A member of the NDC Legal team, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the current turmoil which has occurred in the party amid the ongoing Thank You tour.
Former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, clashed with New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, at Berekum in the Bono Region during Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s national thank-you tour on Monday, April 28, 2025.
By Iddi Yire
Accra, April 30, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday night hosted Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of banks and other financial institutions, who participated in the recently held Kwahu Business Forum at a dinner reception at the Presidency in Accra.
The dinner was to afford the President the opportunity to express his gratitude to the CEOs for their participation in the Second Kwahu Business Forum, which was held within the Easter season from Saturday, April 19th to Sunday, April 20th, at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region.
The Kwahu Business Forum is a major initiative to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of Ghana’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
It is a direct response to the government’s vision of expanding Ghana’s private sector capacity, especially in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors of the economy.
As a non-partisan national development agenda, the Kwahu Business Forum brings together business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, and major industry players to network, share experiences, and explore ways to raise capital or leverage available products from financial institutions.
Addressing the CEOs during the dinner reception, President Mahama noted that the Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum was well attended, and he was happy that it was becoming an institutional arrangement.
He said the idea of the Kwahu Business Forum started from what was just a conversation during the 2024 election campaign between himself and his Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah in Kwahu.
The President said the Chief of Staff bounced the idea off a few people, and that he wanted to thank many of their friends who initially they had talked to about it, who agreed that it would be a good thing to organize.
“And so, it started as something small in 2024. A few businessmen came, and I want to thank all of them, because it was a bit dangerous to be seen associating with an opposition leader in a Forum like that,” he stated.
“But they mustered the courage of David and were there. And that little idea blossomed and I had promised that if everything went well, we’ll come back and organize it better.”
The President reiterated that one did not need to be a prophet to know that next year’s edition of the Kwahu Business Forum would be even bigger and better than this year’s.
“I want to thank all the institutions that were there. I want to thank all the businesses that were there.”
He said they would use that as a scorecard to measure how well they were doing in terms of growing their indigenous businesses.
President Mahama said, he believes that the private sector was the engine of growth; saying “It’s a much-hackneyed phrase, and we politicians always repeat it, but we just pay lip service to it”.
“If the private sector thrives, the economy thrives. If the private sector is happy, then the government is happy,” he said.
“You’ve done your job because it’s the private sector that can absorb and employ the teeming youth that we are producing from all levels of educational structure.”
He said, when one takes the number of people employed by the government, from watchmen right up to chief executives, one was talking about less than a million people.
Adding that about hundred thousand people were on the government payroll in a population of 33 million.
“So definitely, even if you doubled the numbers, you’re still going to have a major problem of youth unemployment. And so, the only sector that can adequately absorb the young people who are coming out is the private sector.”
The President said it means that the government must create more space for the private sector to be able to thrive and absorb these young people.
He said the private sector, including the banks that give businesses capital and credits and that was why he thinks that what happened in Kwahu was a beautiful thing; declaring that “and we intend to continue to support it and grow it”.
The President assured the CEOs of Banks and other financial institutions that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) was their friend and that they would even be more friendly than before.
He said the Government would soon rationalize all value-added taxes and make them more transparent, fair, and even, so that everybody would be encouraged to pay them.
On his part, Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, said next year in line with the fulfillment of the objective they had set for themselves, the Kwahu Business Forum was going to take a much larger form and that they were going to have about six exhibition halls where manufacturers of agro-processing products, Banks, insurance companies and hospitality industry, and that there would also be conferences.
He announced that someone had donated 23-acre land for the establishment of the Kwahu Convention Centre for the exhibition place of the Kwahu Business Forum in 2026.
Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, underscored the collective commitment of Government and financial institutions to building a stronger, more resilient and inclusive economy.
GNA
GRB
The leadership of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter of the Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana has declared an indefinite strike effective Wednesday, 30th April, 2025.
This follows what they described as the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) unjust sidelining of its members on the newly inaugurated governing council of KNUST.
KNUST inaugurated its newly constituted Governing Council on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, with Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu appointed as Chairman of the board.
Interestingly, TEWU-TUC, another group, was chosen to represent TEWU on the governing council, a decision TEWU-GH has described as biased, undemocratic and a violation of their rights.
According to members of TEWU-GH, they hold a majority membership of 789, while TEWU-TUC has only 123 members. TEWU-GH thus argues that the decision by GTEC to recognise a minority union (TEWU-TUC) over a majority union (TEWU-GH) amounts to cheating, which undermines labour freedom.
TEWU-GH has called for the immediate withdrawal of TEWU-TUC from the governing council of KNUST and, as a result, has declared an indefinite strike starting Wednesday, 30th April, 2025.
Speaking at a news conference at KNUST on Wednesday, April 30, Chairman of TEWU-GH, Charles Arthur, noted that his members have resolved to stay away from their duties if the decision is not reversed immediately.
“Despite the majority union among workers at KNUST, TEWU-Ghana has been objectively sidelined by GTEC, which has chosen to recognise TEWU-TUC as the representative union on the university’s governing council.
“This is not only a clear violation of the democratic principles of union representation but also a deliberate act of suppression against the will of workers.
“We call on the President, Chief of Staff, and all stakeholders to take urgent interest in this matter and help restore fairness and due process to tertiary education governance.
“We once again call on the Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, to immediately reverse the unjust decision and restore TEWU-Ghana KNUST Local’s rightful place on the KNUST Governing Council.
“Until the decision is reversed, TEWU-Ghana KNUST Local hereby declares an indefinite strike effective today.”he declared.
The Chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has revealed that preliminary findings from the committee show significant public support for abolishing the Council of State.
Speaking at an event organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Prof. Prempeh noted that many Ghanaians question the relevance of the Council, citing its vague mandate, limited public understanding of its function, and the frequent disregard of its advice by the Executive.
“There is the view that if we must have a Council of State, then it must at least be in a position to resolve very high-level issues when it comes to peace and conflict resolution. There is a search for a better purpose of the Council of State.
“If we were to reconstitute in terms of membership, how are we going to do it. Also, the sense that it is dominated by hand-picked appointees of the president, which doesn’t make any difference. The president can always keep his own council, he has his cabinet, so there is no point in paying attention to the Council of State.
“So, if we were to find a good purpose, how might we also reconstitute it in terms of membership, so that we push back the abolitionist sentiment, because that is quite a widespread sentiment, which surprises me actually. But a lot of people want the Council of State to disappear.”
However, during the swearing-in of the 31-member Council of State on February 18, 2025, Council Chairman and former Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, dismissed calls for its abolition. He emphasized the Council’s commitment to playing a vital role in national development.
“It is true that many have questioned the relevance of the Council of State, some have even called for its abolition.
“But we want to assure you that this Council of State will be a Council of difference. Mr President, you can count on us day and night, we shall respond,” he affirmed.
The Bawku peace mediation at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi has been postponed to next week, following an initial engagement between the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and representatives of the factions involved in the protracted conflict.
Day one of the mediation process on Tuesday saw the Asantehene meeting separately with leaders of the Mamprusi and Kusasi groups in a closed-door session aimed at setting the tone for a peaceful dialogue.
JoyNews sources say the meetings were cordial and productive.
Sources confirmed the postponement, citing the need for further consultations and preparation to ensure a more structured and inclusive dialogue in the next session.
This renewed push for peace comes after President John Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to backing the Asantehene’s leadership in efforts to restore calm and unity in the troubled region.
In a statement issued on April 15, Otumfuo officially announced that the crucial mediation sessions would be held from April 28 to May 1 at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
These meetings are seen as a pivotal moment in the national quest to resolve the Bawku disturbances.
Meanwhile, respected Security Analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired) has called for broader support for the Asantehene’s initiative, emphasising the urgent need to embrace multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.
In a thought-provoking opinion piece released today, Colonel Aboagye urged national stakeholders to enrich the mediation by incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks, arguing that a multi-faceted approach could deliver a more sustainable and inclusive resolution to the protracted conflict.
“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.
He warned that traditional diplomacy alone might not fully heal the deep-seated divisions.
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.
![Kwame Baffoe [Left] (Abronye) and Kennedy Agyapong [Right]](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/726/72673625.295.jpg "Kwame Baffoe [Left] (Abronye) and Kennedy Agyapong [Right]")
Kwame Baffoe [Left] (Abronye) and Kennedy Agyapong [Right]
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful and ex-Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has fired back at the party’s Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, following a heated altercation between the two during the NPP’s “Thank You Tour” at Berekum, on April 28, 2025.
In an interview on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Kennedy Agyapong expressed outrage over what he described as Abronye’s disrespectful remarks, which he perceived as personal insinuations.
The clash, which nearly disrupted the tour, led by former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stemmed from Abronye’s welcome address, where he criticised advocates of amnesty for suspended NPP members, a proposal championed by Agyapong, calling such moves a threat to party discipline.
Ken Agyapong, speaking in the interview on Wednesday, defended his immediate response to Abronye’s outburst at Berekum, emphasising his long-standing support for Abronye and his statement which he deemed disrespectful to him.
“Somebody that I have fed, I have given him cash. I spent GH₵480,000 on his campaign. This man told me that Bawumia has brought a northerner to unseat him, so, he needed help. I gave him GH₵480,000. They should go and ask my nephew Osafo and Adusei,” he stated.
He expressed shock that Abronye, whom he considered a good friend, would publicly disrespect him, adding; “I am saying that I have done all these things for him, but he stood in front of party people to disrespect me, and people are saying you don’t have to say anything?”
Refusing to stay silent, Agyapong emphasised that his response was in line with fidelity in authenticity and decisive leadership.
“If Ken Agyapong is quiet, it doesn’t mean I will allow anybody to take me for granted. That is not Ken Agyapong; it means I will be faking. The truth is the truth, and I will always defend the truth,” he said.
He further argued that failing to respond to such provocations would undermine his credibility as a potential president.
“I am not an illiterate that I don’t understand the insinuations that Abronye was casting for me to be quiet. If you want to be president and people say things like this, and you are not able to correct them, then you are not going to be an effective leader. I needed to respond swiftly and spontaneously, and the same language should be used to check him,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kennedy Agyapong has announced his withdrawal from the “Thank You Tour” citing security concerns after a supporter was stabbed at Bantama on Tuesday.
GA/AE
Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’
Former Chief Executive for the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, has expressed his satisfaction with the decision by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to withdraw from the ongoing ‘Thank You Tour’ of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He believes the exercise which was expected to foster unity, is rather turning competitive and dividing the party.
“The current ‘Thank You Tour’ has turned into an unnecessary competition and it is good for Kennedy Agyapong to withdraw,” he told Nhyira FM.
Mr. Akomea bemoaned the division among party leadership and called for leaders to be models of unity for party members.
He observed that such tours have been staged since 1992, whenever the NPP lost elections.
“Leaders in the party must remain united and be a symbol of unity for the party supporters to follow. This thank you tour is not new, it has been there since 1992,” he stated.
The senior member of the New Patriotic Party indicated he is saddened by the extent of loss in the 2024 elections, and stressed the need for party members to reflect on that and be positioned for victory in 2028.
“If you look at the NPP, we are really sad about the margin of loss in the 2024 elections. This should guide the way we do things if we want to win the 2028 elections,” said Nana Akomea.
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.
Tempers flared at the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as members voted against President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee for Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Michael Mensah.
In a vote that attracted considerable public and political interest, Mensah garnered only 9 out of the 19 votes cast, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for his confirmation.
The atmosphere in the Assembly Hall was tense, reflecting sharp divisions among the members, with some openly voicing their disapproval of the nomination.
Verbal clashes reportedly broke out between supporters and opponents of the nominee, underscoring deeper political disagreements within the assembly.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, appealed to the assembly members to endorse the President’s nominee, emphasizing that critical regional initiatives are being held up by the delay.
“We have a lot of things to do, so we only have to plead with the assembly members to confirm the president’s nominee. They should look at the fact that if they don’t approve, they will come back to you, that is all we are trying to avoid,” she stated.
With the rejection of Mensah’s nomination, the MCE position remains vacant for now, pending a possible renomination or the appointment of a new candidate by the Presidency.
Minority backs protest against Chief Justice’s suspension on May 5
Kumasi, Ghana – April 30, 2025
Prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart and former flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has officially withdrawn from the party’s ongoing “Thank You Tour” following a violent incident in Kumasi that left one of his supporters hospitalized with stab wounds.
Alleged Brawl Sparks Withdrawal
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, reportedly involved a physical altercation at an NPP event in Bantama, Kumasi, where a supporter of Ken Agyapong was allegedly
Former Member of Parliament for Kpando, Della Sowah
Former Member of Parliament for Kpando, Della Sowah, has criticized the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for what she describes as hypocrisy.
This follows a press release by the GBA demanding a reversal of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
In a statement dated April 26, the GBA contended that the President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice under Article 146(10) of the Constitution is flawed.
Responding to the GBA in a media interaction, Della Sowah said the GBA’s position stems from hypocrisy, as the association only finds its voice on national issues when the NDC is in power.
“Where was the GBA when Charlotte Osei, an astute lawyer, was removed as Chair of the Electoral Commission under the erstwhile NPP government?” she questioned.
She added that a few days ago, the GBA, in a press release signed by their President, Mrs Efua Ghartey, did not find anything constitutionally wrong with the president’s action on the removal of the Chief Justice.
“Why the sharp U-turn? Is the GBA serving the interest of a political party rather than Ghana? Who is forcing them?” she asked.
Della Sowah further stated that the GBA is not the Constitution and cannot arrogate to themselves powers they do not have.
“Who are you to declare the decision of the president unconstitutional? Are you now arrogating to yourselves the powers of the Supreme Court?” she questioned.
She urged the GBA to refrain from its apparent dislike for the NDC, warning that they risk losing their relevance on national matters.
Della Sowah also advised the GBA to desist from misleading their members and young lawyers on issues of constitutional interpretation due to their biases.
She assured the public that President Mahama will follow the Constitution and ensure everything is done in line with the laws of Ghana.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was on Tuesday launched in Accra to provide financial relief for persons living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), also called chronic diseases.
The Fund, known as Mahama Cares, will focus on covering the cost of treating chronic conditions like cancers, diabetes, hypertension related complications, cardiology issues, chronic kidney failure, and stroke at the specialist level.
Its support for beneficiaries will be selective, targeting the gaps not currently covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
A facility-based data from three teaching hospitals in Ghana shows that the average annual treatment cost for NCDs is approximately GHS 53,000 per patient.
This financial burden severely strains households, with over 65 per cent of affected families facing catastrophic health expenditures.
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minter of Health, speaking at the launch, noted that the Ghana Medical trust fund will offer a transformative opportunity to protect lives, preserve dignity and strengthen the health system.
The Fund would mobilise resources to finance and support the treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases while pursuing capacity-building initiatives to expand access to specialist care, with a strong emphasis on early screening and diagnosis.
“The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares, is a step towards greater equity and compassion in healthcare financing, it will serve as a lifeline for those burdened with chronic illness and position Ghana as leader in innovative, people centred and compassionated healthcare reforms,” the Minister said.
He said the increasing NCD cases among Ghanaians, especially the youth, posed a serious risk to public health, which demanded urgent attention.
He stressed that the NCDs crises must not be ignored as swift and decisive action was crucial to mitigate its impacts and safeguard the well-being of the communities.
Mr Akandoh said individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases had a 75 per cent likelihood of falling into poverty within five years.
Those battling kidney and cardiovascular diseases, in particular, spent 70–95 per of their total non-food expenditure on healthcare, a clear indication of the devastating economic toll, he added.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the Minister said, aligned with Ghana’s key sectoral policy frameworks, including the National Health Policy (2020), Ghana’s Roadmap for Attaining Universal Health Coverage (2020–2030), the Essential Health Services Package (2022–2030), and the National Policy on Non-Communicable Diseases (2022).
Mr Akandoh said a draft bill for the establishment of the Mahama Cares Fund was ready and would be submitted to Parliament immediately after its short recess.
He said the primary obstacle in implementing the Mahama Cares, which was the capping of the National Health Insurance Fund, had been removed.
The World Health Organisation says NCDs are not passed from person to person, they are of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.
Available estimates from the WHO indicate that non-communicable diseases remain a leading global health challenge, responsible for 75 per cent of non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide in 2021.
The WHO further reports that low- and middle-income countries continue to bear the heaviest burden, accounting for 73 per cent of all NCD-related deaths, primarily due to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
In Ghana, NCDs account for approximately 43 per cent of all-cause mortality, with a significant rise recorded between 2012 and 2023.
Presently, individuals aged 18–45, the most productive segment of Ghana’s population, constitute over 50 per cent of NCD cases, impacting both public health and economic productivity.
Source: GNA
Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson
Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson has sparked massive discussion online after a video of her newly transformed body stature went viral.
The video, shared on her Instagram handle on April 29, 2025, captures the actress confidently showcasing her drastic weight loss.
She also spoke about her involvement in promoting and selling weight loss products over the past few years.
After netizens came across this development, many expressed various forms of disapproval.
Some criticized the once-curvy Mercy Johnson for now looking extremely lean, while others stated that the weight loss has made her look older than her age.
A few others, however, complimented the new actress on her new look.
See the post below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges
Kennedy Agyapong and Kwame Baffoe (Abronye)
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful and ex-Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has fired back at the party’s Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, following a heated altercation between the two during the NPP’s “Thank You Tour” at Berekum, on April 28, 2025.
In an interview on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Kennedy Agyapong expressed outrage over what he described as Abronye’s disrespectful remarks, which he perceived as personal insinuations.
The clash, which nearly disrupted the tour, led by former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stemmed from Abronye’s welcome address, where he criticised advocates of amnesty for suspended NPP members, a proposal championed by Agyapong, calling such moves a threat to party discipline.
Ken Agyapong, speaking in the interview on Wednesday, defended his immediate response to Abronye’s outburst at Berekum, emphasising his long-standing support for Abronye and his statement which he deemed disrespectful to him.
“Somebody that I have fed, I have given him cash. I spent GH₵480,000 on his campaign. This man told me that Bawumia has brought a northerner to unseat him, so, he needed help. I gave him GH₵480,000. They should go and ask my nephew Osafo and Adusei,” he stated.
He expressed shock that Abronye, whom he considered a good friend, would publicly disrespect him, adding; “I am saying that I have done all these things for him, but he stood in front of party people to disrespect me, and people are saying you don’t have to say anything?”
Refusing to stay silent, Agyapong emphasised that his response was in line with fidelity in authenticity and decisive leadership.
“If Ken Agyapong is quiet, it doesn’t mean I will allow anybody to take me for granted. That is not Ken Agyapong; it means I will be faking. The truth is the truth, and I will always defend the truth,” he said.
He further argued that failing to respond to such provocations would undermine his credibility as a potential president.
“I am not an illiterate that I don’t understand the insinuations that Abronye was casting for me to be quiet. If you want to be president and people say things like this, and you are not able to correct them, then you are not going to be an effective leader. I needed to respond swiftly and spontaneously, and the same language should be used to check him,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kennedy Agyapong has announced his withdrawal from the “Thank You Tour” citing security concerns after a supporter was stabbed at Bantama on Tuesday.
GA/AE
Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’
Alhaji Seidu Agongo, Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist
Prominent Ghanaian businessman, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has pledged GH¢500,000 to support the ‘MahamaCares Initiative’, a program aimed at providing critical healthcare support to the poor and vulnerable across the country.
In a social media post on April 30, 2025, the philanthropist stated that the donation was not motivated by personal wealth, but by compassion and a sense of duty to those “silently suffering without healthcare.”
“Not because I have, but because I care,” Agongo stated, underscoring the urgency of the initiative’s mission to deliver medical assistance to underserved communities.
The #MahamaCares Initiative was launched on Tuesday April 29, 2025, with a personal pledge from the President John Dramani Mahama, who committed his six-month salary to the cause.
The program aims to provide free surgeries and other essential medical care to thousands of Ghanaians who cannot afford treatment.
“With @JDMahama’s 6-month salary pledge, we’re standing in solidarity to give thousands hope,” Seidu Agongo added.
The donation is expected to boost the capacity of the initiative to reach more beneficiaries as it scales up operations across various regions in Ghana.
Not because I have, but because I care.
Yesterday, I pledged GHS500,000 to the #MahamaCares Initiative, a program bringing hope to the poor & vulnerable silently suffering without healthcare.With @JDMahama’s 6-month salary pledge, we’re standing in solidarity to give thousands pic.twitter.com/t5MBc54iEt
— Seidu Agongo (@officialagongo) April 30, 2025
MA
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Kurt Okraku is the president of the GFA
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has blamed former broadcast partner StarTimes and Ghana Premier League clubs for the ongoing referee payment crisis.
He revealed that the GFA has been forced to cover a staggering GH¢7.5 million in unpaid officiating costs.
This revelation comes amid growing frustration from referees, who recently issued a statement announcing their boycott of all remaining league games.
With 21 weeks of unpaid allowances, the referees have made it clear that they will not resume their duties until all arrears are settled.
They expressed concerns over the integrity of the game if the situation persists.
Addressing the issue during an interview with Asempa FM, Okraku explained that the GFA is unfairly carrying the financial burden of referees’ payments due to StarTimes and the clubs not fulfilling their obligations.
“We have had challenges with the payment of our referees because of non-payment by StarTimes. Every year, the Ghana Football Association absorbs a cost of 7.5 million Ghana Cedis on referees, an amount that should have been paid by the clubs,” he said.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Okraku was appointed as 2nd Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
FKA/MA
Watch Ghana U-15 boys’ 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in the semi-finals
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Ibrahim Miracle, a journalist working with Christian-based Top Television, was brutally assaulted by the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) personnel, almost plucking off his eyes during a fracas between the supporters of the Opposition National Unity Platform and the security forces. Ibrahim, who was dressed in the company shirt, visibly identifying himself as a journalist, was targeted by the security forces for filming the fracas and thereafter was taken to Nsambya Hospital, where he is currently battling for his life.
The brutal assault on Ibrahim is just the latest incident of the worsening situation in the country, where journalists are targeted by the security forces for doing their work, and fears are ripe that the situation will worsen as the country heads towards the 2026 general elections. During the Kawempe North by-election, journalists were particularly targeted by the security forces and beaten to a pulp. Many suffered physical injuries while several others lost their equipment during the targeted brutality.
With the Kawempe North violence targeting journalists, the major media houses, including Nation Media Group Uganda, NBS TV, and others, withdrew their field reporters from covering the elections, giving the security forces an unchecked avenue for gross human rights violations of Kawempe residents. Media associations and organisations followed the withdrawal with a media blackout on security forces and their events.
However, not all media houses spoke with a united voice, and many chose to dine again with their tormentors under duress from their bosses. Already, signs are clear that the security forces are muscling up ahead of the official onset of campaigns to curtail the opposition politicians and their supporters, and warning bells have been sounded to media houses and journalists against covering the opposition rallies.
Freedom index Data from different human rights groups, including Human Rights Network for Journalists, Uganda, indicated that increasingly, journalists are being attacked, injured, and threatened, and their property vandalised by the institutions that are mandated to guarantee the enjoyment of these freedoms and protect them.
The constant attacks on journalists contravene the Constitution of Uganda, regional and international conventions that Uganda has ratified. In 2011, Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) documented 107 cases of attacks on journalists compared to 58 in 2010 and 38 in 2009. The attacks range from shootings, physical attacks, unlawful arrest and detention, incarceration of journalists, denying access to news scenes, confiscation of equipment, defective and trumped-up charges, to verbal threats.
According to the report, the violations happened countrywide under different commands of police and the army. “The trend indicates a systematic and calculated move by these institutions to hamper journalists from executing their duties. There is a high degree of impunity by the law enforcement agencies and other institutions to pursue perpetrators in spite of HRNJ-Uganda’s concerted efforts to engage them. The victims of these abuses deserve and await justice from the relevant institutions.
This, therefore, is an obligation the government must fulfil,” the report said. The records from HRNJ show that attacks were mainly by the police, UPDF, resident district commissioners, individuals linked to the government, and others.
The attacks took place mainly during the Walk-to-work demonstrations in different parts of the country, with the security officers accusing journalists of portraying them negatively as they executed their work. “Attacks by politicians were mainly through ordering their supporters to beat journalists during election campaigns. Many reporters were beaten by soldiers and army men while covering the demonstrations.
The majority of the attacks were deliberately aimed at scaring journalists from covering the events. These attacks heightened in May, along Entebbe Road, when journalists covered the return of Kiiza Besigye from Nairobi after acquiring medical treatment,” the report said. In 2012, however, 46 cases of violations were committed by the Police; an indication of a deteriorating relationship between the Police and journalists. In 2013, a total of 124 violations were documented, 85 were by the Police: of these, 51 were physical in nature.
On May 28 and 29, 2013, police assaulted and tear-gassed more than 30 journalists to deter them from covering the continued closure and occupation of the Daily Monitor newspaper, KFM, and Dembe radio stations’ premises by security agencies searching for an alleged malicious document published by Daily Monitor.
Mr Mulindwa Mukasa of Associated Press and Ntege Williams, a freelancer, sustained wounds on their arms and legs from police beatings. 2013 witnessed the death of a journalist, with six journalists murdered between 2008 and 2013. Pere Thomas, 36, a news features writer and photographer with New Vision paper, was killed and his body was found dumped in a trench on June 16, 2013, in Masajja Village on the outskirts of Kampala City on Entebbe Road.
A month after his murder, two suspects, both commuter taxi drivers, were arrested with a blood-stained taxi suspected to have been used in the murder. In September, Katwe police station released the suspects after the DNA results turned out negative, according to the Kampala South Metropolitan Crime Intelligence officer Paul Mark Odongo. The actual assailant(s) behind this gruesome act remain at large.
My ‘One Corner’ Song Led to Peller’s Visit to Ghana – Patapaa Claims
Ghanaian musician Patapaa says his viral hit One Corner played a major role in Nigerian TikToker Peller’s invitation to Ghana.
Speaking on the Savage Room podcast on April 29, 2025, Patapaa said the popularity of One Corner went beyond Ghana and Nigeria, reaching parts of Europe and catching the attention of content creators like Peller.
The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has defended the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, asserting that the process was lawful and in compliance with the 1992 Constitution.
The party said the President acted on the advice of the Council of State and followed due process, including giving the Chief Justice an opportunity to respond to allegations.
The PPP, in a statement signed and issued by its National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu, to state its position on the issue stressed that the Constitution provided clear procedures for removing high-ranking officials, including the Chief Justice, and that “these provisions have been fully respected in this case”.
Article 146 of the Constitution outlines the procedure for removing the Chief Justice, and the PPP believes that the President has adhered to these provisions.
“The Constitution remains the supreme law of our land, applicable to all persons and in all circumstances.
Therefore, the PPP maintains its position that no constitutional provisions have been breached by the President in the matter of the current Chief Justice,” the PPP said.
The PPP also expressed concern over the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) call for the suspension of the Chief Justice’s suspension, describing it as “perplexing” and potentially an attempt to suspend due process.
“While we respect the democratic right of individuals and groups to defend the Chief Justice and advocate her reinstatement, we must also underscore the fundamental principle of accountability within a democracy,” the PPP said.
The party stressed the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional provisions, emphasising that the principle of separation of powers must not preclude the opportunity for citizens to hold the heads of institutions accountable.
“It is in this spirit that the Constitution provides clear avenues for holding not just the Chief Justice, but also the President and the Speaker of Parliament accountable.”
“For clarity, our Constitution lays out explicit procedures for the removal of the President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and other public officeholders,” it added.
The PPP cited the 2018 removal of Electoral Commission members, including its Chairperson, as an example of due process being followed.
“If these individuals had not engaged in acts of stated misbehaviour and incompetence, there would be no basis for their removal. Ultimately, the Committee of Inquiry found procurement violations constituting stated misbehaviour, leading to the Chairperson’s removal, a process later validated by the Supreme Court,” the PPP added
The party concluded that in defending the Chief Justice, the essential requirements of accountability, due process, the rule of law and absolute compliance with constitutional provisions must always be considered.
Kennedy Agyapong
KENNEDY AGYAPONG, who contested for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate position for the 2024 polls and lost, has announced his intentions to try his luck for the second time for the 2028 elections.
Without mincing words, he announced that he will contest for the enviable position in the NPP when the party opens nominations, stressing that his decision to contest for the presidential position in the party is not negotiable.
“I want everybody to know, every party member to know that I’m going to contest for the flagbearer position in our party again for the 2028 elections, so they should be ready”, Mr. Agyapong announced to journalists in Kumasi.
This declaration by Mr. Agyapong means he would face it off with Dr. Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate for the 2024 polls, who would try to lead the party once again for the 2028 presidential elections.
According to Mr. Agyapong, he has done his homework well so he is prepared and determined to make a strong impact when the party goes to the polls to elect its next presidential candidate to lead the elephant family for the 2028 election.
Irreversible decision
Addressing a press conference on Kumasi on Wednesday morning, Mr. Agyapong, who is a former Assin Central NPP Member of Parliament (MP), stated that no amount of persuasion or intimidation will let him rescind his decision.
“Respectfully, nobody can tell me to back off. I will not back off”, Mr. Agyapong, who is a business mogul with a chain of businesses across the country, indicated, pointing out that he is poised to lead the party for the 2028 polls.
Big Campaign
The former lawmaker, who is noted for being an outspoken politician, also announced that he would officially announce his presidential ambition on the ticket of the NPP very soon, adding that he would then tour the country and campaign.
“I’m assuring them that at the appropriate time we are also going to campaign”, Mr. Agyapong, who seemed confident of leading the NPP as flagbearer to wrest political power from the ruling NDC in 2028, stated emphatically.
According to him, he would tour all the 16 regions in the country and canvass for votes from NPP delegates, who are considered as the kingmakers in the party, urging his supporters to prepare adequately for the big task ahead.
Background
Kennedy Agyapong shocked political connoisseurs and bookmakers as he amassed a whopping 38 percent of valid votes cast to finish second behind Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia in the 2024 NPP presidential race.
Popularly known in the political circles as ‘Showdown man’, the outspoken politician entered the NPP 2024 presidential race few months to the election, yet he managed to win huge votes, thereby making him a force to reckon with in the party.
After the NPP internal polls, there wild rumours that Mr. Agyapong would quit the NPP and contest for the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate, but he remained in the party and even campaigned for Dr. Bawumia.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has declared its full support for an upcoming nationwide demonstration by some political parties against the suspension of the Chief Justice, describing the move as “a direct assault” on Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
“The country is indeed tense and the actions of the Executive are pushing us toward a dangerous path,” the Minority said in a statement.
The demonstration, scheduled for Monday, May 5 2025, is being organized by a coalition of opposition and independent political groups, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), and the People’s National Party (PNP).
The Minority stressed that this protest is “not just a political action, but a constitutional imperative,” meant to alert both the Ghanaian public and the international community to threats against judicial independence and democratic order.
“These orchestrations are a clear abuse of the power and trust the people of Ghana place in the hands of the executive,” they said in their statement.
They are also protesting what they say is the politically motivated dismissal of public servants under the current administration.
The Minority described these terminations as “a blow to national stability, professional integrity, and economic justice,” citing their detrimental impact on young professionals.
They say the situation is compounded by troubling allegations of plots to remove the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa and her deputies, which they warned could “plunge Ghana into a crisis of legitimacy.”
The Minority Caucus reaffirmed its solidarity with all Ghanaians committed to protecting the country’s democratic values.
“This is not about partisanship. This is about principle,” they emphasized.
The caucus called for citizens to “rise in unity and resolve, not as spectators, but as defenders of the Republic. We cannot afford to ignore the repetition of these dangerous patterns. The time to act is now.”
Click HERE to read the Minority’s full statement.
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a nine-member board for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), tasking them with the responsibility of driving revenue growth and upholding integrity.
The board is chaired by Hon. George Ricketts Hagan, former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South.
Other members include the Commissioner of the GRA, Mr. Anthony Sarpong.
The full list:
1. Hon. George Ricketts Hagan – Chairperson
2. Mr. Anthony Sarpong (GRA Commissioner) – Member
3. Mr. Patrick Nomo – Member
4. Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare – Member
5. Dr. Zakaria Mumuni – Member
6. Madam Faustina Nelson – Member
7. Mr. George Ayiretey – Member
8. Hon. Laadi Ayamba – Member
9. Mr. Francis-Xavier Sosu – Member
Addressing the newly inaugurated board, Dr. Forson emphasized the critical role of the GRA in national development, noting that government policies depend heavily on the revenue it generates.
He charged the board to lead with dedication and a strong sense of integrity, and called for decisive measures to combat smuggling activities across the country’s borders.
He added that it’s time to look within and extensively raise domestic revenue to anchor government expenditure.
By Godfred A. Polkuu
Bolgatanga, April 30, GNA – Scores of nurses and midwives in the Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region, have taken to social media to celebrate Ms Charity Ayinga Abusambire, a Senior Staff Nurse for emerging as the Municipal Best Nurse for 2025.
Her colleagues eulogized and congratulated her for her hard work and perseverance, saying “Your hard work and perseverance have paid off.”
The GRNMA members indicated that they were proud of Ms Abusambire, and noted that she deserved the recognition, owing to her dedication to work and willingness to always take up challenging roles.
“Accept my congratulations. Wishing you the best of luck as you soar up,” Mr Richard Addah, a Neonatal Nurse and one-time National Second Runner-up Best Nurse wrote.
Mr Mohammed Dokurugu, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of the GRNMA, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said Ms Abusambire undertook a project some few years ago, which sought to support mothers, adolescents, pregnant women and their families.
He explained that even though 2025 had not ended, the Association selected and awarded deserving members at the Municipal and District levels within the year, in preparation for the National Best Nurse or Midwife award.
He said members who emerged as Municipal and District Best Nurses or Midwives would compete for the regional award and subsequently contest for the National award in December 2025.
Mr Dokurugu disclosed that four GRNMA members filed their project works for the award, and after a rigorous process of vetting and interviewing the competitors, the awardee emerged best and congratulated her for the achievement.
Ms Abusambire, who is stationed at the Boglingo Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound under the Sherigu Sub-Municipality, in a statement, said “I am truly delighted and grateful for this recognition’.
She expressed gratitude to God for the strength and wisdom to undertake her projects and thanked the Municipal leadership of the GRNMA for the support and guidance.
Ms Abusambire further acknowledged and expressed appreciation to Mr Stephen Bordotsiah, the Bolgatanga Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service and his staff at the Directorate for their words of encouragement.
“To everyone who supported me in my line of work, I am truly grateful and will continue to do my best always,” Ms Abusambire said.
GNA
FAA/KOA
Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn
The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has reaffirmed Ghana’s strategic ambition to become the energy and logistics gateway of West Africa through the development of the Petroleum Hub in Jomoro, Western Region.
According to him, the government has completed all necessary preparatory processes to begin the establishment of the hub, which is expected to diversify Ghana’s energy mix and significantly expand employment opportunities for the youth.
Speaking at an inter-agency dialogue in Accra on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Dr Aubynn noted that the Petroleum Hub, once fully operational, will not only transform Ghana’s petroleum sector but also drive regional energy integration and development.
“This hub, when fully operational, will not only change the face of our petroleum landscape but also position Ghana as a strategic energy and logistics gateway in West Africa. It is more than just a collection of refineries, tank farms, pipelines, and ports, we are building the beating heart of energy transformation in the region,” he said.
He described the project’s scale and infrastructure as marking a new dawn in the continent’s energy evolution.
Dr Aubynn emphasised that beyond innovation, the hub is intended to be a powerful engine for job creation, local capacity building, and long-term economic stability.
“We are building a hub that creates jobs, drives innovation, builds local capacity, and strengthens Ghana’s economic resilience,” he added.
However, he called for continued collaboration among key stakeholders to bring the project’s vision to fruition.
“We cannot build this vision alone. It will require the continued support of regulatory agencies, planning authorities, environmental bodies, security institutions, NGOs, and commercial actors, each playing a critical role in turning this strategy into reality,” he said.
SP/MA
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Kennedy Agyapong
KENNEDY AGYAPONG, a top member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has withdrawn from the nationwide ‘Thank you tour’ of the party’s 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr. Bawumia, over claims that he cannot guarantee the safety of his members.
His withdrawal comes barely 24 hours after a student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, who is said to be his (Ken) supporter, was stabbed in the stomach with a knife when the ‘Thank you tour’ train landed at Bantama on Tuesday.
According to him, Dr. Bawumia invited him to be part of the ‘Thank you tour’ to help deepen party peace and unity, but clearly what is happening during the tour points to him that the party is not practicing the peace and unity that it’s preaching to the public.
“I want to say a big thank you to everybody and because of what happened last night in Bantama that’s why I’m pulling off”, Kennedy Agyapong, who’s a former Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) pointed out at a hurriedly arranged press conference in Kumasi on Wednesday morning.
He continued, “Myself and my team want to pull out because I don’t think I can protect my team enough. I want to withdraw so Dr. Bawumia will do his campaign tour. I admit that he is the flagbearer so if he is going round and for the sake of unity he invited us and it turns out to be something else, we just have to stay away for them to do their own thing.
“So in brief, all I’m saying is that my team is pulling out but I am still calling for unity in the party”, adding that his withdrawal has not changed his strong love and affection for the elephant family, which he has been a proud and devoted member since 1992.
Intimidation
According to Kennedy Agyapong, happenings during the thank you tour so far, clearly indicates to him that he (Kennedy) was not welcomed to be part of the tour in the first place, therefore he has decided to leave for the sake of party unity and peace.
He particularly mentioned an altercation that he had with the another party bigwig, Kwame Baffuor aka ‘Abronye’ in Berekum and the stabbing of his supporter in Kumasi on Tuesday as enough evidence that some hidden faces were trying to intimidate him so he has decided to withdraw quietly.
“These intimidations will not scare me to leave the party. We built the party from 1992, so as for intimidation they should be rest assured that intimidation will not help them. Because it will not work on me.
“I’m not somebody you can intimidate for me to stay out of the party. I’m still a loyal party member. I’m calling for unity and therefore if I’m preaching for unity, I will not preach violence,” he said.
Justice For Stabbed Student
Mr. Agyepong appealed passionately to his supporters to calm down even in the face of provocation, stressing that he will fight for justice for the stabbed student. “I urged my supporters to calm down but I will make sure justice is done to the student who was stabbed”.
He said he was aware that some people have been publishing false stories, with regards to the stabbing of the KNUST student at Bantama just to make him (Kennedy) and his supporters look bad in the public, saying that those dirty tricks would not work.
“There are false publications that my supporters were fighting over GH¢2000 at Bantama and that led to the stabbing of the student, that is palpable false and they are being published to dent our image but it will not work.
“It wasn’t GH¢2000 it was just GH¢1000 that one Ali Suraj’s security men snatched from the students so it was not my supporters who were fighting over GH¢2000 as being false published in both the social and traditional media. That is not true,” he said.
According to him, one is his supporters gave GH¢1000 to the KNUST students to share and some security men of Ali Suraj snatched the money from the students, which sadly led to the stabbing of one student and the firing of gunshots at Bantama on Tuesday night.
According to him, what happened at Bantama is not good for the image of the NPP so the party should tackle the dicey case in truth, devoid of lies, since such weird acts would eventually give the party a bad image in public.
“In a matter like this, we have to be seen apologetic. If you come out with false publications like that then you are being defensive and it will not help the unity that we want. So I’m pleading with those on the other side managing social media saying all sort of things, I have seen it all.
“I don’t want to respond because on one breadth Kennedy Agyapong is preaching unity and another breadth he is preaching violence, it doesn’t make me the real Kennedy Agyapong that they know”, he emphasized.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Kumasi
By: Yahaya YAKUBU (Dr)
Few names are as prominent and impactful in Ghana’s journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment as the Jospong Group of Companies.
Through its subsidiary, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and other strategic ventures, the Jospong Group has led the country’s waste management revolution, offering comprehensive solutions for waste receptacle provision, transportation, treatment, and final disposal across all segments of society.
The Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Miami Heat 138-83 to complete a 4-0 sweep in their first-round NBA playoff series, advancing to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 22 points, while De’Andre Hunter added 19, Ty Jerome 18, and Evan Mobley 17 in a dominant team performance. The 55-point margin is the fourth-largest in NBA playoff history and marks Miami’s worst-ever postseason defeat.
“We came out here with a goal… to keep our foot on their throat,” Mitchell said in a post-game interview with TNT.
Miami’s previous biggest playoff loss was 37 points, also set in this series. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra admitted, “They just took it to another level. They left us behind these past two games.”
Cleveland now awaits the winner of the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers series, with Indiana currently leading 3-1.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors edged the Houston Rockets 109-106 in San Francisco to take a 3-1 series lead.
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, post-elections 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.
Ghanaian musician, Patapaa
Ghanaian musician, Patapaa, has claimed that his hit song ‘One Corner’ is more influential and globally recognised than any song by Black Sherif.
Speaking on the ‘Savage Room’ podcast on April 29, 2025, Patapaa argued that Black Sherif’s popularity is largely confined to the Nigeria space due to his affiliation with Empire Records.
“Black Sherif is signed under the Empire label, so his songs are popular in Nigeria, not globally. I am a global artiste. Which of his songs has gone international? Even my song with Kawoula is bigger than all of his. Since he is under a Nigerian label, he is basically a Nigerian artiste. Haven’t you noticed Ghanaians don’t vibe to his songs anymore since the hype died down?,” he quizzed.
Patapaa also claimed that the widespread appeal of ‘One Corner’ led to Nigerian TikToker Peller visiting Ghana, a move he says was influenced by Shatta Wale.
“I didn’t give Peller a cedi to promote my song. He made a video because ‘One Corner’ was already popular. It went viral across Europe. Shatta Wale invited him to Ghana because of that video.
“I was shocked when Peller came to Ghana, I wasn’t even in the country at the time. Nigerians don’t usually play Ghanaian music, apart from VIP and my song,” he added.
Watch the video below:
I agree with whatever Patapaa is saying about Black Sherif here. “One Corner” is bigger than any of Blacko’s songs so far! pic.twitter.com/6FNnqcuaSk
— Albert Nat HYDE (@1BongoIdeas) April 29, 2025
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges
Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, Lecturer at the University of Ghana
A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, has warned that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) risks prolonged opposition status if it remains arrogant.
According to Dr Asah-Asante, the party’s inability to introspect and address its shortcomings could hinder its return to power.
He said this on JoyNews AM show on April 30, 2025, and monitored by the GhanaWeb, during which he highlighted the need for the NPP to adopt a more humble and responsive approach to rebuild its popularity and reconnect with voters.
“If the NPP remains arrogant in opposition, it is going to take a long time for them to come back into power,” he indicated.
Dr Asah-Asante added that there is the need for the party to resolve their issues or conflicts before going on the Thank You Tour.
“Conflict resolution should come before looking at the report. The Thank You Tour is not needed right now. There are a lot of issues simmering, and the party needs to find answers to them,” he added.
Dr Kwame Asah-Asante emphasised the importance of addressing internal conflicts and issues before attempting to unite party members or supporters.
He added that unresolved problems can create divisions and hinder efforts to build unity and cohesion within the party.
“This is a giant party by all standards with a lot of following. That’s why it’s a mass party with ethnic groups, from all over the country, religious groups are in there. So, when they are advised, they should listen. Politics is not only about success but also criticisms. Once you are interested about success you must also create opportunity to accept criticisms when they come because they are the oils that grease the wheels of governance without which everything will grind to a halt,” he stressed.
MRA/AE
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
President Mahama gave a March 31 deadline for asset deadline
Several presidential appointees and staffers have failed to declare their assets, in defiance of a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama, who had set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for all public officials under his administration to comply or risk removal from office.
The directive forms part of President Mahama’s broader anti-corruption campaign aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
After publicly declaring his own assets, President Mahama called on all his appointees to follow suit, emphasising that asset declaration is a legal and ethical obligation, not a choice.
However, documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that some high-profile individuals within the current administration have yet to submit their mandatory asset declaration forms to the Auditor-General’s Department, raising concerns about their commitment to good governance.
This lapse comes despite an extended deadline, suggesting resistance or neglect among certain officeholders. The situation casts a shadow over the government’s efforts to distinguish itself from previous administrations by upholding integrity and financial discipline.
Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550), specified public officials are required to declare their assets upon assumption of office, every four years, and at the end of their term.
Non-compliance is considered a breach of public trust and may lead to sanctions, including removal from office.
Meanwhile, observers say the refusal or delay by appointees to comply could undermine public confidence in the Mahama administration’s stated commitment to fighting corruption.
As pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether the President will follow through on his warning and take action against non-compliant officials in the coming weeks.
It is, however, unclear what the president’s next steps will be.
See some of the names on the list below:
– Nathan Kofi Boakye, Director of Operations at the Presidency
– Seth Emmanuel Terkper, Presidential Adviser on the Economy
– Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States
– Nana Yaa Jantuah, Presidential Staffer
– Charles Kipo, Director General, National Investigations Bureau
– Dr. Peter Boamah Otukunor, Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Presidency
– Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Adviser
– Kofi Okyere Darko, Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs
See the full list below
SSD/MA
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Kurt Okraku is the president of the GFA
The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has opened up about the reasons behind his decision to step down as President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B.
Fresh off his elevation to 2nd Vice-President of CAF, many expected Okraku to tighten his grip on influence in African football.
However, instead of holding on to one of his key roles, he relinquished it, a move that raised eyebrows across the region.
For Kurt, this decision wasn’t about power but something more personal. Speaking to Asempa FM, the GFA President explained that self-awareness is crucial, and it was important to take a step back and assess his limits.
“At all times, you need to study yourself and the space you belong to and react appropriately. Maybe as a human being, you may think you are capable of doing it, combining three roles, but it may not be the best,” he said.
He also emphasised that holding on to everything could mean losing sight of what matters most: Ghanaian football.
“I think allowing my other colleagues to serve at the WAFU level will give me that space so that I don’t lose track of what is happening in Ghana,” he added.
During his tenure, Okraku was instrumental in launching several initiatives, including the introduction of youth tournaments across the sub-region.
FKA/MA
How on earth will cardiac surgeons fight galamsey? Watch as Jennifer Queen slams Prof Frimpong-Boateng
Local leaders, law enforcers, and human rights defenders have decried the rising cases of mob attacks in Bukedi North Sub-region, Eastern Uganda, with individuals suspected of theft being the most killed.
According to data compiled by the police, seven people were killed in March, and three more were killed in April of this year.
This publication has learned that most of the individuals killed are typically suspected of stealing cattle and motorcycles in the area.
The latest incident happened on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, when an unidentified man was lynched by unknown individuals and left on the roadside in Namengo village, Budaka town council in Budaka District.
According to police, the deceased was wearing green gumboots and carrying a panga. He was suspected of theft and beaten to death.
A team from Budaka CPS homicide visited the scene, took photos, retrieved the body and conveyed it to Budaka Health Centre IV for a postmortem.
The police have repeatedly condemned mob attacks, stressing that they frustrate investigations because most of the crucial evidence is lost in such attacks.
Another mob attack case was reported in Kibuku District, where a suspected livestock thief was killed on April 26.
According to Bukedi North Regional Police spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, the deceased, identified as Musa Kalenzi, 38, a peasant from Bukalijo Cell, Tirinyi Town Council in the same district, was allegedly caught with a stolen sheep around 5:30 a.m. in Bulalaka Village.
“It is alleged that the deceased was found in possession of a sheep he could not account for. Residents who knew him as a suspected habitual thief mobilised and beat him to death,” ASP Kyempasa said.
Detectives from Kibuku Central Police Station responded to the scene, where they recovered a brown sheep tied to the deceased’s leg and a damaged mobile phone. Mob attacks in the sub-region are common, partly due to corruption and laxity among law enforcers, according to human rights activists.
In 2024, this publication reported that mob attacks left at least 21 people killed in Bukedi in nine months.
According to police statistics, 21 cases of mob action were recorded between January and October 2024, with Budaka District leading with 11 cases, followed by Pallisa (5), Kibuku (3), and Butebo (2).
The article highlights that the victims were primarily suspected of offences such as theft, robbery, murder, witchcraft, and burglary.
Police officials attribute the rise in mob justice to factors like ignorance of the justice system, lack of trust in law enforcement, and frustrations over perceived judicial leniency.
For instance, suspects being granted bail despite evidence has led to community disillusionment.
SP Samuel Semewo, the former Bukedi North regional Police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of upholding the principle of presumption of innocence and allowing police to conduct proper investigations.
The Budaka County MP, Arthur Wako Mboizi, criticized weak laws and called for harsher penalties for petty offenders to deter mob justice.
Ms Harriet Chebet, a human rights defender, condemned the act, cautioning the public against taking the law into their own hands.
“Mob attack remains a major challenge in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where frustrations over delayed justice often lead to violent retaliation,”Ms Chebet said.
She urged communities to report suspects to authorities rather than resorting to violence.
Kyempasa said several people who participated in the mob have been arrested and charged.
Mr Joseph Nagwere, a retired teacher, also attributed the increasing cases of mob justice in the region and Uganda at large to several interconnected factors like lack of trust in the justice system.
“When people feel that the formal legal system is slow, corrupt, or ineffective, they may resort to taking matters into their own hands. If the public believes that suspects won’t face consequences through legal channels, they may feel justified in delivering their form of justice,” Mr Nagwere said.
He said that rising incidents of theft, especially of valuable items like cattle and motorcycles, can fuel anger and frustration in communities, given that they are some of the main source of income in most rural communities these days.
“When crime goes unpunished or is perceived to be increasing, people may resort to mob justice as a way of deterring further criminal activities. In some areas, there may be insufficient police presence or inadequate response to crimes. The lack of law enforcement may create an environment where people feel they must act themselves to maintain safety and order,” he said.
Mr David Okwi, a human rights activist, said that in some communities, traditional forms of justice, such as village courts or communal decision-making, can be easily misused or distorted into mob justice.
“When crimes are committed, especially violent ones, emotions can run high. The desire for immediate retribution, particularly in cases involving theft or violence, can lead to people taking the law into their own hands,” Mr Okwi said.
He said addressing mob attacks requires building trust in the justice system, strengthening law enforcement, and creating public awareness campaigns about the dangers of taking justice into one’s own hands.
The latest police annual crime report showed that by the end of 2024, a total of 1,016 cases of murder by mob action were reported to the police, compared to 1,039 cases reported in 2023, giving a decrease of 2.2 percent in this crime category. The report shows that a total of 1,016 persons were lynched, out of whom 1,078 were male adults, and 20 were female adults.
By the end of 2024, Luwero District registered the highest number of murders by mob action (22 cases), followed by Old Kampala Police Division with 20 cases, Mpigi with 19 cases, Kakumiro and Buikwe with 18 cases each.
Media personality Eric Gugua has sparked conversation online with a bold statement directed at men in relationships with overly pastor-devoted partners.
In a post shared on social media, Gugua cautioned against marrying women who place their spiritual leaders above their significant others.
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea to go ahead and marry someone who very clearly loves and adores her pastor or church leader more than she does you,” he wrote.
The Supreme Court has granted permission for the lawyers of the National Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, to amend the writ of summons and statement of case in a writ challenging the Chief of Staff’s authority to annul all public service appointments made after December 7, 2024.
A five-member panel, led by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, granted the request following a motion from the plaintiff’s legal team. The state attorney did not oppose this motion.
The panel included Justices Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Richard Adjei-Frimpong.
The court has given the plaintiff 14 days to make the necessary amendments.
On February 10 this year, the Chief of Staff wrote to the heads of government institutions to annul public sector appointments made after December 7.
Nana Boakye filed the writ challenging the constitutionality of the action by the Chief of Staff.
He argued that the directive was unconstitutional and exceeded the authority of the Chief of Staff.
Mr Boakye contended that the directive violates Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects public service employees from dismissal without just cause.
He maintained that neither the Chief of Staff nor the President had the power to arbitrarily revoke legally sanctioned appointments.
Where the court finds that the Chief of Staff has the authority to give such a direction, he wants the court to declare that the directive from the Office of the President dated February 10, 2025, and signed by the Chief of Staff to heads of government institutions to annul all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after December 7, 2024, is in contravention of Article 191 (b) of the 1992 Constitution as same is without just cause and thus unconstitutional.
As part of his relief, Mr Boakye is asking the Supreme Court to declare the directive null and void, prevent government institutions from enforcing it, and affirm that the President is bound to uphold constitutional protections for public sector employees.
“A declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 58(2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President of the Republic of Ghana is under an obligation to execute and maintain Article 191 (b) of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Services Commission Act, 1994 (Act 4).
“A declaration that the President of the Republic of Ghana has breached Articles 58 (2) and 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana because of the aforementioned directive,” he stated.
News Hub Creator2h
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Stonebwoy
GHANA’S seasoned music icons, including Stonebwoy, Efya and Edem, are among some selected acts billed to perform at this year’s edition of the much-hyped concert dubbed “HoodTalk Festival” on May 9.
The musical concert, an initiative put together by DreamChild Foundation in partnership with Virtual Hub, will be held at the Independence Square in Accra.
The music festival aims to raise a provisional sum of $14 million for the construction of five paediatric clinics to ensure that children’s health is made a priority.
Thousands of music fans including those from the diaspora such as the UK, Europe, US, and the Caribbean are expected to attend.
Destined to be a night full of glamour, the event will also feature an incredible lineup of homegrown veteran artistes. The event will be streamed live on all social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook.
BEATWAVES gathered that the HoodTalk Festival will bring together artistes who have made a huge impact on the Ghanaian music scene on one stage for non-stop live musical performances.
Along with Stonebwoy and other performers, Cina Soul, Efya, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Pat Thomas and Edem, among others, are all scheduled to perform.
In a show of their dedication and readiness, the artistes have been conducting rigorous rehearsals to perfect their voices and performances.
Looking at the lineup acts on the bill, HoodTalk Festival is going to be one of the biggest shows, if not the biggest to be staged in Ghana.
The event will deliver back-to-back performances from arguably the most exciting artistes billed to rock the stage, and music fans would be offered the rare opportunity to interact with the artistes during the show.
The show is expected to transcend age barriers by drawing in fans of all ages since all the artistes on the bill have a reputation for their ability to keep fans on their feet for hours.
The event has been tagged as a family fun day celebration which serves as a platform for over 50,000 Ghanaians and other African nationals to network and sell the rich Ghanaian culture to the rest of the world.
By George Clifford Owusu
Dignitaries at the meeting
The Controller and Accountant-General, Mr. Kwasi Agyei, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to enhancing public financial transparency and accountability through the full implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Mr. Agyei made this known at the 2025 Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) annual conference held at Ho Technical University under the theme: “Enhancing Public Financial Management Excellence.”
Mr. Agyei underscored the Department’s significant progress in modernising Ghana’s financial reporting systems.
He noted that the adoption of IPSAS has not only improved the quality and scope of reporting in the traditional areas of Revenue, Expenditure, Assets, and Liabilities (REAL), but also enabled the recognition and disclosure of specialised accounting domains. These include Service Concession Arrangements (Public-Private Partnerships), Secured Bonded Warehousing, Contingent Assets and Liabilities, Gold Royalties, Biological Assets, and Post-Employment Benefits Obligations of the Government.
Mr. Agyei emphasised that these advancements are being achieved in collaboration with key stakeholders, and demonstrate the Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public sector financial governance in line with international standards.
The Controller and Accountant-General also encouraged participants to uphold the core values of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in public financial management as a foundation for sustainable national development.
Mr. Agyei acknowledged the Department’s responsibility in safeguarding Ghana’s public finances, especially in the face of rising expenditures and global economic uncertainties.
He further stated that the Department had taken bold steps to sanitise the Government of Ghana Payroll, including the suspension of salaries for over 4,000 employees due to discrepancies in their identification credentials.
From Daniel K. Orlando, Ho
Kennedy Agyapong a former member of Parliament and flagbearer aspirant has stated nobody can stop him from contesting for the New Patriotic Party flagbearer position.
His comments come following his withdrawal from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Thank You Tour following the stabbing of a student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Accra, April 30, GNA – Madam Amma Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (GVCA), has urged investors to prioritise harnessing capital from the local market to fund innovation-led growth in the country.
Speaking at the fourth Ghana Venture Capital Conference, in Accra, Madam Amma highlighted the pivotal role of venture capital in fueling innovation, empowering youth and women, and building resilient businesses capable of thriving amidst global economic shifts.
“Ghana stands at a pivotal moment,” she said. “We must prioritise the mobilisation of local capital to fund innovation-led growth.”
The conference, which was held on the theme: “Mobilising Domestic Capital as a Catalyst for Ghana’s Economic Growth,” provided a vibrant forum for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic action aimed at accelerating inclusive economic transformation.
It was attended by more than 350 guests and esteemed participants, including investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners, who explored new frontiers for venture capital and private equity investment in Ghana and across Africa.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the Ghana Pensions and Insurance Industry Venture Capital / Private Equity Compact, spearheaded by Yaw Appiah Lartey, a Financial Advisory Partner at Deloitte Ghana, in collaboration with GVCA and inaugural signatories.
The launch of the Compact marks a historic step toward bridging the financing gap for SMEs by channeling institutional capital into the venture ecosystem.
Also launched at the conference was the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) Impact Report 2004-2024, which showcased the Fund’s achievements in mobilising investments across sectors such as technology, agribusiness, healthcare, and climate resilience.
Mr Kwamina Asomaning, Managing Director of Stanbic Bank Ghana, addressed both the promise and the challenges of Ghana’s investment ecosystem.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening investor confidence and aligning regulatory frameworks to stimulate long-term capital flow into high-impact sectors.
GNA
GRB
Ghana’s controversial “cash and carry” healthcare system, which requires patients to pay out-of-pocket for medical services, is facing renewed criticism as stakeholders push for urgent reforms.
The system has long been blamed for denying essential healthcare to the poor, resulting in preventable deaths and severe financial hardship.
Calls for change were recently amplified by Hon. David Boakye Ansah, Assembly Member for the Agyeimpra Electoral Area in Offinso, who underscored the dire consequences of the current model.
“It is deeply worrying that hospitals often deny patients crucial medical care due to their inability to immediately pay for readily available medications,” he said.
“This unfortunately leads to avoidable deaths within our hospitals. Many individuals, who are potential family heads and valuable contributors to Ghana, are lost because of these conditions.”
His remarks came during a heartfelt ceremony where UK-based Ghanaian philanthropist Richard Agyare paid the medical bills of thirteen stranded patients at Offinso St. Patrick’s Hospital.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), introduced in 2003, was intended to remove financial barriers to healthcare access. However, persistent issues—such as delays in reimbursements to health facilities—have forced many hospitals to revert to upfront payments, putting vulnerable patients at even greater risk.
Government officials and policymakers are now being urged to prioritize healthcare reform, with growing calls that no Ghanaian should be denied medical treatment due to financial constraints.
Following the intervention, the management of St. Patrick’s Hospital expressed profound gratitude to the philanthropist for his timely support.
“We frequently encounter patients in need of financial assistance, and this act of kindness will go a long way in supporting them,” said Pearl Bemah Poku, a manager at the facility.
The beneficiaries, many of whom had lost hope of leaving the hospital due to unpaid bills, shared emotional accounts of their struggles. Some said even affording basic necessities like food had become nearly impossible, making their hospitalization an even more painful experience.
“I had given up, thinking I would be stuck here forever. Mr. Agyare’s kindness has given me a second chance at life,” said one patient.
While individual acts of generosity offer short-term relief, stakeholders agree that long-term, systemic reform is the only sustainable solution. Advocates are now pushing for strengthened NHIS funding, improved healthcare financing, and policies that ensure equitable access to medical services.
As Ghana continues its pursuit of universal health coverage, the plight of patients under the cash-and-carry system remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for lasting change.
Ghanaian Afrobeat sensation, King Promise
Ghanaian Afrobeat sensation, King Promise, has made it clear that he believes he deserves to win ‘Artiste of the Year’ at the forthcoming Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) scheduled for May 10, 2025.
In an interview with digital creator Kwadwo Sheldon, the “Terminator” hitmaker declared that based on the work he has put in over the past year, there should be no debate about who walks away with the top honour.
“The Artiste of the Year this year we for chop am because we have done everything this year that we are supposed to do. This is non-negotiable, and it’s not disrespect to anybody else in the category,” he said.
According to King Promise, winning the ultimate prize will go beyond just adding a trophy to his shelf, rather, it would be about carrying the hopes of his fans and using that energy to elevate Ghanaian music globally.
“It will be an honour…and I will be more inspired knowing my people are betting on me and I will also let them know they can count on me to take them to the world,” he added.
King Promise is among seven nominees for the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category, competing alongside artistes such as Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Black Sherif, King Paluta, Kweku Smoke, and Team Eternity.
Despite King Promise having a stellar year in the previous edition of the Ghana Music Awards, he ultimately did not clinch the ‘Artiste of the Year’ title in 2024.
The award went to Stonebwoy on the night, who secured his second win in this category, having first won it in 2015.
Nevertheless, King Promise’s achievements at the 2024 TGMAs were noteworthy.
He took home several awards, including Best Afropop Song for “Terminator,” Best Afropop/Afrobeats Artiste, and Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year, also for “Terminator.”
AK/EB
A picture of some nurses attending to a patient
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has significantly contributed GH¢500,000 to the newly launched ‘Mahama Cares’ initiative, aimed at providing access to quality but affordable healthcare to vulnerable communities across the country.
Alhaji Agongo donated on Tuesday during the launch of the programme in Accra, where several prominent business leaders and supporters gathered to pledge their commitment to the social welfare and health initiative.
President John Mahama, who launched the initiative, also donated his six-month salary in advance to be used to fund the programme.
The donation is the latest in the businessman’s drive to share his resources with the vulnerable to help create a better society while encouraging others to share.
Wealth carries responsibility
In a nation where the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, the founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank stands as a powerful reminder that wealth carries responsibility—and that one person’s compassion can indeed illuminate countless lives.
His compassion has become legendary, offering hope where despair once reigned.
From the dusty villages of the Northern Region to the struggling urban neighbourhoods of Accra, his philanthropic footprint has transformed countless lives through regular food distributions, housing support, and emergency financial assistance for families facing crisis.
“When I see a child smile because they finally have enough to eat, or watch an elderly person receive medication they couldn’t afford, I’m reminded why God blessed me with resources,” Agongo often says, hiding his generosity with humility.
He told journalists after making the pledge that it was critical for private sector to get involved in addressing social challenges.
“As business leaders, we have a responsibility to support initiatives that directly impact the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The ‘Mahama Cares’ program represents a practical approach to addressing our nation’s immediate needs while building sustainable solutions for vulnerable people and communities,” Agongo said.
Personal commitment
Alhaji Agongo said President Mahama’s decision to donate his six months’ salary showed his personal commitment to the initiative, a gesture he said should motivate many Ghanaians to also come on board.
The ‘Mahama Cares’ initiative aims to provide direct support to vulnerable households through food assistance, healthcare access, educational support, and skills development programs across all regions of Ghana.
Other donations
This donation adds to Alhaji Agongo’s growing record of philanthropic activities across Ghana, including those in the health sector, his recent food donations to communities in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region and various educational support programs nationwide.
The gleaming new pediatric Emergency Child Block at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital stands as a testament to the businessman’s commitment to addressing Ghana’s healthcare challenges.
Funded entirely through his personal donation of several thousands of Ghana cedis, the facility has revolutionised child healthcare who previously faced overcrowded conditions and outdated equipment.
Medical staff recount how children who were once cramped and sometimes treated on the fly now receive world-class care in a facility designed specifically for their needs.
Alhaji Agongo has also paid the fees of children across the country as part of his drive to help provide quality education to children. From primary school pupils in remote villages to university students pursuing medicine, engineering, and law, these young Ghanaians share one common thread—their education is fully funded by a man many have never met.
He has also paid the hospital bills of many people, the most recent being in March when he paid off the bills of new mothers in selected hospitals across the country.
Gold prices falls as dollar strengthens
Gold prices fell on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as the US dollar strengthened amid signs of easing trade tensions.
Investors are now awaiting key US economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates.
Spot gold declined by 0.4% to $3,302.58/oz as of 4:30 AM GMT, while US gold futures dropped 0.7% to $3,310.70/oz.
According to Nicholas Frappell, Global Head of Institutional Markets at ABC Refinery, the US dollar index gained 0.1% against major currencies, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies and exerting downward pressure on bullion.
“There was a minor recovery in broad dollar strength, which led to a little bit of retracement in gold,” he noted.
This decline follows a recent rally that pushed gold prices to an all-time high of $3,500.05/oz on April 22, fueled by global economic uncertainty and market volatility.
The pullback comes after US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at mitigating the impact of auto tariffs.
Additionally, the US trade team announced its first agreement with a foreign partner since the latest wave of tariffs began.
Investors are now closely watching for the release of key data, including the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index later today and the nonfarm payrolls report due on Friday.
Markets are currently pricing in a total of 95 basis points in Fed rate cuts by the end of the year.
SP/MA
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The ban on Taiwanese passport holders starts on April 30, 2025
Somalia’s ban on transit and entry of all Taiwanese passport holders has taken effect, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which accused China of pressuring the East African country into introducing the measures.
The ministry of the self-ruled island, claimed by China, said on Tuesday evening that Somalia’s civil aviation authority informed it last week of the new policy that came into force on Wednesday.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested Somalia’s action made under the instigation of China to restrict the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals and has demanded that the Somali government immediately revoke the notice,” it said.
The ministry also said Somalia cited United Nations Resolution 2758, which in 1971 called for member states to restore Beijing as the “only lawful representatives of China” to the body, and invoked the “one China” principle.
It “firmly rejected and strongly condemned” Somalia’s “misinterpretation” of the UN resolution, accusing Mogadishu of using it to “create the false impression that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China”.
The move comes amid deepening ties between Taiwan and Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised by most of the world.
In 2020, the two self-governed territories opened de facto embassies in each other’s capitals, prompting anger in Mogadishu.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun said the decision was a legitimate step to protect Somalia’s interests and demonstrates “that Somalia firmly abides by the one China principle”. Beijing “highly appreciates” the move and pledges its support for Mogadishu’s claim to Somaliland, he added.
He said China also opposes “any form of official exchange” between Taiwan and Somaliland.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, lost its UN seat to China in 1971, a year before it was evicted from the World Health Organisation.
While only 11 countries and the Vatican formally recognise Taiwan as a state, many – including the United States – maintain close unofficial ties.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.
Taiwan’s state news agency, Focus Taiwan, said the Somalia travel restriction is unlikely to have much practical effect, noting that Taiwanese nationals rarely visit the country.
Citing government data, it said only 16 trips were made to Somalia by Taiwanese citizens between 2016 and February this year.
“The Attorney General, Dominic Ayine is the most corrupt and stupid Attorney General Ghana has ever had since independence. He shouldn’t dare me” I will expose him”.
These are the exact words used by Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A – Plus to describe the current Attorney – General of Ghana, Dominic Ayine some 3 weeks ago on his official social media handles.
Artistes billed for the event
The host of Maximum Jazz radio show, Yomi Sower, will be hosting an event today, Wednesday, April 30, at Oxford Street Hotel & Suites in Accra.
The event is aimed at commemorating this year’s edition of the International Jazz Day.
The radio show, hosted on Guide Radio 91.5 FM, took the initiative of bringing world-class jazz entertainment to the jazz community in Ghana for this year’s International Jazz Day celebrations.
Celebrating International Jazz Day in Ghana can foster the growth and expansion of jazz communities, promoting greater jazz appreciation nationwide, Yomi Sower insists.
Speaking in an interview on Maximum Jazz, the General Manager of Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, Mr. Tarek El Sinnary, expressed high hopes and confidence in the potential of jazz entertainment and his hotel’s support of the International Jazz Day Concert in Ghana.
He further explained that his hotel’s partnership with Maximum Jazz is essential since the hotel caters to an elite audience and provides luxury services. Incorporating jazz entertainment would enhance the upscale experience that the hotel offers to its clients, he stressed.
Mr. Tarek also added that he hoped his hotel’s brand would become Ghana’s number one jazz hub/ venue, as a continuation of its vision statement.
The celebration will also double as the radio show’s 13th anniversary, which explains their slogan, “Ghana’s No.1 Drive Time Jazz Radio Show.”
There will be performances from Nicholas Mettle (keyboards), Khali Sax (saxophone), Niyi (talking drummer), with the main performance from Yomi Sower (vocals, folk N’ jazz quartet).
Side attractions include: traditional dance group, social mixer, and networking sessions.
By Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Samuel Ofori Boateng
Kumasi April 30, GNA – Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyepong, a leading member of the NPP, has with immediate effect, withdrawn from the ongoing national thank you tour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His decision follows a confrontation between some youth members of the NPP at Bantama in Kumasi, which resulted in the stabbing of a Level 300 students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology (KNUST), believed to be a supporter of Mr Agyepong.
The incident was said to have occurred after the members of the Thank You tour, led by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the NPP in Ghana’s general elections in 2024, met some constituency members and youth groups at the premises of the Bantama Pentecost Church.
The confrontation, according to eyewitnesses, stemmed from the sharing of money given to the participants for their transportation.
While sharing the money, a macho man attempted to snatch the money away and in the ensuing struggling, he fired several warning shots and one of the members was stabbed.
The victim was rushed to the Suntreso Government Hospital but was later referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, for further treatment.
Mr Agyepong visited the victim at the KATH and later went to the Sofoline Police Station to file an official complaint.
Mr Agyepong later at a press conference in Kumasi, said he was withdrawing from the ongoing tour because of the violent attack on one of his supporters.
Meanwhile, Dr Bawumia and other members of the team is continuing the tour in some constituencies in the Ashanti region.
On Tuesday April 29, 2025, the team met delegates from the Atwima Mponua, Nwabiagya, Kwanwoma and others in the Atwima enclave at Abuakwa, to thank them for their support during the 2024 general elections.
The team will today, Wednesday April 30, tour some constituencies in the Adansi enclave to thank the people for their support.
GNA
KOM/BM
As part of pragmatic efforts in addressing key challenges in environmental sustainability, agricultural innovation, youth unemployment, and inclusive development in Ghana, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, and its partners the MasterCard Foundation have launched the Nkabom Project.
The Nkabom Project designed to run for 10 years is expected to provide dignified and fulfilling work for three million young Ghanaians by 2030.
The project focuses on converting agricultural waste into valuable resources, advancing aquaculture practices through cutting-edge technology, and fostering sustainable, entrepreneurship-driven livelihoods for youth, women, and marginalised communities.
Addressing journalists at the inception launch in Koforidua, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD and Principal Investigator of the UESD Nkabom Project, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, stated that the project will serve as a model for agro-waste transformation and aquaculture innovation in Ghana and beyond.
“The project is very keen for us as a university and it aligns with our visions and mission. The project gives us the key to really go into research and come up with how to deal with agro-waste and come up with products that will serve the community.
“Oftentimes, many think that most of the things that come out of agricultural products are waste, but how can we turn them into usable products? So, these things are useful for us. When it comes to aquaculture, we are told that the Eastern Region contributes 40% of inland fishing to the nation. So, this puts us good position to train people and give them skills,” he stated.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson further revealed that the project offers the University an opportunity to provide expert training and education in agro-waste management across the country and said that the University is expected to roll out academic programmes on effective agro-waste management by the end of the year.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UESD and Project Coordinator of the Nkabom Project, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, observed that the project will generate employment opportunities for Ghanaians by equipping them with skills in adding value to agro-waste.
He emphasised that the training would be inclusive and open to all Ghanaians.
“We are having tertiary programmes that will train people not to go and beg for job, but they will have entrepreneurial skills where they can use this agro-waste processing or aquaculture technology to end an income,” he stated.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang officially resumed her duties today, bringing relief to many Ghanaians who had grown concerned during her three-week medical absence.
Steady Recovery After Health Complication
Professor Opoku-Agyemang was admitted to the University of Ghana Hospital on March 28 following an unexpected health complication.
