Dr Zakari Mumuni, the first Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, has called for collaboration among African countries to build a resilient financial system free from cyber attacks.

Speaking at the 14th Annual Roundtable of the Leaders of the African Financial Inclusion Policy Initiative, Dr Mumuni said a collective commitment is required to safeguard the integrity, resilience, and inclusiveness of Africa’s financial systems in the fast-evolving digital era.

“Cybersecurity threats do not respect politics. No country, however advanced, can confront them alone. Through peer learning, harmonized supervision, and shared intelligence, we are building a collective response that reflects our unique regional realities,” he said.

Dr Mumuni called for investments in common frameworks for early warning and incident reporting, scenario-based preparedness exercises, and proportionate regulation for fintechs and e-money providers, as well as cooperative cross-border response mechanisms.

“Cybersecurity must also be embedded into financial inclusion strategies, not as an afterthought, but as a foundation. Let us protect our most vulnerable consumers with clear safeguards, inclusive product design, and strong redress mechanisms.

“Let us also invest in the supervisory capabilities and digital infrastructure needed to stay ahead of the evolving threat. And let us deepen our regional cooperation, recognising that the resilience of one is the protection of all,” he said.

He said the digital financial future the continent envisioned was rich with promise, but that promise would only be realised if it was anchored on inclusive and skilled systems.

He said digital financial services such as mobile money, digital credit, agency banking, and many others were transforming the lives of many, empowering small businesses and extending the reach of finance to previously excluded sections of the population.

“Yet, this transformation brings new risks. The very technologies that enable access to innovation also expose our systems to sophisticated cyber threats,” he said.

Dr Mumuni said regulators now had to deal with a dual responsibility of promoting inclusion while defending the integrity and resilience of the financial infrastructure.

In 2022, for instance, Ghana recorded over 21,000 cyber fraud attempts in the financial sector, most targeting digital platforms.

Across Africa, the cost of cybercrime is estimated to have exceeded $4 billion annually, according to Interpol.

“This reality underscores a simple truth. Financial inclusion without system integrity is unsustainable. Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue. It is a strategic imperative at the core of financial governance,” Dr Mumuni said.

“Cybercrime is not a distant risk. It is the present danger. Public trust, institutional confidence, and systemic stability now hinge on our ability to anticipate, withstand, and respond to cyber threats,” he said.

Dr Mumuni said the Bank of Ghana had long realised the need to deal with the threats head-on and issued one of the continent’s earliest cyber and information security directives for financial institutions, mandating risk-based frameworks, incident response protocols, and regulatory reporting.

He said over 40 financial institutions had been integrated into the Financial Industry Security Operations Centre, enabling real-time threat detection and response.

The BoG also conducts annual cybersecurity maturity and assessment using international frameworks to inform supervisory action and identify systemic gaps.

In 2024, over 40% of assessed entities showed critical vulnerabilities, particularly in access, control, and incident response.

He said the BoG was addressing these gaps with targeted interventions in close collaboration with Ghana’s cybersecurity authority, the World Bank, Interpol, and the Africa Cyber Security Resource Center to bolster expertise and coordinate responses at scale.

The Bank is also strengthening consumer protection, including compliant resolution protocols and disclosure standards, expanding financial literacy, particularly for women, youth, and the underserved communities and partnering with schools, religious bodies, and civil society organizations to promote digital safety and early awareness.

“We believe that financial inclusion must be built on trust. Trust in the system, trust in providers, and trust that revanches will be addressed fairly and swiftly,” he said.

In 2023, Ghana joined the African Development Bank’s AFAWA initiative, supporting financial institutions to unlock credit for women entrepreneurs through risk-sharing instruments and technical assistance.

Ghana is looking to establish a Women’s Development Bank with a seed capital of over GHS51 million, allocated in the 2025 budget.

This institution will directly address the persistent credit gap faced by women-led businesses, particularly in agriculture, trade, and the tech area.

These initiatives reflect our belief that women’s financial inclusion is not a social obligation, but a smart economic strategy.

The maiden edition of the AgriFair has earned high praise from West African Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, who commended organisers—Channel One TV and Citi FM—for delivering what he described as a well-structured and impactful agricultural event.

Speaking during a tour of the fairgrounds at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra, Mr. Adomako shared his satisfaction with the scope and execution of the programme.

“I’m so far impressed by what I’ve seen at this AgriFair. One thing about this fair is that it encompasses the entire value chain of the agricultural sector—from financing and land preparation, to irrigation, farm inputs such as seedlings, and even post-harvest solutions,” he noted.

He described the AgriFair as a timely and relevant intervention that could significantly contribute to Ghana’s agricultural transformation. Commending the Citi team for its vision, he called for more frequent editions of the fair to maintain momentum in the sector.

“I think it’s a brilliant thing that the Citi team has put up. I want to encourage Citi to continue to do this. I mean, this thing shouldn’t be something that happens yearly. If possible, we can have it quarterly because you know agriculture is the heartbeat of the economy,” he said.

Mr. Adomako further stressed that national development must be anchored in food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

“If a country wants to grow and be more self-sufficient, it starts with agriculture. It doesn’t start with technology. Once we’re able to overcome our food sufficiency, we will be able to reduce our importation of food items,” he added.

AgriFair 2025, organised by Channel One TV with support from Citi FM, opened on Friday and has attracted thousands of farmers, agri-tech innovators, policy experts, and consumers. The event features exhibitions, live demonstrations, and policy forums geared toward boosting Ghana’s food production and reducing import dependency.

Doris Boaduwaa scored a hat-trick for the Black Queens in the first of three friendly games last night against Malawi. 

The 2025 Ghana Football Awards Women’s Footballer of the Year was thrice on scoresheet as Ghana came from a goal down to win 3-1. 

Malawi opened the scoring after 15 minutes played in the game at Benslimane. 

However, Boduwaa drew Ghana level in the 23rd minute through the penalty spot. 

The former Hasaacas Ladies forward gave the Black Queens the lead eight minutes later with a great curler from the left flank. 

Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side went into the break with a 2-1 lead. 

The Queens looked stronger in the second half, creating chances on the both flanks. 

However, the third goal wouldn’t come until the 83rd minute through Boaduwaa to complete her hat-trick. 

The win was the Black Queens second since the appointment of Bjorkegren as head coach earlier this year. 

The two will play games against Botswana and Nigeria to wrap up their WAFCON preparations with the competition starting on July 5.

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NPA boss Edudzi Tamakloe stressed that current penalties are not deterrent enough

The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tamakloe, has revealed that the Authority is reviewing its fines to make them more punitive in a bid to clamp down on the proliferation of illegal fuel stations across the country.

Speaking on the matter while addressing the press on June 21, 2025, Tamakloe stressed that current penalties are not deterrent enough, citing instances where individuals simply pay relatively low fines and continue operations.

“If you have a situation where penalties or fees for setting up a legal fuel station are maybe, say, GH₵30,000, I’m just saying, then it is not punitive enough. The person can just put it in the legal; when he is caught, he will just come and pay 30,000 and go,” he said.

He indicated that the NPA intends to engage Parliament to ensure that the new fines are steep enough to serve as a deterrent, yet still reasonable under the circumstances.

“We will have that conversation with the MPs. One that is also reasonable under the circumstances. Immediately,” he stated.

The move is part of broader efforts by the NPA to sanitise the fuel retail sector and ensure safety and compliance across the board.

ID/EB

Customs says it had been seizing such vehicles

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Tema Sector, has cautioned the public, especially importers, to desist from bringing unmanifested vehicles to the port.

Assistant Commissioner Theresa Potakey, the Customs Tema Sector Commander, said the practice is unacceptable and, when found, perpetrators would be dealt with.

Assistant Commissioner Potakey gave the caution during her outfit’s first Joint Consultative Committee meeting held to deliberate on issues in the sector and to review port operations for the previous year.

She said Customs have realised that, especially at the Meridian Ports Services (MPS) Terminal Three, importers were bringing in unmanifested vehicles, as most of those vehicles were not found on the manifest or the bill of lading.

“They are hidden; sometimes when you open the container and you see the way they are hidden, you realise that the main aim is to evade taxes, and this is unacceptable,” she said.

She added that Customs had been seizing such vehicles, stressing that, “I want to caution the public to desist from bringing unmanifested vehicles because our scanners will detect them.”

She said normally when detected, the importers were made to pay a penalty for restoration, noting that she would impress on the Customs Commissioner and the Commissioner General of the GRA to double the penalty to deter them.

By Michael Foli Jackidy 

Aflao (V/R), June 22, GNA – Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has proposed the introduction of a policy mandating all workers—including staff of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), Municipal and District Assemblies, and their Chief Executives to wear Kente cloth on Fridays and during official festivals. 

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Agortime-Kpetoe Kente Festival in Aflao on Saturday, June 21, Mr. Gunu said such a policy would highlight the cultural and economic value of Kente and help promote its usage nationwide and beyond. 

“This initiative must start with leadership. If we, as leaders, do not wear and promote Kente, it will be difficult to convince others to value and patronize it,” he said. 

He recalled a request made some years ago by the people of Kpetoe for the establishment of a dedicated Kente Village—a hub for training, production, and trade.  

Now that they are back in government, he has pledged to pursue the realization of the project. 

Mr. Gunu explained that under the District Assemblies Common Fund, there is a provision for 24-Hour Economy Projects.  

He assured that in collaboration with the DCE and the MP, they will channel this fund into establishing the Kente Village to support weavers and enhance economic activity. 

Dr. Dela Mawutor, a member of the Festival’s Central Planning Committee, welcomed the Minister’s call.  

She encouraged everyone to support the idea of wearing Kente on Fridays—even in smaller patterns or mixed designs. 

“You can sew a shirt and add some Kente to show off the fabric. What matters is that we are intentional and deliberate about promoting Kente,” she said, urging the Minister to fast-track the Kente Village project and calling on stakeholders to support weavers with access to raw materials. 

Mr. Israel Kporku, Chair of the Agortime Kpetoe Kente Weavers Association, also applauded the Minister’s initiative.  

He said he has long advocated for support for the Kente Village and expressed hope that the promise would finally be fulfilled. 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr. Riverson Oppong, has hinted at imminent hoarding of petroleum products by oil marketing companies (OMC) to take advantage of the next pricing window.

He said fuel prices are set for a hike to about GH₵15 a liter due to the war between Israel and Iran.

The country faces a growing risk of fuel supply uncertainty amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, which have sent shockwaves across global oil markets.

Speaking exclusively to the Business and Financial Times, Dr. Oppong said Ghana is low on reserves, which makes the situation even more precarious, as even prices at the pumps in this current window are uncertain.

Even though the Ghanaian market reacts slowly to global developments, like we are seeing play out in the Middle East, he said this time it may be different, considering the hike’s magnitude and the country’s inadequate fuel reserves.

“This means that next week, two things might happen. We might have prices going up just a bit to reflect the hike, which has now finally dawned on us, or we see big OMCs hoarding products waiting for the next window when prices go up,” he explained.

According to an earlier release from COMAC, Ghana spends over US$400 million monthly on fuel imports. This is due to a lack of a strategic fuel reserves system, infrastructure limitations, and inefficiencies across the supply chain and distribution.

It said this overdependence on imports and low reserves exposes the country to the brunt of any global oil price shake-up.

“Obviously, landing prices of crude oil products from next week – or even the later part of this week – will surely change,” Dr. Oppong noted.

“I do not think the fuel reserves we always have in Ghana can take us up to two weeks before they are depleted. We need to restore as we speak. Day in and day out, we have vessels discharging in our waters,” he said, stressing that if the war-induced global price hike persists, it might reflect at the pumps anytime soon.

To avoid such situations in the future, he advocated establishing a fuel buffer stock to improve the country’s reserves.

“It is high time the government became cautious and took steadfast steps to make sure the national buffer stock is enacted and activated at the earliest,” he added.

Dr. Oppong believes this will help cushion the country against the vagaries of geopolitical tensions and other external factors that have the potential of disrupting both the price and supply of oil products in Ghana.

COMAC has urged the government to revive the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to restore local refining capacity and ensure the effective operation and proper resourcing of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) to enhance the fuel supply chain, national strategic reserves, and storage capacity.

“Government should ensure there are adequate foreign exchange reserves for petroleum imports to ensure stability in the fuel supply chain,” a portion of the statement read.

Global oil prices have been rising since the Israel-Iran war started on June 13. According to Reuters, the Brent crude oil price jumped 13 percent to an intraday high of US$78.50 a barrel and later dropped to US$74.23 on the same day – which is still 7 percent higher than the previous day. However, it has since increased to sell at US$76.48 a barrel as of June 18.

Experts have warned that if the war persists for at least two weeks, fuel prices might hike significantly to reverse the gains chalked up so far in the local market due to a strengthened cedi… which resulted in a reduction of prices at the pumps.

For the June 16, 2025, pricing window, petrol price is expected to drop by up to 2.2 percent, diesel by 4.3 percent, and LPG by 3.2 percent. According to COMAC, some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have already started reducing prices at the pumps.

However, this slight fuel price relief may be short-lived.

COMAC earlier threatened a 9 percent hike in fuel prices if the government’s D-Levy were to be implemented on the June 16 proposed date, which prompted a u-turn just two days before the implementation date.

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition subsequently announced an indefinite halt in the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (amendment) Act, 2025 – popularly known as ‘Dumsor Levy’ (D-Levy), which, according to the government, was to generate GH₵5.7billion to offset the mounting energy sector debt.

This followed a directive from the president, who expressed concern over the ramifications of war in the Middle East.

However, Dr Oppong is advising the government to scrap the subsidy on marine gas oil (MGO), which he said does not serve its purpose of making fishing affordable to improve the livelihoods of those in the fishing value chain and ensure more affordable fish for consumers.

He said these fuels find their way back into the market, which defeats the subsidy’s purpose.

He said phasing out subsidies on untaxed petroleum products like MGO could save an estimated GH₵431million annually.

“We are advocating that the heavily subsidised fuel, marine gas oil, needs to be taken a second look at. Should you take that away, the government can generate some revenue to pay off the energy sector debt,” he noted.

He expressed concern over under-taxation of the said fuel, which he said could be a more viable additional source of revenue to offset the mounting energy sector debt, together with proceeds from the proposed GH₵1 levy on every litre of fuel purchased, which has now been halted.

“We realised that only GH₵0.20 was added to MGO. To be fair, the government must consider removing the subsidy so it can be sold at the full price, like any other gas fuel, allowing the state to generate some revenue from it,” he said.

Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea is the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has announced that Ghana will begin a nationwide rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in September 2025.

The initiative targets girls aged 9 to 14 and aims to protect them against cervical cancer.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with education sector partners, Prof Akoriyea stated that the vaccine will be integrated into Ghana’s routine national immunisation schedule and provided at no cost.

“HPV vaccines are safe and well-tolerated. Our Food and Drugs Authority has done its due diligence, and today, Ghana joins 144 WHO member states in taking this bold step to protect our girls,” he said.

According to graphiconline.com report on June 22, 2025, Ghana initially introduced the HPV vaccine in 2013 through a pilot programme in the Greater Accra, Central, and Northern regions.

With over a decade of experience from the pilot, the GHS now considers the country ready for nationwide implementation.

Dr Nazir Tanko Mohammed, Deputy Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, disclosed that the vaccine will be administered as a single dose through school-based delivery and community outreach programmes.

He said this strategy is expected to reach more than 2.5 million girls.

“Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana. Each year, we record more than 2,800 new cases,” Dr Mohammed indicated.

UNICEF Ghana’s Chief of Health and Nutrition, Dr Manuel Dewez, confirmed that Ghana has received its first shipment of the vaccine, with an additional 2.5 million doses expected in the coming months.

He emphasised the need for inter-sectoral collaboration to address logistical and funding challenges.

The Ghana Health Service urged the public to support awareness campaigns, assist with pre-registration of eligible girls, and help create an environment conducive to the successful rollout of the programme.

MRA/EB

All you need to know about the ‘chairmen’ of ‘The Enterprise’ set to be extradited to US

Munich, June 22, (dpa/GNA) – An aggressive catfish measuring over 2 metres and weighing around 90 kilograms, injured at least five swimmers at Lake Brombach in the southern German state of Bavaria, police said on Saturday.

Police said an officer eventually shot the huge fish with his service weapon.

The incidents occurred late Friday afternoon near a floating island, where the giant fish had been lingering and repeatedly attacking people in the water.

Paramedics from the Red Cross treated bite wounds on the swimmers at the scene.

As the fish showed no signs of moving away and continued to pose a threat, the local water rescue service called in the police. Officers cordoned off the swimming area to prevent further incidents.

With the fish considered a danger to swimmers, emergency services decided to kill the animal. Two anglers later retrieved the 90-kilogram catfish by boat.

Catfish of this size are not uncommon in Germany and have occasionally caused alarm.

More than 20 years ago, a giant catfish nicknamed “Kuno the killer” gained international media attention after reports it had swallowed a small dog in a German lake near the Polish border.

When a large dead catfish was discovered in a pond in the western German city of Mönchengladbach in 2003, it was believed to be Kuno. The fish was later stuffed and put on display in a museum.

GNA

Nungua Town XI made a positive impact on their home grounds with an impressive 4-1 win over Ghana Internationals in the Kplejoo Pre-Festival Match at the Nungua Town Park on Friday evening.

The exhibition game hosted to bring together most of Ghana’s top foreign players during the preseason lived up to the billing. A packed arena at the Nungua Town Park saw spectators from near and far present to watch and cheer their favorite stars.

Nungua Town XI took the lead at the stroke of halftime through Blessing Brafo of Sweiqi United FC in Malta, to give the hosts a deserved lead heading into recess.

Former Bechem United striker, Emmanuel Avornyo, currently playing for KF Shkupi in North Macedonia, went on to double the lead for Nungua Town XI with an expertly taken goal.

The Visitors’ only goal of the game came from former Black Stars player Bernard Mensah in the 50th minute of the game.

Kwabena Dalala Dannful of TFA Dubai in the UAE made it 3-1 for the host in the 65th minute, making it extremely difficult for the Ghana Internationals to dream of a potential comeback.

Adomako Akoto rounded off what was an emphatic victory for Nungua Town XI with a close-range finish with only 10 minutes of regulation time remaining, giving his side a 4-1 win over Ghana Internationals.

Other notable names to feature in the game included Gideon Mensah (Bordeaux), Benjamin Tetteh (Metz), Kamal Sowah (NAC Breda), Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht), Gladson Awako (Great Olympics), Emmanuel Antwi (Kotoko), and many others.

The organizers of the historic event which included Daniel Niibi Afotey Odai, CEO of DEnP legacy, Patrick Nii Boye, and Ernest Bortey, all lauded the event and praised the players for their dedication and professionalism to honor the games.

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Zeqblog Blog of Sunday, 22 June 2025

Source: Okine Isaac

In a display of cultural diplomacy and global solidarity, the Government of Ghana and the Indian High Commission marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with a historic joint celebration at Osu Castle—an iconic symbol of Ghana’s heritage.

The event reinforced yoga as more than an ancient wellness practice—it became a bridge of shared values, public health awareness, and bilateral friendship between Ghana and India.

The celebration, attended by high-ranking government officials, diplomats, yoga practitioners, students, and civil society actors, highlighted the convergence of two nations committed to human well-being, peace, and cross-cultural understanding.

Under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society”, the program emphasised how the ancient Indian discipline continues to offer answers to modern challenges of mental health, lifestyle diseases, and social disconnection.

Wellness as Soft Power: India’s Strategic Cultural Diplomacy

Delivering the opening remarks, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Manish Gupta, made a compelling case for yoga as a cornerstone of India’s cultural diplomacy and a gift to the world.

“Yoga is not confined to mats and postures—it is an evolving science of life, rooted in balance, breath, and self-awareness. It aligns the body, mind, and spirit to serve society better,” he said.

He lauded Ghana’s robust engagement with yoga over the past month through regional observances in Tamale, Kumasi, Ho, and Cape Coast, facilitated by local partners.

“Your enthusiasm reaffirms that yoga is a truly universal language—free of politics, religion, or race,” he added.

Personal Testimony, National Message

In a rare fusion of personal experience and public service, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, shared a moving reflection about her father’s devotion to yoga and how it may have contributed to his longevity of 106 years.

“Watching him stand on his head with such grace as a child taught me that wellness is discipline—and joy,” she recalled.

Her speech, though deeply personal, struck a national chord as she called for greater inclusion of yoga and wellness practices in Ghana’s national health and cultural agenda.

“Today’s celebration is not just ceremonial; it is a call to reflect on how we treat our bodies, how we manage stress, and how we live in community,” she said.

A Strategic Wellness Conversation: Health, Youth, and Development

Also present was Kofi Iddie Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, whose participation signaled government interest in integrating alternative wellness models like yoga into mainstream health promotion, sports policy, and youth development.

As lifestyle diseases rise and mental health becomes a national concern, the event provided a fresh conversation starter on preventative health and community-centered wellness.

The celebration included mass yoga sessions led by certified instructors, breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and a showcase of traditional Indian and Ghanaian cultural expressions—blending drumming, music, and rhythm to create a multisensory wellness experience.

A Cultural and Diplomatic Milestone

The presence of both Indian and Ghanaian symbols—flags flying side by side, drummers performing alongside sitar melodies—gave the event a symbolic weight far beyond a physical workout.

It marked a renewal of cultural cooperation, reminding both countries of their shared values: spiritual growth, discipline, communal harmony, and peacebuilding.

“This is not just about yoga. It is about how we see health as a whole person experience,” said one participant from Ho, who attended with her family.

“It shows that Ghana and India are not just trade partners—we are partners in people.”

Looking Ahead

As the sun dipped over the Atlantic behind the castle, participants dispersed not just with relaxed muscles but with renewed minds—bearing witness to a rare convergence of policy, tradition, diplomacy, and personal transformation.

With both countries looking to strengthen bilateral relations beyond trade and technology, yoga now stands as a strategic symbol of soft power, shared humanity, and visionary leadership in global wellness diplomacy.

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

Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson

Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has urged the government to assess the trust and loyalty of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.

While acknowledging the OSP’s independence, Koomson raised concerns about potential bias in favour of members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking on Ahotor FM on Saturday, June 21, 2025, he warned that such partiality could compromise the objectivity of corruption investigations.

“Even though Kissi Agyebeng is independent-minded, his trust and loyalty must be assessed,” Koomson said.

Amid calls for the dismissal of the Special Prosecutor, the labour leader instead recommended his reassignment to ensure public confidence in ongoing investigations under the Office of Recovery of Assets and Loot (ORAL), an initiative spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama.

“I have no personal issues with the Special Prosecutor. But loyalty is crucial, and I believe the government should find alternative ways to handle ORAL cases without involving the OSP,” he added.

Abraham Koomson further proposed the establishment of specialised courts to expedite the adjudication of ORAL cases.

He cautioned that relying solely on the traditional judicial system could delay justice and dilute the effectiveness of the President’s anti-corruption drive.

Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) is a flagship anti-corruption initiative launched by President John Dramani Mahama.

ORAL aims to investigate corruption cases, retrieve stolen resources, and prosecute offenders.

It is designed to restore public trust and ensure accountability in governance.

ID/EB

The Lawra Municipal Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has raised urgent concerns over the absence of life jackets and other safety equipment for operations along the Black Volta River, days after a boat accident claimed the lives of seven students from Lawra SHS.

In an interview with Citi News, the Acting Municipal NADMO Director, Mr. Nyolee Ang-guyiri Ament, revealed that the office currently has no life jackets in stock—a situation he described as deeply troubling given the recent tragedy.

The Black Volta, a major source of transport and livelihood in the area, has now become a symbol of grief for the entire community. The loss of the seven students has cast a dark shadow over Lawra, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety measures on the river.

“We think if we get such materials, we will put mechanisms where at least we will monitor on a monthly basis to ensure that they are used for their intended purposes,” Mr. Ament said, expressing frustration over the inability to enforce safety protocols without the most basic equipment.

NADMO says it is shifting from reaction to prevention, planning to launch public education campaigns and community engagement sessions to raise awareness on safety and emergency preparedness across riverside communities.

Lawra Municipal Coordinating Director, Adongo John, disclosed that although the Disaster Management Committee had previously distributed life jackets to canoe operators, many were not used appropriately.

“We have realised that most of them are relaxed with the use of the life jackets, but we need to intensify our efforts and ensure that they adhere strictly to the use of the life jackets,” he said.

Beyond the official response, some residents are demanding more permanent solutions. Canoe operators and passengers are calling on the government not only to supply life jackets but to construct a bridge across the river to improve safety and ease transportation.

“We suffer crossing the river during the rainy season, and our challenge is when some canoe operators don’t have enough experience to paddle us across the canoe and end up capsizing. So we plead with the government to come to our aid with safety measures to ensure our safe crossing,” Kofi Addei, a passenger, told Channel One News.

“We passengers take the risk of crossing the river always without life jackets, and it’s worrying. We do not have any option but to cross because our families and farms are across the river. We plead with the government to come to our aid with life jackets and also construct the bridge,” added another passenger, Kwesi Sampson.

The tragedy has ignited calls for immediate and sustained government intervention to ensure no more lives are lost on the Black Volta.

‘We must feed ourselves to be truly free’ – Agric Minister

Nigerian sprinter and 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, has reportedly switched allegiance to Turkey, just three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, PUNCH Online reports.

Ofili’s switch was first announced by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor.

“Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey as of May 31, 2025. According to impeccable TVJ News centre sources, 22-year-old Ofili has advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation,” Raynor posted via X.

He added that Ofili cited missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the failure of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to register her for the 100m event at the last games in Paris.

“Ofili stated that the Nigerian Athletics Federation caused her to miss the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after they did not confirm her number of doping control tests, and then missed competing in the 100m at the Paris Olympics after they did not enter her for the event. She was sixth in the 200m final.

“It’s further understood that Ofili impressed upon the AIU that her switch to Turkey was not for financial reasons.”

PUNCH Online has contacted Ofili and the AFN, but both have yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian athlete on its profile.

The 22-year-old is one of the Nigerian athletes who have qualified for the World Championships, which will be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo.

She made history at the Adidas Atlanta City Games in May by setting a new world record in the 150m, clocking 15.85s to break the previous mark of 16.23s held by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

The Turkish athletics body has been shopping for athletes this year, including Jamaicans, and reportedly pay as much as $500,000 to foreign athletes to switch allegiance to the European country.

Following administrative lapses, Nigeria has a rich list of athletes like Francis Obikwelu (Portugal) Gloria Alozie (Spain), Florence Ekpo-Umoh (Germany), Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), Femi Ogunode (Qatar), amongst several others, who dumped the country for other nations and went on to excel in their careers internationally.

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