News
Ellembelle chief calls for sustainable livelihoods for repatriated refugees
Chief of Ampain in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Nana Nyameke Fofole II, has called on United Nations (UN) Systems to ensure that repatriated Ivorian refugees get sustainable livelihoods back home.
“Yes, we now have voluntary repatriation but people are going home, how do we safeguard their stay? Government and the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) must provide some package for say six to one year for them to become self-sufficient. This is also to assure of their safety.” he pleaded.
Nana Fofole made the call in a solidarity message at this year’s World Refugee Day which was marked at the Ampain Camp on Monday, on the theme ‘Whoever they are, wherever they come from, whenever they are forced to flee. Everyone has a right to seek safety.’
He noted that the day was dedicated to displaced people around the globe fleeing from conflicts, adding that such people needed attention no matter their race, colour, citizenship or ethnicity.
“Care for refugees is a global responsibility and so we need not leave anyone behind. Shelter underscores everything including security and dignity and it’s not just a roof and so the theme is appropriate. But, the question is, who should provide the safety? Safety is important and it’s a worry for refugees”, Nana Fofole said.
He said, to neglect refugees meant that , they would turn to the street for survival by engaging in social vices, saying “ The good news is that, our neighbours in the Ampain camp have been law-abiding, friendly, God fearing and disciplined, and co-existed perfectly with us.”
Recalling the creation of the camp, he said that in 2011, and being aware of the plight of the Ivorian friends and also having families in Cote d’ Ivoire, he contacted the Ellembelle District Assembly to see to the welfare of the displaced at the Ampain camp.
“I was touched by people being killed by animals on the streets and so decided to act with the council of elders. We sacrificed our land to save humanity”, Nana Fofole stressed.
He told the gathering that, the palace strategised with the camp management to provide foodstuffs and fish to the Ivorian refugees, which “we have never, ever regretted to host our neighbours at the Ampain camp.”
The Ampain chief commended the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Esther Kiragu, for her efforts and particularly, the pioneer camp manager, Kelly Forson and team for their dedication and service to humanity.
The Chairman of GRB, Prof. Ken Attafuah, said, the camp which was set up in 2011 at the peak of the influx of distressed neighbours from La Cote d’Ivoire became one of three camps established to host Ivorians who were facing generalised violence in their home country.
He said: “Nana Fofole and the people of Ampain have lived in harmony with their guests from Abidjan for the past 11 years. You have continuously and willingly shared your valuable resources with them. We are proud that Ampain and other communities welcomed the refugees with love and open arms and stood by them.
“That is what the theme of the World Refugees Day is about. It is also important to acknowledge the role the UNHCR has played in our system of government to ensure that refugees live in our country in dignity and respect.”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Ampain
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
