The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of endangering Ghana’s mining sector through a series of harmful policies.
In a letter dated April 21, 2025, the opposition warned that the new measures would stifle growth, repel foreign investment, and trigger job losses.
Addressed to the Ministers for Finance and Lands and Natural Resources, the letter described the recent decisions as “potentially dire” for Ghana’s economy.
It was signed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee; Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee; and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Ranking Member on the Finance Committee.
The MPs criticised two new tax measures: a 3% Growth and Sustainability Levy on gross mining volumes introduced in 2025, and an additional levy scheduled to take effect from 2026 to 2028.
“These royalty-like levies are putting several mines already in distress into graver financial difficulties,” the Minority wrote.
They also argued that miners of other minerals, who have not benefited from price hikes, are being unfairly burdened by the taxes.
Even more alarming to the group is the newly passed Goldbod Act, which bans foreign entities from trading and exporting gold. According to the Minority, the law sends the wrong message to investors and violates the 1992 Constitution by retroactively affecting existing rights.
The Minority further condemned the government’s refusal to renew the lease for Gold Fields Ghana’s Damang mine, describing the decision as a blow to investor confidence and long-term commitments.
“The government could have used the renewal to renegotiate better terms, not force out an experienced operator,” the letter stated.
The MPs also criticised the government’s decision to defund 80% of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), a key vehicle for Ghana’s equity participation in mining, calling it a step back from the country’s ambition to secure a meaningful stake in its natural resources.
Additionally, the Minority raised concerns over a violent attack at a mining site that left eight people dead. According to the group, the attack was fueled by anti-investor rhetoric, and the lack of progress in the investigation has only deepened investor fears.
The Caucus also slammed the recent abolition of Community Mining Schemes, arguing that the move has created room for illegal mining. They said the schemes should have been regulated rather than scrapped.
In closing, the Minority urged the government to rethink its approach, restore lease renewals, tone down hostile rhetoric, and implement a clear strategy to support local mining firms.
“This is the time when government must bolster economic stability and attract, rather than discourage, foreign direct investment,” the letter concluded.
Tributes from around the globe have poured in following the death of Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, just a day after celebrating Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s passing after a prolonged struggle with illness, noting that although he had been discharged from the hospital recently and had resumed his papal duties, his death came suddenly, leaving millions of Catholics and world leaders shocked and mourning.
Many global leaders took to social media platforms, including Facebook and X, to express their condolences and pay homage to a man widely seen as a spiritual reformer and a beacon of humility, compassion, and peace.
His Royal Majesty King Charles in a tribute stated: My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”
Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, General Secretary of the Commonwealth, shared her sorrow in a Facebook post:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His advocacy for the poor, peace and tolerance touched the lives of people across the Commonwealth and the world. May he rest in peace.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called the late pontiff “a man of humility,” recognising Francis’s personal simplicity and his devotion to the marginalised.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof remembered him as “a man of the people in every way,” reflecting the Pope’s lifelong commitment to bringing the Church closer to ordinary people.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola remarked on his warmth and universal appeal, saying, “His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the Pope’s compassion: “Pope Francis showed boundless compassion and dedication to building bridges between faiths. His legacy of peace and unity will endure.”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter echoed similar sentiments, describing Francis as “a great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney highlighted the Pope’s moral voice in international affairs: “He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in a world that desperately needed it.”
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (behind the podium), a former MP for Assin Central Constituency
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a former MP for Assin Central Constituency, joined the Calvary Methodist Church at Adabraka in the Greater Accra Region for the Easter Sunday Service on April 20, 2025.
Speaking at the event, the former lawmaker emphasized the need for proper collaboration between politicians and religious leaders to advance an agenda for the country’s socio-economic development.
He said, “The people listen to you, Pastors and Men of God more than they listen to politicians. As such, we must weaponize religion to drive development in all sectors of the Ghanaian economy”.
Subsequently, Agyapong referenced a sermon by Dr Mensah Otabil where the preacher unequivocally indicated that changing our attitudes is the only way the country can develop.
According to Agyapong, the statement by the venerable man of God, which includes a call for patriotism and eschewing unscrupulousness, underscores the need for collaboration between pastors and politicians for national development.
It is worth noting that Hon. Agyapong’s entourage included his wife, Christiana Agyapong, two of his daughters, two Members of Parliament, five NPP constituency chairmen, three former MPs, a former presidential staffer, friends, and other members of the NPP.
President John Dramani Mahama has observed that there are early signs of macroeconomic stability with inflation gradually easing.
He said with disciplined management, government was restoring a measure of confidence in our economy.
President Mahama (middle) with some ministers of state and invited guests after the forum
“I am confident—and I say this with sincerity—that we are turning a corner. But recovery alone is not enough. We must now set our sights higher — on transformation. We must build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and productive,” the President said.
President Mahama made this observation when he opened the second edition of the Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region on Saturday on the theme ‘The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector’.
The forum, designed to serve as a platform for dialogue between financial institutions and private sector players, was to highlight investment opportunities, discuss policy interventions, and chart a path towards building a more resilient and competitive business landscape in the country.
President Mahama’s observation comes on the back of consumer inflation rate declining for the third consecutive month to 22.4 per cent in March 2025 from 23.1 per cent in February.
According to President Mahama, the quest to build a “resilient, inclusive, and productive economy” could not be achieved without a financial sector that works not just for a few, but for every Ghanaian business.
He said the government’s vision for Ghana’s future business landscape was bold and deliberate as it pursues targeted programmes to restore investor confidence by enhancing transparency, cutting bureaucratic red tapes, and promoting a rules-based investment climate.
“We are prioritising sectors that can absorb labour and grow our economy sustainably— agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, and the green economy. But our focus is not only on attracting foreign investment. We are equally committed to empowering Ghanaians to become owners and drivers of enterprise,” he stated.
To truly enable business growth, he noted that there was the need to go beyond economic policy and champion a firm commitment to the rule of law, political stability, respect for contracts and property rights, a responsive, corruption-free public service that sees the private sector not just as a revenue source, but as a development partner.
A collaborative effort between government and the private sector, President Mahama said was what Ghana needed to change its socio-economies narrative. “The future of Ghana will not be determined by government alone. It will be determined by our ability to build partnerships—between state and private sector, between finance and innovation, and between leadership and the people,” he stated.
He lauded the Kwahu Business Forum, describing it as a call to action and urged participants to join hands with the government to work together to build a Ghana that is competitive, productive, and inclusive. A Ghana that creates opportunity for all.
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed that the government, in collaboration with the private sector, was to establish three state-of-the-art garment factories to reduce the importation of fabrics.
She said each of the factories would have the capacity to provide 3,000 jobs per shift and create 27,000 jobs across three shifts under the 24-hour economy policy.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, MP, Techiman North, added that a pharmaceutical manufacturing development policy to offer robust incentives and encourage local production of essential medicine was in the offing whiles a component manufacturing policy to support the automotive sector was being finalised.
Mahama (4th from R) joined congregants of the Assemblies of God Church at Mpraeso
President John Dramani Mahama joined congregants of the Assemblies of God Church at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region for a spirit-filled Easter Sunday service, as Christians across the country marked the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Accompanied by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Eastern Regional Minister Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, President Mahama worshipped alongside hundreds of believers in a heartfelt celebration of faith, gratitude, and hope.
In his address, President Mahama expressed profound thanks to God for the gift of life and the peaceful outcome of the recent elections.
He noted that his presence at the church was in fulfilment of a promise made to God—to return in thanksgiving for a victorious and incident-free electoral process.
“Today is a day of thanksgiving,” the President said. “It is only right that I return to say thank you to the Lord for His grace and mercies.”
The Easter visit, which underscored the central role of faith in President Mahama’s public and personal life, drew admiration from congregants and church leadership alike.
Rev Joseph Baidoo, Eastern Region “C” Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, expressed appreciation for the President’s gesture, describing it as an inspiration to the congregation.
He further pledged the church’s continued cooperation and support for national development efforts.
“We are grateful for your presence, President,” Rev. Baidoo said. “We assure you of our prayers, partnership, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”
The find was made during ongoing iron ore exploration in the Gyamurume range by GIISDEC and GGSA
Potentially mineable nickel deposits have been discovered in the Oti Region—a development that could diversify the country’s mineral portfolio and attract investment into battery metal supply chains.
The find was made during ongoing iron ore exploration in the Gyamurume range by the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA).
Preliminary drill samples indicate nickel concentrations exceeding one percent—considered commercially viable, raising the prospect of Ghana joining the global race for critical minerals.
While certified laboratory results are pending, officials say the early data is promising.
“We have found iron ore in good quantities, but we do not want a situation where an investor comes in for iron ore and then unexpectedly benefits from nickel as well,” GIISDEC Chief Executive Officer William Okofu Darteh said during a technical visit to the site.
“We want to know the full picture—what minerals are here, in what quantities and of what quality—before we make decisions,” he further stated.
GIISDEC has commissioned consultants to conduct a comprehensive mineral content analysis, expected to be completed by September 2025.
The study will determine the grade, volume and distribution of both iron and nickel across the site.
“We are doing a complete analysis because our mandate allows us to handle not just iron and steel but related minerals like copper and nickel. So this is still within our operational scope under the law,” Mr. Darteh told the B&FT.
Once validated, the findings will be packaged for investors, with the aim of attracting capital into the full value chain rather than piecemeal extraction.
The GGSA confirmed the presence of nickel in all eight drill holes completed so far. “The concentrations observed are within the economic range—in some cases even exceeding one percent —which is considered mineable for nickel,” David Yaw Kuma, senior geoscientist with the GGSA added.
Initial testing was done using handheld scanners, but results from certified commercial laboratories are expected to provide greater precision.
“We used handheld scanners to do some of the initial checks, and what we saw was promising. But we are now waiting for the results from the certified commercial laboratories. Those lab results will give us a clearer picture of what we are dealing with,” Mr. Kuma explained.
He noted the project’s scope could be adjusted depending on the lab-confirmed grades.
“The nickel discovery was not planned, but it’s there; and now we have to evaluate it carefully. We cannot ignore it,” he said.
Nickel is a key input in lithium-ion batteries, and demand has surged in recent years due to the accelerating global energy transition. Ghana’s entrance into the nickel market would align with its broader strategy to position itself as a critical minerals supplier.
The country is also developing the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in the Central Region, which is projected to produce around 365,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually. Together, the projects signal Ghana’s growing ambition in battery metals, traditionally dominated by countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia.
Despite the optimism, GIISDEC and GGSA say it’s too early to draw firm conclusions.
“We are not jumping to conclusions. We need the lab results. Once we get that, we will know what steps to take,” Mr. Darteh noted.
“We have something worth looking at, but let’s wait for the proper data. That’s how you build a strong mining sector—by relying on science and facts, not just speculation,” Mr. Kuma added.
Should commercial viability be confirmed, the nickel discovery is expected to boost investor interest in the Oti Region and contribute to Ghana’s longer-term plans to expand and modernise its mining sector. GIISDEC says transparency will be key in investor engagement.
“We want to be transparent with investors. If we are offering iron ore, and there is also nickel, then we must be upfront about it. That is how we build trust and long-term investment,” Mr. Darteh stressed.
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Ghanaian rising star Victor Kwawu has been chosen to lead the Confederation of African Football (CAF) commentary team for the 2025 African Schools Football Championship Finals in Accra.
With football scheduled from April 21-26, 2025, this week-long event aims to enhance capacity-building programs, mentorship, and training for football administrators, enthusiasts, and young people.
Kwawu will be joined by renowned African football legends in the commentary box, creating an enjoyable viewing experience for global viewers on SuperSport, CAF’s YouTube channel, GTV, Max TV, and others.
CAF has also named African legends Abedi Pele (Ghana), Clementine Toure (Côte d’Ivoire), Robert Kidiaba (DR Congo), Asamoah Gyan, Adjoa Bayor (Ghana), Dlamini (South Africa), and Kareem Haggui (Tunisia) to assist with the Schools Championship.
With experience commentating on notable events like the African Games, BabyJet U-16 African Championship, and Ghana’s Premier Leagues, Victor Kwawu is well-suited to bring expertise to the school finals. This marks a significant milestone as West Africa hosts the competition for the first time.
In a candid interview with Daily Post, Nigerian music sensation Davido Adeleke, known globally as Davido, has announced a significant shift in his personal life, publicly committing to end his history of infidelity. The internationally renowned Afrobeats star, who has often made headlines not only for his chart-topping hits but also for his tumultuous romantic life, revealed that he is determined to leave behind the controversies and challenges that have followed him in his relationships.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the singer’s journey, both personally and professionally. Known for his energetic stage presence and social media antics, Davido has been the subject of public scrutiny for his romantic entanglements, particularly after his high-profile marriage to longtime partner Chioma Rowland in 2023. His love life has often been a source of discussion among fans and critics alike, but now, it appears the artist is ready to take control of his narrative.
“I said I’m not cheating again. I no dey cheat again. You no hear wetin I talk? I said I don’t want any wahala. Cheating comes with lots of problems. I have five kids with four women,” Davido remarked during the interview, emphasizing his commitment to change. His statement reflects a man who has deeply reflected on the emotional toll and complications caused by infidelity, realizing that the negative consequences far outweigh any fleeting benefits.
Davido’s decision is not only a personal resolution but also influenced by his upbringing and observations within his own family. The singer shared how some of his uncles maintained polygamous homes, one of which reportedly involved several wives living under the same roof. Despite the outward appearance of harmony, Davido revealed that these relationships were often fraught with unspoken tensions and disputes. These experiences, he noted, made him recognize the importance of peace and stability in a home, motivating him to choose a more harmonious path moving forward.
While Davido’s past relationships have garnered much attention and criticism, this new commitment signifies his desire for a more peaceful and fulfilling life. As one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, his decision to be more intentional about his personal life has resonated with fans and is expected to set a new tone for his future, both on and off the stage.
With a promising career ahead and a new perspective on love and relationships, Davido’s decision to embrace a drama-free life is one that many will watch closely as he continues to evolve both as an artist and as an individual.
The Second Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Rita Talata Asobayire, has denied media reports suggesting that she blamed the party’s General Secretary for their defeat in the 2024 elections.
According to her, she never spoke to the Mike Ocquaye committee and is shocked that some statements have been attributed to her and subsequently published by the media.
Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has stirred thoughtful reflection online after revealing a lesser-known detail about the late Pope Francis’ past — that he once worked as a nightclub bouncer.
In a Facebook post shared on April 21, 2025, Manasseh noted that he stumbled upon this fact while reading tributes and stories following the Pope’s passing. The revelation, he said, struck a personal chord and prompted a deeper reflection on judgment and transformation.
“The Pope As A Once Nightclub Bouncer,” Manasseh wrote. “Of everything I read, that’s what struck me, and I posted the fact without a comment.”
While many reacted positively to the post, others criticized him for highlighting the Pope’s past occupation. Responding to the backlash, Manasseh explained that his intention was not to mock or diminish the Pope’s legacy, but rather to challenge a culture of quick condemnation within the Christian community.
“We live in an era when Christians are quick to condemn others without giving them a chance,” he noted. “If a nightclub bouncer could rise to become a Pope, then we ought to be careful about the people we write off just because they don’t live like us.”
Manasseh further referenced the biblical figure of Apostle Paul — once a persecutor of Christians — as another example of how individuals can undergo profound transformation and go on to fulfill divine purposes.
According to the journalist, many people ignored the moral lesson in the Pope’s journey and instead chose to misinterpret his intentions.
“Whatever negativity you associated with the post says so much about you, and not the one who posted the fact,” he concluded.
Manasseh’s post has since sparked wide discussion on social media, with many praising the reminder that personal histories do not define one’s potential or spiritual worth. His message serves as a call for empathy, patience, and the belief in transformation — values at the core of many religious teachings.
Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has said that the government’s decision to place the free dialysis programme under the newly formed Ghana Medical Trust, also known as Mahama Cares, could prove to be the best solution to the country’s dialysis crisis.
Alhaji Agongo, who founded the Sage Medical Centre, a dialysis hospital in Accra, said many kidney disease patients lacked access to treatment due to inadequate funding and limited service availability, leading to needless complications and loss of lives.
His comments follow assurances by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Bampoe, last week that the NHIA would procure additional dialysis machines and essential consumables for healthcare facilities nationwide to expand access. The expansion is in line with the government’s broader strategy to improve access to critical healthcare services, he said, adding that it planned to incorporate the programme under the Mahama Cares initiative.
Alhaji Agongo said that, when fully operational, the Mahama Cares initiative could extend free dialysis services to all patients nationwide, bridging access and capacity gaps while saving lives. The businessman pointed out that currently, seven of the country’s 13 regions, with a combined population of about 5.7 million people, do not have dialysis centres, highlighting a significant gap in treatment availability.
“What it means is, if you’re a kidney patient in any of these seven regions, you have to travel to the other six regions for treatment or risk deterioration and early death.”
“If you consider the fact that patients require dialysis three times a week to survive, then you can imagine the additional pressure it places on a renal patient to seek treatment in another region,” he said.
The businessman added that the government needed to partner with indigenous entrepreneurs with experience in the sector to support the implementation of the Mahama Cares initiative.
Cost of Dialysis
Alhaji Agongo founded the Sage Medical Centre at East Legon in 2020 as a subsidiary of Alive Industry, a market leader in dialysis care and technology. The company has since imported over 650 dialysis machines and provides treatment to an average of 10,000 patients every year.
He said he was moved by the plight of kidney patients to establish the Sage Medical Centre and help expand access to quality care. However, after half a decade in the sector, he said he is convinced that private sector investment alone is inadequate to address the problem.
“When it comes to dialysis, we have both access and capacity-to-pay challenges. Every session costs GHȼ750, and every patient requires three sessions a week.”
“Can you imagine the amount required for dialysis alone in a week, not to mention other expenses?” he asked.
One of the state-of-the art dialysis machines used at Sage Medical Center in Accra
The founder of the defunct Heritage Bank Limited expressed hope that the Mahama Cares initiative — which aims to provide sustainable funding for healthcare — would help to expand free access to life-saving treatment for renal patients in the country.
He emphasised that this was critical to the welfare of Ghanaians, given the rising number of kidney-related diseases in the country.
Partnership
As of 2023, Sage Medical Centre was one of just 14 dialysis centres in the country serving a population of over 30 million people.
Alhaji Agongo said the dialysis unit is equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the industry, utilising Nipro and Toray dialysis machines, known for their efficiency, precision, and patient safety.
“These machines are supported by a consistent and robust supply chain — with eight containers of dialysis consumables imported every month, including components such as bloodlines and fistula needles, ensuring uninterrupted treatment and the highest standards of care,” he said.
“What sets Sage apart is not just the numbers — but the quality of our care, the dedication of our professionals, and our ability to deliver consistently, even in the face of rising demand,” he said, adding that the centre was willing to partner with the government to make the free dialysis programme a success.
He also appealed to Ghanaians and specialists in renal health to join hands with the government in addressing the country’s kidney disease challenges.
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Dr Bossman Eric Asare, Jean Mensa and Samuel Tettey
The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called for the dismissal of the top officials at the Electoral Commission.
According to Asiedu Nketiah, the top commissioners, including Jean Mensa (Chairperson), Samuel Tettey (Deputy Chairman for Operations), Dr Bossman Eric Asare (Deputy Chairman for Corporate Services), Adwoa Asuama Abrefa (Commissioner), Salima Ahmed Tijani, Dr Peter Appiahene, and Rev Akua Ofori Boateng, need to step down as part of an institutional reset.
In an interview on Radio Gold on April 18, 2025, he explained that he had called for their removal even when his party was in opposition. Now that they are in power, he still stands by his comments.
“Before we came to power, I called for a reset of our various institutions, the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and the Auditor General, and I termed it an institutional reset.
“I still stand by my comments because I raised these concerns first. Why should I change my mind just because we have won an election and the EC is now seen as an angel?” he said.
When asked by the host if the Electoral Commission officials should be sacked, he replied, “For me, not only her, but all the topmost people must also go.”
Meanwhile, a Ghanaian citizen residing in the Volta Region has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to remove the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, from office.
The petitioner is also calling for the removal of the EC’s two deputies, Samuel Tetteh and Dr Bossman Eric Asare, as well as EC member Dr Peter Appiahene.
The petition, filed on Monday, January 27, 2025, alleges breaches of fundamental human rights under Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution. It also cites constitutional violations, including incompetence, bias, and actions that undermine public confidence in the Commission’s impartiality and integrity, contrary to Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution.
According to the petitioner, the disenfranchisement of voters in the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) areas during the 2020 parliamentary elections constitutes a gross violation of citizens’ rights under Article 42.
He argued that the EC’s denial of parliamentary representation to SALL residents was an attempt to influence the balance of power in Parliament.
“For over four years, the people of SALL were deprived of their constitutional right to parliamentary representation, leaving them without a voice in the legislative process. At the time of this deliberate exclusion, the parliamentary composition was a hung parliament.
“The SALL area’s parliamentary vote was pivotal and could have potentially given the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) a majority. By disenfranchising these voters, the EC acted in a manner that suggests partisan bias and an attempt to influence the balance of power in Parliament,” the petition stated.
The petition further criticised the EC’s handling of the 2020 elections, describing it as poor and citing errors in the presidential election results, as well as claims of bias by the commissioners.
“The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, in concert with her deputies, has demonstrated gross incompetence in the performance of her duties. Announcing such a critical decision on the eve of an election (Exhibit A) suggests poor management and a failure to anticipate the impact of the Guan District’s creation on electoral arrangements,” the petitioner noted.
Additionally, the petitioner referenced past social media comments made by Dr. Bossman Asare and Dr. Peter Appiahene, accusing them of compromising the impartiality required of the Commission.
“Dr Bossman Asare made numerous social media comments on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter before his appointment, displaying overt bias against the opposition party. These statements have raised questions about his impartiality and suitability for the role.”
The petition calls on President Mahama to invoke Article 146 of the Constitution to address these concerns and restore public confidence in the electoral process. It is supported by detailed exhibits and evidence to substantiate the claims.
@ts4eureka General mosquito 🤦♂️🤣#resettingghana #letsbuildghanatogether #foryou❤️❤️ #foryoupage #budget2025 #ndc ♬ original sound – ts4eureka
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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has begun a reshuffle of police commanders stationed in illegal mining (galamsey) hotspots, as the Ghana Police Service intensifies its crackdown on the destructive activity.
The move, which targets Divisional and District Commanders mainly in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions, is the first phase of what the IGP described as a broader exercise to inject new energy and accountability into the fight against galamsey.
“This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to ensure more effective policing in areas plagued by illegal mining,” a police statement noted, emphasizing that more changes are expected in the coming weeks.
Below is the full statement by the police
POLICE RESHUFFLE COMMANDERS IN GALAMSEY AREAS AS IT INTENSIFIES ITS WAR ON ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno in keeping with his promise to wage a relentless war on illegal mining activities (galamsey) has reshuffled Police commanders in galamsey prone areas.
This is said to be the first phase of the reshuffle exercise as many more are expected to follow to inject fresh energy in the fight against illegal mining activities in the country.
Police Commands affected include some Divisional and District Commanders mainly in the Eastern South, Western and Western North Police Regions.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in its war against illegal mining (galamsey).
A special four continuous days intelligence-led anti-galamsey operations which started on 17th April, 2025 within the Samreboi enclave in the Western Region has resulted in the arrest of 47 people for illegal mining activities along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri and Nimiri forests of the Western region.
The suspects comprises 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese as well as four (4) women.
Exhibits retrieved during the operation include; 1. Seventeen (17) escavators 2. One (1) bulldozer 3. Four (4) motorbikes 4. Two (2) Toyota Hilux vehicles 5. One (1) Rav4 vehicle 6. Four (4) pump action guns 7. One (1) single barrel gun 8. 54 live BB cartridges and 9. Eight (8) pumping machines
All the suspects are in custody and will be taken through the due process of the law.
There has been a double update on Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva, with the Portuguese seemingly eyeing a big summer move to Barcelona.
Silva has been linked with a Man City exit in several recent transfer windows as he has weighed up a move to one of numerous European giants who are interested in his services. The midfielder is thought to be keen on a new challenge after helping Pep Guardiola’s side to win a host of silverware including the Champions League, six Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
While no transfer has materialised previously, it is thought that Silva will depart the Etihad this summer as part of Guardiola’s big revamp.
City aim to bring in multiple younger stars to re-energise the team, and 30-year-old Silva could be among those to make way.
As per Todo Fichajes, Barcelona have been unsuccessful in signing Silva for two years, but he now seems ‘increasingly tied’ to the Catalan giants.
A deal is ‘more feasible than ever’ as Silva’s City contract allegedly includes a release clause ‘specifically for Barcelona’.
This exit clause is worth €58million (£50m / $66m). Barca would be able to pay it in three instalments, helping their financial situation.
Silva’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has a good relationship with the Barca hierarchy and has been in ‘constant contact’ over this potential transfer in recent weeks.
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Bernardo Silva to join Barcelona over Benfica
A separate report from Catalan source Sport adds that Silva ‘wants to sign’ for the Blaugrana, despite there being a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia on the table.
City are ready to part ways with the top-class playmaker as his contract expires in June 2026 and there is little prospect of a renewal.
Barca were previously targeting a new winger such as Nico Williams, but they have since changed tactics and are now prioritising a No 10 such as Silva.
In recent days, Benfica have been tipped to re-sign Silva, who originally broke through at the Portuguese giants.
But Sport provide clarity on this prospective move, stating that Benfica are unable to meet his big wage demands currently.
Silva does one day want to retire at Benfica, though that will not be for at least two or three years.
The 100-cap international has been linked with Real Madrid too, though it seems more likely he will be playing under Hansi Flick if he finalises a switch to LaLiga.
Man City news: Midfield recruits eyed
City will need midfield reinforcements if the likes of Silva and Mateo Kovacic follow Kevin De Bruyne out of the Etihad this summer.
Recent reports state the Cityzens are ready to ‘attack’ for the signing of one of the best midfielders in Italy.
Guardiola is also on the lookout for a classy No 10 who can succeed from De Bruyne, and his preferred target will cost a total fee of €250m.
By Godfred A. Polkuu Weisi (U/E), April 22, GNA – Varieties of fish including fingerlings have been found dead in the Fumbisi-Weisi stream in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region.
The suspected fish poisoning raised concerns among residents in the community and the District, who are expressing shock at the development.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), to the stream to assess the situation, observed that fingerlings, tilapia, catfish among other types of fish were dead in the water.
The colour of the water looked dark with awful smell emanating from the stream, while some children in the community were seen swimming.
Even though the GNA did not see any mining activity along the stream at the time of the visit, residents attributed the fish mortality to chemicals from illegal miners in the area, and called for immediate investigation into the matter.
When contacted on the issue, Mr Emmanuel Kuu-Ere Kob-Puo, the Builsa South District Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said “It was brought to our attention.
“We wanted to be sure, so we sent two officers to the area, and they actually confirmed that there were dead fish including fingerlings in the stream,” he said.
He said the Service immediately engaged other stakeholders and started community education to prevent residents from consuming fish from the stream.
“The main thing is that people should not consume the fish. Once they consume it, they are likely to have health issues,” Mr Kob-Puo cautioned, and added that “We want to be sure that nobody consumes the fish.”
When the GNA contacted the Director, he said “Currently as I speak, I am on the way to the site with the District Chief Executive, together with officers from the FDA and all relevant organizations to get some samples.”
Asked if there were reported cases of people consuming the fish at health facilities in the area, Mr Kob-Puo said “For now, no case is reported, but we have alerted all our health facilities to watch out for anybody coming with signs and symptoms of food poisoning or abdominal pain. So we are all alert.”
He said the media would be briefed after their investigation, and called for calm among residents as officials worked to ascertain the cause of the mortality.
Ms Evelyn Salifu, a resident told the GNA that the incident happened on Thursday, April 17, 2025, “It happened on Thursday. We were actually surprised to see the fish this way.
“Some of us came to the stream on the first day and picked the fish home, prepared and ate. We spiced and fried it well. The heat will kill any poison in it,” she said when asked if they were not concerned about possible fish poisoning.
She added that “For today, the way the place is smelling, and with the colour of the water, we can’t collect the remaining fish,” she said.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) will organise a national memorial mass for His Holiness, Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff and Servant of the Servants of God, who passed on to eternal glory on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in the Vatican, Rome.
The solemn liturgical celebration, the date of which will soon be communicated, will be attended by bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful to honour the memory and legacy of the late Holy Father.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, signed by the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, announced the death of the Holy Father and urged archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes to organise local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in honour of Pope Francis.
It called on the parishes to observe moments of prayer and reflection on his teachings and witness.
The statement encouraged Catholic schools, seminaries, and other institutions to host prayer services, talks, and discussions to help the faithful, especially the young, to appreciate the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
It said as the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis, served the Church with profound humility, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to the poor, to peace, and to the care of the environment.
The late Pope Francis’ life and ministry were a powerful witness to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and compassion.
“In this moment of great loss for the Universal Church, I ask that all bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful across the Local Church in Ghana offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis,” it said.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina on December 17, 1936, was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.
He had won many awards including the Independent Publisher Book Award for Freedom Fighter of the Year 2017.
The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, has stated that the accountability period for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is near.
According to Gyamfi, the government’s revocation of Wontumi’s Akonta Mining license is a testament to President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”
“The day of reckoning for Chairman Wontumi and his ilk has come. @JDMahama means business. Together with well-meaning Ghanaians, we shall win the fight against illegal mining and preserve our environment,” he stated in a social media post on April 22, 2025.
His comments follow the government’s directive, through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, instructing the Minerals Commission to revoke the mining lease of Akonta Mining, a company owned by Wontumi, over alleged breaches.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has asked the Minerals Commission to revoke the mining license of Akonta Mining Ltd over illegal operations.
According to him, a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the discovery of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.
Akonta Mining Ltd is owned by NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
During a press briefing on April 21, 2025, the minister said: “Some interviews with a few residents indicate that the modus operandi of Akonta Mining is to use force to enter and destroy even the farmlands and produce of poor farmers in the area.
“Armed with this intel, on the eve of Good Friday (April 17 2025), an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission led to the raid of six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining.”
According to the minister, the operation in Compartment 49, which began at 5 AM and lasted a whopping 12 hours, resulted in:
Plans are underway to construct three oil refineries, five hydrochemical plants and ten tank farms as part of a comprehensive strategy to expand the country’s energy infrastructure and maximise the value of its hydrocarbon resources.
Addressing energy investors and industry leaders at the 2025 Invest in African Energies: Accra Investor Briefing, Deputy Energy and Green Transition Minister, Richard Gyan-Mensah, outlined a series of government’s infrastructure ambitions and policy direction.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Energy, John Jinapor, he stated that the planned facilities will significantly strengthen Ghana’s capacity to process and utilise its petroleum resources domestically, adding that the ultimate goal of the initiatives is energy security through affordable prices by prioritising storage, transportation infrastructure and other measures to maximise value.
“A 20,000-acre piece of land has already been secured in Jomoro in the Western Region for the construction of these facilities,” he said.
“The government is committed to providing basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity in the area to accelerate the development,” he added.
Each of the three new refineries will have a minimum processing capacity of 300,000 barrels of oil per stream day, a major scale-up from Ghana’s current refining capacity, the deputy minister said.
The in-country refineries have been bedevilled with a string of issues. The state-owned Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), which has a capacity of 45,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), has faced several operational and financial challenges, including but not limited to maintenance issues, inefficiencies and financial mismanagement. The Sentuo Refinery, with a similar capacity, has also had its fair share of challenges.
Nonetheless, he said the plants are expected to complement ongoing upstream exploration and development projects and support the country’s objective of becoming a regional energy hub.
To ensure seamless execution, the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation has been established to coordinate with regulatory bodies and expedite permitting for investors, he noted.
“Those in the free zones area will be entitled to import duty waivers,” the minister stated , saying it was evidence of the government’s intent to create a competitive and investor-friendly environment.
The petroleum hub, commissioned under the last administratration, has itself not been without controversy. Recently, chiefs in the area raised concerns over more than GH¢1.2billion in compensation to landowners. The government has, however, offered assurances that the payments would be made.
Mr. Gyan-Mensah explained that the development forms part of a broader initiative to integrate infrastructure investment with local content development and industrialisation. The government also plans to expand gas processing capacity to meet rising demand from various industrial sectors, including power generation, cement, fertiliser, alumina and methanol production.
“A firm decision has been made for the construction of another 150 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfd) gas processing plant, in anticipation of additional volumes of gas from the country’s producing fields and sedimentary basin,” Mr. Gyan-Mensah said.
According to the ministry, the planned energy infrastructure will play a central role in Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic value addition, reduce dependence on imported refined products, and create employment opportunities. The projects are also designed to attract capital and technology transfer from international investors through strategic partnerships.
The comments come at a time when Ghana is actively reforming its regulatory and contractual frameworks to streamline investment processes. Policy amendments now allow petroleum contractors to explore additional prospects under existing agreements, thereby removing the requirement for new contract negotiations. This move is intended to accelerate upstream activity and maximise recoverable resources.
“These provisions allow the contractor to develop bypass prospects and prospects that are initially deemed not prospective enough, to enable them to reap the full benefit of the resources in their contract area,” Mr. Gyan-Mensah explained.
These come against the backdrop of a broader conversation about the role of hydrocarbons in the future of energy, especially in Africa.
The continent possesses more than 125 billion barrels of proven crude reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, yet faces significant challenges with protracted project approvals, construction setbacks and bureaucratic hurdles—issues largely attributable to financing constraints.
While acknowledging the need to diversify energy sources, the deputy minister reaffirmed the central role of oil and gas in Ghana’s medium-term development strategy.
Ghana currently possesses significant untapped hydrocarbon potential, with several offshore and onshore blocks available for licensing. Existing partners in some blocks have already met their work obligations and de-risked operations, making them attractive for new entrants.
Echoing these sentiments, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, stressed the importance of Africa leveraging its natural resources for development.
“Others have used their fossil fuels to develop their countries. We are going to use every drop of hydrocarbons to improve the lives of our people,” he said, adding that Africa’s energy resources must serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth and industrialisation.
Turning specifically to Ghana, Ayuk was bullish about the country’s prospects. “Ghana is back, ready for investment and energy. No nation is more prepared for projects in the coming years,” he said.
Similarly, the deputy minister amplified the government’s confidence in the country’s energy potential, stating: “To the investors here and beyond, Ghana is open for business”.
The minister urged private sector actors to work with the government to develop the required infrastructure and unlock the full potential of Ghana’s energy resources, calling it a “mutual benefit” for investors and the country.
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Ghana football legend, Asamoah Gyan, has commended CAF for putting together the African Schools Championship, insisting that it is a great opportunity to unearth the next generation of African stars.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the draw for the Championship, Gyan, who is an ambassador for this year’s edition, said he fully supports the initiative and pledged his commitment towards making it a success.
“It’s a great opportunity for this generation to benefit from it. The other national teams are going to benefit from it. For me personally, I support grassroots football. So, being an ambassador, we are going to do everything to make sure we produce the stars,” Asamoah Gyan said.
The 2025 African Schools Championship is scheduled to kick off in Accra, Ghana, on April 23, 2025.
The final of the Championship, which will be staged at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra, will be played on April 26.
Former Chief Justice Reportedly Fights Council of State After They Voted to Remove Current CJ
News Hub Creator16h
Political commentator P.K. Sarpong has reported that the Council of State has voted to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a decision that has generated controversy regarding the Council’s role in the process.
The reports from P.K Sarpong indicated that Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, opposed Torkornoo’s suspension. Despite her vigorous efforts to challenge the decision, Akuffo ultimately abstained from the vote.
Sarpong has criticized the Council for allegedly prioritizing political interests over its advisory responsibilities. He argues that instead of safeguarding the judiciary, the Council supported the removal of Torkornoo.
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to announce an acting Chief Justice shortly and will establish a committee to investigate the matter further.
The decision to suspend Torkornoo has been suggested to have been planned prior to the NDC assuming power in the 2024 elections. Critics have described the petitions against her as weak and politically motivated, yet the Council has proceeded without a comprehensive review.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an injunction application against Torkornoo’s removal on May 6, 2025. This challenge, filed by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, seeks to halt the suspension.
“Whispers Media Network has learned that the Council of State has voted on the petitions against the CJ. Sophia Akuffo abstained from the voting. The rest voted for her suspension and removal. It is important to emphasize that Sophia Akuffo fought the other Council of State members who were bent on voting for the removal of the CJ. She had to abstain as a result.” said P.K Sarpong.
Legendary musician, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, also known as Chief Obey Commander, has affirmed that he is alive, strong, and healthy, refuting rumours of his death.
The Miliki maestro, in a video posted on his Instagram handle Tuesday morning, started with a spirited song — a mix and match of Yoruba, English and Pidgin — describing Satan as a lie.
Obey-Fabiyi sang, “Hello, my name is Professor Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. Satan, you don lose o, Satan, you don lose o, you don pafuka. Na lie lie you dey talk, you don Pafuka.”
This is coming hours after the news of the veteran singer’s death went viral on Monday, with fans reacting with mourning messages.
Refuting the death rumours, Obey, who recently celebrated his 83rd birthday, stated that it was not yet his time to go.
He added, “It is fake news that started a few hours ago claiming that I, Evangelist Obey, have passed on to glory. It is a lie. I am alive, and that is not the word Jesus has written.”
He went on to appreciate those who have been calling to inquire about his well-being, adding that it’s not yet his time as he’s hale and hearty.
Earlier, Tope Olukole, who is the personal assistant to the legendary musician, had swiftly debunked the claim during a Monday evening interview with TVC.
According to Olukole, the rumours of his passing are baseless and unfounded.
However, this is not the first time rumours of the legendary musician’s death have gone viral on social media.
Around July 2020, Obey, in an Instagram Live with Dele Momodu, debunked rumours of his death, saying, “It’s not yet time for me to die. I’ve not finished what God sent me to do. I must fulfil my purpose and complete my assignment. It (death) is something that will surely come, but now.”
Communications Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi says the day of reckoning for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party has come.
In a post shared via social media, Sammy Gyamfi indicated that John Dramani Mahama will deal decisively with Bernard Antwi Boasiako and others who have destroyed forest reserves and water bodies.
Akonta Mining Limited has denied allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, following the revocation of its license by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
At a press briefing held on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister accused Akonta Mining—owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—of operating unlawfully within forest reserves without the necessary permits.
The Minister explained that while the company holds a valid license to operate outside forest reserves, it had encroached upon the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
In response, Akonta Mining issued a statement rejecting the allegations as “false and misleading” and described the revocation of its license as a breach of natural justice.
“We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,” the company stated.
“It is deeply concerning that state institutions are shifting blame onto a private company that has never been granted access to the said forest area.
“The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair — it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act,” the statement added.
Akonta Mining also reiterated its commitment to operating within the law and maintaining transparency in its operations.
“We wish to assure the Ghanaian public that Akonta Mining has nothing to hide. We remain committed to transparency, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility. All our documents, permits, and official correspondences are available for public scrutiny,” the company said.
The revocation and the company’s response come amid heightened national concern over illegal mining and its devastating impact on Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
Galamsey: Govt raids Akonta Mining sites, orders revocation of licence
Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has alleged that he was harassed during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration.
According to Gbande, the former president used the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to harass him several times.
Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV on April 11, 2025, which was shared on social media, Gbande recounted warning the former NIB boss, Nana Attobrah Quaicoe, to ensure their paths did not cross on bad terms due to the alleged harassment.
“A month before the elections, they tried all possible means, including spiritual efforts, but they didn’t succeed. They tried to use the NIB and GRA to frustrate me, but it didn’t work,” he said.
Mustapha, who doubles as the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), added, “I told the NIB boss, I don’t know where he is now, that he should tell President Akufo-Addo that nothing will stop us from grounding his government.
“I also told Attobrah that he should pray we don’t meet again on a bad note because the NPP killed me while I was alive. As a poor young man under their regime, they had my houses demolished.”
Gbande further accused the previous NPP government of demolishing his buildings, adding to his frustrations during their tenure.
@ts4eureka Mustapha Gbande reveals his ordeal under Akuffo Addo’s regime #resettingghana #letsbuildghanatogether #foryou❤️❤️ #foryoupage #budget2025 #ndc ♬ original sound – ts4eureka
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United States President Donald Trump has backed his defence chief following reports he shared sensitive military information in a second Signal group chat, branding the latest controversy about the top Pentagon official a “waste of time”.
Trump’s backing of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday came after multiple media outlets reported that the defence chief had shared details about planned bombing raids on Yemen in a group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer.
The reports have reignited scrutiny of Hegseth’s leadership, following revelations last month that he shared details about upcoming air strikes on Houthi rebels in a Signal group chat that the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine had been mistakenly added to.
“Here we go again. Just a waste of time,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“He is doing a great job.”
“Ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” Trump added.
Trump also suggested that Hegseth, a former US Army National Guard officer and Fox News host, was the victim of “disgruntled employees”, after several of his former aides, including his former press secretary, John Ullyot, publicly criticised him.
In an op-ed published on Sunday, Ullyot, one of four defence officials that Hegseth fired or asked to resign in the last week, wrote that the Pentagon was in “disarray” and “total chaos” under the secretary’s leadership.
“They just bring up stories,” Trump said.
“I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people, and that’s what he’s doing. So you don’t always have friends when you do that.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has reshuffled 34 police commanders in galamsey-prone areas in keeping with his promise to wage a relentless war on illegal mining activities in the country.
Top-level police sources confirmed to the Daily Graphic that this was just the first phase of an ongoing major reshuffle exercise, with many more expected to follow to pump fresh energy into the fight against illegal mining in the country.
The affected commands include Takoradi, Asankragwa and Tarkwa, all in the Western Region; Nkawie and Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, and Anyinam and Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
The list, confirmed through the sources, features Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jonathan A. Lamptey of the Gambaga Divisional Command moving to take charge of the Takoradi Divisional Command, while ACP Thomas Osei Ababio moves from the Asankragwa Divisional Command to head the Yendi Divisional Command in the Northern Region.
Others are Samuel Stephen Okunor of the Northern Regional Headquarters who has moved to the Bekwai Divisional Command; ACP Raymond Kofi Erzuah of the Tarkwa Divisional Command to take charge of the Kpando Divisional Command in the Volta North Region; ACP Samuel Yeboah moves from the Kpando Divisional Command to Essiama Divisional Command in the Western Region.
Chief Superintendent (C/Supt) Ebenezer Benson, the In-charge of the Nsawam District Command, moves to the Dawurampong Divisional in the Central Region.
C/Supt Vitus Napen leaves his post at the Nkawie Divisional Command to the Asankragwa Divisional Command, while C/Supt Mahmud Yussif leaves the Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (RMTTD) in the Northern Region moves to the Tarkwa Divisional Command in the Western Region.
It also has C/Supt Daniel Anane Amoah of the Takoradi Divisional Command moving to take charge at the Navrongo Divisional Command in the Upper East Region; C/Supt William Gyamfi of the Mpohor District Command in the Western Region to the Dzodze District Command in the Volta Region, while C/Supt Joshua Semenyo moves from the Takoradi District Command to the Nkawie Divisional Command.
Supt Stephen Appiah of the Essiama District in the Western Region moves to the Nsawam District Command, and Supt Kwaku Ayepa, Staff Officer of the Western Regional Command, takes charge of the Bolga District Command in the Upper East Region.
Supt Valentine K. Akposu moves from the Agona Nkwanta District Command in the Western Region to the Gushiegu District in the Northern Region, while Supt Alexander Tieku of the James Town District Command in the Ashanti Region moves to the Anyinam District Command in the Eastern Region.
Supt Simon Woyram Setorglo of the Prestea District Command in the Western Central Region has been reassigned to the Police Headquarters to be in charge of Logistics, while Supt Angmorter Van-Kofi Eric moves from the Dzodze District Command to the Mpohor District Command in the Western Region.
Supt Isaac Kofi Kumnipah of the Sekondi District Command in the Western Region now heads the Nadowli District Command in the Upper West Region, and Supt James Ankan of the Nadowli District Command takes up the role at the Asankragwa District Command.
Supt Fred Ntore Atta-Yeboah leaves the Asangragwa District Command to be in charge of the Funsi District Command in the Upper West Region.
The current changes also involve Supt Amoani Anoff William, who leaves the Nsuaem District Command in the Western Region to the Tolon District Command in the Northern Region; Supt Mohammed Adamu Awal moves from the Elubo District in the Western Region to the Tatale District Command in the Northern Region; Supt Cliff Ofei Ayeh of Mile 7 District Command in the Ashanti Region is assigned to the Essiama District in the Western Region, while Supt Emmanuel Kobina Essel moves from the Police Headquarters (Logistics) to the Prestea District Command in the Western Central Command.
Supt Raymond Iddrisu leaves the Anyinam District Command for the Aveyime District Command in the Volta Region; Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Peter Paul Amoah leaves the Tatale District Command in the Northern Region to be in charge of the Elubo District Command, and DSP Franklin K. Selby leaves the Manso Amenfi District in the Western Central Region for the Gwollu District in the Upper West Region.
DSP Gladstone Kumeko leaves the Tolon District Command in the Northern Region for the Nsuaem District in the Western Central Command.
The rest of the changes are DSP Salifu Yahya of the Wulensi District in the Northern Region leaving for the Daboase District Command in the Western Region; DSP Thomas Tulasi of Gushiegu District in the Northern Region takes up the role in the Agona Nkwanta District in the Western Region, while DSP Victor Akakpo leaves the Gwollu District for the Manso Amenfi District in the Western Central Region.
DSP Anthony Duodu has left Daboase District in the Western Region for the Wulensi District Command in the Northern Region, while ASP Sulemana Abubakari leaves the Funsi District Command for the Sekondi District Command, with ASP Kwaku Obeng leaving the Shama District in the Western Region for the Eastern Regional Police Headquarters.
The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called for the dismissal of the top officials at the Electoral Commission.
According to Asiedu Nketiah, the top commissioners, including Jean Mensa (Chairperson), Samuel Tettey (Deputy Chairman for Operations), Dr Bossman Eric Asare (Deputy Chairman for Corporate Services), Adwoa Asuama Abrefa (Commissioner), Salima Ahmed Tijani, Dr Peter Appiahene, and Rev Akua Ofori Boateng, need to step down as part of an institutional reset.
In an interview on Radio Gold on April 18, 2025, he explained that he had called for their removal even when his party was in opposition. Now that they are in power, he still stands by his comments.
“Before we came to power, I called for a reset of our various institutions, the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and the Auditor General, and I termed it an institutional reset.
“I still stand by my comments because I raised these concerns first. Why should I change my mind just because we have won an election and the EC is now seen as an angel?” he said.
When asked by the host if the Electoral Commission officials should be sacked, he replied, “For me, not only her, but all the topmost people must also go.”
Meanwhile, a Ghanaian citizen residing in the Volta Region has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to remove the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, from office.
The petitioner is also calling for the removal of the EC’s two deputies, Samuel Tetteh and Dr Bossman Eric Asare, as well as EC member Dr Peter Appiahene.
The petition, filed on Monday, January 27, 2025, alleges breaches of fundamental human rights under Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution. It also cites constitutional violations, including incompetence, bias, and actions that undermine public confidence in the Commission’s impartiality and integrity, contrary to Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution.
According to the petitioner, the disenfranchisement of voters in the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) areas during the 2020 parliamentary elections constitutes a gross violation of citizens’ rights under Article 42.
He argued that the EC’s denial of parliamentary representation to SALL residents was an attempt to influence the balance of power in Parliament.
“For over four years, the people of SALL were deprived of their constitutional right to parliamentary representation, leaving them without a voice in the legislative process. At the time of this deliberate exclusion, the parliamentary composition was a hung parliament.
“The SALL area’s parliamentary vote was pivotal and could have potentially given the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) a majority. By disenfranchising these voters, the EC acted in a manner that suggests partisan bias and an attempt to influence the balance of power in Parliament,” the petition stated.
The petition further criticised the EC’s handling of the 2020 elections, describing it as poor and citing errors in the presidential election results, as well as claims of bias by the commissioners.
“The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, in concert with her deputies, has demonstrated gross incompetence in the performance of her duties. Announcing such a critical decision on the eve of an election (Exhibit A) suggests poor management and a failure to anticipate the impact of the Guan District’s creation on electoral arrangements,” the petitioner noted.
Additionally, the petitioner referenced past social media comments made by Dr. Bossman Asare and Dr. Peter Appiahene, accusing them of compromising the impartiality required of the Commission.
“Dr Bossman Asare made numerous social media comments on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter before his appointment, displaying overt bias against the opposition party. These statements have raised questions about his impartiality and suitability for the role.”
The petition calls on President Mahama to invoke Article 146 of the Constitution to address these concerns and restore public confidence in the electoral process. It is supported by detailed exhibits and evidence to substantiate the claims.
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Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (behind the podium), a former MP for Assin Central Constituency
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a former MP for Assin Central Constituency, joined the Calvary Methodist Church at Adabraka in the Greater Accra Region for the Easter Sunday Service on April 20, 2025.
Speaking at the event, the former lawmaker emphasized the need for proper collaboration between politicians and religious leaders to advance an agenda for the country’s socio-economic development.
He said, “The people listen to you, Pastors and Men of God more than they listen to politicians. As such, we must weaponize religion to drive development in all sectors of the Ghanaian economy”.
Subsequently, Agyapong referenced a sermon by Dr Mensah Otabil where the preacher unequivocally indicated that changing our attitudes is the only way the country can develop.
According to Agyapong, the statement by the venerable man of God, which includes a call for patriotism and eschewing unscrupulousness, underscores the need for collaboration between pastors and politicians for national development.
It is worth noting that Hon. Agyapong’s entourage included his wife, Christiana Agyapong, two of his daughters, two Members of Parliament, five NPP constituency chairmen, three former MPs, a former presidential staffer, friends, and other members of the NPP.
Ghana has surpassed a key milestone under its IMF programme—more than a year ahead of schedule.
According to a recent update following a staff-level agreement between the government and the International Monetary Fund, Ghana’s gross international reserves have already exceeded the target set for May 2026.
Fresh data from the Bank of Ghana shows that as of February 2025, the country’s gross international reserves stood at $9.3 billion—equivalent to four months of import cover.
Under the IMF programme, Ghana was expected to reach this threshold by mid-2026.
This early achievement is seen as a major boost to investor confidence and could bolster the stability of the Cedi in the coming months.
Analysts say unless the economy is hit by any major external shocks, Ghana is well-positioned to exit the IMF programme with stronger reserve buffers.
The anticipated disbursement of $370 million from the IMF in June 2025 is also expected to further support the central bank’s efforts to sustain macroeconomic stability.
Market watchers maintain that the Bank of Ghana should continue refining its liquidity-tightening tools while ensuring proactive monitoring of foreign exchange markets to prevent excessive speculation.
Adding that enhanced coordination between fiscal and monetary policies will help anchor inflation expectations and stabilize the Cedi.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with the leadership of the Party, is set to embark on a nationwide “Thank You Tour” starting Saturday, 26th April 2025.
The initiative, which has been approved by the Party’s National Council, seeks to express heartfelt gratitude to members of the NPP and the general public for their unwavering support before, during, and after the 2024 general elections.
The tour will be held under the theme: In All Things, Give Thanks to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18), reflecting the party’s commitment to acknowledging divine providence in its political journey.
The exercise will also provide an opportunity for the Presidential Candidate and the Party’s Campaign Team to reconnect with grassroots supporters and affirm their appreciation for the collective efforts that went into the 2024 electoral campaign.
The nationwide tour will culminate in interfaith national thanksgiving services involving both Christian and Islamic communities.
A detailed schedule of the regional engagements reveals that the team will begin the tour in the Western Region on 26th April, followed by visits to all sixteen regions across the country, including key strongholds such as the Ashanti Region (29th April to 1st May) and Greater Accra (10th to 12th May).
The Central Region will be the final stop of the tour on Wednesday, 4th June 2025. Each visit will involve constituency-level gatherings and interactions aimed at strengthening Party unity and morale ahead of future political activities.
The party has encouraged all faithful to actively participate in this nationwide expression of gratitude by attending events scheduled within their respective regions and constituencies.
The NPP believes this gesture will not only deepen its bond with supporters but also reinforce a culture of appreciation and unity within the Party and the broader Ghanaian democratic landscape.
The head coach of Medeama Sporting Club, Ibrahim Tanko
The head coach of Medeama Sporting Club, Ibrahim Tanko, has admonished his players to put the defeat to Bibiani Gold Stars in the Ghana Premier League over the weekend behind them.
The gaffer was displeased on Sunday after his team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Gold Stars in Week 28 of the Ghanaian top-flight league.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Coach Ibrahim Tanko applauded the performance of his players, raising concerns about some decisions the match officials took during the game.
He assured fans that his team will continue to work hard in training to bounce back with a win against Young Apostles in the next league match.
“We are going to prepare very well. We want to win our next game at home and, so we are definitely going to prepare very well. We have to put this game behind us. What happened cannot come back, so we are going to prepare well for Young Apostles,” coach Ibrahim Tanko said.
A win for Medeama SC against Young Apostles in the next matchday will put the team back in the Ghana Premier League title race.
Ghana’s financial ecosystem has long operated under tight constraints. Frequently marked by fiscal slippages, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) in response has routinely stepped in as a quasi-fiscal backstop, absorbing shocks to stabilise the economy during periods of stress.
Its interventionist approach became particularly pronounced in the wake of the 2022 Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), where the Central Bank acted as a shock absorber. That decision, however, remains a point of contention for the current Mahama administration.
In 2022, the BoG reported a record GH¢60 billion loss primarily due to impairments on government securities, loan exposures and exchange rate revaluations. In 2023, the loss narrowed but remained substantial at GH¢10.5 billion, driven largely by elevated costs associated with open market operations aimed at mopping up excess liquidity.
While these back-to-back losses have been justified in supporting macroeconomic stability and facilitating the debt restructuring efforts by the previous government, they have left the capital base of the Bank deeply eroded – pushing it into negative equity territory.
The indemnity now turns to recapitalisation. But Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson will have none of it and has made it strongly clear – which is? That BoG finds its own resources to restore its balance sheet.
This position though debatable, is also a broader shift toward fiscal realism in an economy still recovering from the scars of past excesses. For the government, the self-reliance of BoG is both principled and non-negotiable.
Problematic government stance
Suffice to say, recapitalisation is not optional –here’s why and the very reason caution is crucial.
Under Section 7(4) of the Bank of Ghana Act (2002), if the profit of the Bank is insufficient to cover its losses, the government is legally obligated to issue redeemable and negotiable interest-bearing securities to the extent of the deficiency.
It’s untenable why the Finance Minister opposes this statutory mandate under the Bank of Ghana Act. Could it be a case of political brinkmanship or a principled stance on fiscal accountability in a stabilising economy with little room for a manoeuvre?
While it’s true the Central Bank may have overstepped its boundaries of monetary policy and venturing into quasi-fiscal activities, recapitalisation is only in the national interest especially when both the government and the BoG are committed to price stability, reduced systemic risks, contained inflation, sound FX regime and improved investor confidence in order not to undermine the inflation targeting mandate of BoG.
In many respects, restoring the balance sheet of the Bank should not even be about just a legal requirement, but a foresight and strategic imperative.
Operating with negative equity is not without precedent in global Central Banking. The Swiss National Bank posted a CHF132 billion loss in 2022 and the Bank of England is projecting a recapitalisation cost of £150 billion.
Drawing direct comparisons however can be misleading because these institutions are anchored by governments with robust fiscal capacity and strong institutional credibility which are advantages Ghana may currently be lacking. So, there is no room for complacency for Ghana.
Why there’s a risk
The solution calls for constructive dialogue and collaboration not division because a well-capitalised Central Bank is necessary for anchoring monetary policy credibility, maintaining investor trust and fulfilling regulatory obligations under the soon-to-be-completed $3 billion IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in one of its country report on Ghana outlined several alternatives for recapitalising the Bank of Ghana. Among the recommended options were the suspension of the following – profit transfers to the government, asset transfers, direct budgetary injections, issuance of marketable securities and the gradual rebuilding of equity through retained earnings.
To this end, the BoG and the Ministry of Finance in 2023 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cease all monetary financing of the budget as a critical step toward restoring policy discipline.
However, while this commitment signals progress, questions remain around the implementation of the broader recommendations by the Fund. If the suspension of budgetary financing has been actioned, what about pursuing the remaining alternatives if they are real options to reversing the deteriorating capital position of the Bank?
If one puts all of these together, the core question is no longer whether the BoG should be recapitalised – but how, when and by whom? The answer – obviously points to a pragmatic, timely and government-led approach.
Probable solutions
Several prudent recapitalisation options exist if government feels constrained by limited fiscal space.
For starters, a phased approach may offer the most viable path forward. Rather than a full-scale capital injection, a multi-year plan linked to fiscal performance and reserve accumulation could ease the immediate burden and mitigate potential macroeconomic shocks.
Additionally, the government could leverage non-cash assets such as stakes in state-owned enterprises or anticipated mineral royalties to strengthen the balance sheet of the Bank of Ghana without adding to public debt or stoking inflationary pressures.
Development partner support also presents an avenue. Portions of multilateral financing could be ring-fenced for recapitalisation efforts in alignment with structural benchmarks and broader reforms. This must be subjected to parliamentary and civil society oversight for the sake of transparency and accountability.
What BoG can do
Well, if the government insists on its decision not to provide direct fiscal support either through statutory obligations and or strategic recapitalisation, then the BoG may need to chart its own path.
In such a scenario, the Bank could explore internal mechanisms, including asset revaluation, prudent reserve accumulation and retention of profits to gradually rebuild equity.
Cost containment could also play a role. Temporarily suspending dividend payouts from BoG-owned entities, rationalising operational expenditures and deferring non-essential allowances may free up internal financial resources to support capital restoration.
Direct engagement with development partners could yield non-debt support instruments tied to governance and reform outcomes. The Bank may also negotiate for the transfer of government equity stakes in strategic assets as a longer-term capital buffer which will avoid cash outlays and preserve macroeconomic stability.
Caution is crucial
The point is not complex. It simply is – any recapitalisation strategy must steer clear of debt monetisation or quasi-fiscal financing. Printing money under the guise of capital restoration would severely undermine credibility. Likewise, politically influenced, short-fixes and non-transparent approaches could erode trust in the independence of the Central Bank.
Whatever the case may be, commercial banks – many of which also incurred significant balance sheet impairments from the DDEP are watching developments closely. They have growing interest in whether the terms of the recapitalisation of their regulator will match the regulatory rigour applied to the broader financial sector.
Ghana cannot afford a relapse into inflation-driven economic turmoil or renewed exchange rate volatility. With the government touting an economic reset, a fragmented approach that shifts the burden solely on BoG obviously threatens long-term financial sector resilience.
The recapitalisation must not in any way weaken the very institution it aims to restore. It must be economically sound, politically credible and institutionally reinforcing. In the end, the role of the Bank of Ghana in anchoring price stability, supporting investor confidence and safeguarding financial system integrity in the country must still be intact.
Again, caution is crucial in BoG’s recapitalisation.
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The author of this piece, Nii Larte Lartey is a Business Journalist with Citi FM and Channel One TV. Email: nlartelartey@gmail.com
Controversial Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin, has refuted claims of being jealous of her colleague, Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla’s wedding to Tanzanian singer, Juma Jux.
Naija News reports that following the success of Priscilla’s star-studded wedding over the weekend, many social media users stormed Lizzy’s page to taunt her, claiming she is jealous of the lavish ceremony.
Leeds United have been promoted back to the Premier League after two years in the Championship.
The Whites secured promotion with two games to spare after Sheffield United lost at second-placed Burnley, a result which meant the Clarets also confirmed their return to the top flight.
Daniel Farke’s men had crushed Stoke City 6-0 in their own game earlier on Monday to leave promotion a mere formality.
They will win the title with victories over Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle in their final two matches, barring a mathematical miracle goal difference swing from Burnley.
Leeds finished third with 90 points in 2023-24 before losing to Southampton in the play-off final.
The summer saw highly-rated academy product Archie Gray sold to Tottenham, while Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville left for West Ham. Those exits had seemed likely but the sale of talented forward Georginio Rutter to Brighton after the season had started was unexpected and unwelcome.
Still, the Whites boasted a strong squad for the level and the permanent additions of Spurs defender Joe Rodon after his loan last season, ex-Sheffield United full-back Jayden Bogle and Japan international midfielder Ao Tanaka, plus the loan signings of Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon from Bournemouth and Tottenham respectively, all brought quality.
On the pitch the campaign started with no wins from their first three games in all competitions but they kickstarted things with a 2-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday and scarcely looked back.
Despite a narrow home defeat by fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley on 14 September, to date their only loss at Elland Road this season, by the third international break of the season in November, Leeds had risen up to second.
After ending that month with a 1-0 home defeat at Blackburn they then went on a three-month unbeaten run in the league that included a 7-0 demolition of Cardiff and dramatic comebacks to beat top-four rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United on successive Mondays in February.
The victory over the Blades left them five points clear at the top and, with a seemingly favourable run of fixtures until the end of the campaign, promotion looked inevitable.
However, March brought just one win from five and the 2-2 draw with Swansea saw Farke drop goalkeeper Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow after the Frenchman, who had also made costly errors in draws at Sunderland and Hull City, gifted the Welsh side their first equaliser.
The German boss was then criticised by some after saying the point from the 1-1 draw at lowly Luton in the next game was a good result but it proved to be the case as the Blades totally lost their way with three successive defeats and the Whites went from third back to first and five points clear of Chris Wilder’s men in third with three games to play.
Image caption,Leeds players celebrated with the fans after Monday’s 6-0 win over Stoke had left them on the cusp of promotion
Monday’s demolition of struggling Stoke meant that, thanks to a vastly superior goal difference, a point from their final two matches would have been enough to go up but even that was not needed thanks to Burnley’s win.
Farke, who had chosen not to make any further signings in the January transfer window, is now closing in on a third title at this level after winning two with Norwich.
A huge summer awaits as Leeds look to buck the worrying trend that appears set to see all of the past six teams promoted to the Premier League go straight back down.
Plans to avoid that fate will now truly begin in earnest on Tuesday but for now Farke and the Leeds fans, robbed of being able to properly celebrate their last promotion to the top flight in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, can enjoy a job well done.
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Joy News’ Latif Iddrisu was attacked by police officer when he was covering a protest
By March 2026, it will be eight years since journalist Latif Iddrisu was allegedly brutalised by police. Yet, the fight for justice shows no sign of ending.
The long-running legal battle between The Multimedia Group journalist and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alongside the state, is now expected to continue for at least another year.
At the latest court sitting, Senior State Attorney Nancynetta Twumasi Asiamah and Etornam Caleb Affutu—holding brief for the journalist’s lead counsel, Samson Lardy Anyenini—requested additional trial dates.
This followed the State Attorney’s absence on five out of eight prior court dates, a delay that derailed plans to complete cross-examination within that period.
Only two more hearings are scheduled for the rest of 2025, with the next court appearances set for January 2026. That means no resolution before the eighth anniversary of the March 27, 2018, assault.
Thursday’s hearing focused on the initial costs of the journalist’s treatment, the medications prescribed by Ghanaian physicians, and the quantity of drugs administered during his recovery.
Mr Iddrisu provided medication names he could recall. The State Attorney questioned why he has not submitted photos of his injuries as evidence.
The plaintiff responded that the police have refused to release CCTV footage or images from the night of the attack, despite multiple requests from his lawyers and employer.
He said the police claimed their cameras at the CID Headquarters did not capture the incident.
When the State Attorney suggested Mr Iddrisu had failed to describe his attackers, he replied that the police never gave him the chance.
He said he had stated in his report that he could identify at least one officer, but investigators never arranged an identification parade.
When asked by the trial judge when cross-examination would end, the State Attorney said she hoped to conclude on the next court date—April 29, 2025.
But the clock keeps ticking.
Eight years after the alleged assault, the journalist’s struggle continues, marked by court delays, absent evidence, and legal hurdles.
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Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), through its flagship initiative, the Women’s Bootcamp and with support from the Mastercard Foundation, has donated agro-processing equipment to women-led agribusiness groups in some selected communities in the Eastern Region.
This was at a ceremony attended by Municipal Agricultural Directors, Traditional Leaders, and Assembly Members.
These groups, made of young women, were trained in entrepreneurship, agro-processing and alternative livelihoods, and are now being equipped to expand their agribusiness operations and increase their impact.
The machinery distributed was tailored to the specific processing needs of each group, targeting key value chains such as rice, cassava, maize, and palm oil. In the Kwaebibirem District, a rice milling machine was handed over to the women’s group in Kade.
In addition, a cassava processing machine and screw press were given to the group in Twumusu. Also, a corn milling machine was donated to the women’s group in Kwamang.
For the Upper West Akim District, the following items were distributed: a palm oil digester was donated to a palm oil processing group in Amanfrom, and a cassava processing machine was handed over to gari processors in Amaarkrom.
Speaking before the event, Benjamin Gyan Kesse, Executive Director of Kosmos Innovation Center, stated, “We are committed to helping women entrepreneurs in local communities add value to the agricultural value chain.
“Together with the Mastercard Foundation, by empowering these women’s groups, we are supporting these groups to scale up their operations, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director at the event, Terrence Tienaah, Programs Manager at KIC, also emphasised KIC’s continued role in capacity building, mentoring and resource mobilisation for entrepreneurship development.
“The Women Bootcamp is not just about training, it’s about creating long-term value for women-led agribusinesses. By providing the right tools and support, we are ensuring our entrepreneurs can take their businesses to the next level.”
The women’s groups who received the equipment expressed heartfelt appreciation to Kosmos Innovation Center and the Mastercard Foundation for their continued investment in their growth and success.
“We are truly grateful to KIC and Mastercard Foundation for not just training us but also following through with this generous support.
“This machine will change how we work, increase our production, and help us earn more to support our families,” Grace Asabea, a member of the gari processors in Amaarkrom remarked.
Another beneficiary from the rice processing group in Kade, Georgina Nornu added, “This is a dream come true. We’ve worked hard, and now we have the means to do even more. Thank you for believing in us.”
KIC’s Women’s Bootcamp Community engagement has built the capacity of more than 12,000 young women across the entire country, providing them with skills training, starter packs and input support.
With support from the Mastercard Foundation, KIC continues to scale its impact, nurturing innovation and building sustainable, inclusive agribusiness ecosystems throughout Ghana.
This effort reflects KIC’s broader mission to support youth- and women-led agribusinesses across Ghana, ensuring that rural entrepreneurs, especially women, are not left behind in the agricultural transformation journey.
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The Minority in Parliament has cautioned the government that its recent decisions in the mining sector could stifle growth, drive away foreign investment, and lead to increased job losses.
In a letter dated April 21, 2025, addressed to the Ministers for Finance and Lands and Natural Resources, the minority described a series of recent policies as “potentially dire” for the country’s economic stability.
Signed by the Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, and Ranking on the Finance Committee, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the letter criticized two new tax measures imposed on the industry, a 3% Growth and Sustainability Levy on gross mining volumes introduced this year and an additional levy scheduled for 2026 to 2028.
The Minority warned that these levies are placing distressed mines under greater financial pressure and discouraging new investment.
“These royalty-like levies are putting several mines already in distress into graver financial difficulties,” the letter stated. The MPs also noted that companies mining other minerals, which have not experienced price surges, are unfairly burdened by the new taxes.
Equally worrying, according to the Minority MPs, is the recently passed GOLDBOD Act, which bans foreign entities from gold trading and export. The Minority argues that this move not only sends a negative signal to the global investor community but also violates the 1992 Constitution by retroactively affecting existing rights.
The group further condemned the government’s refusal to renew Goldfields Ghana Limited’s mining lease. According to the Minority, this rejection undermines investor confidence and discourages long-term commitments to the country. They argue that Ghana could have used the renewal process to renegotiate better terms rather than push an established operator out.
Concerns were also raised about the government’s decision to defund 80% of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), which traditionally supports the state’s equity interests in mining operations. The Minority believes this step reflects a retreat from Ghana’s ambition to hold meaningful stakes in resource development.
In addition to economic concerns, the statement referenced a violent incident at a mine resulting in eight deaths. The Minority linked the attack to anti-investor rhetoric from public figures and expressed dismay at the stalled investigation, which they say further undermines investor confidence.
The opposition also criticised the recent abolition of Community Mining Schemes, warning that this decision has created space for illegal mining activities to expand. They argue that instead of scrapping the initiative, the government should have formalised and regulated it.
Calling for a policy rethink, the Minority urged the government to restore lease renewals, offer incentives, avoid hostile rhetoric, and establish a clear framework for growing local mining firms. “This is the time when government must bolster economic stability and attract, rather than discourage, foreign direct investment,” they concluded.
Passengers have been forced to evacuate a Delta plane after an engine caught fire while on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport in Florida.
Video on social media shows smoke and flames rising from the right engine, and passengers exiting the aircraft down inflatable emergency slides.
Delta flight 1213 was set to depart Orlando, famous as the home of Disneyworld, for Atlanta with almost 300 people on board. There are no reports of any injuries.
“Passengers were evacuated. Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team promptly responded,” the airport said in a post on social media.
The Airbus A330 was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants and two pilots, Delta said in a statement to the BBC’s US partner, CBS News.
The airline said crews evacuated the cabin when flames were seen in part of one of the plane’s two main engines.
Video apparently taken from the terminal shows passengers waiting on the tarmac with emergency vehicles parked next to the aircraft.
“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologise for the experience,” Delta said.
“Nothing is more important than safety, and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate the incident.
There have been several high-profile aviation incidents in North America this year.
On 29 January, 67 people were killed after a passenger plane and a military helicopter collided in mid-air near Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan airport.
Crash investigators recommended restricting helicopter flights in certain areas near the airport following the incident.
On 17 February, all 80 passengers survived after a Delta Air Lines plane crashed and overturned while landing in Toronto.
The plane from Minneapolis skidded along the runway with flames visible and came to a halt upside down as firefighters rushed in.
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Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has announced plans to expand the Kwahu Business Forum in the coming years, citing the event’s success as a key reason for the decision.
This year’s forum, held under the theme “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” focused on fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.
Over 20 banks participated, offering support to local and private businesses, as well as opportunities for new startups.
Speaking to journalists in Kwahu, Mr. Debrah revealed that the forum would broaden its scope to include other key sectors.
“We have received calls from other sectors of the economy, the insurance group. They are asking why we did the business forum without them, because they also, sometimes, extend credit facilities to business operators. So, next year we are going to invite all the insurance companies.
“Then we have financial houses that have not been brought in yet. Pension fund managers also said they have the money to go for long hauls. So, on a much larger scale and in the thinking of the president, next year we are going to expand this to a venue that can host about 5 times what you just saw,” he stated.
The Kwahu Business Forum aligns closely with the government’s broader objective of nurturing Ghanaian-owned SMEs to lead in export and manufacturing.
Mahama: Ghana needs policies that truly support entrepreneurs
As part of its annual Easter Orphan Project, Citi FM and Channel One TV brought smiles to the faces of children at the Baptist School Complex and Orphanage (BASCO) in Trotor, near Suhum in the Eastern Region.
The team made a generous donation of GHS50,000, food items, toiletries, clothes, drinks, and other essentials to support the upkeep and welfare of the orphans.
The initiative, which has become a significant part of the media houses’ corporate social responsibility, aims to share love and hope with vulnerable children during the Easter season.
Former Assin Central lawmaker Ken Ohene Agyapong urged religious leaders to collaborate with policymakers in reshaping Ghana’s economic trajectory during an Easter Sunday service at Accra’s Calvary Methodist Church.
Addressing congregants on April 20, 2025, Agyapong stressed the influential role clergy hold in shaping public attitudes, arguing that their partnership with politicians could catalyze national development.
“The people listen to you pastors and men of God more than they listen to politicians,” Agyapong said, emphasizing the potential for faith-based messaging to drive systemic change. He cited a sermon by prominent theologian Mensah Otabil, who has long advocated for individual accountability and patriotism as prerequisites for progress. “A shift in our collective mindset rejecting corruption, embracing integrity is essential,” Agyapong added, framing Otabil’s teachings as a blueprint for cross-sector collaboration.
The event drew a mix of political and religious figures, with Agyapong’s delegation including his wife, Christiana; two daughters; sitting and former MPs; New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency chairs; and allies. His appearance at the historically significant Adabraka church, a hub for Methodist congregants in the capital, underscored his push to align spiritual stewardship with governance.
Ghana’s economic challenges, including inflation and debt management, have dominated public discourse in recent years. Agyapong’s appeal reflects a broader trend among African leaders seeking to leverage religious networks for civic engagement, though critics caution against conflating spiritual guidance with policy-making. Historically, Ghanaian clergy have periodically in national debates, from anti-corruption campaigns to electoral mediation, yet formal partnerships remain rare.
Ken Agyapong
The Easter message arrives as political factions gear up for the 2028 general elections, with the NPP seeking to consolidate support amid internal rivalries. Analysts note Agyapong’s visibility at religious gatherings could signal outreach efforts to faith communities, a key demographic in Ghana’s voter landscape. While his proposal lacks concrete policy frameworks, it taps into widespread frustration over bureaucratic inefficiency, positioning moral renewal as both a spiritual and economic imperative.
Methodist leadership has not yet publicly responded to the remarks, though clergy members privately acknowledge the delicate balance between advocacy and partisanship. As Ghana navigates its post-pandemic recovery, the interplay of pulpit and podium may increasingly shape narratives around governance a dynamic echoing global debates on faith’s role in public life.
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Former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of unjust persecution, following the withdrawal of all charges against him in a long-standing corruption case.
Speaking to journalists after a Thanksgiving service, on Sunday, April 20, Dr. Opuni maintained his innocence and described the trial as politically motivated.
“I think that today…tell the whole world that God has delivered me from the hands of my enemies and the wicked who decided that for eight years, they were going to frustrate me. I was prosecuted for eight years and I kept praying. I knew that I was innocent,” he stated.
On January 28, 2025, an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Aboagye Tandoh announced that the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, had directed the withdrawal of all charges against Dr. Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo.
State Attorney Enam Loh Mensah informed the court of the Attorney-General’s instruction, and the State formally filed a notice of withdrawal.
Dr. Opuni and Seidu Agongo had been facing 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer.
The case, which began in 2018, centred on the procurement of Lithovit Liquid Fertilizer supplied by Agongo’s company, Agricult Ghana Limited. Prosecutors claimed the fertiliser was substandard and unapproved for use, and that Dr. Opuni bypassed procurement protocols to facilitate the deal, allegedly causing financial loss to the state and harming cocoa farmers.
Both Dr. Opuni and Mr. Agongo consistently pleaded not guilty and insisted on their innocence throughout the trial. They were each granted bail of GH₵300,000.
The trial became one of Ghana’s most high-profile legal battles, featuring numerous witnesses, including scientists, government officials, and cocoa farmers. It was marred by delays, changes in presiding judges, and procedural disputes, which fuelled criticism from observers and legal experts.
Some critics pointed to the trial as politically charged, arguing that it lacked impartiality and was aimed at damaging reputations rather than seeking justice.
In 2023, the case experienced significant delays, sparking frustration among the accused and the public. Legal analysts also raised concerns about whether the prosecution had assembled sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
The State Attorney did not offer any reasons for the decision to drop the charges.
“Air pollution is killing us, and we can’t even see it.”
That was the sobering message from experts as the Ghana Thoracic Society held its maiden public lecture on Wednesday, April 16 — a bold first step in what they hope becomes a nationwide movement to tackle what they call a “neglected killer.”
Held at the British Council Hall in Accra under the theme “A Neglected Killer: Air Pollution and the Lung”, the event brought together pulmonologists, public health researchers, clean air advocates, and environmental scientists who are all sounding the alarm on Ghana’s worsening air quality crisis.
For pediatric pulmonologist Dr Sandra Kwarteng Owusu, the evidence is already showing up in Ghana’s children.
Sharing findings from a recent study, she revealed a dangerous link between school commutes and respiratory health.
“We realised that for most of the children, during the time they are on their way to school… they had higher levels of exposure,” she said.
“There was one particular school where the children had a lot of exposure during the day… it had the most children who reported asthma symptoms.”
“Because it is not visible most of the time, it’s easy for us to push it to the back burner,” said Desmond Appiah, Ghana’s Country Lead for Clean Air Fund.
“But truth be told, if it is a pathway to diseases like strokes, diabetes, asthma, heart diseases… then we really have no other option but to be acting on it.”
Desmond Appiah didn’t mince words. “Air pollution can be and is causing 28,000 deaths at least in our country,” he said, calling for a clear national clean air policy.
“There are a lot of interventions that we’ve already made. But there is still a gap… What a policy does is that it helps to guide how we do everything.”
For guest speaker Professor Kofi Amegah, tackling air pollution starts with everyday decisions — from how we cook to what we drive.
“We need to find a way and transition to clean cooking solutions by using LPG and getting rid of the charcoal,” he urged.
“The high-emitting vehicles — I think we need to find a way and either get rid of them by not giving them roadworthiness, or we need to tax them heavily.”
He added, “I’m in support of taxing these vehicles heavily so that it will serve as a deterrent…We can also look at a policy whereby there could be some form of replacement for a vehicle owner so that they can pay over time.”
Also on the panel was Colonel Dr Clement Titus Laryea, Consultant Pulmonologist at the 37 Military Hospital, who added his voice to the call for decisive, coordinated action.
“This is becoming alarming. And we need to raise our voices to address this menace,” said Professor Jane Afriyie Mensah, President of the Ghana Thoracic Society.
“It is our maiden public lecture… but the society has more in store. We’ll go sector by sector, looking at the people who are most at risk of air pollution. And then we will channel our educational activities through that.”
As the lecture wrapped, it became clear that this was more than a conference — it was a rallying cry.
“We hope that as we do this, we will whip up the public support,” said Professor Mensah.
And if Wednesday’s turnout was any indication, the movement to clean Ghana’s air has just begun.
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed deep concern over increasing global trade uncertainties, warning that they pose serious challenges for countries exporting to the United States.
This comes in the wake of the U.S. government’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on all trading partners, including Ghana, as well as rising tensions with China, which have triggered retaliatory tariffs of 125% and 145%.
Speaking at the 2025 World Bank Group/IMF Spring Meetings, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva outlined the far-reaching consequences of these developments, particularly the inflationary impact on product prices in affected economies.
“The complexity of modern supply chains means imported inputs are embedded in a wide range of domestic products. The cost of a single item can be influenced by tariffs in dozens of countries,” Georgieva explained.
“In a world of bilateral tariff rates—each potentially shifting up or down—business planning becomes extremely difficult. We’re seeing ships at sea unsure of which port to dock at. Investment and consumer decisions are being delayed.”
She further warned that prolonged uncertainty is not only destabilizing global trade but also affecting financial markets and consumer behavior.
“Rising trade barriers impact growth immediately. Tariffs, much like taxes, may raise revenue, but they do so at the expense of reducing and redirecting economic activity,” she stated. “Past experience shows that the burden of higher tariffs isn’t borne solely by trading partners. Importers often absorb part of the cost through lower profits, and consumers ultimately pay more for goods.”
The IMF’s remarks add to mounting concern over the long-term implications of protectionist policies, with fears that continued escalation could erode global economic stability and stall recovery efforts in developing economies.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra have sealed the doors of the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and the door to the apartment of the Casa Santa Marta, where the late Pope Francis lived.
Pope Francis’ death was announced on Easter Monday, April 21.
The rite of the certification of death and placement in the coffin took place on Monday evening at 8:00 PM, April 21, in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta.
During the rite, the declaration of death was read aloud. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and the ceremony lasted just under an hour.
The first General Congregation of Cardinals will take place on Tuesday morning, April 22, during which a date for the funeral of Pope Francis may be decided.
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Air quality experts are calling for urgent action to merge the scattered existing regulations that touch on air quality into a single National Air Quality Policy.
This is because Ghana is choking — slowly, silently — and the numbers are terrifying.
Air pollution now kills more people in the country than malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis combined.
In 2019, the World Health Organisation estimated that over 28,000 Ghanaians died from diseases linked to toxic air.
That’s roughly one person every 19 minutes. If the trend continues, more than 2,300 lives could be lost every month to the invisible killer.
Two years later, the Global State of Air Report pegged the figure even higher: 30,000 deaths in 2021 alone.
It was against this grim backdrop that experts at the maiden public lecture of the Ghana Thoracic Society raised the alarm — again.
Held at the British Council Hall in Accra under the theme “A Neglected Killer: Air Pollution and the Lung,” the event was a resounding call for policy reform, public education, and political will.
Desmond Appiah, Country Lead for the Clean Air Fund, was direct in his appeal.
“There is still a gap when it comes to a policy direction, a clear, clean air or air quality policy, which says this is our aspiration when it comes to air pollution. And these are the things that we think that we can work together.”
He added, “What a policy does is that it helps to guide how we do everything. So if government initiates or puts in place a national air quality policy, anybody coming to do some work in Ghana, which would have a bearing on air pollution or quality of air, would have to toe the line.”
Although Ghana has some standards on vehicle emissions, they are not mandatory. “And that is where I think the gap is,” Mr Appiah noted.
Desmond Appiah, Country Lead for the Clean Air Fund
“But with the new EPA Act…I think that the EPA is working together with other stakeholders, DVLA, Standards Authority and the like, to work on some of these things.”
Desmond Appiah was also quick to point out that air pollution is “now the number one environmental challenge in the world and in Ghana.” It’s not just vehicle emissions.
“Poor waste management, dusty roads, and some farming practices” are all contributing to the crisis.
Paediatric pulmonologist, Dr Sandra Kwarteng Owusu, shared findings from a local study that monitored schoolchildren’s exposure levels. The results were disturbing.
“We realised that for most of the children, during the time they are on their way to school… they had higher levels of exposure,” she said.
Paediatric pulmonologist, Dr Sandra Kwarteng Owusu
“There was one particular school where the children had a lot of exposure during the day… it had the most children who reported asthma symptoms.”
For guest speaker Professor Kofi Amegah, tackling air pollution starts with everyday decisions — from how we cook to what we drive.
“We need to find a way and transition to clean cooking solutions by using LPG and getting rid of the charcoal,” he urged.
“The high-emitting vehicles — I think we need to find a way and either get rid of them by not giving them roadworthiness, or we need to tax them heavily.”
Professor Kofi Amegah, Associate Professor of Environmental and Nutritional Epidemiology at the University of Cape Coast
He added, “I’m in support of taxing these vehicles heavily so that it will serve as a deterrent… We can also look at a policy whereby there could be some form of replacement for a vehicle owner so that they can pay over time.”
Globally, air pollution caused an estimated 8.1 million deaths in 2021, according to the Global State of Air Report.
That’s over 22,000 deaths a day. The report, backed by UNICEF, reveals that one child dies every minute due to air pollution-related illnesses.
And it’s not just about death. The 2024 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) shows that air pollution cuts the global average life expectancy by 1.9 years, amounting to 14.9 billion life-years lost worldwide.
Professor Jane Afriyie Mensah, President of the Ghana Thoracic Society, says the group’s mission is to translate such alarming data into public action.
“We have realised that a lot needs to go into education to let people understand how they can achieve optimal lung health,” she said.
Professor Jane Afriyie Mensah, President of the Ghana Thoracic Society
“This is becoming alarming. And we need to raise our voices to address this menace.”
“We’ll go sector by sector, looking at the people who are most at risk of air pollution. And then we will channel our educational activities through that.”
With 30,000 deaths and counting, Ghana’s air crisis can no longer be swept under the rug. The experts have spoken — now they await action.
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This stakeholder engagement brought together clinicians, civil society actors, and policymakers
Dr Robert Gish, a globally recognized hepatologist and one of the foremost experts in hepatitis B and liver disease, has called for nationwide testing and vaccination against the infection.
According to Dr Gish, who also leads the Hepatitis Foundation, early detection is critical in preventing the escalation of the disease and ensuring proper treatment.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with health professionals during his three-day tour of the country on April 19, 2025, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Dr Gish emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive action.
The tour includes inspections of facilities treating hepatitis B, visits to health workers, and the dissemination of information on effective treatment strategies.
“One out of four people with hepatitis B will die of complications,” he stated.
“We need to test people and treat them to avoid stigma and discrimination. Every family, in some way, is connected to hepatitis B. So many individuals are living with the infection.”
He further stressed the low testing and treatment rates in the country.
“When it comes to treatment, we are only at the beginning. Only a small fraction of infected individuals have been tested, and even fewer have received treatment. It is time for a nationwide campaign for testing and treatment. We need simple testing procedures, linkage to care, and, very importantly, instant vaccination,” he added.
Highlighting the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer, Dr Gish noted, “Liver cancer rates in Ghana are among the highest in the world. Very few patients have been treated, and this is partly due to food contamination by fungi. We need to ensure that our foodstuffs are properly cleaned.”
This stakeholder engagement brought together clinicians, civil society actors, and policymakers to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration, share insights, and advance coordinated efforts in the national and regional response to hepatitis B and liver cancer.
Dr Asare Offei, a liver surgeon at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and leader of the Liver Cancer Foundation in Ghana, also spoke at the event.
“For early detection purposes, we’ve been reaching out to communities to provide education,” he said.
“I want to encourage everyone to go and get tested for hepatitis B. Even if you already know your status, don’t be deceived into thinking the virus is inactive. You need to check at least every six months. Currently, 8 to 13 percent of Ghanaians are living with hepatitis B,” Dr Asare Offei added.
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Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Federated Commodities Ltd. (FedCo) has become the first company to issue and list a commercial paper (CP) on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), a major step in the country’s capital market development that introduces a new short-term financing tool for corporates.
The GH¢72.5million issuance represents the first tranche of a planned 150-day GH¢200million programme, structured to offer short-term funding through regulated capital markets. The company intends using the facility to improve its inventory ahead of the impending cocoa season.
This follows the February 2024 approval of the Commercial Paper Issuance and Admission Rules by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a move that formally recognises CPs as eligible instruments for fund managers.
Designed to provide companies with credible operational records and access to cost-effective, short-term liquidity – between 15 and 270 days – the CP market is expected to serve as an alternative to traditional bank lending.
Speaking at the listing ceremony, Managing Director-GSE Abena Amoah hailed the issuance as a “bold and strategic step” and commended FedCo’s forward-thinking approach.
“This issuance demonstrates your forward-looking leadership, financial discipline and confidence in Ghana’s investment community. This issuance is not just about raising funds; it is also about building trust, transparency and tapping into a broader investor base that is ready to support real sector growth in Ghana,” she explained.
The transaction is widely regarded as a breakthrough that could diversify the country’s capital market and ease pressure on bank lending.
FedCo’s issuance raised considerable interest, Ms. Amoah added, achieving a rate of 182-day Treasury bill rate plus two percent.
“It is our hope that FedCo will be able to raise remaining amounts of the offer size and be able to honour the debt service obligations of the CP as due, to foster market confidence in the shorter fixed income market,” noted James Avedzi Klutse, Acting Director General-Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the capital market regulator.
FedCo, a Licensed Cocoa Buying Company (LBC), has seen significant growth since 2017 when it held just 5.7 percent of market share. As of the 2021–2022 season, the company had risen to become the country’s third-largest LBC.
Its sustainability programme currently reaches over 41,000 farmers, improving livelihoods for an estimated 400,000 people nationwide. Investments in local communities, in partnership with other firms, have exceeded US$20million – translating to over GH¢300million in cash and in-kind contributions.
The company is also in the process of diversifying operations beyond cocoa.
“We have set up an 18,000 rice mill operator. We are also in the process of setting up a cocoa processing facility that can add value to our cocoa-rice area,” Mariam Adamu-Zibo, FedCo’s Managing Director, said at the event.
“While cocoa remains our heartbeat, the new measures ensure that cocoa features high in Ghana’s agricultural field,” she added.
The CP issuance is viewed as an opportunity to deepen Ghana’s financial markets at a time when credit to the private sector remains constrained.
Limited credit availability has continually been cited as a persistent barrier to business growth. The SEC hopes that a fully operational commercial paper market will ease this constraint by providing structured short-term debt instruments, complementing the existing bond and equity markets.
John Awuah, Chief Executive-Ghana Association of Banks, delivering the keynote address said the development is timely and necessary.
“We have very limited investment options in the country. This country is very hungry for more investor avenues … and I believe it is on this premise that I’m personally excited about what we are doing today.”
He emphasised that the issuance promotes transparency and accountability.
“By coming on the market, we are communicating to the general public that we are opening up the books to transparency, to accountability, proper reporting – so that investors and market participants will definitely know what is going on,” Mr. Awuah said.
He added that commercial paper could become an important instrument in portfolio diversification and syndication strategies, helping to distribute credit risk across a wider base of investors.
He further stated that the market will be watching closely for maturity of FedCo’s CP first tranche in August 2024. A seamless redemption is expected to build trust and unlock higher volumes in subsequent tranches.
“If you are able to retire this seamlessly, then it is not US$200million we’ll be raising… We will be raising maybe US$400million,”Mr. Awuah noted.