President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in three new Justices of the Supreme Court, charging them to uphold the Constitution with independence, integrity, and courage, in a ceremony that underscored the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.

Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokunwa Bernasco-Essa, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Mr. Anthony Forson Jnr. took the judicial oath at a ceremony at the Presidency on Friday, following their approval by Parliament.

The event was attended by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Justices of the Superior Courts, members of the Judicial Council, Parliament, and the Ghana Bar Association.

“Consequential, Not Ceremonial”

In his address, President Mahama described the elevation of the three Justices as one of the highest responsibilities in Ghana’s constitutional democracy, warning them that the oath they had taken was not a mere formality.

“The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana,” the President said.

He noted that the Supreme Court occupies a unique place in safeguarding the Constitution, settling questions of national importance, and shaping the evolution of Ghanaian law. He emphasized that the authority of the Court rests not on political power but on the confidence of citizens that justice will be administered independently, impartially, and strictly according to law.

“The authority of the Court rests not on political power but on the confidence of citizens that justice will be administered independently, impartially and strictly according to law,” Mahama stated.

A Bench of Distinct Perspectives

President Mahama said each Justice brings a distinct perspective that will enrich the work of the Supreme Court.

He described Justice Bernasco-Essa as an accomplished appellate judge whose extensive experience in the practical administration of justice would strengthen the quality and consistency of the Court’s decisions.

Justice Asante, he noted, combines national appellate experience with distinguished service as former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, bringing valuable expertise in regional integration, treaty obligations, and human rights jurisprudence.

For Mr. Forson Jnr., the President said his transition from private legal practice and leadership of the Ghana Bar Association adds the practical perspective of citizens, businesses, and institutions that seek justice before the courts.

A Historic Elevation

Justice Edward Amoako Asante’s appointment is particularly notable. His tenure as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice provides a rare blend of national and regional judicial experience. His expertise in treaty obligations and human rights jurisprudence is expected to deepen the Supreme Court’s deliberations on matters of regional and international law.

Mr. Anthony Forson Jnr.’s move from the presidency of the Ghana Bar Association to the Supreme Court is a significant transition that brings the practical perspective of private legal practice directly to the apex court. His experience representing citizens, businesses, and institutions will inform the Court’s understanding of the real-world implications of its decisions.

Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokunwa Bernasco-Essa’s elevation adds to the growing number of women on Ghana’s Supreme Court, a development that reflects broader efforts to enhance gender diversity in the judiciary.

A Defining Moment for Judicial Independence

President Mahama’s charge to the new Justices comes at a critical time for Ghana’s judiciary. The Supreme Court is expected to adjudicate on matters of national importance in the coming years, including electoral disputes, constitutional interpretation, and cases involving the balance of power between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

The President expressed confidence that the varied experiences of the three Justices would deepen deliberations at the Supreme Court and contribute to the continued development of Ghana’s jurisprudence.

“The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana,” Mahama reiterated, underscoring the gravity of the moment.

As Ghana’s apex court welcomes its newest members, the nation watches with expectation that the promise of independence, integrity, and courage will be fulfilled in every judgment delivered.

Africa’s aviation sector is on the cusp of a historic expansion that will create an estimated 75,000 new professional jobs over the next two decades, according to Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.

The projection, which covers the period 2026–2045, reveals a massive employment opportunity for the continent’s young and growing population, driven by a fleet that is expected to more than double from 755 aircraft in 2025 to 1,625 by 2045.

A Jobs Goldmine: The Numbers

Boeing’s forecast breaks down the workforce demand into three main categories: 22,000 new pilots, 25,000 technicians, and 28,000 cabin crew members. This translates to an average of 3,750 new skilled aviation professionals needed every single year to support the expanding fleet and aviation services market.

Of the new pilots, 77% will be needed to support regional networks, with the remaining 23% serving global routes. The demand for technicians and cabin crew is equally significant, reflecting the broader growth of the aviation ecosystem across the continent.

The $140 Billion Services Market

Beyond the cockpit, Africa’s aviation services market is projected to be worth a staggering $140 billion between 2026 and 2045. This includes $90 billion in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, $45 billion in digital services, and $5 billion in training and pilot services. This presents a vast array of opportunities not just for airlines, but for companies involved in aircraft maintenance, digital aviation solutions, and professional training.

The Engine of Growth: A Doubling Fleet

The demand for these professionals is being driven by one of the fastest-growing passenger markets in the world. Boeing projects passenger traffic to grow by 5.8% annually, with intra-African traffic expected to grow even faster at 6.5% and Africa-Middle East traffic at 7.1%.

To meet this demand, African airlines will need 1,165 new airplanes by 2045. The vast majority—870 aircraft, or about 75%—will be single-aisle jets, ideal for domestic and regional routes. The cargo fleet is also expected to grow from 60 to 150 freighters, driven by logistics, e-commerce, and exports.

“The opportunity extends well beyond airplanes. It will require investment in affordable access, and the people who will support a larger fleet,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing’s managing director of Commercial Marketing.

How Young People Can Tap In

For young Africans looking to launch a career in aviation, the pathway is clearer than ever. While pilot training remains the most demanding and costly route—requiring a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and a Class 1 Medical certificate—there are multiple entry points into the industry.

1. Pilot Training: Aspiring pilots typically need to be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 for a CPL. A strong foundation in Mathematics and Physics is essential, along with excellent English proficiency. Programs like the WECAIR and Alt Academy partnership now offer training pathways spanning three continents, leading to internationally recognized EASA licenses.

2. Technician and Engineering Roles: With 25,000 new technicians needed, opportunities in aviation maintenance and engineering are plentiful. Universities like Baze University in Nigeria are launching dedicated flight training programs with their own runways, and specialized institutions like the Ethiopian Aviation University offer ICAO-recognized training.

3. Cabin Crew: As the largest category of new jobs (28,000 positions), cabin crew roles offer a more accessible entry point into the industry. Airlines typically provide their own training programs, making this a viable path for young people without prior aviation experience.

4. Digital Services and MRO: The $45 billion digital services market and $90 billion MRO market will require a new generation of professionals skilled in data analytics, software development, and aircraft maintenance technologies.

The Training Challenge

However, significant challenges remain. Aviation training capacity across Africa is thin, and the complexity and cost of programs mean many governments send candidates abroad to earn qualifications. The sector also struggles to retain professionals once they qualify, with international mobility drawing trained staff away from the continent.

Initiatives like the African Development Bank-backed Center of Excellence for Aviation Skills in Rwanda, which will train 500 students a year in piloting, specialized technician roles, and air traffic control, represent a step in the right direction.

The Road Ahead

For Africa’s young people, the message is clear: the aviation industry is not just about flying planes. It’s about maintaining them, managing the digital systems behind them, and ensuring the safety of millions of passengers. With the right training and qualifications, the next generation of African aviation professionals can help shape the future of the continent’s skies—and secure rewarding careers in the process.

Ghana has introduced new regulations requiring certain gold exporters to refine gold dore locally before it can be shipped abroad, a move aimed at capturing more of the value generated by the country’s most valuable natural resource.

Effective September 1, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) barred Self-Financing Aggregators (SFAs) from exporting gold dore purchased under arrangements with approved offtakers unless it is first refined in Ghana. Dore is semi-refined gold that requires further processing before it can be turned into bullion.

The directive, issued by GoldBod’s Compliance Directorate on August 24, implements the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which established GoldBod as the authority overseeing the buying, selling, assaying, refining, and export of gold in Ghana.

A Push for Local Value

For Clement Edem Asare Morjah, chief executive of United Gold International Limited, a licensed SFA, the policy marks a significant change in how Ghana handles its most valuable natural resource.

“For the first time since independence, we have a government determined to make sure Ghana benefits from our biggest resource, gold,” he said.

Morjah said refining gold locally could allow Ghanaian companies to capture margins that have historically gone to overseas processors.

“In the entire value chain between refining and raw processed gold, the cost in between is a lot of margins. Historically, we have lost this to the outside world for decades. This is the first time deliberate government policy is trying to address this anomaly,” Morjah said.

But he added the short notice had created challenges for companies with existing contracts, which may now have to be amended. GoldBod had required SFAs to amend existing offtake agreements by August 31. Export applications would only be processed after GoldBod confirms that the gold has been refined locally, applicable charges have been settled, and other regulatory requirements have been met.

Building a Gold Industry

Prince Kwame Minkah, GoldBod’s media relations officer, said the policy was intended to ensure Ghana captured more of the economic benefits from its gold.

“Ghana is one of the top gold-producing countries in the world, so we need to truly maximise national benefits,” he said. “Value addition is key.”

He said the policy was consistent with President John Mahama’s vision that, by 2030, Ghana’s natural resources should be exported with a certain level of value addition.

“The value addition is what will culminate in the building of a gold industry in Ghana,” Minkah said.

Local refining, he added, could create jobs, reduce the amount of money paid overseas for processing, and provide refined gold for industries such as jewellery manufacturing. GoldBod also plans to develop a gold village modelled on Dubai’s Gold Souk, he said.

Ghana’s Refining Capacity

Ghana has four licensed gold refineries, including Gold Coast Refinery and Royal Ghana Gold Refinery. Gold Coast Refinery, which opened in 2016, has a stated capacity of up to two tonnes a week, while Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, commissioned in August 2024, has a daily capacity of 400 kilogrammes (882 pounds).

GoldBod has supply agreements with both refineries. Under its agreement with Gold Coast Refinery, GoldBod supplies at least one metric tonne of gold a week. Gold Coast Refinery is also in partnership with South Africa’s Rand Refinery.

Minkah said GoldBod was building what he described as “the largest refinery on the African continent” in Ghana.

A Booming Gold Sector

Ghana produced nearly six million ounces, or about 185 tonnes, of gold in 2025, with small-scale mining accounting for about 3.1 million ounces (96 tonnes), up from 1.9 million ounces (59 tonnes) the previous year.

Gold export earnings reached about $20 billion in 2025, nearly double the $10.3 billion recorded in 2024, while total merchandise exports stood at about $31.1 billion. The surge has increased the government’s focus on bringing more of the gold value chain under domestic control.

George Darkwa, a gold and mineral expert, said the refining requirement was a positive development for the industry.

“It is a positive move that will enhance value retention and formalisation,” he said, urging foreign investors to support Ghana’s efforts to develop its domestic gold industry.

Tougher Enforcement

GoldBod said exporting, or attempting to export, unrefined dore in breach of the new requirements would violate licence conditions. Possible sanctions include the refusal or suspension of export approvals, suspension or revocation of licences, administrative penalties, and other enforcement measures.

The board said the directive was intended to strengthen regulation while retaining more domestic value through refining and other forms of value addition.

For Morjah, the benefits could eventually extend beyond the companies directly affected by the new rule. Once refined, gold becomes bullion that can meet recognised standards, he said, making its quality and value more predictable.

“Give it time,” Morjah said. “Everybody will understand the benefit. When you’re doing business, you don’t only think about your individual benefit as a company. You must think about the body corporate as a nation.”