Esther E. Spio

The EAC Youth Ambassadors must be lauded👏 Of course they may have their excesses. But as a believer in Africa's regional integration, I think the various RECs can learn from them and have similar platforms to encourage youth participation in achieving Africa's Economic Community

Applications are now open. Join the Afreximbank Internship Programme and gain hands-on experience shaping Africa’s trade and economic future. Work alongside industry leaders, contribute to real projects, and build practical skills across trade, finance, and development. Open to students and postgraduates from Afreximbank member states and the African diaspora. Duration is up to six months. Apply by 30 April 2026: afreximbank.com/careers/vacanc… #Afreximbank #Internship #GlobalAfrica #Careers

LIVE NOW: President Mahama delivers the State of the Nation Address x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

THE NEXT BOOK ***************** When I was called to make short remarks at the launch of my book, "The President Ghana Never Got," I spoke about a major lesson I had learned since I published my first book. In my speech, I pointed out that I had done some excellent work in my career, but I had not done perfect work. I, therefore, asked those who would read my book to give me feedback to improve my future work. From the reviews I've seen publicly and those sent to me personally by some readers, "The President Ghana Never Got" is an excellent book. But is it perfect? No? How did I know from the beginning that it would not be a perfect book? It wasn't my first book, and I'd learnt a humbling lesson even from books published by globally renowned publishing companies. If there is any human endeavour that makes our fallibility and imperfection so obvious, it is writing, especially of books. If you go through your manuscript a hundred times, you will find something that needs improvement or correction each time. Sometimes, you can read "Kofi coming home" a hundred times as "Kofi is coming home." One major issue from my latest book has been the demand notice from lawyers of Ibrahim Mahama, a brother of former President Mahama, about a reference in my book about a controversial 2013 indebtedness to Merchant Bank at the time the bank was being sold to a private equity firm, Fortiz. The bank was renamed Universal Merchant Bank (UMB). Those who claim the reference is part of my attacks on the Mahamas, even though the book is on Akufo-Addo's presidency, certainly have not read the book. It was a passing reference that sought to provide context to a major issue in the Akufo-Addo presidency. In the chapter on the economy, I discussed the banking sector crisis in the Akufo-Addo administration. In my research for the book, it emerged that UMB had challenges and was a candidate for a possible "collapse" by the Bank of Ghana. How did it survive? Sources claimed an influential cousin of President Akufo-Addo was hired as the lawyer for UMB, which saved the bank. When I contacted the President's cousin, he said his law firm did not represent UMB. Instead, it had represented Fortiz, the equity firm that owned the bank. He, however, said he "lobbied" for UMB during the banking sector crisis because the bank had a good case. In recounting the bank's history, I referenced the 2013 indebtedness, which coincidentally involved a relative of a sitting president and overshadowed the other aspects of the transaction. I linked the debt to the president's brother instead of his company. When it was pointed out to me, I retracted and apologised. (Ibrahim Mahama's lawyers also pointed out that the debt was later paid, and the failure of the bank's new owners to acknowledge payments resulted in a legal tussle. That was, however, not an error on my part. My book did not mention or discuss the controversy surrounding the repayment of the loan.) Steve De Shazer once said, "Where you stand determines what you see and what you do not see." To some, saying that Ibrahim Mahama owed instead of his company is a mortal sin that casts doubt on the credibility of the entire book, which is about 400 pages long. Others have also said it does not change the substance of the reference, which was the indebtedness to the bank. There was also the group that came bearing fire and brimstone: "This is an opportunity to attack, dampen his spirits and finish him," To this group, I say you have chosen the wrong target. I'm incredibly proud of the work I've done. As you continue to gloat, take note that I am already thinking about my next book. Will it be a perfect book? No. Will it be better than this one? That is why I'm learning harder to become better. Will I ever make a mistake in my book? I will not knowingly repeat a mistake that my attention has been drawn to. For instance, if I were to write about the sale of SSNIT hotels tomorrow, I would say Rock City, not Bryan Acheampong, wanted to buy them. I won't stop writing. But I cannot guarantee that I will never make a mistake in my book. Those who can guarantee they will never make a mistake in their writings or books are those who will never write or publish a book. Get your copy of "The President Ghana Never Got". The book has more revelations than the few that have made headlines in the media. Thank you. Manasseh Azure Awuni September 9, 2024 Lincoln, Nebraska

@funsodoherty I love this quote by Lee Kuan Yew so much! Absolute truth!👌👌👌

“We cannot afford to forget that public order, personal security, economic and social progress, and prosperity are not the natural order of things, that they depend on ceaseless effort and attention from an honest and effective government that the people must elect”-Lee Kuan Yew

"Understand that you belong in those spaces. You belong in the public service, in decision-making roles." Nduulwa Kowa

"Women belong in these spaces and they have equal voices and they have the right ideas to move their country forward." James Kiawoin

“Make sure you turn to your communities and help the girls’ groups, adolescents, and those who complete high school. That is the way we can contribute to the change that we all desire to see in our countries." Esther Spio

Our key takeaways were that despite the challenges faced, women, and those who champion them, continue to undertake the work of 🧠changing mindsets by deliberately making space,📣 advocating, ⚖️pursuing decision-making roles, and👥being mentors and mentees in leadership.

Webinar Recap: This week, we brought an expert panel together @deardiasporapod, @JEKiawoin, @EstherSpio, and @NyangePatience to discuss the importance of supporting more women leaders in public service in Africa.

Your skills can get you into a rewarding career in Ghana's Public Sector! 6 more days to go!!! Visit emergingpublicleaders.org to APPLY NOW!

Do you dream of a career impacting lives through policy development and action? 7 more days to go!!! Visit emergingpublicleaders.org to APPLY NOW!

🎙️ We are thrilled to unveil the lineup of distinguished speakers joining us at the highly anticipated 60th Anniversary Kwame Nkrumah's #AfricaMustUnite conference! This historic event will take place at the @UWConline Cape Town 🇿🇦. Register here: zoom.us/j/95996201442?…

Absolutely an amazing opportunity for all interested in a public service career expereince👏👍@youthinpublicservice @EPLeaders @ghana

Thank you Josephine and everyone at Public Health Commission for receiving us last week. In just one year the Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship - PSELF - has lifted off and we are excited to see where your wings will take you. @EPLeaders @elfafrica1

Vacancy Alert!‼️📢 Hello #Africa, we are on a search to find a passionate and exceptional leader for the YouthConnekt in Africa. Know someone who could be a good fit? Help us spread the word! Deadline has been extended to May 12th, 2023. Learn more📝:bit.ly/3KQhYBr

@Qoheleth_T Where your treasure is, there your heart will be as well😂😂😂

My laptop didn't turn on for 5 mins and I almost went into cardiac arrest. That's $1400 right there! I was about to cry 😂

A splendid scenario for reforming Ghana's Civil Service that got me thinking about; what reforms the Head of Service should prioritise, and for how long? Donor or self (GoG) funded? Though set in 2014, the Case is timely. Thanks to @Mar_tinW, Sarah and @BlavatnikSchool for this!

Public policy and poli sci instructors, here's a new (free!) teaching case on civil service reform in Ghana. Put your students in the shoes of the Head of Civil Service. Designed for masters and exec ed courses. Available in English and Portuguese w/ teaching note. Links below:

The @AUYouthEnvoy is advocating for every country to have a youth advisor to the president, & a sector-focused Youth Advisory Councils as part of governance structures. #AfricaYouthLed To know more read nation.africa/kenya/brand-bo… #AUMediafellowship

The RECs are recognised building blocks for the implementation of #AfCFTA. As such, the AfCFTA Secretariat held a consultative meeting with the RECs in #Arusha, #Tanzania, to develop a work plan to guide the effective delivery of concrete results on the AU theme of the year.