A total of 200 students graduated from the Uni­versity of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) on Thursday with Master of Philosophies (MPhil) and Master of Arts (MA) degree honors.

They comprised 89 males and 119 females.

Speaking at graduation ceremony, the technical advisor of the Minister of Education (MoE), Professor George K.T Oduro urged management of UniMAC to ensure that students who graduated from the school as communicators understood the ethics that guided their profession.

“We need media persons who are trustworthy, who uphold truth no matter what and who would project national cohe­sion,” he said.

Prof. Oduro said that UniMAC had the potential to become a global leader in media, art, and communication educa­tion as it was well-equipped to shape leaders, foster innovation, and continue to make significant contributions to both academia and society.

He, therefore, encouraged the graduands to embrace new opportunities and strive to make a difference by upholding profes­sionalism and adhering to ethical standards.

Prof. Oduro also assured the management of the school of the commitment of the govern­ment to improve the quality of education in the country at all levels.

The Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Professor Eric Opoku Mensah, said that the male-to-female student population ration of 1:3 represented the commit­ment of the university towards the promotion of gender parity and women empowerment

“Our alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforces our commit­ment to quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), in­dustry innovation (SDG 9), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). Through research, policy advo­cacy, and academic excellence, we remain steadfast in shaping a future where education is the bridge to prosperity,” he said.

Prof. Mensah indicated that the university was committed to fostering strong collaborations with both local and interna­tional institutions to enhance academic goals, research capabilities and partnerships that were essential in providing opportunities for students and faculty while strengthening its impact.

“We have signed a Memoran­dum of Understanding (MoU) with the College of Arts at the University of the Fraser Valley (UVF), establishing a frame­work for academic collabo­ration. This partnership aims to enhance faculty exchange programmes and promote joint research activities between the two institutions,” he stated

 BY EMMANUELLA MBAMA AKIMBI

A 2024 presidential candidate aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has formally withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ongoing “Thank You” tour, citing security threats to his supporters as the reason behind the decision.

The move comes in the wake of a violent altercation in Kumasi, where a student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was stabbed. The injured individual, affiliated with Unity Hall’s Jama group, had been contracted by Agyapong’s team to perform at a gathering held at the Pentecost Church in Bantama.

According to sources close to Agyapong, a well-heeled associate of the former Member of Parliament who attended the event gave money to the Jama group. However, shortly thereafter, a group of heavily built men wielding firearms—allegedly connected to the NPP—stormed the venue and forcibly seized the money.

The situation escalated into a confrontation between the Jama group and the armed men. Gunshots were reportedly fired during the melee, resulting in one of the Jama group members sustaining stab wounds.

The injured student was swiftly transported to the emergency unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Agyapong’s team has since lodged a formal complaint with the Kumasi Central Police Command regarding the incident.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Agyapong confirmed his decision to withdraw from the tour and declared his intent to seek justice for the victim.

“Because of what happened yesterday, my team and I want to pull out because lives are threatened. I don’t think I can protect my team enough. So we want out so that Dr Bawumia can do his campaign,” he stated.

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Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢14.24 and a selling price of GH¢14.25 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢19.08 and sold at GH¢19.10, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢16.23 and a selling price of GH¢16.25.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 30, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.30 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢20.30 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.40 on the retail market.

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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• A former England international has blamed Arsenal’s defeat to PSG in the Champions League on Thomas Partey’s absence
• According to him, Partey’s needless yellow card against Real Madrid and subsequent suspension cost Arsenal big time
• Nonetheless, the Ghanaian is expected to be back in his side’s lineup when they face PSG next Wednesday in Paris

Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in nearly two decades took a major hit on Tuesday night, as they fell 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final encounter.

The early blow came courtesy of Ousmane Dembele, whose fourth-minute goal gave the visitors a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture in Paris.

But beyond the scoreline, much of the post-match discussion revolved around a name that never appeared on the team sheet, Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian midfielder, suspended after a yellow card against Real Madrid in the quarter-final, was forced to watch from the sidelines, and his absence was keenly felt across the pitch.

Read also

Mikel Arteta Dismisses Claims Thomas Partey’s Absence Cost Arsenal

Ex-Chelsea star blames Arsenal’s loss on Partey’s absence

Former England international Daniel Sturridge, reflecting on the result, was quick to underline how crucial Partey’s omission proved to be.

The ex-Chelsea and Liverpool striker didn’t hold back in his assessment.

“At the end of the day, I feel like the yellow card for Partey…it proved costly,” Sturridge said. “No Partey, no party for me,” he explained, as quoted by Football365.

The tactical void left by the 31-year-old was significant, as noted by the BBC.

With Partey unavailable, Arsenal shuffled Mikel Merino, who has recently featured in an improvised attacking role, back into his familiar position to partner Declan Rice in midfield.

While both players exhibited grit and commitment, their pairing lacked the synergy and control necessary to dominate proceedings.

PSG, in contrast, benefited from the fluid interplay of Fabian Ruiz, João Neves, and Vitinha.

Read also

Arsenal vs PSG: Partey seen at UCL clash accompanied by stunning wife and child

Their understanding, positional rotation, and press resistance allowed the Parisians to dictate the rhythm for large spells, exploiting the structural gaps left in the hosts’ setup.

Sturridge further elaborated on the ripple effect of Partey’s absence:

“When you look at how they defended within the game, he [Partey] brings solidity, he brings defensive awareness,” he explained.

“I think Declan Rice on the ball tonight in phases was magnificent, driving forward with the ball.”

He added: “On the other side, [Mikel] Merino’s been playing false-nine, so it is a unique thing, changing that tactical awareness and going, ‘OK, I’m an attacker now, now I have to focus on those defensive possibilities that I need to worry about’.”

What lies ahead

Looking ahead, the Gunners face a daunting task at the Parc des Princes, where they must overturn the deficit to stand any chance of booking a ticket to Munich.

Read also

Thomas Partey trends as fans react to Arsenal’s UCL defeat to PSG

However, with Partey set to return after serving his suspension, there is renewed optimism in North London.

His inclusion could provide the stabilising force and tactical discipline required to wrest control of the midfield battle and potentially shift the tie in Arsenal’s favour.

Partey watches Arsenal’s loss to PSG with his family

YEN.com.gh also highlighted Thomas Partey’s presence at Arsenal’s Champions League tie against PSG, where he was spotted in the stands with his stunning partner and child.

Though sidelined due to suspension, the Black Stars star appeared visibly uneasy as he followed the action closely from off the pitch.

Source: YEN.com.gh

The 2024 annual report on petroleum revenue utilisation produced by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has said that Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry looks to have hit a slump with the five-year declining trend of crude oil production as well as challenges with securing investments in the industry.

Nonetheless, the report said, with recent developments towards the operationalisation of the Onshore Petroleum Exploration and Production Policy, Ghana looks to take a pre-emptive approach to increasing activity in the industry and showing its attractiveness for investment.

This is a signal of commitment to attracting necessary capital for development, it stated.

Additionally, the report, which was released in Accra on Tuesday, April 29, added, the ongoing review of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) and Act 919 is crucial for ensuring streamlined regulatory frameworks that benefit the State as well as fostering a competitive landscape for exploration and production.

Collectively, these initiatives, if implemented, will reinforce the nation’s position in the global energy market and optimise Ghana’s petroleum resources for sustainable economic growth, it said.

PIAC, based on its analysis, has highlighted key findings and observations in the report that require attention.

PIAC, the body mandated to monitor the utilisation of petroleum revenue, recommended that Parliament should ensure that the Ministry of Energy and its allied agencies increase efforts to secure investments in Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry.

“The Committee reiterates its position that proceeds from liftings by GNPC Explorco constitute indirect participation of the State and therefore must be paid into the Petroleum Holding Fund. The Ghana Revenue Authority, the Petroleum Commission, the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Energy should collaborate to recover the Surface Rental arrears. Government should expedite action to expand its gas infrastructure capacity to take up more raw gas. Government should determine specific programmes for implementation over the course of Priority Areas before selection of the Priority Area.

“Parliament should ensure that the Ministry of Finance complies with Regulation 8 of L.I. 2381 in setting the cap on the GSF. PIAC reiterates its recommendation in its 2024 Semi-annual Report that the State conducts cost and technical audits on the TEN Field to establish the basis for cost escalation and technical challenges on the Field in recent years. Parliament must take steps to insulate GNPC and GNPC Explorco from loans and guarantees on behalf of Government, its agencies as well as national and local infrastructure projects.”

President John Dramani Mahama launched the program on Monday, April 28, 2025

On Monday, April 28, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama launched one of the government’s flagship programs, the Adwumawura Program.

He announced that the initiative aims to create 10,000 Ghanaian youth-owned businesses annually over the next four years.

The Adwumawura Program, he explained, will provide business development training, access to funding, mentorship, market support, and year-round business advisory services.

Both new start-ups and existing small businesses are eligible to apply through an online portal.

The program, which is fully funded, has secured the necessary allocation under the 2025 National Budget through the Ministry of Finance.

It will be overseen by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP).

The Adwumawura Program is designed to create, mentor, and support start-up businesses, ensuring their long-term success.

Who qualifies?

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to apply for funding.

Applicants must possess a National Identification Card (Ghana Card) to be considered.

Beneficiaries will receive comprehensive support, including skills training, mentorship, access to start-up capital, and equipment.

SA/MA

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 Ghana’s fore­most Interna­tional Evangelist and President of the WorldWide Miracle Out­reach, Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh, says the committee that will hear the petition against the Chief Jus­tice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkoono, must sit in public rather in camera

According to him, the attempt to remove the Chief Justice was a novelty in the legal jurisprudence of the country under the fourth Republic and to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency.

“The deliberations of the pro­gramme should not at all be held in camera. It should be done in such a manner that every citizen of Gha­na will be privileged to understand what it is,” he stressed.

Rev. Tetteh made the call at the launch of this year’s edition of the annual Prayer Conference and Rally, dubbed: ‘This nonsense must stop’ in Accra yesterday.

This year’s prayer event, sched­uled between May 1 to May 11, will focus on five thematic prayer points including, National Unity and Cohesion; Galamsey; Corrup­tion; Favouritism and Nepotism, LGBTQ+ and the Culture of Indiscipline.

Rev. Tetteh said Ghanaians must commit now to prayers more than ever before, given the levels of absurdity grappling the country.

“We all know there is no good saying that it’s not all well with us yet. I wonder how our leaders feel, I wonder how our political leaders are surviving, but it’s not easy knowing the times we live in now,” he elaborated.

Rev. Tetteh underlined that there is so much nonsense which had permeated the political space, ed­ucational structures, health sector and all the socio-economic struc­tures of the nation, and prayers remain a sure way of dealing with these challenges.

He said this had eroded the Ghanaian values, increased political division, galamsey, corruption and increased moral decadence, and these required urgent spiritual and civic attention.

“The devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and public health continue to destroy the environment and endanger lives, especially children born with health defects in mining communities,” he stressed.

The Evangelist used the occa­sion to appeal to traditional leaders, civil society, and media profession­als, to be envoys of peace building, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Bawku.

“There can be no lasting prog­ress without peace. Ghana is bigger than any individual interest,” he mentioned.

He cautioned Ghanaians against downplaying the role of prayers on national development and that it would be unfortunate to think that prayer was not necessary in resolv­ing the issues facing the country.

Again, he emphasised that lead­ership must be backed by prayer and wisdom that would guide them to achieve national interest.

In addition, he called on pol­iticians to stop the politicisation of national issues and place their interests behind that of the nation instead.

Rev. Tetteh then urged Ghana­ians to join the national prayer in order to rally towards building a more disciplined, transparent, and accountable society which will help Ghana overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all citizens.

 BY CLIFF EKUFUL & PRINCE ADDO FRIMPONG

Ghana’s crude oil production has continued its downward trend for a fifth consecutive year, with total output for 2024 dropping to 48.25 million barrels, down from a peak of 71.44 million barrels in 2019. 

This development, revealed in the 2024 Annual Report of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), highlights concerns over the long-term viability of the country’s upstream petroleum sector.

The report, released on 29 April 2025, attributes the 2024 figure to a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.01 per cent, translating to an average annual decrease of 7.4 per cent over the past five years. The Jubilee Field remained the dominant contributor to national output, accounting for 66 per cent of production, followed by SGN (20 per cent) and TEN (14 per cent).

Beyond falling production levels, the report also highlights troubling issues with petroleum revenue management. PIAC found that a total of US$145.68 million earned from liftings by GNPC’s commercial subsidiary, Explorco, was not paid into the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF), in contravention of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act. This brings the cumulative untransferred revenue held by Explorco and the Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited (JOHL) to US$488.79 million by the end of 2024.

Despite GNPC’s continued assertion that Explorco’s liftings are exempt from PHF payments, PIAC maintains that such proceeds constitute indirect state participation and must be accounted for under the law. The committee has reiterated its call for Parliament to ensure strict compliance with the PRMA to safeguard transparency and accountability in the sector.

The report further exposes persistent revenue collection failures, with international oil companies owing the state US$2.89 million in surface rental arrears. About 60% of these outstanding payments are linked to three companies whose petroleum agreements were terminated in 2021, raising questions about enforcement and the state’s ability to recover lost funds.

In terms of earnings, the report shows that Ghana’s total petroleum receipts rose by 27.8% from US$1.06 billion in 2023 to US$1.36 billion in 2024. This marks the second-highest revenue figure since the inception of oil production in the country, driven mainly by higher global crude prices.

However, PIAC cautioned that Ghana failed to sign any new petroleum agreements in 2024—the fifth consecutive year without a new deal—despite efforts by the Energy Ministry to attract investment. The report also expressed concern over the absence of allocations to industrialisation in the use of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA), despite the sector being listed as a priority area.

The committee’s findings suggest a need for stronger institutional coordination and accountability across state agencies, including the Ghana Revenue Authority, Petroleum Commission, and Bank of Ghana, to ensure efficient revenue collection and optimal use of petroleum resources.

PIAC concluded by urging Parliament and relevant stakeholders to intensify oversight, attract upstream investment, and uphold statutory requirements that safeguard national interest in the management of Ghana’s petroleum wealth.

US President Donald Trump has called Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to congratulate him on his victory in the country’s general election and the two have agreed meet in the near future.

The two countries were expected to enter talks about a new economic and security relationship after Monday’s vote.

Trump’s trade tariffs and repeated comments undermining Canada’s sovereignty overshadowed the race, which ended with Carney’s Liberals projected to win a minority government, according to public broadcaster CBC.

That result will make Carney’s pressing tasks of negotiating with his US counterpart and tackling a range of domestic issues more of a challenge, as he’ll need to wrangle support from other political parties.

In their first call since the election, Trump congratulated Carney on his victory, according to the prime minister’s office on Tuesday.

The office also said the two leaders had “agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together – as independent, sovereign nations – for their mutual betterment”.

The Liberals will need to rely on their support to pass legislation through the House of Commons.

They also face possible defeat in any vote of confidence in the chamber.

The Liberals are most likely to find willing partners with the diminished left-wing New Democrats, who have in the past supported the Liberals, and the Bloc Québécois.

The Liberals are projected to have won 169 seats, three short of the 172 needed for a majority in Canada’s House of Commons.

It still marks a historic turnaround for a party that had seemed on course for collapse just months ago.

Carney, a former central banker for Canada and the UK, will continue as prime minister, having stepped into the role last month following his unpopular predecessor Justin Trudeau’s resignation.

One issue where it may be easy for the Liberals to find support in the House is in passing legislation to help workers and industries affected by US tariffs – something all parties swung behind on the campaign trail.

On Tuesday morning, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet suggested Carney could benefit from at least a period of stability in the House.

Blanchet urged a “truce” among parties while Canada negotiated trade with the US, saying it was clear Canadians wanted political stability in unstable times.

He said it wasn’t time for other parties to “threaten to overthrow the government anytime soon” and didn’t see any scenario “other than collaboration for a period of slightly over a year”.

The leader of the sovereigntist party, which only runs candidates in Quebec, did urge Carney to avoid pressing the province on certain issues, noting that collaboration goes both ways.

On Tuesday, the White House commented on Carney’s win, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly saying: “The election does not affect President Trump’s plan to make Canada America’s cherished 51st state.”

In an interview with the BBC, Carney said that Canada deserves “respect” from the US and he will only allow a Canada-US trade and security partnership “on our terms”.

Carney has told the BBC that a 51st-state scenario was “never, ever going to happen”.

Meanwhile, the new US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, said in a video statement that he is “committed to making progress in this great relationship”.

Carney has also promised action on a range of domestic issues, including tackling the country’s housing crisis and tax cuts for lower- and middle-income Canadians.

The prime minister also needs to prepare for the G7 summit in June, which Canada is hosting in the province of Alberta.

In Monday’s election, both the Liberals and the Conservatives saw a significant rise in their share of the national vote compared with four years ago.

The Conservative Party came in second, on track to win 144 seats, and will form the Official Opposition.

Increased support for Canada’s two largest parties has come at the expense of smaller parties, particularly the NDP, whose share of the popular vote is down by around 12 percentage points.

Voter turnout for the election was 67%.

Both Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost their seats, with Singh announcing he would step down as leader of the left-wing party.

Canada will ‘never’ yield to Trump’s threats – Newly elected PM Mark Carney

Source: BBC.com

Charles Amos, the Assemblyman for the Padmore Electoral Area in Tema Community One, has announced plans to mobilize residents for a peaceful demonstration over the persistent water shortage affecting the area.

According to Amos, residents in the electoral area have endured an irregular and unreliable water supply for several weeks, leaving many households without clean water for cooking, bathing, or sanitation.

He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the situation has worsened in recent days, prompting widespread concern and frustration among community members. He added that, although he had solicited water tanks for supply to the residents, the number of people in need of water exceeds the storage capacity of the tanks.

He noted that the water crisis was affecting schools, clinics, and households, with the elderly, women, and children being the hardest hit. Many residents have had to rely on water tankers and sachet water, which come at a high cost and are not sustainable for long-term use.

Amos said there have been several complaints from community members and that he was engaging residents to follow all lawful procedures to ensure a peaceful and orderly march on the issue very soon.

He described the water shortage as a public health concern that has reached a critical level, saying, “We can no longer keep quiet while our children go to school without bathing, while our elders suffer, and while our families spend valuable income buying water.”

Fidelity Bank Ghana has officially launched the Orange Inspire – Fidelity Cultural and Creative Fund under its broader Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI).

This pioneering initiative is designed to empower young Ghanaian creatives with bold, innovative ideas, marking a major, strategic investment in a sector often overlooked by mainstream financial institutions.

The FCCF represents a transformative step forward in the Bank’s mission to foster entrepreneurship, nurture talent, and fuel economic progress.

Despite its vibrancy, Ghana’s creative arts industry has long struggled to access institutional funding. Challenges such as fragmented value chains, informality, and perceived financial risk have historically deterred serious investment.

Yet the potential is undeniable. According to the United Nations, the global creative economy generates over $2 trillion annually, with creative goods and services accounting for nearly 3% of global GDP.

In Africa alone, the creative sector is projected to generate $20 billion by 2030, employing millions across the continent.

In Ghana, while hard data remains limited, creative industries contribute significantly to youth employment and cultural identity, offering untapped opportunities for sustainable economic development.

Recognising these opportunities, Fidelity Bank is boldly stepping in. Through a three-pronged strategy—direct investments, B2B infrastructure development, and incubation and support—FCCF will directly inject capital, build vital industry support systems, and nurture the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the launch of the FCCF, Julian Opuni, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, expressed his excitement and optimism about the journey ahead.

“We understand that the creative sector presents its unique risks, which are integral to its vibrancy and continual evolution. But as a proud Ghanaian bank, we also see a massive opportunity.

“We are not stepping into this because we have all the answers. We are stepping in because we believe in the potential and because together, with creatives, partners, and policymakers, we can build a sustainable, thriving industry that greatly impacts the economy. Fidelity Bank invites all stakeholders to join us on this bold journey.”

The funding structure has been thoughtfully designed. Tier I involves GH¢450,000 in grants awarded to five outstanding young creatives. Winners in Artistic Expression and Creative Storytelling categories will each receive up to GH¢150,000.

Additionally, 20 incubated businesses will also be eligible for concessionary loans of up to GH¢200,000 at a 10% interest rate under the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund. Tier II provides up to GH¢1 million in concessionary financing for established creative projects.

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR at Fidelity Bank, underscored the bank’s pioneering spirit and commitment to unlocking untapped potential.

“This bold step into the creative arts sector mirrors our approach with the GreenTech Innovation Challenge (GTIC) last year. Despite the perceived risks in the agriculture sector, we invested up to GH¢1.4 million in grants to young entrepreneurs with innovative solutions.

“We see the same immense potential within Ghana’s creative landscape. Just as GTIC is fostering a new era of AgriTech, the FCCF is designed to ignite a creative revolution, empowering our talented youth and contributing to a richer, more vibrant, and economically robust Ghana.”

The FCCF focuses on supporting young creatives, defined as men aged 40 and under, and women aged 45 and under—across key sectors including artistic expression, visual arts, fashion, crafts, performance arts, film, music, content creation, photography, videography, and animation.

In addition to financial support, recipients will benefit from mentorship programs, incubation opportunities, and market access interventions to help them build sustainable, competitive enterprises. Applications for the FCCF open from now to 25^th May 2025.

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Some EC officials sorting ballot papers

Officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) who served in various capacities during the December 2024 general election are criticizing the Commission for failing to fulfill the financial agreement made with them.

Five months after the election, the contract workers report that the government, through the EC, has not paid the allowances owed to them.

The officials raising these concerns include Presiding Officers, Verification Officers, Reference Officers, and Ballot Issuers—comprising teachers, nurses, university graduates, and students.

In a press interaction, the workers expressed frustration that despite the EC’s promise of prompt payment, it has failed to honor the terms regarding their service allowances.

They stated that the EC persuaded them to commit their time and efforts to help organize the election, but their contributions have not been compensated in line with the financial agreement.

The workers further noted that the EC has shown similar neglect in past elections, including district assembly elections, which may discourage them from collaborating with the Commission in the future.

“When we contacted the EC after the election, they surprised us by saying that they are yet to raise funds from the government to pay the workers. This is gross irresponsibility on the part of the EC,” some workers revealed.

They added: “We are deeply disappointed by how the EC is handling the situation and are unhappy with the prolonged delay in payment. This experience will deter us from working with the EC in subsequent elections.”

Expressing their dissatisfaction with the EC’s actions, the workers urged the government to take swift action to ensure the Commission pays the allowances owed to them.

The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has expressed concern about the recent issuance of a Level 2 Travel Advisory on Ghana by the United States of America (USA),

The Caucus, in a statement issued Tuesday, April 29, 2025, described the development as “a serious indictment of Ghana’s longstanding reputation as one of Africa’s safest, most stable, and well-governed nations.”

The US government in its latest advisory urged citizens to “exercise increased caution” when in or traveling to Ghana, due to rising incidents of violent crimes, weak enforcement of laws, and underreporting of serious offences such as sexual assault.

The Travel Advisory, according to the statement signed by the Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo Adjei Ayeh, “also includes Indicators for widespread violence and/or organized crimes (C), political and/or civil unrest (U), and other risks (O).”

He noted that: “Ghana, the beacon of democracy in Africa, has long enjoyed commendable international recognition for security, democratic stability, and good governance.”

“Unfortunately, postelections violence perpetrated by known political activists, which have gone unpunished, has contributed to this damning Advisory being issued on Ghana, and fast eroding Ghana’s enviable reputation among the community of nations.

“We are compelled to point out that this decline is not coincidental. It is symptomatic of the Government’s alarming failure to address growing insecurity, the breakdown of law

enforcement, and a culture of impunity,” the release stated.

The Minority in the release blamed the government for its “scandalous silence and inaction regarding recent high-profile security matters, including allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering, and illicit financial flows,” which it claims “have tainted Ghana’s international financial reputation.”

“Additionally, the recent wave of violence in Bawku, including killings, indiscriminate shootings, and destruction of property, has further dented Ghana’s international image.

Indeed, the Travel Advisory places these areas at Level 3 risk, just below countries in the Sahel such as Burkina Faso and Mali, which are placed in Level.

“The Government’s inability to manage the Bawku conflict has not only endangered lives but has also raised serious security concerns. It is not far-fetched to conclude that such persistent unrest, coupled with the government’s failure to guarantee law and order, as well as recent engagements with high-risk countries in the Sahel, have influenced international partners like the United States to reassess Ghana’s safety profile, leading to the issuance of the travel advisory.

“Today, Ghana’s name, once synonymous with democracy and stability, is being dragged into disrepute. Our security situation has deteriorated to the point where travelers must now be warned of violent crimes, sexual assaults, and ineffective law enforcement.

“This is an utter betrayal of the Ghanaian people’s expectations and an embarrassment on the international stage.

“More importantly, this Advisory has serious implications for investment in our country, as investors would have to consider taking increased precautions anytime they travel to the country.”

He Caucus, therefore, calls on the Government “to act swiftly to restore Ghana’s sinking global image.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Members of the Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament:

1. Condemn, in no uncertain terms, the Government’s negligence and poor handling of our national security and governance matters;

2. Demand that the Government acts swiftly to restore the rule of law by properly investigating and prosecuting all pending criminal cases without any political interference;

3. urge the President of the Republic to take urgent measures to rebuild the credibility of our security services and diplomatic image; and

4. Call on civil society, religious organizations, and the diplomatic community to join voices in holding the government accountable.

“Ghanaians deserve a government that upholds the rule of law, protects its citizens, and maintains our country’s rightful place as a beacon of peace and security on the African

continent.

“We remain committed to upholding the integrity of our nation and defending its interests, both at home and abroad,” it concluded.

Some members of the Ada Songor Lagoon Association

Samuel K. Afoakwa, a Human Resource and Community Relations Officer at the Minerals Commission, says that operational issues at the Songor Lagoon can be resolved through tolerance and patience among stakeholders.

Afoakwa revealed that the impasse between some residents around the lagoon and Electrochem Ghana Limited (EGL), the private company in charge of commercial salt production, is a concern for the Minerals Commission.

Speaking at the recently held Songor Harmony Forum in Sege, he noted that the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the private company’s operations could be resolved but must be approached with caution.

According to him, members of the Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA) accused the commission of ignoring their petitions when the gazette announcing the lease of the Songor Lagoon to EGL was posted.

“They felt ignored and not listened to, and I understand them,” he said, adding that after the 21-day notification period of the gazette, parties could have used the commission’s Community Relations Department to address their concerns, as it serves as a liaison between the company and the community.

He appealed to opposing groups to collaborate with other stakeholders, as the commission would do its best to ensure peace and stability for the benefit of both the company and the community members.

“There is hope when both parties agree to resolve the issue amicably,” he stated.