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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
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has dismissed claims that staff salaries at the Presidency have increased under the current administration, describing the allegation as a “flat lie”.
In a response to a post on Facebook, Ofosu Kwakye said the current staff at the Presidency inherited the same salaries and conditions approved for their predecessors.
He argued that once arrears owed to former Article 71 office holders are paid, the total wage bill for the current administration will actually be lower due to a reduction in staff numbers.
“It is in fact a mathematical certainty that the total amount paid in salaries to the current staff will be smaller compared to yours once your arrears are paid because of the reduction in numbers,” he stated.
The Minister noted that delays in paying arrears to past Article 71 office holders are not new.
“Arrears owed to past Article 71 office holders is nothing new or unheard of. Many others before you have suffered same,” he said.
Ofosu Kwakye also stressed that the salaries and conditions in question were approved by Parliament on 6th January 2025, under the previous government.
He pointed out that the Constitution bars any changes to those salaries until a new committee is set up to determine emoluments for Article 71 office holders under the new administration.
“No such committee has been set up by President Mahama and no alteration has been made,” he clarified.
“So on what basis, apart from pure lies and mischief, can a claim of ballooning be made?” he concluded.
The response follows public debate over the size and cost of the presidential staff, with critics alleging a spike in the wage bill.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, has initiated plea negotiations with the Attorney General’s office in the GH₵30 million Exim Bank fraud case.
Information available to ghanaiantimes.com.gh indicates that lawyers for Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi & 2 other accused have formally written to the Attorney General to enter into plea negotiations on the charges of defrauding by false pretenses, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body.
A plea bargain, under Section 162C of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1079), allows an accused person to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a reduced sentence.
The agreement must be approved by the court after the Attorney General assesses factors such as the strength of evidence, recovery of state funds, and public interest.
Wontumi is facing four counts after his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office in May 2025.
Prosecutors allege he used forged documents to secure a GH₵30 million facility from the Ghana Export-Import Bank to finance equipment for his mining company, Akonta Mining Ltd.
The state further charges him with money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted GH₵50 million bail with two sureties. The case is currently before the Accra High Court.
The Attorney General’s office is yet to confirm whether negotiations will proceed.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
