The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has issued a firm warning to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the Greater Accra Region, threatening legal action against those who fail to remove unauthorized billboards from road medians by Monday, June 2, 2025.
This follows a failed engagement with the assemblies, as many did not attend a scheduled meeting with the Authority to discuss a compliance roadmap.
Speaking to the media, NRSA Director-General Abraham Amaliba expressed disappointment at what he described as a defiant posture by the assembly members.
“We invited all of them through the Local Government Ministry. They misunderstood and assumed the invitation was extended to all assemblies nationwide, which is why some came from outside Accra,” he said.
“Those within Accra, who were required to attend, failed to show up. We are treating their absence as deliberate noncompliance, and we will proceed to sue the assemblies that have ignored our directive.”
According to Amaliba, the NRSA had initially given a 21-day deadline for the removal of the billboards and had intended to use the meeting to offer an extension. However, the absence of the relevant assemblies has left the Authority with no choice but to pursue legal action.
“This means they are not interested in complying. So, what we are going to do is meet them in court,” he added.
The NRSA insists the move is necessary to protect public safety, which it says is being jeopardized by the presence of unauthorised structures along roadways.
Recent cedi gains may be temporary without deeper reforms – APL
Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has filed a defamation lawsuit against Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, over what he describes as a series of “false and malicious” publications that have damaged both his personal reputation and that of his company, Engineers and Planners (E&P).
According to court documents filed at an Accra High Court on May 28, Mahama and E&P allege that Simons made defamatory claims in an article titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine” published on April 19, 2025, on his personal website, brightsimons.com.
On the same day, Simons shared the article via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @BBSimons, where it quickly gained traction. By May 8, the post had amassed more than 93,000 views, 250 reactions, 98 reposts, 26 comments, and 109 bookmarks.
The plaintiffs argue that this engagement contributed significantly to the wide dissemination of the alleged defamatory content.
The article reportedly accused E&P of financial distress due to halted operations at the Damang gold mine and suggested that the company’s creditors were “up in arms.” It also insinuated that Mahama, the brother of President John Mahama, was benefiting improperly from political connections, and that E&P was being unduly favored in government mining policies.
In their suit, the plaintiffs reject these claims outright, describing them as “entirely false and wholly without factual basis.”
They argue the article portrays E&P as financially unstable and undermines the company’s credibility with existing and potential business partners.
The plaintiffs are seeking the following reliefs:
A declaration that the statements made by Bright Simons are defamatory;
A public retraction and apology published on the same digital platforms and as a full-page ad in the Daily Graphic for six consecutive editions over three months;
A perpetual injunction barring Simons from making further defamatory remarks;
General damages amounting to GHS10 million;
Legal costs and any additional relief the court may deem appropriate.
GHANAIAN international model and philanthropist, Victoria Michaels has raised fresh concerns about the lingering exploitation in Ghana’s modelling industry, despite efforts at reform.
While strides have been made to empower models, exploitation remains a persistent issue due to a lack of regulations, professionalism and guidance for emerging talents.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, on Monday, May 26, the European Union Goodwill Ambassador stressed that although the industry was intended to be a platform for empowerment, the reality for many young models was far from ideal.
To her, the absence of clear structures leaves aspiring models vulnerable to manipulation, as many enter the field without contracts or the know-how to navigate its complexities.
“It’s a mixed reality. There are spaces of empowerment, but exploitation still exists, often due to a lack of regulation and professionalism. Many young talents enter the industry without proper guidance or contracts. That’s why mentorship is key. I see it as part of my responsibility to raise awareness and create platforms that protect and prepare them,” she said.
When asked whether Ghana’s fashion industry was ready for the global stage or was still leaning heavily on Western templates, she acknowledged the creative progress but admitted that deeper institutional challenges remained. (Read EDITOR’S LENS: Stop party politics in creative space post-elections)
“Ghana’s fashion industry has made tremendous strides, and there’s undeniable creativity and cultural richness here. However, while we are ready in spirit and talent, we still face structural and institutional challenges that hold us back from full global competitiveness,” she noted.
According to her, the industry’s journey towards originality and authenticity is gradually taking shape, even though the pressure for international validation continues to cast a shadow.
“There is also a lingering influence of Western aesthetics, often due to the desire for international validation. But I believe we’re at a turning point where originality, heritage and storytelling are becoming central to how we define Ghanaian fashion. Like I always say, we are not where we want to be,” she said.
Ibrahim Mahama, who is a brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), have sued Bright Simons over what they describe as defamatory statements made in a recent article.
The article, titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine”, was published on Simons’ personal website on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
The article discusses Ghana’s management of the Damang gold mine and includes claims that E&P, described as “a powerful operator owned by the brother of Ghana’s President”, suffered financially following a temporary shutdown of operations by Gold Fields.
Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, also raised concerns about E&P’s alleged influence on the Minerals Commission, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and political interference.
Ibrahim Mahama, in his application, sought damages of GH¢10 million, among other reliefs.
Below are the full claims in Ibrahim Mahama and his company:
a. A declaration that the statements made by the Defendant, which have been particularised in paragraphs 14(a) and (b) of the statement of claim, are defamatory of the Plaintiffs;
b. An order directed at the Defendant to publish, on the same platforms that he published the defamatory words, as well as a full page of the Daily Graphic newspaper, on six consecutive occasions over a 3-month period, an unqualified retraction and an apology to the Plaintiffs;
c. An order for a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, assigns, and servants from further publishing any defamatory words against the Plaintiffs;
d. General damages of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) for defamation;
e. Costs, including legal fees; and
f. Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit.
Meanwhile, the High Court in Accra has ordered Bright Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, to file his defence in the defamation suit filed against him by business mogul Ibrahim Mahama.
Court documents sighted by GhanaWeb showed that the IMANI Africa vice president had been commanded to file his defence within 8 days of service.
The court said that if Bright Simons fails to enter his defence within the stipulated time, it will give its judgment on the matter without hearing from him.
“AN ACTION having been commenced against you by the issue of this Writ by the above-named Plaintiff: IBRAHIM MAHAMA & ENGINEERS & PLANNERS COMPANY LTD.
“YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED that within EIGHT DAYS after service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you: BRIGHT SIMONS.
“AND TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, judgment may be given in your absence without further notice to you,” parts of the court document, which was issued by the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on May 28, 2025, read.
Following recent media reports about the alleged FBI arrest of Ghanaian business mogul Joseph Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe, a spokesperson for has dismissed the claims as ‘fake’.
In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Joseph Henry Mensah on May 28, 2025, Fredrick Agyei stated that reports about the arrest of Dada Joe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are untrue, as no official statement from any security agency has been released.
“If indeed Ghana Police, EOCO, and the FBI have apprehended him, what is preventing them from coming out with a statement to say they have arrested him? Once there is no official statement from the FBI, EOCO, and police, then it means there is nothing like that,” he said.
When pressed by Joseph Henry Mensah if the rumors were true, Fred Agyei stated, “I can emphatically say that, because there haven’t been any official statement stating that Joseph Boateng also known as Dada Joe has been picked.”
Fred Agyei further noted that Dada Joe’s team would issue a press statement in the coming days to address the widespread speculations on the matter.
“We are still in the process of coming out with an official press statement to address the issue. When it comes out you would see the content of the statement,” he added.
Background
On May 27, 2025, news broke on social media claiming that Dada Joe had been arrested by the FBI in connection with suspected fraudulent activities.
Over the years, Dada Joe has frequently gone viral on social media for his lavish lifestyle.
He was said to have purchased a filling station for $1 million. In 2018, he shared a video of himself importing a Rolls-Royce, and in 2019, he also acquired a Lamborghini Urus.
In response to the news of his alleged arrest, socialite Showboy, who is also Dada Joe’s cousin, took to social media to post a series of cryptic messages.
JHM/MA
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Ibrahim Mahama, who is a brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), have sued Bright Simons over what they describe as defamatory statements made in a recent article.
The article, titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine”, was published on Simons’ personal website on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
The article discusses Ghana’s management of the Damang gold mine and includes claims that E&P, described as “a powerful operator owned by the brother of Ghana’s President”, suffered financially following a temporary shutdown of operations by Gold Fields.
Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, also raised concerns about E&P’s alleged influence on the Minerals Commission, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and political interference.
Ibrahim Mahama, in his application, sought damages of GH¢10 million, among other reliefs.
Below are the full claims in Ibrahim Mahama and his company:
a. A declaration that the statements made by the Defendant, which have been particularised in paragraphs 14(a) and (b) of the statement of claim, are defamatory of the Plaintiffs;
b. An order directed at the Defendant to publish, on the same platforms that he published the defamatory words, as well as a full page of the Daily Graphic newspaper, on six consecutive occasions over a 3-month period, an unqualified retraction and an apology to the Plaintiffs;
c. An order for a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, assigns, and servants from further publishing any defamatory words against the Plaintiffs;
d. General damages of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) for defamation;
e. Costs, including legal fees; and
f. Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit.
Meanwhile, the High Court in Accra has ordered Bright Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, to file his defence in the defamation suit filed against him by business mogul Ibrahim Mahama.
Court documents sighted by GhanaWeb showed that the IMANI Africa vice president had been commanded to file his defence within 8 days of service.
The court said that if Bright Simons fails to enter his defence within the stipulated time, it will give its judgment on the matter without hearing from him.
“AN ACTION having been commenced against you by the issue of this Writ by the above-named Plaintiff: IBRAHIM MAHAMA & ENGINEERS & PLANNERS COMPANY LTD.
“YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED that within EIGHT DAYS after service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you: BRIGHT SIMONS.
“AND TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, judgment may be given in your absence without further notice to you,” parts of the court document, which was issued by the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on May 28, 2025, read.
L-R: Thomas-Asante, Benjamin Asare and Jordan Ayew featured in Ghana’s loss against Nigeria
GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey
The Black Stars’ performance against Nigeria unveiled the brilliance of some players, while others failed to live up to expectations.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Black Stars in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, advancing to the tournament final.
This result marks Ghana’s first defeat to Nigeria since 2006, ending a 19-year unbeaten streak against the Super Eagles.
The Black Stars will now face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff, while Nigeria advances to meet Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the same venue.
This GhanaWeb Sports feature dissects the positives and negatives from the game regarding some players’ performances.
Jordan Ayew
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew did not have the best game despite creating some decent chances, but they were not enough to find the back of the net.
The Leicester City attacker missed a clear chance that he could have easily tapped into the goalpost to level the score.
The skipper was found holding the ball for too long at some point without being productive, which delayed the team’s transition during counter-attacks.
Razak Simpson
Nations FC defender Razak Simpson was found wanting on several occasions, as he seemed nervous at the initial stages of the game.
The defender was unable to clear the ball in the box, giving Nigeria’s Cyriel Dessers the space to shoot the ball into the net for the opener.
Simpson, who seemed to have lost concentration, scored an own goal when a free-kick was delivered into the penalty box.
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Coventry City striker Thomas-Asante resuscitated the Black Stars’ attack in the second half, constantly threatening the Super Eagles’ defense.
His continuous push paid off as he scored the consolation goal in the 70th minute after latching onto a cross to score.
With Asante’s brilliant performance, he is expected to be part of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Benjamin Asare
Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare put up a decent performance despite conceding two goals in the first half of the game.
Although the goals were not primarily his fault, he made some crucial saves to keep Ghana in the game and prevent an embarrassing scoreline.
Caleb Yirenkyi
The FC Nordsjaelland player was deployed at right-back in the second half and adapted seamlessly.
Composed and energetic, Yirenkyi demonstrated strong defensive awareness, making timely interceptions and tracking runs effectively.
His precise passing stood out, contributing to a smoother build-up from the back and helping Ghana dominate stretches of the second half.
Meanwhile, watch as ADISEC win the 4×200 Boys finals at the 23rd Annual Inter schools and colleges
A prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Avea Nsoh, has criticized the opposition New Patriotic Party (), whose appointees are currently under investigation by National Security and other crime investigative agencies over alleged offences.
The most recent figure to come under scrutiny is the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who was picked up by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
President John Dramani Mahama has commenced a three-region “Thank You” tour, beginning Thursday, May 29, in the Bono East Region.
The tour is part of his nationwide appreciation campaign to express his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Ghana for the overwhelming support and confidence they showed in him during the December 2024 general elections.
The President is expected to address a grand durbar of chiefs, opinion leaders, and residents in Bono East, where he will personally thank them for their massive turnout and the resounding endorsement they gave him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the polls.
The durbar will serve as an important platform for President Mahama to reaffirm his commitment to inclusive leadership and participatory governance.
In addition to expressing gratitude, President Mahama will also take the opportunity to outline his administration’s development agenda for the region.
He is expected to unveil a number of priority projects tailored to meet the specific needs of the people, with a focus on job creation, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
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Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, received the Ambassador of Qatar to Ghana, H.E. Khalid Bin Jabor Al-Mesallam, at his office in Accra.
The courtesy call was aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
In their discussions, Honorable Muntaka expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional security.
He highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives in securing the nation’s borders and outlined opportunities for Qatari support to the Ghana Prisons Service, particularly in the development of industrial hubs to promote inmate rehabilitation and skills training.
Both officials emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to advance mutual interests and improve the well-being of their respective citizens.
The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Ghana and Qatar.
Ato Forson appointed Returning Officer for AfDB presidential elections
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has urged Ghanaian businesses to prioritise the use of the cedi in their transactions.
According to Dr. Asiama the over-reliance on foreign currencies could undermine recent economic progress.
Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, he said the cedi has shown strong performance in recent weeks, appreciating by nearly 19% between April and May, 2025.
He attributed this to prudent fiscal management and improved market confidence, and not direct dollar interventions by the central bank.
“We are not supporting the currency by using our international reserves. We are supporting the economy through sound monetary policy, and we expect businesses to support this effort by transacting in cedis,” Dr. Asiama said.
He reiterated his call on the business community to support the central bank’s efforts by choosing the cedi as the currency of choice for all local transactions.
“Let me emphasise that the cedi is our sole currency and a legal tender in Ghana so businesses should do business with the cedi,” he said.
The Governor emphasised that while the Bank of Ghana is not targeting an over-appreciation of the cedi, indicating that maintaining stability in the exchange rate is critical to sustaining economic recovery, controlling inflation, and building investor trust.
He noted that increased usage of foreign currencies in local transactions puts pressure on the cedi and hampers national efforts to stabilise the economy.
The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has made a passionate appeal to the government of President John Dramani Mahama to consider upgrading the long-standing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a full-fledged regional airport for the Upper East Region, describing the move as the most cost-effective, technically feasible, and economically viable option available.
At a press conference held in Paga, the youth group expressed appreciation for President Mahama’s recent directive to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to pursue a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the development of a regional airport in the Upper East Region.
However, PAYOM in a statement sigend by its Public Relations Officer, Desmond Ayambire Abire, noted with concern that current discourse and actions surrounding the project appear to sideline the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip, despite its historical significance and existing infrastructure.
Concerns Over One-Sided Approach
According to PAYOM, recent media commentaries and the actions of key public officials, including the Chief Executive Officer of the GACL and the Upper East Regional Minister, suggest a bias toward a new site at Anateem—some 15km from Bolgatanga and 30km from the Paga border. They decried the lack of a comprehensive assessment of the existing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip, stating that this undermines transparency and fairness in such a significant public investment.
“Radio stations and social media platforms have been dominated by a one-sided campaign, with no indication that officials have even visited the Paga/Navrongo site. This gives the impression that decisions have already been made without stakeholder consultation,” the group stated.
They questioned why proximity to Burkina Faso is being cited as justification for the Anateem site when Paga itself lies directly on the Ghana-Burkina border, making it even more strategic from a regional trade and security standpoint.
Historic Significance and Technical Feasibility
Constructed in 1939 and completed in 1940 by the colonial administration, the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip was originally built for military purposes and has served Ghana for over eight decades. PAYOM cited previous feasibility studies, including one under the late Hon. Joseph Kofi Addah as Aviation Minister, which confirmed the site’s technical and financial viability for conversion into a domestic airport.
“With government now seeking private sector participation, upgrading an existing airstrip offers far greater value to investors than developing a new airport from scratch,” the group argued, stressing that the foundational infrastructure already in place at Paga/Navrongo will reduce capital expenditure significantly.
Strategic and Economic Benefits
PAYOM outlined several compelling reasons why upgrading the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip is the most strategic choice for the region:
Proximity to Burkina Faso and Cross-Border Trade As a key border town, Paga is well-positioned to facilitate trade between Ghana and Sahelian countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. A regional airport there would strengthen Ghana’s trade links and consolidate its role as a regional economic hub.
Boost to Tourism and Investment The area is home to major tourist attractions such as the Paga Crocodile Pond and the historic Pikworo Slave Camp, drawing visitors globally. An airport would enhance accessibility, increase tourist arrivals, and attract diaspora investment.
Enhanced Security and Emergency Response In light of ongoing insecurity in the Sahel, PAYOM argued that an upgraded airstrip at Paga would enable faster deployment of security forces and improve national emergency preparedness.
Academic and Cultural Integration
A regional airport in Paga would also encourage educational and cultural exchanges between Ghana and its Francophone neighbours, deepening regional integration.
Traditional and Community Support
PAYOM noted that in June 2020, ten paramount chiefs from the Kassena-Nankana area presented a petition to then-President Nana Akufo-Addo calling for the airstrip’s upgrade. The movement described it as a snub that recent discussions have failed to acknowledge the traditional leaders’ advocacy.
Call to Action
PAYOM is urging the GACL to conduct a comparative assessment of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip alongside the proposed Anateem site. The group pledged its full cooperation to facilitate a site visit, stating that only an objective evaluation can guarantee that the final decision is technically sound and economically prudent.
They also appealed to private investors to consider the substantial cost-saving potential of upgrading an existing facility rather than building a new one. “We urge the government under President Mahama to give the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip the attention it deserves. It is not just a historical site, but a strategic national asset. Let us invest where it makes the most sense,” the group said.
A Call for Fairness and Transparency
PAYOM concluded by reiterating that their advocacy is not based on parochial interests, but on a desire for fair, data-driven, and inclusive decision-making. “We have kept quiet for far too long, believing that fairness would prevail. But the latest actions suggest a ‘win-loss’ approach rather than mutual benefit. Ghanaians deserve clarity and justification for public investment choices,” they stated.
The Paga Youth Movement, together with the Kassena-Nankana community, affirmed their commitment to supporting government, traditional authorities, private investors, and the media in making the vision of an airport in the Upper East Region a reality—one that maximises impact by building on existing assets.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo
The Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has disputed the claim that petitioners involved in the ongoing proceedings concerning the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo must personally testify in their case.
Speaking on JoyNews PM Express on May 28, 2025, Tameklo clarified that under Ghana’s jurisprudence, a petitioner is not legally required to testify personally to support their petition.
He explained that the law allows petitioners to call other witnesses to support their claims.
“It is incorrect to suggest that a party must testify on their own behalf in order to prosecute a petition. The law permits petitioners to rely on other witnesses. This is a well-established legal principle and cannot be overlooked,” he said.
He also emphasised that the judiciary cannot compel a petitioner or plaintiff to testify simply because they initiated the process.
“That has never been the position of the law. Petitioners are protected under the law and have the right to choose how they present their case,” Tameklo asserted.
His comments come amid ongoing public debates surrounding the procedure for the potential removal of the Chief Justice, a process governed by Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
MRA/MA
‘Not surprising’ – Godfred Dame reacts to Supreme Court 5:0 ruling on CJ Torkornoo’s suit
Ghanaian socialite cum music investor, Ayisha Modi
Ghanaian socialite cum music investor, Ayisha Modi, has showered praises on media personality Kofi Adomah Nwanwanii for showing concern during her recent emotional struggles.
In a Facebook post shared on May 28, 2025, Ayisha Modi noted that although Kofi Adomah has not fully recovered from surgery following the gunshot incident, he still took the time to reach out and express concern for her wellbeing.
“Even on your sick bed, you are sooo worried about me. Ahoooooo Kofi Adomah Nwanwanii. What have I done to deserve this kind of love?” she wrote.
Ayisha Modi also extended her gratitude to Kofi Adomah’s wife, Miracle Adomah, for her immense support during this difficult period.
“My brother and my lion king wife, Heaven bless your throne. Just be a good person. Love who you can, help where you can, and give what you can. I appreciate and love you both. Miracle Adomah,” she added.
This post comes shortly after Ayisha Modi shared a troubling Facebook update, detailing the emotional trauma she is battling following the sudden death of her close relative, Nii Adotey.
Read the post below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, Ghanaian fashion designer Jude Dontoh shares inspiration behind Lauryn Hill’s Met Gala outfit:
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has proposed a new approach to the local government structure, specifically regarding the election of Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Addressing the floor of Parliament on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the lawmaker stated that the current approach, where the power to appoint MMDCEs rests solely with the highest authority, in this case the President, who nominates individuals subject to approval by assembly members, is not effective.
According to him, the Constitutional Review Committee should include, among the provisions of the 1992 Constitution that require amendment, changes to the process for nominating MMDCEs, recommending that they be elected by the populace, just as is done with the executive and the legislature.
Annoh-Dompreh, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, asserted that the current method often leads to security concerns and violence, as many of the nominees are ultimately rejected by the local population, a worrying trend that has recently been observed in some district assemblies.
“The confirmation of MMDCEs even though largely have been smooth, there have been a number of violent prone areas and incidents all over the country. Just a simple exercise of going to votes on MMDCEs degenerates and it creates security concerns and that must be dealt with. I think one of the process that can be used is the election of MMDCEs,” he said.
Annoh-Dompreh further indicated that the general election of MMDCEs, as opposed to their nomination by the higher appointing authority, the President, would help reduce the unnecessary tensions that often arise.
He also added that the reported cases of violence, which often occur during the confirmation of MMDCEs by assembly members, would be eliminated if the nomination process were amended in the Constitution to allow for a general election by the people to reflect the true will of the electorate and their preferred choice for local leadership.
“It will also reduce the needless tension between MMDCEs and MPs. Our roles are defined significantly different as we play our roles as a legislative arm of government. They have their roles to play. We are almost at each other’s throats needlessly. There are genuine fears where people make the fears that, ‘if we do it [election], the minority will be controlling certain portions of the country and the country will be divided’.”
He added, “It is neither here nor there because that will reflect the will of the people. If it is the will of the people that certain persons should occupy the MMDCE position, you can’t change it. Why is it that the MPs are elected? We are ex official members of the Assembly. The MPs are elected likewise the assembly members who go to confirm the nominees are also elected.”
MAG/MA
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The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance has announced continued progress in its ongoing debt restructuring negotiations with international creditors, reaffirming its commitment to equitable treatment for all parties involved.
In a statement released by the ministry on May 29, 2025, government assured the public and international stakeholders that discussions with all remaining creditors within the debt restructuring perimeter are advancing constructively.
“In line with Ghana’s commitments to official creditors under the G20 Common Framework, no creditor has been treated preferentially,” the statement read.
“This is consistent with the principle of Comparability of Treatment,” the statement added.
The Ministry also emphasised that Ghana has strictly adhered to the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with official creditors.
This includes maintaining arrears with all external creditors subject to restructuring, a measure aimed at ensuring consistency and fairness across negotiations.
The update signals Ghana’s continued efforts to stabilise its economy and restore debt sustainability through transparent and inclusive restructuring talks.
“The Government remains committed to achieving a fair and mutually beneficial resolution with all creditors and thanks its partners for their forbearance, cooperation, and support,” the statement concluded.
This development follows Ghana’s participation in the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment, a global initiative aimed at assisting countries facing unsustainable debt levels through coordinated debt relief and restructuring mechanisms.
Al Nassr are facing growing uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future after the Portuguese star posted a cryptic message on social media that appeared to hint at the end of his time at the club.
The forward scored in what is rumoured to have been his final match for Al Nassr, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
A 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh, and followed it up with a statement that has sparked fresh speculation about a possible exit.
Ronaldo, 39, posted:
“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
The post was accompanied by a picture of him wearing Al Nassr colours, but with no mention of the club or any future plans.
His contract is set to expire this summer, and with no renewal announced, uncertainty over his next move has intensified.
In response, Al Nassr director Fernando Hierro has addressed the situation publicly, admitting that the club is yet to secure Ronaldo’s commitment beyond the current season.
“We are in contact to renew Cristiano’s contract, and we really hope he continues with us here at Al Nassr. His presence from the beginning is a national project. CR7 is a huge phenomenon in the history of football, he helped the Saudi League grow,” Hierro said.
The situation comes at a difficult time for the club, which failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League after Monday’s loss.
Despite Ronaldo giving his side the lead with a 42nd-minute goal, reportedly his 800th in club football, Al Nassr conceded twice late on, ending their hopes of continental football next season.
With the domestic season concluded and Ronaldo’s social media message fuelling exit rumours, Hierro also acknowledged the scale of external interest in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Every day, a new club appears in the media, with 30 clubs interested in Ronaldo, but we hope he stays,” he added.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as part of Saudi Arabia’s major push to attract global football stars.
His arrival opened the door for a wave of high-profile signings in the Saudi Pro League.
But now, with no extension confirmed and growing speculation of a short-term move, possibly for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, Al Nassr are at risk of losing the face of their sporting transformation.
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, here is why Chairman Wontumi has been served with Exim Bank suit
Olorato Mongale’s murder has sparked public outrage and calls for justice
Police in South Africa have named three men believed to be directly involved in the murder of a university student who had gone on a date.
Olorato Mongale’s body was discovered on Sunday in Lombardy, north of Johannesburg, about two hours after she was reported missing.
Police late on Wednesday said they had seized a VW Polo that was allegedly used in the murder of the 30-year-old student.
“The vehicle was found with traces of blood inside at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban,” police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said.
The police also said they had seized the vehicle, a VW Polo, that was allegedly used in the murder of the 30-year-old student.
“The vehicle was found with traces of blood inside at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban,” said Brig Mathe.
One man, who police believed was the owner of the vehicle, has been arrested.
Photographs of three other suspects – Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu – who are said to be on the run, have been released by police.
Two of the suspects – Mr Makhanya and Mr Mthimkhulu – were last month arrested for kidnapping and robbing a woman in KwaZulu-Natal, using the same vehicle, police said.
The two are currently out on bail, according to Brig Mathe.
She said the three suspects were “dangerous” and cautioned members of the public not to approach them.
“These suspects are warned to hand themselves over at their nearest police station.”
Ms Mongale was last seen on Sunday in the company of a man she had met a few days earlier at a shopping centre.
CCTV footage showed her leaving a location in Kew, Johannesburg, and walking towards a white VW Polo, with fake licence plates.
Her friends said she was invited for a date by a man only identified as John, who she had met in Johannesburg, where she was studying for a postgraduate degree at Witwatersrand University.
She texted one of her friends shortly before leaving home, saying that she was excited and getting ready for her date.
But police later found her body in an open field, sparking public outrage and calls for justice.
Family spokesperson Criselda Kananda said Ms Mongale’s body was “brutally violated”.
A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday evening in Lombardi West, at the site where her body was found.
Family and friends have described her as an outspoken, bubbly woman who “lived with purpose and love”, local media reported.
Ms Mongale was a journalism graduate from Rhodes University and worked briefly as a multimedia reporter at the TimesLIVE news website.
While working as a journalist, she covered the murder of Karabo Mokoena – a young woman who was murdered by her boyfriend in 2017.
Ms Mongale’s killing has sparked a fierce debate about the levels of violence faced by women in South Africa.
It is the latest femicide in a country which has a particular problem with violence against women.
About 137 women have been killed and more than 1,000 raped in South Africa between January and March, according to the latest crime statistics.
In 2020, an average of one woman died at the hands of her intimate partner every eight hours, according to a study by the University of the Free State.
In 2019, South Africa ranked among the five countries with the highest rates of the murder of women, according to the United Nations.
The country also has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, with rape being the most reported crime against children.
Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, believes that the arrest of Chairman Wontumi and other political persecutions being undertaken by the current government is geared towards diverting attention.
According to him, the president, while in opposition, assured the people of Ghana of some bread-and-butter issues that have not seen the light of day.
FIVE PEOPLE are seriously injured and 7 cars have been extensively damaged after a MAN Diesel articulator truck dangerously sped through several vehicles at Alonga Junction in Kumasi on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2:30pm.
The injured persons, which included pedestrians and occupants of the mangled vehicles, have been identified as Rose Arhin, 48, Martha Owusu, 32, Stephen Osei Tutu, 45, Francis Sakyi Gyan, 38, and Stephen Amponsah, 35.
According to the Manhyia Divisional Police Command statement, which confirmed the accident, all the injured people have since been hospitalized at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
Narrating how the accident happened, the police report said the articulator truck, registered AS 1129-T, loaded with 1,000 bags of maize, and driven by one Biiyuuk Konlan Godwin, 35, was from Tema and heading to Tanoso in Kumasi.
“On reaching a section of the road at Oforikrom, and was in the process of descending towards Anloga junction, suddenly, suspect driver veered off the road.
“He then entered the opposite lane, plough through stationary Nissan Almera taxi cab No. CR 564-13, Hyundai i10 taxi cab, Opel Astra taxi cab No. AS 9641-10, Toyota Yaris saloon car No. GS 2230-21, Nissan Micra taxi cab No. GR 5909-23, Yamouzine truck No. AW 1530-14, Daewoo Matiz taxi cab No. GG 2061-18 and Honda C-HR SUV No. AS 1690-24.
“The truck eventually fell upside down on the part of Anloga junction linking Asokwa motor truck road,” the police statement, which has been seen by the DAILY GUIDE disclosed.
The report noted that the aforementioned vehicles, which got extensively damaged, temporarily caused heavy vehicular traffic on the road before it was eventually towed to the police station for testing.
“Meantime, suspect driver, Biiyuuk Konlan Godwin, has been detained and efforts are being made to locate other drivers whose vehicles were involved in the accident to assist police investigations,” the report concluded.
Ibrahim Mahama (L) has accused Bright Simons (R) of defaming him in an article
The High Court in Accra has ordered Bright Simons, a vice president of IMANI Africa, to file his defence in the defamation suit filed against him by business mogul Ibrahim Mahama.
Court documents sighted by GhanaWeb showed that the IMANI Africa vice president had been commanded to file his defence within 8 days of service.
The court said that if Bright Simons fails to enter his defence within the stipulated time, it will give its judgment on the matter without hearing from him.
“AN ACTION having been commenced against you by the issue of this Writ by the above-named Plaintiff: IBRAHIM MAHAMA & ENGINEERS & PLANNERS COMPANY LTD.
“YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED that within EIGHT DAYS after service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you: BRIGHT SIMONS.
“AND TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, judgment may be given in your absence without further notice to you,” parts of the court document, which was issued by the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on May 28, 2025, read.
Ibrahim Mahama, who is a brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), sued Bright Simons over what they describe as defamatory statements made in a recent article.
The article, titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine”, was published on Simons’ personal website on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
The article discusses Ghana’s management of the Damang gold mine and includes claims that E&P, described as “a powerful operator owned by the brother of Ghana’s President”, suffered financially following a temporary shutdown of operations by Gold Fields.
Simons also raised concerns about E&P’s alleged influence on the Minerals Commission, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and political interference.
Ibrahim Mahama and his company made the following claims in their suit:
a. A declaration that the statements made by the Defendant, which have been particularised in paragraphs 14(a) and (b) of the statement of claim, are defamatory of the Plaintiffs;
b. An order directed at the Defendant to publish, on the same platforms that he published the defamatory words, as well as a full page of the Daily Graphic newspaper, on six consecutive occasions over a 3-month period, an unqualified retraction and an apology to the Plaintiffs;
c. An order for a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, assigns, and servants from further publishing any defamatory words against the Plaintiffs;
d. General damages of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000,000.00) for defamation;
e. Costs, including legal fees; and
f. Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit.
The government has reported continued progress in its debt restructuring negotiations with outstanding external creditors, reaffirming its dedication to fair and transparent discussions in line with the G20 Common Framework.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, May 29, 2025, authorities emphasized that no creditor has been given preferential treatment, in keeping with the principle of Comparability of Treatment.
“In line with Ghana’s commitments to the official creditors, under the G20 Common Framework, no creditor has been treated preferentially,” the statement noted.
“This is consistent with the principle of Comparability of Treatment.”
The Ministry further confirmed that the government has strictly followed the terms of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with official creditors, and has maintained arrears with all external creditors included in the debt restructuring scope.
Expressing gratitude to its international partners, the government highlighted its aim to reach an agreement that balances the interests of all stakeholders.
“The Government remains committed to achieving a fair and mutually beneficial resolution with all creditors, and thanks its partners for their forbearance, cooperation, and support,” the statement said.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, legal counsel for embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—says the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) acted lawfully in arresting his client.
Wontumi was picked up by EOCO on Tuesday, shortly after being interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra.
Ghanaian media personality Andy Dosty has advised rapper Kenny Ice to stop complaining about unfair treatment in the music industry.
During an interview on Hitz FM on May 29, 2025, Kenny Ice expressed frustration over fairness in the music industry, despite his hard work. He said he has to work ten times harder to get noticed, even though industry people are aware of his contributions.
Responding to Kenny Ice’s concerns while seated as a guest panelist on the show, Andy Dosty cautioned the rapper against complaining. He said that focusing too much on grievances can take away from the artiste’s progress and reduce the value of their work.
“A musician, everyone knew that he was a smell fungus. He would talk and talk and complain about everything. Don’t become one. I’m only advising you. The more you complain, the lesser your work become,” Andy Dosty said.
He encouraged Kenny Ice to remain focused and work harder to achieve his goals.
“Please, work harder, make sure you keep your focus, make sure you target at your goal and score,” he added.
Andy Dosty using football legends Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona as examples, he explained that success is a process and doesn’t happen overnight. He urged the rapper to be patient and understand that growth takes time.
“Messi or Maradona didn’t just wake up or didn’t move from wearing diapers to scoring goals. It was a process,” he stated.
The veteran media personality also pointed out that sometimes, the challenges artistes face might come from within. He suggested that Kenny Ice take a closer look at his own efforts and approach.
“What’s the problem? It could be from you. It could be that you are not doing enough legwork. It could be that you think you are so big that every door you get to, it must open. But sometimes you need to break it open,” he said.
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter addressed to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, dated May 23, 2025, revoked the appointment of Anne Sansa Daly, who had claimed she was a medical doctor, to the board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
No explanation was given in the revocation letter, which was issued on behalf of the president by Dr Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President.
However, the revocation of her appointment followed claims by a faction of the public that she had fake medical credentials.
Reports indicated that checks at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in the United States (US), where Sansa Daly claims she acquired her medical credentials, show there is no record of her at the university.
Also, checks at the Ghana Medical and Dental Council and the American Board of Family Medicine showed that she holds no valid medical qualifications to practise in Ghana and the United States, respectively.
What was Sansa Daly appointed to do on the NHIA board?
President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter dated May 19, 2025, appointed Sansa Daly as a member of the Governing Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The letter, which was issued by Dr Callistus Mahama, showed a list of 17 appointed members of the NHIA Governing Board and roles they are expected to play.
Sansa Daly, together with the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, were listed as “Two health professionals with expertise in health insurance” on the board.
The letter referred to Sansa Daly as “Dr Anne Sansa Daly”.
The president, in the letter, directed that the 17 members of the board be sworn in to enable them to commence work immediately.
So, it is clear that President Mahama appointed Sansa Daly based on her credentials as a medical practitioner, unless the letter written by the president’s secretary did not convey his instruction, or the letter in the public domain is fake.
This leaves a lot of questions, including how someone can be appointed to such a top post with credentials that appear to be non-existent; whether there were checks on her credentials by the country’s security apparatus for such a top position; and whether the president’s original appointment was distorted.
What the government has said about the brouhaha:
The government, through the Ministry of Health, has explained that Sansa Daly was not sworn in as a member of the National Health Insurance Authority Board, contradicting recent media reports.
In a statement dated Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that a letter appointing Sansa Daly, along with other members of the Board, was issued on May 19, 2025, but added that subsequently, a letter dated May 23, 2025, was issued by the appropriate authority, which revoked her appointment.
“The Ministry of Health has taken note of a publication on Graphic Online regarding the appointment and swearing-in of Ms Anne Sansa Daly as a member of the National Health Insurance Authority Board. The Ministry wishes to categorically deny the allegations contained in the said publication and to present the facts as follows.
“A letter appointing Ms Anne Sansa Daly, along with other members of the Board, was issued on May 19, 2025. Subsequently, a letter dated May 23, 2025, was issued by the appropriate authority. This second letter revoked her appointment and appointed her replacement,” it noted.
The question should not be whether Sansa Daly, who calls herself “Dr Daly”, was sworn in or not, but how she got appointed and whether she presented fake credentials to gain her appointment.
The letters of appointment and revocation even point to the fact that the government has issues about her credentials. The appointment letter had the name “Dr Anne Sansa Daly”, while the letter of the revocation of her appointment had the name “Anne Sansa Daly”.
The ministry’s statement also had the name “Ms Anne Sansa Daly”, clearly ignoring the “Dr” title.
Should the statement issued by the minister and the revocation letter be enough? Certainly not, in the interest of transparency and accountability. The government must, as a bare minimum, explain her appointment and the brouhaha surrounding her qualifications.
Additionally, if Sansa Daly was wrongly portraying herself to be a medical doctor, it is illegal and must have some legal ramifications.
What the law says about fake doctors:
The Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857), governs the practice of medicine in Ghana.
Section 48 of the Act lists the offences of medical practice in Ghana, which include “false declaration in an application for registration as a medical or dental practitioner, physician assistant or certified registered anaesthetist” and “wilfully and falsely uses any name, title such as ‘Dr.’ or addition implying a qualification to practise medicine or dentistry.”
Persons who commit these offences can likely get a prison term of about 20 years.
Below are the exact words of Act 857, Section 48:
A person who
(a) makes a false declaration in an application for registration as a medical or dental practitioner, physician assistant, or certified registered anaesthetist;
(b) wilfully and falsely uses any name, title such as “Dr.” or addition implying a qualification to practise medicine or dentistry;
(c) employs or engages a non-registered practitioner;
(d) without being registered under this Part;
(i) practises or professes to practise medicine or dentistry; or
(ii) receives payment for the practice of dentistry or medicine; or
(e) wilfully destroys or damages a register kept under this Part, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than one thousand penalty units and not more than ten thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years or to both; and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine of ten penalty units for each day during which the offence continues after written notice has been served on the offender personally by the Council.
In conclusion, the revocation of Sansa Daly’s appointment cannot be enough. Given the national security implications of her appointment and the international dimension it has taken with the involvement of one of the best universities in the world, more action is needed on the matter.
BoG’s quarter-ounce gold coin selling at GH¢9,386.52 on May 29
The Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins continue to see a drop in investment prices, following the appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.
The central bank introduced the gold coins as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of US dollars.
As of Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Bank reported the following updated prices:
• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢9,386.52, down from GH¢9,365.08.
• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢18,060.97, down from GH¢18,018.53.
• The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢35,451.88, down from GH¢36,367.53.
According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market and help strengthen the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies.
The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations; one ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and is being sold through commercial banks.
SP/MA
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L-R: Afena Gyan, Mohammed Salisu and Ibrahim Sulemana are yet to join Blac k Stars squad in London
Ghanaian attackers Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Sulemana were unable to report to the Black Stars camp in time for the game against Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup due to visa challenges.
According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the two players were unable to process their visas in time due to some issues they faced.
They stated that they are working on the visa issue and hope the problem will be resolved in time for them to feature in the second game against Trinidad and Tobago.
It was clarified that AS Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu’s absence was due to personal reasons.
“The Ghana Football Association wishes to inform the public that Felix Afena-Gyan, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Mohammed Salisu are currently unavailable for the Black Stars’ Unity Cup match against Nigeria.
“Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Sulemana are facing visa issues and have not yet arrived in London, while Mohammed Salisu is absent due to personal reasons. We hope to welcome them to the team for the next match on Saturday, May 31, 2025,” the statement read.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Black Stars in the semi-finals of the 2025 Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, advancing to the tournament final.
This result marks Ghana’s first defeat to Nigeria since 2006, ending a 19-year unbeaten streak against the Super Eagles.
The Black Stars will now face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff, while Nigeria advances to meet Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the same venue.
SB/EB
Watch full report on the day one of the Sekondi Inter-Schools athletics
Former Minister for Works and Housing and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has cautioned that the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo could have lasting implications for Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Thursday, May 29, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasised the need for careful consideration in such matters.
“The consequences of our actions lie ahead of us,” he said, highlighting the potential long-term effects of the proceedings.
“Posterity will judge all those involved,” he added, suggesting that future generations will assess the decisions and actions taken during this period.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Frank Davies, has expressed serious concerns about the future of judicial independence in Ghana.
He warned that recent developments in the impeachment process against Chief Justice Torkornoo may threaten one of the cornerstones of Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, May 28, Mr. Davies responded to the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to strike out a supplementary affidavit filed by the Chief Justice in response to a petition before a committee.
While admitting he had not yet reviewed the full ruling, Mr. Davies said the broader implications were troubling.
The Ghana Police Service has promoted four officers from the Western Central Regional Police Command in recognition of their diligence, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
The officers — No. 47459 G/Sgt. Fetus Gameli Kukuia, No. 52192 G/Cpl. Christian Asare, No. 52441 G/Cpl. Nicholas Kingsley Amoah, and No. 59947 G/Const. Adam Yakubu — have been elevated to the ranks of Inspector, Sergeant, and Lance Corporal respectively.
Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, along with the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers, emphasizing that the promotions serve as motivation for other personnel and reinforce the Service’s commitment to rewarding exceptional performance.
The commendation follows the officers’ role in the arrest of three armed suspects — Hakeem Imoro, Imoro Tahiru, and Nurideen Wahab — at the Bawdie Barrier near Wassa Akropong on April 30, 2025, a day after the murder of five individuals at Asiyaw near Nsawam.
The suspects, travelling on a Grand Bird Bus (AS 4431 22), were intercepted and searched by the officers, leading to the recovery of a submachine gun and 21 rounds of ammunition from Hakeem Imoro.
Upon interrogation, Imoro linked the weapon to his boss, Samuel Atsu Forson alias Alanyo, who had already been arrested in connection with the Asiyaw murders.
Investigations have since confirmed the suspects were attempting to flee the jurisdiction and are directly connected to the Asiyaw killings.
The Police Service lauded the officers for their vigilance and reaffirmed its commitment to rewarding excellence in law enforcement.
Businessman, Isaac Fayose, has claimed that the 15-year-old virgin controversial singer, Speed Darlington, said he sl#pt with in a hotel, has been located and will soon be visiting the police station with her mother to make her statement.
In a video he posted online, Fayose said that Speed Darlington is about to ”face the law for his crime.”
‘’How can we operate a lawless nation, The latest saga now is Akpi coming on a live broadcast to say he slept with a 15-year-old and blood gushed out of her and stained all of the bed and he had to pay the hotel staff to come and clean it, What a sad moment in our country on Children’s day confession. Where is the protection for our children?
Unfortunately for Akpi, he was thinking it was a joke but as God will have it, we now have a victim coming forward tomorrow(today May 29) to write a statement, She is going there with the mother.
Akpi, you are going to be the latest paedophile in Nigeria. You are going to join the likes of R.Kelly. You have been joking about the oil but not now you are a victim of your oil. Now we have got someone coming up tomorrow to write statement and I believe the relevant agencies are watching you.
I am in Dubai now and people are talking about it. This one, you can’t sweep it under the carpet. Unfortunately for you, we now have a victim.
Speed Darlington, you are going, going, gone. You better get your oil ready for kirikiri”
The United States Embassy in Ghana has officially bid farewell to Ambassador Virginia Evelyn Palmer, who concluded her three-year assignment in the country on May 28, 2025.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Embassy expressed gratitude for Ambassador Palmer’s service, highlighting her contributions during her tenure and her broader 39-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service.
“Yesterday, May 28, we bid farewell to Ambassador Virginia Evelyn Palmer. After a three-year tour in Ghana, she concluded her assignment and departed post. We thank her for her outstanding service in her 39-year career with the U.S. Foreign Service and wish her all the best as she begins her next chapter,” the post read.
Ambassador Palmer served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana from 2022 to 2025, during which she played a key role in strengthening U.S.-Ghana relations across areas including health, security, economic development, and democratic governance.
Following her departure, Deputy Chief of Mission Rolf Olson has assumed the role of Chargé d’Affaires and will lead the Embassy until a new ambassador is appointed.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revamping the country’s agricultural sector through the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP)—a bold initiative aimed at achieving national food security and sustainable agricultural growth.
He made these remarks at the National Validation Workshop held in Accra on May 29, 2025, where stakeholders gathered to fine-tune and endorse the FGP.
Describing the workshop as a critical platform for collective action, the Minister said: “Today’s workshop is more than a validation exercise; it is an opportunity for us all to take ownership of the Feed Ghana Programme, fine-tune its strategies, and ensure it is practical, inclusive, and results-oriented.”
He commended the Ministry’s technical team for their dedication and lauded the collaborative effort behind the programme’s development. He also acknowledged financial support from international partners, including the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for their role in shaping what he called a transformative blueprint.
The Minister outlined several pressing challenges in Ghana’s agricultural landscape, such as low productivity, dependence on food imports, limited access to irrigation and mechanization, underutilized arable land, and weak links between agriculture and industry. He emphasized that the FGP is a structured and ambitious response to these challenges.
“The Feed Ghana Programme embodies our collective vision to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food system that generates jobs, curbs imports, and drives agro-industrial growth,” he stated.
The programme is built on nine strategic sub-programmes, addressing key areas such as crop and livestock development, agricultural financing, infrastructure, farmer services, and institutional capacity building. A major focus is on empowering marginalized groups—particularly smallholder farmers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities—through cooperative development and increased involvement in agricultural value chains.
The Minister called for stronger stakeholder collaboration to ensure the initiative’s success.
“Your participation is vital. With your collective ingenuity, we can craft a policy that not only feeds our nation but also empowers our people and transforms our economy,” he urged.
He concluded with a strong assurance of government backing for implementation, promising resource mobilization, cross-sector policy alignment, and a conducive environment for private sector participation.
“As we deliberate today, let us ensure the Feed Ghana Programme emerges not just as a validated document but as a practical, owned, and impactful roadmap for Ghana’s agricultural renaissance,” the Minister concluded.
The event attracted development partners, ministry officials, farmers, private sector actors, civil society organizations, academics, and media representatives.
The validation workshop continues as stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue aimed at refining the FGP and positioning Ghana’s agriculture for long-term transformation.
A group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) foot soldiers and local executives in the Effutu Constituency have staged a protest against President John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of Rev. Atta Mensah as the new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area.
The demonstration follows the rejection of the initial nominee, Abraham Henry Arthur, who secured only 9 out of 26 votes from Assembly Members.
In response, President Mahama nominated Rev. Atta Mensah as a replacement. However, some party members have rejected the new nominee, insisting that Rev. Mensah is not their preferred candidate.
The protesters are calling on the President to reinstate Abraham Henry Arthur, whom they say has already done significant groundwork in the constituency and enjoys broad support from party members.
“We were not involved in the process, and we believe the decision does not reflect the will of the grassroots,” said Bernard Mensah, who spoke on behalf of some branch executives.
They are urging President Mahama to reconsider the nomination in the interest of party unity and effective local development.
The Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Rev. Prof. John Eshun, has encouraged graduates of various apprenticeship programmes to try and create employment for themselves.
He said the youth who are fortunate to be equipped with employable skills should use them not just to seek jobs, but to build opportunities for themselves and for others.
The Vice Chancellor made these remarks in an address read for him at the graduation ceremony of 29 youth who went through a two- year apprenticeship programme in welding and fabrication under the Mine Apprenticeship Training programme of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation.
The 29 young individuals were selected within the host communities of Gold Fields Ghana Limited in Tarkwa and Damang.
The beneficiaries were made up of 15 females and 14 males. They were provided with technical and entrepreneurial training needed in mining and construction entities.
The training focused on both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience, ensuring participants gained the required competence to meet industry standards.
They received certificates from the Minerals Commission and the Southern Africa Institute of Welders to serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Meanwhile, 24 out of the 29 young individuals have obtained jobs at Kansco Engineering, a contractor currently working at the company’s mine.
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields, Elliot Twum in an address read on his behalf noted that the company has invested more than $4 million in skills training.
He said, “Since 2018, the programme has benefited 172 graduates, with 90 trainees currently at the Tarkwa and Damang mines of Gold Fields,” he said.
Mr. Twum said through the training programmes, the company is ensuring that the next generation is not only job ready but also equipped to create their own opportunities.
Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, added that the training, reduces unemployment, and drive local economic growth.
“You are now professional welders and fabricators. Go and shine and be ambassadors of Gold Fields and your communities,” he told the beneficiaries.
Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor, also urged the beneficiaries saying, “The knowledge you have acquired is a powerful tool that will help improve your living standards and improve the local economy.”
Andy Appiah-Kubi, lawyer for embattled Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, says the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) cannot be faulted for carrying out their duties.
The former Asante Akyem North MP stated that there is nothing wrong with the ongoing investigation, despite the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service having previously questioned his client.
Chairman Wontumi’s arrest by EOCO on Tuesday, shortly after leaving the CID headquarters in Accra, has drawn widespread criticism from within the ranks of the NPP.
He remains in custody after failing to meet his bail conditions of GH₵50 million with two justified sureties on Wednesday, amid reports of ill health.
While EOCO has not officially disclosed the full details of his arrest, sources suggest that Wontumi is under investigation over alleged financial transactions involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
However, lawyer Appiah-Kubi in an interview on , stated that the charges from the CID may differ from those filed by EOCO.
“Since both institutions have the legal mandate to probe these issues, I see nothing wrong with it. When we went, he answered all questions he was asked, so the investigation is still ongoing and nothing stops them.
What is left for us to do is to push through the bail and sureties that need to be justified, and we are working on that,” he stated.
Speaking on the bail progress, the lawyer confirmed that several individuals, though unnamed, have come forward to assist.
“I’m looking forward to them bringing the necessary documents for verification so we can proceed, but we are ready to avail ourselves for further investigations,” he added.
Parliament is in session today, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with lawmakers convening in the chamber to address a range of national issues.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to deliberate on key matters, including proposed legislation, policy briefs, and the implementation of government initiatives.
This sitting is part of Parliament’s ongoing efforts to provide legislative oversight, examine national priorities, and uphold transparency and accountability in governance.
Items on today’s Order Paper are expected to include discussions on new economic reforms, proposed amendments to existing laws, and progress reports on infrastructure projects and social intervention programs.
Aggrieved NDC supporters in Effutu demonstrating against the nomination of Rev Atta Mensah as MCE
Some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Winneba, Central Region, have staged a protest against the nomination of Reverend Atta Mensah as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effutu.
In a video circulating widely on social media, the aggrieved party supporters, clad in red attire and holding placards, are seen gathered at the NDC party office, chanting slogans such as “No Abraham, No MCE.”
The demonstrators insist that their preferred candidate, Abraham, should have been nominated instead.
Their protest follows the announcement by President John Dramani Mahama of two new MCE nominees for the Central Region.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Reverend Atta Mensah was named as the nominee for Effutu, while Gariba Adam was nominated for Assin Central.
The nominations were made in accordance with Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended.
The statement, signed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, clarified that the appointments are subject to approval by the respective Assemblies, in line with procedures governing local governance in Ghana.
Watch the video below:
HAPPENING NOW: “No Abraham, No MCE” – Several NDC members in Winneba have massed up at the party office to protest the nomination of Rev. Atta Mensah as MCE for Effutu.#CitiNewsroompic.twitter.com/A3YvkFhwUo
Ghanaian rapper Kenny Ice has expressed frustration over what he describes as a lack of fairness from the Ghanaian music industry despite his hard work and achievements.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, the rapper revealed that he feels overlooked by the Ghanaian industry, even though he has made huge contributions and maintained presence in the Volta Region and beyond.
“I have to do like times ten of the work I have already done. All the top dawgs in the industry know me but the industry has not been fair to me, Kenny Ice,” he said.
Kenny Ice made noted that his complaints are not coming from a place of laziness or entitlement. He emphasised that his track record over the years shows he has put in the effort and delivered results.
“I’m not saying that from someone who is lazy and sitting somewhere just trying to nag. Over the years you have seen my works and the impact I have had,” he stated.
The rapper stressed on his achievements in the Volta Region, saying he ranks among the top artistes from the region. He also mentioned his ability to attract large crowds to his independently organized shows, which he has been doing since 2015.
“When you get to the Volta Region, top three, I’m there and this is someone pulling close to 10,000 to 12,000 crowds. I started putting up my own shows in 2015,” he shared.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has penned a strongly worded editorial castigating the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, in The Guardian.
The write-up, which was published on theguardian.com on May 28, 2025, was in response to how President Trump ambushed the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, with supposed evidence of white genocide, the killing of white people by blacks, in South Africa during a recent meeting at the White House.
President Mahama, in his write-up, questioned the basis of the claim of white genocide in South Africa (SA) as he narrated the country’s history.
He asserted that the US president’s claim of a white genocide could not be farther from reality, accusing him of backing his claim with misleading visuals.
“Ramaphosa was blindsided by Trump with those unfounded accusations and the accompanying display of images that were misrepresented – in one image, pictures of burials were actually from Congo. Trump refused to listen as Ramaphosa insisted that his government did not have any official policies of discrimination,” President Mahama wrote.
He pointed out that there are real issues the world is grappling with that need to be addressed, including issues of refugees and a disruption in international aid.
“Mzee Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wrote: ‘The process of knowing is simple. No matter where you want to journey, you start from where you are.’ We journey forward with a history that cannot be erased, and will not be erased. Not while there are children dying in the mines of the Congo, and rape is being used as a weapon of war in Sudan.
“Our world is in real crisis; real refugees are being turned away from the borders of the wealthiest nations, real babies will die because international aid has been abruptly stopped, and real genocides are happening in real time all across the globe,” Mahama wrote.
Read Mahama’s full write-up published by theguardian.com:
The meeting at the White House between Donald Trump and the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was, at its heart, about the preservation of essential historical truths. The US president’s claims of white genocide conflict with the actual racial persecution and massacres that took place during the two centuries of colonisation and nearly 50 years of apartheid in South Africa.
It is not enough to be affronted by these claims, or to casually dismiss them as untruths. These statements are a clear example of how language can be leveraged to extend the effects of previous injustices. This mode of violence has long been used against Indigenous Africans. And it cannot simply be met with silence – not any more.
The Kenyan writer Mzee Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wrote: “Language conquest, unlike the military form, wherein the victor must subdue the whole population directly, is cheaper and more effective.”
African nations learned long ago that their fates are inextricably linked. When it comes to interactions with the world beyond our continent, we are each other’s bellwether. In 1957, the year before my birth, Ghana became the first Black African country to free itself from colonialism. After the union jack had been lowered, our first prime minister, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, gave a speech in which he emphasised that, “our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa”.
Shortly after, in 1960, was the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, which resulted in 69 deaths and more than 100 wounded. In Ghana, thousands of miles away, we marched, we protested, we gave cover and shelter. A similar solidarity existed in sovereign nations across the continent. Why? Because people who looked like us were being subjugated, treated as second-class citizens, on their own ancestral land. We had fought our own versions of that same battle.
I was 17 in June 1976, when the South African Soweto uprising took place. The now-iconic photo of a young man, Mbuyisa Makhubo, carrying the limp, 12-year-old body of Hector Pieterson, who had just been shot by the police, haunted me for years. It so deeply hurt me to think that I was free to dream of a future as this child was making the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom and future of his people. Hundreds of children were killed in that protest alone. It is their blood, and the blood of their forebears that nourishes the soil of South Africa.
The racial persecution of Black South Africans was rooted in a system that was enshrined in law. It took worldwide participation through demonstrations, boycotts, divestments and sanctions to end apartheid so that all South Africans, regardless of skin colour, would be considered equal. Nevertheless, the effects of centuries-long oppression do not just disappear with the stroke of a pen, particularly when there has been no cogent plan of reparative justice.
Despite making up less than 10% of the population, white South Africans control more than 70% of the nation’s wealth. Even now, there are a few places in South Africa where only Afrikaners are permitted to own property, live, and work. At the entrance to once such settlement, Kleinfontein, is an enormous bust of Hendrik Verwoerd, the former prime minister who is considered the architect of apartheid.
Another separatist town, Orania, teaches only Afrikaans in its schools, has its own chamber of commerce, as well as its own currency, the ora, that is used strictly within its borders. It has been reported that inside the Orania Cultural History Museum there is a bust of every apartheid-era president except FW de Klerk, who initiated reforms that led to the repeal of apartheid laws.
Both Kleinfontein and Orania are currently in existence, and they boast a peaceful lifestyle. Why had the America-bound Afrikaners not sought refuge in either of those places?
Had the Black South Africans wanted to exact revenge on Afrikaners, surely, they would have done so decades ago when the pain of their previous circumstances was still fresh in their minds. What, at this point, is there to be gained by viciously killing and persecuting people you’d long ago forgiven?
According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, half of the population of South Africa is under 29, born after the apartheid era and, presumably, committed to building and uplifting the “rainbow nation”. For what reason would they suddenly begin a genocide against white people?
Ramaphosa was blindsided by Trump with those unfounded accusations and the accompanying display of images that were misrepresented – in one image, pictures of burials were actually from Congo. Trump refused to listen as Ramaphosa insisted that his government did not have any official policies of discrimination.
“If you want to destroy a people,” Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “you destroy their memory, you destroy their history.” Memory, however, is long. It courses through the veins of our children and their children. The terror of what we have experienced is stored at a cellular level. As long as those stories are told, at home, in church, at the beauty and barber shop, in schools, in literature, music and on the screen, then we, the sons and daughters of Africa, will continue to know what we’ve survived and who we are.
Mzee Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wrote: “The process of knowing is simple. No matter where you want to journey, you start from where you are.” We journey forward with a history that cannot be erased, and will not be erased. Not while there are children dying in the mines of the Congo, and rape is being used as a weapon of war in Sudan.
Our world is in real crisis; real refugees are being turned away from the borders of the wealthiest nations, real babies will die because international aid has been abruptly stopped, and real genocides are happening in real time all across the globe.
At the White House, Donald Trump shows Cyril Ramaphosa what he claims are images of burial sites in South Africa, 21 May 2025
One in six persons who engaged public officials in 2024 paid bribes to access public services
One in six persons who engaged public officials in 2024 paid bribes to access public services, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed in its newly launched Governance Series Wave 1 Report.
The study found that 18.4 percent of individuals who interacted with public officials within the year under review paid bribes, predominantly in the form of cash.
According to GSS, the study forms part of efforts to monitor Ghana’s performance on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 16.5.1 which tracks the proportion of persons who paid or were asked to pay a bribe to a public official.
Conducted using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) model, the survey reached 7,248 respondents across all 16 regions. Of those surveyed, 55.7 percent had at least one contact with a public official in the reference period from January to December 2024.
Bribery patterns by demographics
GSS data highlight troubling disparities in the distribution of bribe-giving as males accounted for 77.4 percent of those who paid bribes, with females constituting 22.6 percent.
Meanwhile, bribery was more prevalent in urban areas (61.9 percent) than in rural areas (38.1 percent).
In terms of age, the highest incidence of gift-giving occurred among persons aged 35 to 49 years – accounting for about 43 percent of all bribes paid. The trend was similar across education levels, with individuals possessing tertiary and JHS/middle-level education recording the highest figures.
The employed made up the bulk (75.6 percent) of those who gave bribes, but notably, 22.4 percent of unemployed persons reported paying over GH¢1,000 as bribes, revealing the economic burden corruption imposes on even the jobless.
Among persons with disabilities, approximately 21 percent reported paying bribes, with significantly higher rates among individuals with physical impairments (40.1%) and visual impairments (32.5 percent)
Institutional and regional trends
Institutional analysis revealed that the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service recorded the highest bribe prevalence, with six in ten people who interacted with MTTD officials reporting they paid bribes. Other top-ranking institutions include general duties police (46.7 percent), police CID (37.9 percent) and city guards (34.4 percent).
On the flipside, the Minerals Commission recorded no reported cases of bribery and foreign embassies or consulates had just 2.6 percent of respondents reporting bribe-related interactions.
Geographically, Greater Accra (22 percent) and Ashanti Region (18.1 percent) had the highest incidences of bribery, while Savannah (1.0 percent) and North East (1.1 percent) reported the lowest.
Nature of bribes
Money remained the most dominant form of bribe, making up 85.2 percent of all gifts. Other items included food, drinks, animals (9 percent) and exchange of services (4.4 percent).
The amounts paid varied widely: about one-third paid between GH¢101 – GH¢500 and 14% paid more than GH¢1,000.
More males (15.6 percent) than females (10.8 percent) reported paying over GH¢1,000. Similarly, urban residents paid more bribes than their rural counterparts. The Greater Accra Region again topped the chart for highest bribes paid.
A striking 74.9 percent of bribes were directly requested by public officials, either personally or through a third party. About 17.3 percent of respondents gave bribes voluntarily, either to facilitate the process or out of appreciation.
Yet only 14.5 percent of bribe incidents were reported to anti-corruption institutions, with urban dwellers more likely to report than rural residents.
Next steps
According to GSS, the first wave serves as a baseline for tracking governance-related experiences over time.
According to Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, the report is a “call to action” and reflects the need for policies rooted in robust data.
“This evidence must be used to drive reforms, empower citizens and ultimately reduce corruption in public service delivery,” he stated.
The bi-annual Governance Series will follow up with the same respondents every six months to assess progress. The findings will also inform Ghana’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the SDGs scheduled for July 2025.
Albert Adomah (R), dribbling past Ronaldinho (L) back in 2011
Most footballers spend a lifetime watching highlights of Ronaldinho, dreaming of what it would be like to share a pitch with the Brazilian magician, let alone humiliate him.
But Albert Adomah didn’t just share a pitch with Ronaldinho. He dared to pull off the unthinkable: he hit him with a stepover and left him behind.
It was 2011, and a then-23-year-old Adomah had just earned his first call-up to the Ghana national team while playing for Bristol City in the Championship.
The debut wasn’t a low-key affair. Ghana were set to face Brazil at Craven Cottage, and the team sheet looked like a FIFA Ultimate Team dream; Ronaldinho, Neymar, Marcelo, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Fernandinho, Lucas Leiva, and Alexandre Pato.
For Adomah, a player who had grown up mimicking Ronaldinho’s tricks in street games and cage football, the moment was almost too surreal.
“Before I became a professional footballer, I used to do Ronaldinho skills in street and cage football. So to be on the same pitch as such an iconic figure was a wow moment of my career,” Adomah told SunSport.
But the admiration didn’t stop him from going for it.
Midway through the game, Adomah recall pulling off a trademark stepover, Ronaldinho’s move, and gliding past the Brazil legend, leaving him momentarily chasing shadows.
“During the game, I did his trademark stepover. I’ve got a picture of me going past him. I thought, ‘I’ve just skipped past the most skilful player ever,” he added.
For a few glorious seconds, the kid from South London who grew up imitating Ronaldinho had flipped the script.
But football has a way of restoring balance. Almost immediately, Lucas Leiva, Brazil’s midfield enforcer, came flying in with a crunching tackle that stopped Adomah in his tracks.
“I got brought crashing back down to earth. Lucas, a typical holding midfielder, came steaming in with a sliding tackle,” Adomah recalled.
Brazil would go on to win 1-0, thanks to a strike from Leandro Damião, but Adomah’s surreal debut didn’t end there. After the final whistle, he bagged shirts from Neymar and Pato, souvenirs from a night he’ll never forget.
Twelve years later, Adomah is still playing in the English League Two with Walsall and still has the memory of stepping past Ronaldinho like it was a kickabout back in the cage.
Joshlin Smith didn’t attend school the day she disappeared because she lacked a clean uniform
A South African woman convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter has been sentenced to life in prison, along with her two accomplices.
The jail terms for Racquel “Kelly” Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyns come more than a year after Joshlin Smith mysteriously disappeared outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town.
Despite a highly publicised search for the girl, who vanished in February 2024, she is yet to be found.
The sentencing follows a six-week trial that captivated South Africa, with witnesses and prosecutors making a number of shocking allegations.
Judge Nathan Erasmus said he “drew no distinction” between the trio in handing down the sentences.
“On the human trafficking charge, you are sentenced to life imprisonment. On the kidnapping charge, you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” he said to loud applause in the courtroom.
Judge Erasmus took over an hour to deliver the sentence and was measured as he gave a brief summary of the case and highlighted points that stood out during the trial.
He rebuked the trio, especially Mr van Rhyn and Ms Smith, saying they showed no remorse for their actions.
“There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming or deserving of a lesser sentence,” he said.
He also spoke of the impact their conduct had on the community of Middelpos, where the girl lived, saying it had left residents “fractured”.
Smith, 35, and her accomplices showed no emotion as their sentences were read out in the community centre in Saldanha where the trial was held to allow residents to attend proceedings.
Police said the search for the little girl would continue, even beyond South Africa’s borders.
“We will not rest until we find [out] what happened to Joshlin. We are continuing day and night looking for her,” Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile told local media.
Emotions were high ahead of the sentencing, with angry community members saying the trio should get a “harsh sentence because they deserve it”.
Ahead of sentencing, Joshlin’s grandmother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, once again pleaded with her daughter to “bring my [grand]child back or tell me where she is”.
“I don’t feel that any sentence they get will bring my grandchild back,” she told local broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
Ms Smith-Daniels said that Joshlin’s disappearance had left her family “broken”.
She urged her daughter to stop blaming others for her misfortune as she “was the person that did the deed”.
During the trial, the court heard testimonies from more than 30 witnesses, who painted a picture of the young girl’s troubled life and subsequent disappearance.
Kelly Smith and her accomplices refused to testify or call any witnesses for their defence.
The most explosive came from Lourentia Lombaard, a friend and neighbour of Smith who turned state witness.
Ms Lombaard alleged that Smith told her she had done “something silly” and sold Joshlin to a traditional healer, known in South Africa as a “sangoma”.
The “person who [allegedly took] Joshlin wanted her for her eyes and skin”, Ms Lombaard told the court.
A local pastor testified that in 2023, he had heard Smith – a mother of three – talk of selling her children for 20,000 rand ($1,100; £850) each, though she had said she was willing to accept a lower figure of $275.
Joshlin’s teacher then alleged in court that Smith had told her during the search that her daughter was already “on a ship, inside a container, and they were on the way to West Africa”.
It was the testimonies of Ms Lombard and the clergyman that were key to securing a conviction.
During sentencing hearings, Smith was described as manipulative and someone who told “bald-faced lies”. A social worker appointed to compile a report on Smith and her accomplices, went so far as to say it would not be a “stretch to conclude that [Kelly] Smith is the mastermind behind the trafficking of her own daughter”.
The court also heard powerful statements from those who knew Joshlin about the devastating effect of her disappearance on the community.
Senior Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari has rebuked former Vice President Dr Bawumia over his recent criticism of the arrest of the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, accusing him of political inconsistency and selective advocacy for justice.
The respected lawyer and aide to President John Dramani Mahama acknowledged the Vice President’s expression of concern over the case.
The immediate past Managing Director (MD) of State Transport Company (STC), Nana Akomea, has described as ‘wicked lies’ an allegation that he sold the company’s land during his tenure.
Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show Tuesday, May 27, he was emphatic that he would have resisted any pressure to engage in such conduct.
Nana Akomea slammed the new Deputy MD of STC for peddling unimaginable and reckless falsehood about him and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Nana Akomea rather asserted that STC lands were sold before his tenure, during the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
He cited STC lands including four acres at the STC head office sold to a company called BCM, four acres at Takoradi sold to Melcom, and even the official bungalow for the STC MD at Roman Ridge in Accra sold to Caitec, all before his tenure.
He said his administration engaged partners and investors to develop idle STC lands under rental agreements, which have secured financial gains for the company.
“Isn’t this better than the outright sales of STC lands as occurred in previous administrations under the watch of the NDC?” he quipped.
He has advised the newly appointed Deputy MD to stop whining about STC’s fleet of buses and work to secure the twenty new buses for which a large part payment had already been made.
The new Deputy MD, in an interview on Accra FM with Bobie Ansah, had sought to portray the company as “dead” and “gone” with no functioning buses and terminals.
Nana Akomea wondered how a “dead” and “gone” company, with no functioning buses and terminals, could regularly pay salaries for over 700 staff, including the new Deputy MD and the new staff they have added to the company’s payroll, in addition to servicing every month its debt to the bank.
Speaking on the same Accra FM last Monday with Bobie Ansah, Nana Akomea disclosed the company had made part payment for twenty new buses, which arrangement had stalled due to inaction on the part of the new Deputy MD.
He advised the Deputy MD to avoid fruitless propaganda and half truths about the company and previous management, which can be easily exposed.
Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme and Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla
The United Nations (UN) has announced the 2024 recipients of the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana will receive the Military Gender Advocate Award and Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone will receive the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers today, May 29, 2025.
The awards will be presented at the UN Headquarters in New York by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
Squadron Leader Sharon Syme of Ghana has been named the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls during her tour of duty with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Since her deployment in 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser, Squadron Leader Syme’s work has directly impacted local communities, ensuring the voices and needs of women and girls are integrated into security and peacebuilding initiatives.
“Squadron Leader Syme exemplifies the principles of gender advocacy in peacekeeping,” said Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. “Her dedication has not only improved the effectiveness of UNISFA’s operations but also ensured that the mission is more reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves.”
“Applying gender perspectives into daily tasks is the responsibility of every peacekeeper,” Squadron Leader Syme said. “Success comes through diversifying military representation at checkpoints, operating bases and on patrols, it also comes from having gender responsive leaders, who listen and respond to the voices of their male and female peacekeepers.”
Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone has been named the Woman Police Officer of the Year for her innovative community engagement initiatives that helped strengthen relations between host communities and the mission, while establishing new crime reporting channels in Abyei, where there is no functional police service.
In an area that had no schools when she arrived, she initiated an educational programme, providing materials and visual aids for teaching disadvantaged children. She also established a mentorship programme for girls.
Currently serving as UNISFA’s Chief Police Training Officer, Chief Superintendent Gbla spent her teenage years displaced within her home country of Sierra Leone and later as a refugee in Guinea – experiences that motivated her to enter the police service and to empower women affected, like her, by conflict.
“Having been inspired by seeing the positive impact of the police firsthand, including the rebuilding and restructuring of the Sierra Leone Police following years of conflict, Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the work of the United Nations to improve lives and shape futures,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
“This award symbolises the tireless work of the women in uniform who serve under the UN flag,” Chief Superintendent Gbla said upon hearing of her award. “Each of us faces unique challenges in our respective missions, yet our collective goal remains the same: to foster peace and protect the vulnerable.”
A mystery guest has sparked a wave of reactions on social media after making a show-stopping appearance at the grand wedding of Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian singer Juma Jux.
The grand finale of the wedding ceremony, held in Tanzania, brought together celebrities and well-wishers from Nigeria and beyond, including the bride’s famous mother, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo.
Emmanuel Kotin has raised deep concerns about the increasing politicization of Ghana’s institutions, warning that the country’s democratic gains are being eroded by party interference in law enforcement and governance.
Speaking on Starr FM, the the security analyst expressed frustration over the growing tendency for political parties to interfere with or shield individuals from accountability, simply because of their affiliations.
The Minority in Parliament says it will summon the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to appear before the House to explain the controversial closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C., following allegations of visa fraud.
Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the Minority, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, described the minister’s actions as rash, undiplomatic, and damaging to Ghana’s international image.
He accused the Foreign Minister of grandstanding and rushing to social media and the press without first consulting Parliament or following proper diplomatic procedures.
“We, the Minority, will file a question on the floor of Parliament for the Minister to come and explain the circumstances surrounding this matter,” Mr. Jinapor said and added, “We fully support disciplinary action against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing, but this must be done with tact and within the bounds of diplomacy.”
Populism Over Diplomacy
The Minority expressed grave concern about what it called the minister’s “populist posturing” in handling a matter with serious diplomatic implications.
Mr. Jinapor, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, argued that the closure of the embassy, Ghana’s key diplomatic outpost in the United States, was not only excessive but also cast a shadow over the entire Foreign Service and Ghana’s credibility abroad.
“This is not the first time an embassy staff anywhere in the world has been accused of misconduct. These matters are often resolved behind closed doors with quiet, tactful diplomacy, not public sensationalism,” he said.
The Minority said it was “utterly shocked and surprised” when it learned from media reports that the Washington mission had been closed, allegedly due to the actions of a single staff member accused of engaging in fraudulent activities.
“Not everyone in the mission is involved in fraud,” Mr. Jinapor stressed, quizzing, “So why paint the entire mission with one broad brush?”
He called the minister’s public announcements “unnecessary grandstanding” that undermines Ghana’s international reputation and sends the wrong signal to citizens and foreign partners alike.
Engagement with Parliament
Mr. Jinapor also criticised the minister’s failure to consult the Foreign Affairs Committee before making such a far-reaching decision. He urged the ministry to improve its engagement with Parliament going forward.
“We’ve engaged the chairman of the committee, and even some Majority members admit they were unaware of the Minister’s decision,” he revealed. “This cannot continue.”
The Minority believes the Foreign Minister must learn to distinguish between opposition activism and government diplomacy, especially now that he holds one of the most sensitive portfolios in the executive branch.
“President Mahama has only been in office for a few months, and perhaps some are still adjusting from the opposition style of politics,” Mr. Jinapor said, adding, “But foreign policy requires restraint, tact, and maturity.”
Broader Concerns
The press conference also touched on other issues plaguing the Foreign Ministry, including controversies over passport processing times, the rollout of chip-embedded passports, and service delivery at embassies.
MP Jinapor called on the minister to raise Ghana’s flag on the global stage rather than “lower it with poor judgment.”
“We want the Minister to take a step back, engage Parliament more, and conduct Ghana’s foreign policy in a way that enhances – not tarnishes – our image,” he intimated.
The Minority urged the minister to appear before Parliament as soon as possible, and pledged to pursue answers through formal parliamentary procedures if necessary.
The much-anticipated Ghana Comedy Awards has been held with lots of glitz, glamour and humour from Ghana’s best comedians.
Every year, the Ghana Comedy Awards are held with the goal of recognisng notable individuals and celebrating humour in Ghana.
For the second consecutive time, Ghanaian comedian Lekzy DeComic has won the ultimate award at the 2025 Ghana Comedy Awards.
The Comedian of the Year award solidifies his position as one of Ghana’s leading comedians.
He also took home the award for Best Comic MC of the Year, showcasing his versatility and dynamic stage presence.
Some of his notable achievements that likely contributed to these wins include headlining comedy shows: Lekzy DeComic headlined three comedy shows, demonstrating his ability to draw large audiences and deliver high-quality performances.
He also hosted corporate events in Ghana and other African countries, highlighting his professionalism and adaptability in different settings.
Lekzy DeComic was part of performers of a comedy show in America, and other African countries. These have helped increase his popularity and recognition across the continent.
Speaking from South Africa, he thanked Ghanaians and the world for believing in his craft and coming around when he’s billed on a show.
He also promised to do more in the years ahead to put smiles on the faces of his fans.
His wins are a testament to his consistency, creativity, and growing influence in the comedy scene. Lekzy DeComic’s success has not only entertained the nation but also elevated the Ghanaian comedy industry to new heights.
The courtesy call was aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
He highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives in securing the nation’s borders and outlined opportunities for Qatari support to the Ghana Prisons Service, particularly in the development of industrial hubs to promote inmate rehabilitation and skills training.
Both officials emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to advance mutual interests and improve the well-being of their respective citizens.
The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Ghana and Qatar.
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