The Ghana Police Service has begun processes to incorporate neighborhood watchdogs into its operations to combat drug peddling and abuse, particularly in Zongo communities.

This move follows a directive from the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, issued during a recent visit to Sabon Zongo in Accra.

Muntaka pledged to prioritise the recruitment of individuals who assist in the arrest of drug offenders into the security services.

According to him, this forms part of a broader government strategy to address the growing menace of drug trafficking and abuse, especially in Zongo areas.

Speaking at a sensitization programme at Sabon Zongo on Thursday, May 8, the Interior Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering Zongo youth through socioeconomically focused initiatives.

The watchdog groups—comprising both men and women—will help identify drug peddling hotspots and lead a decentralized effort to tackle the problem at the community level.

Approximately 140 individuals have already been enrolled in the programme.

Read also

Muntaka vows to recruit anti-drug volunteers into security services

 The Greater Accra Regional Hospi­tal (GARH) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Feto-Maternal Unit facility aimed at improving care for high-risk pregnancies and enhanc­ing maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

The facility, which was inaugu­rated by the hospital on Friday, is equipped with various machines, including a high-resolution ultra sound machine for the assessment of pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Medical Director of GARH, Dr Ralph Armah, said that the facility had become necessary due to the technological advance­ment in maternal care delivery.

Dr Armah said he was hopeful that the facility with the machines it was equipped with would help re­duce foetal and maternal outcomes in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the hospital.

Additionally, Dr Armah said he was optimistic that the inauguration of the facility would inspire young doctors at the hospital who aspired to become specialists in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

For his part, the head of the obstetrics and gynaecology depart­ment of the GARH, Dr Martin Owusu Boamah, said that before the inauguration of the facility, the hospital had a challenge of assess­ing high-risk pregnancies as it was unable to pick up abnormalities of unborn babies during pregnancies.

However, he said that with the existence of machines such as the high-resolution ultra sound machine, abnormalities of unborn babies could easily be assessed and picked up by the hospital, thereby minimising the proportion of bad outcomes for pregnancies.

“This facility is not to serve only clients of the hospital, but the idea is that all pregnant women attending facilities where they don’t have feto-maternal specialists can be brought here for them to be assessed, “Dr Boamah added.

Dr Kwaku Doffour-Dapaah, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at the GARH, said that the hospital could now attend to about 20 pa­tients in the ultra sound room with the existence of the high-resolution ultra sound machine.

He further said, “For the regular clinic for high-risk patients, we can see about 30 patients on a daily basis. The rest of the patients with low risk pregnancies are seen at the regular antenatal clinic.”

Dr Doffour-Dapaah said a sim­ulation training centre had been es­tablished within the facility to help in the training of medical doctors, midwives, and medical students who visited the health facility in the management of various medical conditions.

According to him, GARH had two of the maternal fetal medical specialists in the country, adding that the feto-maternal unit was the first to be established within the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

 BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY

“The Security Council has instructed us not to implement the hijab (headscarf) law,” said Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf.

Although parliament passed the law, the Security Council’s decision takes precedence according to Ghalibaf, the Entekhab news site reported.

The Iranian Security Council is the nation’s highest decision-making body and under the constitution can also revise decisions made by parliament and the government.

The law, passed last year by Islamic hardliners in parliament, imposes heavy fines, withdrawal of public services and, for repeat offences, prison sentences on women who fail to cover their hair in public.

The law was originally supposed to be implemented in December last year, but was postponed due to massive protests at home and abroad. The government then vetoed the law and announced changes.

Critics of the law include President Massoud Peseshkian, a moderate conservative who fears renewed unrest if the law is implemented.

But hardliners in parliament are demanding the law be enacted, arguing Islamic values must be preserved to prevent a “Western cultural invasion.”

In Iran, women are required by Islamic law to wear a long jacket and a headscarf to cover their whole body except their faces and hands though in larger cities, women often ignore the rule in protest.

Opposition to the law has been soaring with mass protests staged under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom,” after the death of young Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in the autumn of 2022.

She was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating Islamic dress codes by incorrectly wearing her headscarf and died shortly after in custody.

GNA

PDC

Ghana international Mohammed Kudus climbed off the bench to score for West Ham United on Sunday in their 3-1 victory against Ipswich Town in the English Premier League.

The highly rated attacker missed out on a starting role for the Hammers on the final day of the 2024/25 English top-flight league campaign.

Forced to watch the first half from the bench, Kudus had the chance to play in the second half when he was introduced into the game in the 73^rd minute to replace Niclas Füllkrug.

The Black Stars sensation quickly put his quality on display and scored with a stunning effort in the 87^th minute after he was assisted by Guido Rodriguez.

Mohammed Kudus’ goal sealed the victory for West Ham United, with James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen scoring the two other goals for the Hammers.

Nathan Broadhead netted the only consolation goal for the relegated Ipswich Town.

With his goal today, Mohammed Kudus has finished the 2024/25 English Premier League season with five goals and three assists after making 31 appearances for West Ham United.

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.

All Blacks confirmed their promotion with a convincing 3-0 victory over New Edubiase

Swedru All Blacks have returned to the Ghana Premier League after a 16-year absence, following an impressive season in the Access Bank Division One League Zone II.

The team confirmed their promotion with a convincing 3-0 victory over New Edubiase, marking their 21st win in 29 games and accumulating 66 points.

This strong performance has firmly established them as the best side in their zone this season.

Swedru All Blacks will conclude their campaign with an away game against PAC Academy, but their place in the top flight is already secured.

Their promotion, alongside Hohoe United, marks a significant moment for both clubs as they prepare to compete in Ghana’s highest division.

The final promotion spot remains undecided and will be settled when Real Tamale United faces Eleven Wonders in Accra on Friday, May 30.

Both teams will be eager to secure the last ticket to the Premier League for the upcoming season.

That means that the route from Tobruk in Libya to Crete is becoming the new central refugee route, as no other Greek island has seen more refugees arrive this year.

Around 5,100 people reached the island in 2024, according to a statement by the union of water police officers in Crete. This year, some 4,000 people have already arrived.

The union said it was concerned that the numbers will rise even higher in the summer when weather conditions improve.

The coastguard estimates that thousands of people are waiting in Tobruk to cross to Europe.

A total of 11,305 migrants have arrived in Greece by boat this year, as of May 18, according to the UN refugee agency, with Crete accounting for almost a third of the arrivals.

Last year, around 54,000 people arrived in Greece by sea.

Under the EU’s asylum regulations, people must apply for refugee status in the member state where they arrive. Due to their geographical location, countries such as Greece and Italy see higher numbers of applications, from people making the perilous boat journey as they flee war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

Athens is calling for a fairer distribution of the refugees within the EU and is resisting Berlin’s plans to send refugees back to Greece if they have already been granted asylum there.

GNA

PDC

Accra, May 25, GNA-Cedar Mountain Chapel, Assemblies of God, Sunday brought together a mix of cultures and nationalities in a colourful celebration to mark African Union (AU) Day.

The annual event, known as Cedar International Day, was held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, which coincides with African Union Day.

This special occasion has become a signature celebration of the church, reflecting its commitment to global unity, multicultural fellowship, and kingdom diversity.

The celebration attracted nationals from various countries residing in Ghana. Dressed in rich traditional attire, attendees waved national flags and celebrated the beauty of diversity through music, prayer, and fellowship.

Delivering a sermon on the theme: “Understanding Intimacy with the Holy Spirit,” Rev. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana and Lead Pastor of Cedar Mountain Chapel, urged believers to move beyond rituals and cultivate a deeper, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

“When you truly understand intimacy with the Holy Spirit, you become a vessel through which God expresses His will on earth because it is impossible to live a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led life without the Holy Spirit,” he declared.

Prayers were fervently lifted for peace across nations, the welfare of foreigners living in Ghana and global unity.

The Cedar International Day celebration has become a hallmark of Cedar Mountain Chapel’s vision of building a Christ-centered, multicultural community that reflects the kingdom of God.

As Africa celebrates its unity and progress, Cedar Mountain Chapel continues to be a spiritual home for people of all nations declaring that in Christ, we are truly one.
GNA
Christian Akorlie

Joseph Esso struck in stoppage time to give Dreams FC a dramatic 1-0 win over Berekum Chelsea at the Tuba AstroTurf.

Esso’s 96th-minute winner from the penalty capped an intense encounter and earned all three points for Dreams, who now occupy 8th place. 

Berekum Chelsea drop to 11th in the standings.

The result was a welcome one for Dreams FC who were hammered 4-1 last time out against Asante Kotoko. 

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 videoFile photo of pilgrims traveling Mecca for Hajj

It appears both the Hajj task force put in place by the government and Ghanaian pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj are facing recurrent challenging moments.

After Ghanaian pilgrims who arrived in Makkah early complained about poor facilities allocated to them which the task force said it was addressing, another challenge of poor accommodation facilities and feeding have emerged.

A number of frustrated pilgrims have taken to social media to express their frustrations over what they term as poor experience.

The increasing concerns have got concerned members of the Zongo community calling on the government’s Hajj task force to up their game.

Educationist, Aisha Adam, lamented what she called the “mistreatment” of Ghanaian pilgrims asking “did any member of the task force Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana inspect this property before paying for it?”

“430 pilgrims were checked into this dilapidated building to stay for a month since yesterday morning?,” she also wrote.

“There were assurances since yesterday evening that the hotel will be changed today. It’s 3pm here already and there is still no show!!!!!!! Hajj is a sacred journey. The least we can do is to provide accommodation that is dignifying for human use,” she added. All Ghanaian pilgrims deserve better. This is what we got for trusting the system,” she added.

The Hajj task force are also said to be mismanaging this year’s Hajj with further accusations that they have gone in for substandard facilities following the reduction of Hajj fares.

AME

Swedru All Blacks have sealed a sensational return to the Ghana Premier League, 16 years after being relegated from the top flight.

The club, which led the Division One Zone Two table for much of the season, confirmed their promotion with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ebusua Dwarf.

A brace from forward Ebenezer Amoh and a goal from Bubakari Zayat ensured an emphatic win, capping off what has been a remarkable campaign.

All Blacks finish the season as champions of the division with 66 points from 29 games—seven points clear of second-placed Rospack FC. Their impressive run included 21 wins, three draws, and just five defeats.

The Swedru-based side joins Zone One champions Hohoe United as the two teams promoted to the Ghana Premier League. Real Tamale United and Techiman Eleven Wonders will face off in a playoff to determine the final spot.

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

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

By Michael Foli Jackidy

Ho (V/R), May 25, GNA – The Ho Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) commemorated this year’s African Union (AU) Day in partnership with Power Brokers Academy, engaging pupils and parents in a vibrant durbar filled with educational and cultural activities. 

In her welcome address, Mrs. Peace Charity Adzah, Proprietress of Power Brokers Academy, emphasised that AU Day was not only a reflection on Africa’s history but a celebration of African identity, pride, and the shared aspiration for peace, unity, and prosperity across the continent.  

“Without unity, people from different cultural backgrounds, locations, and histories cannot come together to improve their lives,” she said.  

Mrs. Adzah also encouraged parents to remain steadfast in supporting their children, regardless of the difficulties they might face. 

Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Unity is Strength,” Rev. Vincent Adzika, NCCE Municipal Director, highlighted the power of unity in driving progress. 

“Unity doesn’t mean we are all the same; it means we are stronger together. The African Union was established to unite African countries, amplify our collective voice, and build a peaceful and prosperous continent. When we are divided, we fall behind. But when we unite, we rise,” he said. 

Rev. Adzika encouraged the students to be active participants in Africa’s future by embracing diversity, promoting justice, and working toward collective growth. 

He also gave a brief history of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—the precursor to the AU—founded on May 25, 1963, with 32 member states, and now expanded to 55 member countries.  

This year’s celebration is on the theme: “The Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” 

The celebration was marked by a colourful durbar where pupils showcased their talents through poetry recitals, singing of the AU Anthem, modeling, dance performances, and presentations on the history of the AU. 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie  

Vapes are illegal in Ghana

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized large quantities of unregistered and illicit tobacco products from four facilities in Accra during a targeted enforcement operation.

The confiscated items included 15 brands of illegal shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three brands of illicit cigarettes, seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters, 21 brands of unregistered vapes, 10 brands of illegal cigars, and four brands of unauthorised tobacco wraps.

The exercise, conducted in collaboration with two police officers, forms part of activities marking this year’s World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

It targeted six facilities located in Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota. Two of the facilities were closed at the time of the inspection.

Jemima Odonkor, Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, said the operation reflects the Authority’s ongoing efforts to rid the market of harmful and unapproved products.

“The seized items entered the country through unapproved routes. The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers,” she stated.

Ms. Odonkor reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing the availability of harmful tobacco products. She added that the Authority will intensify public education campaigns, particularly targeting schools.

“We will be visiting schools to educate our students on the harmful effects of tobacco products to safeguard them from illicit drugs,” she said.

The FDA continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products or activities related to tobacco sales.

You can also watch the latest news on GhanaWeb TV below:

Aduana Stars delivered a dominant performance to dispatch relegated Legon Cities 4–0 at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Stadium in Week 32 of the Ghana Premier League.

Following a quiet start to the match, Aduana found the breakthrough in the 42nd minute when Gideon Boateng calmly slotted home.

Aduana maintained their composure after the break and doubled their advantage through Elvis Addo in the 59th minute.

With Legon Cities struggling to cope, Kelvin Obeng added a third to put the result beyond doubt, before Alex Boakye converted a late penalty to complete the rout.

The result guarantees Aduana’s safety in the Ghana Premier League, moving them to 41 points with two games remaining.

Legon Cities, already relegated with just 25 points, were outclassed throughout the encounter and offered little resistance as Aduana asserted their dominance.

Aduana Stars will travel to face FC Samartex on Sunday, 1 June 2025, before concluding their campaign at home against Basake Holy Stars on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Legon Cities, meanwhile, will host Hearts of Oak on 1 June and finish their season away to Dreams FC on 8 June.

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.

Some imported vehicles at a garage

Some vehicle dealers in Ghana are expressing optimism that the cost of vehicles, especially second-hand imports, could drop in the coming months, if the Ghanaian cedi continues its recent upward trajectory against the US dollar.

This development follows the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi against the U.S. dollar, which has sparked hope across various sectors for a potential drop in prices.

In the automotive market, where import costs are heavily influenced by exchange rates, the appreciation of the Cedi is being closely watched as a possible turning point for reducing the high cost of vehicles.

In an interview with Citi Business News, some car dealers including the General Secretary of the Second-Hand Car Dealers Association, Clifford Ansu, revealed that the appreciation of the cedi is already triggering conversations among consumers, many of whom are beginning to demand reduced prices on the back of the improved exchange rate.

“When the dollar reduces, every commodity in the market reduces. We have something in economics called consumer behaviour,” he explained.

Ghana’s used car market is heavily influenced by two primary factors; the strength of the cedi and the port-related import duties.

In recent years, a depreciating cedi has increased import costs, pushing vehicle prices beyond the reach of many Ghanaians.

According to Ansu, while current prices remain high because many of the cars were brought in when the cedi was weaker, the outlook is brighter if the local currency can maintain its strength.

“That is the situation we are facing. I think that from now onwards, if the dollar can sustain even at where it is now, everybody will be happy that in a month or two, the prices of cars will come down,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alexander Osei Assibey, another car dealer, called on the government to stabilise the exchange rate benchmark at Ghana’s ports over a longer term to give importers more pricing certainty.

“We want the government to peg the dollar at the ports like six months to a year so that the importer will be sure. We are praying this is not a nine-day wonder. The dollar must remain stable,” he appealed.

FKA/MA

GRA to move to electronic filing

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced the extension of its Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) system, which seeks to replace the current 30-day manual invoice process with a digital system that mandates VAT invoices to be issued within 48 hours.

Opoku Afriyie Asante, Technical Lead for E-VAT at the GRA, said the E-VAT initiative, which pilot began in October 2022, marked a full transition from the use of manual invoicing books to a real-time, automated platform.

He said this transformation would enable the Commissioner-General to track and verify all VAT invoices issued by taxpayers, enhancing transparency and compliance.

“E-VAT is just a continuation of efforts we began in 2022. The new system integrates directly with businesses’ accounting software to ensure accurate reporting of VAT transactions,” Asante explained.

He acknowledged initial challenges, particularly with large businesses such as Melcom and Shoprite, which had to integrate their complex systems with GRA’s platform.

However, he emphasised that most technical issues had been resolved, and the rollout was now in full effect.

Highlighting the shift, Felix Quaye, a member of the GRA’s E-VAT team, said that under the manual system, suppliers had 30 days to issue VAT invoices.

But with E-VAT, suppliers must now generate and submit invoices within 48 hours, significantly tightening compliance timelines.

“If you purchase an item, you should be able to receive your VAT invoice within 48 hours. This makes the system more responsive and efficient,” Quaye said.

He added that the current phase of the rollout was onboarding 4,000 taxpayers, with a target to scale up to 40,000 by the end of 2025.

The system applies to businesses of all sizes, with some even voluntarily registering due to contractual obligations that require E-VAT-compliant invoices.

The Authority warned that tampering with the system or bypassing it could result in fines or imprisonment, as provided for in the VAT Act.

Therefore, businesses must inform the Commissioner-General before making any system changes that could affect the integrity of the platform.

The E-VAT system is part of the GRA’s broader digitisation strategy aimed at improving tax collection, minimising revenue leakages, and boosting Ghana’s domestic revenue mobilisation efforts.

MTN Group has been inducted into the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame, recognizing its decade-long impact on African consumers and role in shaping the continent’s positive narrative.

The telecommunications giant also claimed the title of Most Admired African Brand in four categories: contributing to a better Africa, spontaneous recall, societal and environmental impact, and telecommunications leadership.

The honors, announced alongside the 2025 Brand Africa 100 rankings, derive from an independent survey spanning over 30 African countries, representing 85% of the continent’s population and GDP. Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO, hailed the recognition as “a testament to our commitment to inclusive, digitally enabled growth,” particularly during Africa Month. “Trusted brands must advance progress, and we remain dedicated to delivering meaningful impact,” he added, crediting employees, partners, and stakeholders for the achievement.

MTN operates mobile networks in 16 African nations and is guided by its Ambition 2025 strategy, which prioritizes digital solutions, financial inclusion, and innovation. This aligns with its recognition for initiatives like expanding internet access and supporting sustainable development.

Further solidifying its brand dominance, MTN retained its position as South Africa’s most valuable brand in the 2025 Brand Finance Top 100 Report, with a valuation of R50.7 billion—a title held since 2012.

The accolades underscore MTN’s dual focus on commercial success and societal contribution, positioning it as a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation amid rising global competition.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nelson, has issued a strong warning against the growing encroachment on Ghana Water Company Limited’s (GWCL) lands at the Daboase water treatment site in the Wassa East District, describing the development as illegal and detrimental to the region’s water security.

During a familiarisation visit to the site, the Minister directed GWCL to urgently demarcate the buffer zones surrounding the facility to halt further unauthorised human activities threatening the critical water resource.

“This is a major national investment. Encroachment on this land must stop immediately. The chiefs who sold land within the buffer zone claim ignorance, stating they didn’t know it was a restricted area. To prevent further encroachment, I suggest installing signposts to clearly mark the buffer zone as a no-go area. If ignored, the law should take its course,” the Minister warned.

He urged the District Chief Executive to engage the local chiefs and ensure that no further activity occurs within the designated restricted zones.

The move seeks to protect the ongoing €70 million water expansion project at Daboase, being undertaken by Austrian firm Strabag, which aims to supply 22 million gallons of water daily to Sekondi-Takoradi and its surrounding communities.

Mr Nelson expressed concern that, despite visible signs of illegal development, landowners in the area have distanced themselves from the encroachment, claiming no knowledge of how such activities commenced.

“The development of this project won’t be allowed to suffer, despite the clearing already done. Their actions are illegal and threaten the water supply to the metropolis and neighbouring communities,” he stressed.

The Daboase facility, originally built in the late 1960s with a six-million-gallon daily capacity, currently struggles alongside the Inchaban plant (four million gallons per day) to meet rising demand. The new project is expected to close that supply gap.

According to Mr Vlad Falup, Project Manager at Strabag Engineering, “All main structures are complete. We’re currently working on the high-lift pumping station, which houses the pumps that will transport water to Inchaban and other pumping stations. The mechanical equipment is in place, and though the tanks are underground with structures above, we are confident we will finish by 7 November 2025.”

However, GWCL officials have raised red flags over the rapid rate of encroachment. Gideon Asare Annor, Western Regional Manager in charge of production at GWCL, warned that the environmental damage could jeopardise the entire investment.

“As you can see, the buffer zone has been completely encroached upon. This means the river will likely dry up faster than usual during the dry season, rendering our 22-million-gallon-per-day treatment plant idle, which would be unfortunate,” he noted.

“The encroachment is evident, especially since the area is prone to erosion. Ideally, the buffer zone should start further up to prevent runoff and protect the water source,” he added.

The situation is further exacerbated by climate change, illegal mining, and other human activities that have significantly increased water turbidity. As a result, GWCL’s water production from the Daboase plant has dropped from six million gallons per day to just over 16,000 gallons per day.

With demand for clean water in Sekondi-Takoradi and its environs steadily rising, the Regional Minister’s warning and the call for immediate action have brought fresh urgency to the need for sustainable protection of Ghana’s water sources.

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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.