General News
Ghana Wastes GH¢762.32 Billion Worth of Food Annually—Above Global Average
Ghana is facing a major food waste crisis, discarding an estimated 3.2 million metric tonnes of food every year—an amount valued at GH¢762.32 billion. This alarming figure places the country above the global average in food waste, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In 2024 alone, Ghana’s per capita food waste stood at 84 kilograms, surpassing the global average of 74 kg. The bulk of the waste includes 66% of fruits and vegetables, 40% of root crops, and 21% of grains.
These statistics were revealed during a lecture organized by the Communications Initiative for Change (CIC) Ghana as part of activities to mark World Earth Day/Month. The event formed part of CIC’s Meatless Monday initiative and was supported by the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes.
Where the Waste Happens
Professor Mariam Asantewah Nkansah, an environmental chemist and Director of Student Affairs at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), explained that most of the food waste in Ghana occurs at three key points: during harvest at the farm gate, during transport to markets, and at the markets themselves.
Restaurants and schools contribute significantly to this problem, accounting for about 40% of the total food waste, translating to a staggering $25 billion in losses.
In the Ashanti Region alone, just 120 restaurants waste approximately 320 metric tonnes of edible food every year, resulting in financial losses exceeding $2 million.
Despite the food surplus, Ghana faces a looming food insecurity threat. By 2029, around 11.7% of the population—approximately 3.6 million people—are expected to be food insecure. To put the waste into perspective, daily kitchen and plate leftovers from just 49 restaurants could feed 5,000 people for three weeks.
A Global and Environmental Challenge
Globally, about 931 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, valued at over $1 trillion. Around 60% of that waste comes from households, the equivalent of 23 million fully loaded 40-tonne trucks—enough to circle the Earth seven times if lined bumper to bumper.
The UNEP report also highlights a difference in the source of food loss between economies. In lower-income countries, waste occurs mostly during production and distribution, while in wealthier nations, it’s mainly at the consumption stage.
Food waste also has severe environmental consequences. Professor Nkansah revealed that producing food that ends up wasted consumes:
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21% of the world’s freshwater
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19% of fertiliser
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18% of arable land
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21% of landfill space
Agriculture also consumes 11.5 million hectares of land, while 900 million hectares of non-arable land are used for livestock to meet global meat and dairy demands. This overuse leads to land degradation, making it unfit for natural growth.
Wasted food also pollutes water bodies, threatens aquatic life, and contributes to climate change. As food rots in landfills, it releases methane—a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide—which traps heat in the atmosphere for up to 12 years.
The Way Forward
To curb the waste, Professor Nkansah encouraged:
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Farmers to adopt wise harvesting and proper storage methods
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Transporters to ensure timely and safe delivery of produce
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Food processors to turn surplus food into products like sauces, juices, or dried goods
Emmanuel Fiagbey, Executive Director of CIC, used the opportunity to promote the Meatless Monday campaign—a global movement urging people to skip meat once a week for better health and sustainability.
He emphasized that the theme for this year’s Earth Month, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment and securing the future of the planet.
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees overseeing the National Cathedral of Ghana and the closure of its Secretariat, citing serious financial irregularities uncovered by an official audit.
At a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the Secretariat—previously operating from the Jubilee House—was formally shut down on May 1, 2025.
“The audit findings strike at the core of the project’s integrity and raise grave concerns about the handling of public funds,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He further disclosed that the project, which was registered as a company limited by guarantee, will now face legal action to ensure its full dissolution.
“The National Cathedral Ghana was registered as a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, the Attorney General has been directed to initiate legal proceedings for its complete dissolution in the coming days,” he added.
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed that an audit into the National Cathedral project has exposed a GHS 4.9 million discrepancy in payments made to the architectural firm Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Mr. Ofosu said the audit found inconsistencies between official government records and the payment figures reported by the firm. According to him, while the Office of the President accounts for a total payment of GHS 113,040,564.86, Sir David Adjaye & Associates claims to have received GHS 117,972,656.00 — a difference of GHS 4,932,091.14.
“The audit report reveals troubling discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. for the mobilisation and design of the National Cathedral of Ghana,” he stated.
The breakdown shows that between September 26, 2018, and November 25, 2019, the Ministry of Finance paid the firm GHS 87,938,750.00. Additionally, the Office of the President made two payments:
GHS 29,664,845.29 on February 19, 2021
GHS 369,060.71 on March 5, 2021
These payments bring the total received by the firm to GHS 117,972,656.00 — matching its claims but conflicting with the official government figure.
The unexplained GHS 4.9 million shortfall has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the management of the controversial National Cathedral project.
General News
Mahama Vows to Complete Key Infrastructure Projects Under $10bn ‘Big Push’ Agenda in Kumasi
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s infrastructural transformation with a bold pledge to commence and complete major road and market projects under his ambitious $10 billion ‘Big Push’ agenda.
During his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, July 16, following his resounding re-election in 2024, President Mahama outlined a comprehensive development plan to tackle traffic congestion and boost economic activity. Central to his announcement is the Greater Kumasi Bypass Project and the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, both expected to significantly ease transportation challenges and enhance the free flow of goods and people.
He inspected the long-abandoned Krofrom Market project, which has been stalled since 2007, and assured the public it would be completed and operational by the end of 2026. He also visited the Kumasi Central Market to monitor progress on current works.
Addressing a large gathering at the Kumasi Jubilee Park, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to reviving and completing numerous abandoned projects in the region. These include:
Mamponteng Market
Kejetia Market Phase Two
Afari Military Hospital
Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block
Sewua Regional Hospital
Suame Interchange Project
Boankra Inland Port
Baba Yara Sports Stadium rehabilitation
Under the ‘Big Push Agenda,’ the government plans to invest $2 billion annually over five years to close Ghana’s infrastructure deficit, which the World Bank estimates at $1.5 billion per year.
“This programme will focus on strategic infrastructure that unlocks national productivity,” Mahama said. “We’re commencing the Greater Kumasi Bypass as part of this bold initiative.”
He further pledged to begin reconstruction of roads in the Tepa, Adansi, and Manso areas.
On the long-awaited Accra–Kumasi Expressway, Mahama disclosed that feasibility and design works are already underway, with sod-cutting scheduled for early 2025. Once completed, the expressway is expected to shorten the Accra-Kumasi journey by 50km before the end of his term in 2029.
Touching on environmental issues, the President condemned illegal mining activities, emphasizing that his administration supports legal and responsible mining. He vowed to clamp down on ‘galamsey’ operations and promote sustainable practices within the mining sector.
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