The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is demanding proof of an earned doctorate from politician Hassan Ayariga, following what it describes as the questionable use of the title “Doctor.”

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, said Mr. Ayariga has made inconsistent claims about his academic qualifications, which the commission finds concerning.

“We made it clear to him that we are not interested in honorary titles. what we are asking for is evidence of an earned, accredited academic PhD,” Prof. Jinapor told journalists.

According to him, Mr. Ayariga claimed in one interview that he holds a PhD in Business Management with a thesis in Political Science, and in another, that he has a PhD in Political Science with a thesis on Political Tolerance.

“He mentioned that he has two honorary doctorates and what he called a ‘platinum’ doctorate. None of these claims have been supported with valid academic documents.” Prof. Jinapor said.

Prof. Jinapor said the Commission reached out to Mr. Ayariga through several informal messages and followed up with four official letters, yet no response or documentation has been received.

“We made every effort to give him the opportunity to clarify, but to date, we have not seen any proof of a recognized academic qualification,” he stated.

He stressed that under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), it is illegal for anyone to use academic titles such as “Doctor” or “Professor” without verifiable academic credentials.

“Titles like ‘Hon. Dr.,’ ‘Dr. (Hon.),’ or ‘Prof. (Hon.)’ are not legally recognized and must not be used as though they reflect earned academic status,” he clarified.

He warned that such actions amount to public deception and are punishable under Ghanaian law.

“The law is very clear. Any false claim to academic titles is a violation and may attract sanctions or prosecution,” he cautioned.

Prof. Jinapor further urged public figures, institutions, and the general public to ensure that any academic or professional title used in public is backed by credible and traceable academic records.

“We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of our tertiary education system, and we will not hesitate to act against those who undermine it,” he reiterated.

By Jacob Aggrey

By Francis Ntow 

Accra, July 25, GNA – Ghana on Friday signed a €87.7 million debt relief agreement with France under the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) arrangement, making it the first bilateral creditor to do so after two years of negotiations.  

Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Finance Minister, signed for Ghana, while Mr. William Ross, Co-Chair, OCC, signed for the Creditor (France), in an agreement, which provides a 100 per cent debt service, a reduction on the interest and extension on maturity on the country’s debt. 

Dr. Forson expressed the country’s appreciation to France, the Paris Club, and Official Creditors Committee, legal and financial advisors for the collaborative work, which had culminated into the signing of the first bilateral agreement. 

“It is often said that it is only in difficult times that you see your true friends and we can say without mincing words that the French Republic came through for Ghana and Ghana is extremely grateful,” Dr. Ato Forson said. 

He noted the improvements in the Ghanaian economy, indicating the government’s resolve to sustaining the progress made, while drawing investments into key priority areas – healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure. 

“Today is a milestone – in the sense that it has taken us some years to get here but it’s the most significant one that will pave way for others to this side,” he said, noting the country’s turbulent times and the current promising point for more investment. 

“Inflation that was once at 54.1 per cent has now come down to 13.7 per cent. We are seeing growth bounded to about five-year high. We are seeing particularly reserves the external position improving to about four months of import cover and primary surplus is at 1.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” the Minister recounted. 

“We are determined to hold the line and sustain the progress we have made year to date, and we believe that in the coming days, Ghana will be able to see investment after the stability,” Dr. Ato Forson said, pledging the government’s commitments for a deepened mutually beneficial cooperation with France. 

 Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Finance Minister, stated that the agreement with France and the once ahead would provide clarity and certainty on the country’s debt sustainability, “telling a good story that Ghana is on track.”  

Describing Ghana’s debt composition and treatment as complex, Mr. Ross said the professional and efficient engagement with multiple stakeholders, built trust among the official bilateral and international creditors, leading to France signing the agreement. 

“We have decided to reduce by 100 per cent as debt service, reduce interest and increase the maturity to give you space for investment, to also negotiate with other creditors and create a real partnership for other stakeholders to contribute to. 

“If you look at what we have done for Ghana, it is shorter than what we did for Zambia, but we have continued to improve in the case of Ethiopia… you have been very impressive because you have many people and institutions to engage with,” Mr Ross said. 

The French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Jules Armand Aniambossou, described the moment as emotional, reflecting on the long-difficult journey the two countries embarked on before reaching an agreement.  

“When I came to this country more than two years ago, [the] country was facing some difficulties. But when your friend is your family is facing difficulties, you have to showcase that you will not just say I am sorry, but to take some key actions. 

“That is why the French government at the very high level, decided to do. Because we are here today due to the political volunteer from both sides. France decided not to let down Ghana because of our historical relationship, the key role Ghana is playing in our region [Africa],” he stated. 

This development forms part of a broader debt restructuring effort under the ongoing implementation of Ghana’s three-year US$3 billion loan-supported programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with US$2.3bn disbursements so far. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie  

Kwesi Afreh Biney is the Director-General of SSNIT

The Director General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwesi Afreh Biney, has announced an ambitious plan to ensure that all pensioners under the scheme receive at least $2.15 per day, meeting the World Bank’s threshold for extreme poverty.

He pledged to implement this initiative before the end of his tenure.

Biney made the announcement at the 2025 Pensioners’ Engagement in Kumasi on Thursday, stating that this goal would guarantee that all SSNIT beneficiaries live above the extreme poverty line.

In addition to the income initiative, SSNIT, in collaboration with the Trust Hospital and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), is developing a program to provide pensioners, particularly those in remote areas, with access to healthcare professionals for medical advice and support via phone.

“The payment of pensions is only a basic responsibility. We must go beyond that by adding services that enhance the well-being of our members,” he stated.

The two-day event, themed, “Honoring Experience, Securing Dignity – The Role of SSNIT,” aimed to strengthen the relationship between SSNIT and its pensioners.

It included practical health sessions, such as a presentation by Frank Mobila, SSNIT’s General Manager of Benefits, who encouraged pensioners to engage in regular exercise, undergo routine health checks, manage stress effectively, and stay mentally active.

Participants also benefited from free health screenings.

Representing the General Secretary of the National Pensioners’ Association (NPA), the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Nana Adarkwa Tuffour, expressed gratitude to the SSNIT leadership and commended their ongoing efforts to maintain a strong relationship with pensioners.

He emphasised the importance of such engagements in fostering open dialogues, mutual understanding, and transparency.

“It’s not common for institutions to look past the money they pay and show real time interest in the people receiving the money,” Nana Adarkwa Tuffour said.

He added that; “When SSNIT listens to pensioners, works with us and supports all our activities, it goes a long way to strengthen the whole idea of social security in Ghana.

“As pensioners, receiving our pensions every month without fail is, of course, paramount to us. Beyond that, we also want to be heard; we seek clarity, transparency, and above all – reassurance that our children and grandchildren will one day retire into a system even stronger and more reliable than the one we have today. This is exactly what SSNIT has been working towards and for that, I believe they deserve our sincere applause.”

The 81-year-old SSNIT beneficiary disclosed that over years of his retirement, he has seen a significant enjoyment from the SSNIT.

He added that had it not been the SSNIT, he and the other beneficiary wouldn’t predict their whereabouts by now.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has publicly apologised to Deputy Minister-Designate for Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, over comments he made in Parliament that sparked backlash.

The apology follows remarks Afenyo-Markin made during a debate in the House, where he questioned the rationale behind Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s nomination as Deputy Minister for Health. His comments appeared to suggest that her appointment was made for “strange reasons” and implied favouritism over other female MPs, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.

The remarks were widely criticised as dismissive and undermining to women in Parliament, prompting strong reactions from fellow legislators and the public.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, Afenyo-Markin took the opportunity to express regret for his words.

Afenyo-Markin said, “I want to say to you that to the extent that, as a colleague, we play, we relate very formally, in formal, and at that moment unbeknownst to me, you felt I had crossed the red line, I say to you I’m sorry. Is that fair?”

In response, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah accepted the apology graciously, saying, “That is fair, and I’m very appreciative that you have taken this opportunity to apologise. And I hope that moving forward, we will have a better relationship. And I’m very grateful and humbled. Thank you.”

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Ghana’s Black Queens secured third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday evening.

The bronze medal match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

The clash was a rematch of their earlier group-stage encounter, where defending champions South Africa had defeated Ghana 2-0. However, this time, the Black Queens avenged that loss in a tense contest that ultimately required penalties to settle.

South Africa took the lead just before halftime when Nonhlanhla Mthandi found the net in the 45th minute. Ghana responded in the second half, equalising in the 68th minute through an own goal by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

With no further goals after regulation time, the match proceeded directly to penalties. Ghana converted four of their five spot kicks, with A. Kusi, J. Bonsu, J. Cudjoe, and N. Amoh all scoring. Only C. Boye-Hlorkah missed her attempt for the Black Queens.

On the South African side, L. Motlhalo, B. Mbane, and J. Seoposenwe were successful from the spot, but S. Holweni and H. Magaia failed to convert their efforts, handing Ghana the win.

The result echoes the 2016 WAFCON third-place match in Yaoundé, where Ghana also defeated South Africa 1-0 to claim bronze.

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will open nominations for its 2028 flagbearer position on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

This marks the beginning of a critical phase in the selection process ahead of the party’s presidential primaries, scheduled for January 31, 2026.

The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, known as Nana B, confirmed during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen that nominations would open on the stated date, in fulfillment of constitutional requirements mandating at least six months’ notice ahead of the primaries.

Several prominent party figures have already publicly signaled their intent to contest, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (former Education Minister and MP for Bosomtwe), Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi), Kennedy Agyapong (former MP for Assin Central), and former party General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.

Though yet to formally declare, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and the NPP’s flagbearer in the 2024 election, is widely considered the frontrunner.

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Theophilus Berchie (R) with the Minister of Transport

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

In a groundbreaking move that highlights a growing commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive governance, 26-year-old Theophilus Berchie has been appointed as a board member of the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA).

His appointment makes him the youngest individual currently serving on any governing board in Ghana — a bold endorsement of the John Dramani Mahama administration’s dedication to merit-based leadership and youth inclusion.

Theophilus brings a strong academic and leadership portfolio to the role.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is currently pursuing an MPhil in the same field.

Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from KAAF University College.

His leadership journey includes serving as President of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) during his time at KNUST, where he championed youth engagement and student advocacy.

His appointment to the GHA Board comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with complex environmental and climate-related challenges.

With his unique interdisciplinary background in environmental science and law, Theophilus is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the authority’s mission of managing drainage systems, mitigating flood risks, and promoting sustainable environmental practices across the country.

Speaking on his new role, Theophilus expressed pride in the opportunity and emphasised that his appointment represents more than personal achievement.

“This is a reflection of the confidence the Mahama administration has in young people,” he said, adding that it sets a new precedent for recognising youth potential in governance.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Dramani Mahama, has consistently advocated for intergenerational leadership and youth participation in national development.

Theophilus’ appointment reinforces this commitment and signals a bold step toward empowering young professionals to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s future.

As the youngest board member in Ghana, Theophilus Berchie stands as an inspiration to many young Ghanaians, encouraging them to pursue excellence, engage in public service, and take up roles in shaping the nation’s development agenda.

The win marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016

Ghana’s Black Queens clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday evening, July 25, 2025.

The win marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016 when they also defeated South Africa in the third-place playoff.

South Africa grabbed the lead just before halftime after Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan mishandled a ball, allowing Nonhlanhla Mthandi to score in the 45th minute.

Ghana finally found the equaliser in the 68th minute when Alice Kusi connected with a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to level the score at 1-1.

Despite late chances, neither side could find a winner in regulation time, sending the game straight to penalties.

The victory mirrors Ghana’s 2016 WAFCON bronze medal triumph over South Africa in Yaoundé, which they won 1-0.

AM/SEA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) witnessed robust trading activity and significant index growth during its 7014th session on Friday, July 25, 2025.

]Official trading records released by the Exchange reveal a notable uptick in both volume and value, alongside substantial gains in key market indices.

The GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI), the main indicator of market performance, surged by 117.39 points to close at 6,673.11. This represents a positive shift from the previous day’s close of 6,555.72. The GSE Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) also recorded a marginal increase of 0.16 points, settling at 3,412.29. Year-to-date figures show the GSE-CI has gained 0.37% and the GSE-FSI has risen 0.43% since January 1, 2025.

Trading volume soared to 25,963,999 shares, a significant increase compared to the 2,329,191 shares traded the previous Thursday. The total value traded reached GH¢100,909,427.49. Scancom PLC (MTNGH) dominated trading activity, accounting for 25,667,361 shares valued at GH¢83,412,273.20. Its share price increased by GH¢0.11 to close at GH¢3.25. Other actively traded equities included Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI) with 30,266 shares (GH¢24,818.12), Societe Generale Ghana PLC (SOGEGH) with 145,431 shares (GH¢286,573.38), and GCB Bank PLC (GCB) with 30,102 shares (GH¢285,065.94).

Market capitalization climbed to GH¢142,183.93 million. While the main market saw vigorous activity, the Ghana Alternative Market (GAX) remained subdued. All listed GAX securities, including Samba Foods Ltd (SAMBA), Meridian Marshalls Holding Company (MMH), Hords Ltd (HORDS), Intravenous Infusions Limited (IIL), and Digicut Production & Advertising Ltd (DIGICUT), recorded zero shares traded for the session. Similarly, the Odd Lot market showed no trading activity across all listed equities and depository shares.

The week saw a steady rise in activity, culminating in Friday’s peak. Monday started with 6,367,856 shares traded (GH¢25,411,603.42), followed by quieter sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Trading picked up significantly on Thursday with 2,329,191 shares (GH¢6,831,941.59) before the substantial jump on Friday. The Exchange Traded Fund NewGold (GLD) also saw activity, trading 45,017 units valued at GH¢16,825,103.75, with its price rising GH¢0.35 to GH¢373.75.

This surge in activity and positive index movement reflects investor engagement within the main equities market under the current economic climate of the Mahama administration. The significant contribution of MTN Ghana highlights its continued prominence on the local bourse, while the lack of activity on the GAX underscores the challenges facing smaller listed entities in attracting liquidity.

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has commended the performance of the Black Queens in the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

After a shaky start to the tournament, the Black Queens almost came close to playing in the finals of the tournament, but their hopes were dashed after losing 4-2 on penalty shootouts in their semifinal game against Morocco.

Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the Democracy Cup on Thursday, July 24, Mr Okraku highlighted the strides made in the women’s game, crediting the team’s progress to deliberate efforts by stakeholders to develop the sport at all levels.

“Honourable Speaker of Parliament, just to take us back into time, into history, the first senior national team to ever qualify Ghana for a senior World Cup was the Black Queens. And that happened in 1999.

“They first qualified Ghana for the senior World Cup. They have shown the world that when you plan, when you invest systematically, and when you have your country behind you, you are likely to be successful.

“What the girls showed is a commitment of a team, a team that is united and a team that is prepared to shed their last blood to defend the red, gold, and green colours,” he added.

Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoffs later tonight at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, with kick-off scheduled at 19:00 GMT.

Ghana and France have signed a bilateral agreement formalizing debt relief as part of Ghana’s ongoing external debt restructuring programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts.

The agreement, signed on Friday, July 25, makes France the first member of the Paris Club to formally commit to debt relief for Ghana, following the country’s slide into unsustainable debt levels in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed gratitude to the French government for its support and urged other Paris Club members to take note of Ghana’s recent economic progress and follow France’s example.

Announcing the development during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, Dr. Forson noted that the agreement follows parliamentary approval of the indicative terms outlined by the Official Creditor Committee (OCC).

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restructuring both bilateral and commercial debts under the G20 Common Framework, describing the process as critical to Ghana’s long-term financial stability.

The debt relief agreement is a key component of Ghana’s broader economic recovery agenda, which aims to restore debt sustainability, rebuild investor confidence, and lay the foundation for inclusive growth.

Prophet Telvin (L) speaks on Asiedu Nketiah (R) presidency vision

Ghanaian prophet, Telvin Sowah, has declared that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), will become the next President of Ghana after President John Dramani Mahama completes his tenure in office.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM on July 24, 2025, Prophet Telvin said that during a spiritual encounter with God via a revelation, he saw that Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as “General Mosquito” would lead the nation after President John Mahama.

He made this statement during a discussion about possible successors in the NDC, once Mahama’s presidency comes to an end.

According to him, while names like Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Member of Parliament for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu, and other top NDC figures have strongly come up in the discussion of NDC’s next leader; Asiedu Nketiah has been divinely chosen to lead the party.

“Once Mahama finishes his term, unless General Asiedu Nketiah is dead, he is the next president. He is called the president of the Kings. When he becomes president, he will be the president who would be on the street; he would be the president who would make Ghana work. This prophecy is by the grace of God.

“He would be the president to work with the chief which would make all the 16 regions function at the same pace and develop at the same time with the help of the chiefs,” Prophet Telvin declared.

He explained that in the vision he received from God, Asiedu Nketiah would be a grassroots president who brings traditional rulers into national decision-making.

Prophet Telvin claimed that under his leadership, all 16 regions of Ghana would see development at the same pace, unlike previous administrations which focused mostly on the Greater Accra Region.

He described Asiedu Nketiah as someone who would be hands-on, engage with citizens directly, and ensure that local chiefs play an active role in governance.

When asked whether Asiedu Nketiah is aware of this prophecy, Prophet Telvin confirmed that he had already informed him about it on multiple occasions.

“Almost everybody in the political space know that me and Asiedu Nketiah are aware of this prophecy. Right now, the time has been mapped, so we will follow the flow. Once the time is set, we will protect the timeline,” he said.

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

AK/VPO

The Gold-for-Oil program recorded massive losses and has been cancelled by the NDC government

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has clarified that the Gold-for-Oil programme introduced by the NPP government was not a barter arrangement.

Rather, he explained, the government paid cash for the oil it purchased.

According to him, despite widespread claims that the initiative involved a direct exchange of gold for oil, the transactions were, in fact, settled with cash.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews after presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on July 24, 2025, Dr Forson stated that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) bought gold, held it in reserve, and used cash, rather than gold, to pay for imported oil.

He drew a distinction between the Gold-for-Oil programme and the Gold for Reserves programme, noting that the two are fundamentally different.

“I hear people comparing these two policies, but they are not the same. One involves using local currency to buy gold and storing it in our reserves. In that case, we buy the gold, sell it, and use the forex to accumulate reserves,” he said.

Dr Forson added that he had confirmed with officials at the Bank of Ghana that there was no barter involved in the oil purchases.

“The BoG kept the gold and then ultimately used cash to buy the oil, oil that would otherwise have been purchased with foreign exchange. I’m not aware of any direct barter arrangement. The Bank of Ghana largely paid suppliers of crude oil and petroleum products in cash. They never paid them with gold, never,” he emphasised.

He further explained that a supplier in Dubai was providing oil to the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, and the Bank of Ghana was responsible for making the payments.

“The bulk oil distributors would give cedis to the BoG, and the BoG would pay the supplier in dollars. That’s it, pure trade, nothing more,” he said.

However, Dr Forson acknowledged that the Bank of Ghana increased its gold reserves during this period.

“Yes, they were holding on to some of the gold, and it’s evident that their gold reserves increased. That is a fact,” he added.

SSD/MA

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By Isaac Arkoh

Cape Coast, July 25, GNA – The Central Region Police Command has intercepted a Toyota Coaster Bus carrying 30 bags of cocoa beans, suspected to be the product of smuggling activities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DCOP) Kofi Adu, Regional Commander, confirmed it to the Ghana News Agency on Friday.

He stated that on Monday, July 21, at about 1620 hours, officers stationed at the Brimso Police check point stopped the vehicle with registration number GR 8247-20 and found 30 bags of cocoa beans believed to have been unlawfully acquired in it.

The driver, Bernard Owusu Agyemang, aged 42, was unable to produce any documentation to the cargo and claimed he was asked by an individual named Martin to deliver them to an unnamed woman in Mankessim, providing only her phone number as a point of contact.

DCOP Adu assured that an investigation would be conducted to identify and apprehend the syndicate responsible for the crime to face the full brunt of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

He urged the public to provide timely information that could lead to the arrest of smugglers engaged in similar illicit activities.

He further assured informants and whistle blowers that their identities would be protected.

Meanwhile, the police have handed over the beans to the Cape Coast office of COCOBOD for the requisite quality assessment and further action.

They were received by Mr. Maxwell Ntiamoah, the Principal Quality Control Officer.

GNA

Edited by Alice Tettey /Kenneth Odeng Adade