Said Saleh Sinare has been reappointed as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

In a bold and strategic diplomatic move, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Alhaji Said Sinare, former National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The appointment, which was officially communicated in a letter dated July 21, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, forms part of a broader reshuffle in Ghana’s diplomatic front aimed at deepening bilateral relations and strengthening the country’s international presence.

Alhaji Sinare, a seasoned diplomat and respected statesman, previously served Ghana as Ambassador to Egypt and Saudi Arabia during the earlier administration of President Mahama.

His reappointment to Saudi Arabia is seen by political analysts and observers as a clear endorsement of his competence, vast diplomatic experience, and commitment to national service.

The letter, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, directs the ministry to take the necessary steps to facilitate the appointment processes for Alhaji Sinare and seven other distinguished individuals named as ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries, including Namibia, South Korea, Italy, Hungary, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.

Alhaji Sinare’s return to Riyadh as Ghana’s top envoy comes at a crucial time when Ghana seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic engagements with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region.

His vast experience in Arab geopolitics and international diplomacy positions him as the right man to drive Ghana’s interests in the oil-rich Kingdom.

The presidency also announced a replacement in the Vatican diplomatic mission, with Benedict Batabe Assorow designated to replace Satireh Dorcas Ocran as Ambassador to the Vatican City State.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs moves to finalise the formalities, supporters of the NDC and members of the diplomatic community have welcomed the appointments, especially that of Alhaji Sinare, which they say reflects the president’s confidence in tested hands who can deliver results on the global stage.

Alhaji Said Sinare’s wealth of experience, Pan-African credentials, and loyalty to Ghana’s democratic and development agenda are expected to bring renewed vigor to Ghana-Saudi relations under the Mahama administration.

The Community Aid for Rural Development (CARD-Ghana) has launched sanitary pad banks in five Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Wa municipality.

The banks aim to promote menstrual hygiene, reduce absenteeism, and empower young girls.

The initiative by CARD-Ghana with funding support from Plan International Ghana, sought to ensure that no girl missed school due to the lack of access to sanitary pads.

The pad banks were installed at the Chegli Islamic, Sagu R/C, Kperisi M/A, Nyagli M/A, and Nakori/Chansa M/A JHSs as part of the implementation of the She Leads project.

The intervention was a build-up on the successful installation of a sanitary pad bank at the Wa Methodist school for the Blind to ensure more girls could safely manage their menstruation with dignity and stay in school.

In a message on the intervention, Mr Constant Tchona, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana, indicated that his organisation was proud to support the initiative, ensuring no girl missed school because of her menstrual period.

“This adds up to many interventions we continue to implement and fund across the country to ensure that girls are empowered to learn, lead, decide and thrive,” he stated.

Speaking at the launch at the Chegli, Ms. Ernestina Biney, the Executive Director of CARD-Ghana, described the intervention as a proactive response to the challenges girls faced during menstruation, which often hindered their education.

She said: “When girls have access to sanitary products, they stay in school, gain confidence, and become leaders.

“This Pad Bank initiative is a step towards breaking barriers in girls’ education.”

Ms Biney urged the government to institutionalise the pad bank model within the national sanitary pad policy to ensure the policy’s sustainability and wider impact.

On her part, Madam Nafisah Yahaya, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department Community Development, expressed concern over the vulnerability of girls due to lack of access to menstrual products.

She said: “Parents, especially fathers, must see sanitary pads as a basic necessity, not just a woman’s responsibility.”

Pognaa Amamata Mumuni, the Wa Municipal Girl-Child Coordinator, appealed to fathers to play active roles in supporting their daughters’ menstrual hygiene needs.

Mr Mark Abu Momori, the Headmaster of Chegli Islamic JHS, said the pad bank would enhance girl-child education, indicating that some girls could not track their menstrual cycle and ended up soiling themselves in class, which affected their participation in teaching and learning.

He assured the benefactors that the school would take initiative to support the sustainability of the pad bank by encouraging community members and other stakeholders to donate sanitary pads to the pad bank.

Some parents at the event expressed appreciation to the benefactors, noting that the intervention would not only support menstrual hygiene management, but also safeguarded the girls’ education.

Source: GNA

Chelsea have been no stranger to a big-money transfer move since Todd Boehly and Co. took charge of the London side. It’s a trend that has continued this summer, with Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap having penned deals with the capital club.

But eyebrows were raised when news that Alexander Isak wanted out of Newcastle broke earlier this week, with the Swede having established himself as one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. Chelsea have previously been linked with a move for Isak, who netted 27 goals and registered six assists across all competitions for Newcastle last season.

But, there appears to have been a change of tact following the news that Isak wants to leave, with The Athletic reporting Chelsea are no longer interested in a move. It’s claimed that the recently crowned world champions are content with their forward line and don’t view Isak as a necessary signing.

Chelsea took advantage of Delap’s £30million relegation clause earlier in the summer, fending off interest from the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle for his signature. Whereas Pedro made an immediate impact at the Club World Cup following his £60m move from Brighton.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

That doesn’t mean to say Chelsea have shut up shop for the summer transfer window though, with the Blues rumoured to be in the market for several players between now and the September 1 deadline. Chelsea are reportedly in talks for promising defender Jorrel Hato, who is expected to leave Ajax this summer.

Hato, who doesn’t turn 20 until March next year, was left out of Ajax’s squad for their pre-season friendly against Celtic on Tuesday night. It’s claimed that Chelsea and Ajax boast a strong working relationship and personal terms between the player and club won’t be an issue.

And then there’s a move for Xavi Simons, who Chelsea have identified as a prospective midfield addition. Simons is expected to leave RB Leipzig after the Bundesliga club failed to finish inside the European positions for the first time since 2016.

Chelsea are rumoured to be closing in on an agreement with Simons surrounding personal terms, with their next step to be negotiating a fee with Leipzig. The German side are believed to be interested in a move for Carney Chukwuemeka, but only on a short-term loan basis. Chelsea would instead prefer to cash in on the player they spent £20m on three years ago.

The Community Aid for Rural Development (CARD-Ghana) has launched sanitary pad banks in five Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Wa municipality.

The banks aim to promote menstrual hygiene, reduce absenteeism, and empower young girls.

The initiative by CARD-Ghana with funding support from Plan International Ghana, sought to ensure that no girl missed school due to the lack of access to sanitary pads.

The pad banks were installed at the Chegli Islamic, Sagu R/C, Kperisi M/A, Nyagli M/A, and Nakori/Chansa M/A JHSs as part of the implementation of the She Leads project.

The intervention was a build-up on the successful installation of a sanitary pad bank at the Wa Methodist school for the Blind to ensure more girls could safely manage their menstruation with dignity and stay in school.

In a message on the intervention, Mr Constant Tchona, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana, indicated that his organisation was proud to support the initiative, ensuring no girl missed school because of her menstrual period.

“This adds up to many interventions we continue to implement and fund across the country to ensure that girls are empowered to learn, lead, decide and thrive,” he stated.

Speaking at the launch at the Chegli, Ms. Ernestina Biney, the Executive Director of CARD-Ghana, described the intervention as a proactive response to the challenges girls faced during menstruation, which often hindered their education.

She said: “When girls have access to sanitary products, they stay in school, gain confidence, and become leaders.

“This Pad Bank initiative is a step towards breaking barriers in girls’ education.”

Ms Biney urged the government to institutionalise the pad bank model within the national sanitary pad policy to ensure the policy’s sustainability and wider impact.

On her part, Madam Nafisah Yahaya, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department Community Development, expressed concern over the vulnerability of girls due to lack of access to menstrual products.

She said: “Parents, especially fathers, must see sanitary pads as a basic necessity, not just a woman’s responsibility.”

Pognaa Amamata Mumuni, the Wa Municipal Girl-Child Coordinator, appealed to fathers to play active roles in supporting their daughters’ menstrual hygiene needs.

Mr Mark Abu Momori, the Headmaster of Chegli Islamic JHS, said the pad bank would enhance girl-child education, indicating that some girls could not track their menstrual cycle and ended up soiling themselves in class, which affected their participation in teaching and learning.

He assured the benefactors that the school would take initiative to support the sustainability of the pad bank by encouraging community members and other stakeholders to donate sanitary pads to the pad bank.

Some parents at the event expressed appreciation to the benefactors, noting that the intervention would not only support menstrual hygiene management, but also safeguarded the girls’ education.

Source: GNA

Head coach of the Black Queens of Ghana, Kim Lars Bjorkegren

The head coach of the Black Queens of Ghana, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, is already gearing up for the next round of games in the qualifiers to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The coach and his Black Queens will take on the Banyana Banyana of South Africa on Friday night on July 25, 2025, in the third-place playoff match at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Speaking in his pre-match interview, Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren stressed that it’s important to finish strongly at the WAFCON and focus on the journey towards qualifying for the next Women’s World Cup.

“The journey to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil starts now, and finishing strongly is a pivotal statement,” Kim Lars Bjorkegren said as quoted on the Ghana FA website.

Meanwhile, the Coach has shared optimism about Ghana’s chances of winning the WAFCON in the coming years.

“If you consistently place in the top four, you will eventually win the tournament,” he said.

The third-place playoff match between Ghana and South Africa on Friday will kick off at 7 pm.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has assured Ghanaians that government remains fully committed to honouring all its domestic debt obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

He was emphatic in vowing that “we will not default.”

Delivering the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on Wednesday, July 24, Dr. Ato Forson disclosed that in just the first half of the year, the government had already paid GH¢9.8 billion in coupon payments to DDEP bondholders, of which GH¢3.6 billion was capitalised as part of restructuring agreements.

Additionally, GH¢1.1 billion was disbursed to non-tendered bondholders—those who did not participate in the debt exchange—settling all outstanding debt service arrears from 2024.

“For the second half of 2025, an amount of GH¢10.2 billion is due as coupons on the DDEP bonds and GH¢724.1 million as debt service for the non-tendered bondholders,” Dr. Forson noted.

In what appeared to be a direct response to growing anxieties among investors and analysts, the Finance Minister said the Mahama administration was committed not only to fulfilling these obligations but also to restoring trust in Ghana’s fiscal credibility.

“It is important to note that government remains committed to honouring its debt service obligations and has therefore made adequate preparations towards full settlement of all debt service in 2025 and beyond,” Dr. Forson declared.

The government’s DDEP, launched in 2022 as part of its broader IMF-backed economic reform agenda, was a difficult but necessary step to restructure Ghana’s unsustainable debt burden.

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.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

The Government of Ghana is set to boost tourism along the Volta Lake with the introduction of “Show24,” a key pillar of the Volta Economic Corridor project under the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, revealed this during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

According to the minister, Show24 will focus on developing tourism clusters and hospitality hubs around the Volta Lake, positioning the area as a significant attraction to drive economic growth through tourism and service-oriented investments.

“Show24 will develop tourism clusters and hospitality hubs along the lake,” parts of the minister’s report read.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to unlock the vast economic and environmental potential of the Volta Lake and its surrounding lands through the Volta Economic Corridor.

The project also aims to revive and expand Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s original vision of the Volta Project as a hub for agro-industry, trade, and transport.

In addition to Show24, other components of the Corridor Project include Grow24, which will irrigate over two million hectares of farmland for year-round farming, Make24, for establishing agro-industrial parks, and Connect24, which will transform the lake into a major inland transport route linking all parts of the country.

Dr. Forson assured Parliament that the Ministry of Finance will outline further support for this transformative programme in the 2026 budget.

ID/SEA

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Parliament’s Appointments Committee will today, Friday, July 25, 2025, vet the final batch of deputy ministerial nominees.

The nominations were made by President John Mahama in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

The four nominees, all sitting Members of Parliament, are set to appear before the Committee. They are:

• Dorcas Affo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro – nominated for Deputy Minister of Transport

• James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North – nominated for Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West – nominated for Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations

• Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan – nominated for Deputy Minister of Health

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, referred the nominations to the Appointments Committee on July 17 for vetting and consideration.

This session marks the final round of deputy ministerial vettings under the current administration. Upon approval, the nominees will assist their respective sector ministers in executing government policy and ensuring efficient public service delivery.

Bagbin refers four deputy Minister nominees to appointments committee

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has criticised the previous administration’s handling of Ghana’s debt crisis.

He accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of not only mismanaging the economy but also stripping pensioners of both their life savings and their dignity.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Thursday, July 22, just hours after presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament, Dr. Forson rejected suggestions that the current government’s progress should be attributed to the fiscal space created by the NPP administration’s debt restructuring.

“First of all, the debt restructuring for me was not well structured, it was very badly structured,” he said in response to a question about whether the debt exchange program had given the government breathing room.

“I say so in the sense that, you would ask, why do you restructure your debt and create such a hump?”

The Minister questioned the logic behind the debt profile created under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), describing it as reckless and cancerous.

“Are you setting someone up to fail? No one restructures a debt like this. Because restructuring a debt by creating this kind of humps can be cancerous. It can set the country back to another economic disaster like we saw in 2022,” he warned.

But it was his comments on how pensioners were affected that carried the most emotional weight.

“In fact, you do a debt restructuring to the extent that you deny pensioners of their savings and their dignity cannot be said to be a good debt restructuring,” Dr. Forson declared.

He blamed the previous government’s excessive borrowing for pushing Ghana into a financial corner that left citizens and creditors on a collision course.

“Why is it that government of Ghana should have gone into debt restructuring when it was avoidable in the first place. It is because the Akufo-Addo government borrowed and borrowed until Ghana could not pay its debt.

“They borrowed and borrowed until the needs of the citizens and then the needs of the creditors collided,” he said.

“That is not the kind of governance we want to do,” Dr. Forson concluded, distancing the current administration from the economic policies of its predecessor.

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 former head of the Central African Republic (CAR) football federation, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, has been found guilty of committing 28 war crimes and crimes against humanity by judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He was accused, alongside Alfred Yekatom, of coordinating attacks against the country’s Muslim population in 2013-14.

Yekatom, nicknamed Rambo, was found guilty of 20 charges. The judges gave their verdict after a trial lasting almost four years involving more than 170 witnesses and nearly 20,000 items of evidence.

Ngaïssona was sentenced to 12 years, and Yekatom to 15 years.

Violence has gripped the CAR for much of the past decade, but a recent peace deal led to the dissolution of two rebel groups this month.

CAR was plunged into turmoil in 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels from the Séléka group seized power in the majority Christian country.

A band of mostly Christian militias, called the anti-Balaka, rose up to counter Séléka after then-President François Bozizé was ousted.

Ngaïssona and Yekatom were convicted of numerous crimes, including murder, torture and persecuting a religious group.

Ngaïssona was acquitted of rape, while Yekatom was cleared of enlisting children as soldiers.

Both men had denied all charges.

The prosecution set out the alleged system of command, saying Ngaïssona provided funds and instructions to anti-Balaka groups in 2013 and 2014.

Yekatom was a commander who allegedly led fighters into the capital, Bangui, on 5 December 2013, where civilians were slaughtered.

The prosecution said the pair’s strategy was to make all Muslims their target, describing them as “enemies of the nation”.

Yekatom authorised his fighters to attack Muslim civilians, including to slit throats, cut off ears and bury people alive, the prosecution alleged.

Asked to enter a plea at the start of the trial, both men rejected all the charges.

Media reports at the time indicate that at least 1,000 people were killed in tit-for-tat clashes in Bangui in December 2013, and half the city’s population fled in that month alone.

Who is Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona?

He was the self-declared political co-ordinator of anti-Balaka forces.

Ngaïssona was barred from running for CAR president in 2015 because of his alleged role in the atrocities.

He is a former head of the CAR’s football federation and briefly served as sports minister before being elected to the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in February 2018.

His appointment was criticised by several human rights groups.

“If the allegations were true, I wouldn’t be here today,” he told AFP news agency at the time. “[I don’t] mix politics and sport – everything I’ve done has been for the good of my country.”

French authorities arrested him in December 2018 and he was transferred to the ICC in January 2019.

Who is Alfred Yekatom?

Yekatom was elected as an MP in 2016, despite being subject to UN sanctions.

He was arrested in October 2018 after he fired a gun in parliament, then ran away, after a row with a fellow MP.

His extradition to the ICC was the first from CAR.

The International Federation for Human Rights (known by its French acronym FIDH) said it signalled the authorities there were committed to fighting impunity.

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

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Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced these in his Mid-Year Budget Revi

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has outlined twenty-four priority projects the government has submitted to the Official Creditor Committee and the International Monetary Fund.

According to him, this is expected to trigger the resumption of disbursements

for projects on the priority list upon the signing of bilateral agreements between Ghana and creditor countries.

Speaking during the presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review on July 24, 2025, he said, “We aim to ensure that all the priority projects are completed and commissioned by the end of 2028.”

The priority projects outlined by the minister are:

1. New Bridge Across the Volta River at Volivo

2. Construction of the Tema-Aflao Road Project- Phase 1;

3. Tema Motorway Roundabout, through Ashaiman Roundabout to Atimpoku;

4. Construction of 14 Pedestrian Bridges;

5. Kumasi Roads and Drainage Extension;

6. Paa Grant Interchange and Sekondi/Takoradi Township Roads- Phase 1;

7. Rehabilitation of Dome-Kitase Road;

8. Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange – Phase 2;

9. Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulimakom Road;

10. PTC Roundabout Interchange Project at Takoradi;

11. Construction of Drinking Water Facilities in Wenchi;

12. Sekondi-Takoradi Water Supply;

13. Modernization of Komfo-Anokye Teaching Hospital;

14. Construction of Central Medical Stores in Tema;

15. Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Takoradi;

16. Bolgatanga Regional Hospital;

17. Establishment of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development at Bunso;

18. Establishment of 9 State-of-the-Art Technical and Vocational Education Training Centres;

19. Integrated E-Learning Laboratories in Senior High Schools;

20. Expansion and Development of Existing Senior High Schools;

21. Renewable Energy Programme: Pilot Photovoltaic System;

22. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme;

23. Construction of the Takoradi Market; and

24. Kumasi Central Market Phase 2.

Ato Forson added that the main criterion for the selection of these projects was closeness to completion.

“As a result, projects which were over 70% complete were given priority. The resumption of disbursements for the projects and their associated debt service is fully in line with our commitments under the bilateral debt restructuring and the IMF Programme,” he added.

SSD/AE

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A US tech company’s chief people officer, who was apparently caught on a big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing the company’s CEO, has resigned.

Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s chief people officer, is no longer with the company and has resigned, the firm told the BBC in a statement.

Her departure follows that of Andy Byron, the company’s former CEO, who left last week after the company announced he would be placed on leave and investigated.

The BBC has been unable to independently confirm the identities of either person in the clip.

It shows a man and a woman, who were identified by US media as co-workers, embracing on a jumbo screen at the arena before they abruptly ducked and hid.

After seeing the pair abruptly try to hide from the camera, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin said to the crowd: “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.”

The video, which showed the pair swaying to music at the concert before trying to hide, gained millions of views on social media. It was then shared across platforms, turned into memes and made fun of on television programmes.

As internet sleuths attempted to identify the pair and fake statements surfaced about the incident, Astronomer put out a statement announcing an investigation into the matter, without specifying the video, and said its CEO would be placed on leave.

The following day, the company announced that Mr Byron had resigned.

The company, which deals with data, analytics and artificial intelligence, announced that co-founder and chief product officer Pete DeJoy was appointed interim CEO.

“The events of the past few days have received a level of media attention that few companies – let alone startups in our small corner of the data and AI world – ever encounter,” Mr DeJoy said in an update after taking the reins.

He noted the company became a “household” name almost overnight and would continue on its path forward, and “commitment to building something great”.

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

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Former CEO of the defunct Beige Bank, Michael Nyinaku

Former CEO of the defunct Beige Bank, Michael Nyinaku, has been acquitted of all 43 criminal charges leveled against him, including stealing, money laundering, and fraudulent breach of trust, in a landmark ruling delivered by the Accra High Court.

This decision marks a dramatic turning point in one of the most watched financial cases following the 2018 banking sector clean-up.

The court ruled that Nyinaku had no case to answer, effectively ending a years-long legal battle that placed him at the center of alleged financial misconduct.

Beige Bank, one of several indigenous banks affected by the central bank’s reforms, had its license revoked in August 2018 by the Bank of Ghana over what the regulator described as severe irregularities and non-compliance.

Following the revocation, the institution was placed under receivership, leading to a detailed investigation and subsequent charges by the Office of the Attorney-General.

The prosecution claimed that Nyinaku diverted over GH¢1.2 billion of depositor funds between 2015 and 2018, using various entities he owned or controlled.

These included transfers from customer fixed deposit accounts to Beige Capital Asset Management, the creation of a fictitious savings and loans account to facilitate transactions, and other alleged manipulations involving companies within the Beige Group.

However, the court found that the prosecution had failed to provide compelling evidence to back its claims. Despite the scale and seriousness of the accusations, the judge determined that the facts presented did not warrant a conviction.

England international, Marcus Rashford

England international, Marcus Rashford has broken an impressive 39 years old record after joining Barcelona on a season-long loan move from Manchester United.

The move, which will see the 27-year-old attacker stay with the La Liga giants till 2026, makes Rashford the first English player to sign for Barcelona since Gary Lineker in 1986.

Per the details of the loan deal, the Catalan giants have the option of signing the England international on a permanent basis for £30.3m (35m euros) in 2026.

This move marks a significant milestone for Rashford, who will be playing outside the English Premier League for the first time in his professional career.

Rashford fell out of favour with manager Ruben Amorin at Manchester United and was dropped since December 2024, a situation that forced him to spend the second half of half of the 2024-25 season at Aston Villa on loan.

BBC quoted him as saying, “I’m very excited,” …“It’s a club where people’s dreams come true, they win big prizes.”

“What the club stands for means a lot for me. I feel like I’m at home and a big factor in my choice to come here is because it is a family place and a good place for good players to showcase their skills. I’m eager to learn the Barcelona way.”

After dropping his iconic Man United number 10 jersey at Old Trafford, Rashford has been offered the jersey number 14 at his new club.

NAAB/KA

Policy Analyst, Steve Manteaw

Policy Analyst Steve Manteaw has described Ken Ofori-Atta as Ghana’s most incompetent finance minister.

He says in Ghana’s economic history, he will go down as the worst to have managed the country’s economy.

To Steve Manteaw, Ofori-Atta’s only understanding of the management of an economy was reckless borrowing and nothing else.

But for Ken Ofori-Atta’s recklessness, the country would not have found itself in the dire economic situation it is in.

“You mean the most incompetent finance Minister in the economic history of Ghana, who’s only understanding of economic management was reckless borrowing? It is his mismanagement that led the country into the DDEP in the first place,” he said in a post on social media.

Steve Manteaw used the opportunity to hail Cassiel Ato Forson’s management of the economy in six months indicating that “The macro data have exceeded most IMF programme targets. And all it took was fiscal prudence and efficient spending.

Ato toaso!!!“.

Member of Parliament for Akwapem North, Sammi Awuku

Member of Parliament for Akwapem North, Sammi Awuku, has accused the current government of engaging in superficial governance, prioritising public relations over genuine economic relief.

In an interview on Channel One’s Newsroom, Awuku launched a blistering critique of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting that its governance model thrives on “P.R., optics and settings.”

“I see a trend. We have said that this government is a government of three things: P.R., optics and settings,” he said. “So, anything that positions them as doing something, but in actual fact, the pocket economy speaks for itself.”

The former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said the government has failed to back its rhetoric with real change, particularly on cost-saving measures.

Citing an example, he pointed to the supposed cancellation of fuel allocations for government appointees. But according to him, this commitment exists more in announcement than in action.

“The same government says they were scrapping the fuel allocation for appointees of the government,” Awuku recalled, before exposing what he claims is the current reality.

“Today, we are at Jubilee House, and you can see that the fuel depot was functioning. The depot at Castle Osu, where you have several appointees and these National Security operatives and people who do not even qualify to even draw fuel from this vending point are actively still drawing fuel.”

He said the government’s messaging on sacrifice contradicts its own indulgences. “It is like the Ghanaian is being asked to tighten her belt, and the government is using elastic around the waist,” he quipped.

An old video of former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has resurfaced online amidst allegations of extorting GH₵280.51 million from oil marketing companies.

The video, popularized ahead of the 2016 general elections when he was spokesperson for then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, features his catchphrase “We need to rescue this country, walahi.”

Dr Abdul-Hamid coined this mantra to urge Ghanaians to vote out the NDC, then in power, citing economic mismanagement, corruption, and insensitivity to Ghanaians’ plight.

However, he now faces accusations of massive extortion, starkly contrasting his anti-corruption stance prior to the 2016 general elections which his party eventually won.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has alleged that Dr Abdul-Hamid masterminded a GH₵280 million extortion scandal when he headed the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) as its Chief Executive.

The news of his alleged scandal has generated huge interest among many Ghanaians especially the youth and social media users.

Online commentators have criticized him, suggesting his purported “rescue” mission while his party was in opposition was nothing than a political ploy strategically engineered to hoodwink the people.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdul-Hamid has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, extortion, and using public office for profit.

He was granted bail in the sum of GH₵2 million with two sureties when he appeared before the court on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

NAAB/KA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Mahama has ordered that effective Thursday, July 24, 2025, no government contract should be awarded in any foreign-denominated currency.

According to the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the pricing of goods and services and the award of contracts in foreign currency pose significant risk to fiscal management with severe implications for the stability of the local currency.

During the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, he said, “Unfortunately, foreign currencies are becoming the means of transacting business in Ghana. This trend, if not checked, will erode the confidence in our currency, drive inflation, and result in the loss of value in the symbol of our sovereignty.

“To curb this unfortunate development, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that, beginning today, 24th July 2025, no contract awarded by the government irrespective of the source of funding should be denominated in foreign currency.”

He added that; “We also want to use this opportunity to remind the public that per the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), companies, institutions and individuals are prohibited from pricing, advertising, receiving or making payments for goods and services in foreign currencies in Ghana without written authorisation from the Bank of Ghana.”

The Bank of Ghana has also warned against transacting any form of business in foreign currencies in Ghana.

According to the Central Bank, this is illegal.

SSD/AE

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Ghana imports over $400 million worth of tomatoes yearly from Burkina Faso despite abundant agricultural resources, Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku has revealed.

The disclosure came during Adom TV’s investigative documentary “Hunger After Plenty,” exposing systemic failures in Ghana’s food supply chain.

According to Minister Opoku, the nation’s fertile lands and extensive farmer base contrast sharply with recurring shortages that force massive imports. “It is heartbreaking that despite our blessings, we face seasonal hunger,” Opoku stated in the documentary, which highlights vast tomato and yam surpluses left rotting in fields due to inadequate preservation infrastructure.

The film documents severe post-harvest losses between March and July annually, triggering nationwide price spikes. Experts interviewed propose urgent investments in cold storage, processing facilities, and buffer stock systems to bridge seasonal gaps. A cited UN report indicates over 40% of Ghana’s 34 million population experience food insecurity.

Scenes show market traders discarding unsold produce while consumers struggle with unaffordable prices. “Hunger After Plenty” questions how an agriculturally endowed nation faces such contradictions, urging policy reforms and infrastructure modernization to harness domestic potential.

The head coach of the Black Queens of Ghana, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, is already gearing up for the next round of games in the qualifiers to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The coach and his Black Queens will take on the Banyana Banyana of South Africa on Friday night in the third-place playoff match at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Speaking in his pre-match interview, Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren stressed that it’s important to finish strongly at the WAFCON and focus on the journey towards qualifying for the next Women’s World Cup.

“The journey to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil starts now, and finishing strongly is a pivotal statement,” Kim Lars Bjorkegren said as quoted on the Ghana FA website.

Meanwhile, the Coach has shared optimism about Ghana’s chances of winning the WAFCON in the coming years.

“If you consistently place in the top four, you will eventually win the tournament,” he said.

The third-place playoff match between Ghana and South Africa on Friday will kick off at 7 pm.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has criticised the debt restructuring programme undertaken by the Akufo-Addo administration, describing it as poorly designed, cancerous, and fundamentally unfair.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Thursday, July 22, just hours after presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament, he questioned the very architecture of the debt overhaul he inherited.

“First of all, the debt restructuring for me was not well structured, it was very badly structured,” he told host Evans Mensah.

“I say so in the sense that, you would ask, why do you restructure your debt and create such a hump?”

The Finance Minister did not mince words, suggesting the design of the restructuring raised suspicions about the intent behind it.

“Are you setting someone up to fail? No one restructures a debt like this. Because restructuring a debt by creating this kind of humps can be cancerous.”

He said the consequences of such a fiscal approach could be devastating, reminiscent of the economic turmoil that rocked the country in recent years.

“It can set the country back to another economic disaster like we saw in 2022.”

Dr. Forson rejected any suggestion that the previous government’s restructuring gave his administration fiscal room to manoeuvre.

“So the debt restructuring that they [NPP] did, I can’t give them credit,” he stated.

He further condemned the controversial decision that saw pensioners being forced to forgo their returns during the process.

“You do a debt restructuring to the extent that you deny pensioners of their savings and their dignity, cannot be said to be a good debt restructuring.”

Taking aim at the root cause, the Minister blamed reckless borrowing under Akufo-Addo’s watch.

“Why is it that government should have gone into debt restructuring when it was avoidable in the first place. It is because the Akufo-Addo government borrowed and borrowed until Ghana could not pay its debt.”

He painted a dire picture of the moment fiscal irresponsibility collided with the needs of the people.

“They borrowed and borrowed until the needs of the citizens and then the needs of the creditors collided. That is not the kind of governance we want to do for you.”

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.

Michael Quaye

Sports News

Jul – 24 – 2025 , 23:27

1 minute read

The government is set to introduce a new Road Maintenance Trust Fund aimed at improving how roads are maintained across the country.

This was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.

According to him, the new trust fund will replace the current Ghana Road Fund, as part of efforts to reorganize and refocus government’s approach to road maintenance.

Dr. Forson stated that the Minister for Roads and Highways will soon lay the road maintenance trust fund bill before Parliament for approval.

“The Road Maintenance Trust Fund will come with a new governance structure, a fairer formula for allocating funds, and greater transparency in how the road fund levy and other resources are used,” he explained.

He added that the government has identified 166 constituencies that are in dire need of road infrastructure.

To address this,he noted that the plan was to rehabilitate 10 kilometres of roads every year in each of these constituencies.

“This means about 5,000 kilometres of roads will be reconstructed over the next three years,” Dr. Forson said.

He underscored the importance of the initiative saying, it will improve road conditions, enhance transportation, and benefit both commuters and businesses across the country.

By Jacob Aggrey

President John Mahama has nominated a new slate of Ambassadors and High Commissioners to represent Ghana across global posts.

The announcement, communicated in an official statement signed by Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, follows consultations with the Council of State and signals the administration’s intent to refresh Ghana’s foreign policy outlook in the wake of a new political era.

Among the prominent figures nominated are former Minister and respected economist Mona Helen Kabuki Quartey, who has been tapped to head Ghana’s mission in the Italian Republic, and seasoned energy expert Dr. Kwame Ampofo, designated for Hungary.

Also included in the list is veteran politician Paul Evans Aidoo, heading to Kenya, and former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Magnus Kofi Amoatey, named as Ghana’s envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Atta Kojo Choi, the Ambassador-designate for South Korea, was brought to Ghana at age 14 and since then has lived and naturalised as a Ghanaian.

Other appointees are:

The Presidency has instructed relevant agencies to initiate the formal processes to facilitate the appointments.

These nominations are expected to undergo further vetting and confirmation procedures in line with constitutional protocols.

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.