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Ghanaian writer Author Ralph appointed as head of WCM’s Global Youth Network
The World Conference of Mayors, Incorporated (WCM) has appointed a celebrated Ghanaian writer, Mr. David Raphaelle Kwaku Antwi to head its Global Youth Network wing.
Author Ralph, as he is affectionately known, is a prominent Ghanaian writer of over 60 bestselling books.
He is also the founding president of the Relevant Achievers Impacting Nations (RAIN Foundations) and is widely known for serving, mentoring, and impacting young people within the last 29 years.
Author Ralph is also credited for helping to raise hundreds of successful writers and helped transform the lives of many people who were once socially disadvantaged.
A statement issued on Thursday, announcing his appointment to the new office, was signed by Mayor Johnny Lawrence Ford, Founder of the World Conference of Mayors, (WCM) Incorporated.
Mayor Ford, in the statement said leadership was the lengthened shadow of every organization, adding that “Our world is what it is today, largely because of leadership.”
According to him, the Conference with its headquarters in Tuskegee, Alabama, has been involved in activities targeted at improving leadership globally, especially in the area of governance.
He said the organisation has the crucial objective of preparing the next generation of leaders to take over the baton from their predecessors in the various sectors of society, including governance.
This, it hopes to achieve through a series activities lined up to train the youth to become responsible citizens and beware of the challenges they face and way to solve them.
“Through mentoring, conferences, and other activities, the network aims to reach, train, and impact young people for the general benefit of our world,” Mayor Ford stated.
The Global Youth Network of The World Conference of Mayors, Inc. is expected to host five strategic, inaugural conferences this year in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
By Spectator Reporter
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The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
