Hot!
‘Ghanaman Time’ impeding development, leaders must set good example
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Lateness for work and other important activities appears to have garnered a place in the scheme of things for majority of Ghanaians.
The canker has sunk so deep in the Ghanaian DNA that it has been christened the ‘Ghanaman Time’, a parlance partially accepted among a certain class of people.
Upshots of this are the precious hours wasted at public events due to the late arrival of guests at events, especially the political elites whose absence means everyone must be held for hours.
But a Global Communication Expert, Mr Ben Dotsei Malor believes the lateness scourge was beginning to have a negative impact on various sectors of the country and largely, impeding development and calling for a change in attitude.
Mr Malor believes that one of Ghana’s major problems as far as development was concerned was her disrespect to time and unpunctuality.
Speaking at the latest online ‘Time Keeping Dialogue’ series on Sunday hosted by Head, Corporate Communications at MTN, Mrs Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, as part of efforts to address the challenge, Mr Malor called on leaders to set good examples by attending events on time.
The virtual conversation was under the theme, ‘Ghanaman Time’ to Greenwich Mean Time – Lessons from the Diaspora.”
Mr Malor, Chief Editor of Dailies at the United Nations (UN) News and Media Division of the UN Department of Global Communications, said the canker was impeding development and Ghanaian leaders must be concerned.
“We have normalised the abnormal, accepted the unacceptable, tolerated the intolerable, defended the indefensible, and condoned what should be condemned. This is impeding our development,” he stated.
He said, it was regrettable that leaders attend events late and expect their subordinates to be on time.
The change, he said, must start with leadership so that they would be able to punish people for their lateness.
Mr Dotsei Malor proposed that, financial consequences must be attached to lateness to put people on their toes.
“When one loses a portion of his or her salary due to lateness, it would stop them from making excuses not to be at work early,” he stated.
Mr Malor acknowledged that the issue was not unique to Ghanaians, citing Ecuador, where in 2003 the government declared a state of emergency to address chronic lateness estimated to cost the country $2.5 billion annually.
However, the former BBC Editor said the issue was more damaging in Ghana compared to other countries.
Mr. Dotsei Malor asserted that the disrespect for time, where a programme scheduled for 10am-12pm eventually begins at 11:30am, was largely why most Ghanaians were poor and the economy, in a bad state.
“Being time-conscious means increased productivity, and productivity means efficiency. A lack of this results in inefficiency, lack of success, and other problems,” he stated.
According to Mr. Dotsei Malor, acknowledging the impact of time wasting was a step in eradicating the ‘Ghanaman time” that has persisted for years.
On her part, Kirstie Angsmann, a member of the Migrants Council and Women’s Commission in Freiburg, Germany, added that in Germany, the system is structured that excuses like ‘my car broke down’ or ‘I was stuck in traffic’ were not tolerated.
Mrs. Kirstie Angsmann, a Ghanaian woman married to a German, noted that Ghanaians needed to take every bit of their time seriously, just as it is done in Germany.
Mrs Georgina Asare Fiagbenu in her closing remarks, said more of such conversations would be held to address the challenge and ensure productivity across all sectors of the economy.
By Michael D. Abayateye
The Ashanti South Regional Police Intelligence Directorate has arrested two suspects in connection with a robbery attack on an Indian national in Obuasi and a separately planned robbery operation targeting a distribution company in the same area.
On April 16, 2026, Police received credible intelligence that a group of armed men were planning an attack in Obuasi. A police team moved swiftly into the area and arrested suspect Iddrisu Fuseini, also known as “Iddi”, at his hideout in Bedieso, Obuasi.
During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a six-member gang that attacked an Indian national at his residence at New Baakoyeden, Obuasi, on April 12 2026, robbing him of GH₵150,000.00.
He disclosed that the attack was orchestrated following a tip-off from suspect Ibrahim, an employee of the victim, who informed the gang that the victim kept large sums of money.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Shaibu Mohammed, also known as “SM” or “Cicinati”, on 20th April 2026 at his hideout in Gausu, Obuasi. During interrogation, he admitted to participating in the planning of the robbery and confirmed that the gang had further planned to rob a distribution company near Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi.
Investigations have further revealed that both suspects are currently standing trial at the Obuasi Circuit Court in connection with a separate robbery of GH₵600,000.00.
A manhunt is ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices, identified as Khalifa, Edward, Prof, Waddle, Ebbe, and Ibrahim, and to recover a pump action gun and a locally manufactured pistol believed to be in their possession.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
News1 week ago“We are working to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an international conference hub”
- News1 week ago
Kwahu Business Forum:My engagement with President Mahama has boosted my business — Lydia Forson
- News1 week ago
DeniiNoi Foundation Supports Taifa Polyclinic with Medical Equipment
