News
Government urged to create a supportive environment for local businesses
Mr Jeroen Verheul
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, Mr Jeroen Verheul has tasked government to create a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the SNV GrEEn Project in Accra, the diplomat said the reduction of inflation and interest rate must be tackled by the government to achieve this goal.
The SNV GrEEn Project is a four-year action plan implemented in the Ashanti and Western regions under the anchor of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
The project was funded by the European Union in Ghana and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Juxtaposing the results of the GrEEn Project, Mr Jeroen Verheul cited that such achievement “is a drop in the ocean” because Ghana would need 500, 000 jobs annually to help the population overcome the high rate of unemployment.
“We need 500, 000 jobs per year and SNV has produced 6, 000 jobs over four years, however we need to scale up through the support of the environment which is a key element for entrepreneurs to flourish,” he stated.
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organisation creating a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services.
Since its commissioning in 2019, the Project aimed to enhance employability and entrepreneurship opportunities within Ghana’s green economy, contributing to the development of a climate-resilient local economy.
The primary objective of the Project was to address the root causes of irregular migration amongst Ghanaians, by promoting green and climate-resilient local economic development.
This initiative provided affordable financing aid to SMEs and micro businesses, especially in the sustainable and circular economy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Asaasepa Naturals, Mrs Matilda Stemn, noted that the project has aided her set up a factory and purchase some equipment to upscale her business.
However, Mrs Stemn, also a beneficiary of the Project, mentioned that accessing loans was a challenge for SMEs on increasing productivity despite the fact that they have the raw materials and machineries at their disposal.
Present at the ceremony were the Country Director of SNV Ghana, Mrs Barbara Nkoala amongst other dignitaries.
SNV specialises in three sectors: agri-food, energy and water systems and is present in over 25 countries.
By Yunusah Essandoh
News
Roads minister gives contractor two months to improve performance on Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sefwi Adabokrom road project
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has issued a two-month ultimatum to Delovely Construction Ltd. to improve work on the Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sewi Adabokrom road project or risk losing the contract.
He gave the directive during an inspection of the 55-kilometre project today, expressing disappointment in the slow pace of work.
According to him, the contractor has completed less than two per cent of the project, even though work should have reached about 20 per cent by now.
He noted that the contractor was given possession of the site about five months ago and should have made significant progress.
He explained that aside from clearing works along the stretch, there is little visible progress on the ground.
The minister described the performance as far below expectations and warned that the government will not tolerate further delays.
He stated that the contractor has been given two months to improve progress to at least 20 per cent, failing which the contract will be terminated and reassigned to another company.
He added that the government remains committed to completing the project on schedule and will not allow setbacks to delay its delivery.
He stressed that the road is important to the area, as it supports agriculture and the livelihoods of residents.
He said the project forms part of the government’s broader plan to improve road infrastructure and boost economic activity in the region.
He assured residents that regardless of the current contractor’s performance, the government will ensure the road is completed by November 30, 2027.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, following recent terrorist attacks in Mali that have claimed several lives, including that of the country’s Defence Minister.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 27, 2026, the government described the attacks, which occurred on Saturday, April 25, as coordinated strikes on multiple military positions, including the capital, Bamako.
The statement noted that the attacks led to the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, along with other military personnel and civilians.
The government extended condolences to the people and government of Mali, describing the development as tragic, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
It stressed that violent extremism has no place in the world and called for stronger collective efforts to combat such acts.
The ministry issued an advisory to Ghanaians living in Mali, urging them to be cautious and limit non-essential movements. It encouraged them to stay in regular contact with the Ghana Embassy in Bamako.
Ghanaian traders and drivers who use the Mali route for business have also been advised to suspend their activities until further notice, as authorities work to restore calm.
The statement indicated that the government is working closely with Malian authorities and will provide updates to support the safe resumption of trading activities.
It assured Ghanaian nationals in Mali that their safety and well-being remain a top priority.
By: Jacob Aggrey
