet revolution. We didn’t rebuild the old infrastructure. We didn’t follow the prescribed path.

We simply moved forward.

We skipped a step.

“Ghana didn’t catch up. We moved on.”

That moment is worth remembering, because today we are standing at the edge of something even more consequential.

Artificial intelligence is not just another technology cycle. It is not another tool to be added to the shelf. It is a layer of intelligence that can sit on top of everything we already do—how we work, how we trade, how we govern, how we live.

The temptation, as always, will be to admire it from a distance. To discuss it in rooms filled with slides and projections. To position ourselves as participants in a global conversation.

But Ghana does not need to participate in the AI conversation.

Ghana needs to use AI to fix what slows us down.

“The real constraint is not effort. It is friction.”

Because if we are honest with ourselves, that is where the problem lies.

Too many steps where there should be one.

Too many delays where there should be immediacy.

Too much uncertainty where there should be clarity.

You feel it when you try to register a business. You feel it when you chase a permit. You feel it when a trader spends more time following up on payments than actually selling. You feel it when a farmer plants without knowing whether the rains will come early or late. You feel it when a patient waits hours for something that should take minutes.

This is where AI belongs—not in abstract discussions about the future, but in the very practical business of removing friction from everyday life.

There is no better place to begin than with government itself.

If government services worked the way they should, the effect would be immediate and visible. Not in policy papers, but in daily life.

Imagine a young entrepreneur who does not move from office to office, form to form, queue to queue—but simply states an intention:

“I want to start a business.”

From that moment, everything else follows—registration, tax identification, compliance—guided step by step, in language that feels natural, not bureaucratic.

What changes is not just speed.

What changes is behavior.

“When systems become usable, people use them.”

More businesses formalize.

More transactions enter the system.

Compliance stops feeling like a burden and starts feeling like participation.

And just like that, the economy begins to move differently.

But perhaps the most immediate opportunity is already in our hands.

Every day, millions of Ghanaians move money through their phones. It is one of the great success stories of our digital evolution. But today, it behaves like a pipeline—efficient, yes, but silent.

Money in. Money out.

What if it could speak?

What if it could understand?

What if, instead of simply processing transactions, it began to interpret them?

A small business owner wakes up to a message:

“You spent more on stock this week, but your sales dropped. Here’s where the gap is.”

Or:

“These customers are consistently late in paying you. Here’s when to follow up.”

Or even:

“At this rate, you can save without affecting your business.”

That is not sophistication for its own sake.

That is survival. That is growth.

“Not big AI. Useful AI.”

Because the real engine of Ghana’s economy is not large companies.

It is the small trader.

The clinic owner.

The transport operator.

The school administrator.

And most of them are making decisions without visibility.

Not because they prefer it that way—but because they have never had the tools.

Give them clarity—simple, direct, immediate clarity—and something powerful happens.

Productivity rises. Quietly at first. Then all at once.

Out on the farm, the story is even more direct.

The issue is not effort. It has never been effort.

It is timing.

It is information.

When to plant.

What to apply.

Where to sell.

These are not theoretical questions. They are the difference between profit and loss.

AI can answer them—but only if it arrives in the right form.

Not as an app that must be learned.

But as a voice that can be trusted.

In a language that feels like home.

“If it doesn’t fit into daily life, it won’t be used.”

Get that right, and you don’t just improve yields.

You improve lives.

In healthcare, the reality is even starker.

There are not enough doctors. There are not enough nurses. There are not enough specialists.

And there won’t be enough anytime soon.

So the question is not how to replace them.

The question is how to extend them.

AI can serve as the first point of contact—interpreting symptoms, guiding next steps, following up with patients, supporting frontline workers.

It does not replace expertise.

It multiplies it.

Sometimes, though, the biggest gains are not in creating something new.

They are in fixing what already exists.

Power systems that lose too much energy.

Roads that carry more congestion than they should.

Ports that operate below their potential.

These are not futuristic challenges. They are daily economic costs.

And they are solvable.

“The opportunity is not always in building more. It is in using better.”

But there is one thing we must get absolutely right.

If Ghana is serious about AI, then the systems we build—or adopt—must understand us.

Our languages.

Our accents.

Our patterns.

Our context.

Because if they don’t, we will find ourselves in a future where we are not participants in intelligence, but consumers of it.

And that is not progress.

So where do we begin?

Not everywhere.

Just a few places that matter.

Make government simple.

Make money intelligent.

Make businesses clearer.

Make farming informed.

Make healthcare reachable.

That is enough.

More than enough.

“We don’t need the most advanced systems. We need the most useful ones.”

We have seen this story before.

When mobile phones arrived, we didn’t debate endlessly. We used them. We adapted them. And in doing so, we built something new on top of them.

AI is bigger.

But the principle is the same.

And so, in the end, this is not a question of technology.

It is a question of intent.

Will we use AI to impress?

Or will we use it to improve?

Because if we choose improvement—and we execute with discipline—then Ghana will not simply participate in the AI era.

We will shape what it looks like.

For ourselves.

The writer is the Chairman of Dodo Technologies Ltd. 

The December figure represents the highest monthly value recorded in 2025, driven by increased consumer activity during the festive season and the sustained expansion of mobile money usage.

Transaction volumes climbed to 982 million in December, up from 892 million in November, reflecting both higher spending and wider adoption of digital payment channels.

Active mobile money accounts rose sharply to 26.7 million in December, compared with 25.5 million a month earlier, while the number of registered accounts increased to 80.5 million, highlighting continued gains in financial inclusion.

The mobile money agent network also expanded, with 491,000 active agents recorded at the end of the year.

Balances held in mobile money wallets climbed to GH¢39.6 billion, the highest level recorded in 2025, suggesting stronger liquidity in the digital payments ecosystem and growing confidence in mobile wallets as a store of value.

Interoperable mobile money transactions also strengthened in December, with transaction values rising to GH¢5.8 billion, up from GH¢4.9 billion in November, supported by increased cross-network transfers during the holiday period.

By contrast, traditional payment instruments continued to play a smaller role. Cheque transactions amounted to GH¢37.3 billion in December, far below mobile money values, while electronic payment channels such as GhIPSS Instant Pay recorded GH¢73.3 billion in transaction value during the month.

Overall, the data reinforces mobile money’s position as the backbone of Ghana’s retail payments system, with seasonal spending, rising smartphone penetration and continued agent network expansion expected to sustain growth into 2026.

Effective immediately, Ghanaians are once again eligible for five-year multiple entry visas, along with enhanced consular privileges that affirm mutual respect between the two nations. This landmark breakthrough was personally conveyed to Ghana’s delegation by Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

At the heart of this diplomatic success stands Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, whose tireless negotiations and principled advocacy helped dismantle the barriers imposed earlier this year. His efforts reflect not only strategic brilliance but a deep commitment to restoring Ghana’s dignity on the world stage.

Months of high-level engagement have borne fruit,” Ablakwa shared. “This is a victory for every Ghanaian student, entrepreneur, and family whose dreams were deferred. Today, those doors reopen.”

It will be recalled that in July 2025, the U.S. imposed stringent visa limitations on Ghana and several other nations, citing concerns over visa overstays—particularly among students. Ghanaian applicants were restricted to three-month single-entry visas, a move that sparked widespread concern and diplomatic tension.

But today, the tide has turned.

This reversal signals a renewed spirit of cooperation and accountability, and a healthier Ghana–U.S. relationship built not on punishment, but on partnership.

For God and Country,” Ablakwa affirmed, echoing the patriotic heartbeat of a nation that never stopped believing in dialogue, dignity, and diplomacy.

Source: Sankofaonline 

Currency:
The cedi has lost nearly 20% of its value since mid-year, trading at GHS 12.15 per dollar. Despite this, it has outperformed the euro and pound by 6.9% and 11.8%, respectively.

Renewables:
The Energy Ministry has committed to generating 35% of Ghana’s power from renewables by December 2025. This move is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create new opportunities for economic growth.

Youth Jobs:
Unemployment has decreased from 14.6% in 2023 to 13.6% in 2024, but youth unemployment remains a concern. Many young people possess skills but lack job opportunities, highlighting the need for vocational training and apprenticeships.

The Big Push:
To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes:

1. Anchoring the cedi: Diversifying exports, strengthening forex buffers, and negotiating fairer trade deals.
2. Building renewable capacity: Pairing solar with storage, modernizing hydro dispatch, and incentivizing local manufacturing.
3. Empowering youth: Aligning education with renewable energy projects, ensuring every megawatt installed carries a quota of apprenticeships.
4. Creating policy predictability: Transparent auctions, clear tariffs, and consistent macroeconomic messaging will attract investment.

By implementing these strategies, Ghana can stabilize its currency, transition to a green economy, and empower its youth, ultimately charting a path towards sustainable development and economic growth.

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For now, the cedi has appreciated about 21% year-to-date, still ranking with other major trading partners, the Dollar, British Pound, the Euro and even currencies such as the Russian ruble, Swedish krona and Swiss franc, at least Governor of the Bank of Ghana has said.

On the forex market as of midday today, Tuesday, September 16, 2025; the dollar rate was 13.40 [Buying], 13.80 [Selling] – British Pound 17.80 [Buying], 18.20 [Selling]; that of the Euro – 15.50 [Buying], 15.80 [Selling].

Suffice to say, the local currency has this year, been oscillating between world-beating gains and sharp losses – developments which highlight both resilience and fragility of the cedi.

The history

The currency opened 2025 at GH¢14.80 to the dollar. It weakened modestly to GH¢15.40 by February. For two months it held steady. It was one of the longest stretches of stability in over a decade. But between April and May, there was a dramatic turnaround.

The cedi increased in about 34% in just five weeks. It strengthened from GH¢15.40 to GH¢10.20 per dollar. The rally propelled Ghana’s currency to the top of global rankings. It was buoyed by strong gold prices, strict monetary policy and tough market interventions.

For three months, that’s from May through early August, the cedi hovered between GH¢10.30 and GH¢10.50. In barely three weeks, the currency slipped to GH¢12 which has wiped out part of its earlier gains and ranking among the worst performers in the third quarter.

These current developments have taken many observers and market watchers aback simply because  external conditions remain broadly supportive. For instance, gold prices are at record highs. The U.S. dollar has been subdued and Federal Reserve rate cuts are widely expected. The pressure could be domestically driven. Here is why.

The factors 

One key factor is remittances, a factor monetary authorities have downplayed. The cedi’s earlier value distorted incentives for diaspora inflows. With their dollars suddenly buying less in Ghana, many senders simply held back just waiting for the cedi to weaken before sending money.

At the same time, import demand went up because traders took advantage of the stronger cedi to front-load purchases ahead of the festive season. The simultaneous slowdown in inflows and rise in imports stripped the market of a steady cushion of dollars. To compound these pressures, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has scaled back its market interventions at least, the President confirms.

The Bank of Ghana is said to have injected $1.4 billion in the first quarter; a move that drew IMF warnings about heavy market interference. The Bank pledged to introduce a new intervention framework by September. Can we say, the recent slowdown is a trial run?

Again, the divergence between the interbank rate and forex bureau rates has also been a factor. Therefore, allowing some depreciation may be a deliberate step to narrow the gap and reduce distortions.

The Bank, in August issued fresh guidelines which bar commercial banks from granting corporates foreign-currency cash withdrawals unless equivalent deposits are lodged. The Bank has also intensified enforcement of forex rules, including cracking down on firms pricing in dollars, tighter documentation for importers and stricter oversight of remittance operators.

The test

In all of this, the cedi remains vulnerable. The over-reliance on gold prices and reserves is risky. A sharp dip in commodities could quickly erode these gains and trigger further depreciation. Without deeper economic diversification, Ghana will remain exposed to recurrent volatility.

As the festive season approaches and dollar demand rises, the cedi’s resilience will once again be tested. For now, with gold at record highs and reserves above $11 billion, the central bank has room to steady the market—  but the year’s volatility is a reminder of just how fragile sentiment can be.

This trend is consistent across the continent. As reported in the African Union and International Labour Organization’s Youth Employment Strategy for Africa, roughly twenty-six percent of young people are not engaged in employment, education, or training.

The disparity is equally stark in governance. Despite making up the majority of the population (ages 14–35), young people hold just fourteen percent of parliamentary seats across Africa. This exclusion from decision-making stifles the continent’s ability to fully leverage its youth potential.

With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, this demographic is both its greatest asset and most urgent challenge. Young Africans have the energy, creativity, and vision to fuel innovation, economic growth, and social progress—yet without meaningful opportunities and platforms for leadership, this dividend risks becoming a crisis.

The upcoming CorpsAfrica All-Country Conference (ACC 2025), slated for Nairobi, Kenya in June presents a crucial opportunity to confront this paradox. Centered on the theme “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent,” the event recognizes that youth challenges—and solutions—transcend borders, demanding collective action.

CorpsAfrica recognizes that if united, Africa’s youth can become an unstoppable force for progress. By fostering cross-border collaboration, young leaders can unlock shared learning, drive innovation, and amplify their advocacy impact. From unemployment to climate crises and governance gaps, Africa’s most pressing issues require solutions that transcend borders. CorpsAfrica’s model taps into this potential by deploying youth volunteers directly into rural communities. There, they co-create, co-design and implement grassroots projects—gaining real-world leadership and problem-solving skills while strengthening Pan-African bonds through cross-cultural exchange.

ACC 2025 will convene young change-makers from 10 African nations, creating a space to merge diverse perspectives into actionable strategies. More than a dialogue, this gathering will catalyze a living network of emerging leaders united the single mission of seeing Africa’s transformative rise, powered by its own youth.

Governments, businesses, and civil society must prioritize investments in youth leadership and innovation. In spotlighting how this generation is reshaping the continent’s future through solidarity and collective action, ACC 2025 serves as a critical launchpad for these efforts – a chance to transform commitments into concrete, collaborative action.Now is the moment to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu—”I am because we are”—by uniting behind Africa’s youth. Their boundless energy, creativity, and resilience can bridge divides, drive innovation, and accelerate inclusive progress. Together, let us build an ecosystem where young leaders thrive, unlocking a future of shared prosperity and collective upliftment. The time to act is now.

By Nadia Abdalla

The writer is the Director Africa Communications, CorpsAfrica

With a focus on comprehensive economic recovery, infrastructure development, and regulatory reforms, the Government of Ghana is firmly committed to creating a friendly business environment that fosters growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Investors in the recent past struggled with a number of challenges stemming from worsening economic conditions that saw some of them fold up and leave the country. Persistent currency depreciation, rising inflation, and high import costs significantly increased the cost of doing business.

Frequent power outages and high utility bills further strained operations, making the business environment less attractive. Some, overwhelmed by these challenges, moved their investments out of Ghana, resulting in job losses and a slowdown in the country’s economic growth.

Recent studies also reveal that investors and the business community continue to grapple with several challenges: poorly coordinated regulations, overlapping mandates among state agencies, inefficient public services, macroeconomic instability, high tax rates, costly credit, infrastructure deficiencies and corruption which negatively impact the investment climate.

The recent State of the Nation Address by President John Dramani Mahama and the President’s opening remarks at the National Economic Dialogue, delivered a clear and compelling message of hope to both domestic and foreign investors: Ghana is Open for Business.

With a strategic vision to reset the economy, the government is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth, underpinned by fiscal discipline, investment-friendly policies, and a renewed commitment to infrastructure development.

Renewed Leadership You can Trust

H.E. President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated a commitment to accepting responsibility and leading efforts to find lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the country. He has pledged to confront the issues and reset the economy on a trajectory of growth and prosperity.

In his first few months in office, the President has shown a strong commitment to rebuilding the economy by cutting down the size of government, managing public spending more efficiently, and promoting transparency in debt management.

One of the defining features of H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s leadership is his emphasis on consultative and consensus-driven governance. The decision to convene the National Economic Dialogue to engage stakeholders in shaping the country’s economic policies highlights a leadership that values collaboration.

This approach signals to investors that economic decisions will be informed by broad-based stakeholder input. The renewed fight against corruption demonstrated in efforts to investigate and recover misapplied public funds, along with reforms in public procurement and state asset disposal, demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

This commitment to ethical governance indicates that Ghana’s business environment will be governed by fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.

Resetting the Fundamentals of the Economy

H.E. President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is showing leadership in tackling the economic crisis by running a lean government, cutting wasteful spending, and reducing the budget deficit. Ghana is addressing its unsustainable debt burden through prudent restructuring and repayment measures to restore investor confidence.

Key steps include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) to restructure external debt, rebuilding Sinking Funds, lowering treasury bill rates, and enhancing debt repayment transparency. Also, the Bank of Ghana plans to introduce a new foreign exchange law to strengthen the banking sector.

Ghana’s financial sector reforms, including the implementation of the Debt Exchange Programme and the Informal Sector Pension Inclusion Initiative, are designed to promote financial stability and increase participation in savings schemes. The establishment of the Women’s Development Bank will provide low-interest loans and tailored financial services to support women-led businesses.

The Adwumawura Programme will create, track, and mentor businesses annually, with a special focus on youth entrepreneurship. The government also plans to streamline taxes, widen the tax net, and reform tax waivers to boost revenue, promote business growth, and support economic recovery.

Strategic Policies to Attract and Sustain Investments Across Key Sectors

The 24-hour economy strategy proposed by H.E John Dramani Mahama is a deliberate policy intervention aimed at encouraging businesses and companies in Ghana to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The initiative seeks to create sustainable jobs, boost productivity, and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses.

It is anchored on the broader vision of transforming Ghana into an import substitution and export-led economy, with a focus on modernizing agriculture, promoting agro-processing, and supporting the private sector. The policy targets key industries such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, construction, digital startups, financial services, and select public institutions like ports, customs, and the passport office.

The 24-hour economy presents significant benefits for both local and foreign investors. Participating businesses will enjoy tax incentives to lower operational costs, along with access to cheaper and more reliable electricity through a Time of Use (TOU) tariff system, which offers reduced rates during off-peak hours. Also, the government will provide financing support to strategic agro-processing and manufacturing companies to boost production capacity for import substitution and exports.

The policy also prioritizes security improvements and infrastructure development in commercial districts to create a safe and conducive environment for round-the-clock business operations. The GIPC Act, 2012 (Act 865) will be amended to introduce strategic incentives designed to attract and support investors seeking to leverage opportunities under the 24-hour economy initiative.

Another important aspect of Ghana’s strategy of attracting foreign investments is the government’s Policy on Economic Diplomacy. The government has outlined a new blueprint within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote economic diplomacy, with a primary focus on export diversification, foreign investment, and job creation. As part of this, Passport application centres will be expanded nationwide to reduce processing times to 7 days, in alignment with the vision of the 24-hour economy.

Ghana is taking bold steps to attract investments across key sectors by creating a more business-friendly environment and unlocking new opportunities. The US$10 billion ‘Big Push’ infrastructure programme is set to transform the country’s roads, railways, and energy systems.

In the energy sector, the government is introducing reforms such as the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund to promote solar power and electric vehicle infrastructure, while efforts to achieve 100% gas utilization for power generation create new opportunities for clean energy investors. Within the petroleum and mining sectors, the government is engaging investors to revitalize upstream oil production, and is introducing the Gold Board to regulate small and medium-scale mining. These policies, coupled with a renewed focus on public-private partnerships and regional trade under Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are positioning Ghana as an attractive destination for long-term investment.

The government is promoting agricultural growth through targeted initiatives like the Feed Ghana Programme, Grains Development Project, Nkoko Nkitinkiti Project, AgriNext Programme, and Livestock Development Project to boost local agricultural production and reduce imports. It plans to set up Farmer Service Centres in every district and encourage investment in fish processing to create jobs and enhance exports.

The digital economy and the tourism sectors are also key priority areas for the government. Key initiatives to be implemented in these areas include the One Million Coders Programme, the upgrade of the Kofi Annan Centre, the Black Star Experience, Accra Marine Drive project, the transformation of Osu Castle, and the focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism business events and international conferences.

If you do not invest in Ghana, you will be missing a big opportunity.

Ghana is indeed open for business, and President Mahama has pledged to create a new dawn of investment opportunities for both local and international investors. The government recognizes the private sector as the driving force of Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term growth. It is thus committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive.

In addition, H.E John Dramani Mahama has expressed a strong political will to implement bold and necessary reforms proposed by stakeholders including the private sector aimed at resetting Ghana’s economy and driving long-term stability.

Ghana maintains a stable and predictable political climate, demonstrated by peaceful elections and smooth transitions of power. This makes it an attractive destination in Africa for investors. Moreover, Ghana’s investment regulations offer adequate protection for investors and their investments. It also gives investors access to the wider African market through the AfCFTA. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is ever ready to assist local and foreign investors to leverage all the opportunities available to them in the country, especially those presented by the 24-hour economy.

Conclusion

Ghana’s renewed commitment to economic transformation creates an attractive environment for business and investment. The government’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and prudent economic management lays the foundation for a stable and predictable investment climate. H.E John Dramani Mahama’s message is clear: Ghana is ready to welcome investors-both foreign and local- with open arms. The ongoing reforms, and strategic policies provide fertile ground for businesses seeking to tap into one of West Africa’s most promising markets. With a government focused on resetting the economy and fostering inclusive growth, Ghana presents great prospects for investors seeking profitable destinations in Africa.

Ghana is Open for Business—come and be part of the transformation.

By Simon Madjie, Acting CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)

A Life of Service: Lordina Mahama’s Early Years and Rise to Prominence

Born on March 6, 1963, in the Northern Region of Ghana(Tamale), Mrs. Lordina Mahama grew up with a deep-seated commitment to helping others. Her life journey took her from a modest background to becoming one of the most influential women in Ghanaian history. She earned a degree in Hospitality Management, an advanced diploma in Strategic Planning and Project Management, Masters in Leadership and governance, Masters of Law (International bussiness Law) and Honoury Doctorate, equipping her with the skills to spearhead various initiatives with professionalism and purpose.

Her role as First Lady afforded her a unique platform to promote causes close to her heart, particularly in healthcare and women’s rights. However, her dedication to service was not confined to her position. Throughout her husband’s presidency, Mrs. Mahama used her visibility to shed light on critical issues affecting women and children, such as maternal and neonatal health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and poverty alleviation.

The Legacy of the Lordina Foundation: A Focus on Maternal and Neonatal Health

Mrs. Mahama’s most enduring legacy is arguably her tireless work in the realm of maternal and neonatal health through the Lordina Foundation. Established during her time as First Lady, the foundation continues to operate with an unwavering focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and access for women, particularly in rural areas of Ghana.

The foundation has made significant strides in the construction and renovation of maternal and neonatal health facilities across the country. Under her leadership, the Lordina Foundation donated critical medical supplies, equipment, and infrastructure to hospitals and clinics. One of its hallmark projects was the upgrading of several regional and district hospitals with maternal and neonatal units. These initiatives addressed the pressing issue of maternal mortality, a challenge that Ghana and many African countries still grapple with.

Mrs. Mahama’s vision for maternal health infrastructure has been deeply aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” with a particular emphasis on reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal and child healthcare services. Through her foundation’s initiatives, Mrs. Mahama has contributed to advancing this global goal by providing facilities that not only save lives but also give women and their newborns a chance at healthier futures.

Achievements in Maternal Health and Advocacy

One of Mrs. Mahama’s crowning achievements during her tenure as First Lady was her role in promoting access to safe motherhood initiatives. In collaboration with various international organizations and local health agencies, the Lordina Foundation played an instrumental role in providing antenatal care services, postnatal support, and family planning resources to underserved communities. Her work had a profound impact on improving maternal health outcomes, particularly in regions with high rates of maternal and child mortality.

Her efforts extended beyond Ghana’s borders as she advocated for maternal health improvements across West Africa. As a member of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Mrs. Mahama actively campaigned for increased investment in maternal and neonatal healthcare across the continent. Through OAFLAD, she worked with other African First Ladies to push for policy reforms and infrastructure investments that would improve healthcare for millions of women.

Continuing the Fight: The Lordina Mahama Foundation Post-First Ladyship

Despite leaving office in 2017, Mrs. Mahama has continued her philanthropic work with the same vigor and commitment. The Lordina Mahama Foundation remains a beacon of hope, extending its reach to new areas of need. The foundation’s ongoing support for hospitals, provision of medical supplies, and training of healthcare professionals has helped bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access.

A significant ongoing project of the foundation is the development of modern maternity and child health facilities in rural districts, which are often the most neglected areas in terms of healthcare services. By focusing on these communities, Mrs. Mahama’s foundation ensures that even the most marginalized populations receive quality healthcare.

Her foundation has also partnered with international organizations to expand its scope of work, particularly in areas such as cancer screening, HIV/AIDS education, and reproductive health. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the foundation addresses a range of health issues that disproportionately affect women and children.

Aligning with Global Goals: A Vision for the Future

Mrs. Mahama’s work on maternal and neonatal health aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Her initiatives not only aim to reduce maternal mortality but also empower women by ensuring that they have access to the healthcare services necessary for safe pregnancies and childbirth.

Looking to the future, Mrs. Mahama’s foundation is well-positioned to be a leading force in the fight against maternal mortality, not only in Ghana but across Africa. As the foundation continues to grow, there is immense potential for it to expand its reach, offering more comprehensive healthcare services and playing a pivotal role in the policy-making process at both the national and continental levels.

One possible trajectory for the foundation could be to become a pan-African leader in maternal health advocacy, partnering with governments and international organizations to implement wide-scale healthcare reforms. With Mrs. Mahama’s proven leadership and commitment, the Lordina Mahama Foundation could spearhead initiatives that address critical challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient healthcare personnel, and limited access to essential medical services.

A Broader Vision for Africa

Mrs. Mahama’s impact on maternal health is not just a Ghanaian story; it is part of a larger African narrative where the health of mothers and children is seen as a cornerstone for sustainable development. As the continent continues to face health crises exacerbated by poverty, inequality, and limited healthcare infrastructure, organizations like the Lordina Mahama Foundation will play a crucial role in bridging gaps.

With the right partnerships, funding, and continued leadership, the foundation could help create a future where no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications, and where every child has a healthy start in life. Mrs. Mahama’s vision, which is firmly rooted in compassion and community service, can serve as a blueprint for tackling maternal health challenges across Africa.

Conclusion
Mrs. Lordina Mahama’s legacy as Ghana’s former First Lady extends far beyond her time in office. Through the Lordina Mahama Foundation, she continues to champion the cause of maternal and neonatal health, saving lives and improving healthcare systems in the process. Her work is a testament to the power of leadership that is driven by compassion and purpose. As Ghana and Africa continue to face health challenges, Mrs. Mahama’s foundation stands as a shining example of how grassroots initiatives can align with global goals to create lasting, meaningful change.

In the years to come, Mrs. Mahama’s foundation is likely to remain a formidable force in the fight to ensure that no mother or child is left behind, reinforcing her legacy as one of Africa’s most impactful women leaders.

By Salis Alhassan

This development follows a meeting last week where investors agreed to an early repayment arrangement.

The move comes just two months after ESLA revealed that around 90% of non-sovereign bondholders had submitted their bonds for tender under the domestic debt exchange program.

However, Citi Business News understands that some creditors remain uneasy, given the upcoming general elections on December 7.

The current government is under pressure to settle these obligations before its mandate ends on January 7.

It’s worth noting that these buybacks will be made at par value, with no interest payments included.

ESLA PLC currently has an outstanding bond liability of 6.4 billion cedis. Originally, these bonds carried coupon rates between 19.5% and 20.5%.

However, under the debt restructuring program last year, these were slashed to rates between 8.35% and 15%, with maturities extended to between 2027 and 2038.

Ghana initiated its debt restructuring program in December 2022 as part of efforts to secure an IMF bailout, after its ballooning debt became unsustainable.

On December 7, Ghana will elect a new government—a historic step as we enter the second quarter of the 21^st Century facing both immense challenges and boundless opportunities on our journey toward. As we look towards the next twenty-five years, the question looms: What will it take for us to achieve a prosperous and equitable society. The answer lies in an old African proverb that speaks to the three guiding principles we need: courage, sense and insight.

First, we need courage to inspire leadership that will govern selflessly, safeguard our democracy and implement sound policies.

We need the sense to understand the global landscape and the shifting economic dynamics of today’s world, such as the outcomes of the recent US elections and how they will affect Ghana and African countries in general.

Finally, we need insight from our past experiences to shape our future—understanding what policies and strategies have worked and learning from those that have not. As another African proverb that I have often quoted reminds us: If you know the beginning well, the end shall not trouble you.

Over the past few years, through the Compact for Ghana’s Political and Economic Transformation, I have led a broad initiative aimed at analyzing Ghana’s political and economic development over the past three decades of the Fourth Republic. The process has yielded valuable insights that will guide us moving forward.

Ghana’s Political Landscape and History of Stability

Our history of peaceful transfers of power between the two dominant political parties has positioned Ghana as beacon of democracy in Africa. These achievements reflect our commitment to stability and civil engagement.

Yet, despite these democratic credentials and our international acclaim as one of Africa’s success stories, we still face significant challenges. Political polarization often places party interests over national ones, and we struggle to effectively convert our abundant natural and human resources into the economic and social well-being of our people. Our youth remain disengaged and underemployed while our economy is marred by huge budget deficits, excessive borrowing and currency instability.

A Citizens Driven Approach

From developing technical papers by leading policy institutes to building robust partnerships and engaging citizens, the Ghana Compact process has been citizen driven and has crystalized a vision for the future we want for our dear nation.

Our consultations culminated in a Citizens’ Convention held in June 2024, where over 500 participants, representing key stakeholder groups, came together to craft a shared vision. From this emerged a Citizens Declaration of a Social Contract—a blueprint outlining our collective aspirations, responsibilities, and goals for 2050.

For the government, the Social Contract calls for fiscal discipline, a focus on long-term planning rather than changing course every four to eight years and prioritizing the well-being of people over politics.

For citizens, it emphasizes the need to hold government to account for progress and recommit us to the values and ethics of hard work, service, and patriotism that must define our country.

The Fierce Urgency of Now

Building a Ghana that all of us can be proud of requires the commitment of all Ghanaians, regardless of background, religion, political party affiliation, age, or gender. We must unite around a common roadmap that will allow us to realize our collective vision for our nation, and work with fierce urgency. The time to act is now.

We must therefore urge the newly elected President to convene a National Convention within the first few months of taking office. This gathering should bring together young leaders, representatives from all political parties, traditional authorities, religious figures, civil society, and stakeholders from the Citizens Convention. The central purpose of the National Convention will be to establish a lasting consensus on the Future We Want and formally endorse the Citizens’ Declaration of a Social Contract.

In short, this convention or “Indaba” will foster unity after the elections and create the collective ownership of Ghana’s future that is needed to tackle the urgent and pressing economic challenges facing the nation. The objectives of the National Convention will include:

• Alignment of Policy: Ensuring consistency and alignment of the key policy actions and promises of the political party manifesto of the new government with the goals and targets of the Citizens’ Convention Social Contract Declaration, considering what Tony Blair recently said about a party’s manifesto: it is a guide to winning but rarely prioritize with the rigor necessary for
• Good Governance: Adopting a code of good governance to address the pervasive corruption, inefficient public administration, and inadequate regulatory frameworks—all of which collectively erode public trust and impede effective
• Political Party and Campaign Financing: Reaching consensus on the main elements of robust campaign and political party financing as a precondition to tackling the existential threat of galamsey or illegal mining and related procurement and public financing challenges.
• Decentralization: Supporting the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Consultative Committee, including decentralization of functions and resources to the district and community
• Fiscal Discipline: Maximizing fiscal flows while maintaining fiscal discipline to facilitate economic transformation by accessing the right mix of external finance from international finance institutions and the private
• Civic Education: Promoting a mindset shift that emphasizing patriotism, hard work, integrity and honesty, supported by robust funding for the National Center for Civics Education
• Accountability Mechanism: Establishing an accountability mechanism to ensure that the Social Contract evolves to meet the needs of all Ghanaians, including a public online dashboard to track development progress through 2050, with a key role for citizens and civil

A Call to Action

Through this National Convention, we will send a powerful message of unity, resolve, and commitment to a prosperous, peaceful future. It will be a first step in strengthening the culture of dialogue between citizens and the authorities. Because democracy is more than voting every four years. The Ghana Compact will allow citizens to remain engaged and ensure that the next government and subsequent ones stay focused on our collective goals.

The challenges we face may seem daunting, but I believe that if we embrace this vision and prioritize our national interests, we can transform our nation. A brighter future is within our reach, for ourselves and for most importantly for the generations to come. Together we can demonstrate that even in turbulent times democracy is worth the fight—and a that a social contract allowing citizens to engage in the future we deserve is worth the effort.

The time for change is now. Let us embrace it with courage, sense and insight.

Dr. K.Y. Amoako

Convenor, Ghana Compact.

For the past fifty years, K.Y. Amoako has spearheaded many of the issues and policies central to Africa’s development. A pioneer and passionate advocate for African transformation, he has worked alongside African leaders and some of the world’s most prominent development specialists to tackle many of the most pressing African and global development issues. Previously, Amoako served as Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa at the rank of UN Undersecretary General. Before then he was a senior official at the World Bank.