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Ghanaian Fashion Creator Kwame Adusei Expanding His Label
The fashion retail industry is facing a decline. This isn't just a subjective view: the sudden and unforeseen shutdown of the British luxury retailer Matches, along with Farfetch's precarious position, highlights the grim state of fashion retail. No brand is immune to collapse, and no department store is too large to close its doors. This context makes Kwame Aduesei's ascent to the pinnacle of the fashion world all the more intriguing.
Kwame Adusei, with a decade of experience as a fashion designer in Ghana, decided to embrace a new adventure. He packed his bags and relocated to New York City. "Transitioning from a tropical climate to New York, you quickly realize that a trench coat doesn't provide the warmth you'd expect." Consequently, Adusei shifted gears and settled in Los Angeles, where he recently inaugurated a storefront on Doheny Drive in West Hollywood.
Over the past two years since relocating to Los Angeles, Adusei's collection of works focusing on themes of sexuality and androgyny has captured the attention of numerous celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, Lori Harvey, Kali Uchis, Ciara, Reneé Rapp, among others.
Adusei's decision to depart from Ghana was deeply influenced by his desire to highlight his African heritage in his brand's identity. "Upon relocating to LA, I noticed that many people lacked an understanding of African fashion, despite the existence of remarkable designers both within Africa and abroad," he remarks. This realization inspired him to choose a brand name that paid tribute to his cultural background. Ultimately, he chose his own name, though it was a challenging decision. "Having your name on something is incredibly personal, and you have to be deserving of it," he explains. "It brings a greater sense of responsibility, so I never initially envisioned naming the label after myself."
Since establishing the Kwame Adusei brand two years ago, the designer has attracted a high-profile clientele, including Beyoncé, Ciara, and Chloe Bailey. He has also inaugurated a store-cum-showroom in the heart of Beverly Hills, all while consistently rolling out seasonal collections. Remarkably, these achievements have been realized without the backing of external investors or inherited wealth—a rarity for emerging brands of Adusei's stature.
Adusei’s label is currently in vogue. It's the go-to choice for the trendy crowd in Los Angeles, whether heading out to Apt 200 in West Hollywood for a night on the town or enjoying an upscale dinner at Delilah nearby. Early supporters of the brand's bold and body-hugging designs include Lori Harvey and Kylie Jenner. Harvey notably wore the brand's popular Kabun dress in 2022, and for the widely publicized launch of Kylie Cosmetics at Ulta, Jenner donned a custom-made white mini dress by Kwame Adusei, crafted specifically for her highly publicized in-store event that year.
In Ghana, Adusei honed his skills as a master artisan, collaborating so extensively with French workshops that he became proficient in French. His enterprise revolved around construction and tailoring. “People simply purchase two or three yards of fabric from the market, then show you a picture of Beyoncé or someone else, saying, ‘I want an outfit just like that,’” he recounts. “And you’d better not refuse, because they’ll just take their business elsewhere. I simply assure them, ‘No problem, I’ll create the outfit.’”
From the beginning, Adusei has been determined to maintain strict control over the distribution of his creations. His garments are absent from prominent retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, FWRD, and Nordstrom. Instead, customers can purchase his pieces exclusively through the brand’s website or at its boutique on Doheny Drive in Los Angeles. This approach stems not only from necessity but also from his reluctance to engage in the fashion industry's political dynamics. Reflecting on his attempt to sell through wholesale channels, he shares, “I actually pursued that path, but the experience was terrible and not worthwhile.
It felt like a clique.” He describes the challenges of attracting major department stores, noting that, “Before buyers even attend your show, you need to secure them first-class flights and luxury accommodations. As an independent label—where would the funds come from? It wasn’t financially viable.” With numerous brands, both large and small, grappling to survive and remain profitable, Adusei’s choice to concentrate on developing the Kwame Adusei brand internally is a strategic one. Even a prestigious label like Glenn Martens’ Y/Project, which typically showcases biannually in Paris, skipped a fashion show this season due to budgetary limitations.
The philosophy of craftsmanship is a cornerstone of his eponymous brand, with Adusei’s expertise in textiles enabling him to blend masculine and feminine elements. Although androgyny is a key aspect of the brand's identity, the designer insists on tailoring and cutting fabrics to accentuate women's figures, rather than having them wear conventional men's attire. Adusei characterizes this style as a feminine appearance inspired by masculine elements. He notes that most gender-neutral clothing is typically designed for a male silhouette, but by cutting the same fabric with a different approach, it can complement the female form, making it appear more alluring, secure, and comfortable.
Adusei takes inspiration from the utilization of Kente cloth in traditional West African nuptials. "[The bride and groom] all purchase this fabric and bring it to their chosen tailors and seamstresses to create custom designs they desire," he explains. "It’s a stunning ceremony because everyone looks unique, yet they all wear the same type of fabric."
Adusei’s creations break away from the common stereotypes associated with mainstream African fashion. While a simple internet search for "African fashion" typically displays an array of flowing, vibrant garments, his designs prominently feature denim and leather in shades of black, gray, and white, occasionally accented by a bold color—this season, red. His aesthetic is more polished, cool, and metropolitan than what one might anticipate from a designer nurtured in a warm, sunlit environment. Nevertheless, Adusei’s intricate and form-fitting tailoring holds its own against the legendary work of Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler, both celebrated for their exceptional designs.
After Discussions, Government Employees Will Receive A 10% Pay Raise Starting March 1.
Substantial Salary Increase Granted to Government Workers Following Successful Negotiations.
The National Tripartite Committee has declared a 10% rise in Ghana’s Daily Minimum Wage for the year 2025.
Mahama also urged labour unions to take Ghana’s economic challenges into account as they negotiate future wage adjustments.
The government has sanctioned a 10% salary hike for employees in the public sector. This adjustment comes after fruitful negotiations between the labor unions and the government. This adjustment represents the second increase in wages within a year.
The last increment resulted in a 23% wage adjustment for 2024, designed to help employees cope with the escalating cost of living. President John Mahama personally engaged with union leaders to gain their backing for the raise, highlighting the administration's dedication to alleviating financial strains during economic difficulties.
Mahama encouraged labor unions to consider Ghana's economic difficulties when negotiating for revised wages. The gathering on February 20, 2025, included the National Tripartite Committee at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment. Historically, issues like the Cost of Living Allowance have sparked labor disputes over salaries and benefits.
After a series of intense and productive discussions, government employees have been awarded a significant boost in their salaries. This adjustment comes as a result of fruitful negotiations between government representatives and public sector unions, aiming to address long-standing concerns about fair compensation and the rising cost of living. The newly agreed-upon salary increase is expected to positively impact thousands of government workers across various departments, enhancing their financial stability and overall job satisfaction.
The negotiations, which lasted several weeks, involved a comprehensive review of current salary structures, cost-of-living adjustments, and comparisons with private sector pay scales. It was imperative to ensure that public servants receive remuneration that reflects their dedication and the essential services they provide to the community. For instance, in sectors such as healthcare and education, where workers have continued to perform under challenging conditions, this salary increment is seen as both a reward for their unwavering commitment and a step towards closing the wage gap with their private-sector counterparts.
Statistics show that prior to this agreement, many government workers were earning below the national average, making it difficult to keep up with inflation and increased expenses. This new salary package is not just a financial uplift but also a morale booster, recognizing the critical role of government employees in maintaining the smooth operation of public services. Moreover, the agreement included provisions for regular reviews to ensure that salaries remain competitive and fair in the future, reflecting the evolving economic landscape.
Overall, this successful negotiation marks a pivotal moment for government employees, promising greater financial security and acknowledging their essential contributions to society.
The National Tripartite Committee has declared a 10% rise in Ghana's National Daily Minimum Wage for the year 2025, setting the new rate at GH₵19.97. This decision emerged from a meeting convened in Accra on Thursday, February 20, 2025. A communique stated that the Base Pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) will see a 10% increment across the board from January 2025 to December 2025.
In 2022, food insecurity became a pressing issue, with 823,000 people in Ghana facing shortages by year's end. Inflation in the country surged dramatically, peaking at 54% in 2023, a rise from 14% in 2021, marking the highest rate in over 20 years. Numerous Ghanaians found it challenging to meet their dietary needs due to the rising costs of food.
Ghana Merchants Call On Officials To Tackle Issues With The ICUMS System
The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Samson Asaki Awingobit, has commended Ghana Link for the successful implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) but stressed the need for continuous improvements to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation.
During a news conference in Accra, Mr. Awingobit emphasized the transformative effect ICUMS has had on Ghana's trade facilitation since its launch. He pointed out accomplishments like more efficient customs procedures, increased revenue collection, better trade facilitation, and a reduction in corruption. "ICUMS has significantly advanced our trade environment, from decreasing port clearance durations to boosting national revenue for development. While there are challenges, they should be tackled through dialogue rather than division," he remarked.
In response to concerns from stakeholders, especially about the implementation of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) within ICUMS, he explained that the issues related to UCR integration were mostly policy-driven and required engagement at the government level, rather than mere technical adjustments within ICUMS.
The IEAG advocated for stronger involvement of stakeholders, frequent dialogues between Ghana Link and industry participants, as well as skill enhancement and ongoing education for customs officials. He also emphasized the necessity of adopting cutting-edge technology, such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain, to streamline operations and minimize manual intervention.
Mr. Awingobit highlighted the remarkable increase in revenue brought about by the implementation of ICUMS since 2020. He disclosed that the system generated more than GH¢44 billion in income by 2024, illustrating its potential to yield even more substantial financial benefits if the government allocates adequate support and resources. He called for patience and collaboration from the trading community, stressing that ICUMS is still evolving and holds the potential to elevate Ghana to the forefront of global trade standards.
The path to achieving a fully cohesive and effective customs management system is a long-distance endeavor, not a quick dash. ICUMS has already advanced us significantly toward our goal, and it is crucial not to abandon it partway. We must keep in mind that every outstanding system undergoes development over time, and ICUMS is no different," he stated.
He further urged ongoing backing for Ghana Link, asserting, "We should motivate Ghana Link to resolve the issues rather than give in to the prevailing trend of discarding systems that have demonstrated great potential for the advancement of our nation.
Ghana Faces A Potential Energy Crisis As Karpowership Considers Halting Operations Due To An Unpaid $370 Million Debt.
The Karpowership operators have alerted the government that they may cease power provision if their outstanding payments are not settled promptly. This announcement was made during a meeting on Monday in Accra between the Minister of Energy and Green Transitions, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, and representatives from the Karpowership vessel. Karpowership, which currently generates roughly 450 megawatts of electricity, has issued a warning to shut down its power plant unless the power distribution entity, ECG, pays off the debts exceeding $370 million without delay.
At a meeting with the sector minister, Karpowership acknowledged the adverse effects that halting the power plant would have on the livelihoods and overall well-being of Ghanaians. However, they stated that they are left with no alternative as they can no longer manage the burden of substantial debts.
As of December 2024, Karpowership had received $39.6 million from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and $185,288,182.97 million from the Ministry of Finance. Presently, ECG owes Karpowership over $370 million, severely affecting the power generation company's operations.
Zeynep Harezi Yilmaz, the Chief Commercial Officer of Karpowership, appealed to the Minister in a statement, urging the government, through the Ministry of Energy, to pressure ECG to settle the outstanding invoices without delay. Mr. Zeynep implored the Minister to ensure that ECG follows sound business practices, respects their contractual terms, and maximizes the benefits of the agreement for the nation.
In the event that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and consequently the government, does not adhere to the stipulations of the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) and fails to remit payments to Karpowership, we will have no alternative but to shut down our facility, as we cannot continue to bear the burden of substantial debts," he cautioned.
Mr. Jinapor, highlighting the critical role of Karpowership in the nation's energy sector, assured that the government would promptly devise a payment strategy to address the overdue amounts owed to Karpowership. "We will prioritize the necessary payments to guarantee the uninterrupted operation of this power generation entity and will maintain open and transparent dialogue with Karpowership," he affirmed. The Minister also reiterated the government's dedication to resolving the financial challenges to prevent the looming shutdown.
Karpowership is a global energy Group, focusing on energy transition with over 25 years of experience in pioneering energy solutions.
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Our Goal Is To Position Ghana's Ports As The Safest In West Africa — Maritime Authority
The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Naval Captain Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (retd), has pledged to ensure that the country’s sea ports gain and retain the reputation of the safest and most secure ports in Africa.
He has therefore instructed the pertinent organizations and entities within the maritime sector to strive towards fulfilling the goals. The Director-General conveyed this message during a five-day seminar focused on port cybersecurity in Accra. This event, funded by the UK Department for Transport, aimed to provide attendees with insights into the risks posed to ports by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and the security protocols that can be implemented to defend against and address these UAS threats.
The event aimed to enhance delegates' understanding of the dangers posed by cyber attacks, emphasize the critical role individuals play in maintaining port cybersecurity, and provide attendees with a framework to develop a cybersecurity evaluation and strategy.
The organizations involved in the event included the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Shippers' Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Marine Police, Ghana Navy, National Security, National Investigations Bureau, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Cyber Security Authority, and Ghana Immigration Service.
Dr. Ali praised the UK Department for Transport and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for their assistance. He described as laudable the participation of key state agencies in the country’s security sector to address some of the most serious threats in the cybersecurity space. The Director-General, however, expressed concern over the fact that the sponsorship had now run its course.
Gratitude
Dr. Ali expressed gratitude on behalf of the incoming Minister for Transport and the Ghanaian government for the tremendous assistance provided in enhancing our capabilities across various domains.
He noted that the collaboration among the agencies was especially beneficial, as it established a unified forum for discussing critical security issues and devising strategies to counter threats. The Director-General encouraged the attendees to capitalize on the training provided and to ensure that the advantages gained are both lasting and significant.
Ghana's Inflation Declines For The First Time In Five Months To 23.5 Percent
Ghana's inflation rate for the year slightly decreased to 23.5% in January, falling from 23.8% in December. This marks the first reduction in five months, as reported by Government Statistician Samuel Kobina Annim. The decrease was attributed to a deceleration in non-food inflation, although the cost of food continued to climb.
Inflation, although decreasing, still significantly exceeds the Bank of Ghana's target range of 8%, which includes a tolerance band of 6%-10%. The central bank recently cautioned that it will take more time for inflation to align with the target. This reduction in inflation coincides with Ghana's transition to a new central bank governor, as the nation continues to recover from economic challenges in its cocoa and gold industries.
Ghana's inflation deceleration provides minimal respite, with the 23.5% rate still being the second highest in the last nine months. Challenges in the cocoa and gold industries have exacerbated economic hardships, affecting government income and currency stability. The Bank of Ghana faces a challenging task of reducing inflation while handling elevated interest rates that might hinder economic expansion. Since inflation remains significantly above the target, monetary policy is unlikely to change drastically in the near future. As Ghana endeavors to stabilize its economy, the pace at which inflation decreases to manageable levels will depend on currency fluctuations, fiscal reforms, and external pressures.
Greater Accra Minister Reinstates National Sanitation Day And introduces Cleanest City Award
Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has revealed plans to reinstate the National Sanitation Day and introduce the Cleanest City Award to enhance environmental hygiene in the region.
During her inaugural meeting with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), she highlighted that this initiative is in line with the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s "Clean Up Ghana" campaign. She mentioned that a Regional Sanitation Day will be held on the last Friday of each month to encourage tidiness and effective waste management throughout the region.
Ocloo stressed that sanitation and waste management will serve as a crucial performance metric for all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), underscoring the importance of a more competitive and accountable stance towards maintaining environmental cleanliness.
She disclosed that her administration plans to implement an all-encompassing sanitation strategy, which will involve sorting waste and providing garbage bags and receptacles in both public spaces and residences. In addition, the capabilities of the sanitation and waste management departments within the MMDAs will be bolstered to improve their efficacy. She mentioned that efforts to educate the public on proper sanitation habits through social and behavioral change campaigns would be intensified.
The Minister also emphasized her dedication to enhancing local governance by collaborating closely with traditional leaders, religious bodies, and other stakeholders to further decentralization. She noted that MMDAs would be given the tools to boost revenue collection for sustainable development, while sub-district entities such as zonal and area councils would be strengthened to promote participatory governance.
Ghana Constitutional Review Panel Suggests "Limiting Parliament To 277 legislators"
The Constitutional Review Committee of Ghana has recently introduced a proposal aimed at limiting the total number of legislators in parliament to 277. This initiative forms a crucial part of a comprehensive strategy designed to streamline the legislative process and boost efficiency within the governmental structure. By imposing a cap on the number of parliamentarians, the committee envisions the creation of a more manageable and effective parliamentary body. This approach is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, thereby enhancing the overall decision-making process.
Moreover, such a reduction in numbers is anticipated to lead to significant cost savings for the government. With fewer lawmakers, there would likely be a decrease in administrative expenses related to maintaining a larger parliamentary body. For instance, costs associated with salaries, benefits, office space, and support staff could all see reductions. This is not just a theoretical benefit; similar measures in other countries have demonstrated potential financial savings. For example, nations that have streamlined their legislative bodies have reported reduced operational costs, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively to other areas of public service.
Previously, a proposal was made to trim the number of lawmakers in the House by eliminating a constituency. Nonetheless, the committee recognized that this would have been challenging, as it would impact politicians and their supporters. Additionally, political parties would have been opposed to losing a constituency in their stronghold and might have suggested removing one from their rival's stronghold instead.
Avoiding unnecessary disputes is crucial to maintaining smooth parliamentary operations. To avert such conflicts, it is suggested to increase the number of constituencies from 276 by one. The committee also observed that having an odd total number of constituencies is more desirable than an even one.
For those who wish to delve deeper into this proposal and understand its broader implications, further details and comprehensive insights are available. This resource provides more extensive information regarding the potential impacts, both positive and otherwise, of implementing such a legislative cap.
The ORC Plans To Remove Over Half A Million Business Names By The Close Of December. Ghana Business News.
The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) is poised to embark on a major initiative by the conclusion of December, as they prepare to expunge more than 500,000 business names from their official records. This substantial undertaking appears to be a component of a larger strategy aimed at optimizing their database and ensuring that only those enterprises which are actively engaged and meet regulatory compliance remain listed. The reasons behind such a vast removal could be multifaceted, encompassing companies that have ceased operations, failed to adhere to statutory obligations, or overlooked the renewal of their registration status.
This decisive action by the ORC highlights the importance for entrepreneurs and business proprietors to meticulously verify their business status, guaranteeing that all essential filings and renewals are current. It's a compelling reminder that maintaining compliance is a critical aspect of business operations, which can help prevent potential administrative issues or penalties. For instance, businesses that fail to submit annual returns or financial statements on time may find themselves at risk of being deregistered. According to some reports, non-compliance with such requirements can lead to a variety of consequences, including the loss of legal protection for the business name or potential fines.
For those affected, staying informed about the intricacies of this initiative is imperative. Business owners are encouraged to take proactive steps, such as consulting with legal or financial advisors, to ensure they meet all necessary criteria. This resource provides valuable insights for business stakeholders looking to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively and safeguard their business interests. #FrizeMedia #ghanaBusiness
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NDP's Presidential Hopeful, Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, Was Assaulted in The Bono Region But Managed To Evade Injury.
Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Party (NDP), narrowly escaped an attack in the Bono Region. The purported incident occurred on November 26, 2024, along the path between Nsakaw and Wenchi as he was heading back from a campaign event. The NDP campaign team praised the Ghana Police Service for their prompt and efficient action in thwarting the attempted assault on the nominee.
The incident in question took place late on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., along the roadway connecting Nsakaw and Wenchi. The NDP delegation was on their way back from a campaign trip in Namasa, located within the Tain Constituency. Evans Ofori, who serves as the Bono Regional Chairman of the NDP, informed Channel One News that the team initially confused the roadblock set up by the armed individuals for a legitimate police checkpoint.
We encountered masked gunmen who opened fire on us, forcing us to back up. Our displays were struck and sustained damage. A police patrol unit promptly responded to the situation, arriving soon after to accompany the NDP delegation to Wenchi. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the event.
This marks the fourth occasion that the NDP, established by Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, is participating in an election. Following the allocation of ballot positions, Frimpong's party will appear as the sixth option on the voting list. The NDP, which split from the National Democratic Congress, secured 0.4% of the votes in the 2020 elections, as reported by Peace FM.
Top ECOWAS leaders in Ghana over political crisis in Mali
Volta Region can become a cycling haven- British High Commissioner
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, lain Walker, has said that the Volta Region has the potential to become a haven for competitive cycling and serves as a pull factor for local and foreign enthusiasts, due to its unique landscape. He said the Region’s “astonishing” wealth of landscapes could make it popular for professional cyclists and tourists. The High Commissioner made the observation when he paid a courtesy call on Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and his elders in Ho on Friday, May 28. “If this were to be France, it would have been a haven for cycling,” he said. Mr Walker commended Togbe Afede for his commitment to sports development, which helped to revive competitive football in the country and opportunities for the youth and children. He said the two nations had sustained rigid bonds over the decades and added that the culture and spectacular landscape of the Volta Region were areas to be considered for long-term collaboration. Read more...
John Mahama withdraws acceptance as African Union Envoy to Somalia
The Ghanaian economy is simply not doing well – Haruna Iddrisu
Twene Jonas has been trending on social media over comments he made about Otumfuo Osei Tutu
Sunon Asogli to enter Liberia power Industry
Sunon Asogli, an Independent Power Producer is set to enter the Liberia power industry. This follows a visit by Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, founder and a Director of Sunon Asogli Power (Gh) Ltd and a 4-member investment and technical team to Monrovia, the Liberian capital, to negotiate a deal in the power generation sector in the West African country. Explaining his offering to the government of Liberia, he said t the first of the three-pronged offering seeks to acquire an interest in the existing 88 megwatts Mt Coffee Hydro Power Plant in Liberia. Secondly, the investment is to expand the existing Mt Coffee Hydro Power Plant by 60-80MW in a ‘BOO or BOOT’ mode in the medium term. The third offering, according to him, in the long term is to develop a new hydro power plant on the St. Paul River to add to the generation capacity of Liberia.
Touching on the expected benefits of the investment to the country, he revealed that the acquired interest in the existing Mt. Coffee Hydro Power Plant is to provide capital that will help government fix the challenged power distribution sector of the electricity supply value chain. Read more...
All 46 Colleges of Education Threaten to Shut down by End of May over Lack of Funds
Principals of Colleges of Education across Ghana have threatened to shut down the schools by the end of May if the government does not release funds for the maintenance of students’ stay on campus. All 46 Colleges of Education in Ghana could be affected as the authorities say they have not been paid feeding grants since the start of the academic year in January. President of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Emmanuel Nyamekye in an exclusive interview with JoyNews’ Fred Smith said the only option available to them is for the students to go home. “If nothing is done in the next couple of weeks, we may be compelled to ask our students to go home,” he said. Lamenting their difficulties, he said food suppliers for the schools have ceased due to arrears owed from as far back as the first term.
He, therefore, called on the government to take immediate actions, “because once the suppliers fail to supply, there’s very little we can do under the circumstance.” “We cannot go to the open market and buy so our suppliers have the trump card and until we get some money to at least appease them, they would not give us any food items and when that happens, we can’t feed our students,” he apprised. Read more...
ECG Publishes another ‘dumsor’ timetable, Effective May 27 to June 11
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has published a schedule for the disruption in power supply in parts of the Greater Accra Region. In a press statement dated May 20, the company indicated that the power interruption is to enable ongoing system improvement at the Kasoa Bulk Supply Point (BSP). “As part of projects to improve power supply reliability and system voltage, the Electricity Campany of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) will undertake interruption in power supply to facilitate to work of contractors at various stages and times.”
It further pointed out that the Kasoa BSP requires the re-construction of a section of GRIDCo’s 161kv Winneba to Mallam transmission lines tie-in works, hence the need to shut down the transmission line, which will affect power supplies to many households. According to the ECG, the improvement works will last for a period of sixteen days starting from Thursday, May 27 to June 11, 2021. Read more...
Technical Universities urged to go Beyond Academic Publications
Technical Universities across the country are being urged to be more innovative by going beyond publishing academic papers for promotion but rather direct their focus on commercializing research output. Coordinator of the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy at the University of Cape Coast, Mr. Isaac Nketsiah indicated that this was the only way the technical universities can remain relevant and be more agile and responsive to the challenges in 21st-century universities. Speaking on the management of Intellectual Property (IP) in Contemporary Research at Green Building Research Conference hosted by the Cape Coast Technical University, Mr. Nketsiah underscored the need for the Technical Universities to develop the intellectual property framework to guide their research and scholarly works and enable them to generate income from the commercialization of their works.
He further expressed concern about how most universities in Africa still engage in teaching and basic research activities whilst missing out on opportunities for breakthroughs in groundbreaking discoveries and solutions for most of the continent’s challenges. Read more...
Ghana overtakes Nigeria and Tanzania with 4th largest travelers from USA
Ghana has overtaken Nigeria and Tanzania as the 4th largest African destination from the USA, in terms of travelers, ForwardKeys travel industry trends, an aviation tracker, has revealed. This follows the re-launch of passenger flight operations from Washington to Accra by United Airlines over the weekend. Ghana increased the year-on-year growth by 44.5%. “Ghana, Cape Verde, and Togo are standout performers currently. This is mainly due to the strong interest from VFR/Expat passengers,” ForwardKeys said. However, South Africa and Morocco are set to be the most popular destinations in terms of US traveler volumes this summer.
Morocco was recently excluded from the USA ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory, so this may encourage more people to travel to the destination, it explained. South Africa, Morocco and Kenya were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Nigeria, Tanzania and Cape Verde were 4th, 5th and 6th in that order. It said USA travelers are booking to fly from the Caribbean to Iceland and now the air ticketing data shows that they are also keen to travel to long-haul destinations in Africa and the Middle East. Despite USA CDC warnings, ForwardKeys said Africa and the Middle East are proving to be standout performers, ahead of the summer.
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan recently said the United States of America will further deepen its bilateral relationship with Ghana. Read more...
Ghana will Enforce Covid-19 Restrictions until Herd immunity is Achieved – Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo, on Sunday, said until the country vaccinated the requisite number of Ghanaians and achieve herd immunity, the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), will remain in force. He said enforcing restrictions as the mandatory and safety protocols, would help return life to normalcy, and the security agencies would not relent in their efforts to enforce it. President Akufo-Addo, in his 25th televised address to the nation on measures taken against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraged the public to continue to adhere to the safety protocols since the reward for compliance had led to favorable scenarios in the fight against the pandemic, and resulted in the easing of some earlier restrictions. He indicated that the country had seen a marked reduction in active cases (persons who currently have the virus), from 5,444 persons as at February 26, 2021 to 1,314 as at May 11, 2021. Again, the rate of infection had dropped significantly from 400 a day since his last address to the nation, to less than 100 now, and the number of persons who had recovered from the virus had also increased from 77,972 to 91,146 within the same period, he said. Read more...
Ghana saved $1.4bn from deferring 3 Power Purchasing Agreements – Energy Minister
Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has described all 40 Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) signed under former President John Mahama’s administration amid the power crisis between 2013 and 2016, as desperate and costly. According to him, these “costly” PPAs subsequently shot up power tariffs by over 200%. In dealing with this, Dr. Opoku Prempeh told the media three of these PPAs have been deferred under a renegotiated Take and Pay arrangement. This according to him saves Ghana US$1.4 billion dollars each year. “Some of the things that killed us were PPAs done desperately. We have learnt our lessons, going forward, it can’t be business as usual. There’s a moratorium on any further PPAs. We won’t sign, take or pay business again. Now we have moved on to the second phase to signing new take and pay PPAs. We will only pay for the electricity we use.” please read more...
Fuel Prices to Increase from Monday, May 17 - COPEC states new Prices
- The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers – Ghana (COPEC) has announced the increment in fuel prices by May 17, 2021 - The Executive Sectary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, has said the increment has necessary because the commodity has increased in the international market - In a signed statement, COPEC has released the new prices. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers – Ghana (COPEC), has revealed that fuel prices will witness an increase in the next few hours. The Executive Secretary of the chamber, Duncan Amoah, in a signed statement, said this has become necessary due to the increase of petroleum prices on the international market. He said the commodity was sold at $520 per metric tonne has now been pegged at about $545 per metric tonne. This, the statement says, translates to about 8 cedis per litre at the pump for both petrol and diesel, or about 5% on the international price index. The above-mentioned figures make about a 1.25% increase in the current pump prices. Meanwhile, the new increase is coming just 10 days after fuel prices were increased so that it sparked the social media trend #fixthecountry. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), in response to the public outcry, reduced fuel prices by 8 pesewas per litre at the pump. This took effect on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, according to a communique issued on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The reduction meant that the recent 17 pesewas increase per litre announced by the NPA has been reduced by 9 pesewas per litre. Read more...
United Airlines Inaugurates Flights between Washington and Ghana
Last night, United Airlines launched the first flight of its new service to Accra, Ghana, from Washington DC, United States, operated by Boeing 787-8 registered N27901. The carrier will now operate a three-weekly service to Accra from Dulles International, Symply Flying reported. Flight UA996 will depart Dulles International Airport at 18:15 every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday and land at Kotoka International Airport at 08:40 the next morning. On return, UA997 is expected to depart Accra at 23:45 on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive in the Washington area at 06:30 the next day. There is a large Ghanaian diaspora, with around four million people with ties to the country across the world. Notably, the United States has over 116,000 Ghanaians living in the country. This figure gives the United States the third largest Ghanaian population in the world. So, many people will want to fly to and from Ghana as a result of the challenges of the pandemic. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Chairman and CEO Jack Potter explained how valuable this service is to the Ghanaian capital. This operation is one of several direct flights to cities around the world from Dulles. The Chicago-based carrier followed Delta Air Lines with its earlier arrival in Accra from New York the day before. Read more...
Accra: Eight days of Dumsor ends Today
The load shedding exercise in some parts of the Greater Accra Region is expected to end today, Monday, May 17, 2021. The intermittent supply of electricity exercise began on Monday, May 10, 2021. The Electricity Company of Ghana said the power outages have become necessary to allow for maintenance works, particularly at the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point. ECG explained that the maintenance works at the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point will require that the station's 330kv line is shut down completely. The shutdown will also affect power supply reliability to the Mallam Bulk Supply Point (BSP). The outages will rotate between day and night from 6 am to 6 pm and 6 pm to 6 am for eight days. While some of the areas will sleep in darkness for two nights and have their power off for two days during the day in May, others will sleep in darkness for three nights and have their power off for just one day. Others will also sleep in darkness for three nights and have powered off for just one day. Read more...
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