News
Hope and focus in difficult times
The past two years has been unlike any we can remember, and one we’ll never forget. We’ve been tried and tested, and in the process, we’ve learned more about ourselves and our world. It has been a time of adjustments, disappointments, and some cancelled events. Even worse, it has been a time of many losses, as many of us have lost loved ones. Sadly, no one has been left untouched by this global pandemic.
One university president said of his students at the start of the outbreak: “They will put up with absence and isolation …, and they will redouble their efforts to achieve the best things. They are determined to convert this disruption into an opportunity for excellence.”
That’s not the typical way of looking at disruption or tragedy. Most of the time, we just want to minimise the damage, heal as much as possible, and try to return to normal, even if we still have to carry some scars. But could there really be something better than “normal” ahead of us? Can we “convert this disruption into an opportunity for excellence”?
For example, could our experiences make us more compassionate or more loving; what the Bible calls the “more excellent way”? Perhaps, as we remember some of the isolation we felt during lockdowns, we will find ways to reach out to people who (for whatever reasons) might still feel isolated. As we reflect on the generosity of neighbours who shared with us when food ran out, we can find ways to share what we have with others in need. As we think of the innovations, large and small, that have helped us push through our difficulties, we can thank the medical personnel on the front lines and in the laboratories, who worked day and night to facilitate everything from ventilators to vaccines.
And perhaps most important, as we remember those who are no longer with us, we can consider how they would want us to go forward with our lives. What kind of excellence could we pursue in their memory?
Without question, the experiences of the past two years will change us. We will never truly be “back to normal.” But maybe normal is not what we want anyway, as long as “an opportunity for excellence” is within reach.
For two years, the pandemic has given us something this world has rarely faced; a common hardship. While everyone’s experience has been different, no person, no corner of the world, has been left untouched by this modern-day plague. The world feels different now; jobs and schools and so many other things have been forced to adapt. Yet, in the midst of all this change and instability, we’ve also rediscovered some things that never change, everlasting things that we value, now more than ever before.
For one, we have rediscovered the value of connection, of contact, and of love. We need one another. While video calls and online streaming are miraculous innovations, the pandemic has taught us that nothing can take the place of a face-to-face conversation with a dear friend or a warm hug from a family member. There’s just something irreplaceable about being together.
We have rediscovered how much we need kindness, compassion, and patience. One sad consequence of so much social distancing is the distance it too often puts between hearts and minds. The result is that people are more likely to use sarcasm, anger and criticism to express disagreement, especially online. At the same time, we’re more inspired than ever when someone resists those trends with kindness, gratitude, and respect. The power of kindness is never more apparent than when it takes us by surprise.
Of course, we’ve always known that closeness and kindness are important. These true principles have brought hope and joy to humanity during every trial and tragedy we’ve ever faced. But sometimes, in the midst of our troubles, we focus on the wrong things.
A beloved religious leader, Russell M. Nelson has said, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” God doesn’t always spare us from difficult circumstances, but He does give us true principles to keep us focused. If we focus on our most treasured relationships, on connecting with people we love, we’ll find strength to endure. If we focus on helping and caring about others, we’ll find that our own problems become smaller. Most of all, if we focus on the Lord and His goodness, we’ll find joy. It has always been available; we just need to know where to look.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
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
