As the government advances plans for a 24-hour economy, the business community has emphasized that affordable and dependable electricity will be crucial to sustaining Ghana’s industrialization agenda.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Build Expo Ghana 2025 and Power Energy Ghana Expo, Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), said that high energy costs continue to hinder the growth ambitions of traders and manufacturers.

He noted that GUTA’s proposals to government include making sustainable and renewable energy sources more accessible and affordable for businesses.

“In our quest to industrialize as a nation, it is very important we have affordable energy sources; otherwise, it will be in vain because of competition with the rest of the world,” Mr. Obeng said. “It is very important for us to access affordable energy sources rather than the old and obsolete ones that produce energy at a higher cost.”

Highlighting the centrality of energy to Ghana’s growth, he added:

“Here in Ghana, we recognize that energy is the backbone of industrialization — every factory that opens, every business that expands, and every home that lights up is powered by the silent force of electricity and infrastructure.”

Government officials at the expo reaffirmed their commitment to energy sector reforms and innovation, underscoring efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready energy economy.

They cited key measures being implemented by the Ministry of Energy, including:

– IPP tariff rationalization to ensure affordability while maintaining investor confidence.

– Transparent procurement frameworks for new generation and infrastructure projects.

– Strengthening the Cash Waterfall Mechanism to ensure predictable payments across the sector.

– Accelerating renewable energy adoption, including local assembly of solar panels and battery storage systems.

– Expanding digitalization across operations for data-driven planning and smart distribution; and

– Promoting local content participation to empower Ghanaian enterprises in the green energy transition.

These initiatives, the Ministry noted, are designed to create a balanced energy market that supports both industrial competitiveness and sustainable national development.

India remains committed to bolstering its partnership with Ghana, particularly in vital sectors such as energy, trade, and technology, according to the country’s High Commissioner, Manish Gupta.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced that applications are open for members in Accra to attend the 29th GJA Media Awards Ceremony, which will take place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.

The awards ceremony — the flagship event of the GJA — celebrates excellence in journalism and honours outstanding journalists and media institutions that have contributed to national development, democracy, and media freedom.

This year’s edition will be particularly historic, as it will be hosted by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, at the revered seat of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The event will feature H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic and a full GJA member in good standing, as the Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker. Other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Acting Chief Justice.

The GJA has advised members from Accra who wish to attend to plan their travel accordingly — arriving in Kumasi on Friday, November 7, and departing on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Interested members are encouraged to apply through the online application form available at: https://forms.gle/1PbA3CaTFPiuJbLn6. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at midday.

In a statement signed by GJA General Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi, the Association urged members to seize this unique opportunity to participate in a momentous celebration of journalistic excellence at one of Ghana’s most historic and culturally significant venues.

Ghana has become the first African contributor to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed.

He said the move reinforces Ghana’s long-standing commitment to media freedom, describing independent journalism and trustworthy information as critical to democratic governance.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for global action to protect the integrity of information and strengthen independent media, urging world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps.

“The time has come for all of us to translate our shared ideals into tangible action — to demonstrate genuine commitment to supporting public interest media and safeguarding the integrity of information. Together, we must win — and we will win — the global war against misinformation and disinformation,” he said.

Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media in Paris on October 29, 2025, he said it was time to turn shared ideals into real commitments.

In a move aligning with its broader democratic governance agenda, President John Dramani Mahama announced that Ghana has opted to become a full member of the Partnership for Information and Democracy, reinforcing its pledge to transparency and media freedom.

“This decision has been officially communicated through the appropriate diplomatic channels, affirming Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and open governance. Our landmark decision sends a clear message to the international community — that Ghana remains steadfast in advancing the frontiers of freedom, upholding the rule of law, and serving as a model nation in promoting democracy and good governance,” President Mahama emphasised.

Reflecting on the conference’s outcomes, he expressed optimism about its impact and highlighted a number of strategic milestones achieved during the deliberations:

-The endorsement of the Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media, reaffirming global commitment to free, independent, and pluralistic information ecosystems

-Renewed political and financial pledges to replenish the International Fund for Public Interest Media, with a goal of raising €130 million between 2026 and 2028 to support independent journalism worldwide.

-The establishment of a Consultative Committee to strengthen coordination among states, civil society, and the Forum for Information and Democracy

-A shared global understanding that defending truth must be a sustained, collective effort that transcends national and institutional boundaries.