Enhancing Livelihoods for Sustainable Development in Ghana's Northern Savanna Zone

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is actively working to empower women in Ghana's Northern Savanna Zone through the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project (GSLERP). This initiative, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Global Shea Alliance, aims to address multi-dimensional poverty and enhance women's socio-economic status. Key strategies include gender planning, promoting women's leadership in natural resource management, and supporting women's cooperatives to increase shea-related incomes. The project seeks to restore 25,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves and ensure women are central to sustainable development efforts.

Bawumia Urges Ghanaians to Guard Free SHS Policy

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of Ghana has emphasized the importance of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2017, urging Ghanaians to protect it. The policy has faced criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly regarding the double track system. Former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC, who had previously criticized the policy, has now pledged to improve it without abolishing it. Dr. Bawumia has dismissed the NDC's promises, questioning their commitment to the policy and urging voters to keep the NPP in power to maintain the educational gains made over the past four years. The article suggests a political debate over the free SHS policy's implementation and future ahead of the December elections.

ILAPI Criticizes Government Over Premature Celebration of Tax Cuts

The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has criticized the Ghanaian government for prematurely celebrating the impact of tax cuts introduced in 2017. These tax cuts, which included reductions in VAT for various sectors, were intended to stimulate private-sector growth and job creation. However, ILAPI argues that the cuts have not yet achieved their goals and may even favor large corporations over the broader private sector. ILAPI's Executive Director, Peter Bismark, suggests that the government's borrowing to cover the deficit created by tax cuts could contribute to Ghana's rising debt. He calls for more data to assess the true impact of the tax reforms before making conclusive statements about their success.

NDC Accuses EC of Rigging Elections in Favor of NPP

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana of attempting to rig the upcoming elections in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NDC's General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, criticized the EC for procedural irregularities and for using outdated laws in the nomination process. Despite the challenges, the NDC filed their nomination forms for their flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, and vowed to protect Ghana's democracy and win the December 7 elections. Asiedu Nketia also expressed concern over the heavy military presence at the EC's headquarters, questioning the need for such security measures.