The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) and the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana (CIHRM), have organized a corporate health walk as part of an awareness and fundraising campaign for Ghana’s first Human Resource Management (HRM) Professorial Chair.

The health walk, held at the University of Ghana on June 14, 2025, brought together Chief Executive Officers, HR practitioners of CIHRM, faculty members of UGBS, and students. The event raised awareness about the importance of engaging in moderate physical exercise to improve general well-being and productivity. It also served as a platform to appeal to the general public to support UGBS and CIHRM in raising the funds required to ensure the smooth operation of the Chair.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Ellen Hagan, reiterated the need for all sectors in Ghana to embrace the Chair as a catalyst for national development through cutting-edge research, innovation, and human capital policy guidance. Dr. Hagan added that fundraising activities for the HRM Professorial Chair would continue throughout the year and urged public and private sector institutions—as well as individuals—to contribute to this laudable national agenda.

While encouraging continuous participation from key stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer of CIHRM, Dr. Francis Eduku outlined the government’s plans to improve output in the public sector.

“Yeah, I think during the inauguration of the Council, the Minister of Education raised three concerns that the President of this country, His Excellency John Mahama, wants the Institute to tackle. One is punctuality, second is the large workforce size, and thirdly, absenteeism in the public service.”

He added, “The Minister cited that when he was in Free Zones, at that time, it was about 98. Now it’s over 300. So there is an issue we need to tackle. We need to match employees to productivity. We cannot have large numbers but limited production. I agree that unemployment is a national issue we must address, but that doesn’t change the fact that where there is no space—where people aren’t needed—we shouldn’t populate it due to political reasons.”

Other important events scheduled after the corporate health walk include a presentation at the CIHRM’25 Conference, engagement with policymakers, an HR Community Brunch, engagement with Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors, and public lectures. 

During the CIHRM’25 Conference—scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 to Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Alisa Hotel in Accra—Dr. (Mrs.) Ellen Hagan will elaborate on the critical role of the HRM Professorial Chair in advancing national development and economic growth.

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Education

Jun – 15 – 2025 , 18:09

1 minute read

Ghanaian scientist Alexander Yaw Debrah has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Pascoal Mocumbi Prize by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) for his contributions to global health research and capacity development in Africa.

The €50,000 prize was presented on today at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. The award recognises Prof. Debrah’s work in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and advancing clinical research and partnerships across Africa and Europe.

Debrah, a professor of parasitology and global health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has led several clinical trials focused on diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. His early research helped identify genetic links to conditions such as elephantiasis and hydrocele, and supported the use of low-cost antibiotics like doxycycline for treatment.

He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at KNUST and heads the Filariasis Research Group at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR). He also directs TAKeOFF, a German-funded consortium working to eliminate filarial infections in Ghana, Tanzania, and Cameroon.

“Professor Debrah’s commitment to global health and research capacity building is exemplary,” said Marcel Tanner, EDCTP High Representative and President of the Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Debrah has attracted over €15 million in research funding from organisations including the EDCTP, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the German Ministry of Education and Research. He has also helped establish the German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC) at KNUST.

With over 160 peer-reviewed publications, Debrah has spoken at several high-level forums, including the United Nations General Assembly Science Summits in 2023 and 2024.

The EDCTP prize, named after Mozambique’s former prime minister and the partnership’s first high representative, honours individuals who have advanced Africa-Europe health research collaboration and the fight against poverty-related diseases.

The EDCTP is a partnership between European and African countries, supported by the European Union.

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Xorlali Blog of Sunday, 15 June 2025

Source: Xorlali Esther Kugbey

— Forging Green Transport Corridors: First Chinese NEV Enterprise establishes presence in Ghana

Accra, June 15, GNA – On June 15, China West Africa Eco-Drive New Energy Vehicle (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (“West Africa Eco-Drive”), Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agriculture and Industry, and Shenzhen Gecko New Energy Vehicle Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gecko”) signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Investment in Ghana’s New Energy Vehicle Assembly Plant in Shenzhen, China.

This agreement advances Ghana’s NEV industry development while supporting Chinese enterprises in expanding their African market presence. Being the first investment cooperation project by Chinese NEV enterprise in Ghana, this initiative marks a new phase of China-Africa green industrial capacity cooperation.

Attendees at the signing ceremony included: Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agriculture and Industry, Ghana; Wang Qian, Chairman of West Africa Eco-Drive; Li Chunhui, CEO of West Africa Eco-Drive, and Peng Jinzhou, CEO of Gecko.

Practicing the Belt and Road Initiative – Building an Exemplary Model of China-Africa Cooperation

With the deepening implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Africa economic and trade cooperation continues to strengthen. As a key enterprise of the national BRI, West Africa Eco-Drive remains committed to promoting cooperation in the field of green transportation between China and Africa.

Through its wholly-owned Ghanaian subsidiary FUTURE CAR LTD., the company has established integrated facilities for sales, maintenance, and leasing in collaboration with leading Chinese industrial partners including Alibaba, Tmall Auto Service, Dongfeng Motor, Geely Auto, Gecko, DST, and DiDi, which facilitates the export, operation, and servicing of China-manufactured pre-owned NEVs by established comprehensive end-to-end deployment spanning sales, after-sales, leasing, and operations.

Chairman Wang Qian stated at the signing ceremony: “As a pioneering enterprise of the BRI, our core mission is establishing Green Transport Corridors to deliver eco-friendly, intelligent, and efficient NEV mobility solutions across African markets.

With China’s NEV sector now commanding globally leading technological and production capacity advantages, we are strategically expanding overseas with industrial chain partner Gecko, aiming to synergize Chinese innovation and manufacturing excellence with Africa’s market needs and create mutual benefits.”

“Net-Zero” Strategy Drives Global Transformation – Green Mobility Empowers African Markets

Under the global net-zero Strategic background, NEVs have become the dominant trajectory for automotive industry transformation. West Africa Eco-Drive proactively advances national strategic objectives while expanding across African and South American markets.

Through initiatives including EV-for-petrol-vehicle replacements and global carbon credit trading, the company has facilitated over 10,000 metric tons of automotive carbon emission reductions.

The launch of the Ghana project will accelerate Africa’s energy structure transition and automotive industry green upgrade, generating local employment opportunities while establishing comprehensive NEV industrial and service systems.

CEO Li Chunhui elaborated: “Responding to the Tro Tro Traditional Transport Association’s requirements, we will introduce Gecko new energy commercial vehicles for localized assembly and production in Ghana, which will progressively replace Tro Tro’s existing fossil-fuel fleets.

Beyond advancing Ghana’s green transportation transition, this cooperation establishes a valuable reference framework for Chinese automakers pursuing high-caliber global expansion and localized adaptation.”

Gecko is an NEV commercial vehicle manufacturer centered on advanced digital chassis technology. Leveraging its modular, digital, and ecosystem-oriented strategic platform, the company empowers global automotive OEMs and fleet operators through integrated vehicle manufacturing and delivery capabilities.

Guided by its “Hardware-Software Co-creation and Co-development with Partners” philosophy, Gecko provides forward-developed chassis and commercial vehicles for global customers, which especially suits for Ghana’s Tro Tro public transport system.

CEO Peng Jinzhou stated: “Gecko possesses world-leading skateboard chassis technology and commercial vehicle solutions, co-developed with global partners for continuous scenario-based optimization. Introducing our EV48, EV70, and All-Speed Series NEV commercial vehicles to Ghana will propel local transportation and logistics toward sustainable and green development.”

At present, West Africa Eco-Drive has also established a strategic partnership with YANGO, Ghana’s leading online ride-hailing platform, to fully integrate into its passenger and freight service lines. This collaboration aims to drive large-scale adoption of NEVs in Ghana’s shared mobility sector.

Expanding Global Footprint: Building Green Mobility Ecosystems Across Africa and South America

The launch of Ghana’s NEV assembly plant marks a pivotal first step in West Africa Eco-Drive’s global strategy, demonstrating China’s high-caliber manufacturing exports in action to empower worldwide green mobility transformation.

Moving forward, the company will leverage this Ghanaian project as a reference model to replicate its “localized production + green technology transfer” framework across African and South American markets in collaboration with upstream and downstream industrial chain partners, and also establish end-to-end NEV ecosystems encompassing R&D, manufacturing, sales and after-sales services.

“Ghana is positioned as the first milestone in the company’s global strategic footprint”, emphasized Wang Qian, Chairman of West Africa Eco-Drive.

“Over the coming three years, the company aims to establish comparable operations in five African countries and three South American nations, collectively covering the key African and South American markets to position China’s advanced NEV technology as an Accelerator for green transitions in developing nations.”

GNA

Michael Aidoo (R) after signing the agreement

The Western Regional Member of the Council of State, Michael Kofi Adjei Aidoo, has noted that Ghana has signed a partnership agreement with a leading mining equipment manufacturer, Jinpeng Mining Machinery Co. Ltd.

According to him, this partnership will provide access to environmentally-friendly mining equipment that will also help curb the devastating effects of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

Announcing the agreement on Facebook, he wrote, “As part of efforts to drive sustainable progress and protect Ghana’s natural resources, I am delighted to announce a partnership and the signing of an MoU with Jinpeng Mining Machinery Co Ltd, a leading mining equipment manufacturer.”

He said the MoU will provide access to legal, environmentally friendly mining technologies, promoting sustainable practices, supporting Ghana’s efforts to curb galamsey, and fostering job creation through training and responsible resource management.

“This initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitment to protecting natural resources for the benefit of its citizens,” Aidoo added.

The Council of State member also added that Ghana’s transport sector needs to be modernised to revolutionise transportation in the country.

“In addition to mining, Ghana’s transport sector also requires transformative solutions to address challenges such as inefficiency, high costs, and reliability issues. Innovations like electric buses, smart fleet technology, and efficient maintenance systems can revolutionise the State Transport Corporation (STC) and Metro Mass Transit, reducing costs and improving reliability.

“We believe that modernising these sectors is crucial for Ghana’s sustainable progress and development. By partnering with global leaders, we can drive progress, restore our land, upgrade our infrastructure, and build a brighter future for Ghana,” he said.

SSD/AE

Accra, June 15, GNA – As Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate Father’s Day, Mrs Lordina Mahama, the First Lady, Sunday expressed her heartfelt appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his support and guidance to his family and the country as a whole.

In a touching message to her husband, Mrs Mahama wrote: “To my amazing husband and a truly wonderful father John Dramani Mahama! Happy Father’s Day! 

“Thank you for your strength, guidance, and the endless love you give our family. Bless you always!”

Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), also exhorted fathers for their resilience and commitment to building stronger families and societies.

“To all fathers, your dedication, sacrifices, and love are the bedrock of our families and nations,” he said.

“We salute you!” 

Father’s Day is an occasion to honour and appreciate fathers and father figures for their love, sacrifices, guidance, and unwavering support in the lives of their children and families.

Although the specific date of observance varies from country to country, many nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ghana, India, and South Africa, commemorate the day on the third Sunday of June. 

Despite its widespread recognition, for most countries, Father’s Day is not marked as a public holiday.

The modern concept of Father’s Day is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.

It was first celebrated in 1910, spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington.

Inspired by Mother’s Day, Dodd sought to honour her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent after the death of his wife. 

Her advocacy led to the first local celebration, and over the decades, the idea gained national and eventually international traction.

In 1972, United States President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

Father’s Day is more than just a celebration; it is a moment to reflect on the unique role fathers play in families and society. 

It acknowledges the efforts of fathers who provide, protect, nurture, teach, and serve as role models. 

For many, the day extends to grandfathers, uncles, guardians, mentors, and any male figure who has played a paternal role.

On this day, children and families express their gratitude through various gestures, handwritten notes, cards, thoughtful gifts, special meals, or simply spending quality time together. 

Schools, community organisations, and religious institutions often hold events and services to mark the day.

Despite the variations in the date of celebration among various countries, the sentiment behind Father’s Day remains the same, recognising and cherishing the contributions of fatherhood and paternal bonds.

In today’s evolving world, the role of fathers continues to grow and adapt. From being caregivers and teachers to partners and leaders, modern fatherhood embraces empathy, presence, and emotional intelligence.

Father’s Day serves as a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the quiet strength, resilience, and love that fathers and father figures bring to humanity.

Whether near or far, living or remembered, their impact endures in countless ways.

GNA 

Agnes Boye-Doe

The government has postponed the implementation of the GH¢1 D-Levy

The Minority in Parliament has taken a swipe at the government for its decision to postpone the implementation of the GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

The government had planned to begin the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, popularly referred to as the Dumsor Levy, on June 16, 2025.

But the Minority has labelled the reversal of the government’s decision as a “chaotic and inconsistent approach to economic governance.”

In a statement issued on June 15, 2015, they noted that “this eleventh-hour U-turn epitomises a trial-and-error strategy and reveals a disturbing lack of stakeholder engagement before the passage of the law” and was “wholly inadequate.”

They also noted that the government is being dishonest and hypocritical for using global tensions as an excuse when it did not accept the previous government’s excuse of global occurrences.

The Minority also demanded that the levy be completely abolished and not just postponed.

They also warned that the government must use its inability to implement the levy as a justification for the power crisis.

In conclusion, the Minority asked the government to remember its campaign promise not to impose new taxes on Ghanaians.

SSD/AE

The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a medical school in the region to tackle the persistent shortage of healthcare professionals.

During a working visit to the Upper East Regional Hospital on Friday, June 13, Atanga revealed that discussions are ongoing between the government and the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) to kick-start the initiative.

He noted that the region continues to face a persistent shortage of health professionals, partly due to the reluctance of many to accept postings there.

According to the Regional Minister, concerns over security and limited prospects for career advancement remain key deterrents.

“If We address these issues by providing a training centre, like the medical school that is set to take off here in the region, and we train people who are already brought up here, it will help change their perception,” he said.

He recounted an incident in which an external group, seeking to implement a program in the region, reached out to his office for security clearance after receiving warnings that the area was unsafe.

“If you’re posting a doctor or nurse to the Upper East Region and the person is not from here, that perception of insecurity can affect their decision,” he noted.

He further explained that the lack of avenues for career advancement was a significant disincentive for health professionals accepting postings in the region.

“When medical personnel are posted here, and there are no institutions that allow them to further their knowledge or specialise, it discourages them from staying. However, if we establish a medical school, we are not only training locals who are more likely to remain here, but we are also providing a platform for professional development,” he said.
Beyond addressing the staffing gap, Mr. Atanga believes that the establishment of a medical school would open up the region for greater healthcare investment.

“If someone wants to build a health facility, they will consider the availability of doctors. But if they have to transport professionals from Accra or Kumasi, it becomes a disincentive. Investors shy away because of this,” he explained.

The Regional Minister also lamented the region’s vulnerability during the recent nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, noting that the Upper East Region has fewer private healthcare facilities compared to other regions.

“We were worst hit by the strike because of our limited private sector involvement in healthcare. If we had more private health providers, people would at least have an alternative. But even in the regional capital, such options are countable,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the establishment of the medical school would mark a turning point for the region’s healthcare system and its long-term development.

Michael Aidoo (R) after signing the agreement

The Western Regional Member of the Council of State, Michael Kofi Adjei Aidoo, has noted that Ghana has signed a partnership agreement with a leading mining equipment manufacturer, Jinpeng Mining Machinery Co. Ltd.

According to him, this partnership will provide access to environmentally-friendly mining equipment that will also help curb the devastating effects of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

Announcing the agreement on Facebook, he wrote, “As part of efforts to drive sustainable progress and protect Ghana’s natural resources, I am delighted to announce a partnership and the signing of an MoU with Jinpeng Mining Machinery Co Ltd, a leading mining equipment manufacturer.”

He said the MoU will provide access to legal, environmentally friendly mining technologies, promoting sustainable practices, supporting Ghana’s efforts to curb galamsey, and fostering job creation through training and responsible resource management.

“This initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitment to protecting natural resources for the benefit of its citizens,” Aidoo added.

The Council of State member also added that Ghana’s transport sector needs to be modernised to revolutionise transportation in the country.

“In addition to mining, Ghana’s transport sector also requires transformative solutions to address challenges such as inefficiency, high costs, and reliability issues. Innovations like electric buses, smart fleet technology, and efficient maintenance systems can revolutionise the State Transport Corporation (STC) and Metro Mass Transit, reducing costs and improving reliability.

“We believe that modernising these sectors is crucial for Ghana’s sustainable progress and development. By partnering with global leaders, we can drive progress, restore our land, upgrade our infrastructure, and build a brighter future for Ghana,” he said.

SSD/AE

The ongoing public discourse surrounding the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal is fundamentally a matter of public interest rather than political manoeuvring, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Adviser to the Vice President, has said.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, June 14, Prof. Khalid underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the alleged irregularities that have plagued the vital national programme.

The NSS has been embroiled in a significant scandal involving suspected 81,885 “ghost names” on its payroll, with reports suggesting potential losses of tens of millions of Ghana Cedis monthly to the state.

The Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, recently announced intentions to file charges against 12 key suspects, including former executives, prompting intense public scrutiny.

Prof. Khalid asserted that the widespread public attention and discussion surrounding the NSS issue, particularly the specifics of the alleged fraud and the progress of investigations by ORAL, transcends partisan politics.

READ ALSO: Government suspends GH₵1 fuel levy indefinitely, new date to be announced later

He argued that the nature of the alleged financial malfeasance directly impacts public funds and the integrity of a programme critical for Ghanaian youth, making it inherently a matter of national concern.

“This is not a political issue to be trivialised or confined to party lines,” Prof. Khalid stated on the programme. “When public resources are allegedly misappropriated, and a scheme meant to serve our youth is compromised, the public has a right, and indeed a duty, to demand answers and accountability. The intensified public interest, in this case, is a healthy sign of civic engagement.”

He emphasised that transparency from state institutions, including the Attorney General’s office, in providing updates on such cases, is crucial.

While acknowledging the complexities and necessary delays in legal processes – recognising that the “wheels of justice turn slowly” – Prof. Khalid supported the ongoing dialogue as a mechanism for building public trust.

The NSS scandal, which came to light with revelations of thousands of suspected non-existent personnel on the payroll, has sparked calls from various civil society organisations for thorough investigations and prosecution of those found culpable.

The Attorney General’s office has stated its commitment to recovering any misappropriated funds and assets linked to the alleged fraud, reinforcing the view that the core objective is to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the Ghanaian people.

Prof. Khalid’s comments contribute to a broader call for public interest cases to be treated with the seriousness they deserve, devoid of political spin, and with a steadfast focus on ensuring justice and protecting state resources.

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.

Very Reverend Prof Emmanuel Martey is a former Presbyterian Church Moderator

The Very Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, a Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has urged fathers to be good examples of God to their children.

Very Rev Prof Martey indicated that fathers were the representatives of God and therefore must ensure that their character and actions depicted that of God.

He gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) when he visited the PCG, Redemption Congregation in Tema Community Nine, on Father’s Day.

The day was used to climax the Men’s Fellowship week celebration on the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage: Persisting in Mission – Men, Go Labour On.”

“In fact, the symbol of a father, that metaphor, is that which we use to introduce God to the children,” he said. He explained that because the first Christian prayers start with “Our Father,” children and the world see God in their fathers.

“If our children and the world will give their lives to God, it’s the character of the fathers that they see that will encourage them to go to God,” he added.

He emphasized that due to some fathers’ character of irresponsibility and wickedness, some people refuse to be Christians, as they see God the Father as the same as their earthly father.

Elvis Panford, Clerk of Session, PCG Redemption, in a sermon, urged fathers to be active instead of passive in the lives of their children.

Panford said: “You are a father because of the children you have. Just as doctors are there because of the patients and teachers are there because of learners, the same applies to fathers. You must be active in the lives of your children.”

He stressed that if parents, especially fathers, do not train their children well, they would grow to become a burden to the nation.

“The call of fatherhood is not optional; it is mandatory. Treat this call with urgency. Lead the children spiritually, and don’t shirk your responsibility because you have an issue with their mother,” he said.

Domestic airline, PassionAir has attributed Saturday’s mid-air turbulence on Flight OP 149 from Kumasi to Accra to ongoing seasonal weather changes, but was quick to assure the traveling public of its unwavering commitment to safety and operational standards.

The airline confirmed that passengers experienced discomfort due to “moderate turbulence” during the June 14 flight and extended apologies to those affected.

“We sincerely apologise to all affected passengers for the inconvenience caused,” it stated in a press release issued Sunday, June 15.

PassionAir linked the turbulence to what it described as “significant and sometimes unpredictable weather variations” brought on by the rainy season, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, crosswinds, and temperature fluctuations that disrupt stable atmospheric conditions.

“Our routes to and from Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Sunyani, and Wa are more likely to encounter varying levels of turbulence during this period,” the airline explained.

In response, the company says it is intensifying coordination with meteorological and aviation authorities to monitor weather patterns and ensure passenger safety.

“While we expect mostly slight to moderate weather disruptions, rare instances of severe conditions may occur due to these natural weather changes,” the airline added.

Reinforcing its safety credentials, PassionAir stressed that it continues to comply strictly with regulatory requirements.

“The safety and comfort of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.We will take every necessary measure to ensure minimal impact on operations while maintaining the highest level of safety.”

The airline also expressed gratitude to passengers for their continued trust amid weather-related challenges.

Read also

NSA scandal: AG’s briefing in public interest – Franklin Cudjoe

Manasseh Azure Awuni is an investigative journalist

Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for terminating the long-standing sanitation contract between Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), describing the move as a decisive and moral action that reaffirms his faith in Ghana’s democracy.

In a post on social media, Manasseh wrote:

“Your decision to discontinue this contract has reinforced my long‑held faith in not giving up on a just and noble cause even if nobody else believes in it.

“It’s been 12 years fighting, and your action is the most appropriate response to those who asked why I would not give up and move on, when nobody was prepared to discontinue the contract. In a significant way you have restored my faith in our democracy.”

The Zoomlion-YEA contract, originally set up as a 19-year sanitation agreement, has long been the subject of public scrutiny and investigative reports alleging mismanagement and inefficiencies.

Manasseh was one of the most vocal critics, consistently spotlighting questionable aspects of the contract in a series of reports over the past decade.

Following a formal petition submitted by Manasseh with fresh evidence of systemic mismanagement and post-expiry payments, President Mahama announced the termination of the contract, stating that it would not be renewed.

He has further directed that all payments made to Zoomlion after the contract’s expiration be audited.

Beyond ending the controversial deal, the President also revealed a policy shift — future sanitation contracts will now be awarded through competitive regional bidding to ensure cost-effectiveness and service improvement.

The move, according to officials, is expected to free up significant funds that will be used to increase the salaries of street sweepers to “a more liveable income.”

Additionally, contracts related to fumigation services under the YEA will be reviewed, with poorly performing ones facing possible cancellation.

“This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America,” Biden said in a post on X.

“We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor and we must all unite against political violence as a nation. Jill and I are sending strength to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy during an unimaginable time,” he said.

In one of two attacks, Melissa Hortman, a member of the Minnesota State House of Representatives, and her husband Mark Hortman were killed in the early hours of the morning at their home in the city of Brooklyn Park.

In another attack in nearby Champlin, a Democratic state senator, John Hoffman, and his wife were shot and seriously injured.

GNA

PDC

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II believes agriculture is key to the nation’s development

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reiterated the vital role of agriculture in Ghana’s progress, emphasising that the nation’s development hinges on a thriving agricultural sector.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, the Asantehene stressed the need for agriculture to be made truly fruitful for its intended purpose, stating that it is the very backbone of Ghana’s economy.

A key concern raised by the Asantehene was the aging demographic of farmers, noting that younger generations are not actively involved in the sector. He urged the Minister to prioritise making agriculture lucrative and attractive to the youth, emphasising the need for measures to support them in choosing farming as a viable career. He said this would boost food production and lessen reliance on imports.

Addressing the issue of land availability, the Asantehene expressed his willingness to facilitate access to land for aspiring farmers. He pledged to liaise with chiefs to release lands for agricultural purposes, emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial agreements that incentivize landowners (chiefs) to support farming initiatives. This, he believes, will significantly contribute to increased food production and national food security.

The Asantehene further highlighted the crucial role of irrigation in ensuring sustainable farming practices, regardless of water availability. He encouraged the Minister to promote irrigation techniques that would enable farmers to cultivate crops year-round, independent of seasonal rainfall patterns, thereby bolstering food production and food security.

In addition to these points, the Asantehene advocated for a revival of the “Operation Feed Yourself” agenda, originally spearheaded by former Head of State, General Acheampong. He believes this initiative could stimulate agricultural growth, increase domestic food production, reduce dependence on imports, and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Finally, the Asantehene emphasised the need for comprehensive support for small-scale farmers, who he recognizes as the cornerstone of Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He urged the government to provide small-scale farmers with essential resources such as inputs, credit, and extension services to enhance their productivity and contribute to national food security.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II believes agriculture is key to the nation’s development

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reiterated the vital role of agriculture in Ghana’s progress, emphasising that the nation’s development hinges on a thriving agricultural sector.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, the Asantehene stressed the need for agriculture to be made truly fruitful for its intended purpose, stating that it is the very backbone of Ghana’s economy.

A key concern raised by the Asantehene was the aging demographic of farmers, noting that younger generations are not actively involved in the sector. He urged the Minister to prioritise making agriculture lucrative and attractive to the youth, emphasising the need for measures to support them in choosing farming as a viable career. He said this would boost food production and lessen reliance on imports.

Addressing the issue of land availability, the Asantehene expressed his willingness to facilitate access to land for aspiring farmers. He pledged to liaise with chiefs to release lands for agricultural purposes, emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial agreements that incentivize landowners (chiefs) to support farming initiatives. This, he believes, will significantly contribute to increased food production and national food security.

The Asantehene further highlighted the crucial role of irrigation in ensuring sustainable farming practices, regardless of water availability. He encouraged the Minister to promote irrigation techniques that would enable farmers to cultivate crops year-round, independent of seasonal rainfall patterns, thereby bolstering food production and food security.

In addition to these points, the Asantehene advocated for a revival of the “Operation Feed Yourself” agenda, originally spearheaded by former Head of State, General Acheampong. He believes this initiative could stimulate agricultural growth, increase domestic food production, reduce dependence on imports, and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Finally, the Asantehene emphasised the need for comprehensive support for small-scale farmers, who he recognizes as the cornerstone of Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He urged the government to provide small-scale farmers with essential resources such as inputs, credit, and extension services to enhance their productivity and contribute to national food security.

At least eight people were killed and around 200 injured in Israel following overnight strikes, local media reported on Sunday, citing rescue workers.

According to the Magen David Adom rescue service, two children and at least two other people were killed in the Israeli city of Bat Yam when a rocket hit a residential building early on Sunday.

There were also reports of buildings being hit in Tel Aviv nad Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it had carried out an “extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran.”

The IDF said the targets included the Iranian Defence Ministry and other sites related to “the Iranian regime’s efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive.”

Israel began attacking Iran on Friday morning, aiming for nuclear facilities, leading military figures, top nuclear scientists, defence positions, cities and oil facilities.

Since then, according to official figures, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds more injured in Iran.

Iran said the airstrikes were a declaration of war and have fired hundreds of missiles and drones towards Israel in retaliation.

The IDF said early Sunday that the latest targets included the headquarters of an Iranian state nuclear research organization in Tehran, known as the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research.

GNA

PDC

President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has applauded Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, for what he describes as a bold and educational approach in handling the recent National Service Authority (NSA) scandal.

Responding to criticism from the New Patriotic Party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah — who argued that the Attorney General had prematurely indicted former NSA officials in the public eye — Cudjoe defended the AG’s actions as necessary for public accountability.

“I am totally opposed to your viewpoint that these persons are being persecuted,” Cudjoe stated on Channel One TV‘s The Big Issue on Saturday June 15. “I think rather we should doff our hats to the AG and his department, who are doing what I call public interest education. You see, if you don’t educate the public and carry them along, sometimes even justice could be procured.”

His comments come in the wake of a June 13 press briefing in which the Attorney General disclosed alleged payroll fraud amounting to GH¢548 million and named 12 former NSA officials, including high-profile figures such as Mustapha Ussif, Osei Assibey Antwi, and Gifty Oware-Mensah.

Ahiagbah had criticised the move as a violation of due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence, warning that it could unfairly sway public opinion ahead of court proceedings. He questioned why the AG would “convict people in the court of public opinion” before filing charges.

But Cudjoe believes that the public has a right to be informed, especially in cases involving alleged large-scale misuse of public funds.

For him, transparency from the Attorney General’s office does not equal persecution. Instead, it equips citizens with knowledge and confidence in the justice system.

The Attorney General has maintained that the disclosures are being made for transparency and not for politics.

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