The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed deep concern over Ghana’s continued dependence on imported food items that can be cultivated locally.

He urged the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to take bold steps to significantly reduce food imports and prioritize the development of local agriculture.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister and his delegation at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, June 13, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the need for urgent interventions to rekindle interest in farming, particularly among the youth.

The Asantehene recommended a possible revival of the historic “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative from the Acheampong era, should the government deem it necessary to revitalize the agricultural sector.

“It’s disheartening that we are still importing basic produce like tomatoes and onions. Work hard to halt or at least minimize food imports so we can produce more locally. I’ll be monitoring closely—make sure farmers get irrigation support,” he stressed.

Otumfuo also called on chiefs and traditional leaders across the country to contribute to national development by making land available for agricultural use, suggesting such lands could be offered as equity in farming ventures to encourage investment and productivity.

As excitement builds for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced TECNO, the AI-powered technology brand and subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, as the Official Global Partner for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, as well as the 2027 edition, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

This strategic partnership reflects TECNO’s vision of empowering young Africans through the intersection of technology and sports. With its brand philosophy, “Stop at Nothing,” TECNO aims to inspire and equip the next generation across the continent to pursue their dreams and reach new heights.

The announcement comes on the heels of TECNO’s successful collaboration with CAF during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, where the brand served as the exclusive smartphone sponsor. That partnership delivered record-breaking engagement and deepened TECNO’s investment in African football, laying the foundation for this renewed alliance.

CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, made the announcement in Nairobi, Kenya, stating:

“The growing success of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has led to several high-impact sponsorships. TECNO’s continued support will play a vital role in helping Africa’s biggest sporting event expand its reach and influence. On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, we express our sincere gratitude to TECNO for investing in the future of African football.”

Benjamin Jiang, Vice President of Transsion Holdings, also expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership:

“This collaboration is a reflection of the trust and shared success we’ve built with CAF. In our previous engagement, we witnessed how football sparked passion and how AI-powered technology connected and empowered millions across Africa.”

He continued:

“This partnership goes far beyond the game. It represents a shared ambition—a platform for young Africans to thrive, driven by innovation and progress. It underscores our commitment to using AI-driven solutions to shape a brighter future for the continent.”

As part of its pan-African commitment, TECNO is also continuing its “Dream Field Renovation” campaign, a community initiative launched with CAF in 2024. The project aims to renovate 100 football fields in underserved communities across Africa by 2028, promoting healthy living, youth engagement, and access to quality sports infrastructure.

About TECNO
TECNO is a global technology brand powered by artificial intelligence, operating in over 70 markets across five continents. The company is dedicated to transforming digital experiences in emerging markets through a bold blend of cutting-edge technology and contemporary design.

TECNO’s product ecosystem includes AI-enabled smartphones, wearables, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, the proprietary HiOS operating system, and smart home solutions. Guided by its brand ethos, “Stop at Nothing,” TECNO is committed to empowering forward-thinking individuals to unlock their potential and pursue a brighter future.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has pledged that the newly formed agency will restore order and transparency to Ghana’s gold trade by curbing smuggling and streamlining operations.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View during the Mining in Motion Summit on Monday, June 9, Gyamfi noted that extensive consultations with stakeholders showed overwhelming support for a single, central body to regulate the sector—long plagued by disorganization and regulatory gaps.

“All the patriotic Ghanaians we engaged, along with various civil society organizations, viewed the creation of GoldBod as a necessary and urgent intervention to clean up the mess,” Gyamfi said.

He explained that prior to the establishment of GoldBod, multiple state institutions were independently purchasing gold without proper coordination—creating loopholes that enabled rampant smuggling.

“With GoldBod now in place, we have one central agency regulating the sector, issuing licenses to all players, and enforcing a unified code of conduct covering responsible sourcing and legal exports,” he stated.

Gyamfi emphasized that this centralized and structured approach will not only tackle irregularities but also ensure Ghana maximizes its foreign exchange earnings from gold exports—vital for national development.

“This new system guarantees that the country receives the much-needed forex and revenue tied to gold exports, which is crucial for our economic progress,” he noted.

GoldBod was officially established under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (Act 1140), as a key part of the government’s broader strategy to curb illegal gold trading and strengthen Ghana’s foreign reserves.