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Ghanaian ownership of GDP dropped from 48% to 16% under Akufo-Addo – Lambon

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Abraham Azumah Lambon, a technical aide to the President, has stressed that the lack of strong local investment has contributed to Ghana’s economic challenges over the years. He noted that the current administration is prioritizing initiatives that will boost productivity, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen the economy.

Speaking exclusively on A1 Radio, Mr. Lambon highlighted several government programs aimed at encouraging local investment and creating employment opportunities for Ghanaians. He explained that years of overreliance on foreign investment had weakened Ghanaian ownership of the economy, leaving the cedi vulnerable to depreciation whenever profits were repatriated abroad.

“One thing Ghanaians have not noticed under the Akufo-Addo regime is that Ghanaian ownership of GDP actually declined from 48% to 16%. This means that most of the investment happening in the country was controlled by foreigners. At the end of every year, when these investors expatriated their profits, the cedi struggled as a result,” he said.

To address this, government is focusing on empowering local businesses through programs that provide capital support, mentorship, and opportunities for expansion. “If you don’t encourage local investment to grow, all you’ll have is foreign ownership. They will sell in foreign currency, repatriate profits in foreign currency, and the cedi will depreciate. That is why this President’s initiative to build and support local businessmen with capital is so laudable,” Mr. Lambon noted.

One of the flagship programs is the “Edwuma Wura” initiative, which targets young entrepreneurs. It provides funding for graduates and young people with viable business plans, enabling them to establish enterprises that create jobs, broaden the tax base, and contribute to government revenue.

Another intervention, Mr. Lambon explained, is the National Apprenticeship Program. Recently, over 200 master craftsmen in the Upper East Region were trained by the National TVET to strengthen their capacity to transfer skills. Each craftsman is expected to take on five apprentices, creating over 1,500 training opportunities.

“These apprentices will receive monthly stipends of 300 Ghana cedis to help with rent, food, and other expenses. Fees that would normally be paid to masters are being absorbed by government. Graduates of the program will also be equipped with tools and resources to establish their own workshops and train others,” he added.

According to the presidential aide, these measures are designed to expand the economy, reduce unemployment, and address social challenges linked to economic hardship, while building a stronger foundation of Ghanaian-owned businesses.

“These are initiatives that will expand the economy, create employment, and reduce a lot of the social vices we are currently experiencing,” he emphasized.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga

Upper East Region’s development hinges on leaders’ willingness to sacrifice – Thomas More

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The Upper East Region can only achieve meaningful development if its politicians are willing to sacrifice their positions for the greater good, Thomas More, a distinguished advocate for community action and development, has said.

Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. More stressed that development will only be realized when appointees and elected leaders, such as District Chief Executives (DCEs), Regional Ministers, and Members of Parliament (MPs), boldly confront central government with clear demands.

“Imagine if an MP or DCE told government, ‘If you don’t provide project A or B for my people, I will resign or withdraw my participation from government activities.’ I bet you, we would begin to see basic social amenities spring up across the region,” Mr. More asserted.

He emphasized that the Upper East Region, despite having many MPs, still struggles with essential infrastructure. “If all our MPs stood firm and demanded development collectively, in just four years we would not still be crying over basic amenities,” he added.

Mr. More urged the youth to embrace a spirit of sacrifice and redirect their energies toward demanding development projects instead of prioritizing individual advancement. According to him, genuine growth is rarely achieved through comfort but through the courage of individuals willing to forgo personal gains for the wellbeing of the larger society.

Mr. More believes cultivating a culture of selflessness and accountability among both leaders and citizens is the first step toward transforming the region.

“Sacrifice must guide our politics and development agenda,” he concluded.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Thomas More urges Upper East Youth to prioritize sacrifice, advocacy for development

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Community development is a collective responsibility that requires sacrifice and a shift in mindset, Thomas More, a distinguished advocate for community action and development, has said.

Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. More emphasized that people in the Upper East Region must begin to cultivate the spirit of sacrifice in order to achieve the growth they desire in their communities. According to him, the path to genuine development is not paved with comfort but with individuals willing to forgo personal gains for the benefit of the larger society.

“For me, the only way we can get the growth that we want is through being agents of community advocacy,” he stated. “Of course, it is not going to be easy—some will lose jobs, party affiliations may be tested, and others may face setbacks. But as I said, it is a sacrificial job, and I have been doing this since.”

Mr. More urged the youth to reorient their priorities, stressing the importance of demanding development projects for their communities rather than focusing solely on personal advancement. He argued that when the collective well-being of the region improves, opportunities for individual progress will naturally follow.

His comments come at a time when the Upper East Region continues to grapple with challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and lack of access to quality healthcare and education. By calling for sacrifice and advocacy, Mr. More hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders and community members who are committed to championing development.

“The youth must begin to demand the development needs of the region instead of focusing on their personal growth,” he added. “That is the only way we can realize the growth we seek.”

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Buffer Stock launches fresh drive to ensure continuous supply to SHSs

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The Upper East Regional office of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) says it has restocked its warehouses with grains and other food items to guarantee uninterrupted supply to senior high schools in the region.

Regional Manager, Albert Adongo, disclosed on Bolga FM’s Tinmaalgo Sanga on Friday, September 5, 2025, that since assuming office in July, his administration has engaged school heads and worked to refill the empty warehouses he inherited.

“Today, our warehouses are stocked with grains and all the necessary food items. We have put in place measures to continuously supply and meet the demands of every second-cycle institution in the Upper East Region,” Mr. Adongo said.

He further assured parents and students that food shortages are now a thing of the past. “Since this government came into office, the issue of ‘no food in SHS’ is behind us. We are determined to sustain that progress,” he added.

The move is expected to restore confidence among school authorities and ease concerns about food insecurity in senior high schools across the region.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Bolgatanga

Empty warehouses blamed for food shortages in Upper East Schools – Buffer Stock Manager

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The Upper East Regional Manager of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Albert Adongo, has revealed that when he assumed office in July this year, the company’s warehouses in the region were completely empty.

Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tinmaalgo Sanga on Friday, September 5, 2025, Mr. Adongo described the situation as worrying, stressing that the lack of food grains at the time partly explained the severe shortages senior high schools in the region had experienced.

“When we took over, there was no foodstuff or grain in the buffer. It was empty, and we had to start everything afresh,” he disclosed.

He further suggested that the previous administration might have resorted to purchasing grains directly from the open market to feed schools. “That practice, I believe, explains why many of our senior high schools were battling with poor-quality food and irregular supply,” he explained.

His revelation underscores the scale of food distribution challenges in the region prior to his assumption of office.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Bolgatanga

Bolga Central MP secures 16 kilometers of roads for constituency

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Residents of Bolgatanga Central are set to see a major facelift in road infrastructure as their Member of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has successfully lobbied for the construction of 16 kilometers of roads within the municipality. The projects are expected to commence this year, 2025.

Speaking in an interview with Joshua Asaah on Bolga FM, Mr. Adongo explained that although the initiative was a result of his lobbying efforts, the selection of the specific road networks was left to engineers in the region. “It was important that the experts themselves identified and designed the stretches, so we get durable roads that truly serve the people,” he said.

The beneficiary roads include the stretch from Ojam Car Washing Bay through A1 Radio to the Kalbeo Catholic Church, extending further from the Kalbeo chief palace junction towards the Great Victory Academy and linking the Bolga-Tamale Highway. Another critical link will connect the Royal Hotel to A1 Radio Junction and OLA Parish Junction to the Royal Hotel Road.

Residents around Pentecost Hospital in Kumbangre will also benefit, as the road linking the area to the Bolga-Tamale Highway is included. Additionally, the long-neglected stretch from the defunct Asongtaaba Guinea Fowl Cottage at Sumbrungu through Yebongo to the Kulbia Chief Palace, joining the Bolga-Navrongo Highway, will finally be tarred.

Mr. Adongo emphasized that while constituencies in the region are each benefiting from 10 kilometers of road construction, his lobbying has secured an extra 6 kilometers for Bolgatanga Central. He expressed optimism that similar contracts will be awarded annually over the next four years to further open up the municipality.

“This is just the beginning, and all these will be tarred,” the MP assured. “We will continue to push so that year after year, more communities are linked by quality roads to improve mobility, business, and access to social services. The fact is that my colleague MPs were awarded 10 kilometers of roads, but through my efforts, I secured the 16-kilometer road. Assuming I can secure another 10 kilometers for the next 3 years, Bolgatanga municipality would be elevated to a metropolitan status.”

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga

MoU on religious tolerance will prevent discrimination in schools – Dr. Apaak

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Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has emphasized that the newly launched Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on religious tolerance in schools will serve as a safeguard against discrimination and ensure peaceful coexistence among students of diverse religious backgrounds.

Speaking at the launch of the MoU to Guide Religious Tolerance in Government-Assisted and Private Schools in Ghana at Mensvic in Accra, Dr. Apaak described the agreement as a timely response to incidents of misunderstanding and misinformation in schools. He cautioned that such occurrences, if unchecked, could undermine national cohesion and weaken trust in the educational system.

“The MoU is more than a document. It is a pledge to uphold mutual respect, promote inclusivity, and prevent discrimination based on religious beliefs,” he stated. Dr. Apaak explained that education must remain a force for national integration and development, insisting that classrooms should foster tolerance and unity.

The Deputy Minister noted that the MoU was developed under the leadership of the Conference of Managers of Education and facilitated by the National Peace Council. He said it provides clear guidelines to ensure that schools serve as safe spaces for students of all faiths.

He further stressed that the Ministry of Education will collaborate with the National Peace Council, religious missions, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. “This is a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of parents, students, educators, and policymakers,” he emphasized.

Dr. Apaak urged all Ghanaians to embrace the MoU as a national step toward reinforcing the country’s social fabric. He concluded, “As we embrace this MoU, let us recommit to building schools that reflect the best of Ghana—a nation where diversity is our strength and unity our pride.”

The MoU is expected to strengthen peaceful coexistence, protect students from discrimination, and promote mutual respect across Ghana’s diverse educational landscape.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Ebenezer Ndebilla represents majority leader at 10th Ghana-Nigeria achievers awards in Abuja

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On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Mr. Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, Member of Parliament for the Zebilla Constituency, represented the Majority Leader and Leader of the 9th Parliament of Ghana, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, at the prestigious 10th Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Awards (GNAA) held in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Awards is an annual event dedicated to recognizing individuals and institutions from both nations who have made remarkable contributions to society and enhanced bilateral ties between the two West African neighbours. The 10th edition brought together high-profile participants from across the continent and beyond, underscoring the deep cultural, economic, and political bonds between Ghana and Nigeria.

Mr. Ndebilla, leading the Ghanaian delegation, delivered a keynote statement on behalf of Mr. Ayariga under the theme: Parliament, The People, and The Promise of a Borderless Africa. In his remarks, he highlighted the pivotal role parliaments play in strengthening democratic governance and fostering regional integration. He emphasized that a borderless Africa, anchored on collaboration and mutual trust, is key to unlocking the continent’s vast potential in trade, security, and development.

He further underscored that both Ghana and Nigeria, as influential nations in West Africa, bear a unique responsibility in championing the ideals of Pan-Africanism. According to him, strong parliamentary leadership, coupled with citizen participation, can provide the pathway toward a truly united and prosperous Africa.

The event also honored Mr. Mahama Ayariga for his outstanding parliamentary leadership and unwavering commitment to good governance. His award was received with deep appreciation by Mr. Ndebilla, who expressed gratitude on his behalf and reaffirmed the Majority Leader’s continued dedication to advancing the welfare of Ghanaians and the broader African community.

The GNAA once again served as a platform to showcase the shared aspirations of Ghana and Nigeria in driving African unity and progress. For Mr. Ndebilla, representing Ghana at such an important event was not only a moment of pride but also a reaffirmation of the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping the future of the continent.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between both nations as Africa journeys toward regional integration and sustainable development.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Upper East Regional Minister inspects temporary Passport Office

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The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga on Thursday inspected the newly established temporary passport office situated within the premises of the Ghana Commercial Bank in Bolgatanga. He was accompanied by the Acting Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Mohammed Issahaku.

Together, they toured the facility to assess the progress of work ahead of its official opening. The minister expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made so far. He noted that the absence of a passport office in the region has long been a challenge for residents, forcing them to travel to the Upper West or Northern Region to acquire passports, a situation that particularly affects Hajj pilgrims and other travelers.

He emphasized the importance of the facility, adding that residents will be greatly relieved once the office is operationalized, hopefully within the coming week.

“What we are now interested in doing is that I had engaged the Minister for Foreign Affairs earlier, and he indicated that if we get any fittings of office, they can come and commission and then start the services here. The agenda of the NDC government in resetting Ghana is of the view that they want to make sure that by the close of this year, all regions should have a passport office. That is why the people of Upper East thought that if we want to waste time to complete the main one, we will have an issue. So, that’s why we decided to improvise this temporary office for them”, he stated.

The idea to open a temporary passport office became necessary after the construction of the original passport office came to a stalled for over a year now. It was against the backdrop that the Alagumgube Group, natives of Bolgatanga residing in New Jersey, mobilized resources to rehabilitate an existing structure belonging to the Ghana Commercial Bank for use as a temporary passport office.

Founder and chairman of the Alagumgube Group, Gabriel Agambila thanked all people who contributed to the establishment of the passport office.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga

Will the NDC ever recognize Thomas More’s sacrifices in Nabdam?

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The question of whether the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will ever formally recognize the sacrifices of Mr. Thomas More, one of the earliest financiers and organizers of the party in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, continues to linger.

At 75 years old and physically challenged, Mr. More still hopes that his unwavering loyalty to the party he helped nurture from its infancy will one day be acknowledged. In an exclusive conversation on A1 Radio’s Morning Show, Mr. More recounted his long history with the NDC. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Nabdam was dominated by the People’s National Convention (PNC), he foresaw the need to organize quickly for the emerging NDC.

Using his small clinic as a base, he funded meetings, drew up membership lists, and bankrolled the party’s campaigns for months before official funding arrived. By the time party resources trickled in, Mr. More had already spent more than half the campaign budget from his pocket.

His efforts, however, were not without personal and political cost. In the early years, he contested primaries but lost by narrow margins to candidates he himself had groomed. Despite this, he refused to abandon the party. “If I had won and they had lost, would they have stopped supporting me? No. So I continued”, he remarked.

Mr. More was repeatedly promised political appointments—from District Chief Executive (DCE) to Deputy Regional Minister—but none ever materialized. He recalls being shortlisted for positions, only for last-minute changes to deny him opportunities. In 1994, tragedy struck when he was involved in a severe accident that claimed both his legs. Still, the party rallied around him, ensuring his survival, though his political ambitions never recovered.

Beyond his personal sacrifices, Mr. More leveraged his influence to secure development projects for his community, including the now-thriving Kongo Market under the Village Infrastructure Project (VIP). Yet, despite being hailed locally as a “founding father” of the NDC in Nabdam, he has never received formal recognition or reward from the party.

Even former President Jerry John Rawlings, after hearing of his sacrifices, promised him support, including a vehicle. But those promises, like many others, never materialized. Today, Mr. More reflects on his journey with humility, saying, “If it is not your time, it is not your time. Politics is like that. But my loyalty has never wavered.”

As the NDC returns to power, questions remain: Will the party finally recognize Mr. More’s decades-long commitment? Will his contributions be rewarded, perhaps through an honorary role or symbolic recognition? For now, Mr. More maintains his quiet hope, embodying both the resilience and the disillusionment of grassroots politicians whose sacrifices keep political parties alive.

The story of Thomas More is not just about an individual’s loyalty—it is a mirror reflecting the broader issue of how political parties in Ghana often treat their earliest financiers and organizers. Recognition, it seems, remains elusive.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

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