News
No problem with Chinese involvement in Ghana’s economy – Nana Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he finds no problem with the Chinese involvement in the Ghanaian economy.
President Akufo-Addo remarked that China has proven to be a reliable partner in times of difficulty.
His comment comes after an IMF report on Ghana for the year 2023 says China may take control of the country’s natural resources and electricity revenues following Ghana’s inability to pay some $1.9 billion debt.
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, Nana Akufo-Addo says China’s investment in Ghana has been beneficial.
“Well, I don’t have any criticisms about Chinese involvement in the Ghanaian economy. They have been very helpful, it’s a matter of controversy in the West. For us, they have been friends and in terms of difficulty they have proven to be a strong partner,” President Akufo- Addo pointed out.
Ghana has been a major recipient of Chinese loans since the year 2000. In two decades, the country has borrowed close to $5 billion from China for major projects, such as roads, bridges, and power plants.
These loans have helped Ghana to improve its infrastructure and boost its economy. However, they have also left the country deeply indebted. Ghana’s external debt portfolio now exceeds $30 billion, and the country is struggling to repay its debts.
There are however criticisms that Chinese loans come with unfavourable conditions for Ghana.
The current economic crisis has made it even more difficult for Ghana to repay its debts.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $3 billion loan for Ghana a few days ago to help the country stabilize its economy.
However, the IMF loan is only a short-term solution. Ghana needs to find a way to reduce its debt burden in the long term. This will require a combination of economic reforms and debt relief from its creditors.
Ghana is not the only country that is struggling with debt. Many developing countries are facing similar problems.
Credit: Citinewsroom
News
National Service Authority to Introduce Military Training
Management of the National Service Authority, yesterday, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, held talks with the Military High Command towards the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).
When implemented, this will reflect His Excellency the President’s commitment towards the implementation of a short military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) as planned efforts to instill discipline, nationalism and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.
The President shared this position during his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday February 27, 2025.
At yesterday ’s meeting, the Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi reiterated the need for all personnel to undergo basic military drills and orientation as part of orienting the youth to embrace national development.
“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” he commented.
On his part, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye assured the Authority of their willingness to provide the requisite training for personnel when the Programme officially commences.
In all, personnel will receive up to two months of composite basic military drills starting 3rd August, 2025.
News
Ghana Tourism Authority acts on concerns of minors allegedly taken to Hotel in Accra New Town.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.
The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.
In line with their mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs.Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.
The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action.
They commended the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.
“We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism(Registration and Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations.
This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry,” they noted.
The GTA they said, remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector and urged
the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.
