Effiduase-Asokore MP criticizes government over economic conditions and cocoa sector issues
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, has voiced strong criticism against the government, citing worsening economic conditions, unemployment, and challenges within the cocoa sector. In an April 12, 2026 Facebook post, Dr. Afriye, who is also the Ranking Member of Parliament鈥檚 Health Committee, accused the government of failing cocoa farmers due to delayed payments and an "insensitive reduction in cocoa prices." His comments were made during an Easter recess engagement in his constituency. He also highlighted unemployment among trained professionals, specifically teachers and nursing trainees, and lamented delays in salary payments for some teachers recruited in 2024. Dr. Afriye further criticized rising utility costs and increased Basic Education Certificate Examination BECE fees, describing them as burdensome for Ghanaian households. He labeled some government flagship programs as ineffective, referring to them as "scams." Additionally, he raised concerns about the ongoing issue of illegal mining. During his tour, Dr. Afriye donated various items, including Wellington boots, hair dryers, sewing machines, spraying machines, and cement, to support community development projects. He also called for unity and reconciliation within his party, urging members to support internal reorganization efforts and the party's leadership ahead of the 2028 elections.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Ghana's Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has commended four Ghanaian pupils from Pentecost Preparatory School for setting Guinness World Records. The Minister described their success as a source of national pride and an inspiration for children across the country. The pupils, identified and nurtured by the Sophia Boadi Readathon International Foundation SBRIF, achieved records in various categories. Isaac K Boadi Atuah and George K Kwarteng Boadi set the record for the fastest time to sort two bags of recyclable materials, with Isaac also achieving the record for the most seeds planted in one minute. Selorm Dzakah Junior secured the record for the fastest time to pack a school bag, while Rebecca Ackron Essel set the record for the fastest time to build a 10-toilet roll pyramid. Dr Lartey praised the pupils' determination, discipline, and commitment to excellence, highlighting their potential and encouraging them to inspire other children. She also commended SBRIF for its work in literacy, talent development, and youth empowerment, noting that these initiatives support government efforts in education and child development. The Minister presented a cash token to the pupils in recognition of their achievements.
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A recent United Nations Population Fund UNFPA report, 'Lives, Choices and Futures,' released for World Population Day 2026, indicates that financial insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of raising a family are causing many young adults to postpone marriage and parenthood. The report, based on a survey of over 108,000 young adults across 73 countries, found that more than two-thirds of individuals aged 18 to 39 desire marriage, and only about one in ten do not wish to have children. However, 88 percent of respondents consider financial security essential before having children, and 87 percent require stable employment before starting a family. UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita noted that young people still value marriage and parenthood but need the right conditions to make these choices. The study also highlighted that 80 percent of respondents cited the joy children bring as a primary reason for wanting them, with government incentives being less important. Young people in West and Central Africa, including Ghana, generally expressed a preference for larger families. The report suggests that Ghana could benefit from a demographic dividend if young people have access to education, healthcare, and decent employment, though unemployment and insecure work remain significant obstacles. The delay in marriage is attributed to the difficulty of achieving financial security rather than a change in attitudes towards family.