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World Vision Launches THRIVE 2030 Project to Support Over 800,000 Farmers in Ghana

World Vision International has launched the THRIVE 2030 Project, a bold initiative aimed at enhancing household resilience and transforming the livelihoods of over 800,000 farmers across Ghana.

The launch followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with six key partners: Fairtrade Ghana, Esoko, PANGEA Africa, Vision Fund Ghana, Ghana Commodity Exchange, and Farm Concern International.

The project targets vulnerable farming communities and is built around four key pillars: mindset transformation, financial empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and access to capital.

Justice Tsegah, who leads the project, said it begins with shifting mindsets through the use of the Empowered Worldview Curriculum. This approach enables farmers to identify their needs and develop household business plans as a pathway out of poverty.

The second phase introduces a savings model called “Savings for Transformation,” where community groups pool funds every week and access small loans to start or expand their businesses.

Farmers are then trained to adopt inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices and learn how to tap into market value chains.

The final stage involves injecting capital through VisionFund Ghana, the microfinance arm of World Vision. The goal is to help savings groups grow by offering financial support matched to their business activities.

Tsegah noted that digital tools will replace manual systems. A mobile app will allow members of savings groups to track their finances and ensure greater transparency.

Frank Alornu, CEO of VisionFund Ghana, said loans will be tailored to each farmer’s business type and size. Financial literacy training will be provided before disbursement, and funding will only be allocated to individuals already engaged in viable economic activities.

Esoko CEO Solomon T. Mensah said his organisation will provide farmers with real-time market information through the Digimart platform. This digital support will help boost incomes, especially in the 14 districts targeted by the project.

The THRIVE 2030 Project combines mindset change, finance, market access, and technology to equip Ghanaian farmers with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and build long-term resilience.

Ghana Police Seize Indian Hemp on Volta Lake

Police in the Eastern North Region have intercepted a significant consignment of suspected Indian hemp during a targeted operation on the Volta Lake. The seizure, which occurred near Kwahu Adawso, resulted in the arrest of three suspects.

The suspects — Abraham Agonu, Michael Akuaku, and Confidence Amenuveve — were caught on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, at Asuboni. They were transporting the suspected narcotics across the lake when security forces moved in.

The operation, based on intelligence, uncovered 5,950 parcels of what is believed to be Indian hemp. The leaves, both compressed and uncompressed, were tightly packed in 85 maxi sacks aboard a large engine-powered boat.

Alongside the narcotics, police also retrieved a pump-action shotgun, two outboard motors, and the boat used in the smuggling attempt.

Investigators believe the smuggling was coordinated by a man known only as Felix. He is suspected to have escaped on a separate boat towards the Akate area. A search is underway to track him and other possible accomplices.

The suspects are currently in police custody. They are assisting with ongoing investigations.

Police say this operation forms part of a sustained crackdown on drug trafficking activities along Ghana’s inland waterways. Authorities warn that more operations will follow as efforts intensify to dismantle the networks behind such illicit trade.

Friday, June 6: Declared Public Holiday for Eid-Ul-Adha

The Ministry of the Interior has declared Friday, June 6, 2025, a statutory public holiday to mark Eid-Ul-Adha. The announcement, signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak on Thursday, May 29, follows Ghana’s tradition of recognising major religious festivals as national holidays.

Eid-Ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two most essential celebrations in Islam. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The festival also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

In Ghana, the occasion is observed with prayers at mosques and open grounds, animal sacrifices, and the distribution of meat to family members, neighbours, and the less privileged. The day often includes acts of charity, family visits, and community gatherings.

By declaring the day a holiday, the Ministry aims to give Muslims across the country the opportunity to observe their religious duties without interruption from work or official obligations.

Large gatherings are expected in cities like Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Wa, where religious leaders and government officials often join worshippers. Security and health agencies are also expected to coordinate with community leaders to ensure peaceful and safe celebrations.

Police in Bimbilla Enforce 15% Fare Cut Despite Driver Resistance

Police in Bimbilla have launched an enforcement campaign to ensure drivers comply with the nationwide 15% reduction in transport fares. The move comes amid growing defiance from some commercial drivers who continue to charge old rates.

The fare reduction, announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), aims to cushion commuters following the cedi’s steady appreciation and recent drops in fuel prices.

On May 28, officers led by the Municipal Crime Officer visited major transport terminals in Bimbilla to monitor the situation. The visit followed concerns raised after some drivers openly refused to adjust their fares, citing financial pressures and low profit margins.

Despite the directive, a number of drivers still charge previous rates, while only a few have complied. This ongoing resistance prompted police intervention to protect passengers from unfair pricing.

Authorities have indicated that the enforcement exercise will continue until full compliance is achieved. The operation is part of broader efforts to ensure the benefits of the economic changes reach the commuting public.

Paga Youth Movement cites the best location for airport

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the conversion of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a regional airport. This is the most cost-effective and technically feasible option for the Upper East Region.

At a press conference in Paga on the 28th of May 2025, the group welcomed Mahama’s recent directive for the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach for the airport project. However, they expressed concern that the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip is being overlooked in favour of a proposed site at Anateem, which lies about 15km from Bolgatanga and 30km from the Paga border.

PAYOM argued that public discussions and actions by government officials suggest a preference for the Anateem location, even though there has been no evidence of an official visit to the Paga/Navrongo site. They viewed this as a lack of transparency and fairness, primarily because no comparative assessment of the two locations had been conducted.

The group questioned the logic behind choosing Anateem for its proximity to Burkina Faso when Paga sits directly on the Ghana-Burkina border. In their view, Paga is more strategic for cross-border trade, regional security, and economic growth.

They highlighted the historical relevance of the airstrip, which was constructed in 1939 and completed in 1940 by the colonial administration. It was built for military use and has served Ghana for more than 80 years. Previous studies, including one initiated under former Aviation Minister Joseph Kofi Addah, confirmed that the site is viable for conversion into a domestic airport.

With the government now exploring private sector investment, PAYOM believes that upgrading an existing airstrip will cost less than building a new facility. The group said the Paga/Navrongo site already has key infrastructure in place, making it more attractive to investors.

The youth movement outlined several benefits of developing the Paga/Navrongo airstrip. These include its proximity to Burkina Faso, which could improve trade with neighbouring Sahelian countries. They noted that the airport could also promote tourism, boost local investment, and support national security and emergency response efforts.

Tourist attractions like the Paga Crocodile Pond and Pikworo Slave Camp could become more accessible. PAYOM also believes the airport could enhance regional integration through academic and cultural exchanges with Francophone countries.

The group recalled that in June 2020, ten paramount chiefs from the Kassena-Nankana area petitioned then-President Nana Akufo-Addo to upgrade the airstrip. PAYOM expressed disappointment that current discussions ignore the input of these traditional leaders.

They called on GACL to conduct a side-by-side assessment of the Paga/Navrongo and Anateem sites, promising to support a site visit to ensure objective evaluation. The group also appealed to private investors to consider the cost benefits of upgrading the existing airstrip.

PAYOM insisted that their call was not based on parochial interests but on a desire for fairness and value for money. They criticised the current direction of the project, saying it appears to favour one site without proper justification. The group concluded with a pledge to work with all stakeholders—government, traditional leaders, investors, and the media—to ensure the airport project truly serves the region’s long-term development.

Bolga MCE Hands Over GH¢201,599 Boreholes Amid Concerns from Farmers

Two mechanised boreholes valued at GH¢201,599 have been handed over to Damwoe and Amogrebisi, two farming communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. The projects, executed under phase one of the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion (SOCO) initiative, are expected to support irrigation, particularly during the dry season.

The handover ceremony took place in Bolgatanga. Speaking at the event, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive Roland Atanga Ayoo described the facilities as a significant step toward reducing the burden on farmers who heavily depend on rainfall. He urged young people in the communities to utilise the boreholes to enhance their lives through agriculture.

Mr Ayoo said the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture and support rural farmers. He noted that better yields from irrigation farming would help strengthen the local economy.

However, the MCE raised concerns about the actual capacity of the boreholes. He revealed that the expected output of the system was to irrigate up to 52 hectares, but farmers had reported that the boreholes could not even support two acres. Mr Ayoo expressed frustration over the situation and warned the technical team against overseeing such poor-quality projects in the future.

At Damwoe, he advised the youth not to lose hope despite the setbacks. He emphasised that the current challenges were temporary and that more reliable support would be forthcoming.

In Amogrebisi, Assemblyman Samuel Azure voiced his community’s disappointment. He said the poor performance of the borehole had left many farmers frustrated. According to him, the current system could not even serve three farmers. He called for urgent action to address the problem.

Lantana Osman, Director of Agriculture at the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, also spoke at the event. She acknowledged the project’s shortfalls in execution and assured the farmers that her office would closely monitor future agricultural-related developments. She urged the community to remain calm, pledging that the promised mechanised boreholes would be delivered as soon as possible.

UDS delegation meets Sports Minister after historic football win, receives backing for World Cup in China

A high-powered delegation from the University for Development Studies (UDS) on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to formally inform him of the university’s unprecedented triumph at the 2024 FASU Games in Lagos, Nigeria, where UDS emerged as African football champions, becoming the first Ghanaian University to win that title.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, who led the delegation, disclosed that by virtue of that historic victory, UDS has earned the honour of representing the African continent at the FISU World University Football Cup, scheduled to be held in China in September 2025.

“The purpose of our visit is two-fold,” Prof. Alhassan noted. First, to extend our warm congratulations to you on your appointment as Minister for Sports and Recreation. Second, to share the good news that UDS has lifted the flag of Ghana high in Africa and is now preparing to carry the banner of the entire continent at the global stage.”

Prof. Alhassan reminded the Minister of his deep-rooted ties with UDS, noting his close association with the late former President J.J. Rawlings, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University.

In his response, Hon. Kofi Adams warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition and visit.

“I am truly honoured by your presence,” the Minister said. “Let me congratulate the entire UDS community for this incredible achievement. You have not only made Ghana proud, but you have brought pride to the continent. I am confident you will go even further and make Africa proud in China.”

While acknowledging the financial constraints currently facing the Ministry, including longstanding arrears owed to coaches of the senior national football team, Hon. Adams assured the delegation of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the UDS team.

“We will do our best to support your preparations for the World Cup. I will personally engage corporate Ghana to explore sponsorship opportunities for the team. Government is also putting plans in place to establish a National Sports Fund to cater for such needs in the future,” he stated.

The Minister also revealed plans to liaise with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to create opportunities for UDS to engage in friendly matches as part of their preparation for the global tournament.

Hon. Adams used the occasion to commend the innovative course model adopted by UDS, which blends practical sports training with academic instruction. “UDS is setting the pace,” he said. “Many universities are now following your example, and that’s exactly how we bridge the gap between academia and the world of work.”

He further emphasized the importance of university sports in national development, noting that sports not only foster unity and discipline but also open doors to international exposure and opportunities for students.

The UDS delegation included the University Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, the Director of Sports, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, and key members of the University’s Sports Advisory Committee, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu and Mr. Yussif Abdulai as well as the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen.

The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration between the Ministry and UDS as preparations intensify for the 2025 World University Football Cup.

UDS remains the first Ghanaian university to win the FASU football tournament, and the only institution set to fly Africa’s flag at the upcoming global university football championship.

Story By Abdul Moomen | gbcghanaonline

GAUA-UDS Declares Indefinite Strike Over Allowance Cuts

The University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has declared an indefinite strike effective Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The decision follows a controversial directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to suspend the payment of office-holding allowances to GAUA-UDS members serving in management and leadership roles.

The directive, issued on April 28, 2025, has been met with significant resistance from the association, which views the move as a violation of long-standing service conditions. The GAUA-UDS leadership expressed dismay that the decision was made without any prior consultation or dialogue, describing it as a breach of trust and an affront to the principles of fairness and mutual respect.

According to GAUA-UDS, the directive also contradicts an earlier decision by GTEC itself. In a letter dated September 18, 2023, GTEC approved the recognition of the same headship positions now affected by the allowance withdrawal. The abrupt reversal has left many members frustrated and financially strained.

The association revealed that 108 of its members have been directly impacted by the cut in allowances. Many are said to be facing financial hardship severe enough to threaten their ability to manage daily expenses until the following payday. This has fueled further resentment, with GAUA-UDS describing the move as inconsiderate and detrimental to staff welfare.

In response, the association convened an emergency meeting on May 26, 2025, where members unanimously agreed to withdraw all services and responsibilities. The strike will remain in force until GTEC rescinds its directive, reinstates the withheld allowances, and initiates steps to establish a ministerial committee to develop a standardized framework for the administration of office-holding allowances and other welfare-related issues.

The leadership also warned that the strike would have significant implications for ongoing academic activities at the University of Development Studies (UDS). GAUA-UDS members are responsible for safeguarding and distributing examination booklets as well as monitoring the setup of examination halls. The withdrawal of these services, therefore, poses a severe disruption to the university’s examination process.

GAUA-UDS maintains that it remains open to constructive engagement but insists that any resolution must include the reversal of the allowance withdrawal and an institutional commitment to fairness and dialogue in the future.