Latest news with #JohnMahama
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Ghana: Can a 24-hour economy change a nation?
Accra, Ghana – Since taking office six months ago, Ghanaian President John Mahama has placed a firm focus on reviving the country's economy – a key promise of his campaign. The new leader is seeking to shift the West African nation away from relying solely on its traditional sectors to establishing a more diversified economy. To this end, Mahama has launched a so-called 24-hour economy designed not only to create job opportunities around the clock but also to transform Ghana from an imports-based economy to self-sufficiency. 'This policy is made for Ghana and the future,' said Mahama. 'The 24-Hour Plus Programme will be the catalyst for Ghana's economic growth, and we are sure it will make Ghana prosper.' Under the plan, various industries will operate in three eight-hour shifts daily, with public and private sectors working together to keep the economy running day and night. The initiative chiefly targets existing key sectors in the country such as agriculture, manufacturing and essential services, but could be expanded to other areas in the long term. But as promising as it may seem, questions remain about the feasibility of Mahama's pet project. A country that never sleeps? Ghana's capital, Accra, can't compare to New York, Dubai or Tokyo when it comes to 24-hour amenities. In the African context, few cities run nonstop services, although Accra and cities in Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Kenya boast vibrant informal nighttime economies. Mahama's plan is about far more than creating cities where shops, restaurants and bars can operate day and night: His vision is to boost Ghana's economic output by tripling the hours that vital industries and sectors operate – from an average of eight hours per day to 24 hours. By the end of the decade, this ambitious policy could create 1.7mn new jobs across the nation, which would mean a 5% drop in unemployment. Economist Daniel Amateye Anim believes that bridging the gap from the theoretical idea behind the new policy to its actual application is where things could potentially go awry. 'About US$4bn to drive this 24-hour policy is needed,' he told DW. The expense has to be seen in the context of Ghana already owing US$3bn to the International Monetary Fund after defaulting repeatedly on some of its existing debt in recent years. Implementing an ambitious vision Ghana's approach as a government-backed policy is unique on the African continent, but faces multiple hurdles in its implementation. 'On paper, the programme sounds or appears innovative and progressive, with a propensity of transforming Ghana's economy. So it makes theoretical sense … (because) it's a programme that seeks to create jobs, bring about productivity, lift up from poverty,' said Amateye. 'As it stands now, we have so many graduates who are unemployed. And so, a programme that would ensure that people are employed and jobs are created, will also increase our GDP.' But in practical terms, he said, funding will be a limiting factor. 'Who exactly is the private sector, who you are expecting (to fund the program)? The internal private sectors do not have the financial muscle … to drive such an innovative programme.' According to Amateye, even if Ghana's private sector were able to fund a major transformation of the economy, it would still take time for private enterprises to fully buy into Mahama's ambitious idea. '(Each enterprise) would have to do a cost-benefit analysis first, and that takes time.' Amateye suggested that the onus should be on the government to cough up the funds first and thus 'dictate the pace' before private enterprises across Ghana can actually join Mahama's 24-hour economy revolution. DW
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Greatest in 100 years': Ghana mourns music legend Daddy Lumba
Ghanaians are mourning one of the country's best known singers, Charles Kojo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, who has died aged 60. A statement from the family of the legendary highlife artist said he died in hospital on Saturday after a short illness. Daddy Lumba, whose musical career spanned almost four decades, "was a cultural icon and his music touched countless lives", the statement said. Kofi Okyere-Darko, director of diaspora affairs at the office of the president, described Daddy Lumba as "the greatest from Ghana in the last 100 years". Daddy Lumba inspired many young Ghanaian musicians to pursue highlife music - a genre synonymous with the country. He is credited with 33 albums and more than 200 songs over his long career, touching on themes such as love, forgiveness, beauty, money, death and other social themes. President John Mahama paid tribute to him on Sunday with a post on Facebook. "Lumba's unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life," he wrote. "The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages." Meanwhile former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said "his passing is indeed a huge blow not only to the music fraternity but the entire country". Fellow artists such as Sarkodie, Guru, Sista Afia, were among the first to send condolences to the bereaved family, eulogising the "incredible talent he shared with the world". Lumba last held a public concert to mark Valentine's Day on 15 February 2025 to celebrate love, sharing the stage with some of Ghana's brightest musicians, with many of the country's politicians and influential people in attendance. Earlier this month, he met President Mahama at an event organised for senior citizens at the seat of government as part of celebrations to mark the Republic Day holiday. He had been due to go on tour to the US and Canada later this year. His most celebrated albums include Sika Sem, Aben Wo Ha, Wo Ho Kyere, Awosoo, Give Peace A Chance and Ahenfue Kyinkye. His most recent song, Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo, was released in December 2022. Who was Daddy Lumba? Lumba, born on 29 September 1964 in the town of Nsuta in Ghana's Ashanti region, began his music journey in the early 1980s. He got his stage name Lumba when he composed the song Lumba Lumba, which he dedicated to the freedom fighters of South Africa, according to his official website. Daddy Lumba travelled to Germany and teamed up with fellow highlife musician Nana Acheampong and the duo became known as the Lumba Brothers. They released their first official album, Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom, in 1986 - the song of the same name captures the struggles of Ghanaian immigrants in Europe searching for a better life. After the pair fell out and split, Daddy Lumba launched a solo career and released his first album Obi Ate Meso Bio in 1990 and never looked back. His family has requested privacy "as they navigate this profound grief". Details of funeral arrangements will be made public in the coming days. More stories about Ghana from the BBC: Ghana bans foreigners from trading in its gold market to boost revenue 'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me' Ghana wants more for its cashews, but it's a tough nut to crack The Maths Queen with a quantum mission to mentor girls Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Daddy Lumba: Ghana's highlife legend dies age 60
Ghanaians are mourning one of the country's best known singers, Charles Kojo Fosu, known as Daddy Lumba, who has died aged 60.A statement from the family of the legendary highlife artist said he died in hospital on Saturday after a short Lumba, whose musical career spanned almost four decades, "was a cultural icon and his music touched countless lives", the statement Okyere-Darko, director of diaspora affairs at the office of the president, described Daddy Lumba as "the greatest from Ghana in the last 100 years". Daddy Lumba inspired many young Ghanaian musicians to pursue highlife music - a genre synonymous with the is credited with 33 albums and more than 200 songs over his long career, touching on themes such as love, forgiveness, beauty, money, death and other social John Mahama paid tribute to him on Sunday with a post on Facebook."Lumba's unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life," he wrote. "The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages."Meanwhile former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said "his passing is indeed a huge blow not only to the music fraternity but the entire country".Fellow artists such as Sarkodie, Guru, Sista Afia, were among the first to send condolences to the bereaved family, eulogising the "incredible talent he shared with the world".Lumba last held a public concert to mark Valentine's Day on 15 February 2025 to celebrate love, sharing the stage with some of Ghana's brightest musicians, with many of the country's politicians and influential people in this month, he met President Mahama at an event organised for senior citizens at the seat of government as part of celebrations to mark the Republic Day had been due to go on tour to the US and Canada later this most celebrated albums include Sika Sem, Aben Wo Ha, Wo Ho Kyere, Awosoo, Give Peace A Chance and Ahenfue most recent song, Ofon Na Edi Asem Fo, was released in December 2022. Who was Daddy Lumba? Lumba, born on 29 September 1964 in the town of Nsuta in Ghana's Ashanti region, began his music journey in the early got his stage name Lumba when he composed the song Lumba Lumba, which he dedicated to the freedom fighters of South Africa, according to his official Lumba travelled to Germany and teamed up with fellow highlife musician Nana Acheampong and the duo became known as the Lumba released their first official album, Yee Ye Aka Akwantuom, in 1986 - the song of the same name captures the struggles of Ghanaian immigrants in Europe searching for a better the pair fell out and split, Daddy Lumba launched a solo career and released his first album Obi Ate Meso Bio in 1990 and never looked family has requested privacy "as they navigate this profound grief".Details of funeral arrangements will be made public in the coming days. More stories about Ghana from the BBC: Ghana bans foreigners from trading in its gold market to boost revenue'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me'Ghana wants more for its cashews, but it's a tough nut to crackThe Maths Queen with a quantum mission to mentor girls Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana: President Mahama welcomes London Mayor
President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday reaffirmed Ghana's firm commitment to international trade and investment, outlining the wide-ranging reforms actively fostering economic transformation and better governance. He was speaking during a courtesy call from the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan. The President stated that these strategic reforms, begun just six months into his administration, are already showing tangible results. He spoke about the renewed business confidence, the relative appreciation of the Cedi, and a decreasing inflation rate as important signs of economic stability and progress, especially after recent global challenges and inherited public debt burdens. 'We are striving to cultivate a new sense of thinking, a fresh approach to doing things, and to ensure that we effectively serve the people who elected us to lead,' President Mahama stated. He elaborated on key government initiatives, including the '24-Hour Economy' policy, drawing inspiration from London, a city he described as 'never sleeping.' The President explained, 'We've launched a 24-Hour Economy initiative to harness Ghana's vibrant youthful population and address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by promoting continuous economic activity and opportunities.' President Mahama further emphasised Ghana's burgeoning digital landscape, indicating the country's readiness to fully integrate into the global FinTech community with numerous digital services and innovative companies emerging across the country. He also reiterated the government's strong focus on agriculture and agribusiness as vital sectors for creating more opportunities, particularly for young people. Discussions between the two leaders also delved into the deep historical and business ties connecting Accra and London. President Mahama acknowledged Accra's rapid growth and expressed Ghana's keen interest in learning from London's extensive expertise in urban planning, efficient transport systems, modern waste management solutions, and effective flood control strategies. 'For a city like London, the efficiency of your transport system, even with perceived challenges, is truly remarkable,' the President noted, adding, 'We aspire to develop similar reliable systems where punctuality is the norm for our citizens.' In his remarks, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan congratulated President Mahama on his re-election and commended the positive signals his administration is sending to the international community regarding Ghana's potential. He praised the invaluable contributions of Londoners of Ghanaian origin, who are enriching various sectors of the city's economy and public life, from healthcare and transport to the arts. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Middle East
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi discusses with Ghanaian president ways to enhance action across Africa
MALABO, July 13 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met on Sunday with Ghanaian President John Mahama to discuss ways to enhance collective African action and regional cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of the African Union, currently being held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawy said that the two leaders discussed strategies to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and Ghana, focusing on areas of mutual interest that serve the development goals of both nations. The discussions reflected the shared commitment of Egypt and Ghana to deepening cooperation and building on the historical ties that unite the two countries, in a way that supports the aspirations of their peoples for prosperity and growth. The meeting also focused on enhancing collective efforts at the continental level, particularly in light of Ghana's hosting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and Egypt's chairmanship of the Council of African Ministers of Trade. The leaders reviewed ways to boost intra-African trade and address challenges hindering regional integration, as part of broader efforts to implement the goals of Agenda 2063. Regional issues were also high on the agenda. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situations in the African Sahel region, Somalia and Sudan, underscoring the urgent need to promote stability and peace as prerequisites for sustainable development throughout the continent. (MENA) M H K/R E E
