The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has revealed that Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, contacted the Office via phone and text messages during an ongoing search of the premises of Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

The disclosure comes in response to recent remarks made by Prof Gyampo, who suggested that the OSP’s investigation into former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta may be motivated by personal vendetta rather than objective legal grounds.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, June 22, the OSP firmly rejected this claim, stressing that its actions are rooted in clearly stated allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences.

These include the alleged abuse of office for personal profit in connection with the awarding of a multi-year contract to SML.

According to the OSP, Prof Gyampo made attempts to reach the Office while officers from the OSP and the National Security Secretariat were lawfully executing a search warrant at SML’s premises.

“While the OSP welcomes criticism of its work,” the statement read, “it cautions public officials to refrain from interfering — whether directly or through unfounded public statements — with ongoing investigations.”

The Office warned that such conduct could jeopardise the fight against corruption and erode public confidence in accountability mechanisms.

Prof Gyampo called for fairness and neutrality in the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

Speaking during a panel discussion on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, June 21, Prof Gyampo voiced concern over the manner in which the investigation is being conducted.

“I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta,” he stated.

The move has sparked criticism from some observers who argue that the OSP could have explored alternative approaches to obtain information from the former minister.

Among the options raised were virtual interrogation or dispatching investigators to meet him abroad.

Despite Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team had requested a video conferencing session due to his health condition, however, this was turned down by the OSP, which maintained that he had not been formally charged and must comply with standard investigative procedures.

Suggestions that the OSP could send officers abroad to meet the former minister were also dismissed by the Office on grounds of cost to the public purse.

In response, Prof Gyampo emphasised the need for greater clarity regarding Ofori-Atta’s medical condition.

“It is important to find out if Mr Ofori-Atta is not sick. Because being sick is not an easy matter,” he remarked.

He further questioned the OSP’s track record in handling high-profile corruption cases, pointing to past instances where investigations launched with public fanfare failed to yield substantive outcomes.

“And the OSP, they have in the past started so dramatically but, in the end, we saw nothing. Look at the Cecilia Dapaah case,” he said.

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Attractive News Blog of Sunday, 22 June 2025

Source: Andre Mustapha NII okai Inusah

June 22 (BBC/GNA) – Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemns the US strikes as “outrageous” and says Iran is reserving “all options to defend its sovereignty”.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior,” he writes in a post on X.

Araghchi adds that the US has “committed a grave violation” of the UN charter as a member of the UN Security Council.

Eleven injured after Iranian strike – Israeli emergency service

Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA), says 11 injured people are being taken to hospital after the latest Iranian strikes.

The injured include one person in moderate condition – a 30-year-old man with a shrapnel wound to his upper body. The other 10 people have light injuries with bruises.

GNA/Credit: BBC

Martin Kpebu is a private legal practitioner

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged the Ghanaian government to accelerate its participation in discussions about renewable energy and shift from fossil fuels.

Speaking on KeyPoints on TV3 on June 21, 2025, Kpebu stated that while Ghana still depends heavily on crude oil, global energy trends rapidly move toward solar, wind, and other clean alternatives.

He advised the government to pay attention to more renewable sources of energy instead of depending on fuels.

“Governments should engage the citizenry more on how we are transitioning from crude oil to non-fossil fuels,” he asserted.

His comments come as concerns have been raised about the prices of fuel products amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Experts have warned of potentially severe economic repercussions for Ghana if the war escalates, since the country is heavily dependent on imported fuels for its subsistence.

However, Kpebu pointed to the United Kingdom’s shift toward renewable energy, particularly in the North Sea, which has led to a decline in investment in oil and gas.

“The UK government is very clear that for them, it’s renewables; solar, wind, et cetera,” he explained.

He urged Ghana to learn from the UK’s approach, not only by developing a clear-cut renewable energy policy but also by ensuring the process is transparent and inclusive.

He referenced UK initiatives led by figures like Ed Miliband to encourage widespread adoption of home solar panels.

“There is a rooftop solar revolution in the UK. That’s what we also need to do, observe their conversation and replicate it,” he suggested.

Meanwhile, in a marked escalation, President Trump said he authorised U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, on June 21–22, 2025. These strikes involved 30,000-pound “bunker-buster” bombs delivered by B‑2 stealth bombers, along with Tomahawk missiles from submarines.

Trump declared the operation a “spectacular military success,” stating it “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program while warning of potential further action unless Tehran ceased escalation.

In the aftermath, Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli sites, and potentially U.S. forces in the region, prompting heightened regional alert and demands for de-escalation.

ID/EB

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has responded to remarks made by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, over its ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.

In a public notice dated Sunday, June 22, 2025, the OSP described Prof. Gyampo’s suggestion that the investigation is driven by a personal vendetta as “unfounded” and potentially damaging to the integrity of Ghana’s anti-corruption fight.

“The OSP wishes to place on record that its actions involving the former Finance Minister are based on stated allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences, particularly abuse of office for profit, including the multi-year contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML),” the notice stated.

The OSP’s response comes after Prof. Gyampo, speaking on TV3 on June 21, said he hoped the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, was acting out of “patriotism” and not personal animus.

“I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta but out of patriotism,” Prof. Gyampo said, adding that if the motivation is anything but patriotic, it could damage the reputation of the Special Prosecutor.

The OSP, however, rejected any insinuation of bias, revealing that Prof. Gyampo had also contacted the office while a legal search of SML’s premises was being conducted with support from National Security operatives.

“Incidentally, the said CEO called and sent messages to the Office in respect of SML while officers of the OSP and National Security were still conducting a legal search of SML’s premises,” the statement added.

While welcoming constructive criticism, the Special Prosecutor cautioned public officials against interfering—whether directly or through public commentary—in ongoing investigations.

“It cautions public officials to refrain from interfering—whether directly or through unfounded public statements—with ongoing investigations. Such actions have the potential to undermine the fight against corruption,” the OSP warned.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed nine new cases of Monkeypox (Mpox), bringing the total number to 107, with no admissions and no deaths, as of June 18, 2025.  

In a latest update, the GHS said it remained vigilant across all 16 regions, actively monitoring infections through its surveillance system to prevent further spread.  

It was also engaging in Social Behavioural Change activities in the various communities, schools and markets across the country to curb the spread.  

Mpox is a viral disease caused by an orthopox virus called monkeypox virus. It spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has the infection, causing a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever, which can make people very sick and leave scars.  

The disease mainly spreads from person to person through close contact and occurs through exposure to bodily fluids; lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, respiratory particles and contaminated objects.  

The GHS advised the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with people showing signs of rashes, and report symptoms like fever, rash or swollen lymph nodes early to the health facilities.  

“Wash hands frequently with soap and water or resort to the use of hand sanitizer, especially before and after touching sores. Let’s also wear the nose masks,” it said.  

It also urged the public to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols to help contain the disease.   

“Let us not drop our guard, if you notice an unusual rashes or flu-like symptoms, seek early care,” it said.  

Experts have advocated the involvement of the media in creating awareness among the public as well as debunk misinformation and disinformation about the disease as cases keep increasing.  

The inability to debunk misinformation and rumour would create panic, spread of the disease, confusion and lack of trust in institutions as well as have dire consequences on the economy.   

They appealed to the media to help keep the public informed, create announcements, leveraging on social media platforms, help fact check information.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern last August, due to a new variant spreading in Africa.  

Mpox has been recorded in over 13 African countries, marking the second WHO alert in two years.  

As of last year, more than 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths were reported across Africa, according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.  

The WHO last year approved an Mpox vaccine, aimed at timely and increased access for millions at risk in Africa, where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000.  

Source: GNA  

Joe Jackson cautioned that the development would impact various sectors of the economy

Renowned financial analyst Joe Jackson has issued a strong warning that the US military action against Iran could have disastrous consequences for Ghana’s fragile economy.

Speaking in an interview on TV3, Jackson cautioned that any such escalation would “devastatingly” impact various sectors of the country’s economy since Ghana is a fuel-dependent economy.

“Ghana has always been vulnerable to oil price rises. If the US gets involved, it could have a devastating effect… we should fasten our belts for a tough time… Oil prices, fuel prices, transportation and food, cedi exchange rate, electricity costs, remittances, everything could take a hit,” he warned.

He also advocated for proactive domestic measures: saving money, negotiating fuel price controls with unions, and enacting regulatory interventions to cushion everyday Ghanaians.

“We have to look at things that we can do to cushion the worst effects for the common man. We should save money in other areas. We should be negotiating with the unions for a regulation of prices,” he added.

Joe Jackson’s remarks came just before US President Donald Trump formally confirmed that American forces had targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. Trump hailed the operation as a “spectacular success,” noting that all US aircraft had safely exited Iranian airspace

Economic analysts now fear a ripple effect from the military action. A sharp rise in oil prices could place enormous strain on Ghana’s import-dependent fuel supply and drive up costs of essentials across the board.

ID/EB

The Secretariat of the Fisheries Committee of the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Fisheries Commission, has held a National Training Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning in Ghana.  

The four-day workshop was held as part of the project “Using Marine Spatial Planning in the Gulf of Guinea for the Implementation of Payment for Ecosystem Services and Nature-Based Coastal Solutions (MarEcoPlan).  

The capacity-building and stakeholder skills development workshop allowed the various technical structures involved in the management of marine and coastal areas of Ghana to understand the tool and its scope of application.  

It also provided participants with knowledge for the development, implementation, and monitoring of marine and coastal management plans and the prevention of potential conflicts.  

The training had representatives from the Ghana Petroleum Commission, Ghana Navy, Hen Mpoano, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Maritime Authority, IUCN, Ministry of Fisheries, Ghana Maritime Authority, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Fisheries Commission, and other members of the project’s Ghana national working group.  

The MarEcoPlan project is a three-year, three-million-dollar pilot Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) project, being implemented in three FCWC Member States: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, jointly with the IUCN, and is being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).  

Dr Gaston Antoine Djihinto, the FCWC Secretary-General, during the opening of the workshop, said the meeting was the beginning of the process of bringing together stakeholders and experts committed to the sustainable management of marine and coastal areas within the region of the FCWC.  

He stated that Marine Spatial Planning was a collaborative and strategic process that helps to manage the ocean spaces more equitably, efficiently, and sustainably, especially at a time when the marine environments were under increasing pressure.  

He added that the workshop aimed at providing the stakeholders with the essential tools, methodologies, and frameworks that underpin effective MSP, while offering a platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and national cooperation, as successful marine planning depended on shared understanding and integrated approaches.  

Mr Kossi Ahoedo, MarEcoPlan Project Coordinator, noted that as part of the project, a series of stakeholder training sessions have been scheduled on key topics to strengthen capacities for effective project implementation.  

Prof. Benjamin Campion, the Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Ghana, expressed commitment to sustaining the ocean due to its numerous benefits to humans, reiterating that Ghana had designated Cape Three Points in the Western fishing region as a Marine Protected Area as part of the management strategies.  

The workshop was facilitated by MarEcoPlan’s International MSP Consultant, Mrs Dieynaba Seck, with support from Dr Kwame Adu Agyekum, MarEcoPlan’s Ghana MSP consultant.  

Participants had role play on the various MSP concepts, which included strategies to identify and overcome barriers, challenges and potential conflicts between various users of marine and coastal spaces; familiarisation with the essential tools for developing an effective marine and coastal management plan; and assessment and adaptation of MSP plans in line with ecological and socio-economic developments.  

Source: GNA  

Ghanaian actress and filmmaker Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe has been appointed as Ghana’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain by President John Dramani Mahama.

Her appointment, announced on 21st June 2025 and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, is part of a list of 15 new diplomatic nominations. The appointments include ambassadors, high commissioners and a consul-general designate who are expected to represent Ghana’s interests across various countries.

Sinare, one of Ghana’s most respected actresses, brings decades of experience in film and public engagement to her new role.

She is known for her roles in films such as Out of Sight, Crossfire, Ties That Bind, and Trinity. Her screen presence and versatility have made her a household name, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She has also starred in a number of television dramas and stage plays, earning praise for her depth and delivery.

Kalsoume Sinare has won several awards throughout her career, including honours at the Ghana Movie Awards and recognition for her contribution to the arts and entertainment sector. In 2021, she was celebrated at the Golden Movie Awards Africa for her enduring legacy in the industry.

Beyond acting, Sinare is also a producer and advocate for women’s empowerment and creative arts development. She holds a diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, Legon, and has used her platform to champion issues related to education, youth development and gender equity.

The 58-year-old actress also holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

In 2021, she had her first degree in Public Service and Governance from the same institution. 

Her diplomatic appointment comes at a time when Ghana is seeking to deepen cultural, economic and bilateral ties with European nations. Spain remains a key partner for Ghana, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism, renewable energy and migration management.

Other notable appointments include businessman Benjamin A. Quashie as High Commissioner to South Africa, former Kumasi mayor Kojo Bonsu as ambassador to China, and former Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso, as ambassador to India.

All appointees are expected to go through the required vetting and approval processes before assuming their diplomatic responsibilities.

Kalsoume Sinare adds to the growing list of creatives who have been appointed to various positions in President Mahama’s government.

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

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

Maurice Ampaw is a private legal practitioner

Private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has stated that opposed to the belief that President John Dramani Mahama’s resetting agenda is to ensure all Ghanaians have a piece of the national cake, his second coming rather aims to satisfy the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party base.

Condemning the practice, Maurice Ampaw asserted that during the 2024 election campaign, the leadership of the NDC agreed to tow a different line by putting Ghanaians first.

“During the 2024 campaign President Mahama, Asiedu Nketia and the former National Chairman met and said that when they win power this time, they are going to take care of more of their party people. It will be like no contribution, no chop. The agenda is to satisfy party people,” he said in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on June 21, 2025.

“Also, to think less about Ghanaians and satisfy party people because NDC’s problem is that when they come to power, they think more about Ghanaians and they leave their party people. So, President Mahama winning power and the resetting agenda is to bring everything back to their party base,” he added.

He alleged that the current NDC government is poised to engage its family and friends, as well as, grassroots.

Maurice Ampaw added that, there is also a subtle agenda to take total control of the economy and the government structure; legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.

“You see that, currently, they have suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and have placed Justice Baffoe Bonney as the acting CJ who aligns with their agenda,” he said.

He noted that it is has become apparent that the ruling NDC government is pursuing a political vendetta.

“So, clearly, you see that there’s the issue of vengeance and an agenda to take over everything in the country,” he established.

He also asserted that the NDC has lost focus on governance as they have left the “energy crisis and the bread-and-butter issues” to take on their political opponents for their past actions which is highly discriminatory.

VPO/EB

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

The excitement continues at the Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair as Day 3 promises even bigger deals, exclusive discounts, and unbeatable offers for prospective homeowners and real estate enthusiasts.

Following the success of Day 2, which saw a massive turnout of visitors exploring Ghana’s premier homeownership event, exhibitors are gearing up for another thrilling day of sales and networking.

The fair, held at the Achimota Retail Centre, has become the go-to destination for affordable housing solutions, mortgage opportunities, and home improvement products.

On Saturday, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West and Deputy Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gizella Tetteh, made her debut appearance at the clinic.

Accompanied by her family, Madam Tetteh toured the fairgrounds, engaging with exhibitors and exploring a wide range of building, housing, and construction products on display.

Exclusive discounts from developers and financial institutions, including Ecobank, will feature special mortgage rates and flexible payment plans to help Ghanaians secure their dream homes.

Limited-time deals on building materials, furniture, and home appliances from top brands will also be available.

Visitors can benefit from free expert consultations with real estate professionals, architects, and mortgage advisors, as well as live demonstrations of smart home technologies and sustainable building solutions.

Day 2 of the fair was packed with engaging activities, including panel discussions on affordable housing, live interviews with industry leaders, and a visual tour of the latest property listings.

Attendees had the chance to interact with developers, compare housing options, and take advantage of early-bird promotions.

With only a few days left, the Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair remains the ultimate platform for homebuyers, investors, and industry players.

Gates open at 9:00 AM, and early visitors stand a chance to win exciting giveaways.

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

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

The Nkyinkyim band has cautioned that Ghana’s music industry cannot thrive if artistes, particularly bands, continue to ignore the importance of reinvestment in their craft.

Speaking on JoyNews’ E Vibes Musical Band Series, members of the group stressed that while band music is a profitable venture, it requires deliberate and sustained investment to yield long-term results.

“A-list artistes are reinvesting in themselves. Some of them spend up to $15,000 on just a video or photoshoot. It is not just money being spent; it is money being invested in their brand,” one member explained.

The band criticised what they called a problematic mindset that has taken root among many live music groups in Ghana.

“Our band culture often follows a ‘play and cash out’ approach. People go, perform, collect the money, and move on without putting anything back into the music. That attitude is gradually killing the band system,” they said.

Over the years, Nkyinkyim has become a symbol of professionalism in the live music space, with a growing reputation for both artistic excellence and business acumen.

Their warning reflects broader challenges within Ghana’s music industry, where financial literacy and long-term business planning are often overlooked. Many musicians, particularly those outside the mainstream spotlight, struggle to balance their artistic goals with sustainable financial practices.

The E Vibes Musical Band Series, where the interview took place, seeks to highlight stories like theirs. Through in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes moments and live performances, the series captures the challenges and triumphs of Ghanaian bands, giving viewers a closer look at the rhythms that keep these groups together.

For Nkyinkyim, the message is simple but powerful: if you want to reap the rewards of music, you must be willing to sow into it.

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

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