By Muniratu Akweley Issah

Accra, Aug. 9, GNA – The Federation of Muslim Councils (FMC) has extended condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government, and bereaved families following Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. 

A statement issued by the Federation and copied to the Ghana News Agency described the incident as a national tragedy of immense proportions, which claimed eight lives, including senior government officials and military personnel. 

“May Allah grant the deceased Jannat-al-Firdaus (Garden of Paradise) and give their families patience, fortitude, and solace during this difficult time,” the statement said. 

The FMC stood in solidarity with the nation, praying for comfort, strength, and resilience for the bereaved, it said. 

“May the legacy of the departed continue to inspire us all. May Allah be with you during this challenging time. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” 

Quoting Holy Quran 2:156, the statement said: “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return,” and prayed for peace and stability in the country. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe 

More than 30 cases of teenage pregnancy have been recorded in Gomoa Ehyiam in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region within the past year, raising concerns over a growing trend across the district.

According to a Citi News report, health experts in other communities in the district have also confirmed rising cases, with incidents in Gomoa Ehyiam occurring monthly.

Bernice Amoah, a senior midwife at Gomoa Ehyiam, said, “Every month, a case of teenage pregnancy is recorded. Within 2024, we have recorded between 20 and 30 cases.”

While some pregnancies involve girls’ peers, officials report that adults — including, in some cases, teachers — are responsible for others.

Ayuba Mustapha, Assemblyman for Gomoa Tarkwa, identified economic hardship and lack of sustainable livelihoods as key factors driving the trend. He also noted that social events, such as festivals, often coincide with spikes in cases — a view echoed by Kemor Mathilda, a midwife at the Gomoa Oguaa Clinic.

During the Gomoa Tarkwa Akwambo Festival, the Chief of Gomoa Tarkwa, Nana Atta Kwakwa Egyir VII, urged the government to intervene with lasting solutions.

The Chief, who has set up an educational fund to support the needy and rolled out other interventions to address the issue, urged the government to establish tertiary and vocational institutions in the area as part of measures to tackle the problem.

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The Friends of Boxing (FOB) and wider Ghanaian boxing fraternity have joined the nation in grieving the loss of eight public servants in last week’s military helicopter crash.

In an emotional statement, FOB founder Sammy Heywood Okine expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy in Sikaman Forest, Adansi Akrofuom, calling the victims “gallant distinguished Ghanaians” who perished while combating illegal mining.

“Though shocked and heartbroken, we trust the Almighty’s wisdom,” Okine wrote, extending condolences to President Mahama, the National Democratic Congress, Parliament, and bereaved families.

He specifically honored Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah a former Deputy Youth & Sports Minister alongside Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and Air Force personnel Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

The statement emphasized unity amid grief, urging Ghanaians to “shun political differences” following the officials’ deaths during an anti-galamsey mission. “They died protecting our water, lands, and environment a sacrifice beyond words,” Okine noted, capturing the boxing community’s devastation.

His tribute closed with a spiritual plea: “May the Holy Spirit comfort us all.” As Ghana prepares for state funerals, the boxing world’s solidarity underscores how deeply the loss has cut across every sphere of national life.

The African Women in Sports Association (AWISA), headquartered in Namibia, has expressed profound sorrow to President John Mahama and all Ghanaians following last week’s military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.

In an official statement signed by Executive Director Carol Davis, the organization joined the nation in mourning the public servants lost during an anti-illegal mining mission.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of their souls and divine comfort for their families and Ghana during this painful time,” Davis stated. AWISA President Joyce Mahama, based in Ghana, echoed the sentiment, noting: “Though deeply saddened, we trust the Almighty’s wisdom.” She emphasized unity, urging citizens to draw lessons from the tragedy while hoping such incidents never recur.

The victims, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and Air Force members Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo were en route to address galamsey (illegal mining) operations when their aircraft crashed in the Ashanti Region.

As Ghana prepares for state funerals, AWISA’s message underscores the incident’s continental resonance. How might this shared grief strengthen pan-African solidarity? For now, the focus remains on honoring lives dedicated to safeguarding Ghana’s future.

President John Mahama has urged Ghanaians to channel their sorrow from the recent military helicopter crash into a strengthened resolve for national unity and development.

Speaking at an Evening of Reflections and Memorial held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, Mr Mahama expressed his deep personal sorrow for the eight victims who lost their lives in the crash on August 6 at Adansi Akrofuom.

“These were more than just names in news reports,” he said. “They were dedicated public servants, united by their commitment to Ghana’s success.”

The former president called on the nation to mourn collectively while embracing the responsibility to heal and move forward. He emphasised that the tragedy should serve as a poignant reminder of the critical work that remains to be done in building a stronger Ghana.

“We come together not as divided factions but as one family,” Mahama said. “This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and how crucial it is for us to stand united in the face of loss.”

Honouring the victims, military officers, politicians, and civil servants, Mahama highlighted the broad impact of their service across the country.

He named the victims, including Flight Officer Chumam Pedu, Squadron Leader Peter Anala, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, among others, paying tribute to their dedication and sacrifice.

Their deaths, he said, “call on us all to renew our dedication to building the Ghana they envisioned: a nation of justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all.”

Mahama underscored the importance of focusing on facts and prevention, warning against blame and division.

Referencing a recent tragic accident that claimed the lives of 15 young church members, he highlighted the recurring challenges Ghana faces and the resilience required to overcome them.

“As we mourn, let us commit ourselves to healing and rebuilding,” he urged. “Let their memories inspire us to act with courage, innovation, and shared purpose.”

With the official mourning period coming to an end, Mahama announced that the burial of the victims would begin imminently, with support pledged for the families affected.

He concluded his address by quoting a poem by Professor Kofi Awoonor, envisioning a peaceful journey beyond life and encouraging Ghanaians to honour the legacy of those lost.

“May this moment of sorrow unite us in a common resolve to build a stronger Ghana,” he said.

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to channel the grief from the August 6 military helicopter crash into a renewed drive for national progress.

He described the eight victims as more than names in news reports, portraying them as dedicated public servants committed to Ghana’s growth and success.

Mr Mahama emphasised that their sacrifices should serve as an inspiration for the nation to heal together and work towards building a stronger, more prosperous Ghana.

Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial at the Forecourt of the State House on August 9, he said the fallen leaders would have wanted the country to move forward, not remain paralysed by sorrow.

“We’re truly one seamless unified family, and therefore we must not only mourn as one, but commit to healing as one. Their sacrifices, though painful beyond measure, serve as a powerful reminder of the profound work that needs to be done for Ghana.

“They wouldn’t want us to be paralysed by grief. They would be the first to urge us to pick up the mantle to channel our sorrow into renewed determination to get the work done. This is the spirit behind the resetting agenda,” he said.

The memorial formed part of a three-day national mourning period for Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others who died when a Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

The helicopter crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

An inter-denominational state funeral for the six victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.

The eight victims were:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central

Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

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Ghana’s gold reserves surged to an unprecedented 34.40 tonnes in July, marking a 12.3% jump since January, the Bank of Ghana confirmed today.

This milestone caps a remarkable two-year climb from just 8.78 tonnes in May 2023, reflecting sustained strategic efforts to bolster national assets.

Reserves had already doubled by December 2023, reaching 19.50 tonnes, before steadily climbing through 2024 and into this year.

The acceleration is largely credited to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), established in March 2025 to centralize gold purchasing and export from licensed small-scale miners.

By eliminating middlemen and streamlining trade under one authority, GoldBod has significantly curbed smuggling and ensured a reliable flow of bullion directly to the central bank. This centralized approach has injected much-needed transparency and efficiency into the sector.

The tangible growth in physical reserves has delivered concrete economic benefits. It’s been a key driver behind the cedi’s impressive over 40% appreciation against major currencies this year.

Market confidence in Ghana’s currency has strengthened, foreign exchange liquidity has improved, and the Bank of Ghana has successfully increased import cover to a healthier four months. What does this mean for everyday Ghanaians? Greater stability in prices and a stronger economic buffer.

Gold remains Ghana’s top export earner. Revenue hit $8.39 billion in the first half of 2025, up from $7.73 billion a year earlier, forming a major part of total exports worth $13.79 billion.

This rise in export income, combined with the swelling gold stockpile, has markedly strengthened Ghana’s overall external position. Can the momentum hold? Analysts are watching GoldBod’s next moves closely.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Saturday afternoon paid President John Mahama a commisserating visit to console him, following the tragic loss of two Ministers of State and six other officials in last Wednesday’s helicopter clash.

The former Vice President, who called on the President at his private residence, was accompanied by some officials of the New Patriotic Party and the past government.

Dr. Bawumia, once again, expressed his deepest condolences to President Mahama, the bereaved families and the nation, reiterating the demise of the officials as a national tragedy.

Dr. Bawumia also visited the family of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, to express his sympathies to them for the loss.

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The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has emerged winner of the Graphic Business Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) Version 7.0, beating the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to clinch their second national title. 

The event was held today at the Zenith University College auditorium in Accra.

Led by Intelligentsia Master Kwadwo Acheampong Opoku, the KNUST quartet — Japhet Adeleke, Frederick Asontoliya and Daniel Ekow Baffoe — dominated their counterparts from UEW and UG from start to finish.

After six rounds of competition, KNUST scored 77.17 points to win a golden trophy, medals, books from sponsors ICAG, laptops, and cash. UGBS, which placed second with 54 points, took home books, medals, and cash. UEW came third with 51.83 points, also winning medals, books, and an undisclosed cash prize.

The contest began evenly, with KNUST scoring nine points in the first round, ahead of Legon’s four points and UEW’s five. However, as the competition progressed, Kwadwo Acheampong proved unstoppable, impressing judges and the audience with his sharp answers and confident presentations.

In the third round — the business case of the day — UEW scored 13.83 points, UG 14 points, and KNUST 16.17 points. KNUST further extended their lead in the Graphic Business Stories round with 21 points, ahead of UG’s 19 and UEW’s 18.

The fifth round saw KNUST and UEW tie with 13 points each, while UG managed four points. In the final riddles round, KNUST scored six points, UEW three, and UG none.

Kwadwo Acheampong was named Overall Best Performer, receiving a plaque and an undisclosed cash award.

The event, attended by sponsors such as CompuGhana’s Elizabeth Frempong and PwC’s Paula Adum-Yeboah, included words of encouragement to participating students to take their studies seriously and strive for excellence.

The Director of Marketing of the Graphic Communications Group Limited lauded the high level of business acumen on display, stating that the TBSC “has come to stay” and encouraging all tertiary schools to participate.

According to quiz master Alhassan Trawule, the competition format has been expanded to include comprehensive presentations judged by panels, more business case studies, computer literacy training, and mentorship sessions with seasoned professionals.

The University of Cape Coast remains the most successful school in the history of the competition, having won twice in 2019 and 2021. This year saw over 26 schools, including new entrants, participate.

The TBSC is sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), MTN, PwC, GLICO Life, Papaye, GCB Bank, and CompuGhana.

Currency circulating outside Ghana’s banking system fell to GH₵58.1 billion in June, the lowest level this year, signaling shifting monetary behavior amid cooling inflation.

Bank of Ghana data reveals a notable decline from the GH₵62 billion monthly average maintained between January and May 2025.

Economists link the trend to the central bank’s earlier tight monetary stance, which held the policy rate at 28% through mid-year.

As inflation dropped to 13.7% in June (a 3.5-year low) and further to 12.1% in July, households and businesses appear more willing to deposit funds rather than hold physical cash. Improved macroeconomic confidence played a role too: Ghana’s sovereign credit rating upgrade to B- in June boosted trust in formal banking channels.

Parallel to this, bank reserves at the central bank plunged to GH₵46.8 billion in June from April’s GH₵74.2 billion peak, confirming broader liquidity tightening. The Bank of Ghana’s subsequent 300-basis-point rate cut to 25% in July suggests policymakers now prioritize stimulating credit growth after inflation containment succeeded.

Ghana has confirmed 26 additional Mpox cases, bringing the national total to 328 infections as of August 3.

The Ghana Health Service disclosed the latest figures in its August 9 situational report, noting no patients are currently hospitalized and the death toll remains at one. Disease surveillance remains heightened nationwide.

Mpox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive skin rash that evolves through stages.

Health authorities continue urging the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and practice frequent handwashing. “Visit a health facility immediately if you develop concerning symptoms,” the report advises.

The Ghana Health Service maintains its prevention guidance despite the rising caseload. Recommendations include using protective equipment when caring for infected persons and avoiding contact with animals that might carry the virus.

While the outbreak persists, the absence of current hospitalizations suggests effective community management thus far.

Ghana will lay to rest Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed on Sunday, August 10, following their deaths in last week’s military helicopter crash.

The burial will follow Islamic Janazah prayers at the State House forecourt in Accra, with interment at the Military Cemetery.

Both officials were among eight killed when the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crashed near Obuasi on August 6 while en route from Accra. The solemn ceremony comes amid ongoing investigations into the disaster and criticism over evidence handling at the crash site.

The state-organized funeral reflects the high-profile status of the victims, who included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong. Their burial marks the first formal farewells since the tragedy that stunned the nation and exposed gaps in emergency response protocols.