The Oti Region, established in December 2018 from the Volta Region, is home to a diverse population of around 800,000 people, predominantly from Guan-speaking tribes such as Krachi, Nchumuru/Chonke, and Buem, along with various migrant groups. The region comprises six districts, with Dambai serving as the regional capital.
The primary economic activities in the Oti Region are farming, which employs 60% of the workforce, along with fishing, poultry, and trading. Despite the hard work of the community members, poverty remains prevalent in the region. However, one must question: are the inhabitants truly impoverished? What are the costs associated with funerals in the area, and how do these expenditures affect investments in education for children, which could help break the cycle of poverty?
The importance of education cannot be overstated. It serves as a “passport to the future.” However, during my work with the Ghana Education Outcomes Project, I observed a disturbing trend: many children in formal schools lack essential school supplies such as pens, pencils, books, uniforms, and bags. Teachers face daily challenges due to the scarcity of learning materials, hindering effective teaching.
Shockingly, some parents prioritize spending on extravagant funerals over investing in their children’s education. While some families manage to provide for their children’s basic needs, others prefer to showcase their wealth through costly funeral arrangements, neglecting the educational needs of their children. For instance, the funds spent on a single funeral could supply 50 dual desks for schools, yet the community chooses to invest in funerals instead.
This focus on lavish funerals has become a social impairment, overshadowing the importance of education. I’ve witnessed parents’ associations struggling to organize meetings or support school administrations while at the same time, families splurge on funerals. In some cases, entire communities even travel with children to attend funerals, causing temporary school closures in both the hosting and visiting communities.
While honoring the deceased is important, it should not come at the cost of children’s futures. It’s crucial for religious institutions and development organizations to shift the community’s mindset towards prioritizing children’s education over costly funerals.
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty and the foundation for building resilient communities. The choices made by the inhabitants of the Oti Region will have long-term implications for their future. They face a critical decision: invest in their children’s education or continue to save for elaborate funerals. Both education and death are inevitable parts of life, but the focus should be on securing a brighter future for the next generation.
About the author
62-Year-Old Businesswoman Remanded Over $13K Fraud
Nana Ama Nwurueze, a 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman, Dorothy Asare, of $13,000. Nwurueze reportedly posed as a wealthy businesswoman with substantial properties, including Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a house at Airport, to deceive the complainant.The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, has charged Nwurueze with defrauding by false pretenses. She was arrested after a bench warrant was issued against her in December last year. Despite pleading not guilty, her bail application was denied, as the court determined she was a flight risk. The case was initially reported to the Airport Police Station in 2021, but attempts to arrest her were unsuccessful until her eventual arrest in March 2024. Following her arrest, she was granted police inquiry bail but went […]
President Mahama Nominates 71 New DCEs Pending Approval
President John Mahama has nominated 71 new District Chief Executives (DCEs) across various districts in Ghana, pending approval by local Assembly members. This move is aimed at strengthening local governance as these executives are expected to play a crucial role in the management of their respective districts.An official statement detailing the nominations was signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.While most districts have their nominees, the nomination for the Kpando district is still pending. The new DCEs will need to be confirmed by the Assembly members in their respective districts before they officially take up their roles.
FIC Freezes Accounts of Bills Micro-Credit Founder, Richard Nii Armah Quaye
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all accounts associated with Richard Nii Armah Quaye, the founder of Bills Micro-Credit. This includes accounts linked to Bills Micro-Credit, Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit, as well as an account of Romeo-Richlove Kweku Seshie, the Chief Executive Officer of Bills Micro-Credit.The action follows a letter from the FIC, in line with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), and applies to all accounts connected to the named individuals, pending further instructions. The FIC’s role involves analyzing suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.The move comes after a statement from the Ghana Revenue Authority revealing that Nii Armah Quaye is undergoing a personal income tax assessment for over GHS 30 million in unpaid taxes. This freeze is part of regular regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with […]
Over 1,350 ECG Containers Missing from Tema Harbour Amid Procurement Breaches – Energy
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has raised significant concerns over the disappearance of more than 1,350 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the Tema Harbour. A committee tasked with investigating the matter has uncovered serious procurement breaches that have been ongoing for several years.Jinapor shared a 103-page report on the matter, describing the findings as alarming, with a clear indication of irregularities that have affected the country’s energy sector. The Minister emphasized that law enforcement agencies would be involved to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers and procurement violations are held accountable.The disappearance of the containers and the associated procurement irregularities have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within Ghana's energy sector, urging the government to take swift action.
Ex-FIFA Chief Blatter and Platini Cleared in Corruption Case
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French soccer legend Michel Platini have been cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court. The pair were accused of authorizing a 2 million Swiss franc payment to Platini in 2011. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the payment was fraudulent, acknowledging their consistent account of an oral agreement for the payment.The decision marks the end of a long-running legal battle, which began in 2015 and resulted in their suspension from football by FIFA. Both Blatter and Platini expressed relief following the verdict. Platini declared that his honor had been restored, while Blatter described the case as a burden that had hung over him for years.Swiss federal prosecutors are reviewing the decision and may appeal to the Swiss Federal Court.
Idris Elba Honored as a Son of Ga Land, Announces Film Studio Project in Accra
On March 25, 2025, renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba was honored as a son of Ga Land in a grand ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra. The event, under the reign of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, celebrated Elba’s contributions to the African diaspora and his dedication to developing Ghana’s creative industry.Elba’s visit included an exciting announcement: he plans to build a world-class film studio and school on 22 acres of land near Osu Castle. This project aims to provide training, employment, and a creative hub for young Ghanaian talent, with a focus on African cinema.King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to guide the youth and advance the creative arts. The announcement was met with applause and marked a significant moment for Ghana’s growing role in the global […]
Related
Audit Exposes GHS427m Payroll Scandal at Defence Ministry
A shocking audit report has uncovered a massive payroll scandal involving a senior government official who allegedly received over GHS427 million in unearned salaries over 29 months. The individual at the center of the controversy, Frank Oliver Kpodo, served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence Ghana during the period under review. Millions Paid for No Work Done According to findings by the Auditor-General of Ghana, the payments were made between January 2023 and June 2025. On average, this amounts to more than GHS14 million per month—funds reportedly paid without corresponding work. The audit, which examined government payroll systems, aimed to ensure that only legitimate employees receive salaries. Instead, it exposed what appears to be a deeply flawed system. Part of a Larger Payroll Leak The report found that over 6,000 government employees collectively received more than GHS800 […]
Old Tafo MP Questions NPRA Sole Sourcing, Raises Transparency Concerns
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised fresh concerns about procurement practices at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). He warned that the growing use of sole sourcing could undermine transparency and value for money. Questions Over High-Value Contracts Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Assafuah pointed to several major contracts awarded through sole sourcing. These include: A consultancy deal worth GH¢4.2 million A vehicle procurement arrangement exceeding GH¢17 million and $160,000 According to him, the repeated reliance on sole sourcing for such high-value transactions raises serious concerns about due process. “Sole sourcing is meant for urgency and necessity, not convenience and favouritism,” he stated. Concerns Over Costly Consultancy Engagements The MP also questioned the need for certain consultancy services. He noted that a reported monthly cost of about GH¢175,000 could suggest duplication […]
Ransford Gyampo Defends Reparations Comments, Backs Mahama’s UN Efforts
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ransford Gyampo, has pushed back against criticism over his recent comments on reparations. In a Facebook post, he described the backlash as “nation-wrecking propaganda,” insisting that his remarks had been taken out of context. Comments Taken from Broader Policy Discussion According to Gyampo, the circulating statements were extracted from a wider discussion during his appearance on Key Points, a news analysis programme on TV3. He explained that the conversation examined reparations within an academic and policy framework, rather than as a standalone political statement. Reparations Must Be Matched with Internal Reforms Drawing from academic work at the University of Ghana, Gyampo noted that African development strategies have evolved through multiple phases—from import substitution policies to structural adjustment programmes and global development frameworks. Within that context, he acknowledged that the transatlantic slave […]
Asiedu Nketia Urges NDC Members to Retain Hardworking Executives
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, is calling on party members to reward loyalty and hard work ahead of upcoming internal elections. Speaking during a thank-you tour in the Nsuta-Kwamang-Beposo Constituency, he urged supporters to vote for executives who played key roles in the party’s recent success. “Reward Hard Work, Not Money” According to Asiedu Nketia, party members must resist the influence of financial inducements and instead focus on competence and dedication. “Those who worked hard during the elections should retain their positions,” he said. He stressed that money cannot replace the effort, sacrifice, and grassroots mobilization that drive electoral victories. Focus on Loyalty and Grassroots Strength The NDC Chairman highlighted the importance of committed leadership at the grassroots level, noting that strong local structures are critical to the party’s long-term success. He encouraged members […]
Nsuta Chief Praises Road Projects, Urges Government to Fix Birim Road
The chief of Nsuta has praised ongoing road construction in the area while calling for urgent attention to key infrastructure challenges affecting residents. Nana Asamoah Gyamfi Sekyere made the appeal during a visit by Johnson Asiedu Nketia as part of his thank-you tour. Relief as Nsuta–Kwamang Road Project Progresses The traditional leader commended the government for ongoing work on the Nsuta–Kwamang road, describing it as a major relief for the community. He linked the progress to the return of John Dramani Mahama to office, noting that the project is already improving movement and easing daily life for residents. Birim Road Remains a Major Concern Despite the progress, Nana Sekyere urged authorities not to overlook other critical roads, especially the Birim road. He described it as a vital route for transporting goods within the constituency, warning that its poor condition continues […]
Depoliticise Galamsey Fight Now, Lands Ministry Official Urges
A senior official at Ghana’s Lands Ministry is calling for a reset in the fight against illegal mining, warning that political interference continues to weaken progress. Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Media Relations Officer at the Ministry, says Ghana must now treat galamsey as a national crisis—not a political battleground. “Galamsey Is a National Issue, Not a Political One” Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM after a briefing by NAIMOS, he stressed the need for a unified approach. “We have reached a point where we must take politics out of the galamsey fight,” he said. According to him, past efforts have been affected by political considerations, making it harder to achieve lasting results. Illegal Mining Cuts Across Party Lines Schandorf pointed out that illegal mining is not tied to any single political group. Members of both the New Patriotic Party and […]