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Nana Kwesi Coomson wins Humanitarian Young Philanthropist of the Year
Corporate communications and corporate social responsibility executive, Nana Kwesi Coomson, has been honoured with the Humanitarian Young Philanthropist of the Year Award at the 5th edition of the Western Gospel Awards, held on December 20, 2025, at the serene Western Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi.
The prestigious recognition celebrates Mr. Coomson’s consistent and people-centred humanitarian work, particularly his commitment to empowering vulnerable groups in society. Central to this honour is his annual New Year Party for members of the Ghana Blind Union in the Western Region, an initiative that has evolved beyond celebration into sustainable empowerment. Through the programme, beneficiaries receive interest-free start-up loans to establish small businesses, enabling them to attain economic independence and dignity.
Mr. Coomson is also widely known for his enduring support for orphanages across Ghana. Notably, he undertakes the painting and refurbishment of the Egyam Orphanage every two years, alongside regular donations and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of children in institutional care.
Receiving the award in person, Nana Kwesi Coomson attributed his passion for service to values passed down through generations. Quoting 2 Timothy 1:5, he reflected on the faith and compassion he witnessed in his grandmother and mother, which continue to shape his life’s work. “This has been my story. I saw my grandmother support the less privileged in our community, and my mother constantly extending help to people. It has stayed with me,” he said. He further expressed gratitude to the people of the Western Region for their unwavering support and thanked the organisers for the recognition.
Beyond philanthropy, Nana Kwesi Coomson is also known for youth empowerment initiatives, including the annual ‘Yes We Can’ pep talk for BECE candidates, where he inspires young people to believe in their potential and pursue excellence against all odds. His work as an empowerment coach and social impact advocate continues to touch lives across the country.
Earlier this year, his contributions gained international recognition when he was honoured at the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards, which celebrate UK-educated professionals making significant positive impact in their home countries.
Nana Kwesi Coomson is a seasoned communications professional, corporate social responsibility advocate, and youth empowerment coach. He has built a reputation for blending strategic communication with purposeful social impact.
With a strong passion for humanitarian service, he continues to champion initiatives that uplift the vulnerable, empower the youth, and strengthen communities.
He is a Tullow Scholar who studied Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, UK and a 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow who studied Business and Entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, USA
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
