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Movement for Change's Philip Longdon urges Ghana to leverage Middle East tensions for economic resilience
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Philip Longdon, a member of the Movement for Change Communications Team, has called on the Ghanaian government to use the ongoing Middle East tensions as an opportunity to bolster the nation's economic resilience. Speaking on Pan African TV, Longdon criticized what he views as a pattern of reactive policymaking by successive governments in response to global shocks. While he welcomed the recent reduction in fuel prices, noting its positive impact on key sectors, he expressed concern over the lack of attention to aviation fuel, citing rising costs in Nigeria as a cautionary example. Longdon emphasized the need for innovative, long-term strategies beyond short-term relief measures, stating that crises offer an opportunity to "think outside the box." He also voiced disappointment over insufficient investment in agriculture, particularly in large-scale poultry production, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to industrialize the sector. He believes that such reforms are crucial for reducing Ghana's vulnerability to external shocks and fostering sustainable economic growth.
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US-based Ghanaian legal scholar Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, has called on judges to be more careful with their language when delivering verdicts. In a Facebook post titled “Judges Must Be Measured in Their Words” on April 20, 2026, Professor Azar emphasized that careless language could erode public trust in the courts. He stated that courts not only decide cases but also speak for the law, highlighting that judicial language carries significant authority and consequences. Professor Azar cautioned judges against exceeding the scope necessary to resolve disputes, warning that overly expansive or emotionally charged language could shift the court's role from adjudication to moral commentary. He criticized instances where judges used strong character descriptions or introduced subjective considerations into their reasoning, stressing that courts should assess rights, contributions, and fairness, rather than relying on social or subjective judgments. He also raised concerns about judicial commentary that appears to attribute political motives to legislation, which could blur the line between legal interpretation and political analysis. To address these issues, Professor Azar proposed three guiding principles for judicial expression: necessity, neutrality, and institutional awareness. He advised judges to limit remarks to what is required for a case, maintain objectivity, and remain mindful of their constitutional role. He warned that failing to adhere to these p
Must ReadThe National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat NAIMOS has arrested six Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining along the Nyaase River, a tributary of the Tano River, in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. The operation, which occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, led to the recovery of two pump action guns, 102 cartridges, a vehicle, and 60,000 Ghana Cedis in cash. NAIMOS launched a surprise intelligence-led operation at the illegal mining site, initially apprehending one Chinese national who then led them to the residence where the remaining five were arrested. The taskforce observed extensive environmental damage to the land. They immobilised two excavator machines and destroyed a metallic gold washing platform, a wooden gold washing platform, makeshift structures, a heavy-duty water pumping machine, Changfan machines, and several water hoses by burning. A tricycle was also seized. The discovery of weapons and ammunition at the suspects' residence confirmed the operation as an armed criminal enterprise. All arrested suspects and seized items have been taken to NAIMOS Headquarters for further investigation, and the Chinese nationals have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for legal and regulatory action. NAIMOS stated that small-scale mining is not permitted for foreigners under Ghana's Minerals and Mining Act, and the discovery of weapons is a national security concern. The Secretariat plans to continue nationwide surprise o
Kwesi Pratt Jr., Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has criticized Ghana's political framework, stating that the high financial demands of contesting elections, especially for the presidency, exclude many qualified individuals. Speaking on Pan African TV on April 18, 2026, Pratt highlighted that becoming president in Ghana could require mobilizing a minimum of $100 million, effectively sidelining most of the population. He cautioned that this system risks undermining national sovereignty, as candidates reliant on significant financial backing might become susceptible to external influence, thereby weakening the state's focus on national needs. Pratt also addressed discussions about a potential third term for John Dramani Mahama, questioning the democratic implications of concentrating leadership in one individual in a country of 35 million people. He emphasized the importance of mentoring successors and building systems that outlast individuals, rather than relying on a single figure. His remarks contribute to the ongoing debate about the credibility and inclusiveness of electoral systems across Africa, referencing recent polls in Benin.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, called for a redefinition of politics in Africa, emphasizing governance systems that prioritize citizen welfare. Speaking on Pan African TV on April 18, 2026, Pratt stated that politics should focus on the production and distribution of resources to satisfy people's needs and aspirations. He argued that political systems must concentrate on how resources are generated, managed, and utilized to address societal challenges, and that elections should lead to tangible outcomes that improve lives. Pratt made these comments during a discussion on the outcome of the Benin elections, where President Romuald Wadagni won with a 94% vote margin. He also cited Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the first president of Côte d'Ivoire, noting concerns about his political ties to France, including serving as a member of the French Parliament while leading his country, which Pratt described as problematic for sovereignty and independence.