Officials of the Ghana Immigration Service have revealed that processes are underway to deport a Liberian national who travelled to Ghana to join self-proclaimed prophet Ebo Noah’s ark. Mr. Paul Telly Jalloh was brought to the Elmina District Police Headquarters after he travelled from Liberia seeking the purported vessel.

According to police, Jalloh reported that he had travelled to Elmina after reading social media posts attributed to Ebo Noah, who allegedly claimed that a worldwide flood would occur on December 25 and that safety could only be found by joining an ark in Elmina or Takoradi.

The police received Jalloh on December 25, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m. when a radio presenter with Benya FM, identified as Sofo Blessing, brought him to the Elmina District Police Headquarters.

During interrogation, Jalloh told police he first encountered the prophecy through social media and international news platforms, including Cable News Network (CNN) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), as early as June 8, 2025. He said he initially travelled to Takoradi, then moved through Accra and Cape Coast before finally arriving at Elmina Beach in search of the purported ark. He later learned that no such ark existed.

Local residents familiar with Ebo Noah told police that he is a native of Elmina but disputed claims that he is a prophet or that he owns any form of ark.

The Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Immigration Department was notified about the incident. Immigration officials have since profiled Jalloh and begun arrangements to repatriate him to Liberia to reunite with his family. He remains in police custody pending completion of the repatriation process.

The 30 year old man identifying as Ebo Noah or Ebo Jesus attracted global attention after predicting a catastrophic three year flood starting December 25, 2025. However, in a further twist that fueled public backlash, the self-styled prophet made a surprise appearance at rapper Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert on December 25, 2025, the very day the flood was supposed to begin.

Police say investigations into the alleged prophecy and the whereabouts of Ebo Noah are ongoing and are led by Chief Inspector Jonas Solee. Reports indicated that the Elmina District Commander, Chief Superintendent Abraham Bansah, had previously tasked some of his personnel on December 18, 2025, to search for and arrest the self-proclaimed prophet for interrogation. However, the police officers’ mission failed after he eluded capture, with his actual whereabouts undetermined.

The incident highlights the real world consequences of viral prophecies and social media content that can influence behavior across international borders. For Jalloh, the decision to travel internationally without verifying the legitimacy of claims or ensuring he had resources for return reflects the power of social media to shape decisions based on unverified information.

The case raises questions about platforms’ responsibilities regarding content that could cause harm, as well as challenges for immigration authorities managing individuals who enter countries based on false pretenses.

By Eric Appah Marfo 

Accra, Dec. 31, GNA — The Ghana Police Service has deployed personnel nationwide to ensure public safety during the 31st Watch Night services and related social activities. 

Addressing the media on Wednesday in Accra, Assistant Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah of the Public Affairs Department said officers had been deployed to communities, major towns, entertainment centres and key highways to prevent crime and maintain public order. 

He said police visibility would be heightened throughout the period to deter criminal activity and ensure rapid response when necessary. 

ASP Mensah noted that traffic officers had been positioned at major intersections and along routes leading to watch night services and social events to ensure smooth traffic flow. 

He said special security arrangements had also been put in place at churches, public gathering venues and other locations expected to attract large crowds. 

The Police urged the public to cooperate with officers on duty, comply with lawful instructions and remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. 

ASP Mensah appealed to religious and community leaders to conduct their activities responsibly to avoid creating fear or panic among the public. 

In the event of an emergency, members of the public were advised to contact the Police through the emergency numbers 18555, 191, 112, or 0302-773906. 

The Ghana Police Service wished the public a safe, peaceful and happy New Year. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey  

The Ghana Health Information Management Association (GHIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate and reliable healthcare data to aid planning, monitoring and proper healthcare delivery in Ghana.

In a New Year message shared by GHIMA, the president of the Association, Richard Delali Ahedor, acknowledged the critical function of healthcare data.

“Every health facility visited, every diagnosis, every treatment decision depends on accurate and secure healthcare data. And behind the management of the data are trained health information management professionals, legally mandated to protect your medical records, your privacy and confidentiality. Quality healthcare depends on quality healthcare data; its completeness, accuracy, timeliness, security, and above all trustworthiness. From diagnosis and treatment to national planning and policy, healthcare data is the foundation of every meaningful health decision.

Health Information Profession is legally mandated to manage, protect, and safeguard patient health information in Ghana. We are the custodians of medical records, digital health systems, reporting platforms, and data governance processes that ensure patient privacy, confidentiality, and security.”

He also highlighted challenges affecting the country’s healthcare data system.

“We acknowledge the challenges our health system has faced over the years. This includes data quality gaps, system inefficiencies, and growing concerns about data privacy in an increasingly digital world. In this New Year, we are assuring the nation that we are prepared. Our professional group is on the locus of strengthened training, standards, digital health competencies, and accountability mechanisms to ensure healthcare data truly supports quality care.”

He continued that the Association will collaborate with other agencies to ensure the quality delivery of healthcare.

“This new year, our work will continue to align with national health priorities, including the Ministry of Health’s reforms, digital health strategies, health sector legislation, regulatory practices and international standards for data governance and patient safety.

We stand committed to supporting facility managers, regulators, and policymakers with reliable data for planning, monitoring, evaluation, and accountability, because evidence must lead policy, and data must lead care.”

His message ended with a wish for the health and progress of the country in the coming year, assuring the public that their health information is safe in the hands of GHIMA.

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.

By: Francis Ofori, GNA 

Accra, Dec. 31, GNA – Ghana’s Abigail Fremah has been named Africa’s best Armwrestling referee by the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), following an exceptional year of officiating in major international competitions. 

Bursting onto the world stage a year ago, the young referee has since elevated her profile by taking charge of other Championships in Africa. 

Fremah’s success shattered barriers and captured the spotlight, opening doors for other female referees to rise and excel in a field long dominated by men. 

At the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship in Nigeria, her crisp and composed officiating in both the male and female divisions drew glowing praise from athletes and officials alike. 

Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA) in his “End of Year” message congratulated the referee, among other winners for their hard work throughout the year. 

He said “As the curtain closes on 2025, it is with immense pride and a deep sense of accomplishment that I send you this message. 

This has been a monumental year, a year where the strength, unity, and passion of African Armwrestling truly roared onto the global stage.” 

He noted that despite the challenges encountered, the federation did not only achieve its target but also established new benchmarks, a clear evidence that the sport continues to flourish. 

The AFA President revealed that the 14th African Armwrestling Championship, which was held in Abuja remained one of the highlights of the year, showcasing the growing depth of talent in nations like Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana. 

“Our commitment to Para-Armwrestling achieved a major milestone this year with the successful inclusion of our discipline in the inaugural West Africa Para Games.  

The inspiring, medal-winning performances displayed by our Para-athletes elevated the entire event and firmly established Armwrestling as a leading sport for accessibility and power in the region,” He added. 

On his re-election as WAF Vice President, Mr. Asibey said this was an emphatic global endorsement of the progress of the sport in Africa. 

He urged all federations to begin preparations for the 15th Africa Armwrestling Championship which would be a mandatory qualifier for the Armwrestling events at the 2027 African Games in Egypt. 

“Our major institutional target for 2026 is to intensify our efforts across all member nations to ensure Armwrestling achieves official Sport Code Status,” he said. 

The eight awardees will be honoured at the next Africa Armwrestling Champions.  

Full list of winners 

National Team – Benin 

Fastest Growing Team – Cameroon 

Male Puller – Daniel Acquah (Ghana) 

Female Puller – Mabel Yeboah (Ghana) 

Coach of the Year – Geremie of Benin 

Referee of the Year- Abigail Frema (Ghana) 

Para Athlete of the Year – Omar Said 

Promising – Ange Mete 

GNA 

Kenneth Odeng Adade 

Anyako (VR), Dec 31, GNA-The Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII’s family in Anyako, in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region has celebrated Christmas with residents by organising a party and get-together for children and other community members to foster a sense of togetherness and joy. 

As part of the festivities, Togbi Tenge’s children – Etornam, Elikem, Enyonam, and Eklenam Djokoto-Gligui, donated outdoor table tennis equipment, including ping pong, balls, among others worth GH₵ 17,000 to promote sports and uncover local talents. 

Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui who is the Paramount Chief of Amugo-Vego Traditional Area, during the celebration said that the donation was motivated by the belief that engaging in sports is essential for a balanced life, as “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” to highlight the importance of recreation in personal development. 

“Let me stress that Christmas is a season of togetherness, peace, reconciliation, and charity, and l am calling on residents to maintain peaceful relationships for the community’s betterment through the sports,” he said. 

He explained that the donations were solely championed through contributions of his children and encouraged residents, especially children, to take advantage of the donated sports equipment to learn, improve their skills, and nurture their talents, to emphasise the role of sports in community building and development. 

Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui, who is also the Head of Bate Clan, warned that any child found at funeral wake-keeping activities would face severe punishment and urged parents to take full responsibility for their children’s actions and ensure they focus on positive engagements. 

“Let me also use this opportunity to wish my people joyous and blessed Christmas to wish all chiefs and the subjects under my jurisdiction. May we continue to work in unity, humidity and dedication towards the advancement of Anlo State. Together, let us build a brighter future for our people.” 

In a fun display of sportsmanship, Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui and his Personal Assistant, Togbi Agbeti Zewu IV of Anyako engaged in a freestyle table tennis match, with Togbi Zewu winning the first round and Togbi Tenge conceding in the next with residents expecting rematch soon. 

Some beneficiary residents that GNA engaged expressed gratitude for the gesture and noted that the sports equipment would boost recreational activities and youth engagement in Anyako and would contribute to community development. 

They said the celebration underscored Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui’s commitment to community welfare and Christmas celebration has created an opportunity to promote peace, sports, and collective responsibility among Anyako residents and beyond. 

The event was attended by several chiefs, including Togbi Solanga Akakpo of Abolorve, Togbi Agordor of Kpohegah, Togbi Azameti of Nogokpo, and Mama Kokui Diakor of Asadame, showcasing community unity. 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/ Kenneth Odeng Adade 

The Upper West Regional Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons and the arrest of two suspects following a violent clash between members of a family over a disputed piece of land in the region.

Speaking in an interview, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, described the incident as “very unfortunate” and disclosed that the clash escalated rapidly before police intervention.

“This is a very unfortunate situation here. We all have the information that just the latest part of the day yesterday, there was a clash of the family over a piece of land,” DCOP Yiribaare stated.

According to him, upon receiving information about the disturbance, the police immediately deployed their Quick Response Team (QRT) to the scene. However, by the time officers arrived, the situation had already deteriorated.

“On arrival, we discovered that the clash had gone too far, resulting in the death of one person right on the spot,” the Regional Commander revealed.

He further explained that another victim found unconscious at the scene was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention but later died, bringing the total number of fatalities from the incident to two.

“One that we met at the scene was also unconscious and was immediately rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he also passed,” he added.

DCOP Yiribaare noted that the police have since commenced full-scale investigations into the incident, with the cooperation of residents in the area.

“The general public has been very cooperative since we started. We have processed the crime scene, and the management team covered and processed every particle that mattered in the issue,” he said.

As part of ongoing investigations, the police have arrested two suspects in connection with the clash. According to the Regional Commander, one suspect is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard, while another was arrested in the early hours of the morning and remains in police custody.

“So far, one person is on admission but under police guard as a suspect, under arrest. We have one other individual who was also arrested in the later part of the dawn of this morning and is also in detention,” DCOP Yiribaare confirmed.

He assured the public that the police are committed to ensuring justice is served.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of it and ensuring that justice takes its own course,” he stressed.

Beyond the investigations, the Regional Police Commander used the opportunity to appeal to the affected family and the general public to resolve land and other disputes through peaceful and lawful means.

“I want to encourage the family to continue to revert to the police for every other issue surrounding this land or to the locals for a very peaceful resolution of the matter,” he advised, adding that violence only undermines peace and development.

He emphasized that peaceful dispute resolution is key to maintaining stability in the Upper West Region.

“In matters like this, we should try to use peaceful means rather than violence. In so doing, we continue to preserve the peace and stability of the region and also create a safer community for development and social activities to go on,” DCOP Yiribaare said.

On the reopening of the affected road, which was temporarily closed for security and investigative purposes, the Regional Commander indicated that access would be restored once outstanding processes are completed.

“We are still processing a few issues and once that is done, we should be able to open it up,” he assured.

It was rolled out with fanfare — hailed as Ghana’s bold answer to rising carbon emissions. But barely a year later, the Emissions Levy is gone. Repealed quietly. Almost unnoticed. And now, new research suggests it may never have worked at all.

Each year, at least 32,000 Ghanaians die from exposure to fine particulate matter, according to the Health Effects Institute. The deadliest sources of this pollution remain stubbornly familiar: vehicle exhaust and open burning.

By 2018, Accra’s central business district alone was emitting more than four million tonnes of carbon dioxide — far beyond what city planners had anticipated.

Alex Johnson, Director of Transport at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, says the scale of emissions came as a shock.

“In 2018, when we first launched our climate action plan, the projection was to achieve a reduction that sees emission levels at about 4 million metric tons in 2035. But by 2021, when Google, Environmental Insights Explorer made some of these data resources available, we realized that we were already clocking 4 million metric tons of emissions within a certain sector of the Accra space, especially towards the CBD.” – Alex Johnson, Director of Transport at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Dr. Raphael Arku said the warning signs were already clear.

“We have discovered that there are about 4 to 6 major sources that are polluting the air in Accra. It includes traffic, waste burning, gas particles, and even construction, among other things, contributing. Even sea salt, because Accra is along the ocean.”

Government’s response was the Emissions Levy

Passed in December 2023 and implemented in February 2024, the levy imposed annual charges of GH₵ 75 to GH₵300 on petrol and diesel vehicles, depending on engine size. Officials said it would cut emissions and fund environmental action.

But skepticism followed almost immediately. Drivers questioned its purpose.

“The government could have engaged the ordinary drivers on this as well,” a driver said. A passenger also said that “we as passengers have little to say on this issue because we have no choice.”

From lawmakers in Parliament, especially the minority.

“They have signed on to an IMF conditionality which compels government to raise the threshold of the revenue as a percentage of GDP to a certain level and so they are looking at every means to tax the people of Ghana” – John Jinapor (who at the time was a member of the Finance Committee in Parliament).

And even from clean air advocates, who questioned the levy’s real intention.

“If you want to use the emissions levy as a tool to reduce pollution, the way you target it is different. What I think we were trying to introduce in Ghana, in my humble opinion, and this is my personal opinion, I thought was more of a revenue generation tool.” – Desmond Appiah.

Many argued that the levy — though framed as an environmental measure — functioned more as a revenue pipeline than a true deterrent to pollution.

So when Parliament repealed the levy in 2025, it came as little surprise. What did surprise many, however, was what the data revealed next.

Atmospheric scientist at Columbia University, Dr. Daniel Westervelt, who has spent years tracking Ghana’s pollution trends, set out to measure the levy’s real impact during the single year it was in force.

His findings were blunt.

“We didn’t find a whole lot of specific policies that were targeting air pollution, but we did find things like this emissions levy, which wasn’t maybe designed purely to tackle air pollution, but had it as one of the possible co-benefits,” Dr Westervelt said.

Using satellite data and ground-level sensors, Westervelt found the levy delivered almost nothing. Transport-related pollution remained virtually unchanged — with no measurable drop in fine particulate matter, even outside the harmattan season.

“We do have what we’re calling the Gridded Africa Surface Pollution Dataset, or GRASP for short. And it also goes back all the way to the year 2005 up to the end of 2024. We compared February 2024 through the rest of 2024 to previous years. So we compared February 2024 to February 2023 to February 2022 to February 2021, etc.

“That way, you can sort of control for the fact that there are seasonal changes in the PM 2.5.  The other thing that we did is we looked at it in different months. So it’s not just February. It’s all the months of the year.

“So we looked at, for example, June of 2024 and compared that to June of 2023, 21, 22, etc. So we were able to actually look at non-harmattan periods as well to see if there were any changes that would be completely independent of the harmattan. And even in those cases, there weren’t any statistically significant changes in PM 2.5 that could be attributed just to the emissions levy.”

Over the period, vehicle numbers continued to rise, fuel consumption did not slow, and no behavioural shifts were recorded among drivers.

On the streets of Accra, some drivers told JoyNews the levy never changed how they drove, serviced their engines, or thought about pollution.

“There was no need for the levy. The smoke is nothing,” one driver said.

“Government should give our money back,” another added.

“You see somebody’s exhaust fumes, the way the smoke is coming out, you yourself, you will not like” – another driver at the Circle bus terminal said.

“How can you say that you are collecting air pollution tax? How? No!,” another driver said.

Meanwhile, research shows tailpipe emissions in Accra have remained largely unchanged for nearly two decades, according to Dr. Raphael Arku, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

“What we have found is that the proportion that is coming from traffic remains the same. It hasn’t changed over the last 20 years. So, how much traffic is contributing to air pollution in Accra has remained stable.”

Fresh research from PSS Urbania, led by Dr. Joseph Ayitio, is now helping to map pollution hotspots across parts of Accra — revealing where exposure is highest.

“Across the 30 MMDAs, the very common causes of pollution, which I’m sure would not be shocking to you, had to do with transportation, which was a major contributor to the kind of quality, poor quality that is emitted, that contributes to poor air quality. And then burning of firewood and open burning of rubbish was another major activity that was identified across most of the local authorities. Across the 52 sites, most sites had levels below the EPA and then the World Health Organization levels, except four major sites. And these were Ayawaso- North, South and Lada Dadekotopon Municipality.” – Dr. Joseph Ayitio.

Researchers insist the solution is still within reach — but only if Ghana targets the real sources.

“Those responsible can target these two sources: traffic, biomass burning and then waste burning. When we do that, we can cut down air pollution levels by 50% or even more than 50% in Accra,” said Dr Arku.

“So certain African countries have put into place, you know, restrictions on how old and sort of polluting the vehicle that you can import from Europe or the US or Canada or, you know, another wealthy country. 

“They’ve put some restrictions on that to help, you know, reduce the local pollution from these sorts of dirty old cars. Other things would be, you know, enhancing the level of public transportation. This would mean buses, trains, even things like bicycles and electric scooters and all those kinds of things. Those are sort of the new emerging frontier of clean travel.

“And then the last thing that I would say really has nothing to do with vehicles, but cleaner cooking fuels. And the challenge with the cleaner cooking fuels is they have to be affordable. As I was kind of mentioning earlier, folks that are cooking with wood or charcoal are doing so because it’s cheap.” – Dr. Daniel Westervelt

The repeal of the Emissions Levy ends a chapter — but not the crisis.

Clean-air advocates say a new conversation must begin: not about taxing emissions, but about actually reducing them.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives. Funding was provided by the Clean Air Fund, which had no say in the story’s content.

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

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

The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has alleged that the Ghana Audit Service is being undermined, rendering it ineffective in the fight against corruption.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse during the 2025 Year in Review discussion on Wednesday, Mr. Mohammed said budgetary constraints and reduced allowances have weakened the institution, making it vulnerable to external influence.

“The biggest corruption-preventing institution in Ghana is the Ghana Audit Service. Today, it is being relegated to the background. Budget lines meant for their operations and remuneration have been sidelined.

“If you make the Auditor General poor, you suffocate the office, and you cannot expect meaningful outcomes,” he stated.

Mr. Mohammed further criticised the government of President John Dramani Mahama for allegedly discontinuing several high-profile corruption cases, including the Saglemi project and cases involving former Bank of Ghana officials, claiming that such actions undermine efforts to hold public officials accountable.

“The government has filed nolle prosequi in seven critical cases, including SSNIT-related matters. Every prominent case we were pursuing for causing financial loss to the state has been discontinued,” he added.

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.

By Perdita AGYARKO

In a press briefing held at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, Deputy Commissioner of Police (CID) Ms. Lydia Yaa‑Ko Donkor outlined a series of intelligence‑led operations that have resulted in multiple arrests and the disruption of illegal weapons networks across the country.

The briefing highlighted six key actions:

1. *GH₵7.5 million daylight robbery* – Salim Mohammed, alias “Fariwata,” was detained on 20 November at a hospital in Ashaiman. He and armed accomplices had seized cash from a jewellery shop in Adabraka. Investigations continue to track the remaining suspects and recover the stolen funds.

2. *Phone‑snatching and armed‑robbery syndicate* – Five members – Seth Tetteh Noi, Emmanuel Selasi Monyekor, Abdul Fatao Sameed, Karam Fatao and Abdul Jamel Mohammed – were arrested on 24 and 26 December in Ashaiman and Kasoa. Police recovered a pistol, a pump‑action gun and linked the group to a robbery at an Ashaiman funeral that netted over GH₵200 000.

3. *Residential robbery in Appolonia* – Eight suspects, including drivers, okada riders and a herdsman, were apprehended on 8 November. Items seized include helmets, a cutlass, boots and a body‑armour vest.

4. *Impersonation of a military officer* – A suspect found in full camouflage was arrested with two unregistered pistols, ammunition, a bayonet and handcuffs. He is being questioned for possible links to wider criminal activities.

5. *Arms dealer capture* – Abdulai Ibrahim was detained on 29 December after attempting to sell a CZ rifle for GH₵35 000. He admitted to moving pump‑action guns to the Northern Region and named a source in the UTC area of Accra. Efforts are underway to dismantle the broader network.

6. *Firearm‑discharge conviction* – Pergringo Braimah Abubakah Sadick, known as “Cyborg,” pleaded guilty at the Adenta Circuit Court on 31 December. He was fined GH₵24 000, had his licence revoked and his weapon confiscated.

Ms. Donkor reminded the public of the ongoing Gun Amnesty Programme, urging citizens to surrender illegal or unregistered firearms. She thanked officers and media partners for their support and wished a safe and prosperous New Year.

Sixteen suspected individuals have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service (GPS) for their involvement in various criminal cases recorded in the capital city between November and December 2025.

Some of the criminal cases for which the suspects were arrested included daylight robbery, phone snatching, residential robbery, impersonation of a military officer, and arms dealing and disruption of illegal weapons supply.

The arrest of the suspects was confirmed by the Director General of the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the GPS, Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday.

According to her, the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts after months of intelligence led and coordinated operations by the GPS.

She noted that one of the suspects was arrested in connection with a daylight robbery attack on a jewellery shop at Adabreka where an amount of GHC 7.5 million proceeds from a gold transaction was being conveyed to the bank while five were also arrested for their involvement in notorious phone snatching and armed robbery syndicates within Accra and Tema.

Additionally, COP Donkor said that eight of the suspects were also arrested for residential robbery in areas such as Airport residential area, Oyibi, and Spintex, where they made away with valuable items of the victims.

Furthermore, she noted that preliminary investigations and search  carried out by the GPS led to the recovery of pistols, a pump action gun, AK47 assault rifles, helmets, cutlasses, boots, body armour vests, a military camouflage bag, a bayonet, Hauwai gota set, and a pair of handcuffs with serial number 46446.

COP Donkor said that Abdulai Ibrahim, the suspect involved in arms dealing and disruption of illegal weapons supply, had been trafficking firearms to the Northern Region.

According to her, the suspect was arrested at the point of transaction at Sodom and Gomorah in Accra, where he had directed a potential buyer of a CZ rifle to be sold at  GHC 35,000.

She said that the suspect, during interrogation, disclosed that he previously purchased and transported seven pump action guns to individuals in Wulensi.

The suspect, COP Donkor, said that he sourced the weapons from an arms dealer who operated around UTC in Accra.

Additionally, she noted the CID had secured the conviction of Pergringo Braimah Abubakar Sadick, aged 54, for the unlawfully discharge of firearm in public.

This, COP Donkor said, was after the Adenta Circuit Court One, had revoked the firearm of the convict and ordered its confiscation the state.

She also reaffirmed the commitment of the GPS to enforce the law and ensure public safety by taking firm action on the unlawful use of firearms.

COP Donkor further urged the citizenry to surrender illegal firearms or unregistered firearms to the appropriate authorities, noting “the GPS will not relent in its effort to fight the proliferation of firearms. “

BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG

By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu 

Sandema (U/E), Dec. 31, GNA – Mr James Agalga, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Builsa North Constituency, has donated 15 desktop computers and assorted training equipment to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Sciences in Sandema. 

The 12th Mechanized Battalion of the GAF received five of the computers to boost administrative work, while the training college received 10 computers, one examination couch and a wheelchair. 

Other items for the college included two each of stethoscopes, walkers, examination beds, sphygmomanometers and thermometers, as well as three each of bedside lockers, hospital beds, intravenous (IV) stands and screens. 

The donation, valued at over GH¢430,000, was funded from the MP’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund. 

Presenting the items at a brief ceremony, Mr Agalga, who chairs Parliament’s Defense and Interior Committee, underscored the importance of technology in enhancing national security operations at the local level. 

“Our security services require adequate technological resources to effectively discharge their duties, especially in border communities like ours. These computers will facilitate better coordination, intelligence management and operational readiness,” he said. 

He noted that strengthening the military and health sectors was critical for community development, adding that the growth of the constituency depended on the resilience of its institutions. 

Receiving the computers on behalf of the GAF, Captain Kenneth Dwomoh Kwofie, Second-in-Command at the 12th Mechanized Battalion, expressed appreciation to the MP and said the computers would be deployed immediately to improve administrative and communication systems. 

Dr Jerry John Amaasende Akooti, Acting Principal of the training college, also thanked the MP, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.  

He assured that the items would be used judiciously for the benefit of students. 

GNA 

Edited by Caesar Abagali/Lydia Kukua Asamoah

More than six out of every 10 colorectal cancer patients in Ghana die within five years of diagnosis, according to a new study by researchers at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The study, published in BMC Gastroenterology, analysed clinical outcomes for 281 patients treated between 2016 and 2022 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana’s largest referral centres.

It found a five-year overall survival rate of 39.3%, meaning roughly 60% of patients died within five years of diagnosis,  far below survival rates reported in high-income countries.

The research, led by Tonnies Abeku Buckman of KNUST’s Department of Molecular Medicine, identified late-stage diagnosis as the strongest predictor of poor survival.

“Most patients are still coming in very late, when treatment options are limited and outcomes are poor,” Buckman said.

Nearly 70% of patients were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, with almost one in three presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer. Patients diagnosed at this stage had a five-year survival rate of just 16.4%, compared with more than 90% among those diagnosed at stage I.

Median overall survival across all patients was 45 months, with survival declining steadily each year after diagnosis.

The study also found that more than a quarter of patients were under the age of 45, raising concerns that existing screening guidelines may be failing to capture younger, at-risk populations.

Several factors were independently associated with poorer survival outcomes, including cigarette smoking, having multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, and the use of herbal medicine alongside conventional cancer treatment. Patients who reported using herbal remedies had a median survival of 26 months, compared with 50 months for those who did not.

Colorectal cancer incidence has been rising steadily in Ghana, driven by urbanisation, changing diets and longer life expectancy, yet screening coverage remains limited despite national guidelines introduced more than a decade ago.

Buckman said expanding screening programmes and improving access to timely diagnosis and treatment could significantly reduce preventable deaths. “Early detection changes everything,” he said. “When we find the disease early, survival improves dramatically.”

The authors called for stronger national cancer control strategies focused on public awareness, earlier diagnosis and improved referral pathways.

They also highlighted the need for targeted funding to support further research into how diet, body composition and physical activity influence colorectal cancer prevention and survivorship in Ghana, areas they said remain under-studied despite their growing relevance to cancer outcomes.

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.

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

Zeqblog Blog of Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Source: Okine Isaac

Private legal practitioner and policy analyst Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has expressed strong confidence in International Monetary Fund (IMF) data indicating a $214 million operational loss linked to transactions between the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), describing local explanations of the losses as hurried and unconvincing.

Brako-Powers criticised what he describes as inconsistent and shifting explanations by GoldBod leadership, particularly Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, over the reported losses. Speaking on TV3’s Big Issues, the lawyer questioned the credibility of GoldBod’s response to the IMF findings.

The IMF noted in its fifth review report, “In 2025 through end Q3, losses from the artisanal and small scale doré gold transactions component of Gold for Reserves (G4R) have reached US$214 million (0.2 percent of GDP), mostly on trading losses but also on GoldBod off takers’ fees”.

However, speaking on TV3’s Key Points program on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Gyamfi clarified that the IMF’s reported figure of a US$214 million loss relates to accounting assessments concerning the Bank of Ghana’s Gold for Reserve programme, and not to the financial performance of the GoldBod. He stressed that at no point did the IMF state that the Ghana Gold Board itself had incurred losses.

Gyamfi disclosed that, based on unaudited financial statements, GoldBod is expected to declare an income surplus of not less than 600 million cedis for the year 2025. He explained that GoldBod’s role in 2025 was limited to buying gold locally, testing its quality, and exporting it for the Bank of Ghana. He said the sale and trading of the gold is the sole responsibility of the Bank of Ghana.

Addressing the IMF’s assessment of losses under the Gold for Reserve programme, Gyamfi said the matter relates to unresolved accounting and financial reporting treatments, which the Bank of Ghana is currently discussing with the IMF and its external auditors.

Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo, has described the response by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board as unfortunate. Gyamfi has indicated that he will provide a detailed response to the IMF report and related concerns starting January 5, 2026.

The Chairman of the Economic and Development Committee of Parliament, Eric Afful, accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of intentionally making allegations to render Ghana’s economic gains useless. “The $214 million the NPP is quoting is a transactional cost of the GoldBod, and you cannot determine this as a loss because, as we speak today we do not have the financials of the GoldBod,” he said.

While GoldBod itself has indeed recorded profits, those gains have come at the expense of the central bank, which has absorbed the bulk of the losses generated by the programme. The IMF has warned that this arrangement poses risks to the Bank of Ghana’s financial position, stating plainly that the domestic gold purchase programme poses risks to the financial sustainability of the BoG.

Gyamfi highlighted that under the NPP administration, audited losses under the Gold for Oil and Gold for Reserves schemes in 2023 and 2024 totaled approximately 7 billion cedis. He contrasted economic performance, noting the cedi depreciated 27.8% in 2023 and 19.2% in 2024 amid 22.3% and 23.8% inflation rates, versus 2025’s 35% cedi appreciation and inflation dropping from 23.8% to 6.3% over 11 months.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, the Board is expected to fully take over the artisanal and small scale gold trading programme from January 2026, meaning GoldBod would no longer operate as an intermediary for the Bank of Ghana.

The debate continues as stakeholders await Gyamfi’s detailed response in January 2026 and the release of audited financial statements for both GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana’s Gold for Reserves programme.

Ghana’s fixed income market recorded total trades valued at GH¢764.42 million across 513 transactions on Tuesday, December 31, marking the final trading session of 2025.

New Government of Ghana notes and bonds dominated activity, accounting for GH¢365.54 million across 64 trades. Treasury bills followed with GH¢321.56 million spread over 438 transactions, while corporate bonds contributed GH¢24.69 million from five trades.

The market also saw GH¢51.62 million in sell and buy back trades involving government notes and bonds across five transactions. Old government notes and bonds recorded minimal activity with a single trade worth GH¢1 million.

The largest single transaction in new government securities involved a bond maturing on February 16, 2027, with a coupon rate of 8.35%. The security traded at a yield of 14.94% with a closing price of 93.34, representing a volume of GH¢140.83 million across six trades.

In the treasury bills segment, the highest volume trade involved a bill maturing on December 28, 2026, which recorded GH¢119.38 million across 27 transactions at a closing price of 88.53.

Corporate bond activity was led by a CAL Bank bond maturing on August 28, 2028, with a 13% coupon rate. The security traded at a closing price of 100.40, accounting for GH¢22.92 million in two transactions.

The most significant sell and buy back transaction involved a government bond maturing on February 8, 2033, with a 9.25% coupon. The security traded at a yield of 13% with a closing price of 82.87, representing GH¢28.97 million in a single trade.

The robust trading activity on the final day of the year reflects continued investor appetite for Ghana’s fixed income securities amid improved macroeconomic conditions. The market has benefited from declining inflation, currency stability, and renewed confidence following the country’s ongoing International Monetary Fund supported economic recovery programme.

Ghana’s fixed income market plays a crucial role in government financing and provides investment opportunities for institutional and retail investors seeking predictable returns. The diverse range of maturities and yields across government securities allows investors to match their investment horizons with available instruments.