News
Mahama Advocates Strategic Infrastructure Investment to Unlock AfCFTA’s Full Potential
President John Dramani Mahama is advocating massive investment in strategic infrastructure across the African continent, particularly transport networks and digital connectivity, to fully unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
He made these remarks during a courtesy call by Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Highlighting current challenges, President Mahama said inadequate road and rail networks across sub-regions have significantly hampered the effectiveness of existing regional trade agreements.
He stressed that the vision of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD) calls for proactive measures to seamlessly integrate and open up economies.
Citing the high volume of trade along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the longest route along the West African coastal belt, President Mahama articulated his vision for enhanced regional integration.
“If we invest in crucial corridors like the Abidjan-Lagos route and extend it all the way to Dakar, we will create a seamless channel for the exchange of goods, significantly boosting intra-African trade,” he stated.
The President also highlighted the increasing trade volumes between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, noting the immense potential for transit trade facilitated by improved connectivity.
President Mahama told Mr. Mene, “We are proud to be the hosts of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and our government remains fully committed to facilitating your crucial work and ensuring its success.”
On his part, Mr. Wamkele Mene began by congratulating President Mahama on his recent re-election victory and commended Ghanaians for the peaceful transition of power.
Providing an update on the AfCFTA’s progress since its establishment on May 30, 2019, Mr. Mene reported that forty-nine (49) out of fifty-five (55) African Union member states have now ratified the agreement, demonstrating strong continental commitment.
He added that twenty-four (24) countries are actively trading under the AfCFTA framework, with Ghana notably serving as one of the pilot countries since trading commenced two years ago.
Mr. Mene also noted that countries, including Benin, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, are yet to ratify the agreement.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that in the whole of 2024, only GHS 362 million was released to MMDAs in Common Fund.
Contrary to this, In 2025 alone GHS 5 billion was released to the MMDAs with the following breakdown as follows.
The Minister made this revelation when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series held today.
In breakdown, the minister nonted that 1st Quarter – 790,372,058.40 was released for 2025.
He added that for the 2nd Quarter, 1,464,983,309.60 was released.
3rd Quarter saw the release of 1,188,921,640.80 and
1,592,706,391.20 for 4th Quarter.
The Minister added tha each of the MMDAs were required to undertake the following; at least 2-CHPS compounds, 3 Classroom blocks, 10 Boreholes, and Completion of legacy projects.
Additionally, 25% of the Common Fund was allocated for the Construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets.
Ahmed Ibrahim noted that as a result of the timely and unprecedented release of Funds, a total of 494 CHPS compounds, 761 Classroom Blocks, 4,029 Boreholes, and 2,755 Legacy projects are currently at various stages of completion.
Also, he added that 261 24-Hour Economy Model Markets have all been awarded on contracts and construction has begun on many of them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
