The Western and Western North Regional branches of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has launched the 2026 Media and Corporate Impact Awards to recognise outstanding journalism and honour corporate institutions whose investments and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are contributing to sustainable development

The awards, launched on the theme “Reporting Progress. Investing in People,” aim to celebrate journalists whose work has promoted accountability, influenced public policy, amplified community voices and documented the development of the Western and Western North Regions.

The initiative will also recognise companies whose investments and CSR programmes have positively impacted lives and communities.

Speaking at the launch, Western Regional GJA Chairman, Desmond Cudjoe, characterised journalism as a vital bridge between development and the people, stressing that meaningful progress depends on an informed citizenry capable of holding leaders accountable.

He noted that journalists continue to report on critical issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, governance, business and social development, often under difficult and risky conditions.

“Journalists are among the first to arrive when disaster strikes, the first to tell the stories of vulnerable communities and the first to expose wrongdoing. Yet many continue to work under insecure conditions, with inadequate resources and remuneration that falls far below the value they create for society,” he said.

Mr. Cudjoe called for greater investment in journalists through improved welfare, safety, training and continuous professional development, saying stronger support for the media would reinforce democracy, transparency and national development.

Chairman of the ceremony, Nana Nteboa Pra IV, Divisional Chief of Himan-Prestea, urged stakeholders to pay greater attention to the challenges facing journalists, including attacks on media practitioners, intimidation and poor working conditions, which he said continue to threaten press freedom.

He also encouraged media owners to invest in the welfare and professional development of journalists to strengthen professionalism within the industry.

Touching on the growing influence of digital media, he urged online journalists and content creators to prioritise accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting over sensationalism, while encouraging media practitioners to continue highlighting both the opportunities and development challenges in the two regions.

The launch brought together representatives of government institutions, traditional authorities, corporate organisations, civil society organisations and development partners, who
commended journalists for their dedication to serving the public despite numerous challenges.

The Association also unveiled competitive award categories covering infrastructure, fisheries, cocoa and agriculture, oil, gas and energy, environment, education, health, sports, crime and legal affairs, gender and social inclusion, and business and labour affairs.

The awards are open to original journalistic works produced by journalists in the Western and Western North Regions between June 2025 and July 2026.
In addition to recognising excellence in journalism, the initiative introduces the Corporate Impact Awards to honour organisations demonstrating excellence in environmental sustainability, community development, employment creation, local governance support and impactful corporate social responsibility programmes.

Western Regional GJA Vice Chairman, Kwame Mensa, who announced the award categories, encouraged journalists and corporate institutions to participate in what he described as a platform to celebrate excellence while strengthening partnerships for regional development.

The Association said the awards are expected to raise professional standards in journalism, promote responsible corporate citizenship and deepen collaboration between the media and the corporate sector in advancing socio-economic development.

GJA also expressed appreciation to sponsors, partners, traditional authorities, state institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

Special recognition was given to Damang Gold Mine, the headline sponsor of the 2026 Media and Corporate Impact Awards, for its support for media excellence and community development initiatives.

Source By BigTimezGH

Mobile telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, digital inclusion, transparency, and reliable service delivery as it marked its 30th anniversary with a stakeholders and media engagement at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi.

The forum, dubbed “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. It formed part of the telecoms giant’s anniversary activities, aimed at exposing stakeholders to its current services within the rapidly evolving digital space and leveraging feedback to improve service delivery.

Delivering the keynote address, Michael Gbewonyo, Chief Internal Audit and Forensic Officer, noted that the company’s three decades of success had been built on the trust, loyalty, and commitment of its customers.

Touching on the theme, Mr. Gbewonyo emphasised that MTN’s journey was not one the company had undertaken alone. “Every mile we have covered was powered by our customers, our partners, our communities, our employees, and stakeholders who have supported and shaped our growth over the years,” he stressed.

Reflecting on Ghana’s digital transformation, he described how communication had evolved dramatically over the past three decades, recalling a time when placing a call between Takoradi and Cape Coast required waiting for a telephone line and counting every minute. “Today, business owners can hold virtual meetings, traders can instantly verify Mobile Money transactions, and students can access educational resources with just a few taps on their smartphones,” he stated.

He further stated that MTN Ghana had played a significant role in the country’s transformative journey by connecting millions of Ghanaians and expanding digital access and financial inclusion. He stressed that this milestone had been anchored on accountability and trust.

“Progress is not only about growth; it is about trust. As we launch new services, expand our reach, and serve more customers, we do so responsibly, transparently, and with our customers at the centre,” he emphasised.

On reliability, he underscored that millions of Ghanaians depend on MTN daily to communicate, operate businesses, and manage finances via Mobile Money. As a responsible organisation, MTN contributes approximately 6% of Ghana’s total tax revenue while continuing to invest heavily in the country’s digital future.

Mr. Gbewonyo also praised the work of the MTN Ghana Foundation, which has provided scholarships to thousands of students and invested in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment projects across the Western and Central Regions. “We are proud of these achievements not because of the size of our business, but because of the impact we have made together,” he said, describing MTN as “a force for good” committed to Ghana’s long-term development.

The executive acknowledged the critical role of the media in promoting accountability and informing the public. He thanked journalists and media organisations in the Western and Central Regions for highlighting community issues and providing constructive feedback. “We do not take this partnership lightly. It is because of your support, trust, and partnership that we have been able to grow into the organisation we are today,” he said.

A major highlight of the forum was the presentation of awards to selected media practitioners in recognition of their professionalism, dedication, and continued partnership with MTN Ghana. The ceremony underscored the company’s appreciation for the media’s contribution to its 30-year journey.

As MTN Ghana celebrates 30 years of operations, the company remains committed to strengthening partnerships, expanding digital inclusion, and creating greater opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities nationwide. The regional forum was part of a series of nationwide activities commemorating the anniversary, bringing together journalists, community leaders, business partners, and key stakeholders to reflect on the company’s journey and discuss future opportunities.

Source By BigTimezGH

Popular Onua TV/FM presenter, Blessed Godsbrain Smart affectionately known as Captain Smart has cut sod for the construction of a six-unit classroom block and a clinic for the people of Gomoa Mankessim in the Central Region.

The philanthropic gesture, according to him, is aimed at bringing healthcare closer to the residents while simultaneously improving educational outcomes within the community.

Speaking to the media during the sod-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Smart disclosed that his initial plan was solely to build the school block. However, he decided to add the clinic project after learning that the community had no functional health facility.

“To think that Gomoa Mankessim does not have any health facility was sad,” he stated. “Though the initial plan was for the construction of the school block, I thought it wise to add the clinic facility.”

Demonstrating his commitment to the project, Smart revealed that four tons of iron rods and 200 bags of cement are expected to arrive at the site on Friday, July 10, 2026, for the clinic project. He added that the school project has already received two tons of iron and 100 bags of cement.

Beyond these two projects, the media personality outlined a broader vision for the Gomoa West Constituency, noting that he intends to build seven CHPS compounds, ten six-unit classroom blocks, and nine three-unit classroom blocks across the area. He also mentioned that he is roofing several public buildings and providing numerous community centres.

“I am building ten six-unit classroom blocks, nine three-unit classroom blocks, together with 7 CHPS compounds,” Captain Smart revealed. “Aside from all these, I am roofing a number of public buildings and providing a lot of community centres. I will try to solve the challenges of all 78 towns and villages before the NDC primaries in the constituency,” he emphasised.

Smart stressed that the provision of social amenities and facilities within the constituency should not be contingent on his ambition to become Member of Parliament. He maintained that this rationale underpins his determination to ensure all such projects are completed and handed over before the elections are held.

“These projects are minor ones I need to clear before becoming an MP,” he highlighted, underscoring that “there are 55 main projects I intend to implement when I become the MP. It would be below my standard as an MP to lobby government to build a classroom block in my constituency—I am clearing all such ones now.”

He further expressed his conviction that Gomoa must be prosperous, a vision he believes can be achieved through major projects like factories which would provide jobs for the teeming youth within the constituency.

Mr. Smart’s actions are unprecedented in the annals of Ghanaian politics. Though he is not yet the MP, he is already building school blocks, CHPS compounds, clinics, and community centres. These initiatives serve as a testament to his commitment to the development of the constituency and a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the people, rather than a bid to merely receive their votes.

Source By DC Kwame Kwakye

Land that requires extensive filling with laterite before construction is fundamentally unsuitable for housing and developers should interpret such a requirement as a clear red flag for poor site selection.

That is the stark warning from Dr. Engr. Surveyor Ebenezer Ankomah Gyamera, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), who also chairs the southern sector of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-Gh), and serves as CEO of Gyam Engineering Company.

Speaking against the backdrop of the devastating floods that recently swept through parts of Ghana, Dr. Gyamera argued that low-lying wetlands, floodplains, and natural waterways are performing essential environmental functions that cannot be replaced by truckloads of laterite. He stressed that any heavy reliance on filling materials signals that the original terrain was never intended for residential development.

“If you buy land and you are required to fill it extensively before erecting a structure, that should immediately signal that the plot is not meant for residential purposes,” he emphasised during an interview with DC Kwame Kwakye on GBC Radio Central’s Wɔnfrɛ Yie show on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

A crisis of planning, not just rainfall

According to disaster management records, flooding remains one of Ghana’s most frequent natural hazards, affecting thousands annually. Over the past two decades, urban centres Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi have borne the brunt of recurring inundations. The World Bank estimates that flooding costs the nation hundreds of millions of cedis each year through destroyed infrastructure, lost productivity, and emergency response expenditures.

The Greater Accra Region alone carries the scars of past failures, most notably the June 3, 2015, disaster, which claimed over 150 lives following severe flooding and a subsequent fire explosion. Experts have consistently linked these tragedies to rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage, construction in flood-prone zones, and flagrant disregard for land-use plans.

Dr. Gyamera placed the blame squarely on weak governance. He argued that the absence of a fully enforced, coordinated national land-use management system has transformed routine rainfall into recurring human-made catastrophes.

“Floods may be triggered by nature, but disasters are often created by human decisions,” he stated. “Every building we approve, every drain we ignore, and every regulation we compromise determines whether communities survive or suffer.”

The mason-engineer divide

The surveyor was particularly critical of the widespread confusion between the roles of masons and certified engineers. While masons are vital for laying blocks and implementing designs, engineers conduct scientific assessments soil conditions, structural strength, drainage behaviour, and load calculations.

“Most Ghanaian developers mistake a mason for an engineer or an architect,” he lamented.

He warned that structures erected on filled lands without proper geotechnical investigations face heightened risks of differential settlement, foundation failure, structural cracks, and potential collapse.

Dismissing the perception that engineering services are prohibitively expensive, Dr. Gyamera noted that professional consultation fees represent a fraction of total construction costs. “If you can raise the capital to put up a mansion and yet refuse to hire a certified engineer, that reflects poorly not only on the developer’s mindset but also on our national attitude towards undervaluing essential professional services,” he stressed.

Call for regulatory overhaul

Turning to enforcement, Dr. Gyamera acknowledged that while frameworks like the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925) exist, implementation remains crippled by inadequate technical personnel, weak monitoring systems, and limited logistics at Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

He raised a further concern: professionals occupying technical positions often fail to maintain valid certifications. “I am appealing to government to consider taking strong action against any assembly engineer who fails to regularly renew their professional licence,” he said, arguing that public safety demands continuous competence and accountability.

He called for stronger collaboration between the Lands Commission, the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, the Engineering Council, professional bodies, traditional authorities, and local assemblies to ensure land allocation adheres to scientific and planning principles.

With more than half of Ghana’s population now living in urban areas, pressure on land is intensifying. Dr. Gyamera expressed cautious optimism but warned that time is running out.

“If we fail to engage certified engineers, and given the forecasted increases in extreme rainfall events associated with climate change, we should prepare ourselves for far worse scenarios in the future,” he cautioned.

He concluded with a sobering reflection: “Sustainable development requires respecting the science of land. Every parcel has a natural purpose and ignoring that purpose comes at a cost.”

Source By DC Kwame Kwakye

Cape Coast – In the wake of a devastating rainstorm that claimed four lives and displaced nearly 3,000 residents, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) has announced a comprehensive emergency action plan aimed at averting future flooding disasters.

Metropolitan Chief Executive George Justice Arthur revealed the sweeping measures during a press conference on Thursday, June 23, 2026, stating that the assembly has identified critical infrastructural and regulatory failures as the root causes of the crisis.

The Flood and Its Aftermath

The torrential downpour on Friday, June 19, 2026, which lasted for several hours, inundated communities that had never previously experienced flooding. The hardest-hit areas include Ekon, Abura, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and its environs, Ameen Sangari, DVLA/Nokaans, Eyifua, Mpeasem, Adisadel, Nkanfoa, and Asenadze.

The flood’s impact was catastrophic. According to the MCE, the storm caused the collapse of ten (10) mud houses, resulting in the deaths of four persons, including three children. One individual remains missing, while eight others are in critical condition but currently receiving medical care at Ewim Polyclinic and the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. A staggering 2,929 residents have been rendered homeless.

Root Causes Identified

Following internal deliberations, the Assembly’s management outlined four primary factors contributing to the perennial flooding:

1. Inadequate Drainage: Narrow drains and the absence of a comprehensive drainage master plan.
2. Aging Infrastructure: The prevalence of old mud structures, some ranging from 100 to 250 years old.
3. Obstruction of Waterways: Unauthorized structures built on water paths, preventing free flow.
4. Poor Waste Disposal: Residents dumping solid waste into gutters and unauthorized locations.

The Assembly’s Response: Two Committees Formed

To address these issues, the MCE announced the formation of two specialized committees tasked with enforcement and resettlement.

· Committee 1 (Demolition & Identification): Tasked with identifying dilapidated structures, determining occupancy numbers, identifying suitable resettlement land, and developing a funding proposal for the displaced.

· Committee 2 (Resettlement & Restoration): A five-member team responsible for determining structures built on waterways or walkways, verifying building permits, planning the removal of illegal structures, and identifying historically significant buildings for restoration and tourism preservation.

Drainage Improvement Strategy

Beyond enforcement, the CCMA has committed to a long-term infrastructure overhaul, which includes:

1. The development of a dedicated drainage master plan for the metropolis.
2. Regular desilting of drains to ensure water flows freely.
3. A holistic expansion of existing drainage infrastructure.
4. Implementation of a community-based sanitation approach.
5. A massive decongestion exercise across the metropolis.

Past Interventions

Arthur noted that last year’s floods prompted some initial mitigation efforts, including the expansion of the Kru Town storm drain, desilting of drains at Aquarium and Abura, demolition of illegal structures in Adisadel and London Bridge, and the formation of a joint technical committee with UCC. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that the scale of the recent disaster necessitates more drastic action.

With the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) forecasting more rains for the remainder of the year, the effectiveness of the CCMA’s newly announced measures will be crucial in determining whether the residents of Cape Coast can weather the upcoming storms safely.

Source By DC Kwame Kwakye

President John Dramani Mahama has paid glowing tribute to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, describing him as a pivotal figure in the political tradition that eventually gave rise to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking at a ceremony held in honour of Rawlings, Mahama said the late statesman’s unwavering commitment to accountability, social justice, and national service played a significant role in shaping both the NDC and Ghana’s democratic journey.

“The man we commemorate today helped shape the political tradition from which our party emerged,” Mahama stated during his address.

According to the President, Rawlings’ impact went far beyond his years in office, noting that his vision and leadership continue to inspire generations of Ghanaians.

“Beyond being a former President of the Republic, Jerry John Rawlings was a transformative figure whose determination laid the foundations for the democratic stability and political freedoms that we enjoy today,” Mahama said.

The event formed part of activities marking what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday. During the ceremony, the NDC officially renamed its national headquarters in honour of the late former President and unveiled a bust to commemorate his legacy and contributions to the nation.

Rawlings, who served as Ghana’s Head of State and later as President under the Fourth Republic, remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s political history. His role in Ghana’s democratic transition and his enduring influence within the NDC continue to be celebrated by party faithful and supporters across the country.

The birthday commemoration brought together party executives, government officials, supporters, and admirers who reflected on Rawlings’ contributions to governance, democracy, and national development.

Source By BigTimezGH

The C-Quansah Foundation, in partnership with BOST Energies, has commissioned a new borehole at Amissah Ekyir in the Ntsin Electoral Area of the Cape Coast Metropolis, as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to safe and potable water for underserved communities.

The commissioning, held during a brief ceremony on Saturday, 20th June 2026, forms part of the Foundation’s commitment to addressing water challenges and improving the living conditions of residents within the Cape Coast South Constituency.

BOST Energies reaffirmed its commitment to community development and social impact through its support for the project. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company partnered with The C-Quansah Foundation to provide the borehole for the people of Amissah Ekyir in the Ntsin Electoral Area. The partnership reflects BOST Energies’ dedication to improving livelihoods, promoting access to essential social amenities, and contributing meaningfully to the development of communities across Ghana. By supporting the provision of clean and safe drinking water, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable community growth.

Led by Lawyer Charles Quansah, the Foundation has now successfully completed and commissioned five borehole projects across the constituency, significantly reducing the burden of water collection, particularly for women and children. Previous beneficiary communities include Petro Post Office, Gyegyeano, Abowinimu, and Kawanopaado.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lawyer Charles Quansah reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to community development and social intervention. He noted that access to clean water remains a fundamental necessity and continues to be one of the Foundation’s key priorities.

“Water is life,” he emphasized, adding that the Foundation remains determined to support communities facing challenges in accessing potable water.

Lawyer Quansah further disclosed that, in addition to the borehole projects, the Foundation has undertaken a number of youth empowerment initiatives, including skills training programmes aimed at equipping young people with employable skills. He assured residents that such interventions would continue and be expanded to benefit more people across the constituency.

Residents of the Ntsin Electoral Area, who have for years endured difficulties in accessing clean water, welcomed the project with immense joy and appreciation. Many described the borehole as a timely intervention that would greatly improve daily life in the community.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the residents, one community member remarked: “We pray that God richly blesses The C-Quansah Foundation and BOST Energies for this remarkable gesture. This project will make a lasting difference in our lives.”

The newly commissioned borehole at Amissah Ekyir marks another significant milestone in The C-Quansah Foundation’s efforts to provide sustainable solutions to community challenges and promote the well-being of residents throughout Cape Coast South.

Source By DC Kwame Kwakye