Jonathan ‘Worldwide’ Tetteh pulled off a stunning upset to beat Seth Gyimah (Freezy Macbones) to seize the WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title on Saturday night, in a bout that showcased both brilliance and a bizarre controversy.

The University of Ghana Stadium was transformed into a cauldron of emotion as the “Legacy Rise” bill reached its fever pitch.

Jonathan Tetteh is the NEW WBA Africa Light Heavyweight Champion! #RichardsAzeez | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/wNeFoz0Ryk

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 20, 2025

Seated ringside as the Special Guest of Honour was H.E. John Dramani Mahama, whose presence added a layer of national prestige to the historic evening.

The President watched intently as the undercard, organised by his son Sharaf Mahama (CEO of Legacy Rise), delivered a finale that no one in the 10,000-seat arena predicted.

Freezy Macbones, the UK-based boxer, entered the ring as the heavy favourite. However, the 36-year-old appeared burdened by the months of psychological warfare and mind games deployed by his younger rival.

Did Freezy Macbones BITE Jonathan Tetteh? #RichardsAzeez | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/EYKJqQ10OB

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 20, 2025

From the opening bell, the 25-year-old Tetteh showed zero deference to Macbones’ reputation.

• Rounds 1-2: Tetteh was sharp and aggressive, using superior hand speed to catch Macbones off guard.
• Rounds 3-6: Experience began to tell. Macbones found his rhythm, punishing Tetteh with snapping jabs and body work that seemed to signal a late-round takeover.
• Round 7: Fatigue set in for the challenger, who relied heavily on clinching to survive exchanges.

The fight’s climax in the eighth and final round took a dark, surreal turn.

Amid a frantic exchange, Tetteh suddenly recoiled and collapsed to the canvas, claiming Macbones had bitten his shoulder in a fit of frustration.

The referee, acting swiftly, deducted points from Macbones for unsportsmanlike conduct. This penalty proved to be the costly decision that swung the narrative.

Freezy Macbones and Jonathan Tetteh go the distance! #RichardsAzeez | Live NOW on DAZN ▪️ pic.twitter.com/WmtGWONktJ

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 20, 2025

When the final bell rang, the tension was palpable. With President Mahama and the stadium crowd waiting in hushed silence, the ring announcer delivered the verdict: a unanimous decision for Jonathan Tetteh.

• Jonathan Tetteh: Remains unbeaten (11-0, 11 KOs).
• Freezy Macbones: Suffers his first career defeat (11-1).

While Tetteh celebrated his ascent to the continental throne, Macbones was left to contemplate a moment of frustration that may have cost him the title.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The exercise targeted these areas during peak hours

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a stern warning to commercial drivers to stop charging unapproved transport fares or face legal action.

The caution follows the arrest of six commercial drivers during an enforcement exercise conducted on Wednesday evening.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, personally led a task force operation to monitor fare compliance across key parts of the metropolis. The operation, which began around 5:30 p.m., moved from the COCOBOD section of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue through to the Farisco traffic light.

The exercise targeted these areas during peak hours, when commuter activity is highest, particularly for passengers travelling to destinations such as Kaneshie, Awoshie, Kasoa and Lapaz.

Although six drivers were apprehended during the sweep, they were cautioned and released.

Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the AMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Gilbert Ankrah, explained that the Mayor granted a pardon because it was the first day of the enforcement drive.

However, Ankrah stressed that the period of leniency has ended.

“I want to state that we will no longer caution drivers. Moving forward, any driver arrested for charging unapproved fares will be prosecuted. The exercise will continue and will be intensified across the metropolis,” he said.

To prevent drivers from exploiting passengers, the AMA plans to intensify monitoring. The Mayor’s team will continue to intercept trotros and other commercial vehicles in heavy traffic to verify fares directly with passengers. The Assembly will also collaborate with other Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the Greater Accra Region to address the issue.

Ankrah emphasised that the exercise is not a “one-day wonder” and encouraged the public to report any drivers who demand illegal fares.

Craig Richards defeated Dan Azeez with a dramatic knockout victory in the 12th round of their light-heavyweight contest in Ghana. In a historic moment for Matchroom Boxing, where they hosted a show in Africa for the very first time, an evenly-matched contest topped the bill at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra. The two south Londoners, who live five minutes apart in the capital, put on a classic 12-round bout that was ended at the death with a rasping left hook from Richards, which slept his compatriot.

Ruben Amorim has told Kobbie Mainoo to learn from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and remember that being on the bench for Manchester United can be the springboard to better things.

The England international is yet to start a Premier League match for United this season, with his 11 appearances all coming as a substitute, but Amorim urged him to look at the past and fight for his place.

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And Amorim denied he was trying to make a statement by omitting Mainoo as he promised him he will start when he thinks it is right.

He said: “Kobbie needs to fight for his job. I think that is not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old. I remember Ronaldo was on the bench, Rooney was on the bench sometimes, [Juan Sebastian] Veron was not playing. I remember all the history of Manchester United.

“So let’s continue in trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise. I just want to want to help the team to win. To help Kobbie to be a better player.

“I’m not trying to say to Kobbie, ‘You are a big player here, let’s put him on the bench to show something’.

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“No, no. What I’m saying is the opposite. I’m just not putting Kobbie sometimes because I understand that this is not the right guy to start the game. Maybe the next game, Sunday, he is going to start.

“If he plays well, is going to show everyone: ‘This guy cannot take me for the team’. And I will be so happy, so I don’t care. I don’t want to show nothing to anyone. I’m just saying that I’m trying to win games and to show to the players that if you do the things right, you will play no matter what the name.”

Amorim said Mainoo had not come to talk to him this week after his half-brother had worn a T-shirt during Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth that read: “Free Kobbie Mainoo”.

But the United manager revealed he had been in a similar position at his previous club after an online post from his brother.

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“I had the situation in Sporting [CP] that my brother wrote something on the internet, and I have to answer for that,” he said. “My explanation is that he has his life, he has his opinion, and it’s nothing to do with me. So I will do the same with Kobbie.

“He’s a shy boy, but it’s not his responsibility. He’s responsible for his acts and his act was to play well in the last game, I’m just focused on that.”

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen trade and investment relations between Ghana and Canada.

The meeting, held in Accra on Friday, December 19, 2025, focused on expanding opportunities for trade diversification, with particular attention to improving market access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and boosting the agribusiness sector.

Discussions also covered the promotion of responsible and sustainable business practices, the strengthening of bilateral trade partnerships, and the critical role of trade in supporting economic development.

Speaking at the meeting, H.E. Montrat noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents significant opportunities that both Ghana and Canada can leverage to expand intra-African and global trade. She encouraged the Ministry to help address trade- and investment-related challenges, particularly within the regulatory environment, to attract more Canadian businesses to Ghana.

The High Commissioner further revealed that Air Canada has expressed interest in exploring operations in Ghana, highlighting the importance of improved air connectivity in enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations.

In her response, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, welcomed the High Commissioner and expressed appreciation for Canada’s continued interest in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.

She emphasized that under government’s agribusiness policy, there is a deliberate focus on adding value to raw materials as a strategy to drive industrial growth and create jobs. The Minister also disclosed that litigation-free lands have been acquired and made available to investors interested in contract commercial farming, to support local industries and strengthen value chains.

Hon. Ofosu-Adjare noted that improved connectivity remains critical to boosting trade, investment, and bilateral relations, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ghana and Canada to deepen economic cooperation and explore new frontiers for sustainable trade, investment, and development.

By James Amoh Junior

Accra, Dec. 20, GNA —  Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang says the African diaspora is central to Ghana’s economic recovery, historical justice and long-term transformation agenda.

She urged sustained collaboration and concrete action as she officially closed the 2025 Diaspora Forum.

The Vice President, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Diaspora Summit, said the forum was convened at a critical moment when Ghana had deliberately chosen to place history, justice and responsibility at the heart of its national and continental engagements.

She noted that the conversations over the two days had reaffirmed that reparations were not merely abstract moral claims but complex political, economic and historical issues that required structure, persistence and credible leadership.

She said the engagement had helped to clarify Ghana’s evolving partnership with its global citizens.

The Vice President stressed that the idea of the diaspora as the country’s 17th region was far more than a slogan.

According to her, the designation recognised the enduring place of the diaspora in Ghana’s national life and development trajectory, given their continued contributions through remittances, skills transfer, investment, advocacy and cultural preservation.

The Vice President said resetting Ghana would not be possible without strong and purposeful partnerships, adding that government was committed to strengthening diaspora-friendlypolicies and expanding clear pathways for return, investment and collaboration.

She cited ongoing national initiatives aimed at economic revitalisation and agricultural transformation as deliberate entry points for diaspora participation, emphasising that sustainable partnerships were built on enabling conditions rather than rhetoric.

She noted that under the Reset Ghana agenda, macroeconomic stability was gradually being restored, with inflation declining, reserves improving and confidence returning to the economy.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang said these gains were not end points but baseline conditions needed to attract serious investors, innovators and partners, both at home and abroad.

She, therefore, called on the diaspora to help consolidate the progress made so far.

Reflecting on Ghana’s continental role, the Vice President said President Mahama’s mandate as the African Union’s champion for reparations went beyond symbolism to reflect a firm commitment to the dignity, memory and material claims of Africans and peoples of African descent worldwide.

She said the forum had demonstrated that engaging with historical legacies required more than remembrance, but demanded sustained economic, social and psychological rebuilding anchored in accountability and continuous action.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the 2025 Diaspora Forum marked a watershed in Ghana’s engagement with its global diaspora, describing it as a decisive step towards institutionalising diaspora participation in national development.

He said the summit had laid the foundation for a comprehensive framework to mainstream diaspora engagement as a permanent feature of state policy.

Mr Ablakwa said the deliberations brought together a wide range of stakeholders from Africa, the Caribbean and the broader international community, whose contributions reinforced the global relevance of Ghana’s reparations and diaspora agenda.

He said discussions were characterised by deep reflection on historical injustices, policy-driven partnerships between the state and the diaspora, and a reaffirmation of Ghana’s Pan-African leadership.

The Foreign Minister said participants highlighted persistent structural barriers that limited diaspora investment and participation, including regulatory and legal constraints, and called for reforms to unlock the full potential of diaspora capital and expertise.

He said the summit recognised reparatory justice as a legal and moral obligation rather than an act of charity, while acknowledging that financial compensation alone could not fully remedy the damage caused by colonialism.

He stressed that Ghana’s pursuit of reparatory justice would not undermine its cordial relations with international partners but would rather strengthen them through dialogue rooted in restitution, forgiveness and mutual respect.

The Minister said Ghana remained committed to maintaining friendly relations while advocating for the return of stolen artefacts and broader restorative measures.

Mr Ablakwa announced that, under the directive of President Mahama, government would roll out an e-visa policy in the first quarter of 2026, with special dispensations for Africans in the diaspora to make travel to Ghana easier and more affordable.

The minister said the success of the engagements and discussions would ultimately be measured by the implementation of its recommendations, stressing that follow-up actions would be critical.

Participants expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the diaspora would help translate shared history into shared prosperity, positioning Ghana as a leading voice in Africa’s global engagement.

GNA

Edited by Christian Akorlie

Published:
Sunday, 21 December 2025

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 kicks off this Sunday at the Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with the opening match pitting the host nation, Morocco against Comoros. 

For the Atlas Lions, the moment has arrived to begin a tournament they are determined to win on home soil, driven by a crowd firmly behind them. The stadium is ready. So is the atmosphere.

For several weeks, Morocco have been meticulously preparing for this occasion. 

Head coach Walid Regragui and his technical staff have worked on all fronts, both tactical and physical. Managing the absentees and fitness concerns of key players such as Achraf Hakimi, Hamza Igamane and Sofyan Amrabat has shaped the final adjustments. 

Comoros, meanwhile, arrive without excessive pressure but with clear ambition. Stefano Cusin’s side has had limited time to prepare collectively, but each training session has been used to strengthen team cohesion. Considered outsiders on paper, the Coelacanths are determined to defend their chances and to show that they belong on the continental stage.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 at the Complexe Moulay Abdellah. 

What Was Said

Walid Regragui underlined the importance of preparation and mindset within his squad.

“We have been working for two years. It will be a big day, at home. Our objective has always been to win the AFCON and to give everything. Our supporters are with us,” said the national team coach.

He also addressed the situation of Achraf Hakimi:“He may start, or he may not. Every match is important. We will have to manage emotions and play with confidence and humility.”

On the Comoros side, Stefano Cusin expressed his pride ahead of this historic occasion. “It is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our country and our team. Morocco are extremely competitive, with or without Hakimi. We are looking for the right balance between defence and attack,” he explained.

Youssouf M’Changama echoed those sentiments: “Playing in the opening match is a great source of pride. We want to continue raising the level of Comorian football.”

Pre-Match Stat:

Morocco and Comoros have met only once in official competition, during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 qualifiers, when the Atlas Lions claimed a 2–0 home victory. 

Since then, circumstances have evolved, but Morocco remain favourites, especially in Rabat. For Comoros, this opening fixture represents a major test, with the hope of springing a surprise and fully launching their tournament from the very first whistle.

Ebi Bright is the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) collected a total of GH¢33.1 million out of a targeted GH¢37.70 million estimated internally generated fund (IGF).

Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, disclosed this during the assembly’s ordinary meeting, stating that the amount accrued represented 74.10 percent of its targeted IGF.

Bright stated that, on grants, the assembly recorded 34.44 percent of expected receipts, translating into GH¢21.33 million received out of GH¢53.79 million.

She explained that the shortfall in the grant was largely due to delays in the central government’s releases, a challenge faced by metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

She said revenue was the lifeblood of local government, noting that without adequate internally generated funds, the assembly could not deliver services, maintain infrastructure, or invest in development.

“This reality underscores why we must strengthen our internally generated funds. We cannot build our development agenda on resources we do not control. What we can control is what we collect ourselves,” she added.

She stated, however, that they do not fully know what they should be collecting, as the assembly does not have a comprehensive, verified database of all properties in the metropolis, all businesses operating within its jurisdiction, all billboards that should be paying fees, and all revenue points that should be contributing to its coffers.

She questioned, “How can we measure leakage when we do not know what 100% looks like? How can we set realistic targets when we are estimating from incomplete data? How can we hold collectors accountable when we cannot verify what should have been collected?”

The MCE noted that was why comprehensive data collection was the single most important initiative in the assembly’s 2026 agenda, adding that until they knew exactly what existed in their 56.5 square kilometres, they would be governing in the dark.

She stressed that every company and business operating within TMA’s administrative area must honour their financial obligations to the assembly, adding that they would be firm but fair and would engage before they enforce.

The mayor announced that the TMA was set to undertake a full digital records management transformation as part of its 2026 Annual Action Plan, noting that the initiative would involve scanning and indexing historical records, introducing an enterprise document management system and creating digital administrative workflows.

She said cloud backup and disaster recovery systems would also be established to preserve institutional memory and reduce dependence on manual files.

Bright said the assembly had already engaged the Public Records and Archives Administration Department to begin archiving physical documents, adding that digitisation would enhance efficiency and accountability.

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates | BizTech:

Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, has moved to formalise a strategic partnership with the Association of Ghanaian Lawyers of the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

During a high-level courtesy call at the Ghanaian Embassy, Ambassador Smith and the legal fraternity agreed on a series of “diaspora-first” initiatives designed to demystify American law and provide a lifeline for Ghanaians facing legal hurdles abroad.

The highlight of the engagement was the Ambassador’s endorsement of a proposed “Law Day”.

This initiative is envisioned as a recurring open forum where seasoned Ghanaian-American lawyers will provide free legal education and general guidance to the public.

Ambassador Smith emphasised that “Law Day” would serve as a critical preventive measure, equipping citizens with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities to encourage “early intervention” before legal issues escalate into life-altering crises.

“The initiative could help demystify legal processes, equip citizens with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, and encourage early intervention on legal matters before they escalate,” the Ambassador noted.

Beyond education, the partnership aims to address the most distressing cases involving Ghanaians in U.S. detention.

While the Embassy traditionally provides consular assistance, Ambassador Smith proposed a “collaborative framework” to deepen these efforts.

By leveraging the expertise of Ghanaian lawyers practising in the U.S., the Embassy aims to ensure that nationals who have been arrested receive more than just a visit—they receive a guarantee of fair treatment and due process.

“While the Embassy provides consular assistance, stronger collaboration with legal professionals would deepen efforts to ensure fair treatment and due process for Ghanaian citizens,” Ambassador Smith added.

The delegation, led by legal practitioner Kweku Ofori, emphasised that the visit was a “strategic engagement” to ensure the Embassy has the necessary intellectual resources to handle complex welfare concerns.

Mr Ofori noted that the association has a long-standing tradition of supporting successive envoys to strengthen the legal protection of the diaspora.

Janelle Ocloo, a prominent immigration counsel in the group, highlighted that the association is not starting from scratch.

She revealed that the group has already been conducting free legal clinics focusing on:

• Immigration Status & Documentation
• Employment Rights & Workplace Discrimination
• Access to General Justice

Ocloo expressed optimism that the Embassy’s “official stamp” on these clinics would expand their reach to more vulnerable members of the community who may otherwise be afraid to seek help.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to draft a roadmap for the implementation of the “Law Day” and the detention support framework.

For the thousands of Ghanaians living in the DMV area and across the United States, this alliance signals a new era of coordinated institutional support.

Ambassador Smith commended the group for its professionalism, noting that such structured partnerships are the bedrock of effective cultural and legal diplomacy.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ambassador Smith was the first ambassador to be received by President Trump

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has presented his credentials to US President Donald J Trump, marking the official commencement of his diplomatic mission in the United States.

The credential presentation took place at the Roosevelt Office of the White House, where Ambassador Smith joined 14 other newly appointed ambassadors accredited to the United States.

Notably, Ambassador Smith was the first ambassador to be received by President.

President Trump reacted warmly upon seeing the Ghanaian envoy, exclaiming, “Look at this good-looking guy,” drawing light-hearted laughter in the room and setting a cordial tone for the engagement.

In his interaction with President Trump, Ambassador Smith expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Ghana’s representative in the US.

He conveyed a message from President John Dramani Mahama, reaffirming Ghana’s strong interest in working closely with the United States to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Smith emphasised Ghana’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.

He describef Ghana as a stable democratic state and a strategic gateway to regional and continental markets.

Ambassador Victor Smith receives credentials as Ghana’s envoy to USA

He noted that Ghana serves as an entry point to a sub-regional market of over 400 million people and a continental market of more than 1. 4billion people, positioning the country as an attractive destination for American businesses seeking to expand into Africa.

Ambassador Smith also highlighted Ghana’s status as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, reinforcing its role as a hub for intra-African trade and investment.

According to Ambassador Smith, Ghana is ready for deeper engagement with American companies, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, agribusiness, energy, technology, and services.

He further extended Ghana’s readiness to host President Trump, describing such a visit as an opportunity to further consolidate diplomatic ties and unlock new areas of cooperation between both nations.

The credential presentation marks a key milestone in Ambassador Smith’s tenure and signals a renewed phase of engagement aimed at strengthening U.S.–Ghana relations across political, economic and people-to-people fronts.

AM

Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025

The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.

Who deserves to be honoured this year?

Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate

Ambassador Smith was the first ambassador to be received by President Trump

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has presented his credentials to US President Donald J Trump, marking the official commencement of his diplomatic mission in the United States.

The credential presentation took place at the Roosevelt Office of the White House, where Ambassador Smith joined 14 other newly appointed ambassadors accredited to the United States.

Notably, Ambassador Smith was the first ambassador to be received by President.

President Trump reacted warmly upon seeing the Ghanaian envoy, exclaiming, “Look at this good-looking guy,” drawing light-hearted laughter in the room and setting a cordial tone for the engagement.

In his interaction with President Trump, Ambassador Smith expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Ghana’s representative in the US.

He conveyed a message from President John Dramani Mahama, reaffirming Ghana’s strong interest in working closely with the United States to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Smith emphasised Ghana’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.

He describef Ghana as a stable democratic state and a strategic gateway to regional and continental markets.

Ambassador Victor Smith receives credentials as Ghana’s envoy to USA

He noted that Ghana serves as an entry point to a sub-regional market of over 400 million people and a continental market of more than 1. 4billion people, positioning the country as an attractive destination for American businesses seeking to expand into Africa.

Ambassador Smith also highlighted Ghana’s status as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, reinforcing its role as a hub for intra-African trade and investment.

According to Ambassador Smith, Ghana is ready for deeper engagement with American companies, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, agribusiness, energy, technology, and services.

He further extended Ghana’s readiness to host President Trump, describing such a visit as an opportunity to further consolidate diplomatic ties and unlock new areas of cooperation between both nations.

The credential presentation marks a key milestone in Ambassador Smith’s tenure and signals a renewed phase of engagement aimed at strengthening U.S.–Ghana relations across political, economic and people-to-people fronts.

AM

Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025

The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.

Who deserves to be honoured this year?

Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate

Solomon Owusu is Director of Communication for the United Party

Spokesperson for the United Party, Solomon Owusu, has called on the government to stop the importation of chicken, arguing that the move is critical to the success of the government’s “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” project.

Speaking on TV3’s NewDay on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Owusu lauded the initiative but warned that it would fail if the importation of frozen poultry continues.

‘Nkoko nkitinkiti’ project will save Ghana US$300 million on imported chicken – President Mahama

“It is one of the brilliant policies that I have ever seen in my life. But that policy will fail if you continue to allow politicians, if you continue to allow party financiers to continue to import their chicken from Brazil, from the Netherlands, from the United States, without promoting the local one,” he said.

Solomon Owusu explained that the dominance of imported poultry has affected demand for locally produced chicken, largely due to price differences driven by high production costs in Ghana.

“That is why there seems not to be any demand for it. Because, you see, if you are going to do the cost-benefit analysis, a bag of maize in Ghana is more expensive than maize coming from South Africa,” Owusu noted.

President Mahama to launch ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ programme on November 12

According to him, consumers will naturally choose cheaper options, making it difficult for local poultry farmers to compete unless the government intervenes decisively.

“Human beings will behave rationally at any given time, and so they would rather prefer to buy the cheaper one as against the expensive one coming from Ghana. So government must, first of all, and as it is doing, try and reduce the various factors that influence production, and beyond that, make sure the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ project becomes a national movement,” he added.

The “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” initiative is a nationwide programme aimed at transforming the poultry industry, creating jobs and boosting exports.

President John Dramani Mahama officially launched it in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Speaking at the launch, President Mahama described the initiative as a bold and practical step towards achieving food self-sufficiency and empowering communities across the country.

He said the project was “more than just a government intervention,” describing it as a national movement, a courageous step towards restoring food self-sufficiency, strengthening household resilience, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for tens of thousands of Ghanaians.

The initiative forms part of the Poultry Industry Revitalisation Programme, which is a flagship component of the broader Feed Ghana Programme designed to drive agricultural transformation, food sovereignty and shared prosperity.

Watch the video below:

“Stop politicians from importing ‘dead chicken’, or else the brilliant ‘Nkoko Nkitikiti’ idea will fail.”

– Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party, has urged the government to ensure a reduction in chicken imports.#TheKeyPoints #TV3GH pic.twitter.com/aBcputBAdb

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) December 20, 2025

JKB/EB

Attorney General rejects reports of contradictions in ongoing Adu-Boahene trial