By Patience Tawiah 

Nkwanta, Tourism (O/R), June 6, GNA- Mr. Alfred Kofi Bara, the newly appointed manager of Kyabobo National Park, in the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region, has met with the Kyabobo Management Advisory Committee (KyaMAC) in a familiarization meeting. 

The meeting was to introduce Mr. Bara to the committee and discuss key issues related to park governance, management and development. 

The committee highlighted challenges in fulfilling its mandate and presented a new committee formed in accordance with the Wildlife Resources Management Act 1115, 2023.  

The roles and responsibilities of the committee under the new Act were also reviewed. 

Mr. Bara emphasized the park’s ecological and economic significance, urging the committee to continue playing an active role in its development.  

He stressed the importance of local community participation and stakeholder cooperation for the park’s success. 

The meeting provided a platform for open discussion, with committee members expressing enthusiasm and concerns about implementing the new Act.  

The committee reiterated their commitment to working closely with stakeholders to address challenges and drive the park’s sustainability and development.  

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie  

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Jun – 07 – 2025 , 18:16

2 minutes read

 By Albert Oppong-Ansah 

Accra, June 7, GNA – Ghana and Malawi are improving biodiversity data access by training key stakeholders to centralise, manage, and share national information through the Bioland Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) Portal.  

The two-day capacity-building workshop, held in Accra, was organised by Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) in collaboration with the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS).  

Participants included representatives from government institutions, academia, NGOs, and research organisations working on biodiversity conservation.  

The training focused on structuring Ghana’s scattered biodiversity data into a single national platform, accessible to policy makers, researchers, and the public.  

The initiative aims to streamline national reporting obligations, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, commencing in 2026.  

Mr. Han de Koeijer, Belgian Focal Point for CHM, explained that the Bioland tool, developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), helps countries overcome technical challenges in setting up biodiversity information platforms.  

“We have so much valuable biodiversity information in Ghana, scattered across institutions, websites, and individual reports. But when it’s time for national reporting or policy planning, we start from scratch,” he said.  

“The Bioland tool changes that by creating a unified platform where institutions can upload their data, tag it to national biodiversity targets, and make it visible and usable by others.”  

Mr. Koeijer added that the tool enhances transparency and national collaboration, allowing users to see which institutions are working on biodiversity, what data exists, and where gaps remain.  

It also simplifies biodiversity integration into Ghana’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) targets.  

Currently, 36 countries have operational national CHM websites using Bioland, with another 24 in testing phases.  

Dr. Peter Dery, Director of Environment at MEST, stated that the platform would play a crucial role not only in fulfilling international reporting obligations but also in informing national policies on conservation, land management, and sustainable development.  

He stressed that ensuring sector-wide capacity in using the portal would increase transparency and improve Ghana’s global biodiversity reporting contributions.  

Dr Dery also hinted that Ghana’s NBSAP is under development and is expected to be completed by September 2025.  

Participants were trained in data uploading, tagging information to biodiversity objectives, and integrating Ghana’s commitments under the CBD.  

By structuring, centralising, and ensuring accessibility of biodiversity data, the Bioland CHM platform will enhance scientific research, policy formulation, and public engagement.  

The Bioland tool provides an immediate solution for countries facing technical barriers in setting up their national CHM sites, offering services in knowledge management, sharing, and exchange.  

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Participants at the event in a group photograph

Ghana and Malawi are working to improve biodiversity data access by training key stakeholders to centralise, manage, and share national information through the Bioland Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) Portal.

A two-day capacity-building workshop, held in Accra, was organised by Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) in collaboration with the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS). Participants included representatives from government institutions, academia, NGOs, and research organisations focused on biodiversity conservation.

The training aimed to structure Ghana’s scattered biodiversity data into a single national platform, making it accessible to policymakers, researchers, and the public. The initiative also seeks to streamline national reporting obligations, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, starting in 2026.

Mr. Han de Koeijer, Belgian Focal Point for CHM, explained that the Bioland tool—developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)—helps countries overcome technical challenges in setting up biodiversity information platforms.

“We have so much valuable biodiversity information in Ghana, scattered across institutions, websites, and individual reports. But when it’s time for national reporting or policy planning, we start from scratch,” he said.

*”The Bioland tool changes that by creating a unified platform where institutions can upload their data, tag it to national biodiversity targets, and make it visible and usable by others.”*

Mr. Koeijer added that the tool enhances transparency and national collaboration, allowing users to see which institutions are working on biodiversity, what data exists, and where gaps remain. It also simplifies biodiversity integration into Ghana’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) targets.

Currently, 36 countries have operational national CHM websites using Bioland, with another 24 in testing phases.

Dr. Peter Dery, Director of Environment at MEST, highlighted the platform’s role in fulfilling international reporting obligations and informing national policies on conservation, land management, and sustainable development. He emphasized that ensuring sector-wide capacity in using the portal would increase transparency and strengthen Ghana’s global biodiversity reporting contributions.

Dr. Dery also mentioned that Ghana’s NBSAP is under development and is expected to be completed by September 2025.

Participants were trained in data uploading, tagging information to biodiversity objectives, and integrating Ghana’s commitments under the CBD. By structuring, centralising, and ensuring accessibility of biodiversity data, the Bioland CHM platform is set to enhance scientific research, policy formulation, and public engagement.

The Bioland tool offers an immediate solution for countries facing technical barriers in establishing their national CHM sites, providing services in knowledge management, sharing, and exchange.

Samuel Koku Anyidoho is a former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress

A former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has praised the party over the decision to name its headquarters after the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

According to Koku Anyidoho, a former aide and spokesperson for the late President Atta Mills, “the decision is a very excellent one and adds more vindication to my long-held unwavering position that we must honour our past leaders appropriately”.

Koku Anyidoho said, “building the NDC HQ was one of the earliest decisions of President Atta Mills after leading the party to victory in the 2008 general elections and it stands as a towering legacy of the late President Atta Mills”.

The decision to name the Adabraka NDC headquarters after the founder of the party, the late President Jerry John Rawlings, was announced by the Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, at the 46th gathering to commemorate the June 4, 1979 Uprising.

According to Anyidoho, “the move is a very healthy one and now that we are doing the right things by honouring our past Leaders, in due season, it will not be difficult to honour the current leader and future leaders appropriately.

“My issues have been with what seemed like a nonchalant attitude towards honouring Presidents Rawlings and Atta Mills and now that as a party, we are taking very forward-looking decisions with great potential of uniting us better under the umbrella, why shouldn’t I be happy? I am very pleased.”

Making the point further, Koku Anyidoho said, “it is also good to hear the Chairman say that the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) will seek the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on the matter. It means due consultation is being done to hem in all loose ends.”

Asked if he is not worried about the building not being named after President Atta Mills who built it, this is what Koku said: “President Atta Mills never downplayed the relevance of the founder and was always grateful to founder for making him running mate in 1996 – leading to he becoming vice president and eventually becoming president in 2009. Indeed, given the opportunity, President Mills himself would have not hesitated to name the building after Rawlings, so I have no issues at all with the decision. The founder is the Founder and nobody can change that fact of history so let’s wear a more positive attitude and move into the future with greater optimism.”

The NDC, which was founded in 1992, has Jerry John Rawlings as the party’s Founder.

BAI/AE

File photo of some locally produced foods in Ghana

Ghana and the rest of the world have marked the World Food Safety Day 2025 on June 7, joining the global effort to raise awareness about food safety and its crucial role in public health.

Under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the Consumer Protection Agency, in a press statement, said the commemoration aims to raise awareness about the importance of food safety in preventing foodborne illnesses and promoting public health.

“With millions of people falling ill due to contaminated food annually, food safety is a critical concern that requires collective action,” the statement said.

As part of the commemoration, stakeholders, including governments, farmers, business operators, consumers, and scientists, have been urged to collaborate in building resilient food systems.

“Stakeholders, including governments, food handlers, and consumers, must work together to promote food safety awareness and education. By leveraging science, innovation, and technology, we can build resilient food systems that ensure safe food for all Ghanaians.

“Let’s join hands to commemorate World Food Safety Day 2025 and promote a culture of food safety in Ghana,” the statement added.

Key Calls to Action according to the statement:

Governments: Strengthen food control systems through evidence-based policies and regulations.

Farmers & Producers: Adopt good agricultural practices and hygiene protocols.

Business Operators: Ensure food safety standards are maintained throughout production and distribution.

Consumers: Stay informed and apply safe food-handling habits at home.

Academia & Scientists: Continue research and innovation to improve food safety systems.

VKB/AE

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Jun – 07 – 2025 , 17:32

1 minute read

Three Chinese illegal miners have been arrested by the Central North Regional Police Command at Twifo Denyase in the Central Region.

Their arrest formed part of a police crackdown against illegal mining activities on the already heavily polluted Pra River.

Following their arrest, the Ghana Police Service retrieved two pump-action guns, 22 cartridges, and two excavators, and destroyed some chanfang machines that were being used in the illegal mining operations.

Central North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, who disclosed this to Citi News at a press briefing, also revealed that “upon the arrival of police, several Ghanaian accomplices fled the scene— some swimming across the river to evade capture.”

The Chinese suspects, even though they attempted to evade too were later located and arrested in their residence.

Over a span of four days, the command has arrested 23 suspects involved in such activities and confiscated six excavators, along with other heavy mining equipment.

Some of the equipment that could not be transported was destroyed on-site to prevent further illegal use.

Despite these efforts, DCOP Acquaye highlighted challenges faced by the police, including interference from local political figures and influential individuals attempting to disrupt operations.

Additionally, the command has noted resource constraints, such as the need for bulletproof vests, life jackets, and vehicles, which are essential for the safety and effectiveness of their personnel.

W/R: Gory Tanokrom accident claims life of Radio Morning Show host

In a world where reproductive health challenges remain underrepresented, especially among minority and underserved communities, Elizabeth Amoaa rises as a force of change.

As the Founder of Speciallady Awareness NGO (Ghana) and Speciallady Awareness Global (UK), she is more than an advocate; she is a movement.

Born with a rare gynaecological condition, uterus didelphys (two wombs, two cervixes and two vaginal canals), and also living with stage 4 endometriosis and multiple fibroids, Elizabeth transformed personal adversity into global activism.

Her journey, defined by resilience and purpose, has inspired thousands and improved the lives of women and girls across continents. She is widely recognised for her commitment to health equity, women’s empowerment and education.

Speciallady Awareness continues to grow through strategic partnerships, including The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, a leader in cultural heritage and social development in Ghana. The National Youth Authority, under Ghana’s Ministry of Youth Development, to educate young women about reproductive health rights and challenges.

Through these collaborations, the NGO has expanded health outreach campaigns, distributed vital medical supplies and created safe spaces for education, dialogue and community healing.

In the UK, Elizabeth furthers her work through Speciallady Awareness Global, collaborating with local government officials, including mayors and councillors, medical experts and reproductive health researchers and renowned organisations such as Endometriosis UK, raising awareness about conditions disproportionately affecting African, Caribbean and other ethnic minority women.

Together, they are breaking the silence around conditions like endometriosis, fibroids and fighting stigma with science, compassion and community.

Elizabeth’s influence has gained international recognition. Her story and mission have been featured in World Leaders Summit Magazine, USA Health Magazine, Boots Health & Beauty (UK), Juno Magazine (UK), British Army Forces Families Magazine (Army & You), My Story (Ghana) and other global platforms amplifying voices for change.

Her visibility is not about prestige; it is about representation, ensuring women’s health is never overlooked, underfunded, or misunderstood.

Through both her organisations, Elizabeth has conducted transformative outreach in underserved Ghanaian communities, donated medical supplies to healthcare facilities, donated sanitary pads to 40,000 female students and led awareness campaigns reaching women and girls in both urban and rural areas.

Her journey is more than one of survival, it’s a blueprint for global change. She continues to challenge stigma, amplify unheard voices and light the way for women and girls navigating the shadows of reproductive health struggles.

Elizabeth reminds us that true empowerment begins with awareness and that every woman regardless of background deserves dignity, access to healthcare and the power to be heard.

As we look to the future, Elizabeth stands as a symbol of what’s possible when courage meets compassion. Her mission is far from over and her impact will continue to ripple across generations and geographies.

Let us not only celebrate her achievements but stand beside her in action. Because when one woman rises, she lifts countless others with her.

Together, we are not just raising awareness, we are rewriting the narrative.
Elizabeth Amoaa is the voice of gynaecology, fearlessly speaking for those who’ve been unheard for too long.

She is an example for every woman who has suffered in silence, every young girl yearning for answers and every community seeking dignity and care.

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.

Ange Postecoglou holding the Europa League trophy while beaming with smiles

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed head coach Ange Postecoglou following unconvincing performances at the end of the 2024/2025 season.

The decision comes 17 days after he led the club to win the UEFA Europa League competition 1-0 over Manchester United at the San Mames Stadium, giving the club a major trophy after several years.

The triumph also qualified the team for the 2025/2026 Champions League, as they missed out in the previous seasons.

Despite these remarkable feats, the club hierarchy, led by Chairman Daniel Levy, was unimpressed with his overall performance in the entire season, hence the decision to relieve the manager of his coaching duties.

In a statement released to the public, the club appreciated the coach as the manager who won the Europa League trophy for them.

“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy. Thank you, Ange,” a statement from Tottenham read, shared on X.

Postecoglou had a torrid Premier League season, presiding over the club’s worst-ever campaign, finishing 17th after suffering 22 defeats, resulting in their lowest-ever points tally of 38.

He played 101 games in total, won 47, drew 15, and lost 39.

The dismissal comes two years after his appointment, when he signed a four-year contract from Celtic on June 5, 2023.

Reports from England indicate that Brentford Manager, Thomas Frank, is in talks with Tottenham to take over as the next head coach of Spurs; however, an official announcement is yet to be made.

SB/AE

Read Tottehnham Hotspurs’ X post below:

We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club.

Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy.

Thank you Ange 🤍 pic.twitter.com/gT6deIaa5e

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 6, 2025

Meanwhile, watch as Eleven Wonders beat RTU 2-1 in the Division One League play-off final

By Benjamin A. Commey 

Accra, June 7, GNA – Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for bold and decisive measures to revitalise Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture and place it on a firmer foundation to effectively combat corruption and its associated practices. 

She said the country’s recent performance on major corruption indicators was worrying, and stressed that strong, coordinated action on multiple fronts was needed to restore public confidence and improve Ghana’s image globally. 

The Vice President made the call at a High-Level Conference on Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Architecture held in Accra on Friday, organised under the auspices of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC). 

It was on the theme: “Revitalising the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa: Ghana’s Accountability Journey.” 

The event sought to review Ghana’s progress in accountability and anti-corruption under the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), which Ghana ratified in 2007. 

Prof Opoku-Agyemang noted that Ghana’s anti-corruption framework was built on strong foundations, including the 1992 Constitution and key legislation such as the Criminal Offences Act, Whistleblowers Act (2006), Right to Information Act (2019), and the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (2017). 

That notwithstanding, she said the country’s performance on corruption indices had stagnated, with some signs of decline.  

Ghana maintained a score of 43 on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in both 2022 and 2023, but saw a drop to 42 in 2024, an indication of declining public trust in transparency and accountability. 

“Our own 2022 Ghana Statistical Service Corruption Report revealed that nearly five billion Ghana cedis was lost through bribery in just one year. This cannot be funny,” she stated. 

To address this, the Vice President advocated bold reforms, including the legislation and enforcement of Unexplained Wealth Orders with broader application to both public officials and private individuals.  

She also proposed a shift in the burden of proof to the accused in such cases. 

“We must also ensure sustainable financing for anti-corruption institutions to reduce undue influence and enhance their independence,” she said. 

Prof Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for a comprehensive legislative framework to regulate political party and election financing, including internal party leadership selection and national campaign funding. 

She said President John Dramani Mahama had demonstrated his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption systems.  

This includes the establishment of Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), the launch of a Code of Conduct for presidential appointees, and a commitment to reviewing the 1992 Constitution. 

“The setting up of ORAL is an effort to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. The launch of a comprehensive code of conduct for all presidential appointees establishes clear ethical standards from the highest levels of government,” she noted. 

The  Vice President indicated that the revitalisation of the anti-corruption framework would be anchored on five key pillars. 

These are; Cooperation among anti-corruption agencies, Strategic partnerships with the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) to ensure institutional integrity, Building domestic and international confidence in Ghana’s accountability systems, Legislative and policy reforms, and Strengthening the Attorney General’s Office to process corruption complaints effectively. 

Dr Joseph Whittal, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Commissioner, underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration at all levels – domestic, regional, and international – in the fight against corruption. 

“Our experience has shown that no single institution, country, or regional bloc can successfully win the fight against corruption alone. Cooperation is essential,” he said. 

Mr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in a speech read on his behalf, said beyond the laws, institutional courage, ethical leadership, and public trust were crucial in combating corruption. 

“Laws alone do not combat corruption,” he emphasised. 

Madam Yvonne Mutepuka Chibiya, AUABC Board Member, commended Ghana for taking bold steps to strengthen its national accountability frameworks.  

She reaffirmed the AUABC’s support for enhancing Ghana’s anti-corruption strategies and governance systems. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe 

The government has banned the importation of excavators

The government has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of excavators without prior authorisation, as part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining and its detrimental impact on water bodies across the country.

In a statement issued by the ministry, as sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the new directive, dubbed “No Permit, No Excavator”, is now fully in effect.

The directive requires all dealers and importers of excavators to secure a permit from the ministry before bringing the equipment into the country.

“All Shipping Lines should desist from transporting excavators into the country without the required permit. Dealers and Importers of excavators are to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Transport prior to importation,” the statement read.

The move forms part of Ghana’s renewed efforts to rein in the proliferation of illegal mining, which has contributed to extensive environmental degradation, particularly the pollution of major water bodies and forest reserves.

The policy is expected to tighten controls at Ghana’s ports and logistics networks, compelling freight operators and equipment dealers to undergo more stringent regulatory checks.

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who signed the directive, warned that all stakeholders, including the general public, must adhere strictly to the new directive.

SP/AE

#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

The Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental and Sustainable Energy, Benjamin Nsiah, has called for an urgent review of Ghana’s existing contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), warning that the current arrangements are financially unsustainable and contribute significantly to the country’s energy sector debt.

Nsiah argued that if Ghana is serious about solving the financial crisis in the energy sector, revisiting and renegotiating these contracts must be a priority.

His comments come amid ongoing national discussions on how to reduce the energy sector’s mounting debt, which has led to frequent power disruptions and constrained government finances.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Nsiah stressed the need for broad energy sector reforms to address long-standing structural challenges.

He pointed to the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme Report as a key resource that outlines critical steps the country must take to stabilise and sustain its power industry.

“For us to sustain the sector, we require a total reform, one of which is for us to revisit the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme Report and look at some recommendations in there,” he said.

A major concern, according to Nsiah, is the structure of power purchase agreements signed with IPPs, many of which are based on availability rather than actual power production.

He explained that this means the government is obligated to pay for power plants even when they are not in use.

“We need to look at some of the contracts we have with the IPPs. This is because we have those contracts based on availability and not based on production,” he explained.

“Anytime some of them are even idle, we have to pay for them being idle. That costs us huge sums of money, in excess of $400 million annually.”

On the part of the government, it has introduced a Ghc1 Fuel Levy on all petroleum products as an avenue to generate funds to clear off some debts in the energy sector.

GHC1.2bn emergency fuel cost ‘unjustified’ – Energy Analyst slams Govt

The burial rites for the late Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, have started with thousands of people from all walks of life trooping to the Ashanti Regional town to mourn.

The royal farewell scheduled from June 6 to 9 will be climaxed on Monday with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II honouring the final rites.

The burial rites known in Akan as ‘Doteyie’ is a period of mourning as people clad in black and red participate in several traditional and cultural activities.

Amid drumming and dancing, traditional priests, in their sacred regalia, lead ancient rituals to honour the passing of the paramount chief.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was born Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie on December 31, 1939.

He ascended the Asante Mampong throne on August 25, 1996, and became the 28th occupant of the Silver Stool and Krontihene of Asanteman.

He passed away in April 2025 at the age of 85.

Daasebre’s reign saw the successful resolution of chieftaincy disputes in Mampong, and he was instrumental in maintaining peace and driving development in the Asante Kingdom.

He was a strong advocate against illegal mining, ensuring that g’alamsey’ did not find its roots in Asante Mampong.

As an academic and administrator, he served as the Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from 1991 until his retirement in 2000, after 28 years of service.

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.

King Promise vows to uplift Ghana music industry

The latest Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), King Promise, has stated that he is ready to support the growing Ghanaian music industry with his full effort.

Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie during the TGMA 2025 “Nite with Artiste of the Year and Plaque Presentation” event held on June 6, 2025, King Promise praised the state of Ghanaian music.

According to him, the industry is doing well, and he wants to do everything he can to push it forward.

“The music industry is thriving. I’m only here to contribute my quota. I will do the best that I can and hopefully together, we’ll take over the world,” he said

The ‘Paris’ hitmaker also hinted that fans should expect a lot from him in the coming months.

He shared that he has plans for new music, exciting collaborations, music videos, and international tours, all aimed at putting Ghana on the map.

“There’s so much more coming. You know, music, collaborations, videos, touring. That’s representing Ghana, as a whole,” King Promise said.

King Promise won the 2025 TGMA Artiste of the Year after beating top contenders such as Stonebwoy, King Paluta, Kweku Smoke, Joe Mettle, Black Sherif, and Team Eternity Ghana.

In addition to being named Artiste of the Year, he also took home Best Afropop Song, Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste, and Best Album/EP of the Year, making it a total of four awards on the night.

Watch the video below

Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:

AK/AE

Cocoa Marketing Company officials at the AGM in London

The Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr Wisdom Kofi Dogbey is currently in London attending the council meeting and annual general meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Cocoa Commerce, where key discussions surrounding the future of the cocoa industry are taking place.

In addition to this pivotal gathering, the MD is also participating in the board meeting of CMC UK, a vital subsidiary of the company, aimed at enhancing CMC’s international presence and operations.

Seizing the opportunity to further CMC’s mission, the MD has conducted a series of productive visits with the company’s cocoa bean buyers and stakeholders.

These engagements are not just about transacting business; they are about deepening relationships and fostering collaboration that transcends the traditional buyer-seller dynamic.

“Our goal is to build partnerships that are mutually beneficial and focused on sustainable growth,” the MD stated during one of the meetings. “We want to work together to innovate and enhance the quality and delivery of our cocoa product while prioritizing sustainability,” he mentioned.

At the heart of these discussions is a bold vision to transform CMC into a global force in the cocoa industry.

The MD emphasized that this vision aligns with the broader ambitions of Cocobod, Ghana’s leadership, particularly in supporting the President and the finance minister’s mandate to foster economic recovery and growth in the country.

“As we strengthen our relationships with international buyers and stakeholders, we contribute to a framework that not only benefits CMC but also reinforces Ghana’s position in the global cocoa market,” he stated.

The meetings also provided a platform to explore opportunities for joint ventures and collaborations that could lead to new product development and market expansion.

He however expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of these engagements, stating, “By working hand in hand with our partners, we can innovate and adapt to the changing demands of the global market, ensuring that CMC remains competitive and relevant.”

As CMC continues to navigate the complexities of the global cocoa landscape, CMC remains steadfast in the commitment to contribute to Ghana’s economic recovery in line with President Mahama’s vision for the sector.

SP

#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products

Credit: Kingsley Mamore

Dambai (O/R), June 7, GNA-Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister, has praised the efforts of the district assemblies, municipal assemblies, and Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) in tree planting initiatives. 

During the Tree for Life Reforestation programme on Thursday, the Minister noted that while many trees have been planted, proper care and maintenance are crucial for their survival. 

Highlighting the benefits of fruit trees like mangoes, which provide economic and nutritional value, the minister emphasized the need for collective action in tree care. 

He also mentioned opportunities for carbon credit funding, which could incentivize sustainable forestry practices. 

The Minister urged everyone to take responsibility for planting and caring for trees, promoting sustainable development and environmental improvement in the Oti Region.  

Mr. Bernard Tabil, the Oti Regional Manager of Forestry Commission, highlighted the significance of nurturing and care in tree planting efforts, noting that it is not just about numbers, but about ensuring the survival and growth of trees. 

He said this year, the Oti Region targets to plant 300,000 trees in both forest reserves and community areas, with 51 youth recruited to support the initiative. 

He revealed that previous years saw the planting of mango, cashew, and coconut trees. 

Addressing the gathering, he stated that this year, cocoa has been introduced as a new cash crop, promising great benefits. 

Mr Tabil further explained that many trees planted in the past did not survive due to lack of care, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in nurturing trees. 

This initiative aims to foster a culture of sustainability and community-led environmental stewardship. 

The Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), and Department of Forestry Commission have planted cocoa trees to officially launch tree for life reforestation initiatives for 2025. 

GNA

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade 

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has defended the absence of a sunset clause in the new GH¢1 Energy Sector Recovery Levy (ESRL), stating that the government’s immediate priority is to fix entrenched inefficiencies within Ghana’s power sector before considering any timeline for ending the tax.

Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Richmond Rockson, speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, June 7, said the government is focused on addressing longstanding financial and operational challenges, not on setting arbitrary dates for the removal of the levy.

“There were huge inefficiencies in the energy sector. There is no sunset clause on the levy because we want to focus on fixing the challenges first,” Mr Rockson explained.

His remarks come in response to calls by energy expert and legal practitioner, Kwame Jantuah, for the inclusion of a sunset clause to ensure that the GH¢1 levy does not become a permanent fixture.

Mr Rockson acknowledged public concerns, pointing out that while the original Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), passed in 2015, did include a five-year sunset clause, that provision was eventually set aside. From 2017 onwards, he noted, portions of ESLA funds were redirected to unrelated uses, including pension payments.

“We don’t want to repeat that cycle,” he said. “This time, the government’s aim is to use the levy strictly to clear the power sector’s crippling debts and build a foundation for long-term sustainability.”

Painting a grim picture of the energy sector’s current state, Mr Rockson revealed that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are owed more than $1.75 billion, while Ghana spends an average of $1.2 billion annually on liquid fuels due to the dominance of thermal power in the national energy mix.

He also cited inefficiencies at major agencies such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), alongside an ageing, poorly maintained distribution infrastructure, as factors compounding the crisis.

“For two years, major maintenance works at ECG were delayed due to funding issues. This must change,” he added.

To allay fears that the fuel levy might become another permanent tax without accountability, Mr Rockson stated that President John Dramani Mahama had committed to full transparency, including regular audits and public updates on how the funds are used.

“The President has gone further this time — the people of Ghana will be updated consistently on the use of the funds. The levy will not become a victim of misuse, as happened in the past,” he assured.

He emphasised that revenue from the levy will be strictly dedicated to clearing debt, developing gas infrastructure, and addressing procurement and operational inefficiencies in the sector.

“Once we address the key inefficiencies and clear the debt, that will create room to review the levy,” Mr Rockson explained. “For now, the focus must be on restoring a robust, reliable energy sector — not setting an artificial end date.”

President John Mahama signed the amended Energy Sector Levies Act into law on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

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