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The World Bank has committed to providing assistance to enhance Ghana’s initiatives in renewable energy and flood management.

The World Bank has pledged to support Ghana in increasing access to renewable energy. It focuses on delivering accessible and low-emission electricity. It also aims to supply reliable and affordable electricity to businesses and individuals. The Bank has also committed to supporting initiatives aimed at addressing perennial flooding in the country. Its plans include improving infrastructure to enhance flood resilience.

Mr. Wencai Zhang is the World Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer (MDCAO). He gave these assurances over the weekend. This was during a visit to several World Bank-supported projects in Ghana.

As part of his tour, Mr. Zhang visited Africa’s largest single solar rooftop project, commissioned in July 2024. Located within the Tema Free Zone, the 16.82-megawatt installation provides a cleaner and more cost-effective energy source for businesses. He also inspected drainage works and large-scale flood management infrastructure under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project. This includes upgrades to the lower Odaw channel and Korle Lagoon. The upgrades have three primary goals. They aim to reduce flood risk. They focus on improving solid waste management. They aim to enhance access to basic services in communities within the Odaw River Basin.

Mr. Zhang concluded his visit at the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial and Mausoleum Park. This is a flagship site completed under the World Bank-funded Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP).

Speaking with management of LMI Holdings, the developers of the solar rooftop project, Mr. Zhang emphasized the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting sustainable and resilient infrastructure that generates both social and economic benefits.He expressed confidence that the 16.82MW solar project would significantly lower energy costs, enhance efficiency in the energy sector, and contribute to reducing emissions.

“Looking ahead, we are working on new projects to support the government’s industrialisation drive and expand renewable energy development in Ghana. These initiatives will take our cooperation to a new level…We will not only provide financing but also share global best practices on how other countries are reforming their energy sectors to develop renewable sources like rooftop solar,” he added.” Mr. Zhang stated

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, lauded the World Bank for its support. He affirmed the government’s commitment to integrating more solar energy into the national grid. He encouraged LMI Holdings to take interest in future projects. He urged them to offer competitive pricing. Ghana is preparing to launch an all-in-one solar system for streetlights.

‘Where are these weapons coming from?’ – The minority calls for measures as advanced weaponry inundates Bawku.

The Opposition Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee expressed concern over the escalating dispute in Bawku. They labelled it as a humanitarian crisis. They also see it as a threat to national security.

During his appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, 14th April, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour brought attention to using advanced weapons in the conflict zone. He warned that this could lead to a dangerous escalation. It could possibly spiral out of control if swift action is not taken.

According to him, the situation in Bawku has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis. The death toll continues to climb, causing fear among the residents. As a result, children cannot attend school, and essential services such as education and healthcare are affected. Teachers, doctors, and nurses are refusing to work in Bawku.

“What the Minority is calling for is calm. First, we extend our condolences to the bereaved families, sympathies to the injured, and to those who have lost property…But more importantly, we say Bawku deserves peace, and for that to happen, all feuding factions must exercise absolute restraint”.

Although ethnic divides have historically fueled the Bawku conflict, Rev. Ntim Fordjour cautioned that its present path is much more concerning.

According to him, a concerning change has emerged. Not all attacks are now confined to the feuding factions alone. Instead, civilians and security forces are also caught in a dangerous standoff.

If the disagreement escalates to confrontations, it will involve officers tasked with safeguarding the public. It will also involve the citizens they are meant to preserve. In that case, we will enter bleak territory.

The Ranking Member’s most concerning disclosure was his depiction of the armaments’ magnitude and complexity. They were used in the war.

Rev. Fordjour expressed deep concern over the weapons available to those involved in the conflict zone, explicitly referring to their people.

The danger posed by the presence of these weapons has led to an increase in confrontations with law enforcement. Regardless of their source, the government must immediately prevent their circulation.

Rev. Fordjour urged swift and organised action to confront the origin of these armaments.

“This is no longer about machetes or homemade rifles. We’re talking about high-grade military-style arms being used in a domestic conflict. Such weaponry emboldens the factions and makes peacekeeping difficult for security forces.”

The MP pleaded for political unity and a nonpartisan approach. This responded to the question of what further steps the government should take.

According to him, the government’s initial priority should be to remove politics from this conflict. “One of the first things the government must do is to depoliticise this conflict. Every political actor must remove the undertones and underpinnings of politics from this. This is not the time for political point scoring,” he said.

He denounced the current practice of exploiting the conflict for political gain.

“We’ve heard the dangerous rhetoric, comments like ‘when a certain party is in power, Bawku is peaceful; when another is in power, the conflict escalates.’ This kind of narrative only serves to inflame tensions. We need to rise above it.”

Rev. Fordjour backed the mediation process led by Otumfuo, deeming it necessary to address the dispute’s traditional origins.

He maintained that any peace initiative would fail. This would happen unless swift measures were taken. It is crucial to disarm factions and restrict access to weapons.

“We are supporting the government in this. This is a nationalistic effort. But the government must step up more. We cannot pretend that this is business as usual. The kind of arms being used in Bawku right now are not the kind you find in regular criminal activity. This is organised, dangerous, and must be dealt with now.”

The government is determined to complete the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road – Roads Minister assures

Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza is the Minister of Roads and Highways. He has assured the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region. The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road will be complete.

Kwame-Governs-Agbodza—Minister-of-Roads-and-Highways

Speaking during a working visit to the project site in Bolgatanga, the Minister reiterated the current government’s commitment. The government aims to secure sustainable funding to complete the project. This completion would bring relief to the residents and boost business.

“We are all familiar with the history of this project; it is one of the unfortunate things,” Mr Agbodza said.

This project started under the Roads Fund. However, the scope quickly changed. This made it difficult to fund under the Roads Fund. As a result, funding was changed to a Commercial Facility. Parliament approved this change. Unfortunately, that was what we were doing before the debt issue happened.

He said the government had prioritised the project as one of its critical roads. It would receive serious attention. The Ministry of Finance was working to secure funds for work to resume in earnest.

“The Finance Minister has been working together with all concerned in terms of our debt restructuring, and so we are waiting for the directions of the Finance Minister on this project so we can get funds to complete it”, he said.

The Minister informed the project contractors that the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road held significant importance to the government. He added, “That is why the government has been trying to do it since 2016 or even earlier. We can only encourage you to continue with what you are doing while the issue of the financing is concluded.”

Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, said the Roads Minister’s visit demonstrated the government’s commitment. They are serious about the roads and development of the region.

Donatus-Akamugri-Atanga – Upper East Regional Minister

The Regional Minister pointed out that the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road was an international road. He described it as “the heartbeat” of the region. This road connected the country to the Sahelian region. The Minister urged the Roads Minister not to disappoint the residents.

“This road links to the Eastern Corridor Road and it makes the road infrastructure complete if this road is done but if the government completes the Eastern Corridor Road without this project, it is still incomplete.” He stressed.

Mr Akamugri noted that there was a lot of investment potential in the region. He expressed confidence that the Bawku conflict would be resolved soon. When the road is completed, it will boost business and the local economy.

“We want to urge the Roads and Finance Ministers to expedite action on the project. I will also follow up with my Members of Parliament to mount pressure on the Finance and Roads Ministers to ensure that they do the needful for the people of Upper East Region”, he said.

The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road project began in the latter part of 2016. It was expected to be completed in two and a half years.However, the contractors left the site with their equipment for about a year due to the non-payment of arrears.

The preliminary contract sum for the project was GH¢613 million, but it was later revised to 127 million Euros.

The project was awarded to two construction firms: Mawums Construction Limited, a Ghanaian company, and Queiroz Galvao, a Brazilian company.

Upon the new government’s assumption of office in 2017, the project was repackaged and rewarded to the same companies.
The work on the project had stalled since the beginning of 2023, when this report was filed.

The 117-kilometre road passes through six political districts of the Upper East Region. These are Bolgatanga Municipal, Bolgatanga East District, Nabdam District, Bawku West District, Binduri District, Bawku Municipal, and Pusiga District.

The international road links Ghana to neighbouring countries. These include Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Niger. The road’s completion is expected to boost internal trade. It will also enhance global trade.

Mr Agbodza inspected the Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road. He was accompanied by his deputy, Mr Alhassan Suhuyini. The construction had also stalled.

Four key interventions under Feed Ghana Programme announced.

The effectiveness of the Feed Ghana Programme relies heavily on its efficient execution. This is according to Edward Kareweh, the previous General Secretary of GAWU.

The initiative aims to aid 50 farmers this year. They will rear four million birds as part of the ‘Nkukoko Nkitikiti’ project. This project aims to produce 10,000 metric tons of chicken.

In an interview with Citi News, Edward Kareweh emphasised the need to engage relevant parties to guarantee the program’s success.

According to the speaker, management is a significant issue in our country. The success of the poultry industry depends on your abilities as a manager. You must ensure that all resources allocated for this purpose are utilised properly. Aim for optimal results.

On April 12, President John Dramani Mahama announced the key measures of the recently launched ‘Feed Ghana Programme’. This flagship initiative aims to modernise agriculture, enhance food security, and contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.

According to him, the initiative is a vital part of his larger Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). This agenda aims to generate employment. It also seeks to curb food inflation and enhance livelihoods through sustainable agricultural methods.

Four key interventions were revealed as part of the programme:

Promotion of Smart Agriculture: Mahama said the government would establish Farmer Service Centers nationwide. These centres will provide mechanisation services, quality inputs, financing, market access, primary processing, and training for farmers.

The programme will create “farm banks” or land banks in designated irrigable zones. This initiative aims to support young agricultural entrepreneurs. It will also boost national food production.

Grains and Legumes Development Project: The second intervention focuses on scaling up the production of maise, rice, soybean, and sorghum. These crops will be cultivated for local consumption, agro-processing, and export.

Special emphasis will be placed on sorghum due to its potential as a raw material for the brewing industry. The project will also support the feed industry, essential to poultry and livestock production.

Vegetable Development Project—’Yiridya’: To reduce vegetable imports from neighboring countries, the programme will promote controlled-environment farming. It will use greenhouse technology as well as urban and peri-urban agriculture.

Mahama encouraged schools and households to establish vegetable gardens to grow tomatoes, onions, garden eggs, okra, and peppers. He recalled the success of past initiatives such as “Operation Feed Yourself.” He highlighted how backyard gardens once played a key role in household food security.

“We will encourage community gardens to enhance nutrition and household incomes,” he said.

Institutional Farming: The final component aims to engage schools, especially senior high schools, with available crop and livestock farming land. The goal is to improve the quality of meals served to students and reduce food costs.

Institutions will be supported in raising goats, sheep, and cattle to supplement the School Feeding Programme. Mahama added that the initiative will help students view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career.

President Mahama emphasised that these interventions will revitalise the agricultural sector. They will enhance self-reliance. They will also position Ghana as a key player in regional food markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The triumphant realisation of Feed Ghana relies heavily on efficient management, as emphasised by Edward Kareweh.

Edward Kareweh was the previous General Secretary of GAWU. He stated that the effectiveness of the Feed Ghana Programme relies heavily on efficient execution.

The initiative aims to aid 50 farmers this year. They will rear four million birds as part of the ‘Nkukoko Nkitikiti’ project. This will produce 10,000 metric tons of chicken.

In an interview with Citi News, Edward Kareweh emphasised the need to engage relevant parties to guarantee the program’s success.

According to the speaker, management is a significant issue in our country. The success of the poultry industry hinges on your abilities as a manager. It is your responsibility to ensure that all resources allocated for this purpose are utilised properly. You must achieve optimal results with these resources.

According to him, the initiative is a vital part of his larger Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). Its goals include generating employment, curbing food inflation, and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable agricultural methods.

Four key interventions were revealed as part of the programme:

Promotion of Smart Agriculture: Mahama said the government would establish Farmer Service Centers nationwide. These centres will provide mechanisation services, quality inputs, financing, market access, primary processing, and training for farmers.

Additionally, the programme will create “farm banks” or land banks in designated irrigable zones. This initiative aims to support young agricultural entrepreneurs. It will also boost national food production.

Grains and Legumes Development Project: The second intervention focuses on scaling up the production of maise, rice, soybean, and sorghum. These crops will be cultivated for local consumption, agro-processing, and export.

Vegetable Development Project—’Yiridya’: The programme aims to reduce vegetable imports from neighboring countries. It will promote controlled-environment farming using greenhouse technology. Additionally, it will support urban and peri-urban agriculture.

Mahama encouraged schools and households to establish vegetable gardens to grow tomatoes, onions, garden eggs, okra, and peppers. He recalled the success of past initiatives. “Operation Feed Yourself” was one such initiative. It highlighted how backyard gardens once played a key role in household food security.

“We will encourage community gardens to enhance nutrition and household incomes,” he said.

Institutional Farming: The final component aims to engage schools, especially senior high schools, with available crop and livestock farming land. The goal is to improve the quality of meals served to students and reduce food costs.

President Mahama emphasised that these interventions will revitalise the agricultural sector. They will enhance self-reliance. They will position Ghana as a key player in regional food markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Seven arraigned for polluting Black Volta in Upper West

Seven individuals are accused of participating in illegal mining operations, also known as galamsey. They have been brought before the court. They allegedly caused pollution in the Black Volta.

The Upper West Region’s Principal State Attorney, Mr Saeed Abdul Shakur, has verified a detainment. Seven individuals were detained for unlawful mining along the Black Volta River. They have been brought before the Wa District Court. This is to assist with ongoing investigations.

Principal-State-Attorney-(UWR)—Saeed-Abdul-Shakur

The Regional Police Command apprehended seven individuals on April 10, 2025. They were involved in unlawful mining operations in the Chiantanga community near Dorimon. This action followed a prosperous operation.

Mr Abdul Shakur announced that seven individuals were arraigned before the district court on Sunday, April 13. The group consisted of 5 males and two females. The purpose was to aid police investigations and place them in lawful custody.

Sabugu Razak, Ibrahim Zuberu, Alex Amedzake, John Cobblah, Promise Dufe, Angelina Akpese, and Rebecca Tumawu were among those detained.

In addition, authorities confiscated various items from the raid. These items included ten Changfang mining machines. They also confiscated two PNE and Apsonic tricycles without registration. A motorbike with the registered plate M-24-NR 6010 and another with M-23-UW 4413 were taken. Authorities also seized two unregistered Haojue and Apsonic motorbikes. Six student mattresses, suspected to have been utilized by the miners on the premises, were also confiscated.

The suspects are currently being held by police and cooperating with investigations. According to authorities, they will face legal consequences once the investigations are finished.

According to authorities, the operation is a fresh attempt to crack down on unlawful mining operations in the area. It specifically targets those that pose a danger to significant water sources like the Black Volta.

The Regional Police Command remains dedicated to protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of local communities.

In recent months, inhabitants along the Black Volta have expressed worries over various issues. These issues include pollution and encroachment. They believe unlawful mining activities have caused these problems. These concerns have also been linked to a rise in insecurity and degradation of land in the Wa West District.

Kennedy Agyapong urges for peace amidst strife in Bawku.

Kennedy Agyapong is the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central. He has called for peace. He also urged solidarity amidst the recent outbreaks of violence in Bawku and its neighbouring regions. This unrest has resulted in numerous casualties.

On Sunday, April 13, Mr Agyapong released a statement. He expressed his concern about the increased tensions. These tensions resulted from a violent clash between police and Bawku youth on Thursday, April 10.

According to reports, the disturbance led to injuries. It also caused the reported destruction of the personal home of Mahama Ayariga, a member of parliament for Bawku Central.

The youth were urged to stay composed and reminded that no resentment should result in fatalities or harm to communities.

“I have followed with deep concern the recent escalation of tensions in Bawku and surrounding communities. The recurring violent outbreaks and reprisals rooted in longstanding tribal conflicts, continue to cause pain and instability among our people.

At this critical moment, I call for calm—especially from the youth. No grievance, however deeply felt, justifies the loss of life or the destruction of our communities. Our peaceful coexistence is the foundation of the prosperity and development we seek, without which we cannot build the Ghana we all desire,” he stated.

Additionally, Mr. Agyapong praised President John Dramani Mahama for utilizing the mediation efforts spearheaded by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. This initiative was initially introduced during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He commended this positive display of statesmanship and national unity, demonstrating Ghana’s prioritization of the common good over political affiliations.

He called upon all parties engaged in the dispute to support the Otumfuo-led committee in its endeavour to reinstate harmony. He stressed that the nation’s unification and advancement hinge on stability throughout its regions.

Mr. Agyapong states, “When there is peace in Bawku, there is peace in Ghana. No part of this country can prosper while another is in pain. Ghana must move forward together. “

Read below the complete statement by Kennedy Agyapong.

“I have followed with deep concern the recent escalation of tensions in Bawku and surrounding communities. The recurring violent outbreaks and reprisals rooted in longstanding tribal conflicts continue to cause pain and instability among our people.

Restorative justice key to Bawku peace – Inusah Fuseini

Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Inusah Fuseini has commented on the longstanding Bawku conflict. He urged stakeholders to embrace the realities of modern-day Ghana. They should pursue restorative justice as a pathway to lasting peace.

According to him, demographic shifts and historical injustices must be acknowledged and addressed if genuine reconciliation is to be achieved.

Fuseini emphasised that the focus should now be on finding a sustainable and just resolution. This resolution should reflect current realities. It is important to avoid clinging to outdated power structures.

“A lot of things have happened. The Kusasis have grown big, and in Bawku, they have outnumbered the Mumprusis by far. Even as Ghanaians, when we were under British rule, a time came and we said enough is enough. There can only be one solution to this problem, which is a realisation of the realities of modern-day Ghana and restorative justice. That is what the Otumfuo should be looking at,” he stated.

He also urged the Mamprusi community to think about the concessions they might consider. These concessions should be in light of the changes.

“What is it that the Mamprusis will accept in place of Bawku. Because for a long time they were keeping the reins, and they are going to lose out. So, what will they accept to let go,” he added.

On April 11, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno made a passionate appeal. He asked the youth of Bawku to cease hostilities and embrace peace.

As an incentive, he announced plans to prioritise the youth of Bawku in the upcoming police recruitment.

Who is Inusah Fuseini?

Inusah Abdulai Bistav Fuseini is a prominent Ghanaian lawyer and politician born on January 23, 1962, in Tishiegu-Tamale, Northern Region. He began his education at Bagabaga Training College, now Bagabaga College of Education. Later, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law from the University of Ghana. Before entering politics, Fuseini was a Senior Associate with the Law Trust Company in Accra. His political career began in 2006. He won a by-election for the Tamale Central parliamentary seat. He retained his seat in subsequent elections until 2021. He is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and held various ministerial positions during his tenure. These roles included serving as Deputy Minister for Energy from 2009 to 2012. He was also Minister for Lands and Natural Resources between 2012 and 2013. Finally, he served as Minister for Roads and Highways from 2013 to 2017. Fuseini contributed significantly to Ghana’s energy, infrastructure, and land resource management sectors throughout his career. He is married to Abiba Fuseini, with whom he has four children, and practices Islam. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Ghana’s political and infrastructural landscape.

Remain vigilant Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service

Currently, the Northern Region only has one patient with meningitis at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. This is a notable improvement from previous years. The hot season typically sees a spike in cases.

During the five months from November 2024 to March 2025, the Northern Region documented eight incidences of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). Fortunately, there were no reported deaths.

Of the eight cases, one patient—a nine-month-old child—is still hospitalized at TTH. The other seven have already been treated and discharged.

The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service visited on April 9. It was reported that only seven out of 16 districts in the region had reported cases of meningitis. This is a notable improvement from previous years.

During the presentation, Dr Hilarious Abiwu, Deputy Director of Public Health at the Regional Health Directorate, reassured everyone. He said there is no need to worry about the current situation.

“As far as meningitis is concerned for the northern region, the picture we are seeing for the three or four years now doesn’t give us any cause for concern, but it doesn’t mean we should be complacent. We are increasingly seeing declining numbers of even suspected cases of meningitis in the region. If you look at 2024, for instance, we recorded about 12 cases the whole year. So, technically, on the average, every month, we had one person developing meningitis, and even with these people, we haven’t lost any life, they were all treated and discharged.”

According to him, one significant gap that requires urgent attention is the withdrawal of support from USAID.

“We’re not working in a vacuum, and we need to work with other agencies to achieve results, and all this requires financial resources. But we don’t have a dedicated funding source. Some of this funding was coming from USAID, and this has gone off the radar for now, and so we have to figure out how to fill that gap.”

Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, spoke during an interview with Channel One TV. He emphasized the need to remain vigilant towards meningitis. This was urged despite a decrease in reported cases. He urged Ghanaians to remain aware and cautious as the illness remains a potential threat in certain regions.

“We’ve been following the incidence of meningitis in the country and visited all the regions within the meningitis belt, and we believe that it is not over, and we don’t want people to start thinking it is over. We need to create more awareness so people don’t lose sight of taking precautions.”

According to Dr Abiwu, prompt medical intervention upon the onset of meningitis symptoms dramatically increases the likelihood of successful recovery.

The Director-General met with District Directors of Health Services and Medical Superintendents during his visit. He also stopped at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). His aim was to develop stronger partnerships with healthcare professionals. This would improve healthcare delivery in the Northern Region.