Stitching new industrial future: how two textile hubs could redefine Ghana’s economy - Dr. Sanusi Zankawah explains

Stitching new industrial future: how two textile hubs could redefine Ghana’s economy - Dr. Sanusi Zankawah explains 

Dr. Sanusi Zankawah, a Ghanaian international trade expert, believes Ghana is standing before a rare and strategic opportunity to reassert itself as a continental leader in textile and apparel manufacturing.

According to him, a proposal to establish two major textile factories - one in the Ashanti Region and the other in the Savannah Region - presents a bold yet practical pathway to economic transformation. Beyond industrial growth, the initiative, he notes, holds the promise of sustainable job creation across the north - south corridor while strengthening foreign exchange earnings and reducing import dependence.

Dr. Zankawah explains that the choice of locations is neither accidental nor symbolic alone. The Ashanti Region and Northern Ghana are globally recognised for Kente and fugu, respectively - two iconic fabrics that carry deep cultural prestige and an unrivalled brand identity within Africa’s textile heritage. These traditions, he argues, offer Ghana a powerful competitive advantage in the global fashion market.

By strategically linking the two factories, Ghana could build a fully integrated textile value chain - from cotton cultivation and yarn production to weaving, fabric finishing, garment manufacturing, and export. Such an approach would significantly boost local value addition, anchor rural and urban employment, and position the country as a credible and competitive player in global apparel manufacturing.

In Dr. Zankawah’s view is that this dual-factory model is more than an industrial proposal; it is a practical blueprint for blending culture, agriculture, and manufacturing into a sustainable export-driven industry.

Read the full statement below:

A Dual-Factory Solution: How Ashanti and Savannah Can Anchor Ghana’s Next Big Export Industry

Ghana stands at a defining moment where cultural heritage, agricultural potential, and industrial ambition can converge to create a powerful new economic pillar. With global demand rising for ethically sourced, culturally inspired, and competitively manufactured textiles, the country has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a leading apparel producer in Africa. The proposal to set up two major textile factories, one in the Ashanti Region and the other in the Savannah Region offers an ambitious yet realistic pathway to transform the economy, increase foreign exchange earnings, and create sustainable jobs across the north–south corridor.

The Ashanti Region and Savannah/Northern Ghana are globally associated with the elegance and prestige of kente and Fugu respectively, possessing a cultural brand unmatched in Africa’s textile landscape. Kente and Fugu has transcended borders, appearing in global fashion shows, diaspora events, and international media. Yet despite the visibility remains under-industrialized and largely confined to artisanal production. Establishing a modern textile and apparel factory in Ashanti and Savannah region creates the platform for Ghana to pair its cultural heritage with world-class manufacturing standards. The factory would not only scale up Kente/Fugu-inspired designs but also produce a wide range of contemporary, globally competitive apparel that aligns with international fashion trends, seasonal collections, and mass-market demand. This ensures that Ghana is not limited to traditional fabrics alone but directly competes with foreign-made garments that dominate the domestic market and global shelves.

Complementing this effort is the Savannah Region, where fertile lands make it Ghana’s most promising zone for large-scale cotton cultivation. Cotton is the lifeblood of any serious textile industry, and Ghana’s dependence on imported lint and yarn has long weakened its competitiveness. Establishing a cotton processing and textile mill in Savannah will address this challenge by producing the raw materials needed to feed domestic factories. Beyond cotton, Savannah is also the homeland of the iconic smock, a fabric whose authenticity and rugged beauty continue to gain global attention. A modernized smock production system will allow Ghana to upgrade quality, standardize output, and develop export-ready smock apparel lines.

By linking these two factories, Ghana can create a complete value chain, from cotton farming to yarn production, weaving, fabric finishing, apparel manufacturing, and export. This integrated model drastically reduces import dependency, increases local value addition, and positions Ghana as a credible player in global fashion manufacturing.

Crucially, these factories will serve a broader purpose beyond cultural exports. They will be designed to produce a wide spectrum of apparel that competes directly with imported garments from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. From casual wear and uniforms to corporate clothing, sportswear, and fashion capsules, Ghana can build a manufacturing base capable of supplying both domestic and export markets. This is how countries such as Kenya, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Morocco, Madagascar, and Lesotho built apparel sectors that now supply major global brands. Their success demonstrates that Africa can indeed compete internationally when supported by the right policies and production capabilities.

With the right infrastructure and industrial standards, Ghana can replicate and even exceed these achievements. A combined Ashanti–Savannah textile axis will not only create products; it will create confidence. It will signal to international fashion brands that Ghana is a serious contender in the global apparel supply chain. The availability of quality cotton, skilled labour, design innovation, and modern production facilities will make Ghana an attractive sourcing destination for renowned fashion houses looking for ethical, African, and sustainable materials. Over time, Ghana could become a regional hub where global brands establish sourcing offices, contract local manufacturers, or even relocate parts of their production lines to take advantage of Ghana’s stability, logistics access, and emerging industrial ecosystem.

The economic impact would be extensive. Textile and apparel value chains are labour-intensive, creating jobs at every stage, from thousands of farmers cultivating cotton in the Savannah Region to technicians, weavers, tailors, designers, quality controllers, and logistics professionals in Ashanti. Young people, especially women, stand to benefit enormously from this industrial expansion. Moreover, the shift from exporting raw or low-value products to exporting finished garments will significantly increase foreign exchange earnings and diversify the national export basket. By complementing cocoa, gold, and oil with a strong manufacturing export base, Ghana strengthens its economic resilience and reduces vulnerability to global commodity fluctuations.

A supportive policy environment is essential to unlock this vision. This includes reviving cotton production through seed improvement and guaranteed offtake, offering tax incentives to textile manufacturers, establishing industrial parks with reliable energy, and creating certification labs to meet U.S. and European export standards. Equally important is a national branding agenda, promoting “Made in Ghana Textiles” as a symbol of authenticity, quality, and creativity.

Ultimately, the dual-factory strategy is more than an industrial development initiative. It represents a new era of economic identity for Ghana, one that merges cultural pride with modern competitiveness. With Ashanti driving design and finishing, and Savannah supplying raw materials and weaving strength, Ghana can position itself as a preferred African hub for textile and apparel manufacturing. The country will not only export kente and smock but also produce globally competitive garments that rival foreign imports and attract international brands seeking sustainable African partnerships.

If executed boldly, this model could define Ghana’s next major export industry, one that elevates local talent, boosts national earnings, empowers regions, and projects Ghanaian creativity onto the world stage like never before.

By Sanusi Zankawah (PhD)

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Ghana Armed Forces College honours Buipewura Jinapor II with landmark leadership study

Ghana Armed Forces College honours Buipewura Jinapor II with landmark leadership study

The Buipe Traditional Area, in partnership with the National House of Chiefs, has received a rare and distinguished academic honour following a leadership study conducted on His Royal Majesty Jira Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II by the Ghana Armed Forces College (GAFC).

The study, formally presented on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Accra, was undertaken by Student Officers of the GAFC and submitted to the military high command before being conferred on the Buipewura. It offered a comprehensive examination of his life journey, leadership philosophy, governance approach, and contributions to national and traditional administration.

This recognition marks one of the few instances in Ghana’s history where a premier military training institution has devoted its scholarly resources to the leadership of a traditional ruler. In doing so, the Ghana Armed Forces underscored the enduring relevance of chieftaincy institutions within the broader framework of national governance and security.

The honour places Buipewura Jinapor II among a distinguished group of eminent national figures whose leadership has been subjected to similar academic inquiry by the Ghana Armed Forces. Notable among them are Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Otumfuo Prempeh I of the Asante Kingdom.

The GAFC study provided an objective and detailed assessment of the Buipewura’s leadership, with particular focus on his role in conflict resolution and peace-building across the Northern and Savannah Regions. It also examined the evolving relationship between traditional authority and modern governance, especially his work as Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, as well as socio-economic development initiatives within the Buipe Traditional Area.

According to the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces, the study is intended to enrich the strategic outlook of future military leaders by deepening their understanding of how traditional institutions contribute to national cohesion, security, and sustainable development.

In his acceptance remarks, HRM Jira Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II expressed profound gratitude for the honour, describing it as both an affirmation of service and a renewed call to duty. He noted that the recognition highlights the continuing importance of traditional leadership in fostering stability, democratic governance, and development.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to national service, stating that the insights from the study would inform his future leadership decisions. The Buipewura also pledged to strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities and Ghana’s security institutions in the shared pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

 

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

J.S. Rhule Initiatives Donates Classroom Block To Punpunie-Ahanta West Municipal

J.S. Rhule Initiatives Donates Classroom Block To Punpunie-Ahanta West Municipal

The community of Punpunie in the Ahanta West Municipality came alive on 22nd September 2025, as residents, education officials, and community leaders gathered to commission a newly constructed three-unit classroom block to serve pupils of the Punpunie D/A Basic School and adjoining communities, including Enuohu.

The commissioning marks a major milestone in the quest to bridge educational infrastructure gaps in the area.

Reflecting on the project’s journey, the initiator, Miss Janet-Stephanie Rhule, recalled a previous visit to the community, where she was deeply moved by the poor state of the school’s facilities. At the time, pupils attended classes in a two-unit block propped up by wooden pillars, with mud walls and bare floors - a structure that barely withstood the rains.

“Together, we resolved to change that story,” she shared. “By the grace of God and through steady efforts, we have brought this project to fruition. This experience has taught me that even the smallest step toward change can yield a lasting impact.”

As part of the commissioning ceremony, pupils were also provided with educational stationery to support their learning.

The newly completed block, she emphasized, is more than a building - it is a symbol of hope and belief in the potential of the Punpunie child. “It represents our conviction that every child deserves an environment that nurtures their dreams and allows their destinies to unfold,” she said.

Drawing inspiration from her late father, a lifelong teacher, she remarked that no institution transforms lives more powerfully than education. She reaffirmed her commitment to continue supporting the community to ensure that every child in Punpunie is well-prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

The handing-over ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Miss Janet-Stephanie Ekua Etrewba Rhule, Founder of the J.S. Rhule Initiatives, the Deputy Director of Education at the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, Elders of the community, the Headmistress and staff of the school, parents and guardians, volunteers of the foundation, and the pupils themselves - all joining in celebration of a brighter educational future for Punpunie.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Bunyanso Farms Cashew Plantation Pioneers Agri-Tourism Excellence in the Savannah Region

Bunyanso Farms Cashew Plantation Pioneers Agri-Tourism Excellence in the Savannah Region

Bunyanso Farms Cashew Plantation Agri-Tourism Enterprise, a fast-rising model of integrated agriculture and tourism in the Savannah Region, is redefining the concept of sustainable rural development through its unique blend of farming, hospitality, and cultural education.

Situated in the heart of Bunyanso, the enterprise offers visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience life on a working farm while exploring the diverse agricultural and cultural heritage of the area.

Farm Activities and Experiences:

At Bunyanso Farms, visitors are invited to actively participate in farm life through U-Pick operations, where they can harvest cashew fruits, shea fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The farm also features seasonal corn mazes and pumpkin patches, creating fun, family-friendly outdoor experiences.

Animal lovers can delight in the petting zoos and animal exhibits, which provide interactive sessions with farm animals, including bees, while the wine and farm tours offer guided visits with tastings and live demonstrations of local processing techniques.

Culinary enthusiasts can join cooking classes, learning to prepare authentic dishes made from fresh farm produce, while harvest festivals bring the community together in celebration with food, music, and cultural performances.

Accommodation and Recreation:

For those seeking an extended stay, the farm offers farm stays and camping facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the countryside. Outdoor enthusiasts can also engage in beekeeping training, cashew harvesting and processing, and the transformation of cashew apples into jam, juice, and kebabs - an exciting showcase of value addition.

Educational and Cultural Experiences:

Beyond leisure, Bunyanso Farms serves as a learning hub through its demonstration farms, which highlight best practices in cashew cultivation and sustainable agriculture. The enterprise regularly hosts workshops and training sessions on agricultural innovation, local crafts, and agribusiness development.

Visitors also enjoy cultural tours, which celebrate the rich traditions, customs, and agricultural history of the Savannah Region, offering a deeper appreciation of the area’s heritage.

Contact Information:

For inquiries and bookings, kindly contact:

Mr. Sumani Iddrisu

Owner and Chief Executive Officer,

Bunyanso Farms Cashew Plantation Agri-Tourism Enterprise

📞 0243564356 / 0203514956

📧 bunyansofarms@gmail.com

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

MP for Yapei-Kusawgu Revamps Yapei Polyclinic and Launches ₵1 Million Annual Tertiary Scholarship for Constituents

MP for Yapei-Kusawgu Revamps Yapei Polyclinic and Launches ₵1 Million Annual Tertiary Scholarship for Constituents

As part of his working visit to the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Member of Parliament for the area and Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of his people through significant interventions in both healthcare and education.

During a visit to the Yapei Polyclinic followed keenly by Freelance Jounalist, Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, the Hon. Minister donated a wide range of essential medical supplies to the facility, aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. The donated items included hospital beds, wheelchairs, drip stands, delivery beds, and other vital non-consumables.

Hon. Jinapor emphasized that the initiative forms part of his broader commitment to strengthening the healthcare system across the constituency. He charged the management of the facility to put the items to good use and maintain them properly to ensure their longevity and sustained benefit to patients.

In addition, the Minister announced plans to construct a modern theatre for the Yapei Polyclinic, further reinforcing the facility’s capacity to handle complex medical cases and reduce referrals. He also extended financial support of ₵10,000 to the staff welfare fund of the Polyclinic to motivate healthcare workers in their daily service to the community.

Representatives of the YapeiWura, the Yapei Youth Association for Development, and the medical superintendent of the Polyclinic expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Jinapor for his swift response to their needs and his consistent commitment to the well-being of the people of Yapei and surrounding communities.

Accompanied by constituency and branch executives, the MP’s visit to the Polyclinic underscored his dedication to quality healthcare delivery in the Yapei Kusawgu area.

In a related development, Hon. Jinapor also launched a ₵1 million annual tertiary scholarship scheme for students within the constituency, demonstrating his long-standing belief in education as a key driver of development.

The new scholarship scheme builds on his earlier initiative, which provided ₵200,000 annually to support tertiary students from the constituency. The enhanced ₵1 million fund seeks to alleviate the financial burden on parents and provide opportunities for brilliant but needy students to access higher education.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Jinapor noted that many young people have been forced to abandon their educational aspirations due to financial challenges. The new scholarship, he said, is designed to remove such barriers and enable more students to achieve their academic and professional dreams.

Beyond the tertiary level, the MP has made considerable investments in other educational interventions; including the rehabilitation of school buildings, provision of classroom furniture, distribution of mathematical sets to BECE candidates, and organization of mock examinations to adequately prepare students for their final exams.

In the informal education sector, Hon. Jinapor has established a skills training center to empower artisans, dressmakers, and other tradespeople, ensuring inclusive development across the constituency.

These interventions, both in health and education, reflect Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor’s holistic approach to human capital development and his enduring vision to build a healthier, better-educated, and more prosperous Yapei Kusawgu Constituency.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

International Trade Expert Calls on Ghana to Seize Diplomatic Goodwill in U.S. Relations

International Trade Expert Calls on Ghana to Seize Diplomatic Goodwill in U.S. Relations

Dr. Sanusi Zankawah, a Ghanaian international trade expert, is urging Ghana to leverage the current goodwill in its relations with the United States to rebalance trade and further strengthen U.S.–Ghana cooperation.

According to him, the trajectory of U.S.–Ghana relations in recent months has been marked by a renewed spirit of cooperation that deserves both careful recognition and strategic utilization.

In a statement shared with blogger Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, Dr. Zankawah emphasized that the restoration of Ghana’s five-year multiple-entry visa privileges by the United States, together with Ghana’s acceptance of U.S. deportees without the usual diplomatic frictions or financial implications, represents more than routine adjustments. He described these developments as a reaffirmation of trust, a diplomatic victory, and a clear signal of Washington’s growing confidence in Ghana’s role as a reliable partner in Africa.

Dr. Zankawah stressed that the timing is opportune for Ghana to seize this diplomatic momentum to advance its economic interests. He noted that the goodwill earned through visa diplomacy and immigration cooperation provides Accra with the leverage to push for a recalibration of trade terms - particularly a renegotiation and review of tariffs imposed on Ghanaian exports under the Trump administration. These tariffs, he explained, continue to undermine Ghana’s competitiveness in the U.S. market and frustrate the promise of partnership both nations profess to uphold.

Read the full statement below:

After Visas, Tariffs: The Next Test for U.S.–Ghana Relations

By [Sanusi Zankawah PhD], International Trade Expert

The trajectory of U.S.–Ghana relations in recent months has been marked by a renewed spirit of cooperation that deserves careful recognition and strategic use. The recent restoration of Ghana’s five-year multiple-entry visa privileges by the United States is more than a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a reaffirmation of trust, a diplomatic victory, and an unmistakable sign of growing confidence in Ghana’s role as a reliable partner in Africa. The absence of this facility strained relations and created frustration for business executives, students, and ordinary Ghanaians who had to endure the uncertainty and cost of short-term visas. Its restoration therefore signals not only goodwill but also a broader commitment by Washington to reset its engagement with Accra at a time when Africa’s importance in global geopolitics is rising.

This is not the only recent demonstration of mutual accommodation. In August, Ghana quietly accepted the return of a U.S. deportees without the usual diplomatic frictions or cost implications that often accompany such transfers. This act, which might appear minor at first glance, is in fact a pragmatic demonstration of Accra’s willingness to shoulder this burden and avoid the kind of standoffs that have in the past complicated U.S.–Africa relations on immigration matters. By accepting the deportees at no cost, Ghana sent an important signal to Washington: that it values the relationship enough to compromise on sensitive issues and work constructively where others might have chosen confrontation.

Taken together, these developments, the restoration of visa privileges and the cooperative handling of deportees returns, paint a picture of a bilateral relationship that is deepening in both symbolism and substance. Yet, if Ghana is to fully capitalize on this goodwill, it must not stop at celebrating these wins. The momentum should be harnessed to address more consequential issues, particularly in the domain of trade. Chief among these is the need to renegotiate and review the tariffs imposed on Ghanaian exports by the Trump administration, which continue to undermine Ghana’s competitiveness in the American market and frustrate the promise of partnership that both sides claim to uphold.

Those tariffs, introduced under the logic of correcting global imbalances and protecting American producers, have been disproportionately damaging to Ghana. Exports of cocoa derivatives, aluminum, and textiles sectors that employ thousands of Ghanaians and provide critical foreign exchange have faced punitive barriers. The irony is striking: at the same time that Washington proclaims its support for African industrialization and prosperity through programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), it maintains tariff measures that blunt the very competitiveness AGOA was designed to enhance. For Ghana, a country that has consistently demonstrated democratic stability, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to open markets, such restrictions are difficult to justify.

The timing is ripe for Ghana to make its case. The goodwill built from visa diplomacy and immigration cooperation provides Accra with leverage to push for a recalibration of trade terms. In international relations, momentum matters. By showing flexibility on sensitive issues like visas and deportations, Ghana has positioned itself as a constructive partner. Now is the time to translate that goodwill into economic negotiations that can deliver tangible benefits for Ghanaian businesses and workers.

The argument for tariff review should not be framed as a favor to Ghana, but as a mutually beneficial adjustment that aligns with the interests of both economies. Consider the example of cocoa. While Ghana remains the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, it has long sought to move up the value chain by exporting more semi-processed and finished cocoa products rather than raw beans. Yet tariffs in the U.S. have made this shift less viable, constraining Ghana’s ambition to diversify its export base. American confectionery companies, on the other hand, rely heavily on cocoa inputs for their supply chains. By reducing tariffs, Washington would not only give Ghana’s processors a fairer chance at the U.S. market but would also lower input costs for American firms, making them more competitive globally. This is the very definition of a win-win outcome.

Aluminum presents another compelling case. Ghana’s bauxite and aluminum industry has the potential to become a cornerstone of industrial growth and job creation. Yet U.S. tariffs imposed under the Trump administration’s blanket national security rationale have undercut Ghana’s ability to export competitively. In practice, these restrictions have not significantly protected U.S. producers, but they have limited supply options for American manufacturers who rely on affordable imports. Removing or reducing these tariffs would help stabilize U.S. manufacturing while providing Ghana with the revenues and investment incentives needed to expand its industrial base.

Beyond the economics, there is a larger geopolitical dimension at play. Africa is increasingly a contested arena for influence between global powers. China, Turkey, and the European Union are all deepening their economic footprint on the continent through infrastructure deals, preferential trade agreements, and development financing. The U.S. risks falling behind if it continues to allow tariffs to sour its trade relations with African states. Ghana, as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for U.S. firms into Africa’s 1.4 billion-strong consumer market. Supporting Ghana through fairer trade terms would therefore strengthen not only bilateral relations but also America’s broader strategic presence in Africa.

For Washington, revisiting these tariffs would reinforce its credibility as a partner genuinely committed to Africa’s development. The U.S. has long styled itself as an ally of democratic, market-oriented states. Ghana, with its track record of peaceful transfers of power, prudent economic management, and respect for the rule of law, epitomizes these values. Yet, as long as tariffs continue to stifle Ghana’s exports, the rhetoric of partnership remains undermined by policies that appear punitive rather than supportive. A tariff review would send the right message not just to Accra, but to all of Africa that constructive engagement with the United States yields tangible results.

For Ghana, the task now is to seize the diplomatic moment. The Ministry of Trade and Industry, working in tandem with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana Embassy in Washington, must elevate tariff renegotiation as a priority agenda item in bilateral talks. This will require careful framing. Ghana should present tariff revision not as a plea for exemptions or special treatment but as a logical extension of the goodwill already demonstrated in visas and immigration cooperation. It should be positioned as a strategic recalibration that benefits both sides, enhances U.S. supply chains, boosts Ghana’s exports, and strengthens the foundations of an already thriving partnership.

The path will not be easy. Trade negotiations are rarely straightforward, and domestic political considerations in the U.S. often complicate efforts to liberalize tariffs. Yet Ghana’s case is strong, and the timing could not be better. In diplomacy, opportunities are fleeting. The restoration of visa privileges and the cooperative handling of deportee returns have created a window of goodwill that must be leveraged before the political winds shift.

The symbolism of a five-year visa is powerful. The acceptance of transferred deportees at no cost reflects maturity in handling sensitive issues. But the future of U.S.–Ghana relations will not be determined by symbols alone. It will be written in trade volumes, industrial growth, and the prosperity of ordinary citizens who stand to benefit from fairer access to markets. Tariff revision is the logical next step in this unfolding story of partnership. If both nations seize the moment, these recent acts of goodwill will be remembered not as isolated gestures, but as the turning points that opened the door to a new era of economic cooperation and shared prosperity.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham (AB)

When Angels Depart: Birthday That Became Benediction -- Honouring the memory of Alhaji Limuna Muniru

When Angels Depart: Birthday That Became Benediction -- Honouring the memory of Alhaji Limuna Muniru

By: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham (AB)Assemblyman, Canteen Electoral Area(0241129910/0200704844)

Today , August 8, was meant to be a day of light, laughter, and legacy. It was meant to shine with hope. The birthday of our beloved fallen hero.

One hundred adolescent girls from the Greater Canteen Electoral Area were poised to benefit from the noble heart of Honourable Alhaji Limuna Muniru through a life - transforming initiative championing menstrual hygiene,  empowerment, and skills development. A man whose name echoed compassion, whose every birthday was an act of selfless giving.

But alas,death, which is too painful to remember, too cruel to understand - interrupted our joy and wrote sorrow across the skies. It stole from us a leader and a legacy in motion. 

Today, the 8th of August, would have marked the birthday of Alhaji Limuna Muniru, Ag. Deputy National Security Coordinator, former Minister for Agriculture, and the visionary behind the "Hope Again" literally translated as Tamawuta Foundation - in our cherished Gonja tongue. A fallen hero in the tragic plane crash that took the lives of eight of our finest statesmen. Our hearts still bleed.

Alhaji Muniru habitually dedicated this day to lifting the downtrodden, empowering the voiceless, and nurturing the hopes of the underprivileged. 

He was not a man of mere words; he lived his values. On every birthday, he chose service over celebration. It was on this very date, just last year, that he launched the Tamawuta Foundation - a beacon of hope for the underprivileged child. I had the rare privilege of witnessing that launch and the sincerity with which he pledged to sustain the vision.

Barely weeks ago, I received a call from the project coordinator of the foundation. Plans were underway to commemorate Alhaji’s birthday with a life-changing programme, where 100 young girls from my beloved electoral area stand to benefit hugely - offering free sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene education, and a precious chance to interact directly with the CEO himself at the Damongo Community Centre. The honour extended further: I was invited to a private birthday dinner with him. It was a moment I treasured deeply.

I immediately mobilised the girls, collected their contact details, and began preparing them for the occasion. They were full of joy, eager to meet the man behind the kindness. Later, the coordinator followed up with news of an expanded programme - a Tamawuta Skill Hub to train girls in soap and detergent making, vegetable preservation, branding, entrepreneurship, and legal advocacy in child and human rights. It was to be a four-day experience - August 8 to 11 - blessed with wisdom and hope.

But then came August 6: where fate had other plans:

A missed call. A heart too preoccupied. And then… silence turned to sirens.

On this faithful dark Wednesday,I missed a morning call - likely a reminder about the programme. Later that day, the airwaves filled with chilling reports: a government aircraft had gone missing. Anxiety gripped the nation. And when the dust settled, our fears were confirmed. Alhaji Limuna Muniru was among the fallen. I was left in disbelief. Shocked. Broken.

At that moment, everything stilled. The programme was postponed indefinitely. The dream deferred.

Savannah Region has lost an irreplaceable gem. Ghana has lost a statesman of deep convictions and a boundless heart. A man with a heart vast enough to carry the hopes of a generation.  As HE John Dramani Mahama rightly described him, "a humble yet effective public servant."

Many dreams rested upon his shoulders - dreams now suspended in sorrow.

My personal memories with Alhaji are too vast for this tribute. Words may fail to capture them. They stretch beyond this moment and call for an entire memoir. 

For now, I mourn quietly, with a trembling heart.

Yet we do not weep without hope.

We do not question the will of God. 

For it is written, "it is appointed unto every soul to pass through the veil..."

We are too mortal to question the eternal. But in our grief, we pray - for his family, for the grieving nation, for the many lives he touched and would have touched still.

May the Almighty stretch forth His healing hand and comfort our broken hearts and the troubled soul of our beloved nation.

This is a dark day in our collective history. But even in this darkness, his legacy shines. We shall carry forward the light he left behind.

May the good Lord show compassion to the eight fallen heroes and all the faithful, departed souls.

Forever in our hearts. Never again.