Accra: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Twum stated that 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. He emphasized the importance of modernising the Agency's image and mentioned that the reforms are not limited to infrastructure but also include improving editorial standards and staff capacity. A comprehensive orientation programme will be introduced to enhance reporting quality, ensuring that journalists can provide strong arguments, professionalism, and a fresh perspective.
Dr Twum expressed satisfaction with the renovation progress and commended the contractor for their work, despite some delays. He noted the Board's confidence that these reforms would reposition the Agency ahead of its 70th anniversary. Mr. Harrison Kobina Addo, the project's lead engineer, reported that the works are approximately 85 percent complete, with a focus on interior finishing to allow staff to resume operations within the next two to three weeks.
The five-year PSDPEP programme, with a total grant of $31.34 million, is aimed at supporting Ghana's post-pandemic recovery through skills development, job creation, and private sector growth. The programme includes a $28.5 million contribution from the African Development Bank and $2.8 million from the Government of Ghana, covering five beneficiary institutions: 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, alongside similar renovations at its offices in Tema, Tamale, and Takoradi.