The World Health Organisation requires that patient data be collected with informed consent, used only for healthcare purposes, and kept confidential. Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012, also provides similar protections for personal data.

Ghana declined the proposal, citing concerns over data privacy and the protection of its citizens’ information.

Questions have also been raised about the purpose of the data request.

Experts have warned that the arrangement could go beyond health cooperation. The data and biological samples could potentially be used for research and development of drugs, vaccines , and gene therapies, which may later be commercialised.

The proposal has received mixed responses from other countries. Zimbabwe and Zambia rejected the offer. Kenya initially signed but faced legal challenges after a petition was filed in court. Other countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho, Eswatini, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Cambodia, are reported to have signed similar agreements, with a total of 32 countries participating.

The resolution, UNGA A/80/L.48, sponsored by Ghana on behalf of the African Group, was adopted on March 25 with 123 votes in favour, three against (Israel, the United States and Argentina) and 52 abstentions. It urges states to pursue “reparatory justice,” including steps such as apologies, restitution and the return of looted cultural artefacts.  

Israel’s position is similar to concerns raised by other Western delegations that did not back the text. The United Kingdom, for example, abstained and warned against language that could be read as ranking crimes against humanity.  

“The UK continues to disagree with fundamental propositions of the text and, therefore, regrettably, cannot vote in favour of it. Firstly, the UK is firmly of the view that we must not create a hierarchy of historical atrocities.  Doing so simplifies the complexity and vast scale of suffering endured in different contexts. It risks diminishing the experiences of communities whose trauma and suffering was felt just as strongly. No single set of atrocities should be regarded as more or less significant than another,” the UK noted in an explanatory statement.

Israel said its “no” vote was not a denial of slavery’s historical harm, but a protest over the final wording, and it expressed regret that negotiations did not produce changes that might have allowed broader support.  

But World Reframed is made of sterner stuff so we decided to enter the Jollof Wars.

What is Jollof rice?

At its core, Jollof rice is a one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. Simple on paper.

In reality, it is anything but.

Across West Africa , Jollof is a symbol. It sits at the centre of celebrations, gatherings, and everyday life. In countries like Ghana and Nigeria, no event feels complete without it. It is not just a dish - it is a statement.

Where did Jollof come from?

Historically, Senegal is widely credited as the origin of Jollof rice, linked to the Wollof people of Senegal and The Gambia.

Interestingly, in Senegal it is not even called Jollof. The dish is known as Thieboudienne, pronounced Chee-boo-Jen, and is typically made with fish and vegetables in a more stew-like style.

But while Senegal may have started the story, the loudest voices in the modern debate belong to Ghana and Nigeria.

When the debate went global

For years, the Jollof debate lived online. Then in 2017, it spilled into the real world.

Festivals and competitions were held in cities like Accra, Lagos, and even Washington DC, turning a cultural rivalry into an international spectacle.

The results only added fuel to the fire:

Yes, no tomatoes. Chaos.

And Ghana? No wins that year. A detail quietly left in the past.

Fast forward to 2025, and Nigeria secured another major victory - this time in Accra itself. For Ghanaians, that one stung.

So what is the difference?

Despite the arguments, each version of Jollof rice reflects its country’s culinary identity.

Ghana Jollof

Nigeria Jollof

Senegal (Thieboudienne)

Gambia Jollof

So yes - everyone is doing something different. And still arguing about who does it best.

The recipe: Ghana Jollof rice

If you want to understand the debate, you have to try it yourself.

Step 1 - The base

Blend tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and ginger into a smooth mixture.

Step 2 - The stew

Fry tomato paste with onions, then add the blended mixture. Let it cook down until thick, rich, and deeply flavoured.

Step 3 - Seasoning

Add spices such as curry powder, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in your protein stock for depth.

Step 4 - The rice

Add washed rice directly into the stew, allowing it to absorb all the flavour.

Step 5 - The magic

Cook on low heat with a tight cover. Let it steam, not boil.

The secret is patience and balance. Ghana Jollof is not aggressive - it is confident.

More than food

Jollof rice has moved beyond the plate. It appears in music, pop culture, and everyday language. Entire songs have been written about it, sometimes as humour, sometimes as rivalry, sometimes even as metaphor.

It is food, but it is also storytelling.

So who actually has the best Jollof?

Ask a Ghanaian, and the answer is obvious. Ask a Nigerian, and you will get the same certainty.

Ask anyone else, and you may get a diplomatic response.

Perhaps that is the real point.

The Jollof Wars are not about winning. They are about pride, identity, and the joy of sharing something deeply rooted in culture . There are no casualties - only full stomachs and bruised egos.

And if even the King of England and the King of YouTube refuse to choose a side, perhaps you do not need to either.

World Reframed episode 34

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

The resolution urges Member States to consider formal apologies and to contribute to a reparations fund, although it does not specify a monetary value. It also calls for the return of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period to their countries of origin.

Speaking on behalf of the African Group, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said, “Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice.” He described the resolution as a “safeguard against forgetting” and a response to what he called the “erasure of Black history ” by some modern political administrations.

The resolution states that for more than 400 years, millions of Africans were “stolen, shackled, and shipped” under harsh conditions. It describes the trade as a “definitive break in world history” with long-term effects on global labour and economic systems. Estimates indicate that between 12 and 15 million people were captured between 1500 and 1800, with over two million dying during the transatlantic journey.

President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said the trade was a form of “mass resource extraction” that weakened African societies. She added, “The slave trade and slavery stand among the gravest violations of human rights in human history – an affront to the very principles enshrined in the Charter of our United Nations.”

The resolution faced opposition from the United States. Ambassador Dan Negrea described the text as “highly problematic in countless respects” and said the UN should focus on international security rather than “niche” issues. He stated that the U.S. “does not recognise a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred”.

Several countries, including the United Kingdom and some European Union members, abstained from the vote. The UK has maintained that present-day institutions should not be held responsible for actions taken in the past.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said reparations efforts are not limited to financial payments. He explained that African leaders are seeking support for education and skills development, stating, “Many generations continue to suffer the exclusion, the racism because of the transatlantic slave trade, which has left millions separated from the continent and impoverished.”

Esther Philips, First Poet Laureate of Barbados, addressed delegates during the session. She said, “There are spirits of the victims of slavery present in this room at this moment, and they are listening for one word only: justice .” She added, “For them and for the world, there can be no peace without justice – reparatory justice – and that call is answered only when words are turned into action”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to take stronger steps to address the long-term effects of slavery. He urged “far bolder actions”, including recognising African ownership of natural resources and ensuring equal representation in global financial and security institutions.

The scramble comes as Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and fuel shipping corridor, have rattled energy markets and forced buyers to diversify supply routes and suppliers. 

Dangote refinery officials said trading firms that buy its products have been shipping fuel across the continent, including to Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tanzania and Togo this month, with Tanzania receiving its first arrival from the refinery, according to a company representative cited in the report. 

While demand for Dangote’s output is rising abroad, the refinery has also adjusted prices at home in response to swings in crude markets. Nigerian media and market reports have described multiple price moves this month as global oil prices surged and then shifted again amid war-related uncertainty. 

Dangote, Africa’s largest refinery, plans to expand capacity further in the coming years, and the latest round of inquiries highlights how the plant is increasingly being viewed as a regional backstop when traditional import routes are disrupted. 

He explained that the initiative will be formally presented by Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, before international bodies on March 25. The proposal seeks to classify slavery as "the gravest crime against humanity", aiming to establish a legal and moral precedent within the international system.

Ablakwa also said the international community has not fully acknowledged the gravity of these crimes or held those responsible accountable.

"For more than 300 years, Africans were treated as property, many of them in the most dehumanising and despicable circumstances. Perpetrators are yet to apologise and have not compensated the victims," Ablakwa said.

“It is unfortunate that our friends in the EU and the US have served notice that they will not be voting for this resolution, but the good news is that we are far more than them, and we want to be on the side of justice, on the right side of history ,” he added.

The occasion was a state banquet held in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the first visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in nearly four decades. Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were received with full ceremony on March 17, complete with a guard of honour — a fitting welcome for the head of Africa’s most populous nation.

That evening, around 160 guests gathered in St. George’s Hall, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The long tables were set with elaborate displays from the Royal Collection.

Opening his speech with the greeting “Ramadan Mubarak,” the King nodded to Nigeria’s religious diversity before recalling his 2018 visit to the country. He then turned, lightly, to a subject that is anything but trivial in West African circles: jollof rice.

“I was delighted to host a rather lively group for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party,” he said, referring to a recent reception at St. James’s Palace. “I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese.”

“Diplomatically, I cannot remember,” the King quipped, drawing laughter.

For decades, the so-called “jollof wars” have pitted countries against one another in a spirited contest over whose recipe reigns supreme. 

For decades, the so-called “ jollof wars ” have pitted countries against one another in a spirited contest over whose recipe reigns supreme.

Nigerians champion a smoky, party-style version; Ghanaians argue for a richer flavour; Senegal, widely considered the dish’s originator, traces it to thieboudienne.

What may seem like a playful rivalry has also helped push West African cuisine into the global spotlight. Social media has amplified the debate, turning it into a wider conversation that travels well beyond the region.

Research suggests that the rivalry does more than entertain. The study describes the “jollof war” as an “occasionally fierce online debate” that has spread widely on social media, particularly between Nigerians and Ghanaians.

Far from being purely divisive, it argues that these exchanges are “harnessing West African culinary soft power” — effectively turning everyday arguments about food into a form of cultural promotion.

As for the King, his answer was carefully balanced. In the jollof debate, even a monarch appears to know better than to take sides.

‘Golden’ makes history for K-pop

The Netflix animated film “Kpop Demon Hunters” scored two major wins : Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song for the track “Golden.”

Released in 2025, the film follows a fictional K-pop girl group that uses music to fight supernatural enemies. Its soundtrack has generated global hits, with “Golden” becoming the first K-pop song to win an Academy Award.

Singer Ejae , who performs the track and voices the singing parts of the film’s lead character Rumi, spoke about the significance of the moment.

“Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop,” she said during the acceptance speech. “But now everyone’s singing our song and all the Korean lyrics. I’m so proud.”

Director Maggie Kang also addressed the importance of representation when accepting the award for Best Animated Feature alongside Chris Appelhans and producer Michelle LM Wong.

“For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took so long to see us in a movie like this,” Kang said. “But it is here, and that means the next generations don’t have to go longing.”

“K-Pop Demon Hunters” had already won Golden Globe awards earlier in the season for both best animated feature and best original song.

Filipino-American breaks a century-long barrier

Filipino-American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made Oscars history by becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography.

Arkapaw won the award for her work on Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners,” ending a nearly century-long male stronghold in the category.

She also became the first Filipino, the first Black woman and the first Asian woman to receive the prize.

Arkapaw , whose family roots trace to Masantol, Pampanga in the Philippines as well as the American South, had already been widely recognised during awards season for her work on the film.

“Sinners,” a vampire horror film that explores race relations, received 16 Oscar nominations. Among its producers is Zinzi Coogler, who became the first Filipino nominated for Best Picture.

Arkapaw also set technical milestones during production, becoming the first woman to shoot on both IMAX film and Ultra Panavision, and the only cinematographer to use IMAX film stock developed by Kodak specifically for the film.

Michael B. Jordan honours African roots

“Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor award for his role in the film, marking his first Academy Award.

During his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked director Ryan Coogler and acknowledged the Black actors who paved the way before him, including Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington and Halle Berry.

“I stand here because of the people who came before me,” he said.

Jordan also highlighted his family’s support, noting the global journey behind the moment.

“My dad came in from Ghana to be here,” he told the audience at the Dolby Theatre.

With the win, Jordan joins a small group of Black actors who have received the Best Actor Oscar, including Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Forrest Whitaker, Poitier and Washington.

The victories across several categories underscored the growing influence of artists connected to the Global South at Hollywood’s biggest awards ceremony.

His lead counsel, Enayat Qasimi, told Semafor that Ofori-Atta has a “pathway to residency” that he intends to pursue instead of returning home, arguing that his client fears he would not get a fair trial in Ghana. Qasimi said there are “serious questions” about the independence of the Ghanaian judiciary and described the case as a “political witch hunt.”

Ghana has filed an extradition request for Ofori-Atta, and US officials told Semafor the request has been received. Ghana’s Attorney-General’s office declined to comment, according to the report.

Ofori-Atta is facing multiple allegations, including corruption, money laundering and using public office for profit, with prosecutors alleging that the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract caused a financial loss of more than GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The case has drawn wide attention in Ghana, where Ofori-Atta oversaw the Finance Ministry from 2017 to 2024 during a period that ended with the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation. His prosecution has also become a high-profile test of President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to crack down on corruption.

The NCC stressed that licences are only for cannabis with a THC content of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

The Commission said the regime covers two main areas; industrial production, including fibre and seeds for manufacturing and medicinal use, aimed at supporting pharmaceutical and health-related products.

Applicants, including individuals and companies, can apply under 11 licensing categories, such as cultivation, processing, breeding, research and development, laboratory testing, storage, transportation , import and export, sales and distribution, and advertising and promotion.

To streamline applications, the NCC has introduced an online application system through its website. Applicants must complete a digital form, upload required documents and pay a non-refundable application fee, the Commission said.

"Ghana strongly condemns this attack and has further demanded that those responsible be identified and held accountable, as the attack constitutes a grave violation of international law, amounts to war crime and affronts the protections afforded to United Nations peacekeeping personnel," Ablakwa wrote.

Further arguing that the strike was a “grave violation of international law,” amounts to a “war crime,” and violates protections afforded to UN peacekeepers.

The government also urged the UN to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety and security of Ghana’s contingent in Lebanon and other UNIFIL personnel, noting that peacekeepers operate “at great personal risk” in the service of international peace and security.

Ablakwa said Ghana would pursue justice for the injured soldiers and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to UN peacekeeping operations, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue monitoring developments and engaging UN authorities on the matter.

A third soldier was “traumatised”, according to the statement. The Ghana Armed Forces said the battalion’s Officers’ Mess was also hit and “burnt down completely”.

The injured soldiers are being treated at a Level One Medical Bunker and were reported to be stable, with arrangements underway to evacuate them to the UNIFIL Headquarters Referral Hospital, the statement said.

The Ghana Armed Forces urged the public to remain calm, adding that troops are currently safe in underground bunkers amid what it described as a fragile security situation.

It said the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has protested the incident at the United Nations headquarters in New York , and called on parties to the conflict to uphold their responsibilities to protect peacekeepers deployed in the area.

The airport was first established in 1946 as a military facility operated by the British Royal Air Force after World War II. It was later handed over to civilian authorities.

In 1956, under the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the facility underwent structural development to meet international air travel standards. By 1958, it was officially inaugurated as Accra International Airport.

In 1969, the military government renamed it Kotoka International Airport in memory of Lt. General E.K. Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that removed Nkrumah from office. Kotoka was later killed in 1967 during a failed coup attempt at a location that is now part of the airport’s forecourt.

The military government renamed the airport in his honour, portraying him as a “liberator” from what it described as Nkrumah’s authoritarian rule. 

The decision to rename the nation’s largest airport was first announced earlier on February 3, during a media briefing by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga. 

Where he stated that “a bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport to facilitate this change.”

However, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe stated that the renaming process does not require any legislation, clarifying that airport renaming in Ghana has consistently been carried out through executive orders.

Bukari Nikpe said the government “considered it appropriate” to restore the earlier name. 

He told local media that the change was aimed at projecting a neutral national image and reflecting the name of the capital city, Accra.

Supporters of the move, including some civil society groups, argue that honouring Kotoka contradicts Ghana’s democratic values and glorifies an unconstitutional change of government.

Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the late president, has consistently advocated for restoring the airport’s original name.

Critics, including members of Kotoka’s family, said the decision erases his legacy and service. Some members of the public have also questioned the cost of the change and asked why issues such as unemployment and living conditions are not being prioritised.

However, Bukari Nikpe stated that the change will bear no high cost to the state, and it only involves removing 'Kotoka' and making a few adjustments.

Nkrumah led Ghana to independence in 1957 and was regarded as a leading figure in the pan-African liberation movement. After his overthrow, Ghana experienced several coups until the return to multiparty democracy in 1992. Since then, the country has held closely contested elections and witnessed peaceful transfers of power.

The response was uniform: "No vacant bed available". By 12:50 am GMT, Charles Amissah was dead —not for lack of medical expertise or a responding ambulance, but for lack of a piece of furniture.

His tragic death has reignited fury over Ghana’s "no bed syndrome," a systemic failure where emergency care is routinely denied based on physical space. 

However, a look into healthcare systems across sub-Saharan Africa reveals that Amissah’s death is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a continental crisis where hospital beds have become a tool of lethal exclusion.

The Ghana context

In Ghana, the "no bed syndrome" is a chronic ailment. In 2024, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), the nation’s largest medical facility, had to suspend referrals to its Surgical Medical Emergency unit because it was housing 60 patients in a 36-bed unit. Photos on social media captured the dehumanising reality: patients receiving treatment in plastic chairs, wheelchairs, and on the bare floor.

The Ministry of Health, on February 18, announced that it had constituted a three-member committee to probe Amissah’s death , examining decision-making processes and contributing factors. Yet, local experts argue the problem is structural. Beyond the physical shortage, the system suffers from abandoned facilities, a lack of medicines, and a severe brain drain as medical professionals flee for better opportunities abroad. 

Despite a national health insurance scheme, the cost of emergency care remains prohibitively high for many, and the referral chain is often broken by a lack of coordinated communication between ambulances and receiving wards.

The Nigerian mirror

Nigeria faces a nearly identical "no bed" crisis, often overshadowed by the "Japa syndrome"—the mass exodus of healthcare workers. The story of Ifelola Abiona last year, a 42-year-old mother of two, mirrors that of Charles Amissah. 

Despite doctors being physically present and ready to operate at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), she was left to "languish" and eventually die because no bed could be found. Her husband recounted a harrowing ordeal of being referred between facilities, paying nearly a million naira (about $745) for redundant tests, only to be told again: "No bed".

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) blamed this on a dysfunctional referral system and a weak primary healthcare foundation.

Chairman of the NMA in Lagos, Dr Saheed Babajide, revealed that in Lagos, only 57 out of 300 primary health centres are comprehensive enough to have doctors, forcing patients to swarm tertiary hospitals for minor ailments. This over-subscription, according to reports, means that many hospitals consistently operate at over 90% occupancy.

Furthermore, the lack of space extends to the families. Informal caregivers—relatives who perform the roles of nurses due to staffing shortages—are forced to sleep on staircases , wooden benches, or bare concrete. They report being bitten by mosquitoes, shivering in the rain, and eventually falling ill themselves, creating a secondary public health risk.

The ICU crisis in South Africa

In South Africa, the crisis shifts from general ward beds to the even more critical shortage of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. Reports reveal that South Africa has a mere five ICU beds per 100,000 people . In some provinces, the ratio drops to one bed per 100,000.

The consequences are visceral. In Gauteng, South Africa's economically dominant province, which houses its financial capital, Johannesburg, a 29-year-old man died after a one-hour wait for medical attention; his family attributed the delay to "corruption led by the political elite" and a lack of available ICU space. Another patient waited six weeks for an ICU bed for a bypass surgery; during that time, gangrene spread, resulting in a double amputation.

The shortage is not just about infrastructure but specialised human capital. Only 25% of ICU nurses in the country are actually trained in critical care. This deficit, combined with crumbling utilities and water/power shortages, means that even when a physical bed is available, there may be no one qualified to man it. 

There have also been reports of financial mismanagement where security budgets outweigh clinical budgets, leaving hospitals under-equipped while funds are siphoned away.

Liberia and Kenya: Crumbling walls and digital deadlocks

In Liberia, the "no bed" crisis is exacerbated by the scars of civil war and the 2014 Ebola epidemic. At Phebe Hospital, the second-largest in the country, reports from 2024 indicated that a lone surgeon had been forced to carry out operations by the light of storm lanterns because of frequent electricity cuts. 

The hospital, burdened by $300,000 in debt to vendors, often lacks basic drugs, forcing doctors to watch patients die while relatives run to local pharmacies to buy supplies. At the James Jenkins Dossen (JJ Dossen) Hospital in Harper, the coastal capital of Maryland County in southeastern Liberia, the influx of patients was so high that pregnant women and their newborn babies were forced to sleep on the floor.

Kenya offers a more modern, albeit equally frustrating, version of the crisis. Recent transitions to the Social Health Authority (SHA) portal resulted in chaotic situations where hospitals with physical beds were shown as having "zero occupancy" in the digital system. Hospital owners reported being forced to turn away women in need of maternity services because the digital dashboard "locked," preventing admissions and reimbursements. 

Officials claim this was a deliberate downgrade to protect patient safety in facilities lacking essential equipment, but providers allege it is a cost-containment strategy by a state grappling with billions in unpaid claims.

A continental death trap

The collective data across these nations paints a grim picture:

Why the bed is just the symptom

The "no bed syndrome" is rarely just about furniture. It is the end result of the "Three Delays" model, according to researchers :

Many governments in Africa still view Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a luxury rather than an essential component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

In Nigeria, for instance, only 9% of the population is covered by a formal EMS system. Governments struggle to maintain ambulance fleets, and most response is left to expensive, private hospital-owned vehicles that can cost more than a month’s wages to hire.

The path forward: Essential, not optional

The African Critical Illness Outcomes Study , which investigated about 20,000 patients from 180 hospitals in 22 countries across the continent, suggests that thousands of lives could be saved through simple, low-cost interventions that can be provided in general wards, such as ensuring oxygen availability and training staff in basic life support.

Case studies in Sierra Leone and Malawi show promise. Sierra Leone utilised ambulances from its Ebola response to create a national EMS system that now achieves national coverage with 80 ambulances and over 400 paramedics. Malawi is piloting a coordinated "118" emergency number and trauma registry along its deadliest road corridor.

Ghana said the move is intended to prevent a further escalation of incidents that have generated tensions between some institutions in both countries, while promoting an amicable, rules-based outcome that preserves the longstanding relations between Accra and Lomé.

“Ghana has taken this step in order to avoid an escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some of our institutions and to promote an amicable resolution, thereby contributing to the continued good relations between our two countries,” a statement from the government of Ghana read in part.

Ghana is effectively asking an independent tribunal constituted under UNCLOS to determine where the maritime boundary should lie, a process typically aimed at producing a binding outcome when parties cannot reach a negotiated settlement.

In 2014, Ghana initiated proceedings against neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire after disagreements over their offshore boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, disputes that intensified following major oil discoveries in the area. That case was heard by a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), acting under UNCLOS. The tribunal issued a binding decision in September 2017 that largely upheld Ghana’s position and delimited the maritime boundary along an equidistance line.

At a recent African Union summit, reparations for the mass human trafficking, colonialism and apartheid were designated as a flagship priority of the Union. The move marks a significant moment in a long-running effort to coordinate Africa’s position on one of the gravest chapters in global history.

Ghana has been tasked with leading the development of a unified proposal. Situated on the West African coast, Ghana - like several neighbouring countries - became a major hub in the trafficking of enslaved Africans. Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were forcibly taken from its shores and transported across the Atlantic in appalling conditions.

For decades, there was little international consensus about how to address this history. Many of the countries responsible sought to frame slavery as a closed chapter. Some African states prioritised other urgent post-independence challenges. Caribbean nations, whose populations include many descendants of enslaved Africans, developed their own approaches shaped by different political and economic realities.

Now, however, the African Union is attempting to bring together African states and the wider diaspora behind a common position.

The gravest crime

At the heart of the new initiative is a draft declaration that characterises the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

Slavery is already prohibited under international law as a peremptory norm - a jus cogens principle from which no derogation is permitted. The proposed resolution builds on this legal foundation and rests on three pillars - historical accuracy, legal defensibility and continental and diaspora alignment.

The language has been deliberately refined. The draft title reads: Declaration of the Trafficking in Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity . Supporters argue that such precision matters. It recognises the systematic trafficking of millions of Africans, the racialised and institutional nature of chattel enslavement, and the unprecedented scale and enduring consequences of these crimes.

The emphasis on describing slavery as a crime - rather than merely a trade or an economic system - reflects a broader shift in tone. For many African leaders, justice begins with acknowledgement: first, that a crime occurred, and second, an understanding of its nature and consequences.

A 15-point plan

Although the full text of the new declaration has yet to be published, its direction is informed by the 2023 Accra Proclamation on Reparations.

That proclamation sets out a 15-point plan. It includes the creation of a reparations fund, but extends far beyond financial compensation. It calls for reform of international financial institutions to produce a fairer global system for countries subjected to slavery and colonial exploitation. It demands the return of cultural artefacts removed during periods of enslavement and colonial rule. It urges the formation of a joint front across nations and peoples who suffered as a result of these systems.

The proclamation also links historical injustice to contemporary global inequalities. It highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Global South and argues that patterns of extraction and dependency established during colonialism continue today through economic and cultural dependence on former colonial powers.

In this framing, reparations are not simply about calculating a monetary sum for historical suffering. They are about restructuring relationships and correcting systemic imbalances that trace their origins to slavery and colonial rule.

It's not (only) about the money

African leaders have been clear that the issue of reparations and restitutive justice goes beyond money.

Setting the historical record straight is seen as a central objective. Around 12 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. An estimated 2 million died during the Middle Passage - some from disease and brutality, others thrown overboard, and some choosing death over a life in bondage.

The argument is that this historical reality must be formally recognised at the highest international level. Supporters stress that no single payment or lump sum could meaningfully account for the scale of suffering or the generational harm inflicted. The damage extended far beyond those who were taken. Entire societies were destabilised. Generations of descendants across Africa and the diaspora continue to live with the social and economic consequences.

Questions of financial quantum are still under research, and leaders suggest that any eventual settlement would not simply involve distributing money to governments. Instead, they envision a broader programme of transformation - returning stolen artefacts, addressing structural inequities, and restoring opportunity to affected communities.

A Changing Global Context

The renewed push comes at a time of uncertainty in the international system. The multilateral order established after the Second World War is under strain. Nations increasingly act unilaterally and prioritise domestic interests. Humanitarian assistance and overseas development funding to Africa and other parts of the Global South are declining.

In this context, African leaders argue that the continent cannot remain a passive actor, appealing for aid while global priorities shift. Instead, they say Africa must take its destiny into its own hands and assert its moral and legal claims on the world stage.

The past cannot be undone. But it can be acknowledged. For those leading this initiative, acknowledgement is the first step towards justice.

After centuries in which the suffering of enslaved Africans was minimised, reframed or ignored, many across the continent believe the moment has come to secure formal recognition - and to begin reshaping the systems that grew out of that injustice.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

“Our lease expired in April 2025. We applied for an extension, but the government indicated a preference for the asset to transition to Ghanaian ownership, which we accepted and thought made sense,” Gold Fields CEO Mike Fraser said during a media briefing on the company’s 2025 results.

Under Ghana’s mining laws, mineral assets revert to the state when leases expire. A transition team appointed by the sector minister has been working alongside Gold Fields since July 2025 to coordinate the handover. The team is expected to assume interim leadership from April 19, 2026, pending the appointment of a new operator.

Fraser said the company has not received formal communication on who will take over long-term operations. “A new operator would need to be appointed and issued with a mining lease to continue operations, a process that could require parliamentary approval,” he noted.

Gold Fields completed a feasibility study before the handover, indicating that Damang could continue operating for at least nine more years with annual production of 100,000 to 150,000 ounces. Extending the mine’s life would require an estimated $500 million to $600 million in new investment.

The Damang Mine, located in the Western region of Ghana is one of the largest gold mines in the country and directly employs about 500 staff and supports up to 1,500 contractors, making operational continuity a key concern.

In a statement shared on X, George said the government presented evidence available to it concerning allegations that Luilkov engaged in non-consensual recordings of women. 

He stressed that authorities are committed to enforcing Section 67 of Ghana’s Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalises the non-consensual capture and distribution of intimate images.

“My colleague and I reiterate our commitment to using all legal means at our disposal to ensure that the protections of Ghanaian citizens are enforced at all times,” George said.

Working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the government has now escalated the matter to an international level.

“We have activated international legal action through INTERPOL to ensure that once the individual sets foot outside Russia , we have a legal route to make him answer for his actions within Ghana,” the minister added.

The move means Ghana could seek cooperation from other countries if the suspect travels abroad, potentially paving the way for arrest or extradition proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigation, and the Russian embassy has yet to issue a public response.

A central theme was the need for African countries to process their natural resources locally instead of exporting them in raw form. Leaders argued that local beneficiation would increase economic returns and strengthen industrial development.

Ghana announced a specific policy measure during the summit. President John Dramani Mahama declared that by 2030, the country will end the export of unprocessed mineral ores. The directive applies to manganese, bauxite, and iron ore.

"By 2030, there will not be any raw mineral ores leaving Ghana," Mahama said at his "Accra Reset" side event. The policy aims to promote local industrialisation and increase the value Ghana gains from its natural resources.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also warned against what he described as a "new form of colonialism", where foreign economies target Africa’s natural resources. He said minerals should be processed locally. "It should no longer be a case where rock, soil and dust is exported out of Africa without being beneficiated," Ramaphosa told delegates. He urged African nations to work together to ensure their resources benefit their citizens.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the historical exploitation of Africa’s resources. "No more exploitation, no more plundering," he said, stressing that "the people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa". He called for fair and sustainable value chains to ensure African countries benefit "first and fully" from their critical minerals.

President Mahama also announced changes to Ghana’s cocoa financing system. For nearly 30 years, Ghana has relied on syndicated loans from international banks to purchase cocoa, using cocoa beans as collateral.

According to Mahama, this system has limited domestic processing because collateralised beans must be exported to international financiers. Ghana has the capacity to process 400,000 tons of cocoa locally, but local processors have not had sufficient access to raw beans.

Under the new approach, Ghana will raise domestic bonds in cedis to finance cocoa purchases. "Ghana has enough cedis to pay for its cocoa," Mahama said, adding that the change will "immediately" release 400,000 tons of beans for local processing. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, at least 50% of all cocoa beans must be processed within the country.

The policy announcements were presented under the "Accra Reset" initiative. The framework focuses on strengthening resource sovereignty and shifting from aid dependency to investment-led growth.

Mahama criticised delays in implementing AU decisions. "African leaders come with decisions, agree and develop frameworks, but what is missing is urgency and implementation," he said. He urged leaders to "stop talking and start implementing" to create opportunities for young people and reduce irregular migration.

The summit also marked leadership changes within the AU. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye will assume the AU chairmanship for 2026. Outgoing chairperson President João Lourenço of Angola said Africa’s development is not possible "if we leave anyone behind," and called for continued investment in infrastructure and human capital.

President Mahama, who serves as the AU Champion on Reparations, is expected to seek similar support at the 50th CARICOM Summit on February 24, 2026. The resolution is scheduled to be presented at the UN General Assembly on March 25.

“All peoples of African descent have been waiting for this day. The truth cannot be buried. The legal foundations are sound; the moral imperative is undeniable,” the president is quoted.

He added, “This marked a historic turning point in the life of our Union, not as a symbolic or commemorative act, but as a strategic and international commitment.”

Ablakwa described the AU’s endorsement as a “historic milestone,” praising diplomatic efforts and collaboration with global experts and activists to advance the initiative.

In a related development, President Mahama, speaking at a high-level summit in Addis Ababa on February 13, urged the international community to go beyond what he described as “ceremonial language” on Africa’s historical injustices.

He called for a move from symbolic recognition to “binding frameworks” with clear timelines to address the enduring economic and social consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation.

In 2015, the African Union worked with UNESCO and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent to ensure Africa’s reparations agenda influences global discussions on returning stolen cultural items.

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to prioritise funding for gender equality , warning that without sustained investment, the continent’s development will remain incomplete. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa, he said achieving Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals depends on unlocking the full potential of women, whom he described as Africa’s most underutilised resource. He added that despite longstanding commitments, gender initiatives remain chronically underfunded and are often the first to face cuts during periods of fiscal constraint.

Ghana to expand visa waivers as passport strength rises

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to s ign more visa waiver agreements in the coming months to strengthen the global standing of the Ghanaian passport. Speaking after bilateral meetings at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, he described visa waivers as a key priority and signalled major announcements from March through May. Ablakwa said Ghana is positioning its passport among the most valuable in Africa, citing upgraded chip-embedded technology, enhanced security features and expanded travel access.

Three major hospitals accused of defying GHS directive in hit-and-run death

A 29-year-old engineer, Charles Amissah, died after being turned away by three major hospitals in Accra despite a Ghana Health Service directive banning the denial of emergency care over bed shortages. According to reports, he remained in an ambulance outside the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the Police Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for nearly three hours before dying, in what has been described as another case of ‘no-bed syndrome’. In 2018, the GHS ordered that no emergency patient should be refused treatment due to a lack of beds, following a similar incident involving a 70-year-old man who was reportedly rejected by several hospitals before his death.

Outrage over alleged Russian luring Ghanaian women into filmed encounters

Between 12 and 13 February 2026, Ghanaian social media, particularly X, was dominated by controversy surrounding a man claiming to be Russian and identifying himself as Yaytseslav. Videos circulating online show him approaching women, mainly at Accra Mall, striking up conversations and recording the interactions . Posts allege that some encounters extend beyond first contact, with the footage later edited into content for his TikTok and YouTube pages. Users claim dozens of such videos involving Ghanaian women are publicly available, while additional material is reportedly shared via a private Telegram channel said to charge a monthly subscription of about $5.

Two siblings found dead in unsecured manhole

A family at Abokobi near Somanya is in mourning after two young brothers drowned in an uncovered manhole at their home. The boys, Jason Teye Mensah, 8, and Nathaniel Ayernor Kofi, 9, went missing after returning from school and were later found dead in the manhole around 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 12. Fire Service personnel helped retrieve the bodies, which have been taken to the Yilo Krobo District Hospital for autopsy. Police have confirmed the incident and begun investigations.

In many of the clips that have circulated, he records these encounters from start to finish. Some of the footage ends up on TikTok, YouTube and a paid Telegram channel, and netizens say dozens of such videos featuring different women have been shared online.

Videos show much of the encounters from first contact to more private moments, raising questions about consent and privacy .

Many clips were later removed from his public TikTok account after the backlash intensified, and some content is reported to be behind a paid Telegram channel

The posts have sparked a wave of reactions on social media and beyond. Some users on X are calling for authorities to investigate the recordings, arguing that filming and distributing intimate moments without clear consent could be unlawful and unethical.

Ghanaian media personality MzGee has called for the man’s arrest amid concerns over how the content was created and shared.

Other social media users have debated the responsibility of the women involved, with some defending them and others criticising how easily they were persuaded to participate.

Some X posts reflect broader netizen concern about consent and privacy, with one user writing that the focus should be on “the serious breach of trust” in recording and distributing the footage without permission.

In response to the uproar, the man reportedly deleted several videos from his public accounts and issued comments explaining that the footage was “almost a year old” and suggesting women are “interested” in interacting with foreigners, according to messages attributed to him on Telegram.

At the time of reporting, there is no official statement yet from Ghanaian law enforcement, and it remains unclear whether authorities will pursue any legal action related to the recordings. Public debate continues, with many warning about the potential legal and ethical implications of filming and sharing sensitive personal interactions.

Instead, many reportedly find themselves sent to the frontlines of the war .

Promised jobs, delivered to war

Families say communication often stops shortly after the recruits arrive in Russia. Some receive brief messages saying they are being deployed to the battlefield and will not be allowed to carry phones.

“We don’t know whether he is alive or dead,” said one Kenyan relative whose brother travelled to Russia last year after being promised a job. “He told us to pray for him.”

Investigative group All Eyes on Wagner (AEOW), which tracks mercenary activity, recently published a report listing 1,417 fighters from 35 African countries who joined the Russian army between 2023 and mid-2025. According to the report, at least 316 of them have died.

Egypt had the largest number of identified recruits, while Cameroon recorded some of the highest losses. The group estimates a mortality rate of more than 22 percent among the listed fighters, not including those wounded or missing. Ukraine has also claimed that more than 1,400 Africans from 36 countries are fighting for Russia.

Recruitment network

Reports from different African countries suggest the recruitment methods are similar. In Ghana, 14 men were allegedly lured with promises of agricultural and security jobs in 2024. Only three were known to be alive a month later.

In South Africa, several individuals were charged over the alleged recruitment of young men who were reportedly promised jobs or education opportunities but ended up in combat zones.

Some recruits sign contracts written in Russian, which they may not fully understand. Ukrainian officials have described the contracts as “equivalent to signing a death sentence." 

Experts say Russia has long relied on foreign fighters and private military networks. “If those guys die, who cares?” one international relations professor in Egypt said, suggesting foreign recruits may draw less domestic attention inside Russia.

Government warnings and rescue efforts

Several African governments have warned citizens to verify overseas job offers through official channels. Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently urged young people to confirm employment opportunities with the Ministries of Labour and Foreign Affairs before travelling abroad.

Kenyan authorities say they have rescued some citizens caught up in the conflict. However, families claim the number of affected individuals could be much higher than officially acknowledged.

In Egypt, authorities have tightened travel requirements for citizens heading to Russia and warned that serving in a foreign military could carry serious legal consequences at home.

Desperation and risk

Analysts say high unemployment and economic hardship across parts of Africa make young people vulnerable to such schemes. The promise of stable income in foreign currency can be powerful, especially for families struggling with rising living costs.

But once in Russia, some recruits allegedly discover they have few options. Returning home may be difficult, and leaving a military contract can carry severe penalties.

For many families, the biggest pain is the silence.

“We just want to know the truth,” said one relative. “Is he alive? Is he coming back?”

The group referenced Nigeria’s decision to ban sachet alcohol, which was driven by data from a national survey revealing that nearly one in ten children under the age of 13 drinks alcohol daily.

VAST-Ghana raised concerns about the design and marketing of sachet alcohol. Typically containing alcohol levels of 43% or more, the small and low-cost packaging makes it easily accessible and concealable by school children. The group stated, “This situation leads to alcohol abuse, addiction, physiological damage such as liver damage, even from small amounts, and long-term health problems, as early exposure is particularly harmful to developing bodies.”

The organisation described the normalisation of sachet alcohol near schools and transport terminals as “a threat to our national security and future human capital”. VAST-Ghana also cited a May 2025 study published in BMC Public Health, which found alcohol to be the most commonly used substance among Ghanaian students, with some beginning consumption as early as age 10.

Alcohol consumption is linked to the development of noncommunicable diseases such as liver and heart diseases, several types of cancer, and mental and behavioural health issues, including depression and alcohol use disorders, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Global data from 2019 showed that approximately 400 million people, or 7% of the world’s population aged 15 and older, had alcohol use disorders. Among these, 209 million individuals were living with alcohol dependence.

The push for policy change in Ghana follows Nigeria’s ban on sachet and small-sized alcohol bottles under 200ml, implemented by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The ban specifically targets the affordability and accessibility of small alcohol packs to minors.

A survey conducted by NAFDAC across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones revealed that 54% of minors purchase alcohol themselves, with a preference for sachets and small bottles due to their discreet size. The same data showed that nearly one in ten children under 13 consumes alcohol daily.

Defending the ban, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said : “Access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available. A ban on small pack sizes... can reduce the menace of underage drinking.”

Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit held from February 2 to 5 in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, stated that Ghana’s two main refineries are too small to meet local fuel demand. 

Tameklo explained that Ghana has already initiated discussions with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to develop a commercial relationship. 

“In Ghana, what we have tried to do as a country is to operate two major refineries and a modular refinery of about 5,000 to 6,000 barrels per day, which is quite small,” he said. “When you talk about 6,000 barrels per day in the Nigerian context, it is insignificant, but in Ghana it is considered a sizeable refinery. We have always relied on imports, both crude oil and refined products . Ghana therefore represents a strong offtake market for the Dangote Refinery.”

“We have had extensive engagements with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to position Ghana to take refined products from Nigeria. Given the proximity between Ghana and Nigeria, increased reliance on Nigeria’s refined petroleum products will help us reduce the cost of fuel delivered to Ghana,” he added.

Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President (Oil and Gas) of the Dangote Group, confirmed that the refinery has the capacity to serve both domestic and export needs.

“The refinery has an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is currently operating at about 85%, with steady progress toward full utilisation,” he told local publication Vanguard . 

“Nigeria needs only about 50% of our production capacity to meet its petrol and diesel requirements. This leaves significant volumes available for export, and with planned expansions, export volumes will increase further,” he added.

In 2024, Ghana’s oil regulator had indicated the country could purchase refined petroleum from the Dangote Refinery once it reached full operation, potentially replacing monthly European imports valued at $400 million.

Two years earlier, during the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Aliko Dangote had criticised the continent’s reliance on fuel imports from outside Africa, stating: “Our capacity is too big for Nigeria, but it would also supply West Africa, Central Africa and South Africa.”

Gold prices have doubled over the past twelve months, reaching around five thousand dollars per troy ounce. Silver's climb has been even more dramatic. It rose from around $35 an ounce at the start of the year to a peak of $120 in January, before falling back to around $80. Even after that drop, silver is still up more than 250 percent over the year, outperforming almost every other asset.

What's going on?

The current surge began with central banks. After Russia was cut off from the global financial system following its invasion of Ukraine, many countries recognised a vulnerability. The US dollar dominates global reserves and trade, which makes it convenient but also exposes countries to political pressure. Nations including China, Turkey, India and several in the Middle East began looking for alternatives that could not be controlled by any single government. Gold became the obvious choice.

At the same time, the world experienced the sharpest inflation spike in decades. Supply chain disruptions, the energy crisis in Europe and lingering effects of the pandemic undermined confidence in currencies. Historically, these are the conditions in which gold performs well. When trust in money weakens, investors turn to something tangible.

Gold and silver are also not just stores of value. They are essential materials for modern technology. Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and data centres all depend on them. Demand has risen quickly, but mining supply has not kept pace. Environmental concerns, rising costs and the long time it takes to develop new mines mean production cannot respond quickly to price signals.

Finally, there is a psychological element. As prices rise, fear of missing out draws in more investors. Media attention pulls in ordinary savers alongside hedge funds and central banks, pushing prices even higher.

Ghana and gold

Ghana’s relationship with gold stretches back over a thousand years. Long before modern states existed, gold from the region travelled across the Sahara. European traders later named the area the Gold Coast, a name that captured how central the metal was to the economy.

After independence, gold mining was nationalised, but mismanagement led to decline. Reforms in the 1980s revived the sector, and today gold is once again the backbone of the economy. In 2025, gold accounted for around 64 percent of export earnings, bringing in roughly $11.5 billion. Mining contributes more than a third of government revenue and supports millions of jobs, both formal and informal.

The recent price boom has brought visible benefits. Foreign reserves have stabilised, and the cedi has strengthened significantly against the dollar. This has helped reduce imported inflation, especially for fuel and food, which have been politically sensitive after years of economic hardship. For many Ghanaians, higher gold prices feel like a long-awaited breathing space .

But the boom has also intensified existing challenges. Informal and illegal mining has expanded, driven by the incentive of higher prices. Rivers have been polluted and landscapes damaged. In response, the government has created a Gold Board to tighten controls, capture value leaking out through smuggling and improve environmental enforcement. Special river guards have been trained, arrests have been made and monitoring has increased. Results so far are mixed, but there is recognition that without stronger regulation, the long-term costs could outweigh the short-term gains.

Bolivia and silver

Bolivia’s history with silver is inseparable from Potosí and the Cerro Rico mountain, which for centuries helped finance the Spanish Empire at immense human cost. After five hundred years of mining, the mountain itself is now at physical risk, with collapses a constant threat.

Bolivia remains a significant silver producer. In 2024, it produced around 1,300 metric tonnes and exported roughly $1.2 billion worth of silver ores and concentrates. Mining today is dominated by cooperatives that operate in a grey zone between formal and informal activity. These groups wield considerable political power and are central to ongoing debates about safety, environmental damage and state oversight.

Rising silver prices have brought mixed reactions. Higher incomes help mining communities survive, especially in regions like Potosí where alternatives are scarce. At the same time, weak regulation and limited enforcement capacity raise concerns about environmental degradation and labour conditions. Proposals have been floated to formalise cooperatives through financial incentives tied to environmental standards, but whether these reforms will be fully implemented remains uncertain.

For a country facing a severe foreign currency shortage and fuel crisis, silver offers potential relief. Studies suggest significant revenue gains are possible if the sector is better regulated, but this depends on political will and institutional capacity.

A temporary boom or lasting change?

Both Ghana and Bolivia are benefiting from high prices, but both face the same underlying question. Commodity booms rarely last forever. Prices will likely fall at some point. The real issue is whether today’s windfall can be converted into lasting economic stability, stronger institutions and environmental protection.

In Ghana, higher gold prices have helped stabilise the economy and given the government room to manoeuvre after a difficult period. In Bolivia, silver offers a chance to ease immediate pressures but also exposes long-standing structural problems.

The opportunity is real in both countries. So is the risk. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or just another chapter in the familiar boom-and-bust cycle depends on how governments act while prices are high.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

The smock, handwoven from locally spun cotton, originates from Northern Ghana, where Mahama comes from, was misidentified by some Zambians as a blouse, sparking online commentary and mockery.

However, the smock carries deep cultural and historical significance that extends beyond fashion.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 3, by Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament. Speaking at a media briefing, said, “We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport to facilitate this change.”

The airport was initially established in 1946 as a military facility operated by the British Royal Air Force following World War II. It was later handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the facility underwent structural development to meet international air travel standards.

By 1958, it was officially inaugurated as Accra International Airport.

The name was changed in 1969 to Kotoka International Airport in memory of Lt. General E.K. Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that removed Nkrumah from office. General Kotoka was later killed in 1967 during a failed coup attempt at a location now part of the airport’s forecourt.

The renaming proposal reflects ongoing calls from civil society and public figures who argue that naming a national airport after a military coup leader is contrary to Ghana’s democratic values. Among these voices is Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the late Nkrumah, who has consistently advocated for restoring the airport’s original name.

Ayariga affirmed the legislative nature of the process, stating, “Such decisions must be grounded in law and guided by the will of the people.”

According to IMF projections cited and analysed by The African Exponent , Africa’s ten largest economies in 2026 reflect a mix of resource strength, population size, industrial capacity, and policy direction.

South Africa is projected to remain Africa’s largest economy in 2026, with a nominal GDP of about $401.6 billion. Despite slow growth in recent years, the country continues to benefit from its diversified economy, strong financial sector, and advanced industrial base.

Close behind is Egypt, with an estimated $399.5 billion GDP. Egypt’s rise has been driven by large-scale infrastructure investment, expansion in energy production, and aggressive economic reforms.

As The African Exponent has noted in previous coverage, Egypt’s strategic positioning as a trade and logistics hub linking Africa, the Middle East , and Europe continues to strengthen its economic weight.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is projected to rank third with a GDP of roughly $334.3 billion. Oil and gas still play a central role, but growth in telecommunications, fintech, agriculture, and entertainment has diversified parts of the economy.

However, the African Exponent has consistently pointed out that currency instability, inflation, and policy uncertainty remain key constraints on Nigeria’s full economic potential.

Algeria is expected to rank fourth at $285.0 billion, buoyed largely by hydrocarbons and higher global energy demand. While diversification remains a challenge, state spending and energy exports continue to anchor the economy.

Morocco, at $196.1 billion, rounds out the top five. Its strength lies in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the growing automotive and aerospace industries. The African Exponent frequently highlights Morocco as one of Africa’s most strategically diversified economies.

Kenya and Ethiopia signal East Africa’s growing economic relevance. Kenya has approximately $140.9 billion, driven by services, finance, ICT, and regional trade. Ethiopia is also around $125.7 billion, supported by manufacturing, agriculture, and state-led industrialisation.

Despite debt pressures and foreign exchange shortages, Ethiopia’s long-term growth fundamentals continue to attract attention across African economic commentary.

Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola finalise the list as Ghana sits at $113.5 billion, supported by gold, cocoa, and oil, though fiscal pressures persist. Côte d’Ivoire comes in with $111.5 billion, as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, driven by agriculture and infrastructure. Angola, with $109.9 billion, is heavily dependent on oil but showing gradual signs of reform.

The African Exponent has noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s steady growth contrasts sharply with more volatile commodity-dependent economies, making it one of the continent’s most closely watched performers.

These rankings are based on nominal GDP, not purchasing power or living standards. What this really tells us is where capital, infrastructure, and policy focus are currently concentrated. It also highlights Africa’s continued reliance on a handful of large economies to drive continental growth.

In a statement released on Tuesday, January 27, Minister Ablakwa confirmed that the Ministry had approved the passport after establishing what he described as the influencer’s “irrefutable ties” to the country. 

The Minister noted that this move reflects Ghana’s openness to the "global African family" and honours those who project the nation positively on the world stage. 

Ablakwa described iShowSpeed as a “worthy ambassador” whose impact resonates beyond mere entertainment .  This follows a series of cultural immersions by the streamer, including a traditional naming ceremony at Akropong, in eastern Ghana, where he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo.

During his visit, iShowSpeed toured historic landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the Black Star Square. 

The announcement has divided public opinion.

While the streamer’s visit was hailed and some have defended the Ministry’s decision others have described the government's actions as unserious questioning the sanctity and value of the Ghanaian passport versus the government's strategy of using celebrity influencers to boost the country's global image, a thing that has happened in the past where world-famous people have been awarded citizenship.

In 2024, under the previous Ghanaian government, legendary American singer Stevie Wonder was awarded a citizenship in a high-profile ceremony.

During his stream in Ghana, iShowSpeed mentioned plans of returning to Africa and hinted at purchasing a property on the continent. 

With him being awarded a Ghanaian passport and saying live on stream that his mother originated from the West African nation, he could be making Ghana his second home.

Sovereignty beyond rhetoric

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo framed sovereignty as action rather than declaration, calling for value addition and economic control over natural resources. It was a pointed reminder that resource ownership without control over value chains offers little real power.

Congo’s position mirrors that of many Global South countries: rich in strategic resources, yet dependent on external financing. As long as raw materials leave the continent unprocessed, sovereignty remains symbolic rather than structural.

A changing political tone

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, openly challenged dependency, speaking not as a beneficiary of aid but as a stakeholder demanding agency. This shift in language is significant. It signals a move away from gratitude towards assertion, though assertion without coordination risks remaining performative.

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, went further, arguing that the failure lies not with African countries but with a global financial system that transformed temporary aid into a permanent fixture. Aid fatigue, in this context, is not frustration with donors, but with a system that discourages self-sufficiency.

When institutions acknowledge the inevitable

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo warned that the Global South cannot outsource its future, a statement that carries weight given his long involvement in aid negotiations. It reflects an emerging consensus among leaders who once operated comfortably within donor frameworks but now recognise their limitations.

Institutional voices echoed this unease. The Commonwealth Secretary-General spoke cautiously about reform and cooperation, while Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands acknowledged that aid flows are shrinking and domestic financing will become unavoidable.

This admission matters. When institutions built around aid begin to question its sustainability, the era of predictable external support is effectively over.

The real test: unity or fragmentation

The Accra Reset ultimately exposes a deeper problem. While the Global South speaks of unity, its countries continue to negotiate trade, financing and policy individually, often in Western capitals, leaving them vulnerable to sanctions , protectionism and shifting geopolitical interests.

Fragmented economies are easy to discipline. Coordinated economies are harder to ignore.

The Accra Reset is not a declaration of independence. It is a stress test. One that asks whether the Global South is prepared to finance itself, trade with itself and defend its economic interests collectively.

Aid, as several speakers implied, will end whether the Global South is ready or not.

Click here to watch our previous episodes

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

Ghana is set to expand access to education through artificial intelligence tools developed in local languages, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced. Speaking on Facebook on Friday, January 23, Iddrisu said he recently engaged with the Vice President of Google at the Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom to discuss strategies for improving learning outcomes across Ghana and Africa. The initiative , part of Google’s $37 million investment in Africa, will include the development of speech recognition and AI tools for Ghanaian languages such as Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani, with a particular focus on non-standard speech patterns to make digital learning more accessible to students who speak these languages at home.

New Trade Office in China

Ghana plans to deepen trade and investment relations with China by opening a new Trade Office in Nanjing, Shandong Province, in 2026, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare announced. The minister made the disclosure when the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, paid a farewell call in Accra on Thursday, January 22. She said the initiative is aimed at promoting and strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries and providing Ghanaian businesses with a stronger presence in one of the world’s largest economies. Ofosu-Adjare also stated that Ghana is ready to sign the Zero-Tariff Agreement with China, which will facilitate easier market access for Ghanaian goods and services.

COMAC reacts to Star Oil exit

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has been shaken by the unexpected suspension of Star Oil’s membership, COMAC Chairman Gabriel Kumi said in an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Business Edition, on Thursday. Kumi described the move as a “complete surprise,” given Star Oil’s long-standing role and influence within the chamber, where it currently holds the vice-chair position. The decision comes amid growing disagreements over the petroleum price floor, a policy that has divided players in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector. Kumi emphasised that Star Oil has been a key member of COMAC and has contributed significantly to the chamber’s growth and success.

Kwesi Arthur royalty claims

Ground Up Chale, the former management company of Ghanaian musician Kwesi Arthur, has rejected claims by the artist that he earned nothing from his works during his time with the label. Jonathan K. Amable, counsel for the company, described the claims as false during a conversation on local radio show Joy FM X Spaces hosted by Kwame Dadzie on Thursday, January 22, and presented email correspondence between the parties showing that Kwesi Arthur had received royalty payments. “In that email, Glen details payments that had been made to Kwesi, which he never disputed. It says, ‘to date, you have benefited from £91,370 in royalty disbursements,’” Amable said . The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Ghana’s music industry over artist management, contract transparency, and royalty payments.

Mahama urges Africa to prioritise skills, innovation and production

President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to prioritise skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production to avoid falling behind in a rapidly changing global economy. Speaking at the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, January 22. Mahama warned that Africa must innovate and build competitive economies to meet the expectations of its youthful population, which is increasingly demanding jobs and opportunities. He stressed that education should be closely aligned with the real needs of modern economies, emphasising digital skills, green energy expertise, and manufacturing capabilities as critical areas for investment.

The Atlas Lions might have been the nation that defeated Victor Osimhen and his cohorts in a 4-2 win on penalties in the semis, but back home, Nigerians are having a go at the Ghanaian referee, Daniel Laryea, who officiated the game.

Many Nigerians have gone online to call out Laryea, whom they think favoured the Moroccans during the fixture, which led to their defeat. 

Some have questioned the competence of Laryea, saying he should never officiate a game again.

Others have publicised the Ghanaian referee's personal social media pages, calling for others to attack him.

Ghanaians have also come out to support their compatriot, congratulating him for his performance in such a high-stakes game.

Now, Ghana and Nigeria’s rivalry goes beyond football—the West African nations have always been at it. From Jollof Wars to music , and even having banter over which nation is more developed. 

But, when it comes to football, here’s the backstory;

Nigeria has won the AFCON three times: 1980, 1994, and 2013. Whereas Ghana has won it four times: in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, bettered only by Cameroon (5) and Egypt (7).

Meaning if Nigeria had qualified for the final and gone on to win it, they would have equalled the Black Stars’ tally.

In the lead-up to the tournament in Morocco, Nigeria had just failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Ghana, which failed to make it to the AFCON stage, qualified for football’s biggest competition—a feat they have not been so quiet about.

The pressure on the Nigerian team to win a fourth AFCON trophy was heightened throughout this tournament, considering how they were firm favourites in the finals last time but somehow lost to Côte d’Ivoire.

Now, many in Nigeria believed this year’s trophy to be theirs because they had cleared everyone before them. Defeating nations like Algeria and Tunisia along the way.

The Super Eagles now have to battle it out for the bronze medal on Saturday, January 17, with the most successful nation in the competition, Egypt, another nation that has been chasing the AFCON trophy since completing their three-peat in 2010.

The Pharaohs lost their semi-final fixture against Senegal. Surely, this means a nail in the coffin for the hopes of talismanic captain, Mohamed Salah, to win an AFCON.

Unless he decides to try again at age 35, when the 2027 tournament is jointly hosted by Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda. 

The legendary Liverpool forward has not been in great form, and pundits suggest he might exit Anfield sooner, rather than later, after a very public falling out with Dutch manager Arne Slot.

For his former Liverpool teammate, Mane, it is a chance at immortality after winning Senegal their first trophy in 2021 against Egypt.

The West African nation faces the host, Morocco, another nation chasing its second trophy in the final on Sunday, January 18.

The last time the North Africans won the tournament was 50 years ago in 1976.

MrBeast, whose content reaches more than one billion followers across platforms, said the project is designed to turn online influence into tangible impact. Rather than focusing on follower numbers alone, participants were chosen for their commitment to social good and community-driven ideas.

The country has become increasingly visible on the global stage, attracting international attention for projects that combine philanthropy, storytelling and youth engagement. Local creators, including Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, have been invited to participate.

The village project will be fully documented and shared across MrBeast’s platforms.

In return, Ghana committed to tough reforms, including spending restraint, debt restructuring and tighter fiscal controls, measures that helped slow inflation and calm currency markets but also raised concerns about social costs and policy constraints. 

In his New Year address on January 1, 2026, President Mahama said those reforms are now bearing fruit. Inflation has eased sharply from its 2024 highs, the cedi has stabilised, and debt renegotiations with creditors have been completed on what he described as “sovereignty-protecting” terms.

“We are beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity, not as supplicants, but as partners,” he said, arguing that Ghana no longer needs to rely on emergency external support to manage its finances.

Government officials say improved revenue collection, tighter budget discipline and renewed business confidence have strengthened the foundations for growth in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and construction.

What ‘exit with dignity’ really means

Leaving the IMF does not mean Ghana will cut ties with the institution. Instead, it is a desire to move away from programme conditionalities while maintaining credibility with lenders and investors.

For the government, “dignity” means exiting from a position of relative stability rather than crisis, with inflation under control, debts restructured and fiscal buffers slowly rebuilding.

This is the reality of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. In 2025, the bloc turned 50 years old. Instead of celebrating unity and progress, it faced its most serious crisis of relevance since its founding.

This moment of doubt comes at a time when West Africa needs regional coordination more than ever. Security threats are multiplying, trade remains fragmented, mobility is expensive, and democratic institutions are fragile. As ECOWAS enters its sixth decade, fundamental questions are being asked openly. Can it still enforce democratic norms? Does it still carry economic weight? And can it survive in its current form?

Paper tiger

On paper, ECOWAS is formidable. It brings together 15 member states, represents more than 440 million people, and has a combined GDP of roughly 600 billion US dollars. That makes it one of the largest regional blocs in the Global South.

In practice, integration remains shallow. Trade between ECOWAS countries still accounts for less than 20 percent of their total trade. In more integrated regions such as the European Union, internal trade exceeds 60 percent. The comparison highlights a central weakness. ECOWAS has scale, but it lacks cohesion.

That weakness became impossible to ignore in 2025, when Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew from the bloc. Together, these Sahelian states represent around 70 million people and nearly 17 percent of ECOWAS landmass. While they contribute less than 5 percent of total GDP, their strategic and security importance is enormous.

Their departure followed years of tension after military coups, sanctions, and repeated threats of intervention. When ECOWAS failed to act militarily after the coup in Niger, it exposed a hard truth. The bloc did not have the political consensus or operational capacity to enforce its strongest decisions.

Empty threats

The crisis of democratic enforcement did not stop there. Later in the year, disputed elections in Guinea-Bissau once again demonstrated how fragile political institutions remain in the region. The military intervened, and ECOWAS responded with condemnation, suspension, and the threat of sanctions.

This has become a familiar pattern. Since 2020, sanctions alone have rarely reversed coups. More often, they have hardened military rule and eroded ECOWAS authority. Each repetition weakens the credibility of the bloc’s commitment to democracy.

The elusive Eco

Economically, ECOWAS continues to pursue one of its oldest ambitions: a single currency. The Eco was first proposed more than 20 years ago and is now tentatively scheduled for 2027 after missing multiple deadlines.

The obstacles are structural. Nigeria alone accounts for more than 60 percent of ECOWAS GDP, while many smaller economies struggle with inflation, debt distress, and fiscal instability. Without real convergence on economic fundamentals, the Eco remains a symbolic project rather than a functional one.

These challenges are made more acute by a fragmenting global economy and shrinking foreign assistance from traditional partners in Europe and the United States . Regional self-reliance is becoming more important just as ECOWAS capacity is being questioned.

Tax-free flying

Yet amid the uncertainty, there is a reason for cautious optimism as 2026 begins.

From January, air travel across ECOWAS member states is set to become tax-free, with sharp reductions in passenger and security charges. This is one of the bloc’s most tangible policy wins in years.

The reform matters because West Africa has some of the highest intra-regional airfares in the world. It is often cheaper to fly to Europe than to a neighbouring country. If fully implemented, the changes could reduce fares by 20 to 40 percent, benefiting traders, students, tourists, and families while advancing free movement in a practical way.

Connectivity has long been neglected in African economic policy, despite its importance for growth. People want to travel, and people travelling drives commerce. Currently, international departure taxes in Africa average around $68 per trip, with West Africa the most expensive subregion. Short flights of just a few hundred kilometres can cost hundreds of dollars.

This reform requires coordination and execution more than large financial outlays. If governments create the right conditions, the private sector can step in. For ECOWAS, this could be a rare example of delivery matching ambition.

A chance for redemption

As 2025 ends, ECOWAS looks like this: large in population, fragmented in politics, slow in economic integration, weak in enforcing democracy, but still capable of delivering reforms that people can feel in their daily lives.

At 50, ECOWAS is no longer just a regional institution. It is a test case for whether African multilateralism can adapt to a changing political reality. The question now is whether the future of regional cooperation will be driven by declarations, or defined by delivery.

The answer will shape not just ECOWAS, but the credibility of regional integration across the Global South in the years ahead.

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World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can  contact us  here.

The country’s dominance reflects its long-established role as a global cocoa processing and food manufacturing hub, centred around the Port of Amsterdam and advanced agri-processing infrastructure.

Malaysia ranked second with 12.2% of global exports worth $422 million, underscoring Southeast Asia’s growing importance in value-added food processing, even though much of its cocoa is imported.

Germany followed closely, exporting $364 million worth of hot chocolate products, while Indonesia and Spain rounded out the top five exporters.

Data from World ’s Top Exports confirms that countries leading hot chocolate exports are typically those with strong food processing industries, advanced logistics, and access to global markets, rather than simply cocoa production alone.

This explains why France, Singapore, the United States and Brazil also feature among the top exporters, each leveraging manufacturing capacity, branding, and distribution networks to compete globally.

Notably, Ghana, one of the world’s largest cocoa producers, appears on the list with $142 million in exports, reflecting gradual progress in moving beyond raw cocoa exports toward finished and semi-finished chocolate products, an issue long debated in African trade and industrialisation policy .

The hot chocolate trade figures come amid broader shifts in global food markets. Rising cocoa prices, driven by climate-related supply disruptions in West Africa and tighter global stocks, have placed pressure on manufacturers worldwide.

In 2024, cocoa prices reached multi-decade highs , prompting concerns about inflation in chocolate and confectionery products.

At the same time, global demand for premium and ready-to-drink chocolate beverages has risen, particularly in Europe, North America and parts of Asia, boosting export volumes despite higher input costs.

ArtReview’s Power 100 is an annual ranking that identifies the individuals considered most influential in shaping the contemporary art world. Compiled by the UK-based magazine ArtReview, the list reflects impact across artistic practice, institutions, markets and cultural debate, rather than commercial success alone.

Images from Accra show sacks filled with coloured rocks and stones, labourers assembling large textile installations, and visitors moving through museum spaces where Mahama’s work is on display. His work is best known for monumental textile-based pieces made from repurposed jute sacks and industrial materials, which frequently address themes of labour, history and exploitation.

Mahama has argued that producing ideas from Africa inevitably shapes how those ideas resonate globally. He noted that while artists and students have traditionally looked towards the West for knowledge, the conditions on the continent also generate forms of understanding that cannot be created elsewhere.

The art ist said his decision to base his practice in Tamale was deliberate. Using a metaphor, he compared art to sugar that attracts ants wherever it is placed, explaining that building his studio there was less about location and more about contribution, learning and long-term engagement.

At 38, Mahama climbed from 14th place in the 2024 ranking to the top position this year. Over the past decade, his large-scale installations have brought him international attention, positioning his work at the centre of discussions about labour, responsibility, memory and the social implications of artistic production.

Each December, thousands of visitors, many from Europe and North America , descend on cities like Accra and Lagos. The surge in demand pushes up prices across flights, accommodation, transport and entertainment.

Airfares on popular routes to West Africa can more than double during the festive season, with some travellers paying thousands of dollars for last-minute tickets. Hotel prices in prime areas such as Osu and Labone in Accra or Victoria Island in Lagos often rise, sometimes doubling compared to off-season rates.

Food and drink prices also spike, with restaurants and bars charging festive premiums for everyday items. Large concerts and high-profile parties add to the expense, with ticket prices placing many events out of reach for average earners and locals.

Inflation and weak currencies

These seasonal pressures are compounded by existing economic challenges. Both Ghana and Nigeria have faced high inflation and currency weakness, pushing up the cost of imported goods, fuel and food, staples of the festive season.

In Nigeria, inflation has driven up transport and grocery prices, making Christmas spending harder even without added tourism demand. In Ghana, a weaker cedi has increased costs across the board, affecting locals and visitors alike.  

Locals feel priced out

While Detty December has brought major economic benefits, Ghana’s Tourism Authority says visitors generated a record $4.8 billion, while Lagos alone earned more than $70 million last year, critics say ordinary residents are increasingly being priced out of their own cities.

Rents rise, basic goods become more expensive, and public spaces are reshaped to cater to wealthier visitors. For many locals, the festive season now means higher living costs rather than celebration.

Social media has amplified these concerns, with many Ghanaians and Nigerians questioning whether the festivities still serve the wider population.

Is Detty December slowly dying?

The growing costs have also sparked debate about whether Detty December is becoming unsustainable. Some travellers report “Detty December fatigue”, budgeting more carefully or opting for smaller gatherings instead of big-ticket events. On social media, some Ghanaian X user even prayed for the death of Detty December in the country. For others, it was about congestion, traffic and mainly poorly organised shows.

In Ghana, the label itself has come under scrutiny. Kofi Okyere-Darko, the country’s Director of Diaspora Affairs, has said he is uncomfortable with the term being linked to Ghana’s national image, despite the tourism boom it brings.

That casual moment became the starting point of a journey that would move from home cooking to digital influence, and now, social change. 

The video later evolved into a full recipe post on TikTok, helping her find an audience that connected with her food, her ideas, and eventually, her purpose.

In the early days, Chefabbys made a clear decision to stay behind the camera. For nearly two years, her videos focused only on the food. “For like two years I never showed my face… I just really love to cook,” she told Global South World in an interview. 

At the time, cooking was the focus, not visibility or recognition. That changed around December 2024, when she chose to step into the frame. “The moment you add your face to it, it becomes like your personality, showing what you can offer.” Showing her face helped shift how people saw her content. What once felt like a recipe page began to feel like a personal brand, built around a real person with a clear voice.

As her audience grew, so did the challenges behind the scenes. Chefabbys spoke about the financial strain of food content creation. “You need to buy the ingredients to shoot the recipe… and if that’s not coming anymore, you need to use your own money.” 

Beyond costs, there was also the pressure of standing out in a crowded digital space. “How do you stand out? What exactly will make people want to watch your videos?”

For her, the answer was never just better visuals or trend-driven content. It came from something deeper. Her relationship with food was shaped long before social media. 

“Growing up, we always came from a family where food was in abundance, and we always gave our food.” 

That habit of sharing stayed with her. Seeing people light up when they received a meal became meaningful. “I felt like, oh, if food can make somebody this happy, then imagine giving thousands of people that food.”

That thinking pushed her to look beyond content creation. She began to question how her words and values could turn into real action. “I wanted to make use of something I’ve been saying all the time… How do I change that thing that is just talking into something that is more passion-driven and action?”

The answer came on October 16, World Food Day, when Chefabbys launched the “Big Street Feast” in Accra. 

She turned the street into an open kitchen and fed tens of thousands for free . The event was simple in concept but powerful in impact. Food was shared without conditions or labels.

But she was not alone; her initiative received support from the office of Ghana’s president and local organisations. 

“People actually helped us. They came through. It was the first time, so people needed to see how it was going to go.” 

The crowd reflected the wider reality of food insecurity. Over 36 million people in West and Central Africa are on the verge of experiencing emergency hunger as a result of persistent conflict, difficult economic conditions, and severe weather, according to the World Food Programme (WFP) . The situation in Ghana, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire is getting worse due to rising food and fuel prices.

According to WFP, a million of Ghana's more than 2 million people who experience food insecurity are chronically malnourished children under five.

“It’s not just for the underprivileged… businessmen, influencers, and everyday people” showed up, reinforcing her belief that food challenges affect many people, not just those often identified as vulnerable.

From that experience, a bigger vision took shape. The Ghanaian now wants every October 16 to be recognised as Free Food Day across her country and everywhere else. 

Her idea is simple: restaurants, communities, and individuals offering free meals on that day. 

“In the next five years, I want to see World Food Day as something that is practised out of Ghana, in countries, in restaurants… people should be able to walk in and eat for free.”

Her work has not gone unnoticed. In July 2025, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators. Months later, at the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa held in Johannesburg in December, she earned 1st Runner-Up in the Food Creator of the Year category. 

For her, recognition is not pressure. “It gives me more opportunities to do more… I don’t feel pressure at all,” she said.

Despite being widely known as a chef and content creator, Chefabbys defines herself differently. 

“Being a chef is my passion. Being a creator is a platform… but being a changemaker is my vision, my hope, my dream.” 

A total of 68 African nationals have been repatriated from Ghana’s Ashanti Region to their respective countries following court rulings over criminal activities, including involvement in the Q-Net scam and prostitution. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene announced in a Facebook post on December 18, 2025, that those deported included 42 Nigerians, 13 Cameroonians, seven Beninese, three Ivorians, and three Burkinabe nationals. He said the repatriations were carried out in line with due process and commended the Ghana Immigration Service for its professionalism, diligence, and collaboration with the courts and other security agencies in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining public safety.

Ghana to receive additional $385m from IMF programme

Ghana is set to receive an additional $385 million under its Extended Credit Facility programme after the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the fifth review of the arrangement. The disbursement brings total IMF support under the 39-month, $3 billion programme approved in May 2023 to about $2.8 billion. In a statement issued from Washington, DC, the IMF said Ghana’s performance under the programme had been generally satisfactory, with all quantitative targets for the review met. The Fund noted that economic growth through September 2025 exceeded expectations, inflation had declined into the Bank of Ghana’s target range, and the external sector strengthened due to robust gold and cocoa exports. While acknowledging progress in financial sector reforms and debt restructuring, the IMF cautioned that vulnerabilities persist in state-owned banks and called for stronger governance and supervision.

Youth unemployment flagged as national security concern

New data from the Ghana Statistical Service show that about 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 24 were not in employment, education, or training in the third quarter of 2025, representing 21.5 per cent of that age group. Reacting to the figures on a local radio channel, Citi FM, on December 18, Youth Development and Employment Minister George Opare Addo described the situation as alarming and warned that rising youth unemployment poses a serious national security threat. He said the John Mahama-led administration would intensify efforts to reduce unemployment and re-engage young people in productive economic activities as part of broader measures to safeguard national stability.

Ghana deploys troops abroad amid regional and international crises

Ghana has deployed military personnel to Jamaica and Benin in moves that signal an expansion of its South-South cooperation and regional security role. At a send-off parade in Accra on December 17, President John Mahama said the 14 Engineer Brigade deployed to Jamaica would focus on reconstruction rather than combat following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which killed more than 45 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Ghana is also contributing about 100 personnel to the ECOWAS Standby Force in Benin after an attempted coup earlier in December. While authorities in Benin say the situation is under control, Ghanaian troops remain part of efforts to safeguard constitutional order, even as the deployments have sparked domestic debate over costs, priorities, and executive authority.

Ghana signs WTO law advisory accession protocol in Geneva

Ghana has signed the accession protocol to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, gaining access to specialised legal support for trade disputes. The agreement was signed on December 18, 2025, in Geneva by Ghana’s Ambassador to the WTO, Emmanuel Asiedu Antwi, making Ghana one of 39 developing countries eligible for discounted legal services and training under the centre. The Advisory Centre provides confidential legal advice, representation in dispute settlement proceedings, and capacity-building programmes. While officials say the move will strengthen Ghana’s ability to defend its trade interests, the signing comes amid longstanding concerns about the country’s regulatory capacity and compliance with WTO notification obligations, highlighted during its most recent Trade Policy Review.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as “traumatic,” suggesting the travellers were unfairly singled out.

On 10 December, the ministry announced that three Israeli nationals who had recently entered Ghana were ordered to leave the country. The government said the expulsions were meant to signal that Ghana would not tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens in any country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey shared the decision publicly, saying the government had been “compelled” to act after reviewing the circumstances at the Israeli airport.

Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned, as the ambassador was outside the country at the time. Ghana says both sides are now engaged in discussions to resolve the matter and prevent further escalation.

While stressing that its relationship with Israel remains important, Ghana reiterated that visitors from friendly nations must be treated with the same respect the country expects for Ghanaians travelling abroad.

The episode has introduced a new strain into Ghana–Israel relations, with both governments now working to ease tensions and restore normal diplomatic engagement.

In Ghana, the story begins with a law. The 1999 Export and Import (Prohibition of Importation) Instrument bans the importation of “fire crackers (knock-outs), display shells, artillery shells, ball and canister shells”. That prohibition is backed by enforcement agencies: in a December 2024 press release, the Ghana National Fire Service reminded the public that importing, distributing or selling such fireworks is a criminal offence . Still, come December, multiple markets in Accra and other cities reportedly sell firecrackers openly.

In Tanzania, the legal landscape is similarly strict. According to amendments to the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act (Cap 223), anyone wishing to import, sell or supply fireworks must obtain approval from the Inspector General of Police. Without that approval , such activities are punishable by law. Yet local market surveys suggest that fireworks, often of uncertain origin, appear in private and informal markets during festive times.

In Nigeria, too, certain states enforce bans . For example, the Delta State Police Command has repeatedly issued statements ahead of Christmas and New Year, reminding citizens that the sale, use and display of pyrotechnics, including “knock-outs” and firecrackers, remain prohibited, and warning of arrests for offenders.

South Africa similarly allows fireworks but under strict licensing requirements. Only licensed suppliers can import or sell them, and specific rules govern the types and quantities permitted. Yet illegal fireworks continue to circulate during festive seasons.

So why does the trade continue, despite these laws?

Smuggling across porous borders seems to be the first reason. Firecrackers are light, compact, and easy to conceal in luggage or small cargo. With many busy land and sea entry points, often under-resourced, understaffed, or easily bypassed, illegal shipments find their way in. Once inside, they are rarely intercepted.

Firecrackers are sometimes packaged as “toys,” “party supplies,” or other innocuous goods. Unless customs officers physically inspect each container, an unlikely feat in high-volume ports, the illicit fireworks pass through with minimal scrutiny.

In some cases, licensed importers misuse permits. A license for a small, legal shipment creates a channel through which larger, unapproved shipments can be mixed and smuggled, making enforcement based solely on paperwork ineffective. Officials in Ghana have admitted as much during behind-the-scenes discussions.

Once inside the country, fireworks enter a vast informal economy. Street stalls, open-air markets, commuter stations and roadside kiosks sell packets openly, often in plain sight. Some sellers even operate through social media or messaging apps, offering “home delivery” to evade spot inspections. The trade is seasonal but persistent: every December, new supply flows in to meet demand.

Many families view fireworks as an essential part of celebrations, from Christmas and New Year to weddings and local festivals.

The human cost is serious. Firecrackers contribute to seasonal spikes in burns, eye injuries, house and market fires, and even fatalities. Hospitals report December as one of the busiest months for fire-related injuries. In 2012, a warehouse fire in Lagos killed at least one person and destroyed multiple buildings. Similar incidents occur across Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa.

Most fireworks sold in Africa originate from China, either imported directly or via Middle Eastern re-export hubs.

Agencies tasked with seizing or prosecuting offenders perhaps lack the manpower, resources, or political will to make a lasting dent. In Ghana, for example, holiday-season “task forces” are deployed to arrest illegal firecracker dealers , but every year the same markets reappear, and the same firecrackers fill the streets.

For many ordinary people, fireworks remain a part of celebrations, and demand continues to fuel a shadow trade. For regulators and safety officials, the challenge is enormous: dismantling a network that spans borders, disguises shipments, exploits informal markets, and thrives on festive demand is no small feat.

According to the ministry, seven Ghanaians were detained without explanation upon arrival in Tel Aviv, including four Members of Parliament attending an international cybersecurity conference. They were released only after more than five hours of “strenuous diplomatic intervention.”

The remaining three travellers were immediately deported and have since returned to Ghana.

Accra condemned the conduct of Israeli airport authorities as “extremely provocative, unacceptable and inconsistent” with the longstanding, friendly ties between the two countries. Ghana and Israel have enjoyed more than six decades of diplomatic relations, with historically smooth travel between the two nations.

Israel reportedly justified the detentions by claiming Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv had failed to cooperate in previous deportation cases, an explanation the Ghanaian government dismissed as “untenable.” Officials insist the mission has acted lawfully and promptly in its consular duties.

The Foreign Ministry will summon Israeli diplomats in Accra to formally register Ghana’s displeasure. It also confirmed that the government is considering “appropriate reciprocal action.”

Ghana emphasised that the treatment of its citizens at Ben Gurion Airport amounted to humiliation and violated norms of respectful diplomatic relations. The Israeli government has not yet publicly responded to Ghana’s protest .

President Mahama, who secured his long-awaited second coming after previously serving from 2012 to 2017, in an exclusive days before the December 7 vote, told Global South World that Ghana’s economy was in crisis and needed urgent fiscal reforms, and if voted to power,  he planned a “total reset” to get a fresh start.

A year on after the vote, where the then former president secured a landslide 56.42% victory against Dr Bawumia’s 41.75%, is he delivering on his promise?

Egypt

With SDR 6.73 billion still outstanding, Egypt is by far Africa’s largest debtor to the IMF and one of the biggest globally. Egypt is currently under a 46-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), complemented by an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), approved in March 2025. The program supports a far-reaching adjustment that includes currency flexibility, subsidy reforms and fiscal consolidation.

IMF staff project that Egypt’s obligations to the Fund will gradually decline over the life of the program, but for now the country remains heavily exposed. In the November snapshot alone, Cairo repaid more than SDR 164 million, trimming but not transforming its outstanding stock. 

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is the second-largest African borrower, with SDR 3.08 billion in IMF credit outstanding as of 12 November. Abidjan is covered by twin arrangements under the Extended Fund Facility and Extended Credit Facility, plus an RSF program aimed at climate and resilience spending. In June 2025 the IMF Board completed the fourth review of these programs and the third RSF review.

Kenya

In third place, Kenya has SDR 2.96 billion outstanding. Since 2021, Nairobi has been under a blended EFF/ECF program supplemented by an RSF arrangement, aimed at stabilising debt, raising revenue and creating space for social and climate spending. The IMF Board concluded the seventh and eighth reviews in October 2024, approving further disbursements.

In 2025, Kenya and the IMF opted not to proceed with a planned ninth review; the government has instead requested a new lending arrangement , seeking to roll over about US$800 million in undrawn funds while grappling with high debt-service costs and public anger over tax hikes.

Angola

Angola, fourth on the list with SDR 2.66 billion in IMF credit. An oil-dependent economy is still living with the legacy of earlier shocks. The country has no recent repayment history yet. Between 2018 and 2021, Luanda undertook an EFF-backed program that pushed through heavy fiscal consolidation, a value-added tax, exchange-rate liberalisation, partial debt reprofiling and steps toward inflation targeting.

Ghana

Ghana, fifth on the list, owes SDR 2.58 billion, equivalent to roughly US$3.5 billion at current SDR rates.  Accra is in the middle of a US$3 billion, three-year Extended Credit Facility approved in May 2023, designed to pull the country out of its worst economic crisis in decades. The IMF completed a third program review in late 2024, allowing a further disbursement of SDR 269.1 million (about US$360 million), while insisting on continued fiscal tightening, restructuring of domestic and external debt, and reforms in areas such as tax administration and state-owned enterprises.  

By mid-2025, Ghana’s parliament had also approved a US$2.8 billion debt relief deal with official bilateral creditors, pushing out payments due between 2022 and 2026 to the 2039–2043 period and helping keep the IMF program on track.

“US diplomats confirm to me that the 15% tariff reversal came into effect on November 13, 2025, following President Trump’s new Executive Order,” the foreign minister stated.

Ghana, with a population of about 34 million, is the second largest producer of cocoa globally, behind Côte d'Ivoire.

Its annual cocoa exports to the United States are estimated at 78,000 metric tons. With the current global price at $5,300 per metric ton, the country is expected to generate an additional US$60 million (approximately GHS667 million) in annual revenue following the tariff removal.

In addition to cocoa, the tariff removal also applies to several other Ghanaian agricultural exports, including cashew nut, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger, and various types of pepper.

This development follows President John Dramani Mahama’s earlier disclosure on October 1 that Ghana was in active negotiations with the U.S. to address the tariff. The 15% duty had been introduced by President Trump on July 31 through an executive order, causing concern among Ghanaian exporters and policymakers.

President Mahama noted that the negotiations also covered the possible renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously allowed duty-free access for certain African exports to the U.S.

“Negotiations are ongoing with regard to the trade tariffs of 15% and the renewal of AGOA, which was a zero per cent tariff on African nations, and so those negotiations are still ongoing,” President Mahama said.

AGOA expired on September 30, 2025, after providing 25 years of preferential access for eligible sub-Saharan African countries to the U.S. market.

The cancellation of the tariff comes at a time of changing diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United States. This period includes Ghana’s agreement to receive nationals deported from the U.S. under President Trump’s immigration enforcement policy.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has praised Ghana for its strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, highlighting the country’s Budget execution and tracking system as a global model for transparency. Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s 2023 SDG Budget and Expenditure Report, UNICEF noted that Ghana is among a few countries implementing such an advanced accountability mechanism. The latest report shows SDG-related spending increased from GH₵83 billion in 2022 to GH₵180 billion in 2023, reflecting major investments in health, education, social protection, and human capital. Despite Ghana’s ranking of 120th globally on SDG attainment, UNICEF’s Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion, Paulina Sarvilahti, expressed optimism, saying Ghana’s data-driven approach provides a solid foundation for accelerated progress.

Opposition MPs decry delay in reintroducing anti-LGBTQ bill

Ghana’s main opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticised what it calls an unnecessary delay in the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Lead sponsor and NPP MP John Ntim Fordjour told Parliament on November 21 that it had been five weeks since the Speaker indicated the bill was undergoing final fine-tuning, yet it had not appeared on the order paper. He urged that any oversight be corrected immediately. Responding, Yusif Sulemana, an MP of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) cautioned against politicising the matter, noting former President Akufo-Addo did not sign the bill when it was first passed. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected claims of obstruction and assured the House that the government remained committed to its passage. The bill, which seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and restrict LGBTQ activities, continues to draw significant criticism from rights groups.

Ghana to host its first-ever Entertainment Week in December

Ghana will host its maiden Entertainment Week this December, an initiative aimed at celebrating the country’s fast-growing creative economy beyond the regular festive-season parties. The event will bring together creatives, investors, fans, and industry stakeholders for a week-long showcase covering music, film, fashion, digital arts, and live experiences. In a televised show on November 22, Entertainment Week Ghana partner Joseph Adjei said years of tracking Ghana’s vibrant December events inspired the idea. He revealed that December activities often exceed 250 events, driven by a tourism boom that sees nearly 3 million visitors—many from the diaspora—arriving to invest, collaborate, or relocate based on their cultural and entertainment experiences.

World Bank applauds progress under Ghana Digital Acceleration Project

A World Bank delegation has commended Ghana’s progress under the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) during a technical visit focused on strengthening digital development and cybersecurity. Led by Regional Practice Director Michel Rogy, the team visited the Cyber Security Authority’s National CERT facility and held discussions on enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in artificial intelligence, digital job creation, public-sector digitalisation, and cybersecurity resilience. 

UNICEF partners with Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene to launch child-rights anthem

Award-winning Afrobeat artist Kuami Eugene has partnered with UNICEF Ghana to release a new child-rights anthem titled “Let Them Shine” in celebration of World Children’s Day. The song highlights every child’s right to education, healthcare, nutrition, safety, and protection from abuse, according to UNICEF . Its release coincides with the 36th anniversary of Ghana’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reaffirming the country’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding children. UNICEF Representative Osama Makawi said the collaboration goes beyond music, serving as a strategic tool to elevate child-rights advocacy nationwide. Kuami Eugene expressed pride in using his platform to empower young people, noting that every child in Ghana deserves to be heard, valued, and protected.