Ghana’s performance on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
One in six persons who engaged public officials in 2024 paid bribes to access public services, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed in its newly launched Governance Series Wave 1 Report.
The study found that 18.4 percent of individuals who interacted with public officials within the year under review paid bribes, predominantly in the form of cash.
According to GSS, the study forms part of efforts to monitor Ghana’s performance on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 16.5.1 which tracks the proportion of persons who paid or were asked to pay a bribe to a public official.
Conducted using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) model, the survey reached 7,248 respondents across all 16 regions. Of those surveyed, 55.7 percent had at least one contact with a public official in the reference period from January to December 2024.
Bribery patterns by demographics
GSS data highlight troubling disparities in the distribution of bribe-giving as males accounted for 77.4 percent of those who paid bribes, with females constituting 22.6 percent.
Meanwhile, bribery was more prevalent in urban areas (61.9 percent) than in rural areas (38.1 percent).
In terms of age, the highest incidence of gift-giving occurred among persons aged 35 to 49 years – accounting for about 43 percent of all bribes paid. The trend was similar across education levels, with individuals possessing tertiary and JHS/middle-level education recording the highest figures.
The employed made up the bulk (75.6 percent) of those who gave bribes, but notably, 22.4 percent of unemployed persons reported paying over GH¢1,000 as bribes… revealing the economic burden corruption imposes on even the jobless.
Among persons with disabilities, approximately 21 percent reported paying bribes – with significantly higher rates among individuals with physical impairments (40.1%) and visual impairments (32.5 percent)
Institutional and regional trends
Institutional analysis revealed that the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service recorded the highest bribe prevalence, with six in ten people who interacted with MTTD officials reporting they paid bribes. Other top-ranking institutions include general duties police (46.7 percent), police CID (37.9 percent) and city guards (34.4 percent).
On the flipside, the Minerals Commission recorded no reported cases of bribery and foreign embassies or consulates had just 2.6 percent of respondents reporting bribe-related interactions.
Geographically, Greater Accra (22 percent) and Ashanti Region (18.1 percent) had the highest incidences of bribery, while Savannah (1.0 percent) and North East (1.1 percent) reported the lowest.
Nature of bribes
Money remained the most dominant form of bribe, making up 85.2 percent of all gifts. Other items included food, drinks, animals (9 percent) and exchange of services (4.4 percent).
The amounts paid varied widely: about one-third paid between GHȼ101 – GH¢500 and 14% paid more than GHȼ1,000.
More males (15.6 percent) than females (10.8 percent) reported paying over GHȼ1,000. Similarly, urban residents paid more bribes than their rural counterparts. The Greater Accra Region again topped the chart for highest bribes paid.
A striking 74.9 percent of bribes were directly requested by public officials, either personally or through a third party. About 17.3 percent of respondents gave bribes voluntarily, either to facilitate the process or out of appreciation.
Yet only 14.5 percent of bribe incidents were reported to anti-corruption institutions, with urban dwellers more likely to report than rural residents.
Next steps
According to GSS, the first wave serves as a baseline for tracking governance-related experiences over time.
According to Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, the report is a “call to action” and reflects the need for policies rooted in robust data.
“This evidence must be used to drive reforms, empower citizens and ultimately reduce corruption in public service delivery,” he stated.
The bi-annual Governance Series will follow up with the same respondents every six months to assess progress. The findings will also inform Ghana’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the SDGs scheduled for July 2025.
play videoChelsea players celebrating the Conference League title win
English side Chelsea thumped Real Betis 4-1 to clinch the 2024/2025 UEFA Conference League on May 28, 2025.
Abde Ezzalzouli gave Betis the lead in the 9th minute and kept piling pressure on the Blues for a second goal, but was unsuccessful.
Chelsea came from behind in the second half to claim an emphatic victory, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Jadon Sancho.
Chelsea made history as the first club to have won all European competition titles.
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Watch the highlights of the match below:
Meanwhile, watch as ADISEC win the 4×200 Boys finals at the 23rd Annual Inter schools and colleges
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has once again taken to social media to shower praises on fellow rapper Medikal, describing him as the best friend he has ever had in the music industry. In a heartfelt message, Shatta Wale opened up about the strong bond they share and the impressive milestones they’ve achieved together.
The two musicians, who were previously arrested and later released, quickly bounced back with a major concert at the Accra Sports Stadium. According to Shatta Wale, the event pulled in a staggering GH¢3.5 million in just one night.
Their hustle didn’t stop there. Shatta Wale revealed that during a two-week tour in the United States, they earned an additional $300,000 — a testament to their popularity and influence both locally and abroad.
“After we came from jail, we made GH¢3.5 million in just a day from a concert. We also made $300,000 in two weeks in America during our tour,” Shatta Wale stated.
Beyond the money, Shatta Wale emphasized the genuine loyalty between them. While he has made friends with many artistes in the industry, he singled out Medikal as the only one who truly “breaks bread” with him.
“I have made friends with artistes, but Medikal is the only artiste that breaks bread with me,” he added.
The “On God” hitmaker expressed deep appreciation for Medikal’s consistent support, noting that they share ideas, trust each other deeply, and always have each other’s backs. He proudly declared Medikal as his trusted confidant and the truest friend he has in the music scene.
“DTB 4lyf ❤️,” Shatta Wale ended his tribute, which stands for “Don’t Trust Boys for life,” a popular phrase they both use to reinforce their loyalty to each other.
Fans have flooded the comments section with love and admiration for the duo, applauding their unity, success, and loyalty. For many, this friendship is a rare and inspiring bond in an industry often riddled with rivalry and betrayal.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ghana’s biggest music bromance!
The National Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has sent a strong warning to President John Dramani Mahama, accusing his government of persecuting political opponents, especially key figures in the NPP.
Speaking passionately in a video that was aired by UTV and shared widely on social media, Nana B condemned the recent arrest and detention of NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, describing it as part of a larger pattern of intimidation and political harassment under the new NDC administration.
The Minority in Parliament has raised serious concerns over the government’s failure to provide clear and lasting solutions to the ongoing energy crisis.
Despite repeated assurances from the Energy Minister, the Minority said many parts of the country continue to suffer from persistent power outages.
Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei voiced the caucus’s frustration during a Leaders’ Media Briefing in Parliament, calling on the government to outline concrete and sustainable measures to address the situation.
“As we speak now, dumsor has returned, and it is affecting everybody. I went home to my constituency in Kumasi, and the rampant shutdown of the power supply was worrying. Everybody is saying that Mahama left with darkness and he has come back with darkness.
“That is what we are concerned about. We had the Energy Minister assuring us that he was going to deal with it within the shortest possible time. But we are still experiencing it, and we do not have a clear solution to dumsor,” she said.
‘We are tired of excuses – GRNMA laments over poor conditions of service
I Will Be Kneeling Down In 36 States For 36 Days Until I’m Able To Get Davido’s Attention-Nasboi
News Hub Creator1h
Influential and talented Nigerian comedian and musician, Nasiru Lawal professionally known and addressed as Nasboi has taken to his official Instagram handle to disclose what he will be doing for 36 days inorder to gain Davido’s attention.
The singer, made this known hours ago on his official Instagram handle.
According to Nasboi, he has been trying to het David Adedeji Adeleke’s (Davido) attention since 2019 inorder to help his music career but instead the videos he posted went viral and opened way for him as a comedian.
Disclosing his new strategy, Nasboi revealed he will be kneeling down in 36 different states for 36 different days until Davido bless his music career by giving him a verse for his song.
In his post, he shared photos of himself, kneeling down at Ogun State Government Secretariat.
Below is the screenshot of his post and the photo he posted.
PHOTOS/NEWS SOURCE: NASBOI OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM HANDLE
On Tuesday, 22 April 2025, the serving Chief Justice of the Republic, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, was suspended from office by President John Dramani Mahama following the receipt of three petitions and the subsequent establishment of a purported prima facie case against her.
The decision to suspend the 15th Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, according to the presidency, was in line with a recommendation by the Council of State to President John Mahama and the provisions of Article 146(8) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
The Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Johnson Asiama, has indicated that government is signalling a renewed commitment to long-term investment partnerships, underpinned by a genuine macroeconomic turnaround driven by substantive reforms rather than rhetoric.
Speaking at a private investor roundtable convened by Invest Africa and Standard Chartered on the side-lines of the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings, Dr Asiama said Ghana’s economy is “back on a credible path” after a period of volatility marked by inflation, currency depreciation and fragile investor sentiment.
“The Ghana opportunity is not theoretical — it is real, it is unfolding and the time to engage is now,” Dr Asiama told an audience of international investors and financial leaders at the AfDB meeting.
He emphasised consistency in policy, improving fundamentals and a commitment to shared-value partnerships.
The roundtable, themed ‘De-risking Growth: Building confidence in African sovereign finance’, comes at a moment of cautious optimism for Ghana. After a turbulent 2024, the country has seen a sharp rebound in several key indicators. Real GDP grew 5.7 percent last year, exceeding expectations and is forecast to expand four percent in 2025 despite global headwinds.
The cedi has appreciated 21.5 percent year-to-date, reversing a 19.2 percent depreciation the previous year.
Similarly, inflation has edged down from 23.8 percent in December to 21.2 percent in April, aided by tighter monetary policy and a stabilising exchange rate. Foreign reserves climbed to US$10.67billion – equivalent to 4.7 months of import cover – while Ghana posted a current account surplus of US$2.12billion in the first quarter.
“These gains are not accidental. They reflect deliberate action,” Dr. Asiama said.
He pointed to a coordinated macroeconomic strategy focused on stability, confidence and growth.
The Bank of Ghana has maintained a tight monetary stance, reinforced liquidity management through active open market operations and worked closely with the Ministry of Finance on fiscal consolidation.
Government, for its part, has implemented aggressive expenditure controls and domestic revenue reforms. These moves have been bolstered by a staff-level agreement with the IMF under the fourth review of the Extended Credit Facility and an S&P credit rating upgrade from selective default to CCC+.
Still, the central bank Governor was careful to frame stabilisation as only the beginning. Sustaining investor confidence, he said, will depend on further reforms in public sector governance, financial intermediation and the investment climate.
“Trust is the real currency in global finance,” he noted. “And it must be earned through consistency, transparency and reform-minded leadership.”
The Bank’s recent decision to hold its policy rate steady at 28 percent reflects that strategy.
Dr Asiama said the Monetary Policy Committee was unanimous in its decision, aimed at consolidating disinflation gains and keeping expectations anchored.
Structural reforms in liquidity management are also underway. The central bank is shifting from passive tools like the unremunerated cash reserve ratio to a more active open market operations regime – moves expected to improve liquidity control and, over time, support targetted credit expansion to the private sector.
Ghana’s foreign exchange market is also getting a regulatory facelift. According to the Governor, stricter enforcement of FX rules, bolstered reserve accumulation and transparency in market pricing have helped support the cedi’s recovery.
“The cedi’s performance is not an illusion. It is a reflection of real reforms, real discipline and real resilience,” he said.
Financial sector indicators remain mixed. While capital adequacy ratios have improved to 15.8 percent as of April, non-performing loans remain elevated at 23.6 percent.
Nonetheless, Dr Asiama expressed confidence that BoG’s supervisory role and effective loss provisioning were restoring sector resilience.
Beyond macro indicators, Ghana is pitching itself as a strategic hub for investors seeking exposure to green infrastructure, fintech, logistics and light manufacturing — sectors the country sees as aligned with its climate and industrialisation ambitions under the AfCFTA framework.
“As confidence returns, we see a clear window to reposition Ghana as a preferred investment destination in West Africa,” Dr Asiama said.
Investor engagement, however, will not be driven by incentives alone. The Governor stressed that Ghana is not chasing speculative capital, but rather patient, strategic investors aligned with national development goals.
“We believe in responsible capital and in co-creating solutions that support inclusive growth and in de-risking through governance, not just guarantees,” he concluded.
The Ellembelle District Fire Commander, DO2 Mark Hamilton, has confirmed that a total of 18 rooms at the Maaha Beach Resort were destroyed following a fire outbreak on the night of Wednesday, May 28.
The fire, which is reported to have started around 7 p.m. at the adjacent Vision Beach Resort, quickly spread to parts of the Maaha Beach Resort, damaging significant portions of its infrastructure.
Speaking to Citi News after firefighters had brought the blaze under control at approximately 10 p.m., DO2 Hamilton provided details on the extent of the damage and assured the public that no lives were lost.
“For Maaha Beach, 18 rooms were affected. For Vision Resort, 15 rooms were affected. There were no casualties. As we speak, the situation is under control. The rooms that were affected had no occupants. Maaha is operational,” he stated.
DO2 Hamilton also responded to earlier eyewitness claims that the Ghana Gas fire tender had been unable to assist due to the type of chemical it uses, calling the reports inaccurate.
“The call was placed at 07:59 hours, and we arrived at the scene by 08:04 hours. There was no issue with the fire tender from Ghana Gas — in fact, that was the first one dispatched and it arrived in under four minutes.
“We later called for a second pump from another station to assist, so we had two pumps on site,” he clarified.
Fire officers are expected to conduct a detailed assessment to determine the cause of the fire and to evaluate safety measures at the affected facilities.
Fire ravages Maaha Beach Resort; several structures destroyed
Dr Asiama assured investors that the cedi’s appreciation and subsequent stability is sustainable. He pointed to declining inflation, rising reserves, tightening fiscal policy, and steady real sector growth as factors that will support the currency going forward.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Johnson Asiama, has warned dollar holders that the cedi’s recent appreciation is not an illusion.
The GRNMA has urged all its members to wear red armbands on June 2 and 3, 2025
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has announced a phased withdrawal of services, starting in early June 2025.
The industrial action by the association is to protest the government’s prolonged delay in implementing their collective agreement.
The industrial action was disclosed in a press statement copied to the Ghana News Agency and signed by Mrs. Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, President of the association.
The agreement, a comprehensive document covering all nurses and midwives in Ghana, was signed in May 2024 by the GRNMA, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, yet remains unimplemented a year later.
The GRNMA’s industrial action will begin with the withdrawal of all Out-Patient Department (OPD) services nationwide from June 4 to June 8, 2025.
The association stated that if the government fails to address their demands during the initial period, the GRNMA warned of a complete withdrawal of all services commencing from June 9, 2025, onward.
The GRNMA has urged all its members to wear red armbands on June 2 and 3, 2025, as a visible sign of their protest and as a preliminary step before the service withdrawals.
The association, while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, emphasizes that the full implementation of their collective agreement is the only viable solution to the current impasse.
The GRNMA has called on all nurses and midwives to strictly adhere to this roadmap for industrial action.
The country needs to generate more revenue to cover its recurrent expenditure and not depend on borrowed funds for that purpose, the Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, has said.
Speaking at the maiden Daily Graphic/Ecobank Economic Forum in Accra yesterday, he emphasised that the country should only borrow for capital projects that could generate enough revenue to repay the loans, rather than burdening taxpayers.
Mr Terkper said that such an approach would help the nation to manage its debt sustainably and reduce the strain on its finances.
He recalled that during his tenure as Finance Minister between 2012 and 2016, the government had to curtail consumption to build infrastructure such as the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, the Terminal Three of the Kotoka International Airport, and expansion at the Tema and Takoradi ports when the country was under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
This was made possible by ring-fencing revenue that would have otherwise been used for consumption, either by state-owned enterprises or the government.
The thought-leadership forum was aimed at fostering a comprehensive discussion on the economy and its prospects for development.
The event was on the theme: “A broad review of the economy of Ghana: Then, now, and the way forward”.
Policies
Mr Terkper also said that the country’s tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio should be around 18 per cent to 20 per cent to manage the economy effectively, adding that policies were not moving at pace with its transformation.
The Presidential Advisor highlighted the need for Ghana to move beyond its current economic status and adopt policies that would propel it to upper-middle-income status.
He emphasised that comparing itself to low-income countries would result in losing concessional financing and grants, ultimately pushing the country to the debt market.
Mr Terkper stressed that Ghana’s economic transformation required a robust tax system that could support its development needs.
Tax
On the tax system, Mr Terkper provided some background, indicating that Ghana was one of the countries that implemented tax reforms in the 1980s and 1990s.
These reforms included granting operational autonomy to tax agencies, such as the then Internal Revenue Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service.
He mentioned that the tax system had four pillars: income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty and import duty.
Income tax, he explained, was levied on individuals and corporations, while VAT was a consumption tax that replaced the sales tax and service tax.
Mr Terkper said Ghana’s services sector had overtaken agriculture, but the country’s policies and behaviour still reflected an agrarian economy.
He stressed the importance of adding value to agriculture to serve the country’s purpose and promote economic diversification.
He said the government would implement policies that would boost revenue generation and promote economic growth, ensuring that Ghana’s economy was managed sustainably and effectively.
Mr Terkper’s remarks highlighted the need for Ghana to prioritise revenue generation and adopt a more robust tax system to support its economic development.
By doing so, the country can reduce its reliance on debt and promote sustainable economic growth.
As Ghana moves forward, policymakers must take a comprehensive approach to managing the economy, prioritising revenue generation and promoting economic diversification.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been entangled in a web of legal and personal challenges that have placed him under the national spotlight.
From a botched security raid at his Kumasi residence to interrogations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), followed by hospitalisation and a civil suit from Exim Bank, Wontumi’s recent troubles paint a picture of a man under intense scrutiny.
These events, unfolding in rapid succession, have seen Wontumi become the centre of attention in discussions within and beyond Ghana’s media space.
The failed security raid in Kumasi
The saga began on May 25, 2025, when security operatives attempted a raid on Wontumi’s residence in Kumasi. The operation was met with fierce resistance from Wontumi’s loyalists and supporters.
Reports indicate that the security team, comprising personnel from multiple agencies, was unable to execute the raid due to the presence of a large crowd of NPP supporters who gathered to protect their chairman.
The standoff ended without any arrests or seizures but set the stage for Wontumi’s subsequent legal battles.
While details of the raid’s objectives remain sparse, it was believed to be linked to ongoing investigations into Wontumi’s business dealings, particularly in the mining sector.
CID interrogation over Galamsey
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Wontumi was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning over allegations of involvement in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
The outspoken NPP chairman, known for his fiery rhetoric, spoke to the media and denied the accusations.
He noted that he had presented his mining license to CID investigators to assert its legitimacy.
“They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he stated.
After its initial interrogation of Wontumi on Monday, the police CID granted the NPP regional chairman bail and asked him to return on Tuesday.
EOCO arrest and interrogation
While departing the CID headquarters after returning for further questioning, Wontumi was arrested and interrogated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, speaking to the media on Tuesday evening, revealed that the EOCO interrogation was in connection with his business dealings with Exim Bank.
The interrogation, described as gruelling by Wontumi’s lawyer, lasted several hours and took a toll on the chairman’s health.
The arrest sparked immediate unrest outside EOCO’s Accra office, as a number of NPP supporters gathered to demand Wontumi’s release. The protest turned chaotic, resulting in clashes with security personnel.
A JoyNews reporter, Latif Iddrisu, was assaulted while covering the scene, and two police vehicles were reportedly vandalized.
His lawyer later reported that Wontumi had been taken to a health facility for medical attention due to his failing health during the interrogation.
“My client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment,” Appiah-Kubi told journalists on Tuesday night.
“We haven’t finished the interrogation, so we will come back to continue, hopefully tomorrow, if his condition improves. Otherwise, he will stay there until the doctors discharge him,” he added.
Exim Bank civil suit
As if the criminal investigations were not enough, Wontumi was served with a writ of summons by Exim Bank on the afternoon of May 27, 2025, while still under EOCO interrogation.
The civil suit, the details of which are yet to be fully disclosed, is believed to involve financial disputes related to Wontumi’s business dealings.
Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed receipt of the writ, stating, “We have also received this afternoon a writ of summons from Exim Bank, and we are going to respond to the pleadings tomorrow.”
He expressed confidence in mounting a defense, noting that the matter would be treated as a civil case in court.
According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GH₵50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.
Meanwhile, Wontumi, who has declared his intention to contest for the national Chairmanship position of the NPP, has described his recent woes as a coordinated attempt by the ruling National Democratic Congress to cripple his business and undermine his political ambition.
A federal court on Wednesday ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority to impose sweeping tariffs that have raised the cost of imports for everyone from giant businesses to everyday Americans.
But the administration immediately appealed the decision on Wednesday night, leaving the situation uncertain for consumers and companies and potentially prolonging the battle over whether Trump’s import duties will stand – and possibly reshape the global economy.
A three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade, a relatively low-profile court in Manhattan, stopped Trump’s global tariffs that he imposed citing emergency economic powers, including the “Liberation Day” tariffs he announced on April 2.
It also prevents Trump from enforcing his tariffs placed earlier this year against China, Mexico and Canada, designed to combat fentanyl coming into the United States.
The court ruled in favor of a permanent injunction, potentially grinding Trump’s global tariffs to a halt before “deals” with most other trading partners have even been reached. The court ordered a window of 10 calendar days for administrative orders “to effectuate the permanent injunction.” That means the bulk – but not all – of Trump’s tariffs would be put in a standstill if the ruling holds up in appeal and, potentially, with the Supreme Court.
The order halts Trump’s 30% tariffs on China, his 25% tariffs on some goods imported from Mexico and Canada, and the 10% universal tariffs on most goods coming into the United States. It does not, however, affect the 25% tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel or aluminum, which were subject to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act – a different law than the one Trump cited for his broader trade actions.
Stock futures surged on the ruling. Dow futures rose nearly 500 points, or 1.1%. The broader S&P 500 futures were up 1.4%, and Nasdaq futures were 1.6% higher in afterhours trading.
The lawsuit was filed by the libertarian legal advocacy group Liberty Justice Center in April and represented wine-seller VOS Selections and four other small businesses that claimed they had been severely harmed by the tariffs. The panel came to a unanimous decision, publishing an opinion on the VOS suit and also one by twelve Democratic states brought against the Trump tariffs.
“We won – the state of Oregon and state plaintiffs also won,” Ilya Somin, a law professor at Scalia Law School, George Mason University and plaintiff lawyer, said to CNN immediately after the ruling. “The opinion rules that entire system of liberation day and other IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs is illegal and barred by permanent injunction.”
Declaring a national economic emergency
On April 2, Trump announced his “reciprocal” tariffs, imposing significant levies on imports from some of America’s closest trading allies – though he soon after implemented a 90-day pause on April 9. He left in place “universal” 10% tariffs on most goods coming into the United States.
Trump implemented these tariffs without Congress by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives the president the authority to act in response to unusual and extraordinary threats. But the law does not include any mention of tariffs as a potential action the president can take once IEEPA is invoked.
Trump also cited IEEPA in his 20% tariffs on China and 25% tariffs on many goods from Mexico and Canada designed to target fentanyl trafficking into the United States.
But the Trump administration has not met that criteria for an emergency, the plaintiffs alleged. The lawsuit also alleges IEEPA doesn’t give the president the power to enact tariffs in the first place, and even if it was interpreted to, it “would be an unconstitutional delegation of Congress’s power to impose tariffs,” according to a statement.
The court concurred in its ruling that Trump lacked the authority to impose those tariffs even after declaring a national emergency.
“IEEPA does not authorize any of the worldwide, retaliatory, or trafficking tariff orders,” the panel of judges said in their order Wednesday. “The worldwide and retaliatory tariff orders exceed any authority granted to the President by IEEPA to regulate importation by means of tariffs. The trafficking tariffs fail because they do not deal with the threats set forth in those orders.”
‘Surprising and spectacular’ decision
White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement that: “It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency. President Trump pledged to put America First, and the Administration is committed to using every lever of executive power to address this crisis and restore American Greatness.”
White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller was blunter, posting on X that “The judicial coup is out of control” in response to the news.
Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, called it a “surprising and spectacular decision.”
“The reason it’s a surprise is that if you look at past cases where plaintiffs have tried to challenge the presidential use of extraordinary authority under various laws, the plaintiffs have always lost against the government,” Hufbauer said in an interview with CNN.
“All the president had to do was say, ‘national security,’ or ‘national emergency.’ Those are magic words.”
The decision could help small businesses across America, many of which had been struggling with the jump in costs from tariffs.
“This is potentially – with that word choice underscored – a significant policy pivot point should it hold up for both the economy and the quiet majority inside Congress that does not support current trade policy,” Joe Brusuelas, RSM US chief economist, wrote in an email to CNN Business. “In particular, this would provide a huge relief for small and medium sized firms that neither have the margins nor the financial depth to absorb the tariffs on a sustained basis.”
The plaintiffs are hopeful they can gain some certainty for their businesses, Jeffrey Schwab, lead attorney for the Liberty Justice Center, told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Wednesday.
“They’re hopeful that these will be upheld by the appellate court so that they can continue their businesses with the certainty of what’s going to happen rather than the uncertainty of not knowing what the tariff rate is at any given time and whether it will change,” Schwab said.
“Obviously this is a very important case, not only because of the tremendous economic impact that it has on everybody, but particularly business and our businesses, but also because of the tremendous power grab that the administration is claiming here,” Schwab continued. “He can’t just assert unlimited authority to tariff whenever he wants.”
Potentially headed to the Supreme Court
The Department of Justice lawyers argued that the tariffs are a political question – meaning it’s something that the courts can’t decide.
But the plaintiffs noted IEEPA makes no mention of tariffs.
“If starting the biggest trade war since the Great Depression based on a law that doesn’t even mention tariffs is not an unconstitutional usurpation of legislative power, I don’t know what is,” Somin said in April.
Separately, and using similar arguments, twelve Democratic states sued the administration in the same court for “illegally imposing” tax hikes on Americans through the tariffs.
“We brought this case because the Constitution doesn’t give any president unchecked authority to upend the economy. This ruling reaffirms that our laws matter, and that trade decisions can’t be made on the president’s whim,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement Wednesday.
The judges on the Manhattan panel were each appointed by a different president. Judge Jane Restani was appointed to the US Court of International Trade by President Ronald Reagan. Judge Gary Katzmann was appointed to the court by President Barack Obama. Judge Timothy Reif was appointed by President Trump.
The immediate higher court is the federal circuit, though it could potentially go right to the Supreme Court.
The United States Court of International Trade is a federal court in Manhattan that handles disputes over customs and international trade laws.
Hajia Bintu, born Naomi Asiamah, has made a name for herself as one of Ghana’s most recognizable social media influencers and video vixens. Known for her curvy figure and bold fashion sense, she continues to turn heads and spark conversations in the entertainment and fashion scenes.Her rise to fame began on TikTok and Instagram, where her dance videos and modeling content quickly caught the attention of thousands. But beyond the viral moments, Hajia Bintu has crafted a fashion identity that blends confidence, glamour, and modern African style.
From body-hugging dresses to chic athleisure looks, her wardrobe choices highlight her figure while maintaining class. She’s often seen in vibrant colors, bold patterns, and trendy cuts that reflect both confidence and a strong sense of self-expression.
Whether she’s stepping out for an event or casually posting on Instagram, Hajia Bintu understands how to command attention with style. Her ability to embrace her body and dress unapologetically has made her a fashion icon for many young women who admire her self-assured presence.
Aside from her fashion influence, Hajia Bintu also runs her own beauty brand, proving that she’s more than just a social media star—she’s a growing entrepreneur using her image to build a brand and empower others.
With every post and appearance, Hajia Bintu continues to challenge traditional beauty norms in Ghana, promoting body positivity and encouraging women to feel beautiful in their own skin.
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Dormaahene has finally spoken out about his ongoing dispute with Otumfuo, shedding light on the deep-rooted tensions that have shaped their relationship. In a bold statement, Dormaahene not only defended his position but also issued a direct challenge, asserting that if Otumfuo intends to destool him, he will ensure that Otumfuo is removed first. This declaration has intensified the debate surrounding chieftaincy authority and the historical power dynamics between Bono and Asante leadership.
The rivalry between Dormaahene and Otumfuo has been brewing for years, with both sides asserting their influence over traditional governance. Bono chiefs have now stepped forward to declare their unwavering support for Dormaahene, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the integrity of their leadership. The controversy has also reignited discussions about the Berekum saga, a complex issue that has played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the Bono region.
Dormaahene’s latest remarks have sparked widespread reactions, with supporters praising his courage while critics argue that his challenge to Otumfuo is unprecedented and could lead to further instability. The Bono chiefs, in their declaration of support, have emphasized the need for unity and respect for traditional authority, urging all parties involved to seek peaceful resolutions rather than escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, the Berekum saga continues to unfold, with reports indicating that the Berekum Traditional Council has rejected the installation of a new chief, despite Otumfuo’s involvement in the process. This rejection has intensified tensions in the Bono Region, where chieftaincy matters have long been a source of controversy and legal battles. Some elders and royals argue that the nomination did not follow proper customary procedures, while others believe that external influences have played a role in the decision-making.
Adding to the complexity of the issue, recent court rulings have also impacted the chieftaincy dispute. A Sunyani High Court previously issued an injunction preventing Dormaahene from attending the funeral rites of the late Berekumhene, Daasebre Dr Amankona Diawuo II, citing concerns over potential clashes between traditional authorities. The legal battles surrounding Berekum’s chieftaincy affairs have further deepened divisions within the Bono Region.
As tensions continue to rise, the question remains: will Dormaahene concede, or will he push forward with his challenge against Otumfuo? The unfolding events will undoubtedly shape the future of traditional leadership in the region, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and political landscape.
Kaba and slit outfits are an integral part of African fashion, especially in Ghana, where they are worn for a variety of occasions—from weddings and church services to funerals and traditional celebrations. These timeless ensembles continue to evolve, merging cultural heritage with contemporary trends to produce styles that are both elegant and fashionable.
One of the most popular kaba and slit styles today is the corset kaba paired with a mermaid slit. This outfit beautifully accentuates a woman’s curves, making it a go-to for formal events. Another standout is the peplum kaba with a high slit, which adds a modern touch to the traditional look while offering flair and sophistication.
Off-shoulder kaba designs with layered slits are also gaining attention for their romantic appeal, perfect for engagement parties or church functions. These styles often incorporate rich fabrics like lace, satin, or velvet for a luxurious finish. Speaking of lace, lace-accented kaba and slit styles add an extra layer of elegance and are ideal for weddings or special family events.
For a more vibrant and youthful appearance, many women opt for Ankara kaba and flared slits. The bold prints and creative patterns typical of Ankara fabrics bring energy and color to the outfit, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Ultimately, kaba and slit styles offer endless possibilities for personalization. Whether you prefer something simple and elegant or bold and dramatic, these ensembles allow every woman to express her unique sense of style while honoring her cultural roots. Investing in a well-tailored kaba and slit outfit is a fashionable way to make a statement at any event.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. It is definitely associated with many negative health effects, but is that all there is to cholesterol?
Cholesterol is actually essential for many functions in your body, however, there are different kinds of cholesterol. Understanding the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol is crucial for maintaining heart health.
The Role of Cholesterol in the Body
Cholesterol plays several vital roles, including, but not limited to
Providing structure and flexibility for all cell membranes. In other words, without cholesterol no cell in your body can be properly formed.
Producing hormones. Cholesterol is a precursor for sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone) and stress hormones (cortisol).
Aiding digestion. The liver uses cholesterol to make bile acids, which help digest fats.
Supporting vitamin D production in your body. Cholesterol helps the body produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
The importance of cholesterol in your body is demonstrated by the fact that up to 80% of your body’s cholesterol requirement is produced by your own liver. Only 20% comes from diet.
Why then does cholesterol have such a bad reputation?
To understand this, let’s learn about the 2 types of cholesterol.
Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol, being a kind of fat, is not water soluble, which means it cannot disolve in blood. If it cannot dissolve in blood, then it cannot be transported in blood. For this reason, cholesterol needs to be bound to a lipoprotein to enable it travels through the bloodstream. The kind of lipoprotein determines the kind of cholesterol or rather the effects that cholesterol will have on our body.
There are 2 kinds of lipoproteins, Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and High density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
Carries cholesterol from the liver to cells.
High levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. For this reason LDL cholesterol is called ‘Bad’ Cholesterol.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and takes it back to the liver for disposal.
Higher levels are protective against heart disease. For this reason HDL Cholesterol is called ‘Good’ Cholesterol.
What Affects Cholesterol Levels?
Several factors influence cholesterol levels, including:
Diet
Saturated fats (found in red meat, full-fat dairy) and trans fats (processed foods) raise LDL. Unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, fish) improve HDL.
Physical activity
Regular exercise boosts HDL and lowers LDL, while sedentary lifestyle has the opposite effect.
Genetics
Some people inherit conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, leading to high LDL.
Weight & smoking
Obesity and smoking lower HDL and raise LDL.
How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
✔ Eat heart-healthy fats
Avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel).
✔ Increase fiber intake
Oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables help reduce LDL.
✔ Exercise regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
✔ Avoid trans fats & limit saturated fats
Choose lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Limit the reusing oil for frying.
✔ Quit smoking & limit alcohol
Both negatively impact cholesterol levels.
✔ Get regular check-ups
Blood tests can monitor cholesterol and detect risks early.
In conclusion, cholesterol itself is not inherently bad—it is necessary for vital bodily functions.
The key is balance!
Too much LDL (bad cholesterol) increases heart disease risk, while Higher HDL (good cholesterol) helps protect against heart problems.
By making smart lifestyle choices, you can maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
If you have concerns about your cholesterol, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The Office of the President and 11 other institutions will undergo a week-long review of Ghana’s compliance with continental anti-corruption standards by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC).
The other institutions are Ministry of Justice and Office of the Attorney-General, Office of the Special Prosecutor, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Ghana Audit Service, Economic and Organised Crime Office, Parliamentary Committees on Public Accounts, and Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
The rest are Civil Society Organisations – Ghana Integrity Initiative, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Financial Intelligence Centre, Registrar-General’s Department, Judicial Service, Public Procurement Authority and development partners including UNDP, GIZ, World Bank and DANIDA.
Slated for June 1-6, 2025, the mission is a vital component of the African Union’s continental framework to strengthen integrity, assess compliance, and foster peer learning among Member States.
It is to ensure that member states adhered to the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).
Addressing journalists at the Presidency in Accra yesterday, Deputy Government Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, said the review presents Ghana with an invaluable opportunity to evaluate progress made so far in the fight against corruption under the AUCPCC.
“These meetings will provide an opportunity to share experiences, assess progress made under the AUCPCC, and collectively explore ways to strengthen Ghana’s fight against corruption,” she stated.
On the theme “Revitalising the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa: Ghana’s Accountability Journey,” Shamima Muslim said the mission would be climaxed with conference to be attended by AU officials, legal experts, public officials, and policy influencers to share perspectives, identify challenges, and shape a more coordinated and courageous anti-corruption response across the continent.
“Ghana is proud to provide the platform for such an important dialogue– one that reinforces the African Union’s commiment to mutual accountability, encourages South-South cooperation, and reaffirms our collective resolve to combat corruption in all its forms,” Shamima Muslim remarked.
“We look forward to a productive, transparent, and inclusive process– one that strengthens both our national integrity systems and continental solidarity.
A reconstituted National Media Commission (NMC) has been sworn into office.
A Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Noble Jerome Nkrumah, administered the oath of allegiance and the Official Oath to the 18-member commission at the Supreme Court in Accra yesterday.
The newly sworn-in members later elected Prof. Akua Biritwum as the chairperson of the commission who will serve for a three-year term.
She makes history by becoming the first ever female chairperson of NMC since it was established in 1993.
Prof. Biritwum is one of two representatives of the Office of the President on the NMC. The other representative is Richard Mawuli Quashigah.
Members
Other members of the commission are sports journalist and lawyer, Eva Okyere, who is representing the Ghana Bar Association; Ernest Owusu Addo – Publishers and Owners of Private Press; Anthony Obeng Afrane, representing the Ghana Association of Writers and the Ghana Library Association; Rev. Ruby Amable – the Christian Group, comprising the National Catholic Secretariat, the Christian Council and the Ghana Pentecostal Council, and Hajj Muhammad Amir Kpakpo Addo, representing the Federation of Muslim Councils and Ahmadiyya Mission.
Swearing in members of the National Media Commission. Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY
Others are Professor Isaac Abeku Blankson (training institutions of journalists and communicators); Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah (Ghana Advertising Association and the Institute of Public Relations of Ghana); Rev. Isaac Owusu (Ghana National Association of Teachers), and Kobby Asmah and Kofi Yeboah, both representing the Ghana Journalists Association.
The rest are Mahama Shaibu, Philip Fifi Buckman and Korkor Laurette Asante, all representing Parliament; Abena Annobea-Asare (National Council on Women & Development); Joseph Yao Hotor (Trades Union Congress (Ghana), and Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, representing the Association of Private Broadcasters.
Mandate
Justice Nkrumah urged the members to work to fulfil their mandate to protect the freedom and independence of the media, ensure diverse views, and combat disinformation.
The Justice of the Appeals Court also called on members to guide and instruct to ensure a vibrant media landscape.
“At the end of the day, when your tenure has come to an end, it will all be praises for the wonderful work you have done,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the NMC, George Sarpong, said the NMC had undergone significant transformation, marked by the largest female representation, with five women experts now on the commission.
He said of the new members, Mr Asmah was the only member who was part of the previous commission, but added that the new members were people with experience in the country’s governance structure and media landscape.
Mr Sarpong indicated that the commission had completed internal processes of transformation, which he said were focused on setting standards, developing monitoring systems and enforcing regulations.
He mentioned key achievements to include establishment of core standards, launching of a media app for real-time monitoring and journalist safety, and progressing broadcasting legislation.
The executive secretary explained that the media app, among others, tracked the safety of journalists, especially during coverage of elections.
Mr Sarpong said the government had also indicated its support to help transform the media industry.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer for the 2024 election, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the National Security and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to conduct thorough background checks on all presidential appointees, particularly those designated to serve on boards of public institutions.
Two mechanised boreholes, constructed at the cost sum of GH¢201, 599.00, has been inaugurated and handed over to two beneficiary communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region.
The projects, executed under phase I of the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion (SOCO) project would aid irrigation farming, especially during the dry season.
The beneficiary communities included Damwoe and Amogrebisi; both in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Bolgatanga, the Chief Executive for the Bolgatanga Municipal, Mr Roland Atanga Ayoo, said the project would serve as a relief to farmers who largely depended on rain-fed agriculture for crop cultivation.
The two mechanised borehole projects, executed at a total sum amount of GH¢201, 599.50 (GH¢100, 799.75, each), Mr Ayoo said, would boost agricultural production amongst the rural farmers, and urged the youth to take advantage of the initiative to better their lots.
He indicated that the gesture marked a significant milestone in successive governments’ desire to prioritise agriculture, with a focus on modernising it and supporting rural and smallholder farmers to improve their crop yields to feed the local economy.
Mr Ayoo also noted that the government was working around the clock to revive the spirit of the people in venturing into agriculture.
“I am told that each of the projects is supposed to pump water to serve about 52-hectares. In fact, I am tempted to share the farmers’ agitations to the effect that the project cannot even serve two acres of land, let alone 52 hectares in the beneficiary communities,” Mr Ayoo fumed.
The MCE cautioned the technical team to steer clear of supervising similar crappy contracts in future, explaining that the borehole projects were meant to give farmers a boon, and ensuring their main hurdle of accessing water for dry season farming which would be ridden out.
At Damwoe, the MCE encouraged the youth not to be despaired in venturing into agriculture, in spite of the frustrations, re-affirming it was not going to be permanent.
The Assemblyman for the Amogrebisi, an Electoral Area under Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Mr Samuel Azure, told the MCE that the community was disappointed with the contractor over the unsatisfactory work, and appealed to him to come out with pragmatic solutions to surmount the plight of farmers who were so obsessed with irrigation since the sole mechanised borehole could not even support three farmers.
The Director for the Department of Agriculture at the Bolgatanga Municipal, Ms Lantana Osman, added that her outfit had learnt its lessons, and would be very cautious to monitor carefully the execution of any agriculture-related projects in the municipality in future.
She pleaded with the farmers to let sleeping dogs lie, saying that, “for we know your plight; we identify with your plight, and we are fighting the same cause. Better mechanised borehole projects will come your way as indicated by the MCE”.
Ghana’s gold production is projected to hit over 5 million ounces, according to the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The outlook follows a strong recovery in 2023, when Ghana reclaimed its position as Africa’s top gold producer.
Domestic output rose by 32 percent to 3.7 million ounces, up from 2.8 million ounces in 2021.
Acting CEO of the Chamber, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, said the Chamber fully supports strategic initiatives aimed at boosting foreign exchange earnings—including the government’s , Goldbod, enhance macroeconomic stability.
“In terms of function, whatever they said Goldbod will do looks good on paper and we as a chamber even has a representation on the board so we hope to work with them to make mining more sustainable. Because a lot of gold comes from the small scale mining sector about 40 percent and it will shore up our foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
“For projections we are looking at in excess of 5 million ounces in 2025” he added.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 West African Mining and Power Expo in Accra.
The Ranking Member of the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has alleged that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), through certain individuals at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, facilitated the travel of over 500 NDC supporters to the United Kingdom under the pretense of attending the ongoing Unity Cup in London to support the Black Stars.
According to him, credible sources have informed him that these supporters were charged significantly more than the official visa application fee—an act he strongly condemns.
Speaking on UTV on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Assafuah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, accused those involved of exploiting the visa applicants.
“Based on credible information I received about two days ago, it is clear that the NDC, through certain individuals at the Ministry of Sports and other party affiliates, is facilitating the acquisition of UK visas for NDC apparatchiks. These individuals were charged exorbitant fees—far above the standard rate. If I am called upon at any point, I am ready to provide proof. For instance, if you go to VSF and apply for a six-month UK visa, the fee is around £125, which is approximately GH₵2,000. But go and ask how much the agents who arranged the visas were charging each person,” he stated.
He added that the situation had become so commercialised that the British High Commission had to step in, announcing that future visa applications from similar groups would no longer be entertained.
500 NDC supporters have been sent to VFS for UK visas under the pretense of attending the ‘Unity Match’ – Vincent Ekow Assafuah alleges #UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/lkOUxILmkK
The New Life of President Akufo-Addo After Leaving Office in 2025
News Hub Creator15h
After serving two terms as President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo peacefully handed over power on January 7, 2025. Since leaving office, he has transitioned into a more reflective and ceremonial role while remaining engaged in public and diplomatic affairs.
In April 2025, Akufo-Addo was seen alongside his successor, President John Dramani Mahama, during the Easter festivities in Kwahu. The sight of the two former rivals together sent a powerful message of unity and political maturity, reinforcing Ghana’s democratic credentials. The image, which circulated widely on social media, was warmly received by Ghanaians across the political spectrum.
In February, he attended a high-profile event at the IBB Presidential Library Foundation in Nigeria, underscoring his continued involvement in African regional dialogue and leadership development.
Earlier in the year, Akufo-Addo was honored with the Transformational Leadership in Education Award at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards. This recognition celebrated his contributions to education, particularly the implementation of the Free SHS (Senior High School) policy, and his role in promoting pan-African cooperation.
Though no new official roles have been announced, the former president remains active on platforms like X and Facebook, sharing updates on national and international issues. His post-presidency life reflects a blend of elder statesmanship, quiet diplomacy, and legacy-building.
Beauty is diverse and ever-evolving, with each culture celebrating its own unique ideals. While mainstream fashion has often leaned toward slim figures, curvaceous body types have increasingly taken center stage admired for their strength, sensuality, and natural femininity.
In many parts of the world, curves are embraced as a symbol of health, beauty, and confidence. Here is a look at 10 countries globally recognized for their beautifully shaped, curvy women, shaped by genetics, lifestyle, and culture.
1. Brazil
Famed for its sun-kissed beaches and samba rhythms, Brazil is synonymous with bold beauty. Brazilian women often flaunt naturally athletic and curvaceous bodies — toned legs, sculpted glutes, and balanced hourglass shapes. Fitness culture is huge here, but so is body positivity. Confidence and curves are part of the national identity.
2. Colombia
Colombian women are a global beauty benchmark. Known for their sultry charisma and shapely figures, they exude both charm and confidence. In cities like Medellín and Cali, curves are embraced and enhanced by a vibrant culture of fashion and self-expression. Their full hips and well-defined silhouettes are often admired worldwide.
3. Nigeria
In Nigeria, curves are celebrated — not just admired. Across tribes like the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, full figures are associated with beauty, fertility, and wealth. Nigerian music, Nollywood films, and traditional attire all shine a spotlight on voluptuous women, making curvy beauty a proud part of national culture.
4. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic blends African, European, and Indigenous influences — and this shows in the stunning variety of curvy body types. Dominican women are admired for their hourglass figures, smooth curves, and confident walk. The island’s culture prizes boldness, rhythm, and sensual appeal — often expressed through both dance and dress.
5. South Africa
South Africa is rich in cultural diversity, and many communities embrace fuller figures as a symbol of health and femininity. Zulu, Xhosa, and Tswana traditions often highlight curves as beautiful. Whether in modern fashion or traditional attire, South African women stand tall — and curvy — with pride.
6. Venezuela
Beauty is practically a national industry in Venezuela — with many Miss Universe winners coming from here. While some enhancements are common, many Venezuelan women are naturally gifted with hourglass shapes and curvy silhouettes. Beauty pageants and glam culture place curvy women in the spotlight, reinforcing their status as icons of allure.
7. Ethiopia
Ethiopian women have a unique blend of East African and Middle Eastern ancestry, often resulting in slim waists and wide hips. Their elegance and poise are matched by naturally graceful curves. The cultural perception of beauty values balance — where curves enhance, not overshadow, the overall figure.
8. Ghana
Ghanaian women are often seen as the epitome of African beauty — strong, radiant, and full-bodied. In music, dance, and traditional festivals, curves are front and center. The Ghanaian ideal appreciates thick, shapely women who exude strength and sex appeal — rooted in both tradition and modern pride.
9. Cuba
Cuban women reflect a rich mix of African and Spanish heritage, and this fusion gives rise to curvaceous, passionate, and powerful femininity. Dance and movement are central to Cuban culture — and it’s no surprise that curvy bodies are celebrated in everything from salsa clubs to cinema. Here, curves move with purpose and rhythm.
10. United States
The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, and curvaceous beauty is especially championed in African-American, Latina, and Caribbean-American communities. Cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles are hubs where curves are not only accepted but celebrated. With music, media, and pop culture embracing body diversity, the curvy woman is a modern American icon.
From the shores of Brazil to the streets of Accra and the salons of Los Angeles, curvy women are celebrated for more than their shape, they embody confidence, cultural pride, and powerful femininity.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been rearrested in connection with a $55 million cocoa road contract fraud investigation. The arrest follows a raid on his Kumasi residence by National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operatives on May 23, 2025, after he allegedly received GH₵50.8 million ($55 million equivalent) from COCOBOD on January 8, 2025, despite a directive to suspend payments.
Wontumi’s company, Hallmark Civil Engineering Ltd., was awarded a $45 million contract in 2020 to construct a 23km road in the Western North Region. Critics, including the NDC, labeled the deal fraudulent, citing the company’s inexperience and the high cost of $2 million per kilometer for a non-asphalted road. Recent reports suggest an additional GH₵50 million payment was made, prompting further scrutiny.
On May 26, 2025, Wontumi was questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and released on bail with two sureties. He denies wrongdoing, claiming political persecution due to his NPP National Chairmanship bid. His lawyer called the raid “immature,” while supporters protested, alleging a witch-hunt by the Mahama administration.
The investigation also ties to Wontumi’s Akonta Mining, accused of illegal mining. The Financial Intelligence Centre froze his accounts in April 2025, intensifying probes into his finances. Ghanaians await clarity as the Auditor-General reviews COCOBOD’s payments, with calls for accountability growing louder.
Radio show host with sympathies to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mugabe Maase, has slammed some appointees of President Mahama, claiming they are currently in London having fun.
According to the outspoken broadcaster, these unnamed appointees are spending lavishly, buying expensive drinks for others at restaurants, and living an ostentatious lifestyle.
Speaking on his show on TV XYZ, in a video shared on social media, Mugabe Maase warned that he would soon expose the said appointees by leaking videos of their activities, which he believes violate the Code of Conduct for public officers.
“Some of the appointees are currently in London chilling. Very soon, your videos will pop up. Those chilling at Gold Coast Restaurant in London, I’m sounding a warning to you. What you are doing in London, your videos will pop up very soon. Some of them went yesterday; others went three days ago. It happened to Sammy Gyamfi, and he was fortunate that President Mahama forgave him. Today, some of the appointees are buying drinks in London. I don’t want to mention names. Continue chilling. If you are serving in this administration, you must be circumspect. Don’t think that because you are out of Ghana, you can do whatever you like. London is my home, and I have received pictures of everything you are doing there.”
Meanwhile, there are reports that a large number of NDC members have been flown to London to watch the ongoing four-nation Unity Cup, in which Ghana is participating.
It is unclear whether the appointees referred to by Mugabe Maase were among those flown in as supporters.
NDC appointees are in London, UK 🇬🇧 chilling , spending money on side chicks.
A Popular John Mahama appointee was spotted at Gold Coast Restaurant in London, Uk 🇬🇧 two nights ago. pic.twitter.com/7AFKguFkIL
A Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) governance report has found that bribery is more prevalent among males than females when interacting with public officials.
The report indicates that urban residents experience higher incidences of bribery compared to those in rural areas.
Mr Omar Seidu, Head of Social Statistics, GSS, presented key findings from the “Governance Series Wave 1 Report”, revealing that 55.7 per cent of the population had contact with public officials between January and December 2024.
Of those, 18.4 per cent admitted to giving gifts, mainly money, to facilitate services.
The report identified ten public institutions prone to bribery, including Police Motor Transport and Traffic Division – 61 per cent; Police General Duties – 46.7 per cent; Police Criminal Investigation Department – 37.9 per cent; and Traffic Management Authority of City Guard – 34.4 per cent.
Among persons with disabilities, 21.1 per cent reported giving gifts, with higher rates among those with physical (40.1 per cent) and sight (32.5 per cent) difficulties.
Regionally, Greater Accra (22.0 per cent) and Ashanti (18.1 per cent) recorded the highest instances, while Savannah (1.0 per cent) and North East (1.1 per cent) had the lowest.
The report also highlighted governance challenges, noting that in 2024, over 70 per cent of Ghanaians felt the political system offered little or no opportunity for ordinary people to engage in decision-making.
Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, stressed the importance of data in shaping governance.
“Governance should be shaped by the voices of citizens, and policy reform must be driven by robust, inclusive, and representative evidence,” he said.
He reaffirmed GSS’s commitment to providing sustained and credible data for national development.
Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman, National Development Planning Commission, called the report timely, noting that corruption remained the biggest threat to growth.
He added that addressing this issue would pave the way for sustainable development.
Dr Gloria Sarku Kumawu, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, said the report provides critical feedback to address governance lapses.
Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of Service, Office of Head of Civil Service, emphasised that trust in governance is enhanced when public perception is positive.
Mr Samuel Harrison-Cudjoe, Programmes Officer, expressed concern about partisan politics, saying many constituents avoid community engagements due to feeling excluded from decision-making.
The report combines data from over 20 public bodies and findings from a nationwide survey conducted January 2–20, 2025, which reached 7,248 respondents from 15,400 households, based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
Covering January–December 2024, the report monitors governance experiences, focusing on inclusiveness, responsiveness, and corruption in public institutions, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16.
The New Life of the Wife of the Late Major Mahama: A Journey of Resilience
News Hub Creator16h
After the tragic death of her husband, Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, in 2017, Barbara Mahama has rebuilt her life with remarkable strength and grace. Major Mahama, a young military officer, was brutally lynched by a mob in Denkyira Obuasi while on official duty. His death shocked the nation and sparked widespread discussions about mob justice and security in Ghana.
In the years following the tragedy, Barbara has emerged as a symbol of resilience. In July 2023, she published a memoir titled Resilience: Reflections from a Widow’s Diary. The book offers a deeply personal account of her life before and after the loss of her husband. She shares reflections on the final days leading up to his death, the emotional turmoil that followed, and how she has found the strength to raise their two sons as a single mother.
Barbara’s memoir is not just a story of grief—it is a story of survival, faith, and hope. Through her words, she encourages others who have experienced personal loss to find purpose in their pain and to continue living with courage. She has also used her platform to advocate for healing, emotional well-being, and the importance of resilience in the face of tragedy.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, it is possible to rise, heal, and inspire others.
Police investigate alleged assault of Joy FM journalist
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GraphicOnline
1 minute read
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged assault of Joy FM journalist Latif Iddrisu during the arrest of Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, on May 27, 2025.
The incident occurred at the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In a press release dated 28th May 2025, the Police Service stated that the Regional Command is reviewing all available evidence, including video recordings and eyewitness testimonies, to establish the facts of the case and identify those responsible.
The statement, signed by Ms. Juliana Obeng [Supt], Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, reiterated the Service’s commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, including media personnel, and ensuring the rule of law is maintained in its operations.
“The Ghana Police Service reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, including members of the media, and ensuring that the rule of law is maintained throughout our operations,” the release stated.
The case has drawn public attention, with calls for transparency in the investigation to ensure accountability. Further updates are expected as the probe progresses.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been entangled in a web of legal and personal challenges that have placed him under the national spotlight.
From a botched security raid at his Kumasi residence to interrogations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), followed by hospitalisation and a civil suit from Exim Bank, Wontumi’s recent troubles paint a picture of a man under intense scrutiny.
These events, unfolding in rapid succession, have seen Wontumi become the centre of attention in discussions within and beyond Ghana’s media space.
The failed security raid in Kumasi
The saga began on May 25, 2025, when security operatives attempted a raid on Wontumi’s residence in Kumasi. The operation was met with fierce resistance from Wontumi’s loyalists and supporters.
Reports indicate that the security team, comprising personnel from multiple agencies, was unable to execute the raid due to the presence of a large crowd of NPP supporters who gathered to protect their chairman.
The standoff ended without any arrests or seizures but set the stage for Wontumi’s subsequent legal battles.
While details of the raid’s objectives remain sparse, it was believed to be linked to ongoing investigations into Wontumi’s business dealings, particularly in the mining sector.
CID interrogation over Galamsey
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Wontumi was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning over allegations of involvement in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
The outspoken NPP chairman, known for his fiery rhetoric, spoke to the media and denied the accusations.
He noted that he had presented his mining license to CID investigators to assert its legitimacy.
“They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he stated.
After its initial interrogation of Wontumi on Monday, the police CID granted the NPP regional chairman bail and asked him to return on Tuesday.
EOCO arrest and interrogation
While departing the CID headquarters after returning for further questioning, Wontumi was arrested and interrogated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, speaking to the media on Tuesday evening, revealed that the EOCO interrogation was in connection with his business dealings with Exim Bank.
The interrogation, described as gruelling by Wontumi’s lawyer, lasted several hours and took a toll on the chairman’s health.
The arrest sparked immediate unrest outside EOCO’s Accra office, as a number of NPP supporters gathered to demand Wontumi’s release. The protest turned chaotic, resulting in clashes with security personnel.
A JoyNews reporter, Latif Iddrisu, was assaulted while covering the scene, and two police vehicles were reportedly vandalized.
His lawyer later reported that Wontumi had been taken to a health facility for medical attention due to his failing health during the interrogation.
“My client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment,” Appiah-Kubi told journalists on Tuesday night.
“We haven’t finished the interrogation, so we will come back to continue, hopefully tomorrow, if his condition improves. Otherwise, he will stay there until the doctors discharge him,” he added.
Exim Bank civil suit
As if the criminal investigations were not enough, Wontumi was served with a writ of summons by Exim Bank on the afternoon of May 27, 2025, while still under EOCO interrogation.
The civil suit, the details of which are yet to be fully disclosed, is believed to involve financial disputes related to Wontumi’s business dealings.
Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed receipt of the writ, stating, “We have also received this afternoon a writ of summons from Exim Bank, and we are going to respond to the pleadings tomorrow.”
He expressed confidence in mounting a defense, noting that the matter would be treated as a civil case in court.
According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GH₵50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.
Meanwhile, Wontumi, who has declared his intention to contest for the national Chairmanship position of the NPP, has described his recent woes as a coordinated attempt by the ruling National Democratic Congress to cripple his business and undermine his political ambition.
Popular Nigerian actress Regina Chukwu has once again shared deeply personal experiences from her early years of marriage during an emotional interview on the Talk To B Show.
Speaking about her first pregnancy, Chukwu revealed her reluctance to attend antenatal care, which left her husband worried and seeking help from her mother.
She said, “When I was seven months pregnant, my husband went to my Mum and begged her that I have refused to go for antenatal and my Mom was like pregnancy that will be eight months soon. He said he has begged me but I have refused to go and he is scared.”
Chukwu explained that her body did not show signs of pregnancy early. “Then before you can suspect that I am pregnant, just know that I am six months gone, my body knows how to hide pregnancy,” she added.
She continued, “My Mum came and begged me, that it’s very risky, I told her I had problem with the doctor and she said I should leave the hospital and come to her area. I went there and the Doctor asked if I never wanted to go for antenatal.”
Speaking further, Chukwu disclosed the financial challenges she and her husband faced during the pregnancy.
She said feeding was difficult, and her parents’ home became a refuge. She often visited under the guise of checking on them, just to pick up foodstuffs.
Her mother, aware of the situation, quietly supported them. “With the little he (my husband) had after our marriage, he would still give me money to cook. He would give me N2000 and I would use N1500 to cook,” she recounted.
Kennedy Agyapong, the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has once again demonstrated his commitment to community support through a generous act of philanthropy. During a recent visit to Ahafo Goaso, Agyapong gifted roofing sheets and GHC7,500 to Mr. Francis Manu Dankwah, a visually impaired elder of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to assist him in completing his house.
Agyapong’s gesture came after he received a heartfelt letter from Dankwah, who lost his sight to glaucoma but remains a devoted supporter of the NPP and is determined to finish his home. Moved by Dankwah’s request, Agyapong took immediate action, announcing his support publicly on X (formerly Twitter).
“One of our loyal party elders, Mr. Francis Manu Dankwah, lost his sight to glaucoma but never gave up on finishing his home. All he needed was a roof,” Agyapong stated in his post. He elaborated on his commitment, saying, “During my visit to Ahafo Goaso, he handed me a letter asking for help. I responded with 5 packets of roofing sheets and GHC7,500 to get it done. Leadership is not talk, it’s action. Let’s step in when it matters.”
The news of Agyapong’s generosity quickly spread across social media, eliciting an outpouring of gratitude from Ghanaians who praised his compassionate response to personal needs. Many highlighted this act as a reflection of his character and dedication to helping those in his community.
However, the act did not escape political scrutiny. While numerous supporters hailed Agyapong as a proactive leader, some critics argued that his focus on charity should not overshadow the need for clear policies and developmental agendas, especially as election season approaches. They emphasized that voters are looking for comprehensive solutions rather than isolated acts of generosity.
Despite the mixed reactions, it is evident that Kennedy Agyapong’s willingness to address individual needs has distinguished him in Ghanaian politics as a figure who not only speaks about change but also takes tangible steps to implement it. His actions resonate with many who believe that true leadership involves both empathy and action.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Agyapong’s approach may influence how constituents view their leaders and their responsibilities toward community welfare. For updates and more stories from Ghana, stay connected through our social media platforms.
At 28 years old Tatiana has already spent more than $100,000 on plastic surgery.
She first went under the knife at 18 when she received a breast augmentation surgery she had been desperately wanting since puberty.
While the student, originally from Switzerland, wasn’t happy with the results, it didn’t stop her from having surgery again. Three years later her lips went under the knife of a clinician located nearby in France.
‘I always hated my lips,’ she told the Daily Mail.
There she received a lip lift, a procedure that elevates the upper lip by reducing the proximity to the nose, and a corner lip lift, which elevates the corners of the mouth to create a smiling expression.
At the same time, Tatiana also underwent buccal fat removal. ‘That was a real mistake,’ she said.
Not only was she not an ideal candidate for the buccal fat procedure, which removes a portion of fat in the lower cheek area to reduce fullness in the face, she also felt as though the surgeon took advantage of her young age.
‘I asked him at the time if it would age me and he said no,’ Tatiana said. ‘It didn’t look good at all.’
Before and after: Tatiana, 28, is seen after receiving ‘botched’ surgery in Europe but before she received an endoscopic midface lift and brow lift from Dr Randal Haworth in California
At just 21 years old, Tatiana felt like her ‘botched’ surgeries had made her look decades older than her actual age. She was intent on finding a trusted and reliable plastic surgeon who could correct some of the damage done.
Research led her to Dr Randal Haworth in Beverly Hills, California. The board-certified plastic surgeon performed a lower lip V-Y plasty to enhance Tatiana’s lower lip, as well as corrected the corner lip lift.
He also did fat grafting of her face to inject some of Tatiana’s natural tissue back into her cheeks, which had been hollowed out from the buccal fat removal.
Pleased with the results, she returned to Dr Haworth a year later for a breast augmentation revision, which was also successful. Finally, in 2024, she decided to undergo a facelift at 27.
‘I wanted my cheek to be a little bit higher,’ she said.
She paid $30,000 for an endoscopic midface lift, designed to lift sagging in the midface and areas surrounding the cheeks, nose and mouth. She also had a rotational endoscopic brow lift.
One year on from the facelift Tatiana said she is thrilled at the total transformation.
‘I’m very, very happy with it. It looks amazing and it doesn’t look fake,’ she said.
Before and after: Heather, 48, received a deep plane facelift, an endoscopic brow lift, a lip lift and a lower eyelid surgery from Dr Sean Alemi
Tatiana is among many women far younger than the typical demographic who have recently opted for a partial or full facelift. More and more are turning to the age-defying surgery rather than injecting their faces with fillers, in pursuit of natural results.
Dermal fillers have reigned supreme in cosmetic treatments during the past two decades as a way to ward off the physical effects of aging and enhance specific facial features, for instance by creating fuller lips or a stronger jawline.
Now, it seems as though there is a countless stream of videos on TikTok showing young women dissolving their filler, with celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Molly Mae Hague removing the liquid from their lips and face.
Plastic surgeons across the US have noticed the shift, too, as popular terms like ‘pillow face’, which refers to when a person’s cheeks and lips appear extremely puffy and unnatural, are sparking fear among their most loyal patients.
‘For the past 20 years the message has been if you’re in your 30s and you wanna do something, then you do all this non-surgical stuff such as fillers and using different radio frequency devices. [People thought that] if you do those things, you’re preventing aging from happening,’ Dr Amir Karam, a board certified plastic surgeon based in San Diego, told the Daily Mail.
‘But after 20 years, there is a couple of realizations that are emerging that those procedures don’t do anything,’ he said. ‘The consistent use of fillers over time really does change the shape of your face. You’re basically taking on a burden of risk without the benefits.’
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s 2024 report indicated that 32 per cent of facelifts are now performed on those between the ages of 35 and 55, with Gen X and millennials leading the charge toward earlier, subtler and more preventative enhancements.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, AAFPRS president Dr Patrick J Byrne shared his thoughts as to why we are seeing more facelifts across younger age groups.
Pictured left to right: Kylie Jenner in January 2023 and at the 2025 Met Gala in May. The reality star has admitted to getting fillers as early as 17
Pictured left to right: Mickey Rourke in 1989 and in 2008. The boxer-turned-actor previously admitted undergoing cosmetic surgery to fix his facial injuries
Pictured left to right: Katie Prince in 1999 and in 2023. The British TV personality has had 16 breast augmentation surgeries and six facelifts
‘Our annual survey of facial plastic surgeons highlights that facelifts are the most requested procedure by a wide margin. The survey also noted a directional increase among patients aged 35 to 55, suggesting what we already knew: patients are coming in younger,’ he said.
‘In the past few years the average age of facelift patients has gone down. Patients want to look their best now instead of later, and they don’t want to wait or have any upkeep.’
Despite rising popularity, facelifts have often been the subject of stigma, especially when done badly. The experiences of celebrities such as Mickey Rourke and Katie Price have certainly given the procedure a bad rap, serving as a cautionary tale for anyone else who chooses to tighten their visage.
So if au naturel is the latest beauty trend, why are young women going to such extreme surgical measures?
Well, it certainly helps that the facelift of today is nothing like the extremely taut facelifts of years past.
It is a not-so-hidden secret in the beauty world that these plastic surgeons are performing what’s called a deep plane facelift. Rather than simply pulling the skin, a deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the facial tissues deep beneath the muscle… with a faster recovery and longer-lasting results.
Dr Sam Rizk in New York City observes that among his 80 to 100 weekly consultations a growing number are women in their 20s and 30s.
However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. For one thing, the average cost of a deep plane facelift is priced anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the surgeon.
At Dr Sam Rizk’s practice in New York City he has witnessed first-hand an increase in women booking consultations for a deep plane facelift
Before and after: Dr Rizk performed a deep plane facelift and rhinoplasty on Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jennifer Fessler, 55, to define her jawline and loose skin around her neck
A certain amount of facial laxity, sagginess or loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin is needed to even be considered for the facelift. This is something that, fortunately, not a lot of twenty-somethings struggle with.
Dr Karam said: ‘We turn away an overwhelming majority of these younger people who think that they may need something that they really don’t. My criteria for rejuvenation for younger patients is really about what the anatomy is.
‘Even though they’re interested in facial rejuvenation in some way or another, they probably didn’t even need to do those procedures in the first place.
‘The fact is we’ve been seeing this kind of trend for the past several years; we have more and more inquiries about this in our practice. Unfortunately for them, they’re not candidates for it.’
Thanks to the skyrocketing popularity of GLP-1 agonists and other weight loss medications, people who lose weight rapidly might also experience an excess of laxity in their face.
‘Ozempic face’, a term used to describe the appearance of gauntness, sunken cheeks, wrinkles and loose skin as a result of weight loss, has been dubbed one of the less flattering side effects of the drugs.
Dr Lesley Rabach, co-founder of LM Medical NYC, notes an uptick in facial surgeries for patients in their 30s and 40s who have experienced rapid weight loss.
Thanks to ‘Ozempic face’ and the skyrocketing popularity of weight loss medications, people who lose fat rapidly might also experience an excess of laxity in their face
With more than 162,000 people aged 18 to 25 having used a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic or Mounjaro in 2023 alone, according to recent research, more younger people could meet the qualifications needed for a facelift.
Dr Sean Alemi, a plastic surgeon based out of Long Island, New York, has also noticed a growing number of patients opting for facelifts after losing a significant amount of weight in their face.
However, both he and Dr Rabach stressed that, unless there’s a medical issue, performing facelift surgery on a 20-something year-old is not advised in her practice.
That has not stopped young women online from sharing the dramatic results of their face transformations.
Last December the TikTok influencer Gazelle Chavez received 6.4 million views on a video explaining why she had recently undergone a facelift at 24.
She shared footage of her travels to Turkey for the brow lift and mid facelift in November last year, citing ‘loose skin’ around her nasal folds and neck.
Meanwhile, content creator Alice, who goes by @pickledpetshop1 on TikTok, garnered 323,800 views on a video sharing how she had an endoscopic ‘mini’ facelift at 28 to correct her smile lines.
Influencer Gazelle Chavez, 24, shares results of her brow lift and mid facelift, which she received in Turkey last November
Heidi, a 36-year-old content creator living in Missouri, traveled all the way to South Korea last year for a full facelift and dual rhinoplasty. But it wasn’t because she had ‘Ozempic face’ or that she needed corrective cosmetic surgery for a medical issue.
‘There’s an assumption that, as a woman, I changed myself just so other people would pay me more attention – for external validation,’ she told the Daily Mail. ‘It’s always assumed that I did it for someone else or because society told me to. I did it for myself.’
When Heidi was 10 her younger brother had swung down from the second story of their house with a rope swing and hit her in the face with his steel-toed boots – leaving permanent damage to the left side of her face.
‘To me, it sagged more than the right side and, ever since I was 12, it bothered me,’ she said.
During a family vacation to Seoul in September 2023, Heidi soon learned that not only was plastic surgery in South Korea more affordable but it was also less stigmatized, with one in five Korean women undergoing procedures compared to just one in 20 in the US.
‘For the first time, I realized that this thing that I didn’t like about my face I could actually change. I didn’t have to just live with it any more,’ Heidi said.
She booked a virtual consultation with NANA Plastic Surgery, a clinic in Seoul specializing in cosmetic surgery, and had another in-depth consultation when she arrived at the clinic in April last year.
Her full facelift and rhinoplasty, which lasted eight to 10 hours, were valued at $28,000. As an influencer Heidi struck a deal in which she only had to incur the cost of her flight and a three-week stay at an Airbnb.
Heidi Mae, pictured in 2023, tells the Daily Mail she wanted a facelift because the left side of her face ‘sagged more than the right side’
At the age of 36 she underwent a facelift at a hospital in South Korea in April 2024
Heidi tells the Daily Mail she ‘knew full well that there was going to be backlash’ for her facelift
Her full facelift and rhinoplasty, which lasted eight to 10 hours, were valued at $28,000
Heidi has made a career out of filming content for her 235,000 TikTok followers, which is why she felt the need to be transparent with her fans when it came to revealing that she had undergone a facelift at 36.
‘I knew full well that there was going to be backlash,’ she said. ‘So many people commented really mean things: You don’t need it. You shouldn’t have done that. It’s a tragedy. You’re a bad example. You caved. You’re so weak.
‘My clap back is, “No, I didn’t need it at all. I just wanted it for myself.” The idea that I just wanted it for me and I wasn’t doing it for anybody else was so foreign to so many people.’
Heidi is not alone. She’s just one of the many women who spend an average of $1,064 per year on their appearance, according to a 2024 report from Advanced Dermatology.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also reported an 8 per cent increase in facelifts performed in 2023 compared to the previous year, citing filler fatigue as a possible reason for the rise in popularity.
Even amid higher interest rates and tightening budgets, Americans still seemed to prioritize cosmetic surgery.
Before and after: Heidi is pictured before her rhinoplasty and facelift and 26 days after. Speaking to the Daily Mail the influencer said she had no regrets getting the procedures at 36
Before and after: Heidi, pictured here ahead of her surgery and eight weeks post-op, tells haters she wanted the facelift for herself
‘People aren’t waiting until they’re 50 or 60 any more,’ said Dr Babak Azzizadeh, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon located in Beverly Hills. ‘If they need a facelift in their mid-40s, there isn’t that stigma to it.’
Dr Azzizadeh makes sure to point out that no matter what age patients choose to undergo a facelift it certainly will not stop the natural process that is aging.
And for those who go under the knife much earlier than typical patients, that may complicate things down the line.
‘Let’s say you get a facelift in your late 30s. In your late 50s, you may need a secondary facelift, but that secondary facelift needs to be done with care and understanding that a previous surgery has been performed,’ he said.
It’s been one year since both Tatiana and Heidi had their facelifts, and they have zero regrets. Still, neither one expects to go under the knife again any time soon.
‘I know that a lot of people are going to judge but at the end of the day it’s about yourself and how you feel,’ Tatiana said.
ECG Announces 8-Hours Blackout In These Areas in Ghana
News Hub Creator23h
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a planned maintenance exercise scheduled for Wednesday, 28th May 2025, aimed at enhancing service delivery in selected parts of the Greater Accra Region. According to a notice issued by the utility provider, the maintenance work will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Several communities are expected to be affected during the exercise. These include Ablorman, Opah, Kweku Bonsam, Otanor Junction, Haatso, Papaso, Abiriw, Mamfe, Awukugua, Apirede, Asesieso, Larteh, Akropong, Amonokrom, and nearby areas.
The ECG explained that the maintenance work is part of its ongoing efforts to improve electricity distribution and ensure a more reliable power supply for its customers. While the company acknowledged the inconvenience this may cause, it appealed to residents and businesses in the affected areas to bear with them during the temporary outage.
Customers are advised to take the necessary precautions, including turning off electrical appliances to avoid damage when power is restored.
Source: Electricity Company of Ghana – ECG Official Notice
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will officially launch the 24-hour Economy policy in July, most likely on Republic Day, as part of a bold new agenda to transform Ghana’s productivity and export capacity.
Speaking at a stakeholder consultative meeting at the Jubilee House yesterday, the President described the policy as a structured plan to drive industrial growth, job creation and efficient resource utilisation.
“We will officially launch the 24-hour Economy programme in July this year, most probably on Ghana’s Republic Day, which is a symbolic day for a bold new national agenda,” President Mahama said.
The meeting brought together industry leaders, labour representatives, development planners and traditional authorities to discuss the rollout of the ambitious economic transformation agenda.
Economic vision
President Mahama explained that the policy is both a “destination and a programme” designed to maximise the country’s economic output through round-the-clock productivity.
“The 24-hour Economy policy reflects a state where Ghana’s productivity and capital utilisation will become so high that we will have to operate in multiple shifts across day and night, maximising the return on infrastructure, on human resources and innovation,” President Mahama said.
He emphasised that the policy, which gained traction during the 2024 campaign, remained central to achieving full employment and inclusive growth.
Volta Lake Economic Corridor
A key component of the plan is the development of the Volta Lake Economic Corridor, which will serve as a national production and logistics hub.
“This corridor, centred on the Volta Lake and the Volta Basin, will become a national production zone and logistics fund,” the President said.
He explained that “the plan envisions cultivating over two million hectares of arable lakeside land, revitalising the fishery sector on the lake, and creating a chain of industrial parks that produce goods for domestic and regional markets.”
He added that the lake would be activated as a transport highway to ease congestion on roads.
“New floating assets, lake ports and long-term investment partnerships will be developed in coordination with the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the private sector,” he said.
The 24-hour Economy programme identifies key sectors such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, light manufacturing, tourism, digital services and the creative economy.
Given that the success of the policy would partly depend on the availability of the needed infrastructure, President Mahama said the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund will lead efforts to develop industrial parks, logistics hubs, and upgrade transport links.
“On financing, the Development Bank of Ghana and the Venture Capital Trust Fund will scale up value chain finance for SMEs, cooperatives and agribusiness in priority sectors,” he said.
He stressed that the programme would not be top-down but decentralised, with each district establishing its own implementation task force.
To ensure continuity, he revealed plans to establish the 24-hour Economy Secretariat as an independent authority backed by legislation.
“The 24-hour Economic policy is not just a policy; it is a national compact for shared growth, for decent jobs, for competitive exports, for thriving local economies and long-term prosperity, and we now have to move to the hard work of delivery together,” he said.
Partnerships
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, urged leaders in the public and private sectors to forge new partnerships to drive the success of the government’s 24-hour Economy policy.
She emphasised that the initiative, anchored on manufacturing and agribusiness, would thrive through such collaborations.
“Today marks a new chapter in Ghana’s economic resetting,” she said.
The minister called on investors to see Ghana as the premier destination for business.
“The time to invest in Ghana is now. We want to build an economy that not only thrives in the day but around the clock,” she said.
Victory for Suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo as Supreme Court Blocks Key Move by Attorney General
News Hub Creator17h
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has received encouraging news from the Supreme Court in her ongoing legal battle. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Court rejected a request by the Attorney General’s office to remove certain judges from a case she initiated.
The case involves a committee chaired by Justice Scott Pwamang, which is investigating Torkornoo. She filed a suit in the Supreme Court to stop the committee’s proceedings, arguing that the investigation lacks constitutional backing.
In her legal filing, Justice Torkornoo requested three things:
Permission to waive her right to a private hearing;
A declaration that the committee’s decision to investigate her is unconstitutional;
An order to prevent the committee members from continuing with the case.
The Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, argued that the committee members were not directly named and should be excluded. However, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame countered, asserting that since the committee members are directly impacted by the lawsuit, they should remain parties to it.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, ruled in Dame’s favor. The Court agreed that the committee members are relevant to the case and should not be removed.
This ruling is considered a significant win for Torkornoo. It allows her challenge to proceed with the full context intact and raises hopes that her constitutional arguments will be fully heard.
In today’s dynamic financial landscape, banks that succeed are those that truly understand the voice of the customer. This requires more than traditional relationship management. It calls for structured data, digital insights, and scalable customer experience (CX) strategies. In Ghana, where banking competition is intense and fintech companies are growing rapidly, the ability to turn customer pain points into a strategic advantage may be the most important differentiator of all.
Customer experience: the foundation of modern relationship management
Historically, banks in Ghana have placed heavy emphasis on relationship officers – personal bankers whose role is to retain and grow customer accounts through interpersonal connections. While this approach has merit, it is no longer scalable or sufficient.
Today’s customers expect more than friendliness. They want speed, personalisation, digital access, and proactive support, regardless of branch proximity. Most importantly, they want to be heard.
In this context, effective relationship management must evolve from human connection to insight-driven engagement. It should be powered by data, technology, and an unrelenting focus on the customer’s experience, and this is encapsulated in Absa Bank’s brand promise, ‘Your Story Matters’.
From human to hybrid: the case for CRM-driven engagement
Modern Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms allow banks to digitise and personalise the customer journey. Rather than relying on a single person to manage multiple clients, CRM systems use data to track preferences and behaviours, flag friction points and complaints, trigger automated responses or tailored offers, and equip relationship managers with insight dashboards for smarter support.
When implemented well, CRM tools do not replace human engagement. They enhance it. A branch manager with access to CRM analytics can greet a walk-in client by name, anticipate their needs, and offer relevant financial solutions in real time.
What Ghanaian banks can learn from others?
Ghana has already seen early signs of this shift. Banks such as Absa Ghana have invested in digital onboarding, customer insight dashboards, and omnichannel support. Still, the full potential of CRM-led engagement is far from fully realised.
Globally, banks like DBS in Singapore and Bank of America have embedded artificial intelligence into their CRM systems to deliver predictive insights and timely prompts to both customers and staff. These tools empower every banker to become a digitally enabled relationship manager.
Customer experience is the strategy, not just a department
Customer experience should no longer be viewed as a support function or limited to service centre roles. It must be embedded into strategy, data analytics, product development, and organisational culture. CRM is simply the tool that brings this vision to life.
To move from intention to action, Ghanaian banks must start treating customer experience as a core business priority, not a back-office function.
This begins with investing in enterprise-grade CRM systems that connect core banking, digital channels, and customer service platforms. Without this foundation, insights remain fragmented and customer frustration increases.
Just as importantly, customer experience must be treated as a performance metric in its own right. It should not be reduced to an annual Net Promoter Score or anecdotal feedback. The true value lies in how customer insights are used to shape internal processes, product design, and frontline engagement.
Relationship managers will continue to play a vital role, but that role must evolve. They must become insight ambassadors, equipped with dashboards, data, and journey maps that allow them to anticipate needs and personalise support, not simply meet quarterly sales targets.
Equally important is the creation of structured feedback loops. Too often, customer input is collected but never integrated into decision-making. When customers are involved in shaping products and policies, the result is not only improved services, but stronger loyalty.
Finally, banks must use technology to enable personalisation at scale, especially in retail and SME banking where relevance drives conversion. CRM systems make it possible to deliver timely, tailored offerings that reflect individual customer behaviour rather than broad segments.
Competing on relationships means competing on experience
To conclude, the banks that will lead in Ghana’s next decade are those that combine trust with technology. These are the institutions that will make every customer interaction smarter, faster, and more relevant.
Good relationship management is no longer defined by who you know in the bank. It is defined by how well the bank knows you.
Banks must rethink, retool, and rewire how they engage with customers. Human connections still matter, but they must be supported by intelligent digital systems. When banks proactively address customer pain points, they do more than solve problems. They build loyalty, unlock growth, and position themselves for long-term success.
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Makafui Afi Asante Amponsah is the Affluent Service Manager, Absa Bank Ghana 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.
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.
play videoNigeria have beaten Ghana for the first time since 2006
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Stars in the semifinals of the 2025 Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, advancing to the tournament final.
The highly anticipated “Jollof Derby” saw Nigeria take the lead through Cyriel Dessers in the first half, followed by an own goal conceded by Ghana’s Razak Simpson, putting the Super Eagles 2-0 up at halftime.
Ghana fought back in the second half, with a goal from Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 70th minute, but Nigeria’s defense, led by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, held firm despite late pressure. Despite missing key players like Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, Ghana, under coach Otto Addo, showed resilience but could not find an equalizer.
Nigeria’s lineup, featuring debutants and NPFL stars like Ismaila Sodiq and Papa Daniel Mustapha, displayed cohesion under new coach Eric Chelle.
This result marks Ghana’s first defeat to Nigeria since 2006, ending a 19-year unbeaten streak against the Super Eagles.
The Black Stars will now face Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place playoff, while Nigeria advances to meet Jamaica in the final on Saturday, 31 May 2025, at the same venue.
Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and current Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has announced the formation of an exploratory committee to assess the viability of a presidential bid within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 29, Dr. Acheampong said the decision follows “growing encouragement from a broad spectrum of party faithful” and “extensive consultations with family and well-wishers.”
The exploratory committee, he noted, will engage with grassroots members, key stakeholders, and constituents across the country to evaluate whether his vision aligns with the aspirations of the party and the Ghanaian people. The committee is expected to present its findings within four weeks.
“This dedicated committee shares my commitment not only to discipline and unity within the Party but also to job creation, food security, youth and infrastructure development, safety and security, and good governance within our nation,” he stated.
Dr. Acheampong described his journey in the NPP as “lifelong and deeply personal,” citing his experience as a grassroots organiser, party staffer, four-term Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, and long-time party financier.
“These roles and experiences have granted me invaluable insights into the sacrifices, dedication, and strategic vision required to build and sustain the foundations of our Party,” he said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the NPP and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to overcome current challenges and lead Ghana to a brighter future.
“To our foot soldiers and all NPP faithful, I firmly believe in the Party’s capacity to overcome its challenges and once again lead Ghana towards a brighter future. May we remain steadfast in spirit and decorous in conduct in the pursuit of progress, inclusivity, and effective leadership for Ghana. May God be our helper,” he concluded.
Dr. Acheampong becomes the latest senior figure within the NPP to signal interest in shaping the party’s future direction as it prepares for upcoming internal elections and the 2028 general elections.
5 foods every Ghanaian should avoid in the rainy season
During Ghana’s rainy season, the combination of high humidity and fluctuating temperatures creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses, making it essential to be cautious about dietary choices.
Here are five foods to avoid during this period to maintain optimal health:
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
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While leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and cabbage are typically nutritious, they can pose health risks during the rainy season. The damp conditions facilitate bacterial and fungal growth on these vegetables, which may not be entirely eliminated through washing.
Consuming contaminated greens can lead to gastrointestinal issues. It’s advisable to opt for vegetables like gourds and pumpkins that are less susceptible to contamination.
2. Street Food
Street foods, though tempting, should be approached with caution during the monsoon. The increased humidity and potential exposure to contaminated water elevate the risk of foodborne infections.
Additionally, the hygiene standards of street vendors may not always be reliable, further increasing the risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea and typhoid.
3. Seafood
The monsoon season coincides with the breeding period for many fish and seafood species. During this time, seafood is more prone to contamination and spoilage due to the humid conditions.
Consuming such seafood can lead to food poisoning and other digestive issues. It’s advisable to limit or avoid seafood intake during the rainy season.
4. Pre-cut Fruits and Raw Salads
Pre-cut fruits and raw salads can be breeding grounds for bacteria, especially when exposed to open air and handled without proper hygiene. The risk is heightened during the rainy season due to increased moisture and potential contamination from dirty water.
To minimize health risks, it’s better to consume freshly cut fruits prepared at home and opt for cooked vegetables over raw salads .
5. Fried and Oily Foods
Fried foods like samosas and pakoras are popular during the rainy season but can be heavy on the digestive system. The high oil content can lead to bloating, indigestion, and acidity, especially when the body’s metabolism slows down in humid conditions. Moreover, reused cooking oil, common in some eateries, can be harmful to health. It’s advisable to limit the consumption of such foods during this period .
Being mindful of food choices during Ghana’s rainy season is crucial for maintaining good health. Opting for freshly prepared, home-cooked meals and avoiding foods prone to contamination can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure well-being throughout the monsoon.
A Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) governance report has found that bribery is more prevalent among males than females when interacting with public officials.
The report indicates that urban residents experience higher incidences of bribery compared to those in rural areas.
Mr Omar Seidu, Head of Social Statistics, GSS, presented key findings from the “Governance Series Wave 1 Report”, revealing that 55.7 per cent of the population had contact with public officials between January and December 2024.
Of those, 18.4 per cent admitted to giving gifts, mainly money, to facilitate services.
The report identified ten public institutions prone to bribery, including Police Motor Transport and Traffic Division – 61 per cent; Police General Duties – 46.7 per cent; Police Criminal Investigation Department – 37.9 per cent; and Traffic Management Authority of City Guard – 34.4 per cent.
Among persons with disabilities, 21.1 per cent reported giving gifts, with higher rates among those with physical (40.1 per cent) and sight (32.5 per cent) difficulties.
Regionally, Greater Accra (22.0 per cent) and Ashanti (18.1 per cent) recorded the highest instances, while Savannah (1.0 per cent) and North East (1.1 per cent) had the lowest.
The report also highlighted governance challenges, noting that in 2024, over 70 per cent of Ghanaians felt the political system offered little or no opportunity for ordinary people to engage in decision-making.
Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, stressed the importance of data in shaping governance.
“Governance should be shaped by the voices of citizens, and policy reform must be driven by robust, inclusive, and representative evidence,” he said.
He reaffirmed GSS’s commitment to providing sustained and credible data for national development.
Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman, National Development Planning Commission, called the report timely, noting that corruption remained the biggest threat to growth.
He added that addressing this issue would pave the way for sustainable development.
Dr Gloria Sarku Kumawu, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, said the report provides critical feedback to address governance lapses.
Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of Service, Office of Head of Civil Service, emphasised that trust in governance is enhanced when public perception is positive.
Mr Samuel Harrison-Cudjoe, Programmes Officer, expressed concern about partisan politics, saying many constituents avoid community engagements due to feeling excluded from decision-making.
The report combines data from over 20 public bodies and findings from a nationwide survey conducted January 2–20, 2025, which reached 7,248 respondents from 15,400 households, based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
Covering January–December 2024, the report monitors governance experiences, focusing on inclusiveness, responsiveness, and corruption in public institutions, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16.
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.
Government has assured mining companies in the country of a stable power supply to boost productivity and contribute to sustainable economic development.
The provision of reliable and affordable power is expected to enhance the operations of mining firms and avoid interruptions to their operations due to the high dependency of their machinery on power.
John Abudulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transitions, gave the assurance at the opening of the 18th Edition of the West African Mining and Power Exposition Conference (WAMPEX) in Accra on Wednesday.
More than 5,000 registered delegates and 220 exhibitors from 30 countries are participating in the three-day event on the theme: “Driving sustainable investment opportunities in West Africa.”
Mr Jinapor said the mining and energy sectors were the backbone of global development and that power fluctuations in those sectors could affect production, safety and profitability.
The Minister said recent reports indicated that power generation had been stable, adding that measures were underway to ensure transmission efficiency.
In that regard, Mr Jinapor announced that he had approved the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to inject 200 new transformers in major capital cities in the country to enhance transmission efficiency.
“I’ve granted approval to ECG as a matter of urgency to inject about 200 new transformers in our major capital cities to ensure that we do not just generate power, but we can transmit that power and distribute that power to consumers effectively and efficiently”, he said
Mr Jinapor said drilling activities along Ghana’s offshore basin had begun as part of policy actions that would revitalise and ensure regulatory certainty and predictability for investors in the power and petroleum sector
“The government has embarked on a couple of policy actions aimed around to ensure that there’s regulatory certainty, predictability for investors in both the power and petroleum sector,” he added.
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, said the global energy transition and climate action had informed the need to rethink traditional mining extraction models.
He said the $1.2 billion foreign direct investment recorded in Ghana’s mining sector last year was an indication that the policies the Government had put in place had boosted investor confidence.
“With decades of commercial mining experience that has made Ghana Africa’s largest gold producer and a top 10 global supplier, we have learned that true wealth lies not just in what we take from the earth but in how we develop it,” Mr Buah said.
Michael Edem Akafia, President, Ghana Chamber of Mines, said sustainability must be at the centre of mining operations and emphasised the need for long-term survival and viability of the mining sector without compromising the environment.
He urged players in the sector to develop the supply value chain by strengthening capacity to ensure effective local participation.
Mr Akafia said the Chamber fully supported the Government’s newly created Gold Board and pledged to support its successful operationalisation.
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 Ranking Member of the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has alleged that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), through certain individuals at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, facilitated the travel of over 500 NDC supporters to the United Kingdom under the pretense of attending the ongoing Unity Cup in London to support the Black Stars.
According to him, credible sources have informed him that these supporters were charged significantly more than the official visa application fee—an act he strongly condemns.
Speaking on UTV on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Assafuah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, accused those involved of exploiting the visa applicants.
“Based on credible information I received about two days ago, it is clear that the NDC, through certain individuals at the Ministry of Sports and other party affiliates, is facilitating the acquisition of UK visas for NDC apparatchiks. These individuals were charged exorbitant fees—far above the standard rate. If I am called upon at any point, I am ready to provide proof. For instance, if you go to VSF and apply for a six-month UK visa, the fee is around £125, which is approximately GH₵2,000. But go and ask how much the agents who arranged the visas were charging each person,” he stated.
He added that the situation had become so commercialized that the British High Commission had to step in, announcing that future visa applications from similar groups would no longer be entertained.
500 NDC supporters have been sent to VFS for UK visas under the pretense of attending the ‘Unity Match’ – Vincent Ekow Assafuah alleges #UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/lkOUxILmkK
Ghanaian defender Abdul Mumin’s spectacular goal against Osasuna has been nominated for the 2024-2025 La Liga Goal of the Season award.
The 26-year-old Rayo Vallecano centre-back’s thunderous left-footed strike, scored in September 2024 at the Estadio de Vallecas, is among nine goals vying for the prestigious honour.
The goal showcased Mumin’s ability to deliver from distance. During the match against Osasuna, with Rayo Vallecano trailing, Mumin received the ball just outside the penalty area, took a few steps forward, and unleashed a powerful shot that rocketed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The strike not only equalized the score but also earned Mumin the La Liga Goal of the Month award for September 2024.
Mumin’s season with Rayo Vallecano was marred by a knee injury that cut short his campaign after 24 league appearances, during which he scored twice and provided one assist. His second goal came in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Madrid, further highlighting his impact on the team.
Despite the injury, his performances were instrumental in Rayo Vallecano’s push for European qualification, securing a spot in continental football for the upcoming season.
Fans can support Mumin’s bid for the Goal of the Season by casting their votes through the official La Liga voting platform.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has argued that despite the inefficiencies in Article 146 of Ghana’s Constitution, it is not sufficient grounds to halt the ongoing removal proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday May 28, Kpebu acknowledged that Article 146— which outlines the process for removing a Chief Justice or other superior court judges—has its flaws.
However, he insisted that those shortcomings do not warrant suspending its use in the case of Justice Torkornoo.
“The truth of the matter is that it is not only 146 that needs more efficiency pumped into it. There are a lot of other laws that need same,” Kpebu stated.
He drew comparisons with outdated bail laws and the limited use of house arrest in Ghana’s legal system, highlighting broader systemic issues.
“Currently our laws don’t make provision for house arrests massively. Once in a while when a big man in society is involved, then you kind of see some house arrests. Now people own five, ten houses then you say no, he should go and lie in some cells,” he noted.
Applying the same logic to the current proceedings involving Justice Torkornoo, Kpebu stressed: “So 146 has its challenges but we can’t say CJ Torkornoo is going through it so we should stop and amend the law before we come back.”
His comments follows the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announcing that the government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive set of rules to govern the process for removing justices of Ghana’s superior courts, including the Chief Justice.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, during the first sitting after the House reconvened from recess, Ayariga outlined the Mahama administration’s legislative priorities.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence while ensuring mechanisms exist to hold judges accountable within a fair and transparent framework.
According to Ayariga, the legal reforms will include the introduction of detailed procedures for the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and other superior courts.
These are intended to address gaps in the current constitutional and legal framework that have led to confusion and legal disputes in recent high-profile cases.
Read also…
Govt to introduce new rules on removal of Superior Court Justices – Ayariga
Ghana Mobile Money Market Overview
Base Year: 2024
Forecast Years: 2025-2033
Historical Years: 2019-2024
Market Size in 2024: USD 192.24 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033: USD 933.96 Billion
Market Growth Rate: 18.24% (2025-2033)
Mobile money in Ghana has emerged as a transformative financial tool, enabling seamless digital transactions for individuals and businesses alike. With increasing smartphone penetration and supportive regulatory policies, the market has witnessed robust growth.
The adoption of mobile wallets, payment apps, and agent banking services has significantly expanded financial inclusion across urban and rural regions, positioning Ghana as one of the leading mobile money markets in Africa. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by innovation, competitive offerings, and rising customer trust in digital financial services.
Ghana Mobile Money Market Trends and Drivers:
As customers and companies increasingly use digital financial services to satisfy daily transaction demands, the Ghana mobile money sector is experiencing consistent growth. Financial inclusion is the main force behind this spike, as a large number of people are still without a bank or are underbanked.
Mobile money systems are helping to close this chasm by providing easy, safe, and user-friendly substitutes for conventional banking, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.
The widespread accessibility of mobile phones among all socioeconomic levels is helping to promote acceptance, as users can pay bills, get remittances, and apply for microloans without the need for a physical bank account.
Furthermore, increasing market reach and deepening customer involvement, financial technology companies and telecom providers are developing symbiotic partnerships to grow agent networks and broaden service offerings. These cooperative initiatives are essential to daily economic engagement in the nation, in addition to being possible for digital financial services.
Simultaneously, the Ghanaian government is sustaining an enabling legal environment encouraging innovation while protecting consumer interests. Policies of support from the Bank of Ghana are guaranteeing a steady and secure ecosystem, which is drawing considerable private sector investment and promoting mobile financial innovation.
Because of their quickness and cost-effectiveness, remittances, which make up a vital source of family income in Ghana, are increasingly being channelled over mobile money networks, therefore increasing their importance in international financial activity.
Additionally, integrating mobile money solutions into government programs-including public sector distributions and cash transfer programs-enhances their place in national financial plans.
Further lowering obstacles to entry and enabling wider adoption among both consumers and small companies are infrastructure upgrades, especially in telecom connectivity and digital literacy. Together, er these elements are helping the mobile money ecosystem sustain operational scalability and laying a solid basis for future expansion.
Stakeholders are using mobile wallets to seize new chances in value-added services like savings, credit, and insurance as the market changes. Merging artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies is speeding up verification procedures and boosting security, which is essential for creating user trust.
By allowing real-time analysis and customized offers, fintech inventions are also changing the customer experience, therefore increasing platform stickiness and client retention.
Furthermore, helping the move toward cashless societies are the ease and affordability of mobile money systems, which make Ghana a leader in digital finance in West Africa. Companies are answering by including mobile money into point-of-sale systems and e-commerce platforms, therefore deepening these services into everyday economic activities.
The Ghanaian mobile money market is developing as a foundation of the financial transformation path of the nation, thanks to the ongoing confluence of regulatory backing, technical innovation, and growing user need.
Ghana Mobile Money Market Report Segmentation:
The report provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, including Ghana mobile money market size, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on waste type and disposal methods.
Analysis by Technology:
● USSD
● Mobile Wallets
● Others
Analysis by Business Model:
● Mobile LED Model
● Bank Led Model
Analysis by Transaction Type:
● Peer to Peer
● Bill Payments
● Airtime Top-ups
● Others
For an in-depth analysis, you can refer to a sample copy of the report:
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant, has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
Key Highlights of the Report:
● Market Performance (2019-2024)
● Market Outlook (2025-2033)
● COVID-19 Impact on the Market
● Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
● Strategic Recommendations
● Historical, Current, and Future Market Trends
● Market Drivers and Success Factors
● SWOT Analysis
● Structure of the Market
● Value Chain Analysis
● Comprehensive Mapping of the Competitive Landscape
Note: If you need specific information that is outside the scope of the report, we can provide it as part of the customization.
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Ghana’s performance on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Aside from her fashion influence, Hajia Bintu also runs her own beauty brand, proving that she’s more than just a social media star—she’s a growing entrepreneur using her image to build a brand and empower others.
A Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) governance report has found that bribery is more prevalent among males than females when interacting with public officials. 
Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has received encouraging news from the Supreme Court in her ongoing legal battle. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Court rejected a request by the Attorney General’s office to remove certain judges from a case she initiated.
