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
2025-05-25T13:49:10+00:00
Chairman Wontumi questions how he’s expected to “survive and eat” after claiming the government froze his bank accounts amid political tension. The embattled politician shares…
2025-05-26T10:41:20+00:00
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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Our offerings include comprehensive market intelligence in the form of research reports, production cost reports, feasibility studies, and consulting services. Our team, which includes experienced researchers and analysts from various industries, is dedicated to providing high-quality data and insights to our clientele, ranging from small and medium businesses to Fortune 1000 corporations.
Latif Iddrisu was assaulted by alleged NPP supporters at the EOCO head office on Tuesday night
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has initiated investigations into the alleged assault of a Joy FM journalist, Latif Iddrisu, by supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the arrest of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi. The incident occurred on 27 May 2025 at the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.
According to a press release issued by the Regional Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service on 28 May 2025, signed by Ms Juliana Obeng, Superintendent and Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, the Regional Command is reviewing all available evidence, including video recordings and eyewitness testimonies, to establish the facts of the case and identify individuals responsible for the assault.
“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 statement said.
The assault on Iddrisu reportedly took place amid protests by NPP supporters outside EOCO’s office, which escalated into clashes with security personnel following Wontumi’s detention.
Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO on 27 May 2025, after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
The arrest followed a failed attempt to apprehend him on 23 May 2025, and came amid an intense interrogation by the police CID over allegations of illegal mining activities.
However, details behind his EOCO arrest remain scarce, even though his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has disclosed that it is related to Wontumi’s dealings with Exim Bank.
Appiah-Kubi also disclosed that Wontumi has been served a writ of summons by Exim Bank, adding to his legal challenges.
Wontumi reportedly took ill after undergoing intense interrogation at EOCO on Tuesday, leading to his hospitalisation.
According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GHC50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.
The cedi has often been cited as a better performing currency in a region where currency volatility is the norm.
Ghana’s cedi currency has jumped more than 40% against the US dollar this year, far outperforming its African and emerging market peers, shrinking the cost of the country’s foreign debt and giving it more fiscal breathing room. The rally, which has surprised some investors, is another much-needed boost for the West African nation as it claws its way back from debt default and a punishing economic crisis. According to LSEG data, the cedi has gained 42% against the dollar since January and was changing hands near 10.20 to the greenback on Wednesday morning. “We have reduced our total debt over the last five months by almost 150 billion cedis, which is very significant,” Ghanaian President John Mahama told a session during the African Development Bank annual meeting in Abidjan this week, citing the cedi’s strength. “If that trajectory continues, the target of reaching 55-58% debt sustainability by 2028 will be reached by the end of this year. And that means that it begins to give us fiscal space to begin to invest in the most productive sectors of the economy,” he said. While the US dollar has also been under pressure this year, the cedi’s performance stands in stark contrast to other African currencies. Gold price Investment bank JPMorgan, in a note to clients, said the gold windfall — with prices having chalked up 28 record highs by April — was a tailwind for the cedi. Tellimer’s Hasnain Malik said in a note the country’s successful IMF programme, as well as restrictive monetary policy, has also helped the “extraordinary spike”. Lutz Röhmeyer, head of portfolio management at Capitulum Asset Management, said local Ghanaian holders of US dollar debt exchanging their money back into cedis was also helping the gains. On Monday, Ghana central bank governor Johnson Asiama, speaking at the Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, said the central bank had not used its own reserves to support the cedi. He cited tight monetary policy, cleaner foreign exchange auctions and stronger remittance flows. But Malik and Röhmeyer warned the rally may not last. “There are reasons for caution after this spike,” Malik wrote in the Tellimer note, citing drops in oil and cocoa prices, and IMF forecasts that implied a coming depreciation.
Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, has responded to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s concerns over the arrest and detention of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a social media post on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, Joyce Bawah Mogtari emphasised the need for consistent application of justice and due process for all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation.
Dr Bawumia, earlier on Wednesday, issued a statement expressing deep concern over Wontumi’s arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), highlighting the vagueness of the charges and the unknown whereabouts of the detained NPP chairman.
Bawumia urged EOCO and relevant state institutions to adhere to the rule of law and respect Wontumi’s constitutional rights, warning that any deviation risks undermining public trust in Ghana’s justice system.
In her response, the president’s aide acknowledged Bawumia’s call for transparency and respect for Wontumi’s rights, stating that she, too, believes firmly in the rule of law, constitutionalism, and the fundamental rights of every Ghanaian.
However, she pointed out the irony in raising concerns about due process now, noting that over the past few years, many Ghanaians—including political opponents, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens—have faced similar challenges with state institutions acting without transparency or fairness.
“While I join the call for transparency in this matter and for Mr Wontumi’s rights to be respected, I urge consistency in the application of these standards,” Mogtari stated in her post.
She emphasised that justice must not be demanded selectively, only when it affects those within one’s political circle, but should be upheld for all Ghanaians, irrespective of party affiliations.
Mogtari called for the moment to serve as a turning point, advocating for a renewed commitment to uphold the dignity, rights, and liberties of every citizen.
“Let this moment serve as a turning point, not for selective outrage and justice, but for a renewed commitment to uphold the dignity, rights, and liberties of every citizen,” she wrote.
Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO on 27 May 2025, after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
The arrest followed a failed attempt to apprehend him on 23 May 2025, and came amid an intense interrogation by the police CID over allegations of illegal mining activities.
However, details behind his EOCO arrest remain scarce, even though his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has disclosed that it is related to Wontumi’s dealings with Exim Bank.
Appiah-Kubi also disclosed that Wontumi has been served a writ of summons by Exim Bank, adding to his legal challenges.
Wontumi reportedly took ill after undergoing intense interrogation at EOCO on Tuesday, leading to his hospitalisation.
According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GHC50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare among some queen mothers, stakeholders at the summit
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has stated that empowering women and youth is not an act of charity but rather smart economics.
Speaking at the launch of the Women and Youth in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, she emphasized that women and young people are central to Ghana’s vision of a resilient and inclusive economy.
“Women and youth are indeed the backbone of our economy; they must be at the centre of all we do, particularly in agribusiness, where their potential to innovate, create jobs, and drive growth is unmatched,” she said.
The summit, themed ‘Breaking Barriers: Securing Market Access for Women and Youth in Agribusiness,’ was organized by Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku, a former Member of Parliament for Domeabra-Obom and the leader of Eligreen Agric and Agribusiness Hub.
It aimed to create space for dialogue, empowerment, and collaboration among key players in Ghana’s agribusiness ecosystem.
The founder of Eligreen Agric and Agribusiness Hub, Sofia Akuoko, highlighted the organization’s mission to support women and youth with training, access to finance, market linkages, and mentorship.
“We’re here to break down the barriers that prevent women and youth from thriving in agribusiness,” Akuoko declared.
She continued, “This is not just about farming—it’s about building careers, wealth, and national development.”
Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, announced a GH¢51.3 million allocation for the establishment of a Women’s Bank. He also reaffirmed that most interventions under the President’s Feed Ghana programme will prioritize women and youth.
“The directive from President Mahama is clear: make young people and women the priority in all agribusiness efforts,” he stated.
The National Service Authority (NSA), represented by Dr Elizabeth Zotorvie, also shared progress under its HAPPY programme, which has trained over 500 graduates and facilitated 15,000 job placements in agriculture.
The national amateur boxing team among other leaders of the GOC and GBF
The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has announced renewed support for the national amateur boxing team, the Black Rockets, following their remarkable success at the 2025 Africa Youth Boxing Championship in Guinea.
The Committee’s President, Richard Akpokavie, received the triumphant trio — Desmond Pappoe (75kg), Mathias Ashitey (51kg), and George Dowuona (54kg) — who brought home three gold medals, positioning Ghana as a rising force in youth boxing on the continent.
“This victory is a signal of what is possible if our athletes are properly supported. Now is the time to move from celebration to preparation. These young men are not just medalists; they are our Olympic hopefuls,” he said.
He emphasized that the GOC is committed to long-term planning and will work with the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) to ensure Ghana’s best athletes are allowed to compete and thrive on the global stage.
The GOC President also acknowledged the efforts of the GBF in keeping the sport vibrant despite limited resources and assured them of the Olympic movement’s openness to providing technical and developmental support.
“We’re looking at talent identification, training camps, international exposure, and all the necessary groundwork to give these boxers and others a real shot at Olympic medals,” he added.
GBF President Bernard Quartey praised the GOC for its readiness to collaborate, describing the medal haul in Guinea as just the beginning.
“These boys proved their commitment even in the face of financial constraints. With the GOC’s backing, we believe we can qualify more athletes and aim for medals in Senegal,” Quartey said.
He further appealed for sustained investment in youth boxing, stressing that talent exists across the country but needs nurturing through better facilities, coaching, and exposure.
The Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources is calling on the Ministry of Finance to urgently release funds to facilitate the posting of Environmental Health Officers to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.
The committee stressed that this move is critical to addressing Ghana’s growing sanitation challenges.
According to the committee, the current number of Environmental Health Officers falls far short of international standards.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends one Environmental Health Officer per 800 people, Ghana’s current ratio stands at over one officer for every 8,000 people.
Adding to the concern, more than 2,000 graduates from the nation’s Schools of Hygiene have remained unposted since 2021, despite the urgent need for personnel.
Speaking to journalists, Committee Chairman John Oti Bless underscored the need for government action.
“Over 2,000 graduates have been sitting at home since 2021. They have not been posted, and we think that is unfortunate. We know our colleague, the Finance Minister, is a listening person.
“They should do everything possible to issue clearance to the ministries so these young graduates can be posted.”
He added that without proper staffing, the country’s efforts to improve sanitation are severely hindered.
“Today, at many MMDAs, one environmental officer is responsible for over 8,000 people. How are we going to succeed in the fight against sanitation? We want a clean environment,” he stated.
The committee’s appeal comes amid rising concerns over poor sanitation in several communities across the country.
Call off planned strike – Health Ministry appeals to GRNMA
The defence’s mistrial motion stemmed from prosecutors’ questioning of a Los Angeles arson investigator regarding a 2012 incident in which rapper Kid Cudi’s car was set ablaze
US District Judge Arun Subramanian on Wednesday rejected a mistrial request by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in his ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial, following claims from his legal team that prosecutors improperly implied his involvement in destroying evidence related to an arson investigation.
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. is expected to reopen today, Thursday, May 29, 2025, following a temporary closure ordered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The closure, which took effect on Monday, May 26, was prompted by an alleged corruption scandal involving the Embassy’s visa section.
In a Facebook post, Minister Ablakwa revealed that a local IT staff member is accused of diverting funds belonging to the Embassy into a personal account.
Chairman of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, has thrown his support behind the Minister’s swift action. Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Dr. Vanderpuije commended the decision to shut down the Embassy temporarily, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard public funds and maintain accountability.
“When we see corruption, when we see an act that is against the resetting of this country, we will not condone it. So, we support the minister for all the actions that he has taken. When the embassy reopens, the public will be served without an iota of corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minority in parliament has urged Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to adopt a more tactful and consultative approach in executing his duties—warning against the growing use of social media for major foreign policy announcements.
Led by Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minority on Tuesday, May 27, criticised the approach as a sharp departure from Ghana’s tradition of quiet diplomacy.
“We were utterly shocked and surprised to learn of the decision through public announcements, rather than through prior engagement with the Foreign Affairs Committee,” Jinapor said.
“Such a significant action should have been preceded by a briefing to the committee and addressed through tactful diplomatic channels.”
While agreeing that accountability is essential, the caucus insisted that such matters should be managed discreetly to protect Ghana’s reputation and avoid undermining the morale of foreign service officers.
“This approach has far-reaching repercussions on the morale of our foreign service officers, on the reputation of our country, and on the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad,” Jinapor noted.
Avoid social media diplomacy – Minority tells Ablakwa
Member of Parliament for Bongo, Charles Bawaduah, has expressed confidence in the ability of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to satisfy the GHS50 million bail conditions set by the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO).
Wontumi is currently under investigation over alleged financial transactions involving COCOBOD and EXIM Bank. As part of the bail terms, he is required to provide two sureties. His legal team, led by MP and lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, is working to meet these requirements.
In the wake of the investigation, Wontumi’s legal team has also denied allegations of any improper payments related to COCOBOD, asserting that all transactions being scrutinized were legitimate.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, MP Charles Bawaduah said he believes Wontumi’s wealth makes it feasible for him to meet the bail conditions.
“I’m not sure Wontumi, as we know him, is incapable of owning properties worth GHS50 million. I’m sure he will. Executing or satisfying a bail condition of GHS50 million should not be a problem. But the processes are quite different. I’m sure that is what he’s trying to clear and get out.”
Wontumi remains in EOCO custody as efforts continue to fulfill the bail requirements.
Dismissal of Torkornoo’s injunction application disappointing – Assafuah
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The number of people facing insufficient food consumption (IFC) in seven selected West African countries, including Ghana, has declined by 16.1 million between March and April 2025, according to AGRA’s Food Security Monitor report.
The May 2025 report says the number of people facing IFC declined from 157.3 million to 141.2 million across Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Cote D’Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso, which have a combined total population of about 334.7 million people. The report attributes the significant reduction to progress in Nigeria’s food security situation.
Consequently, the current level of IFC across the seven West African countries is lower than the 158.5 million reported in April last year, but higher than the 119.2 million recorded in April 2023. Compared to a year ago, Ghana and Togo have recorded the most significant increases in the number of people facing food insecurity at 58.4% and 42.1%, respectively.
People facing IFC refer to those with poor or borderline food consumption, according to the Food Consumption Score (FCS). FCS is a proxy indicator for food security that measures the diversity of household diets and how frequently food is consumed. The FCS is calculated using the frequency of consumption of eight food groups by a household over seven days before the survey, using standardised weights for each food group reflecting its respective nutrient density. It then classifies households as having ‘poor’, ‘borderline’ or ‘acceptable’ food consumption.
Poor food consumption typically refers to households that do not consume staples and vegetables every day and never, or very seldom, consume protein-rich food such as meat and dairy. Borderline food consumption typically refers to households that consume staples and vegetables every day, accompanied by oils and pulses a few times a week. Acceptable food consumption typically refers to households that consume staples and vegetables every day, frequently accompanied by oils and pulses, and occasionally meat, fish and dairy.
The monthly Food Security Monitor is a tool that equips policymakers and other stakeholders with vital insights to navigate challenges and prioritise interventions. This month’s edition overviews the food security situation and market prices across East, South, and West Africa.
Rise in prices of rice and maize The report, however, noted that across West Africa, the price of maize and rice rose generally, largely driven by currency depreciation. Ghana recorded the highest price of rice at USD 1,012/MT in April, up from USD 948/MT in March 2025. Nigeria posted the lowest rice and maize prices at USD 715/MT and USD 319/MT, respectively. The report says the rising cost of cereals in most parts of the region is driven by multiple factors, such as a weakened national currency, elevated transportation expenses, shortages in cereal production, and market disruptions caused by conflicts in various regions.
Young Ghanaian rice farmer Julius Fieve says the challenges in the rice production sector are several. He identifies the high cost of land acquisition, land tenure challenges, high cost of capital, high cost of inputs, climate change, and lack of machinery as some of the constant struggles militating against rice production in Ghana. “Unpredictable rainfall patterns affect my upland rice production. In 2024, irregular rains delayed planting by three weeks, reducing my yield potential by 15%. The lack of irrigation facilities exacerbates this issue, as I cannot afford to install boreholes or irrigation systems, leaving me dependent on rainfall,” he said.
“The cost of capital is a major barrier. High interest rates, often above 30% annually in Ghana make loans expensive, and securing collateral is tough for a new business like mine. I do not own enough assets to qualify for large bank loans, which limits my ability to scale. Second, the high cost of inputs and lack of machinery is a constant struggle,” Mr. Fieve added. Stakeholders say these challenges would have to be addressed in order to help drive down the cost of rice in the country.
Global outlook The report notes that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index (FFPI) increased by 1% in April compared to March 2025, driven by rises in the cereal, dairy and meat price indices despite declines in those of sugar and vegetable oils. The rise in cereal prices was attributed to tightening exportable supplies in the Russian Federation, steady export activity from some major exporters, and currency movements linked to a weaker United States dollar, amid trade policy developments and macroeconomic uncertainties. The AGRA report notes that over the past month, all fertiliser types have experienced price increases, with Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and urea recording the highest gains at 2.1% and 2.5%, respectively.
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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.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
TThe Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has praised Ghana’s prospects in sustainable mining, describing it as a landmark achievement within the West African subregion.
According to him, the country has been a leading example in sustainable mining, contributing to its enviable success in the extractive sector.
Addressing a gathering of industry leaders at this year’s West Africa Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX), the sector minister stressed that Ghana has become a model of responsible resource development, urging other countries to emulate its approach.
“Ghana is not just a mining destination … We are proof that responsible investment and transformative development can go hand in hand,” Armah-Kofi Buah noted during the launch of WAMPEX 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
In his speech, he revealed that due to its robust policies, the country attracted about $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment in mining last year alone, a testament to Ghana’s stable democracy, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly environment.
He also added that so far, 100 mining communities are directly benefiting from the Mineral Development Fund, highlighting Ghana’s shift from corporate social responsibility to genuine shared value.
Showcasing Ghana as a continental trailblazer, the lands minister further highlighted the country’s success across four strategic pillars: investor confidence, community impact, environmental stewardship, and transparent governance — urging other countries to follow suit.
“Our doors are open, our policies are clear, and our commitment is unwavering … Let WAMPEX 2025 be remembered as the moment we turned promise into practice, where sustainable deals were struck, transformative partnerships formed, and West Africa’s mining future was forever changed,” the minister declared.
On his part, the Chairman of the Conference and President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia Esq., highlighted the importance of the 18th edition of the West African Mining and Power Exhibition and Conference (WAMPEX), describing it as timely and critical.
He emphasized that participating industries must respond decisively to the call for sustainable development, aligning efforts with the goal of maximizing socio-economic benefits.
In his welcome address, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, also underscored the significance of this year’s theme: “The Mining and Power Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunities in West Africa.”
He noted that the theme reinforces the need for companies in the mining and energy sectors to remain resilient in the face of economic pressures, while positioning themselves as drivers of regional transformation.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie has lost her father Mr. Gomashie the age of 106.
She shared the news in a solemn post on Facebook, where she uploaded a black-and-white photo of her father accompanied by the full verses of a timeless hymn that speaks of faith through sorrow.
In a gesture of remembrance, the MP also changed her Facebook profile picture to a touching photo she took with her father during his 106th birthday celebration just a few months ago in March.
Dzifa Gomashie is widely respected for her work as a cultural advocate, actress, and politician.
Before entering Parliament, she played significant roles in Ghana’s creative sector—particularly in theatre and television—and once served as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts under the Mahama administration.
Her passion for cultural preservation and the arts has remained a cornerstone of her public life.
The leader of the Alliance for the Restoration of Civil Rights, William Kofi Yirenkyi, has filed a landmark malicious prosecution lawsuit against two officers of the Ghana Police Service.
The suit, filed at the High Court of Justice in Accra on 26 May 2025, names Detective Corporal (D/C) Inspector Mathias Awudi and D/C Inspector Richard Ackumey, both from the Accra Regional Police Command, as defendants.
Yirenkyi accuses the officers of wrongful arrest, unlawful detention, and initiating a baseless prosecution against him—actions he alleges were motivated by personal vendetta.
According to the court statement of claim, the dispute traces back to 30 December 2023, when Yirenkyi reported an assault against him at the Cantonments Police Station.
Dissatisfied with the initial police investigations, he escalated the complaint to the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander in January 2024. The investigation was then assigned to D/C Inspector Awudi.
Despite Yirenkyi’s continuous follow-ups and cooperation, the case saw no substantial progress for nearly eleven months. On 13 November 2024, after inquiring about the status of the case, Yirenkyi claims that D/C Inspector Awudi reacted angrily, leading to his sudden arrest and detention for three days without reasonable cause.
Subsequently, on 15 November 2024, he was arraigned at the Gbese District Court on charges of disturbing the peace in a public place under Section 298 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).
However, the prosecution, led by D/C Inspector Ackumey, allegedly failed to establish any credible evidence, resulting in Yirenkyi’s discharge by the court for lack of reasonable and probable cause.
The plaintiff alleges that the defendants abused their authority by fabricating charges to silence him and retaliate against his inquiries, causing him reputational damage, emotional distress, and financial loss.
The claim includes special damages amounting to GH¢40,000, covering legal fees of GH¢20,000 and lost income during detention.
Yirenkyi also seeks a formal declaration of malicious prosecution, general damages, legal costs, and any other relief the court deems just.
The writ of summons was issued by Yirenkyi’s legal counsel, Martin L. Kpebu of Black Star Legal Services, with service directed to the defendants.
According to the court documents, the defendants have been given eight days from service to file their appearance or risk judgment by default.
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare among some queen mothers, stakeholders at the summit
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has stated that empowering women and youth is not an act of charity but rather smart economics.
Speaking at the launch of the Women and Youth in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, she emphasized that women and young people are central to Ghana’s vision of a resilient and inclusive economy.
“Women and youth are indeed the backbone of our economy; they must be at the centre of all we do, particularly in agribusiness, where their potential to innovate, create jobs, and drive growth is unmatched,” she said.
The summit, organized by the Eligreen Agric and Agribusiness Hub, was held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Securing Market Access for Women and Youth in Agribusiness.”
It aimed to create space for dialogue, empowerment, and collaboration among key players in Ghana’s agribusiness ecosystem.
The founder of Eligreen Agric and Agribusiness Hub, Sofia Akuoko, highlighted the organization’s mission to support women and youth with training, access to finance, market linkages, and mentorship.
“We’re here to break down the barriers that prevent women and youth from thriving in agribusiness,” Akuoko declared.
She continued, “This is not just about farming—it’s about building careers, wealth, and national development.”
Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, announced a GH¢51.3 million allocation for the establishment of a Women’s Bank. He also reaffirmed that most interventions under the President’s Feed Ghana programme will prioritize women and youth.
“The directive from President Mahama is clear: make young people and women the priority in all agribusiness efforts,” he stated.
The National Service Authority (NSA), represented by Dr. Elizabeth Zotorvie, also shared progress under its HAPPY programme, which has trained over 500 graduates and facilitated 15,000 job placements in agriculture.
The Gaming Commission of Ghana, in partnership with the Mental Health Authority, has launched a renewed campaign to tackle gambling addiction among tertiary students, warning that irresponsible gaming is quietly destroying lives, careers, and communities across the country.
Held at Accra Technical University (ATU) as part of the 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month, the sensitization programme brought together key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, university authorities, health professionals, and students.
Themed “Promoting Responsible Gaming: Exploring the Linkage Between Mental Wellness and Gaming Addiction,” the event highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action to curb gambling-related harm.
Speaking at the event on May 28, 2025, the Acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission emphasized the rising rate of gambling addiction among the youth in Ghana.
“Studies show that nearly 70% of young people in Ghana engage in entertainment gambling. Some do it for fun or to win money, while others use it to cope with unmet psychological needs, but when it crosses a threshold, it becomes dangerous.”
He warned that gambling addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, financial ruin, and even jail time for those who steal to fund their habits.
“We don’t want to lose a single student to gambling; this must be a collective fight. Be your brother’s or sister’s keeper. Report gambling addiction.”
He also announced plans to establish a Gaming Addiction Rehabilitation Centre in Asawase, Ashanti Region, with support from the Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak.
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Korle Klottey, painted a grim picture of the far-reaching effects of addiction.
“The reality of addiction is that it can destroy your life and the lives of those around you. It can derail your entire career.
“There are highly influential individuals in sensitive positions who are addicted to various forms of gambling and, as a result, misappropriate public funds. They steal money entrusted to them in order to feed their addiction.
“They get fired from one job, find another, and repeat the same cycle. Addiction does not discriminate; you must understand that. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, how old you are, what your background is, or how much money you have in your pocket.”
John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, shared his past struggles with sports betting.
“I used to bet some years ago, and I became addicted to my phone. During the day, I always wanted to check which games were playing so that I could put some GHC 200 on them and see how best we could multiply it.
“At some point, I realized that the habit was consuming my time, and what pained me the most was Aviator. I have friends who are also addicted to betting, but I believe betting addiction is something we all need to pay attention to.
“I think it is a quick way to make money, but it is also a quick way to ruin or even end your life. So, I urge everyone to be very responsible when it comes to betting because we need you, the youth.”
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, whose speech was read on his behalf, warned that the societal cost of unchecked gambling addiction is too high to ignore: “When the consequences of gaming exceed normalcy, society suffers. We must all get involved in this national effort.”
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to turn the Volta Lake and its basin into a key industrial hub under the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
According to him, while the Volta Lake has long played a critical role in powering Ghana through hydroelectricity, its broader economic value remains largely untapped.
Speaking at a multi-sectoral stakeholder meeting at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, May 28, President Mahama positioned the “Volta Economic Corridor” as the anchor of the transformative 24-hour Economy Programme.
“The time has come to move beyond hydropower and position the Volta system as the backbone of a new industrial Ghana,” he said.
“For decades, the Lake has powered our grid thanks to the foresight of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the dedication of the VRA. But beyond electricity, it has been underutilised,” he added.
Under the 24- hour Economy Programme, the government plans to reposition the Volta Basin as a national production zone and logistics artery.
President Mahama explained that the Volta Lake Economic Corridor will see the cultivation of over 2 million hectares of arable lakeside land, revitalisation of the Lake’s fisheries potential for both local and export markets and the establishment of industrial parks along the Corridor to process agricultural goods and manufacture key industrial products.
To make this vision a reality, the government will activate the Volta Lake as a fully functional transport highway — initially linking northern food production zones with southern markets and export terminals, dramatically reducing logistics costs.
“In the medium term, this will rebalance industrial geography, encouraging factories to locate beyond the congested coastal areas. To achieve this will require, investment in new floating transport assets, the construction of lake ports and the creation of long-term public-private concession frameworks in partnership with the VRA,” he said.
President Mahama also noted that the 24-hour Economy programme is set in July as the government will release the Draft Programme Document on Tuesday for public consultation, “with the formal launch set for 1st July 2025, Ghana’s Republic Day”.
“I invite all of you — many of whom have helped shape this vision — to contribute to its finalisation,” Mahama urged investors, adding that the government will establish the 24-hour Economy Secretariat as an independent authority reporting directly to the Presidency to ensure effective delivery.
John Mahama writes: Trump’s unfounded attack on Cyril Ramaphosa was an insult to all Africans
Keep chilling in London, your videos will pop up very soon – Pro-NDC Journalist warn govt appointees
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
Award-winning Ghanaian musician Kuami Eugene has taken to social media to humorously appeal to former President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the rapid appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the U.S. dollar.
In a lighthearted but telling post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the 2020 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Artist of the Year voiced concern over the recent strength of the cedi, which has seen a significant gain in value since the beginning of April.
“We beg Pres. @JDMahama to slow down small — my dollar reserves are all going to waste. I’m happy and sad at the same time,” Kuami Eugene wrote, striking a balance between humor and economic frustration.
Since April 1, the Ghana cedi has appreciated sharply — climbing from GH₵15 to $1 to its current exchange rate of approximately GH₵10 to $1.
While the currency’s resurgence is being hailed as a sign of economic stabilization, it has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from Ghanaians abroad and local investors who keep reserves in foreign currency.
Many in the diaspora have expressed dissatisfaction, explaining that the strengthening cedi makes remittances and dollar-based transactions more expensive. Kuami Eugene’s post echoes the sentiment of those whose foreign-denominated savings or business transactions are losing value as the cedi rises.
Some residents of the community engaging in the clean-up exercise
Japhet Festus Gbede, the Assembly Member for the Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality, has formally petitioned the Akatsi South Police Command to arrest and prosecute residents who failed to participate in a clean-up exercise in the community.
In a statement dated May 26, 2025, Gbede expressed concern over the persistent neglect of civic responsibility by some residents—particularly in the Sremanu community—who failed to show up for a community clean-up exercise aimed at desilting choked gutters ahead of the impending rainy season.
“We write to formally submit to your noble office a matter of grave concern regarding the willful refusal of certain residents within the Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area to participate in communal labour exercises duly organized to promote public health and environmental safety in our communities,” the statement read.
He noted that despite sensitization efforts, the individuals ignored the call to participate in the exercise.
“Despite broad consultations, community announcements, and sensitization efforts, these individuals deliberately ignored the call to duty, thereby undermining our efforts to prevent the outbreak of diseases and promote a clean environment ahead of the rainy season. Their conduct is not only a civic failure but also a breach of the laws of Ghana,” it stated.
Read the full statement below
JKB/KA
Speaker condemns Parliamentary misconduct, cautions against repetition
Samuel Koku Anyidoho and President John Dramani Mahama
Founder and CEO of MILLS (Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership, Service) Institute, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has expressed his deepest appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for renaming the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) after the late President John Evans Atta-Mills.
Established in December 2011 by Parliamentary Act 828 under the late President Atta-Mills, the university was created to be a pre-eminent research and practically oriented health educational institution dedicated to community service.
Cutting the sod himself at the main campus site at Sokode Lokoe in the Ho District in 2012, President Atta-Mills emphasized that his decision to give the Volta Region such a flagship university was in fulfillment of his manifesto pledge to add three more universities to the existing ones.
“Volta Region also deserves a public university of repute, and I am glad that today, that mission is being carried out with great joy,” President Atta-Mills said.
Mr. Samuel Koku Anyidoho, who has remained deeply loyal to the legacy of his late political father-mentor for the past 13 years since his death, is full of praise for President John Mahama for making a commendable decision to properly honor the memory of the man who made him running mate and vice president—and who later became president himself.
“It has been a struggle to keep the legacy of President Atta-Mills alive, and this decision by President Mahama brings great joy to my heart,” Koku said.
“I am honestly grateful to President Mahama for this decision to rename UHAS as the John Evans Atta-Mills University of Health and Allied Sciences, and given the opportunity, I shall not hesitate to thank him personally,” Koku added.
“All my toil, sweat, and prayers have yielded the desired results, and my joy knows no bounds.”
According to Mr. Anyidoho, “This illuminating move by President Mahama has opened a new path for building new bridges within the NDC and for healthier ways of fostering sustainable unity, because honoring our heroes is the surest way of keeping the NDC tradition alive.”
Koku also noted that one of the late president’s favorite quotes was, “A nation that does not honor its heroes is a nation that is not worth dying for.”
Therefore, this honor certainly means a lot to the memory of the late president.
The Act that established UHAS makes it impossible for the university to diversify from its core mandate without going back to Parliament for an amendment.
“President Atta-Mills’s vision for the university was for it to remain focused solely on Health and Allied Sciences, and his soul will now rest in peace with this great honor done to his memory by President Mahama.”
Abdul Mumin has been shortlisted for the 2024/25 LaLiga Goal of the Season award
Ghana defender Abdul Mumin has been shortlisted for the 2024/25 LaLiga Goal of the Season award after a standout campaign with Rayo Vallecano.
The 26-year-old’s stunning left-footed equalizer against Osasuna at the Estadio de Vallecas is among nine goals nominated for the award. Scored in September, the strike also earned him LaLiga’s Goal of the Month honor.
Mumin, who featured in 24 league matches, scored twice and registered one assist before a knee injury ended his season prematurely. His second goal came in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Madrid.
His performances played a key role in Rayo Vallecano’s push for European qualification, with the club securing continental football for the upcoming season.
Fans can support Mumin by casting their votes through the official LaLiga voting platform.
A 75-year-old farmer, Ibrahim Laa, was allegedly stabbed to death at his residence in Manso Deduako, located in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.
The deceased, a father of three, was discovered dead, with residents suspecting foul play.
Honourable Emmanuel Gyawu, the Assembly Member for the area, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.
According to him, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, Honourable Gyawu stated that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder.
He noted that the area is not known for such incidents, making this event a surprise.
The body of the deceased has been taken to Saint Martin’s Hospital in Agroyesum for preservation and autopsy.
President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday engaged the leadership of businesses and captains of industry at the Presidency in Accra to discuss the government’s new “24-Hour Economy Policy.”
The “24-Hour Economy Policy” aims to stimulate economic activity by encouraging businesses to operate around the clock, or at least in multiple shifts, to increase productivity and create jobs.
The President’s multi-sectoral engagement on the implementation of the “24-Hour Economy Policy,” a crucial part of the government’s national reset agenda, was attended by over 200 participants.
President Mahama said the 24-Hour vision was both a destination and a programme.
He explained that as a destination, the 24-Hour Economy Policy reflected a state where Ghana’s productivity and capital utilization would become so high that businesses would need to operate in multiple shifts across day and night, maximizing returns on infrastructure, human resources, and innovation.
This idea, he said, captured the public imagination during the 2024 campaign and remains at the core of their drive toward full employment and inclusive economic growth.
He added that as a programme, the 24-Hour Economy demanded a deep and deliberate restructuring of the productive economy.
“We must re-engineer our production systems from top to bottom, boosting volumes and diversity, and shifting from reliance on raw materials toward the export of value-added products, wholesome foods, pharmaceuticals, garments, industrial inputs, and digital services,” President Mahama said.
He revealed that earlier this month, he received a complete draft of the 24-Hour Economy Policy from his advisor, Mr. Goosie Tanoh.
President Mahama said he had reviewed the report and was confident there was now a coherent and actionable framework to deliver results.
President Mahama noted that an effective catalyst for the 24-Hour Economy Policy was a stable macroeconomic environment, which they were achieving through close coordination between the monetary and fiscal authorities; however, the programme went beyond macroeconomic stability.
This, he said, was being pursued by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, and it focused sharply on production, enterprise, jobs, and exports.
He emphasized that at its core, it was an integrated value chain transformation approach, which addressed structural bottlenecks not in isolation but comprehensively through infrastructure, finance, land systems, logistics, and skills development.
He highlighted that one of its boldest proposals was the development of the Volta Lake Economic Corridor.
He explained that the corridor, centered on the Volta Lake and the Volta Basin, would become a national production zone and logistics hub.
He noted that the 24-Hour Economy Policy document would be made public on Tuesday, June 3.
He added that the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat would be decentralized to the district level to enable all districts to benefit from it.
The President said the government would officially launch the 24-Hour Plus Programme on July 1, Ghana’s Republic Day.
The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Asante Kotoko has decided to retain Karim Zito as the substantive head coach of the club.
The former Black Satellites head trainer was hired as the interim gaffer for the side midway through the second half of the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
Zito replaced Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, who was sacked due to a poor run of results.
Under the guidance of the former Dreams FC head coach, Asante Kotoko has booked its place in the final of the MTN FA Cup and is also in contention to win the Ghana Premier League title, with two games remaining in the season.
The Reds also remain unbeaten under Zito.
Following this brilliant run of form, the IMC, led by Nana Apinkrah Akwasi Awuah, has decided to keep Karim Zito as the substantive head coach ahead of next season.
Should Asante Kotoko win the Premier League or the FA Cup, they will represent the country in either the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup next season. Zito is famously remembered for leading Dreams FC to the semifinals of the Confederation Cup in their debut campaign, and Kotoko hopes the veteran Ghanaian trainer will lead the side to make a mark in Africa next season.
Karim Zito will aim to maintain the side’s unbeaten run when they host Medeama SC in the Matchday 33 games at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Shocking surveillance footage has revealed the horrifying moment Tory Lanez was st@bbed 14 times inside a California prison.
The 42-year-old Canadian rapper, currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion nearly five years ago, was brutally ambushed by another inmate on May 12 at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.
In the 39-second video obtained by The Shade Room, Lanez is seen stepping out of a cell when the attacker, identified by the outlet as Santino Casio, attacks him.
As Lanez collapses to the floor, Casio is seen towering over the rapper, repeatedly jabbing down as Lanez kicks and makes a desperate attempt to escape.
Luckily for him, Lanez manages to break away and flee down the stairs, disappearing from the camera’s view just before the clip ends.
Shocking images also show the blood-soaked scene that followed.
Shortly after Monday’s attack, Lanez’s team released a statement confirming, ‘Tory was stabbed 14 times — including 7 wounds to his back, 4 to his torso, 2 to the back of his head, and 1 to the left side of his face.’
They added that he ‘is now breathing on his own’ after ‘both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus.’
Reps for Lanez said that ‘despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through.
‘He also wants to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.’
Kenya’s President William Ruto has publicly apologised to Tanzania following days of tension between the neighbouring countries.
Some Kenyans on social media have been targeting Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the recent detention and deportation of prominent East African activists.
Angry Tanzanian MPs on Monday accused Kenyans of cyberbullying and disrespecting Tanzanian sovereignty and “meddling in domestic affairs”.
Speaking at a national prayer breakfast on Wednesday, Ruto appeared to extend an olive branch to Tanzania.
“To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us,” he said.
“If there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise,” the president added.
Ruto also apologised to young Kenyans, popularly known as Gen-Zs, who have been critical of his administration since the deadly anti-tax protesters last June.
Some of them have dismissed Ruto’s apology, insisting that the president should resign.
The president made the remarks in response to a call by visiting American preacher Rickey Allen Bolden, who urged leaders to pursue reconciliation.
The diplomatic row was triggered by the deportation of activists who had travelled to Tanzania to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Among them were Kenyan Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda.
The two said they were held incommunicado for several days and tortured, before they were left at the border by Tanzanian security forces, sparking widespread condemnation across the region and from international rights groups.
Tanzania is yet to comment on the torture claims but President Samia had earlier warned that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to “meddle” in her country’s affairs and cause “chaos”.
Both Kenya and Uganda had formally protested against the detention of the activists, accusing the Tanzanian authorities of denying consular access despite repeated requests.
The alleged mistreatment of the activists triggered an online war, with social media users from Kenya and Tanzania clashing over the claims.
In a heated debate on Monday, Tanzanian parliamentarians expressed outrage over the young Kenyans trolling President Samia.
The MPs said Samia had every right to defend Tanzania’s national interests.
The legislators’ comments angered some Kenyans who hit back by sharing lawmakers’ contacts and flooding their phones with messages to express their disapproval.
Tanzania’s Iringa Town MP Jesca Msambatavangu said that most of the messages came via WhatsApp, forcing her to temporarily switch off her phone.
Msambatavangu, however, welcomed the engagement, encouraging Kenyans on social media to “counter ideas with ideas”.
She asked young Kenyans to create a WhatsApp group for further engagement and promised to engage them in a live session on Saturday.
“Kenyans are our neighbours, our brothers, and we cannot ignore each other,” she added.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Sheikh Tophic Sienu, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Team, has indicated that a patient approach to integrating players from the Ghana Premier League (GPL) into the Black Stars is the best way forward.
He made this submission in the lead up to Ghana’s Unity Cup game against Nigeria at the G-Tech Community Stadium in England.
Ghana lost 2-1 to Nigeria in the four nation tournament that had Black Stars head coach Otto Addo include four players from the GPL in the 23 man squad including Kumasi Asante Kotoko striker Kwame Opoku and Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
However, a significant section of the Ghanaian football space believe that more players from the GPL should have been called up to the squad.
Benjamin Asare (left) with Nations FC’s Razak Simpson Photo Courtesy: GFA
“For proponents of the GPL, it is understandable that they will call for more players in the team. What we need to understand is that it’s a transitional plan, you can’t get 20, 15, 10 players straight from the local league into the Black Stars, it’s a gradual process. We just need to give the coach the time to build the team that he wants to build” Tophic Sienu said.
Kwame Opoku Photo Courtesy: ZED Multimedia
All four GPL players in the squad started in Ghana’s loss to Nigeria.
Veteran Kumawood actor and comedian, Alexander Kofi Adu, popularly known as Agya Koo, has shared a harrowing near-death experience from his past, cautioning men to think twice before sleeping over at a woman’s residence.
In a recent episode of his podcast, Agya Koo recalled how a casual visit to a woman he was seeing nearly turned tragic.
According to him, the incident occurred during a time when he was struggling financially and working as a shoemaker.
He had developed a bond with a woman who owned a drinking bar in Jamestown and who had been supportive of him during that difficult period.
“One evening, I closed from work and walked from my home in Newtown to her bar in Jamestown.
“We talked and relaxed until she decided to close the bar around midnight. I told her I’d walk back home, but she insisted it was dangerous and convinced me to sleep over,” he recalled.
Agya Koo said as soon as they entered her apartment and the woman went to take a bath, he heard loud, persistent knocks on the door.
His heart sank when he realized it was her disgruntled ex-boyfriend, who had somehow been tipped off about his visit.
“The man stood behind her window, yelling insults and threats at us for a long time. I was terrified. I didn’t know what he would do if he got inside,” he recalled.
After the ex-boyfriend eventually left, Agya Koo said he pleaded with the woman to let him go. She opened the door, and he fled on foot all the way from Jamestown back to his home in Newtown.
Reflecting on the incident, Agya Koo described the experience as deeply traumatizing and warned Ghanaian men to avoid spending the night at women’s homes, especially when they’re unsure of their relationship status.
“It wasn’t worth it. You could lose your life over something so avoidable,” he said.
Watch the video below:
@real_agya_koo
Learn from my experience😬Don’t sleep at a lady’s house, trust me on this one 🚨. I nearly lost my life, and it wasn’t worth it 💔 https://youtu.be/KV1NsxSUXmg?si=w8LNG6acl-GnhzAh
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.
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that under the 24-Hour Economy Policy, one of its boldest proposals is the development of the Volta Lake Economic Corridor.
He said this corridor, centered on the Volta Lake and the Volta Basin, would become a national production zone and logistics hub.
He explained that the plan envisions cultivating over a million hectares of arable lakeside land, revitalizing the fishery sector on the lake, and creating a chain of industrial parks that produce goods for domestic and regional markets.
“To support this corridor, the lake will be activated as a transport highway, moving food, people, and goods more efficiently than our congested roads currently allow,” President Mahama stated during a multi-sectoral engagement on the implementation of the “24-Hour Economy Policy” with business leaders and captains of industry at the Presidency in Accra.
He announced that new floating assets, lake ports, and long-term investment partnerships would be developed in coordination with the Volta River Authority and the private sector.
“We must move beyond just hydropower and unlock the broader economic potential of this beautiful national asset,” he stated.
He reiterated that the Volta Lake Corridor was only part of the broader plan.
President Mahama said the 24-Hour Economy Programme identifies priority value chains across all regions, including agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, light manufacturing, tourism, digital services, and the creative economy.
He noted that each sector has specific bottlenecks, and the programme outlines targeted solutions.
On infrastructure, the President said the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund would lead efforts to develop industrial parks and logistics hubs and upgrade transport links.
On financing, he said the Development Bank of Ghana and the Venture Capital Trust Fund would scale up value chain finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and agribusinesses in priority sectors.
With regard to land, he said they would develop local land banks—zoned, titled, and investment-ready—to reduce delays and uncertainty for investors.
Concerning skills, the President said the Aspire-24 sub-programme of the 24-Hour Economy Policy would be launched to train young people for shift-based work, digital roles, and entrepreneurship.
With regard to incentives, President Mahama said they would introduce tax relief on machinery and inputs, fast-track regulatory approvals, and facilitate exports.
He emphasized that the 24-Hour Economy Programme is not a top-down model and would be decentralized.
“Each district will establish its own 24-Hour Implementation Task Force, housed within the district and municipal assemblies and aligned with our local economic development policy,” he stated.
This decentralized approach, he said, would allow each region to define and lead its path of industrial transformation based on its natural comparative advantages.
“This is no longer just a vision. It is a structured, sequenced, and inclusive plan, and its implementation is beginning,” he said.
The President announced that he had authorized the 24-Hour Secretariat to begin detailed programme design and investment packaging.
He noted that the draft programme document of the 24-Hour Economy Policy would be released publicly on Tuesday, June 3, for broader consultations.
The President said the government would officially launch the 24-Hour Plus Programme on July 1, Ghana’s Republic Day.
The Phobians comfortably sit at the top of their group with a game to spare
Oaks FC has secured qualification for the Women’s Premier League after thumping Rootz Sistaz 4-1 in the penultimate game of the GFA Regional Women’s Championship.
The female team of Hearts of Oak extended its lead at the top of Group A with its fourth win in four matches in the ongoing qualification league.
The Phobians wasted no time in establishing their intent after Fati Ibrahim curled a freekick into the net in the eighth minute.
Victoria Yeboah doubled the lead nine minutes later after meeting an Amanda Mills cross at the far post.
Mills went from provider to scorer following a period of dominance from Oaks FC, putting the game beyond Rootz Sistaz before the halftime break.
The team, led by former Black Queens coach Mercy Tagoe, missed several first-half chances as the score remained 3-0 at halftime.
After the break, Rootz Sistaz improved their game, pulling one back seven minutes into the second half.
However, Oaks FC responded a few moments later when Esenam Sarafina converted from the spot.
The Phobians comfortably sit at the top of their group with a game to spare and will play in the Women’s Premier League next season in the Southern Zone.
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.
![Musician Kuami Eugene [L] and President Mahama](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/517/51784024.295.jpg "Musician Kuami Eugene [L] and President Mahama")
