News
Booming food delivery services and matters arising
What would be your reaction if the food you have ordered is delivered to another person at a different location or it arrives cold in a less attractive package than you expect?
Well, these are some of the ‘downside’ of relying on food delivery personnel in the capital, Accra, according to some patrons and food vendors.
The somewhat essential and lucrative business has employed many youth as a number of entrepreneurs continue to develop mobile applications to enable clients to receive their food at the comfort of their homes or workplaces.
Although it has been in existence for a while, the operations became prominent during the COVID-19 lockdown following the restrictions on large gatherings.
For many consumers, food delivery business is an “easy and convenient” approach as they may not have to spend minutes or hours in long queues just to get their favourite food.
Nonetheless, a major concern for some clients is the cost incurred for the delivery as well as the lofty commissions (‘chobo’) delivery men added to the original price of food packages.
A recent interaction with some operators and food vendors by The Spectator reveal that reservations some clients and food vendors have about food delivery services.
The Chief Executive Officer of Trafix Restaurant, Mrs. Bella Ahu, for instance acknowledges the importance of food delivery services but believes it is making restaurants “lose their relevance.”
According to her, apart from enjoying a good meal, restaurants or eateries are avenues for clients to socialise or discuss business but the era food of delivery seems to be taking away that aspect of restaurant operations.
Again, the possibility of errand boys “swapping food” she says is another reason she is a bit hesitant when using the food delivery services.
“I personally do not prefer the delivery services because customers do not get their food on time and this makes the food cold. The packaging does not get to the client the way it is presented.
“Clients come to make orders in the morning for food to be delivered to them later in the day but one annoying aspect is that, the delivery guys end up giving the food to the wrong person and we need to call back and apologise. This makes the delivery business quite stressful,” she says.
For this and other reasons, she advocates a regulatory agency responsible for registering and training food delivery companies in customer care.
Mrs. Rita Aku Mac-Pods Agbenyegah, Owner of Rakmadel Catering Services in Accra, said she relied on delivery personnel often when orders came beyond her business catchment area.
“My delivery services are not for free, the drivers charge depending on the distance. I also send my workers on errands to deliver package to customers in the vicinity as well and they charge GH¢ 1.00 per pack,” she said.
Mr Enoch Ampofo, a dispatch rider who has been in the business for the past five years, attributed the high cost of delivery fees to the long distance riders.
In spite of some clients paying more than half the price of food they buy a good number of corporate clients cannot ‘blacklist’ the young men who make cooked and packaged food reach their destinations.
Mr Emmanuel Ofori, a Civil Servant, for instance, explained why he continued to hold delivery services in high esteem.
“I personally don’t know how to cook and I don’t carry food along to the office. All I do at lunch time is to get my phone and check the menu of the food delivery application on my phone and order the meal I want for the day,” he said.
However, a person others like, Gloria Ofosu, would still prefer a walk in personally to a food vending joint to make her orders in order not to incur the cost of delivery.
“There is no way I will order food and pay for charges more than the food. It is waste of resources. I don’t remember the last time I called a food delivery services. I would rather buy from any nearby restaurant or food vendor when it is necessary,” she told The Spectator.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
President John Dramani Mahama has set up and will personally chair a new Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE) to help guide Ghana’s economic recovery and growth.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the government said the move is part of its commitment to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen fiscal discipline, and promote inclusive and job-creating economic growth.
The advisory group will support the implementation of key government programmes such as the 24-Hour Economy, the Accelerated Export Development Programme, and the Reset Agenda.
According to the statement, PAGE has been formed to provide independent, non-partisan and expert advice to the President on major economic issues.
It said the group will draw on both national and international experience to ensure sound economic management and evidence-based decision-making.
“The establishment of PAGE reflects the President’s resolve to draw on deep national and international expertise to support sound economic governance and strategic policy coordination,” the statement noted.
The Presidency explained that the group will advise the President on macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and how to ensure harmony between fiscal and monetary policies.
It will also provide guidance on industrial development, competitiveness, export growth, private sector expansion, investment mobilisation, and sustainable job creation.
In addition, PAGE will support the planning and implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and the Accelerated Export Development Programme.
It will also conduct regular reviews of Ghana’s economic performance and propose policy changes where necessary.
The group is expected to contribute to Ghana’s engagements with international financial institutions, development partners, and investors.
“The group shall report directly to the President and submit advisory memoranda and briefs as and when requested,” the statement said.
Membership of the advisory group includes respected personalities from academia, public service, and the private sector.
They are: Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Mr. Ishmael Yamson, private sector leader, Mr. Kwame Pianim, economist and private sector leader, Ms. Nana Oye Mansa Yeboaa, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Trade and Industry, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana and former Finance Minister, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, industrialist, Mr. Ato Brown, former World Bank infrastructure specialist,”.
The rest are, Dr. Henry A. Kofi Wampah, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Togbe Afede XIV, economist and private sector leader, Ms. Abena Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour, university professor and Prof. Patience Aseweh Abor, PhD, university professor.
The statement added that formation of PAGE shows the President’s strong commitment to inclusive growth, economic stability, and long-term national development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commends local government ministry for progress in decentralisation
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has praised the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for its key role in bringing governance closer to the people through decentralisation.
She made this known after she visited the Ministry to engage with its leadership and staff.
According to her, the visit was to better understand the progress being made in responsive governance and effective service delivery across the country.
“The Ministry is truly at the heart of government, especially as we work to reset the decentralisation agenda and strengthen our institutions,” she said.
During the meeting, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, briefed the Vice President on several achievements since he took office.
He said the Ministry had successfully organised orientation programmes for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and had issued clear guidelines on how the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) should be used.
He also spoke about the National Decentralisation Dialogue, which he described as an important platform that allows stakeholders to contribute ideas toward the future of Ghana’s decentralisation process.
Ahmed Ibrahim further noted that the Ministry has strengthened its relationship with traditional authorities.
He said engagement with chiefs and queen mothers has increased significantly, adding that the government has approved about a 300 percent increase in allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers.
According to him, this move shows government’s recognition of the important role traditional leaders play in promoting unity, development, and local governance.
The Minister announced the launch of National Sanitation Day work plans.
He explained that this forms part of preparations to roll out a 24-hour sanitation programme aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation across the country.
He added that there is renewed confidence among investors and development partners because of the growing stability and clear direction under the current administration.
In her remarks, the Vice President stressed that decentralisation must be used to improve the daily lives of Ghanaians.
She said social governance is key to maintaining peace and national stability.
She commended the Ministry for its efforts to ensure that public funds, especially the DACF, are used for their intended purposes.
“I appreciate the steps being taken to ensure accountability and that these funds truly benefit the people,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the engagement was not only to encourage the Ministry but also to listen, support, and strengthen cooperation in delivering better results for communities.
She reminded all stakeholders that governance is a shared responsibility.
“Government does not work alone. We must continue to treat every stakeholder, at every level, with the respect they deserve,” she said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
