Mr Dennis Tawiah, CEO of Akwaaba UK, organisers of the Ghana Party in the Park (GPITP) festival, has expressed gratitude to Remitly for their massive support during its 20th anniversary celebration.

The 20th edition of the GPITP festival, which was sold out, delivered unforgettable experiences for the thousands in attendance at the Barnet Playing Fields in London last Saturday, July 12, 2025.

Remitly, one of the world’s top money transfer platforms, did many giveaways for many of the festival’s attendees, reaffirming its commitment to support the biggest and most iconic African festivals in Europe.

Speaking in an interview after the successful concert, Mr Tawiah stated that the financial commitment from Remitly was very timely and crucial to the success of the festival.

“First of all, we thank the fans for showing up for the 20th anniversary and also our major sponsor Remitly for providing the support to make the festival a memorable one.

“Their intervention to support was very timely, and we want to appreciate the support, and we hope to have them onboard for next year’s event.

“I urge the Ghanaian community in the UK and across Europe to make use of the Remitly mobile app on google play and Apple store and get many various offers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the music concert was full of energetic performances from a star-studded artiste lineup, with reigning Artiste of the Year King Promise showcasing his impressive stagecraft.

Also on stage was reigning Best Rapper of the Year Kweku Smoke, who brought energy, likewise DopeNation, Flowking Stone, Cina Soul, MOLIY, Beeztrap KOTM, and Fuse ODG.

Aside from the music, the event also showcased rich Ghanaian cultural heritage, showcasing food and fashion as well as a business expo, all in the effort to promote the motherland.

Liverpool, early morning, a quiet street near Anfield. A young Chantelle Boye‑Hlorkah laces her boots before sunrise. Across the road, red scarves and flags hang outside pubs. Inside her mind, visions of Wembley finals and roaring crowds fill her dreams. But it’s a Ghanaian rhythm—calm, confident, pulsing in her veins. She flicks on her headphones, hears a distant drum beat reminiscent of Accra, and steps out. In that moment, the identity of a Merseyside girl and Ghanaian pride live in harmony.

Roots by the Mersey

Born on 8 September 1995 in Liverpool, Chantelle—“Chaney” to those close—grew up kicking balls in Everton’s youth ranks before breaking into the first team in 2013. Raised in a football‑mad city, she cut her teeth in local parks, wearing Everton blue and tuning into WSL matches, dreaming big. Her Ghanaian heritage—a legacy of family stories, and festive gatherings with traditional food and music—was a parallel world. Although she spent most weekends in Merseyside, her father’s and mother’s tales of Ghana shaped her identity just as strongly.

At Everton, she rose steadily, winning the Spring Series in 2017, earning a full‑time contract, and later playing in the Women’s Super League with both Everton and Aston Villa before moving to London City Lionesses.

The transition to London City marked a new chapter: she became one of their standout performers, scoring goals and helping push the club toward promotion ambitions.

Embracing the Ghanaian badge

When Chantelle received her first Ghana call‑up in March 2025, she had already represented England at U‑19 and U‑23 levels—but her allegiance was clear.

“It’s the motherland for me,” she said, describing how wearing the Ghana badge felt like destiny. She made her debut for the Black Queens in a friendly against Senegal in April 2025, quickly netting her first goal in a friendly game against Côte d’Ivoire—an emotional milestone where she announced herself as a scorer for Ghana.

Ghanaian fans and continental breakthrough

At the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Chantelle’s impact was immediate. Facing Tanzania in a must‑win Group C fixture on 15 July 2025, she was voted Woman of the Match after helping orchestrate a 4–1 win that sent Ghana into the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016.

She dictated play from midfield, intercepted key challenges, and sealed victory with a stunning curler—her first for the national team at the tournament—celebrating with both travelling Ghanaian supporters and local fans in the stadium alike.

In post‑match interviews, Chantelle was equal parts leader and humble team player. “I told them that we are not going to win this game without playing as a team … I am so proud of Ghana, of the fans. I am so proud to be Ghanaian,” she told CAF Online.

Her versatility—able to perform on the wing or in central midfield—gave coach Kim Björkegren tactical freedom. She embraced that flexibility. “I love playing on the wing, but I love being at the heart of the game even more,” she reflected.

Identity, diaspora and ambition

Chantelle’s narrative carries broader resonance: she is part of a growing wave of women in sport who embody diaspora pride and cultural duality. She sought to shine a new light on Ghanaian women’s football.

“My first thought was … to make Ghana be spoken about in a very, very good light in women’s football,” she said, eyeing legacy and role‑model status, particularly for young girls in both England and Ghana. Her journey signals the possibility of belonging to two worlds—Liverpool’s working‑class grit and Ghana’s vibrant cultural spirit.

Women’s sport itself—especially football—is still pushing for recognition. Chantelle’s emergence helps elevate visibility for the Black Queens and encourages wider African engagement. “I hope I can add a lot more … not just goals, but assists, leadership and encouragement,” she shared in an interview with Joy Sports after earning that Woman of the Match award.

Cultural bridge, continental dreams

As the quarterfinals approached, Chantelle’s presence seemed to galvanise Ghana’s campaign. She had become not only a playmaker but a cultural bridge—an Anfield‑born midfielder carrying Ghanaian hope across the pitch. Fans in Ghana chanted her name, but the magic of that has been through her mum.

“My mum has always kept me with my roots, even though she’s English. She’s always made the African peanut butter soup and the fufu, and eating kenkey and Gari,” she mentioned to 3Sports.

Final whistle: reflection

As Chantelle continues her international journey—and the Black Queens press on in WAFCON—it’s clear her story transcends sport. She stands at the confluence of migration, culture, and aspiration: rooted in Liverpool’s tradition, yet singing for Ghana on Africa’s biggest stage. She brings tactical intelligence, technical flair, and an inclusive spirit.

For her, the only way this tournament becomes a success is for Ghana to claim the ultimate prize on their return to the Kotoka International Airport.

“[This tournament will only be successful for me] when we take the trophy. I think we deserve it. I think we deserve the respect from African football,” she told Joy Sports.

“I want to give this continent so much respect, but I also want to gain it. The only way you gain it is by performing, by showing who we are.

“So a successful tournament for me is taking home the only thing that you can take home [the trophy].”

In the end, Chantelle Boye‑Hlorkah is more than a footballer: she is a testament to the dualities that enrich modern identity. Raised on the Mersey, embraced on the shores of the African continent; Liverpool‑born, Ghana‑adored—she remains a bridge between communities, reminding us that belonging is not limited by borders, and that football can unite the chapters of our stories.

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Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the former CEO of the National Petroleum Authority

Lawyers representing Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the former CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, have declared that their client is not guilty of any of the charges made against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The client is prepared to challenge the accusations in court, according to HAY and Partner at Law.

“…our client denies all the allegations against him contained in the said publication and press release. That, our client is ready to contest all the allegations in the court of law and defend his good name,” they wrote in a press release dated July 17.

The news release is a response to one that the OSP previously released.

The OSP declared that it had charged Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, nine other people, and three corporate organizations in relation to a purportedly extensive corruption conspiracy worth more than GH₵280 million.

The High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra has received the charges, which include several counts of extortion and money laundering.

The accused persons are:

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid – Former Chief Executive Officer of the NPA

Jacob Kwamina Amuah – Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at NPA and Managing Director of three corporate entities (Propnest, Kel Logistics, and Kings Energy)

Wendy Newman – NPA staff

Albert Ankrah – Director, Kel Logistics Limited

Isaac Mensah – Director, Kel Logistics Limited

Bright Bediako-Mensah – Director, Kel Logistics and Kings Energy Limited

Kwaku Abagye Acquah – Director, Kings Energy Limited

Propnest Limited

Kel Logistics Limited

Kings Energy Limited

According to the OSP, between 2022 and December 2024, the first three accused persons, Abdul-Hamid, Amuah, and Newman, allegedly used their positions at the NPA to unlawfully extort GH¢280,516,127.19 from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies.

The extortion scheme, which had no lawful mandate, was reportedly initiated by Abdul-Hamid and implemented by Amuah and Newman.

“Investigations further revealed that the fourth to seventh accused persons, in collaboration with a fugitive director of Kel Logistics Limited, created and Utilised Properties Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd. as vehicles for laundering the illicit proceeds.

“The laundered funds were used to purchase and construct houses, acquire trucks for an oil distribution business, and build fuel stations, all as part of efforts to conceal and disguise the origin of the criminal proceeds.

“All 7 individuals and three companies have been charged with a total of 25 counts, including:

“Extortion by a Public Officer, contrary to Section 151 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)

“Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, contrary to Section 23 of Act 29 and Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044) Money Laundering, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 4 of Act 1044,” part of the statement said.

The statement added, “One Osei Tutu Adjei, a director of the ninth accused company is currently at large. The accused persons have been apprehended and are set to appear on a date to be determined by the court for their pleas to be taken,

“The OSP reaffirms its commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption and corruption-related offences without fear or favour, and urges all public institutions to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of corruption.”

KA

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

A community advocate and job creator, Daniel Nyame, has formally declared his intention to contest as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Akwatia following the sudden passing of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

In a statement issued Thursday, Mr Nyame expressed his condolences to the late MP’s family, calling for unity and reflection within the party.

He said his decision to enter the race was made after “extensive consultations and prayers,” and is rooted in a desire to contribute to the constituency’s development.

“This moment calls for reflection, unity, and renewal of our collective purpose as a party,” he said. “My decision is not driven by ambition, but by a sincere desire to serve.”

Mr Nyame cited his record as a “community builder and job creator,” and pledged to bring fresh energy and broad appeal, especially among the youth.

He described his candidacy as one that aligns with party values while resonating with the wider electorate.

To delegates of the NPP, he issued a respectful appeal for support, urging them to unite behind a candidate capable of honouring Mr Kumi’s legacy and leading the party to victory in the upcoming by-election and the 2028 general elections.

“Let us move forward in unity, in memory of the late Hon. Ernest Kumi, and in service to Akwatia and the New Patriotic Party,” he said.

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President John Dramani Mahama has nominated two individuals to serve as District Chief Executives (DCEs), in the Ashanti Region pending approval by their respective district assemblies.

In a letter released on Thursday, July 16, signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the nominations were made in accordance with Article 243 of the 1992 Constitution and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended.

The nominees are Ibrahim Issahaq for the Atwima Mponua District Assembly and Yakubu Issifu for the Asante Mampong Municipal Assembly.

“The President of the Republic has nominated the following individuals as District Chief Executives, subject to approval by the respective District Assemblies,” the letter stated.

The appointments form part of government’s ongoing effort to strengthen local governance and ensure effective administration across the country.

“Accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency, the President of the Republic,” the letter added.

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The search for victims believed to be trapped in a collapsed galamsey pit at Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region has officially ended, with no bodies found.

Rescue efforts led by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), in collaboration with local residents, were carried out over several days following the pit collapse.

Despite initial fears and sustained attempts to locate potential victims, the operation concluded without the recovery of any bodies, bringing a difficult chapter to a close for the affected community.

The cause of the collapse is believed to be linked to illegal mining activities in the area. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to establish the exact cause and determine the next course of action.

Meanwhile, residents remain worried about the safety risks associated with galamsey operations in the region.

Speaking to some aggrieved youth of Akyem Wenchi, they noted that the youth helped in rescue efforts immediately after the incident happened. They urged the general public to refrain from labeling the people of Wenckye as bad people.

“We helped in the rescue efforts immediately after the incident happened. We urge everyone not to label the people of Wenchi as bad people,” said one youth.

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Augustine Kanton, General Manager of Eklips Investment Ghana Ltd, has issued a strong appeal to the United States government and private sector to redirect their business and investment interests toward Ghana and other democratic African countries.

He described Ghana as a model of democratic governance on the continent and stressed the urgent need for tangible economic partnerships that reflect shared values between democratic nations.

“For years, Ghana has been celebrated as a beacon of democracy in Africa—a country that continues to lead by example in terms of governance, electoral transparency, and peaceful transitions of power,” Kanton said in a statement from Accra.

“However, it is increasingly disheartening to see that these democratic achievements have not translated into commensurate foreign direct investment, particularly from our traditional allies like the United States.”

Kanton questioned the prevailing narrative in certain Western business circles that treats African partnerships more as charity efforts than legitimate business opportunities.

According to him, this perception fails to recognize the real economic potential and investment-ready sectors in countries like Ghana.

“Many American business leaders we speak with still approach Africa, especially Ghana, as if they are doing us a favor by engaging,” he noted.

“Meanwhile, they are comfortable investing billions of dollars in regions where human rights are severely curtailed, press freedom is nonexistent, and democracy is either repressed or entirely absent.”

He pointed to the stark differences in U.S. foreign direct investment between democratic African countries and authoritarian states in other parts of the world. U.S. investment in autocratic Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE remains significantly higher than in Ghana or Kenya, despite the latter offering transparent legal systems, open markets, and vibrant civil societies.

According to recent global trade reports, U.S. FDI stock in Saudi Arabia surpassed $10 billion in 2023, while democratic Ghana attracted less than $2 billion in the same period.

As the head of Eklips Investment Ghana Ltd, an emerging trade facilitation company focused on bridging global capital with African opportunity, Kanton emphasized that the time is ripe for the U.S. to rethink its approach.

He noted that Ghana offers significant prospects in technology, agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, and green energy. With a youthful population, improving infrastructure, and an expanding middle class, Ghana stands poised for long-term growth.

Kanton urged American investors to begin viewing Africa through the lens of partnership, innovation, and growth rather than risk and aid dependency.

“If democracy cannot yield real, visible benefits for the people who uphold it, what message are we sending to other countries watching us?” he asked.

“We cannot promote democracy globally while ignoring its economic needs at the local level. Supporting democracy means investing in it.”

Kanton stressed that U.S. businesses and government agencies that have long promoted democracy abroad must now match their rhetoric with resources.

He called for deeper collaboration in trade, technology transfer, and capacity building, adding that Ghana is not only open for business but is also one of the most secure and politically stable environments for American investors in the region.

“Ghana has always stood on the right side of history as a dependable ally of the United States,” he said.

“Now we are calling on our partners to stand with us not just politically, but economically. The future of U.S. Africa relations must be built on shared prosperity, and that begins with bold investments in democratic countries like Ghana.”

Kanton concluded by affirming that African businesses are ready and eager for strategic partnerships not handouts.

He urged the U.S. to help shift the narrative and lead a new era of mutually beneficial trade and investment that rewards democracy and unleashes Africa’s economic potential.

As part of his concluding remarks, Kanton revealed that Eklips Investment Ghana Limited is working with business partners in the U.S. state of Virginia to organize the first “Ghana–Virginia Business Summit” in early 2026.

He also announced that the company, in partnership with Liberty University, will facilitate the participation of about 50 African CEOs most of them from Ghana at the upcoming CEOs Summit in Lynchburg, Virginia, scheduled for October 15–17, 2026.

Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has been removed from her role as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy to Ghana after voting against government reforms to disability benefits, prompting murmurs of unrest among the party’s left wing.

Ribeiro-Addy confirmed her dismissal in a statement on social media, describing the action as retaliation for her vote on July 9 against the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.

The bill, which sparked wide controversy, proposed reforms that included cuts to disability support under Universal Credit. 47 Labour MPs defied the party whip during the final vote.

She had served as trade envoy to Ghana since January 2025 and represented the Clapham and Brixton Hill constituency in South London.

She was among three trade envoys dismissed this week. The others are Rosena Allin-Khan, MP for Tooting and former UK-South Africa envoy, and Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and former envoy to Pakistan.

Ribeiro-Addy, who has Ghanaian heritage, is also chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ghana and the APPG on African Reparations.

She previously worked as a political adviser to Diane Abbott MP and has built a strong following since her election to Parliament in 2019. After recent boundary changes, she won her current seat with an increased majority of over 18,000 votes.

Meanwhile, four other Labour MPs have had the party whip withdrawn after backing an amendment to the same bill. Among them is Rachael Maskell, MP for York, who described the bill as an “omnishambles.”

Although Labour holds a commanding 399-seat majority in Parliament following its 2024 general election victory, tensions are mounting on the back benches. The government has struggled to curb spending and revive growth as unemployment creeps upward.

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Wimbledon attracted a record-breaking 69.3 million digital video views for BBC Sport over the two-week competition.

Audiences viewed the matches through BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.

It is a considerable increase from the 50.1 million online requests in 2024, which had previously dropped from 54.3 million in 2023.

The men’s singles final between rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner had a peak TV and online audience of 8.8 million, with nearly all – 8.3 million – watching on BBC One.

In the women’s final, 4.1 million tuned into BBC One to watch Iga Swiatek win her first Wimbledon title with a commanding victory over Amanda Anisimova.

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “This year’s record-breaking digital figures for Wimbledon are testament to the huge appeal of the sport among audiences and the power of digital innovation to bring both new and existing fans closer to the action than ever before.

“The way people are following Wimbledon is changing, but that is exciting for us as we look to tell the best stories in different ways.”

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Deputy National Organiser of the NPP [in smock] being assaulted by some thugs

The Greater Accra Police Command has given assurance that it will soon effect arrest of the perpetrators of the recent electoral violence witnessed at Ablekuma North during the parliamentary elections re-run.

This, according to the police, followed a careful review and analysis of several videos that captured the incidents at the polling stations to identify all persons involved.

A statement issued by the head of the Public Affairs Unit of the command, Superintendent Juliana Obeng disclosed that the command has gathered credible leads that would enable the command to effect arrest soon.

“The Accra Regional Police Command wishes to update the public in relation to violent incidents and assaults recorded during the Ablekuma North Parliamentary re-run held on Friday, 11th July 2025”. The statement read in part.

According to Supt Obeng, the command has significantly progressed to obtain statements from complainants and witnesses to aid in the ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the victims involved in the incidents have been issued with Police Medical Report Forms.

“The Accra Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring that all persons responsible for acts of violence, intimidation, or misconduct during the elections will be held accountable under the law”. The statement said.

Isolated cases of brutal violence were witnessed during the re-run of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency.

In the process, Mavis Hawa Koomson became the worse victim as thugs alleged to be affiliated to the ruling NDC party physically assaulted at the Odokor Methodist Polling Station.

The attack on the former Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya-East at the polling station continues to engender date and concerns especially in parliament.

NAAB/KA

Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:

Preparations for the highly anticipated 9th edition of the prestigious Ghana Energy Awards are well underway, as the Awards Secretariat and the Awarding Panel have officially commenced deliberations towards the upcoming event.

This key event on the annual calendar of the Ghana Energy Awards took place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Awards Secretariat Head Office, located in the SSNIT Emporium at Airport City.

Members of the Awarding Panel, comprising distinguished leaders from academia, policy, law, and industry, were convened for a session that is expected to play a pivotal role in this year’s awards.

The Awarding Panel is chaired by Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, a seasoned legal practitioner and governance advocate.

Other members include: Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, a renowned economist and international evangelist; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, former Board Chairman of the Energy Commission; Dr. Jemima Nunoo, former Director at the Centre for Management Development, GIMPA; and Professor Felix Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Development), University of Ghana.

This year’s edition holds particular significance, as it marks the first Awards following a transition in national leadership. In response, extensive stakeholder engagements were conducted ahead of the Awarding Panel’s first sitting to capture the evolving landscape of governance, shifting development priorities, and the current state of sector performance.

Ing. Henry Teinor, Event Director of the Awards, emphasized the importance of these preliminary engagements:

“Stakeholder feedback has been instrumental in aligning the Ghana Energy Awards with the operational realities of the sector. Over the past four months, we have conducted a series of engagements with key players across the energy value chain. These conversations gave deeper insights into emerging challenges across the sector. We view this 9th edition as a crucial moment, and the expectations set are rightfully high.”

The Awarding Panel’s first sitting, marked by in-depth discussions, served as a strategic touchpoint to review stakeholder feedback and to evaluate and define the planned activities for 2025.

Speaking on the purpose of this initial sitting, Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the Awarding Panel, stated:

“This first Panel meeting is crucial. It gives us the opportunity to analyze sectoral shifts and ensure that our award categories remain relevant and responsive to current needs. Our aim is to set the right benchmarks for recognition.”

As the Ghana Energy Awards approaches its ninth edition, anticipation is steadily building. The Media Launch of the 9th Ghana Energy Awards is set to take place soon, where the official theme and award categories will be unveiled, along with the formal opening of the nominations window.

The Ghana Energy Awards is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, its allied agencies, and the World Energy Council, Ghana.

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By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA 

Accra, July 17, GNA  – Staff of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday undertook a clean-up exercise within their shared office complex and its surroundings in Accra as part of activities to mark the 2025 Civil Service Week celebration. 

The initiative forms part of a collaborative effort between the two communication agencies to enhance the aesthetic appeal and hygiene of their working environment. 

The week-long celebration is being held on the theme: “Adapting to Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana.” 

It seeks to spotlight the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving the efficiency and responsiveness of Ghana’s public service. 

Ms Bridget Mensah, Head of the Access to Information Division, ISD, and Chairperson of the in-house planning committee for the celebration, underscored the significance of the exercise. 

“The whole celebration was launched yesterday, and some of the activities lined up include this clean-up exercise. Since we are here in the same building with the GNA, we thought it wise to partner with them, and it has been a great success,” she said. 

She emphasised the long-term impact of the activity, noting that it targeted areas often overlooked during routine cleaning, thereby improving the overall cleanliness of the premises. 

Ms Mensah urged all civil servants to take active part in the celebration, encouraging broad participation across all public institutions. 

The Civil Service Week celebration, sponsored by the Government, features a wide range of activities, including an interfaith thanksgiving service and soccer competition on Friday, July 18. 

Other planned events include a policy fair from July 21 to 24, health screenings, cultural exhibitions, and cooking competitions. 

A keynote lecture on: “Civil Service Transformation” will be held on Monday, July 22. 

The celebration will climax with an awards ceremony at the Alisa Hotel on Thursday, July 25, to honour outstanding civil servants. 

The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, is expected to grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour. 

GNA 

Agnes Boye-Doe

Zuba directing traffic in Kumasi

KUMASI MAYOR, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, has become the toast of residents of the boisterous city.

This follows the emergence of a viral video on social media in which he was busily directing vehicular traffic in Kumasi.

According to reports, the Kumasi Mayor, nicknamed as ‘Zuba’, was in his car when he spotted traffic congestion at Ashtown.

Vehicles that were coming from different directions had virtually blocked each other at an intersection on Monday.

The drivers were not ready to pave way for each other to move, a development which created chaotic scenes.

To the surprise of the people at the scene, Zuba suddenly alighted from his vehicle and started to direct the traffic.

Few minutes after Zuba’s intervention, the aggrieved drivers reached a compromise as the traffic started to flow again.

There were voices in the background of the short video showering tons of praises on the Kumasi Mayor.

“He is Zuba, the new Kumasi Mayor, and he is a humble person and very hardworking,” one person remarked.

Another person noted that Zuba has the interest and the transformation of Kumasi at heart, so he should be supported.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi

Featured

Justice Agbenorsi

Politics

Jul – 17 – 2025 , 19:15

2 minutes read

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa yesterday, July 16, 2025 invited Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the man captured in a viral video claiming he intends to establish an Igbo Kingdom in Ghana following an alleged purchase of a tract of land.

According to the Minister at a meeting, Izwe clarified that it was an old 2013 interview which he deeply regrets.

Mr.Ablakwa said the leader of the Igbo Community in Ghana assured that he has long abandoned that idea and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose.

Chukwudi conveyed profuse apologies to the President, Government, Chiefs and People of Ghana for the unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created.

“As I emphasized in the meeting, Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy which is welcoming of all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to keep championing that Pan-African identity — for which we have attained global renown,” the Minister revealed.

According to him, “We however expect all our fellow Africans and guests to adhere to our peaceful and law-abiding traditions and desist from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality.”

Government has therefore called for calm and restraint as well as recalls the inseparable bond of friendship and brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria.

“Let us all in the true spirit of African solidarity guard our commentary so this matter does not degenerate into xenophobic consequences. Long live our incredibly vibrant Ghana Nigeria relations,” he concluded.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong is the GRA’s Commisioner-General

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has received strong recognition at the just-ended 45th Annual Meeting and Technical Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.

The event brought together senior tax administrators and policy leaders from across 47 member countries to deliberate on pressing global tax issues and share country-level innovations.

Ghana’s delegation was led by Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, who is playing a central role in shaping the conference’s discourse.

Sarpong moderated a flagship session on the theme “Implementing Global Tax Standards While Preserving National Interest: Strategies for Adapting International Frameworks.”

In his opening remarks, Sarpong emphasised the need for balanced global frameworks such as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) pillars and digital tax rules.

“Tax administrations in emerging markets face the dual responsibility of remaining internationally compliant while protecting national revenue bases. This session is about finding that common ground and remaining balanced in all frameworks that relate to local developments,” he said.

Discussions during the session focused on key issues such as the adaptation of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures, treatment of digital services taxation, the capacity gaps in lower-income countries, and the role of domestic resource mobilisation in achieving sustainable development goals.

Sarpong’s leadership at this session highlights Ghana’s growing role in global tax reform dialogue.

Ghana’s delegation has actively engaged in technical panels and bilateral discussions throughout the conference, sharing the country’s recent experiences and innovations.

Notable among these is the implementation of Ghana’s 2023–2026 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS), which outlines a coordinated reform program aimed at broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and leveraging technology.

The GRA also highlighted progress in taxpayer education with the introduction of the National Tax Education Strategy, modified taxation, risk-based compliance management, and anti-corruption efforts.

Also representing Ghana at the conference is Lawrence Hotsonyame, Assistant Commissioner and Head of Domestic Tax Technical Training, who also serves as Ghana’s official representative to CATA.

The 45th CATA Conference was hosted by the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea.

The event features a mix of technical workshops, plenary sessions, and closed-door consultations on issues such as international tax cooperation, domestic revenue mobilisation, tax and gender equity, and administrative governance.

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