News
US Ambassador pays courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Minister
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Ghana, H.E. Virginia E. Palmer, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Accra.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss several key areas of mutual concern and collaboration between the two nations.
During the meeting, Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, emphasizing the importance of addressing shared challenges and opportunities. 
He took the opportunity to seek clarity on several pressing matters, particularly the U.S. government’s suspension of USAID aid to Ghana, the potential withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), and the status of Ghanaian nationals in the U.S. facing deportation.
Ambassador Palmer, in her response, clarified that the suspension of USAID funding was temporary, lasting 90 days to allow for a review of the agency’s operations.
She also expressed hope that aid would resume once the review was completed, though with potentially reduced funding.
On the issue of Ghanaian nationals facing deportation from the United States, Ambassador Palmer noted that approximately 156 undocumented Ghanaians might be affected by U.S. deportation policies, although she assured the Minister that none of those individuals were hardened criminals.
Mr.Ablakwa also noted that if the U.S. withdrew from the WHO, it could significantly impact the delivery of vital services to vulnerable populations in Gshana in the implementation of some public health programs, like the fight against diseases like HIV/AIDS and Malaria.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing a commitment to continued collaboration on key issues affecting both nations.
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
