Ghana News
Mahama at Davos (VIDEO): Africa Must Invest in Skills, Unity and Industry or Risk Being Left Behind
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama delivered a compelling call to action for the African continent during a high-profile address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
President Mahama warned that Africa risks falling behind in a rapidly evolving global economy unless it prioritises investment in skills development, continental unity, and industrialisation.
Speaking before global political and business leaders, President Mahama stressed that the world is entering an era where nations must innovate and build competitive economic ecosystems — and that Africa’s youth are watching closely.
“Our young people are brilliant, they’re hungry, and they’re running out of patience,” Mahama said, urging leaders to move beyond rhetoric to concrete action.
Skills for the Real Economy
Mahama highlighted the urgent need for skills development that aligns with real labour market demands, especially in areas such as digital technology, green energy, and manufacturing. He argued that simply increasing access to education is not enough — training must be tailored to the jobs emerging in a digitised and decarbonising global economy.
“We must invest in skills. Not just education, but skills that match real jobs in the real economy,” Mahama said, emphasising that Africa needs a generation of workers capable of building industries rather than merely consuming foreign products.
Industrialisation and Shared Prosperity
The president also called for collaborative efforts to boost industrial capacity across the continent. He urged countries to develop regional manufacturing zones, shared energy infrastructure, and continental digital networks that could give businesses the scale they need to compete globally.
“No African country can industrialise alone,” Mahama said.
He encouraged African governments to work together to reduce dependency on foreign markets and build resilient supply chains — especially for critical goods such as vaccines, semiconductors, and renewable energy components.
Unity as Strategy, Not Slogan
Beyond industrial policy, Mahama made a strategic case for true continental unity, not just in words but in actionable frameworks, particularly in international negotiations on trade, climate finance, and resource governance. He urged African countries to coordinate and bargain collectively to secure better terms in global markets.
“When we bargain separately, we’re weak. When we negotiate together, we’re formidable,” he said, underscoring how unity can enhance Africa’s influence and bargaining power on the world stage.
Reform and Accountability
Finally, Mahama warned that corruption and weak governance threaten investment and confidence in African economies. He called for stronger accountability mechanisms and institutional reforms that can attract sustainable investment and ensure that growth benefits citizens across the continent.
“We cannot ask the world to invest in us if we tolerate corruption, waste, and systems that don’t work,” he said.
Looking Ahead
President Mahama’s remarks at Davos come amid broader discussions on Africa’s future economic trajectory.
His address underscored that investment in skills, industry, and unity is essential not only for individual national success but for ensuring that Africa participates fully and competitively in the global economy of the coming decades.
Watch his full speech below.
Ghana News
US Requires Ghanaian Visa Applicants to Make All Social Media Profiles ‘Public’ for Vetting
Accra, Ghana – Ghanaians applying for various categories of US visas must now make all their social media accounts public, the United States Embassy has announced in a new requirement that is being rolled out globally.
The policy, which took effect immediately, affects a wide range of non-immigrant visas including A-3, C-3, G-5, H-3, H-4 (dependents), K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U visas. Applicants are required to adjust the privacy settings of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and others to “public” to allow US consular officers to review their online activity as part of the security and admissibility vetting process.
The move is designed to help establish the applicant’s true identity, intentions, and potential security risks before granting entry into the United States. While the directive was first highlighted by the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, it is now being implemented at US embassies and consulates worldwide, including in Ghana.
Implications for Ghanaian Applicants
For many Ghanaians seeking to visit, study, work, or join family members in America, the new rule adds another layer of scrutiny to the already rigorous US visa application process.
Privacy-conscious applicants may need to temporarily adjust or archive private content before submitting their applications.
US visa officials will now have broader access to posts, comments, photos, friends lists, and online associations.
This development comes amid heightened global security concerns and reflects the Trump administration’s continued emphasis on stricter immigration vetting. Ghanaian travellers are advised to review their social media presence carefully and ensure consistency between their online profiles and visa application details to avoid delays or refusals.
Ghana News
Bawumia Accuses Mahama Govt of Attacking Democracy, Otumfuo Warns Politicians and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today to keep you informed.
Bawumia Claims Ghana’s Democracy Under Attack and Free Speech Sacrificed Under Mahama Govt
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly accused President John Dramani Mahama’s government of undermining Ghana’s democratic credentials by suppressing free speech and using state security agencies to intimidate political opponents. Speaking on April 18, 2026, during a visit by Bono Region NPP executives, Bawumia described the situation as a threat to the country’s democratic gains and urged party members to remain outspoken. The former Vice President’s comments followed the arrest and detention of NPP member Abubakar Yakubu (Baba Amando), with the party planning a major demonstration in Sunyani on April 22 under the theme “Yensuro Ahunahuna Demo” to protest what it calls attacks on free speech.
Read the full story here
Akonta Mining: Court Gives Wontumi Final Chance to File Witness Statement
The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court has granted Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) a final opportunity to file his witness statements in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case. Justice Audrey Kocouvi-Tey set May 5, 2026, as the new deadline after Wontumi missed the previous April 14 cut-off. The ruling came during a case management conference on April 20, despite defence requests for adjournment pending an appeal. Wontumi faces charges related to unauthorised mining activities on his concession in Samreboi.
Read the full story here
BOST to Lose GH¢40m from Suspended Fuel Margins – Deputy MD
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) stands to lose nearly GH¢40 million in April alone due to the government’s suspension of the BOST margin on diesel. Deputy Managing Director Nat Salifu Acheampong warned that the move threatens critical infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of the Accra-Akosombo pipeline from 6 inches to 12 inches. While the margin on petrol remains, he appealed to Parliament to restore the diesel margin once the current fuel price relief measures end, stressing that the funds support national strategic fuel reserves.
Read the full story here
Power is Transient – Otumfuo Warns Politicians to Stay Out of Chieftaincy Matters
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has cautioned politicians to refrain from interfering in chieftaincy affairs, reminding them that power is transient. The warning, delivered at the Asanteman Council meeting, underscores the Asantehene’s firm stance on preserving the independence and integrity of traditional institutions from political influence.
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‘You Are All Thieves!’ – Woman Slams Methodist Pastors and Elders Over Tithe Policy
A female member of the Wesley Cathedral Methodist Church in Sunyani caused a stir when she publicly described the pastor and elders as “thieves” during a church service. She criticised an alleged policy tying welfare support (especially during funerals) to tithe payment, arguing it was unfair and discouraging membership. The dramatic confrontation, which has gone viral, has sparked widespread debate on church finances and member support.
Read the full story here
Explainer: Why Asantehene Destooled Kyeame Kofi Nti
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled his linguist (Kyeame) Kofi Nti following deliberations by the Asanteman Council. The removal was based on serious allegations including doubts over his royal lineage, improper handling and failure to report invocations of the sacred Otumfuo Ntam Kɛseɛ oath, and interference in chieftaincy processes. The decision highlights the high standards of accountability expected in Asante traditional offices.
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GES Announces Instalment Plan to Clear Teachers’ Salary Arrears
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has revealed that the government will pay outstanding salary arrears to newly recruited teachers under the 2024 financial clearance in instalments from May to August 2026. Four months’ arrears will be disbursed monthly to ensure accuracy and transparency. The move brings relief to teachers whose payments were delayed after reporting to post.
Read the full story here
Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.
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