By Precious Tetteh / Christabel Kporvie
Accra, April 25, GNA- Dr Nana Charles Sifa Twum, Acting Board Chairman of the Ghana News Agency (GNA), has inspected renovation works at the Agency’s head office in Accra as part of efforts to modernise its operations.
The refurbishment is being carried out under a broader operational restructuring programme funded by the African Development Bank through the Post COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP), aimed at strengthening professionalism and aligning the Agency with evolving media standards.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Twum said the project would position the Agency to better meet current demands in journalism and improve its coverage of government, civil society, traditional authorities and national affairs.
“It is encouraging that we are undertaking this effort to refresh and modernise our image,” he said.
Dr Twum said the reforms extended beyond infrastructure to improving editorial standards and staff capacity, adding that a comprehensive orientation programme would be introduced to enhance reporting quality.
“Your reporting must justify that choice through strong arguments, professionalism and a fresh perspective. This is the kind of mindset and training we intend to instil through our new orientation,” he said.
Dr Twum expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and commended the contractor, noting, “It has been truly remarkable, despite some delays, which I believe are common in most construction projects.”
He said the Board was confident the reforms would reposition the Agency ahead of its 70th anniversary.
Mr. Harrison Kobina Addo, the project’s lead engineer, said the works were about 85 per cent complete, with priority on interior finishing to allow staff to resume operations.
“We are confident the work will be completed within the next two to three weeks, and we have now achieved about 85 per cent completion,” he said.
The five-year PSDPEP programme has a total grant of $31.34 million, comprising $28.5 million from the African Development Bank and $2.8 million from the Government of Ghana.
It covers five beneficiary institutions, including the GNA, the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), the Biotechnology Centre, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Microbiology Centre of the University of Ghana.
Work on the GNA project began on May 12, 2025, with similar renovations ongoing at its offices in Tema, Tamale, and Takoradi.
The programme is intended to support Ghana’s post-pandemic recovery through skills development, job creation and private sector growth.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey