President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that illegal miners have been successfully removed from eight out of nine forest reserves that had been overrun and severely degraded by unauthorized mining activities.

He made this comment at the Global Mining Summit held on Monday, June 2, 2025.

The President hailed the clearance as a major achievement in Ghana’s renewed fight against environmental degradation and illegal mining.

Mahama said, “Working together with the small-scale mining sector, we will reclaim our forest reserves and restore the purity of our water bodies. Our river guards are working on clearing mining activities in our water bodies and on the banks of our rivers. As the Minister told you, we have successfully cleared illegal mine out of eight out of the nine no-go zone forest reserves.”

He noted that “river guards” have been deployed to clear mining activities from riverbanks and water bodies, as part of a broader initiative to restore natural ecosystems and safeguard water resources.

Mahama also outlined new measures aimed at curbing illegal mining, including the introduction of a stricter permitting regime for excavators.

He stressed that excavators brought into the country must be properly tracked to prevent their use in unregulated mining operations.

“Ghana has more excavators in this country than in the whole of Africa. We are going to change the permitting regime. You will not be allowed to import an excavator or put it on a ship unless you get a permit before you can ship an excavators.”

The Zurich-based Jacobs Foundation has announced the launch of a multimillion-dollar initiative designed to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes in Ghana.

A total of $40 million has been raised for the System Change Architecture for Learning Excellence (SCALE) initiative—funded by the Jacobs Foundation, Fondation Botnar, UBS Optimus Foundation, and 10 leading cocoa and chocolate companies. In addition, the Global Partnership for Education’s Multiplier Fund matched the philanthropic contributions to double the scale of the public-private- partnership.

Combined with contributions from the Global Partnership for Education’s Systems Transformation Grant and the Early Learning Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund, SCALE has mobilized a total of $118.8 million in supplementary financing for Ghana’s national education strategy. The funding will also support expansion of the Communities of Excellence program and establish the Ghana Education Evidence and Data Lab (GEEDLab).

The groups will partner with the Ghana’s ministry of education to train over 72,000 teachers and expand differentiated learning approaches to more than 15,000 schools. The SCALE initiative takes inspiration from the Child Learning and Education Facility  (CLEF) in Côte d’Ivoire, which the World Bank has recognized as a model for collaborative education financing.

“Besides the financial commitment, the SCALE partnership offers the expertise of a broad range of organizations who have helped to transform the way in which evidence is applied to education,” said Jacobs Foundation co-CEO Simon Sommer. “In Ghana, we expect two million children to benefit from evidence-based learning that will extend across 100 cocoa districts.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/demerzel21)

Professor Justice Nyigmah Bawole speaking at a regulatory advocacy engagement at Techiman

Professor Justice Nyigmah Bawole, the Dean of the Business School, University of Ghana, has called for flexible business regulations for the nation’s young entrepreneurs to build and expand their businesses.

That, he explained, would enable the upcoming entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and thereby spur rapid economic growth and progressive development.

Prof Bawole, also the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Pillar of the University’s Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative (NKABOM), made the call when speaking at a day’s regulatory advocacy engagement at Techiman in the Bono East Region.

NKABOM is an initiative in partnership with the McGill University and Mastercard Foundation aimed at expanding access to education and career opportunities in food systems.

The collaborative is made up of three pillars, namely, Education, Access and Success and Entrepreneurship, and the advocacy engagement was organised under the Entrepreneurship Pillar, which enhances capacity building by equipping students and beneficiaries with skills and resources needed to create sustainable livelihoods within the agri-food system sector.

It was attended by regulatory institutions, youth-led agri-food businesses, and local policy makers drawn from the nine regions of the Northern belt of the country.

Among other objectives, the engagement sought to foster dialogue on regulatory challenges, support mechanisms, and pathways for co-creating an enabling environment for agri-food Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Prof Bawole enumerated several challenges, including limited access to information and guidance, inconsistent enforcement, and corrupt risks, as well as the delay in obtaining permission confronting young entrepreneurs, which ought to be tackled to make the business environment more friendly for them.

He said difficulty in meeting international standards, unfavourable taxes and tariffs were also challenges, which needed to be addressed to improve the growth and development of entrepreneurship in the country.

Mrs Gloria Azerongma Salifu, the Principal Regulatory Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) later told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the Authority was among others, focused on safety, saying it would not relent on its efforts to ensure food safety in the country.

She said the Authority was also putting in place measures to ensure that entrepreneurs engaged in the food and drugs value-chain meet regulatory standards, adding that the authority had intensified sensitization to make it easier for all entrepreneurs to access the services of the FDA.

Mrs Salifu urged entrepreneurs to access the services of the FDA in order not to compromise standards.

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama is calling for a bold shift in Ghana’s mining sector—from simply digging and exporting raw minerals to processing and adding real value right here at home.

“We must move beyond extraction to transformation. Refining our gold, producing jewellery, converting lithium into battery components, and processing bauxite into alumina and aluminium is the path to a resilient and diversified economy,” the President said on Monday, June 2, while addressing the Global Mining Summit in Kumasi.

According to him, Ghana’s mineral wealth should not just enrich foreign markets. Instead, the country must become a powerhouse in refining and manufacturing to truly benefit from its natural resources.

This vision comes at a time when the Mahama administration is rolling out policies to strengthen local industrial capacity and reduce Ghana’s overreliance on exporting raw materials.

He stressed that transforming the country’s approach to minerals like gold, bauxite, and lithium is key to building a stronger economy.

In a related development, the President took a moment to spotlight the early performance of the Ghana GoldBoard (GoldBod), the newly revamped institution formerly known as the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

“Mr. Sammy Gyamfi is the Chief Executive of the Ghana GoldBod, and he is already doing wonders,” Mahama said, clearly impressed with how the new CEO has hit the ground running.

The Ghana GoldBoard was officially launched on April 2, 2025, with a mandate to streamline gold trading, boost transparency, and promote local value addition in the industry.

The head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement defended on Monday his agency’s decision to arrest a Massachusetts high school student on his way to volleyball practice, saying, “he’s in this country illegally and we’re not going to walk away from anybody.”

Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, made those comments as reporters asked him during an event in Boston to explain why authorities on Saturday arrested 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, who has been in the United States since 2012.

The Brazilian’s arrest prompted a large protest on Sunday in the Boston suburb of Milford, where he lives, and a demand for information about the incident from Democratic Governor Maura Healey, who said she was “disturbed and outraged” by the situation.

Lyons spoke about the arrest of Gomes while announcing the results of an immigration enforcement surge in Massachusetts that resulted in nearly 1,500 people being taken into custody last month as part of Republican President Donald Trump’s hardline effort to ramp up mass deportations.

Lyons and Patricia Hyde, the acting field director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston, said Gomes was not the target of the investigation that led to his arrest, and that authorities instead were seeking his father, who remains at large.

“So obviously, he isn’t the father of the year because he brought his son up here illegally as well,” Lyons said.

The Milford High School student had been driving his father’s vehicle when he was arrested following a traffic stop, Lyons said. Lyons said that when authorities encounter someone in the country illegally, “we will take action on that.”

“We’re doing the job that ICE should have been doing all along,” Lyons said. “We enforce all immigration laws.”

“The actions by ICE in arresting a teenager on his way to volleyball practice are outrageous,” Miriam Conrad, Gomes’ lawyer, said in a statement. “Locking up a high school junior with no criminal record does not make the community safer. It sows fear among immigrants.”

Hours after the press conference, a federal judge issued an order, opens new tab barring immigration authorities from transferring Gomes out of Massachusetts without 48 hours’ notice while the court considers a lawsuit arguing he was unlawfully detained.

The lawsuit said that Gomes entered the United States on a student visa. While his student visa status has lapsed, the lawsuit said he intends to apply for asylum.

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Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré [L] and Burna Boy

Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has never been one to hold back, and he proved it again after news broke that Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, reportedly turned down his offer to host a free concert in the country.

The Nigerian artist took to social media to express his frustration with the negative comments he received following the announcement of his generous gesture. In a fiery response, Burna Boy called out critics and trolls, saying they don’t even deserve to mention his name.

“I said I wanted to do a free show in Burkina Faso, and I got a lot of positivity, but at the same time, surprisingly, some morons said a lot of ‘unbelievably negative shit’ that had me in shock,” he wrote.

He didn’t stop there. Addressing the trolls directly, Burna Boy declared, “I’m sorry, but YOU are not qualified to even speak my name if your only contribution to this world is typing dumb comments or talking into your crap ring light and phone.”

The Grammy-winning artist went on to challenge those criticizing him, questioning their connection to Africa and their right to judge his efforts: “How can you tell me what to do for any part of my home, ‘AFRICA,’ when nobody in the history of your family tree has done anything significant—or even anything at all—for any part of Africa or even planet Earth as a whole?”

Burna Boy made it clear that his work and integrity speak for themselves.

“I have nothing to gain from anybody, and I don’t owe anyone anything—but that never stopped me from doing the great work I do. My integrity is unquestionable. Therefore, burn in hell if you said anything negative.”

The backlash followed reports that President Ibrahim Traoré declined the offer for a free concert, citing that Burkina Faso needed no distractions amid current national challenges.

A senior official in Republican U.S. President Donald Trump’s Justice Department told staff on Monday that he has been directed to investigate clemency granted by Democrat Joe Biden in the waning days of his presidency to members of his family and death row inmates.

Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, wrote in an email seen by Reuters that the investigation involves whether Biden “was competent and whether others were taking advantage of him through use of AutoPen or other means.”

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An autopen is a device used to automatically affix a signature to a document. Trump and his supporters have made a variety of unfounded claims that Biden’s use of the device while president invalidated his actions or suggested that he was not fully aware of these actions. It is not known whether Biden used autopen on pardons.

The email stated that Martin’s investigation is focused on preemptive pardons Biden issued to several members of his family and clemency that spared 37 federal inmates from the death penalty, converting their sentences to life in prison.

Just before he relinquished the presidency to Trump on January 20, Biden pardoned five members of his family, saying he wanted to protect them from future politically motivated investigations. The pardons went to Biden’s siblings James Biden, Frank Biden and Valerie Biden Owens as well as their spouses, John Owens and Sara Biden. Biden on December 1 pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who had pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges.

Martin’s email did not specify which pardons of Biden family members were being investigated. It also did not make clear who directed Martin to launch the investigation.

A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Biden spokesperson did not immediately provide comment.

The U.S. Constitution gives the president broad power to issue pardons to wipe away federal criminal convictions or commutations to modify sentences.

Trump himself has made extensive use of executive clemency. For instance, he granted clemency on January 20 to all of the nearly 1,600 of his supporters who faced criminal charges in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, which was a failed attempt to prevent congressional certification of Biden’s 2020 election victory over Trump.

Martin previously served as the interim U.S. attorney in Washington before his nomination for that post foundered in the Senate.

Martin told reporters last month that he viewed the presidential pardon power as “plenary,” meaning it is absolute.

“If you use the autopen for pardon power, I don’t think that that’s necessarily a problem,” Martin said during a May 13 press conference, adding that he still felt the Biden pardons warranted scrutiny.

The investigation appears designed to use the Justice Department to amplify questions about Biden’s health and mental acuity, a conversation that has intensified in recent weeks following his cancer diagnosis and a new book revealing Democratic concerns last year about Biden’s condition.

Biden, who is 82, last year dropped his reelection bid amid questions about his mental acuity after a disastrous presidential debate performance. Biden was the oldest person to serve as U.S. president, and Trump is the second oldest.

Biden’s closest aides have dismissed those concerns, saying Biden was fully capable of making important decisions.

No evidence has emerged to suggest that Biden did not intend to issue the pardons. In addition, a Justice Department memo from 2005 found it was legitimate for a subordinate to use an autopen for the president’s signature.

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.

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Both organised a dialogue on ‘Revamping Ghana’s textile and garment sector—the challenges, pitfalls and opportunities’.

Discussions centred on how cheap imports, uneven customs enforcement and fragmented incentives have eroded competitiveness. The dialogue outlined a suite of reforms to restore momentum, a DBG release said.

Development Bank Ghana and the Association of Ghana Industries recently brought stakeholders together to establish a road map for the textile-garment sector’s growth.
They discussed how cheap imports, uneven customs enforcement and fragmented incentives have eroded competitiveness.
They outlined a suite of reforms through strategic financing, policy collaboration and sector-wide partnerships.

Through strategic financing, policy collaboration and sector-wide partnerships, both organisations said they are committed to reversing this trend and restoring the industry as a cornerstone of economic revival.

Workforce in Ghana’s textiles and garment industry decreased from over 25,000 direct jobs in the late 1970s to just 6,000 by 2020, mainly due to liberalisation and unchecked imports.

“This dialogue on the textiles and garment industry is part of our wider mission to catalyse sustainable industrial growth across the country,” DBG’s chief executive officer Randolph Nsor-Ambala said.

AGI president Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke urged the government to deliver a stable, export-oriented incentive regime. He said manufacturers will invest once clear regulations are in place.

A sector-wide feasibility study is being commissioned by DBG to address the chronic lack of industry intelligence—mapping the entire value chain from raw material cultivation to fabric processing and garment production.

DBG is also working with its participating financial institutions to identify five investor-ready, bankable project pipelines that can be supported.

To complement these efforts, the bank is conducting a comprehensive capacity needs assessment to inform the design of technical assistance programmes for both industry players and financial institutions.

These interventions will anchor DBG’s forthcoming sector action plan, combining data, finance and capacity-building to drive measurable industrial transformation, the release added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Kissi Agyebeng [L] and Kofi Tonto

Kofi Tonto, a political aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched a scathing criticism of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), urging it to focus on legal proceedings instead of public press conferences in its dealings with former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Mr. Tonto questioned the credibility and effectiveness of the OSP under Kissi Agyebeng, suggesting that the office has held “more press conferences than cases won.”

“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is wasting public resources,” Tonto said. “If they truly have evidence against Ken Ofori-Atta, they should have gone to court long ago instead of playing to the gallery.”

He further argued that the former Finance Minister does not need to be physically present in Ghana for a legal process to begin against him, adding that any delay in prosecution rests squarely on the OSP’s inefficiency.

“If you have a solid case, go to court. You don’t need him in Ghana to start the legal process,” Tonto insisted. “This constant media trial without substance is only eroding public trust and wasting taxpayers’ money.”

His comments come in response to recent statements and press releases from the OSP declaring Ken Ofori-Atta wanted over alleged financial misconduct.

Tonto believes these tactics are politically motivated and lack the seriousness expected from an independent prosecutorial body.

Enterprise Computing Ltd.’s Chief Technology Officer, Sybil Amoah Osafo, was named “Promising Executive of the Year” at the Ghana Executives Awards 2025.

This marks another landmark moment in the company’s journey of excellence.

ECL, Ghana’s top-ranked ICT company, has once again proven its staying power in the tech and corporate space. This recognition comes on the heels of ECL’s track record, including the CEO’s “Young Achiever of the Year” accolade in 2024, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a force driving innovation across Ghana and West Africa.

Beyond a personal achievement for Sybil, the award also validates ECL’s years of hard work and determination. “This recognition isn’t just about me – it’s about what we’re building at ECL. I’m honoured to represent a company that constantly pushes boundaries, embraces innovation, and uplifts women in tech,” Sybil said in an interview.

Her work has touched virtually every corner of the tech industry – from building secure cloud solutions and leading enterprise-wide transformations to shaping how businesses stay ahead of the curve.

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.

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Dr Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah is a government analyst

Dr Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a governance analyst and lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama should not be blamed for the appointment and subsequent revocation of Anne Sansa Daly, whose medical credentials have come under public scrutiny.

Speaking exclusively in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Mandy Agyemang on June 1, 2025, Dr Otchere-Ankrah explained that although the president holds the appointing authority, the names of nominees are submitted to him by other individuals.

He added that those who put forward these nominations are expected to conduct thorough due diligence and background checks to verify the authenticity of the nominees’ credentials before presenting them to the president for approval.

“I have said somewhere on another platform that you can’t blame the president. How do you blame the president when these names are submitted by individuals, societies and by groups?

“If the government wants to give an appointment to anybody, they will simply have to give the person’s details to National Security, and they can do a thorough job. So, I can say from hindsight that due diligence was not done,” he said.

Dr Otchere-Ankrah further noted that the president, though solely responsible for appointing individuals to high-level institutions and boards, may not personally know all the nominees.

He argued that those who nominated Anne Sansa Daly and submitted her name to the president for appointment should rather be held accountable and face the necessary consequences.

“Several people have got interest in this thing, so, party members and party executives will bring names and say ‘president, these are those who helped us so we want them appointed’ and so, the president may not know,” he indicated.

He continued, “Look, the president alone has got the authority to appoint over 1,500 people. Do we sincerely think that the president knows even up to half of those people he appoints? Certainly not, so, it is first of all those who nominated her, those who brought her name up, who perhaps did not know much about her or failed to have known better, they didn’t do their work well.”

MAG/AE

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

Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, MP for Effiduase-Asokore

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has petitioned the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) and the institution responsible for the registration of doctors in the United States (US) over the qualification of Dr Anne Sansa Daly, whose appointment to the Governing Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was recently revoked.

The Caucus, in a petition filed by its Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, asked the two councils to verify whether Dr Sansa Daly, who claimed to be a Johns Hopkins-trained medical doctor, was affiliated with them.

It also asked the GMDC to clarify whether a person who is not a registered medical doctor in Ghana can parade him/herself as such and offer services to the public.

The Minority, in their petition, demanded that the Ghana Medical Council, as the regulatory body of medical practice in Ghana, answer the following urgent questions.

1. If Dr Anne Sansa Daly is currently registered and licensed by the GMDC to practise medicine in Ghana?

2. If Dr Anne Sansa Daly has ever been registered with the GMDC in any capacity (e.g., temporary or permanent registration)?

3. If it is within the GMDC’s regulations for an individual not registered with the Council to present themselves publicly as a medical doctor or offer medical advice on public platforms within Ghana.

President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter addressed to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, dated May 23, 2025, revoked the appointment of Anne Sansa Daly, to the board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on grounds of false pretense.

Anne Sansa Daly had claimed she was a medical doctor, but it later emerged that she was allegedly not a certified doctor.

However, no explanation was given in the letter of revocation of the appointment of Anne Sansa Daly, which was issued on behalf of the president by Dr Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President.

BAI/VPO

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

At least nine people were killed in a blast at a bus park in northeastern Nigeria, blamed on a bomb planted by suspected militants who have stepped up attacks in Borno state, a local lawmaker and residents said.

Borno has been the heartland of an Islamist insurgency for the past 16 years, which has killed thousands of Nigerians and driven tens of thousands from their homes.

Villagers from Mairari village in Borno’s Guzamala district were waiting for transport when a bomb detonated on Saturday, killing at least nine people, said Abdulkarim Lawan, the lawmaker for the area.

Lawan, who is also the speaker of Borno state assembly, said Mairari village was now largely deserted due to frequent attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, who are also increasingly using improvised explosives.

“Terrorists who have been monitoring their movements planted IEDs at the local bus stop, which exploded while they were waiting to board commercial vehicles back to their destinations,” he said.

Borno state police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso confirmed the incident but said he had no details.

Bunu Bukar, a petty trader at the bus rank, said on Monday that the IED was tripped when passengers were boarding a mini bus, killing the nine instantly and injuring several others.

Nigeria has witnessed a rise in insurgent attacks since January, with militants targeting civilians and military bases.

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Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng [L] and Ken Ofori-Atta

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has questioned why former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta appears to expect special treatment in the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Addressing a press conference on Monday, June 2, 2025, Agyebeng expressed frustration over Ofori-Atta’s repeated refusal to physically appear before the OSP, despite months of engagement.

“What is so special about Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta that he thinks he can lie on his bed somewhere and say—on his say-so, without any evidence—that ‘I’m unwell, I can’t show up?’” Agyebeng asked.

“Even a former president showed up when invited. Have you forgotten? He was served the same process and complied—much less a former finance minister,” he added.

The Special Prosecutor indicated that Ofori-Atta has been uncooperative since January 2025, describing his conduct as “untruthful.”

According to Agyebeng, the former minister has had more than enough time to submit credible medical records to support his claim of ill health but has consistently failed to do so.

“If he is sick, he should provide a medical report.

“He is not the only one receiving treatment in the U.S. We know what real medical reports look like—signed by hospital administrators and reviewed through detailed analysis,” he stated.

The OSP also dismissed Ofori-Atta’s lawyers’ recent attempt to arrange a video-recorded interview and to submit a biopsy report, describing the offer as a belated attempt to avoid accountability.

Agyebeng noted that such flexibility could have been considered months ago—not after repeated delays and shifting narratives.

He further pointed out that Ofori-Atta failed to notify the OSP when his planned surgery in March was cancelled, even though there had been a clear agreement for him to return to Ghana by June 2, 2025.

“Since March 21, Ken knew no surgery was to be performed and sat indolently. That’s why we’ve ended this process and placed him on the wanted list,” Agyebeng stated.

Following this development, Ofori-Atta has been formally declared wanted.

The OSP has initiated both an INTERPOL Red Notice and extradition proceedings.

Criminal charges are also expected to be filed in due course.

“No person is beyond the enquiry of the OSP. We will take all necessary steps to ensure he is brought back to face justice,” Agyebeng emphasized.

Ken Ofori-Atta is under investigation for several alleged cases of corruption during his time in office.

JKB/KA

Patience Gbeze  

Accra, June 2, GNA -The Management of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on Monday, has alerted the public about a fraudulent recruitment scheme being circulated via the website GOLERNERSHUB.COM, which falsely claims the opening of a protocol recruitment portal.  

“The Service wishes to categorically disassociate itself from this false information and reiterates that the GIS has not engaged any individual, group, or third-party website to conduct recruitment exercises or sell protocol forms on its behalf.  

‘Furthermore, no official clearance has been given by the Government for any recruitment exercise at this time.’  

An official statement signed by the ACI, Micheal Amoako-Attah, the Head of Public Affairs, assures the public that when recruitment is duly authorized, it will be advertised through the appropriate and credible channels, including the national newspapers and GIS’ official platforms.  

It said the GIS Intelligence Section, in collaboration with other state security agencies, is currently pursuing credible leads to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators behind this fraudulent scheme.  

“The public is hereby strongly advised to disregard and report any communication or solicitation from GOLERNERSHUB.COM or similar unofficial sources. Anyone who engages with such fraudulent entities does so at their own risk,” the statement added.  

GNA  

Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba 

China says the US has “severely violated” their trade truce and that it will take strong measures to defend its interests.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said Washington has “seriously undermined” the agreement reached during talks in Geneva last month, when both countries lowered tariffs on goods imported from each other.

The spokesperson added that US actions have also severely violated the consensus reached during a phone call in January between China’s leader, Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump.

The comments come after Trump said on Friday that China had “totally violated its agreement with us”.

The US President did not give details but Trade Representative Jamieson Greer later said China had not been removing non-tariff barriers as agreed under the deal.

Under the trade truce struck in May at a meeting in Geneva, the US lowered tariffs imposed on goods from China from 145% to 30%. China’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods dropped from 125% to 10%.

On Monday, Beijing said US violations of the agreement included stopping sales of computer chip design software to Chinese companies, warning against using chips made by Chinese tech giant Huawei, and cancelling visas for Chinese students.

The deal reached in Geneva came as a surprise to many analysts as it seemed that the two sides were incredibly far apart on many trade issues.

This showed that during face-to-face talks Washington and Beijing can reach agreements.

But as the rhetoric is once again ratcheting up, the fragility of the current truce has been highlighted and gives an indication of just how challenging it may be to reach a longer-term trade deal.

Although the fresh accusations may suggest that talks between Washington and Beijing are not going well, two top White House officials suggested on Sunday that Trump and Xi could hold talks soon.

Treasury Secretary Bessent told CBS News, the BBC’s US news partner, that details of the trade will be “ironed out” once Xi and Trump speak, but he did not say exactly when that conversation is expected to happen.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told ABC News that the two leaders are expected to talk this week and “both sides have expressed a willingness to talk”.

“The bottom line is that we’ve got to be ready in case things don’t happen the way we want,” Hassett said of the expected talks.

But the Chinese side prefers agreements to be done at a lower level first before they reach the desk of the president.

Last week, Trump announced the US would double its current tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50%, starting on Wednesday.

Speaking at a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Friday, Trump said the move would help boost the local steel industry and national supply, while reducing reliance on China.

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Some of the automobiles that were on display at the museum

Ghanaian business mogul, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, officially opened his new auto museum on June 1, 2025, in East Legon, Accra.

The grand opening attracted a host of dignitaries and high-profile personalities from across the Ghanaian society.

Among the notable guests were the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and several others who gathered to witness the unveiling of what is now one of Ghana’s most impressive car collections.

The museum, located on the grounds of the former Lizzy Sports Complex, now Despite’s home, has been transformed into a haven for luxury car lovers and automotive enthusiasts.

It features a curated mix of rare vintage cars, modern supercars, and interactive driving simulators offering visitors an immersive experience.

Bugatti Chiron (2022)

A blue and black coloured Bugatti Chiron was on display at the museum opening which an estimated price around $3 million.

The Bugatti Chiron is one of the fastest cars in the world. It runs on a 16-cylinder engine with four turbochargers, producing 1,500 horsepower and can exceed 200 mph in speed.

2005 Ford Thunderbird (50th Anniversary Edition)

On display at the Despite auto museum was a white 2005 Ford Thunderbird (50th Anniversary Edition). This is a vintage vehicle with its estimated price starting from $35,000

This car is a V8-powered, two-seat convertible car that combines classic looks with strong performance.

Tesla Cybertruck (2024)

The Tesla Cybertruck Despite added to his fleet of cars in 2024 was also on display at the museum.

It’s estimated price starts at $81,895; high-end models go up to $101,985

This electric truck is known for its design and advanced technology. It offers strong performance and is built for both city and off-road driving.

BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé was also on display at the museum; it was captured in an Urban Green II Uni colour.

This sleek luxury vehicle is known for performance and elegant design.

With a starting price estimated around $92,875, the car offers a blend of speed, comfort, and modern innovation.

Rolls Royce Corniche (Vintage)

The vintage Rolls Royce Corniche featured at the museum. It was manufactured between 1971 and 1995.

The car is estimated around $364,790; the Corniche is considered one of the rarest models ever made by Rolls Royce.

Big Dog Ridgeback Motorcycle

Also on display at the museum was a blue Big Dog Ridgeback motorcycle.

With an estimated price ranging between $7,240 and $16,249, this motorcycle has a long wheelbase, raked-out front end, and single seat. It features pull-back handlebars and a tall frame.

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

AK/EB

L-R: Anne Sansa Daly, President John Dramani Mahama and Felix Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted claims purportedly made by Anne Sansa Daly, whose appointment was revoked following public concerns about her medical credentials that she served as a physician to President John Dramani Mahama.

Addressing the claim that sparked public concern after the resurfacing of a purported Facebook post allegedly made by Anne Sansa Daly, Kwakye Ofosu stated that Sansa has never served as the President’s physician.

He clarified that she has never had any personal encounter with the President and emphasised that the President’s official physician is a highly qualified professional who has worked with him for years, even before he assumed the presidency.

“It is not true. I have known President Mahama’s physician, who has worked with him for several years. He is a prominent, highly qualified medical doctor. This lady [Sansa Daly] has never been close to the president before, and her claims are not true. I can tell you on authority that she has never been the president’s physician. Some people have flagged the post as fake,” the minister clarified in an interview with Oyerepa TV on June 1, 2025.

Kwakye Ofosu, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, further addressed the revocation of Anne Sansa Daly’s appointment as a board member of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), stating that her nomination was withdrawn and, as a result, she was not sworn in by the Minister of Health.

“The lady did not even attend the inauguration because at that time, her nomination had been withdrawn. The documents showed that her she wasn’t even having her appointment, and that goes to prove that the government took action even before the issue came out,” he continued.

Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed the ruling government’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that they are willing to listen and respond to issues that may not yet have come to the government’s attention.

“As a government, we are ready to listen and act if people draw our attention to issues happening, we may not be aware of. It is a better way to serve people than to not act when you are being alerted on issues going wrong,” he added.

His remarks follow a viral post purportedly from Anne Sansa Daly and dated December 10, 2024, in which she congratulates President Mahama on his election and expresses gratitude for having served as his personal physician.

Although the authenticity of the post cannot be verified given that Anne Sansa Daly’s official Facebook page has been deactivated since the controversy over her credentials, Kwakye Ofosu suggested that the post may have been doctored by political opponents to create disaffection toward the government.

Watch the video and read the purported post below:

MAG/MA

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

By Mavis Quansah 

Tema, June 02, GNA — The Tema Missionary Technical Institute has been adjudged the winner of a menstrual hygiene art competition among senior high schools in the Tema Central Constituency. 

Participants from the school gained 84 points to emerge winners over Chemu SHS and Tema Presbyterian SHS. 

The Tema General Hospital’s (TGH) Adolescent Health Unit organised the competition to discuss menstrual hygiene issues among SHS pupils. 

Participants were tasked with creating and explaining artworks depicting healthy menstrual hygiene practices. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mrs. Nana Egyiriba Idun Acquah, the Departmental Head, TGH Adolescent Health Unit, commended the students for their remarkable display of artwork, knowledge, teamwork, and presentation skills. 

Mrs. Acquah said her outfit annually celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Month in various schools with health professionals, educating the students, adding that they decided to come up with a student-led initiative to see if they understood the education they have been given on menstrual hygiene. 

She added that menstrual hygiene is an important topic that needs to be tackled with all levels of seriousness to ensure the health and safety of young girls. 

Speaking to the theme for this year’s menstrual health awareness, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” she urged all institutions to support young girls with the resources they need for their menstrual cycle. 

She also entreated all schools to include boys in menstrual hygiene education to help reduce stigma on campuses. 

She said: “When boys are educated on such issues, it will help them understand that menstruation is just a normal cycle that prepares the young girls for adulthood, so they need to support them during this time and not shun them or make them feel like they’re not part of them.” 

Mrs. Acquah added that when girls are going through this cycle, they face a lot of emotional stress and anxiety and therefore pleaded with campus nurses to offer help to the young girls to prepare them mentally for their cycle. 

She urged them to be careful about their choice of words to the students, especially when they come to them for advice.  

She commended all the participants for the knowledge shared and encouraged them to pass it on to their mates who were not able to attend the programme. 

A box of sanitary pads was awarded to the winners as their prize for the competition. 

GNA 

Edited by Laudia Sawer/Benjamin Mensah

The basis for Ken Ofori-Atta’s call for arrest

A GNA Feature by Bertha Badu-Agyei/Harriet Kwakye 

Accra, June 02, GNA-Car tyre safety is one of the critical aspects of vehicle maintenance and road safety for all road users both drivers and pedestrians alike, however the knowledge in tyre changing and maintenance appears to be another area reserved for men. 

Often, one finds women who have parked their vehicles on the roadside due to a flat tyre and looking for help, or they call their mechanics to just help perform what car experts describe “as a simple task” to fix their tyre!  

Globally, women are considered safer drivers than men, with lower crash rates and fewer fatal accidents; women are more cautious, patient and more careful on the road to avoid any form of road crash or accident. 

To empower women in the driver’s seat, on tyre fixing and maintenance, Vulco Rana Motors, in collaboration with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the University of Ghana Chapter, embarked on a hands-on training for women in tyre fixing to build their confidence on the road. 

Women lecturers, allied staff and female students on the campus were taken through jack a car and tyre changing, checking tyre pressure and threads, tools handling and general safety precautions on driving by experts from Vulco-Rana Motors to empower women feel safe and confident on the road.  

Dr Sarah Majie, Women’s Executive of UTAG-UG, said the goal of the training was to empower women in general and faculty female members in particular in tyre related emergencies which often takes a toll on women in times of emergencies on the road. 

“We know driving children to school and fro, going to the market for shopping, taking care of the family’s health needs is done by women and therefore it’s very critical to empower them on this simple procedure during tyre related emergencies so they feel safe and confidence on the road any time.” 

She recalled how she spent more than two hours to get a mechanic to fix her flat tyre whiles returning from a journey recently and the fear that gripped her because the location was somehow isolated. 

 “If I had that knowledge of fixing a tyre I would have done it myself without wasting that two long hours,” she admitted. 

Dr Mona Sunish, of the Department of Plant and Environmental Biology at the UG and a beneficiary of the training, described it as a real experience to be able to fix a flat tyre in the middle of the road when no one was around. 

She urged women to take advantage and acquire that knowledge. 

Mr Manish Puri, West Africa Regional Manager of Vulco-Rana Motors in an interview with the GNA said the initiative was part of their Social Corporate Responsibility and in line with their vision of taking care of the safety of all motorists. 

He said: “We realised that when it comes to Tyre safety most people were ignorant of maintenance and how to respond to tyre emergencies, especially women who often drive to run domestic errands and to attend social programmes. 

“By providing women the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain car tyres, we are empowering them to take control of their vehicle safety and wellbeing and this in turn can boost their confidence and independence on the road as well as their economic activities.” 

Mr Puri said tyres were very critical in the full functioning of a vehicle and it was imperative for every driver, a man or woman to have knowledge of the basics such as changing a flat tyre, having the requisite tools in the car as well as a spare tyre to be able to respond to emergencies quickly. 

As part of the empowering women on the wheels project, Mr Puri noted that women from different institutions have been trained and formed safety ambassadors to empower more women out there on tyre management to be confident and safe on the roads.  

Vulco-Rana Motors, apart from ensuring safety of all motorists through the sale of quality car tyres and services is also looking at sustainability and environmentally friendly measures to dispose of old tyres to contribute to climate change mitigations. 

He disclosed that in collaboration with Access Bank, his outfit had embarked on a project of recycling old used tyres into sandals and over 20,000 sandals had already been distributed to schools. 

Mr Shakti Shukla, National Retail Manager, Vulco-Rana Motors on his part said the focus of the training was to deliberately provide women with the technical know-how to be able to attend to tyre emergencies “tyre fixing is a very easy process but women always have to rely on others and we think that should change”. 

Throwing more light on tyre safety, he urged motorists to change tyres at least after two years depending on the usage of the car or five years which is widely considered as the life span of every tyre and advised motorists to seek expert advice before tyre patches or puncture repairs since it’s not recommended. 

She advised women drivers to always keep a spare tyre, wheel spanner and a jerk in their cars and hoped that when women were able to respond to tyre emergencies on the road it would reduce their burdens as well as boost their confidence to go about their duties safely. 

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah 

President John Mahama has challenged African nations to transform their mining sectors from mere extraction to value-added industrialisation.

Speaking at the opening of the three-day “Mining in Motion” summit, President Mahama highlighted the paradox of mineral-rich nations remaining among the world’s poorest.

“Africa’s minerals continue to fuel global industries while our people see little benefit. We must shift from exporting raw materials to building refineries, processing plants, and manufacturing capabilities that create jobs and capture value locally”, President Mahama stated.

The President outlined Ghana’s strategic approach to the mining sector reform, highlighting the development of downstream industries for mineral processing, formalising artisanal and small-scale mining operations and implementing strict environmental protections and promoting sustainable practices.

He also mentioned adopting technology for excavator tracking and chemical monitoring, and positioning Ghana as a key player in the global clean energy mineral supply chain.

President Mahama also touched on the global transition to clean energy and the increasing demand for critical minerals like lithium and graphite.

He emphasised Ghana’s readiness to play a central role in this new global landscape, establishing policy, legal, and investment frameworks to explore and develop critical mineral reserves.

The President concluded by emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and good governance in the mining sector, ensuring that mining revenues benefit all communities and promote development.

In a detailed presentation, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), elaborated on the need for responsible and sustainable artisanal mining practices in Ghana.

He highlighted the challenges posed by illicit mining, including environmental degradation and health implications.

Mr Buah says artisanal and small-scale mining has been a significant sector in Ghana, with over 1 million people engaged in the trade.

However, the sector has been plagued by challenges, including the destruction of water bodies and forests. He cited a recent report that 5,500 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves had been destroyed.

To address these challenges, the Minister outlined a five-pillar approach to tackle the issue, including reforming the licensing regime, Law enforcement, Provision of Alternative Livelihoods, Stakeholder Engagements, and Reclamation of Degraded Lands with an emphasis on the Tree For Life program, which is set to kick off in June 2025.

He also highlighted the critical need to regulate and monitor the imports and use of excavators and other earth-moving equipment into the country.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also emphasised the importance of community ownership and participation in mining activities.

He noted that large-scale mining companies would be encouraged to extend their best practices to the Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives.

The government would work with stakeholders to create jobs and promote sustainable mining practices.

He concluded by emphasising the need for a mindset shift in the mining sector—from prioritising profits over people and the environment to balancing economic development with social and environmental responsibility.

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.

Chairman Wontumi being mobbed by some party supporters after his release

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popular known as Chairman Wontumi has been released by Economic and Organised Crime (EOCO), Monday June 2, 2025.

This comes after he met his bail conditions, with assistance facilitated by Bryan Acheampong, the former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, who stood as one of the sureties for Chairman Wontumi.

A motion to appeal Wontumi’s GH¢50 million bail condition was formally withdrawn by his legal team on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Originally submitted on May 30, 2025, to the High Court in Accra, the motion was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 3. But on Monday, June 2, it was withdrawn one day earlier.

On Wednesday, May 28, two justifiable sureties were added to his bail. The bond requirements were met by Friday, May 30, according to his legal team, which was headed by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi.

His lawyers claimed that the ongoing application for bail review was filed without his express authorization, which is why his release was postponed even though he complied with the requirements.

On Thursday, May 29, members of the minority party demonstrated at EOCO headquarters and staged a walkout from Parliament, calling for his immediate release.

They argued that he ought to have been released on his own recognizance due to his public reputation and little risk of escape.

As part of their protest, NPP supporters also shut down traffic and blocked the road in front of EOCO’s offices.

Now that the motion has been withdrawn and all bail requirements have been met, EOCO has freed Chairman Wontumi.

The Government of Ghana has officially launched a landmark renewable energy project aimed at significantly expanding electricity access in some of the country’s most underserved communities.

The event, held at Lala in the Sene East District of the Bono East Region, marked the beginning of the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), which will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 70,000 people.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, emphasised the importance of the initiative in transforming rural lives and bridging the energy divide.

“As a Ministry, we are not just installing solar panels or building infrastructure, we are lighting up lives, empowering communities, and bridging the rural-urban energy divide,” he said.

The SREP initiative will see the construction of 35 mini grids and the installation of 1,450 solar home systems across the Bono East, Oti, and Savannah regions.

In addition, 12,000 net-metered rooftop solar PV systems will be installed nationwide to support Ghana’s transition toward a greener energy mix.

Hon. Jinapor acknowledged the resilience of the people in remote communities without electricity who have long awaited connection to the national grid. He called on leaders and residents of the communities to actively participate in the construction and management of the new infrastructure, urging them to take ownership of the project to ensure its long-term success. He urged the contractor to engage the services of the local artisans during the construction of the project.

The Minister also highlighted the broader vision of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, revealing that feasibility studies have already been completed for 150 island and lakeside communities in the Afram Plains, with plans underway to begin construction of 150 new mini grids as part of future development.

“We are confident that by 2030, we will have over 200 mini grids operational, delivering on our last-mile electrification target of 99.8%,” he declared.

The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Swiss Embassy, the African Development Bank, officials from the Volta River Authority, Electricity Company of Ghana, and Energy Commission. Hon. Jinapor expressed gratitude of the Government of Ghana to the Swiss Government and African Development Bank (AfDB) for their continuous support to the country.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the Climate Investment Fund, Swiss Government, and the African Development Bank.

The Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, Ing. Eunice Biritwum (Mrs.) pledged full support and commitment of the Commission to the successful implementation of the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP), a flagship government initiative aimed at expanding access to electricity through renewable energy technologies.

She highlighted the crucial role the Commission has played in the development of SREP since its inception in 2013/2014. “The Energy Commission is glad to be associated with the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme, which seeks to deploy mini grids and off-grid solutions in non-electrified communities, as well as roof-mounted net-metered solar PV installations in urban and peri-urban areas of Ghana,” the Executive Secretary stated.

Reiterating the Commission’s dedication, the Executive Secretary said, “We support this flagship programme of government in solarising Ghana towards the attainment of the country’s universal energy access goal and renewable energy policy targets.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Volta River Authority (VRA), Ing.

Edward Kenzo reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the long-term sustainability, efficient operation and responsible management of the mini grids upon completion.

“We understand infrastructure represents the first crucial step; however, it is the continuous delivery of quality service that ultimately brings lasting change.

We assure Ghanaians of proper maintenance culture to the highest standards to be able to serve the communities for many years”.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Simone Giger, the Deputy Head of Corporation, Magdalena Wust, reiterated the commitment of Switzerland to partner Ghana to help achieve access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

She stated that energy security is fundable for any country development. She highlighted the significance of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Ghana under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement which sets the foundation for collaborative climate action and expressed confidence that efforts will be strengthened to ensure sustainable energy for all.