Radio host Nana Romeo, known in private life as Abdul Karim, has officially parted ways with Accra FM.
On May 26, 2025, he announced his resignation via an Instagram post, marking the end of his nearly decade-long tenure with the Accra-based radio station.
In his message, Nana Romeo expressed gratitude to his former general manager, Nana Appeanti, and the owner of Class Media Group (CMG), Alhaji Seidu Agongo, for recognizing his potential. He also acknowledged his colleagues for their support over the years.
He wrote on Instagram:
“As I sit down to write this, it’s hard to believe that the time has come for me to say goodbye to CMG – ACCRA FM 100.5 after close to 10 years of togetherness.
The moment has arrived for me to take the next step in my journey, and I want to take a moment to thank and appreciate the owner of CMG, Alhaji Seidu Agongo; Nana Appeanti, the then General Manager who saw and believed in my talent; all my colleagues, both past and present; my cherished listeners; and all my loved ones.
Words aren’t enough to express how I’m feeling right now. It’s been beautiful. FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT AS I ANNOUNCE MY NEXT HOME SOON. THANK YOU 🙏”
Nana Romeo was the host of Accra FM’s midmorning show and its entertainment program.
The Mohali Cyber Crime Cell of the Punjab Police in India has arrested seven nationals of Ghana and Nigeria for allegedly operating an international fraud racket from a rented accommodation in Noida.
The suspects, all men aged between 25 and 35, were sent to two-day police remand by a Mohali court.
During the raid, police seized 79 smartphones, four laptops (including two Apple MacBooks), 99 SIM cards (Indian and foreign), and documents related to 31 fake bank accounts.
According to a report by the Indian Express, the total value of the seized items is estimated to be around ₹3 million (approximately GH₵540,000). Transactions worth approximately ₹150 million (approximately GH₵27 million) were traced through the bank accounts, according to the police.
Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans stated that the accused allegedly used fake social media profiles to befriend Indian and foreign nationals, possibly duping over 350 people.
“Using advanced cyber tools and covert strategies, our team managed to apprehend the culprits,” he said.
The gang reportedly lured victims by promising expensive gifts sent from abroad, later demanding money under the pretext of clearance charges or taxes.
The scammers shared bank account numbers with victims and asked them to deposit specified sums.
The operation was led by DSP Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi, who revealed that the house where the gang operated was rented by a Nigerian woman whose whereabouts are yet to be traced.
DSP Sohi also noted that the bank accounts used by the gang were opened in private banks, and investigations are ongoing to determine the accountholders and how the SIM cards were obtained. She added that the scammers also targeted Nigerian citizens with fake job offers in India.
The incident left dozens injured, with 27 people treated in hospital
A joyous celebration turned chaotic when a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool FC fans during a victory parade on Water Street, Liverpool, following the team’s Premier League win.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, just after 6:00 PM, left dozens injured, with 27 people treated in hospital, two in serious condition.
Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, believed to be the driver of the dark blue vehicle.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the car, traveling at an estimated 20-30 mph, rammed through the dense crowd without stopping.
BBC reporter Matt Cole, who narrowly escaped with his daughter, said the vehicle missed them “by literally inches” and appeared to have “no intention of stopping.”
An ambulance in the crowd acted as a partial barrier, slowing the car.
Eyewitness Harry Rashid, 48, from Solihull, recounted hearing “pop, pop, pop” as people were struck, with some left unconscious on the ground.
Off-duty BBC reporter Dan Ogunshakin described the car accelerating into the crowd, scattering people “like bowling pins,” turning the festive atmosphere into “fear and terror.”
Another witness, Mike Maddra, noted the car mounted the pavement and appeared to act deliberately, ruining the celebratory day.
Police, ambulances, and armed response units quickly descended on the scene. The rear windshield of the car was reported smashed, with bystanders attempting to stop the vehicle by throwing objects and banging on it.
Authorities are investigating the motive, with initial speculation from witnesses suggesting the driver may have been impatient to pass through the crowd.
Watch videos from the incident below:
🚨UPDATE🚨
A new video has emerged on how it started in Liverpool today it appears that the driver was getting pissed off with the traffic and then people started battering his car and then the guy looks to have completely lost it
We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.
Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has predicted that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) will soon begin experiencing internal conflicts that will leave the party divided.
According to the Minority Leader, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effutu, the NDC’s selection of a successor to President Mahama to lead the party into the 2028 election will cause significant disaffection.
In a video shared on social media, the Minority Leader is heard speaking to some party supporters, urging them to remain united and fight for victory in 2026.
“The NDC will soon start experiencing internal conflicts. Everything they accused us of, they will do even worse. They will face leadership issues, especially since President Mahama has only one term, and they will suffer from even greater voter apathy in the 2028 elections.”
“Forget about yesterday and move on. These people will start experiencing internal conflicts—you will be shocked. Every single thing they used against us, you will realize they will do even worse. They will also face leadership issues. Mahama has just one term, so they will have to bring in a new leader. When it was our turn, they made fun of us—no problem. In 2028, apathy will be on their side. Even if you look at the turnout—they say in the Ashanti Region we recorded only 67%, but they had just 65% turnout in the Volta Region. Now that they are in power, their apathy level will increase. In the Greater Accra Region, with all the noise, voter turnout was only 55%.
That happened when our own base didn’t vote, so nobody in our party should be worried. Any government going into an election faces the challenge of apathy. So we just have to stick together. They can share all the money in the world, they can say they will buy every media house—so be it. Time will expose all of this.”
“The NDC will soon start experiencing internal conflicts. Everything they accused us of, they will do even worse. They will face leadership issues, especially since President Mahama has only one term, and they will suffer from even greater voter apathy in the 2028 elections.” -… pic.twitter.com/GPnZfV8IFD
Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is demanding urgent government intervention to ensure that Ghanaians fully benefit from recent reductions in fuel prices.
The organisation says the refusal of some commercial drivers to comply with the 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is exploitative and must be punished.
“Fuel prices have dropped significantly, and GPRTU has taken the commendable step of recommending lorry fare reductions by 15%,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS.
“It is only fair that passengers, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living, should see the benefits of this reduction reflected in their daily transport costs.”
Although the directive from GPRTU took effect on Saturday, 24 May 2025, many drivers and unions have refused to implement it, citing unrelated operational costs. CUTS has condemned the resistance, saying it is a betrayal of public trust.
“Transport fares are one of the biggest daily expenditures for millions of Ghanaians. Any attempt to suppress a legitimate fare reduction due to falling fuel prices is simply unacceptable,” Mr. Adomako said.
CUTS International is proposing a three-pronged approach to restore discipline in the transport system and protect passengers.
First, it wants the government to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to deregister and ban drivers who refuse to adjust fares.
“MMDAs already have the mandate under local government laws to register and license commercial vehicles. Government should empower them to revoke the registration of drivers who refuse to comply with the new fare regime,” Adomako stated.
He also suggested the issuance of visible compliance stickers for drivers who obey the new pricing directive.
“This will allow the police and regulators to easily identify and sanction those who continue to exploit commuters.”
As an emergency measure, CUTS is calling on the government to authorise public universities to deploy their idle campus buses along affected routes.
“This would create a buffer for commuters and put economic pressure on defiant operators to reverse course,” Mr Adomako noted.
Beyond short-term responses, CUTS is urging long-term investment in Ghana’s public transport infrastructure.
“Globally, cities like London, New York, Seoul, and Berlin have strong public transport because their governments invest in it. Ghana must do the same,” he argued.
He called for the retooling of Ayalolo and Metro Mass Transit (MMT), alongside the construction of dedicated bus lanes, to improve service reliability.
“A strong state-run transport system can introduce healthy competition, improve service quality, and prevent arbitrary fare hikes.”
Mr. Adomako added that while Ghana operates a liberalised transport market, that does not mean the government is powerless.
“Just like the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) uses a pricing formula to manage fuel prices, we need a rational framework for transport fares during fuel price changes.”
“We need consumer-focused transport reforms that promote affordability, fairness, and safety,” he concluded. “Now is the time for action.”
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.
A tipper truck veered off its lane and crashed into multiple vehicles at Anloga Junction in the Oforikrom municipality of the Ashanti Region after reportedly failing its brakes while ascending the Oforikrom hill into the main traffic intersection on the Kumasi-Accra highway.
The vehicle consequently veered off its lane, approaching oncoming vehicles at top speed as it careened down the hill before crashing into multiple cars.
The long trunk of the tipper truck ultimately overturned, pouring the sacks of goods it carried onto the road.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, threw drivers and passengers into a frenzy as they escaped a fatal collision.
A video of the incident shows an individual running along the truck and shouting caution at pedestrians and drivers before it eventually somersaulted.
President John Mahama on Monday gave a hint of the modality for the reintroduction of road tolls as contained in the 2025 Economic Policy and Budget Statement of the Government.
He said the Government was considering digitizing the roads toll booths, and that the Ghana cards of car owners would be linked to the cars; so that whenever the vehicle passes through a road toll booth, its picture would be taken and a bill of GH¢1.00 would be sent to the car owner’s mobile money account or his bank account for the payment.
The President disclosed this in his address at the 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit in Accra.
He said there had been ongoing discussions on what the modality should be for the collection, saying, “But a good thing today is every car is linked to the owner’s Ghana card. And so, we don’t need to have the old toll gates and those carts that you stand and open and all that. We’ll just go straight, digitalised.”
“If it’s one cedi, one cedi. If you cross the East Lagon Bridge, the Governor and Finance Minister will all be happy. We’ll just take a picture of your car. And then we’ll take the bill to your mobile money or your bank account and just pay one city, only one cedi.”
The 2025 Ghana CEOs’ Summit is on the theme “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy- A Private-Public Sector CEO Dialogue & High-Impact Learning.”
President Mahama described the Summit as an event that had over the years become the foremost platform for strategic thinking, together with the nation’s most influential economic actors.
He said the theme for the Summit could not have been more appropriate and that it challenges them to examine where they had come from, acknowledge where they had faltered, or define where they must go as a nation.
Ernest De-Graft Egyir, Founder/CEO of Ghana CEOs’ Summit, reiterated the key role the Summit had been playing in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
He lauded President Mahama for being a regular guest speaker at the Summit.
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.
Users of ride-hailing apps should not expect a reduction in fares despite the recent appreciation of the cedi and falling fuel prices.
According to the Ghana Online Drivers Union, it was not consulted in the Ghana Private Road Transport Union’s (GPRTU) decision to implement a 15% fare reduction across public transport services.
Speaking to Citi Business News, President of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, Francis Tengey, stated that the fare cut cannot be extended to ride-hailing services because they were excluded from the decision-making process.
“What the GPRTU did does not include us, because we have not been consulted. We are not part of them. We are the users of Uber, Bolt, and Yango. We have a union, but our union is not recognized by the GPRTU or the Trade Union.
“Although we have applied since 2021 to be affiliated with TUC, we have not yet gotten that accreditation. So GPRTU giving this directive does not include us. Uber does not know GPRTU, Bolt and Yango do not know GPRTU.
“As unions and representatives of the drivers, we were not part of the meeting that GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport held. We were not represented. So our customers cannot enjoy the 15% reduction on prices,” he explained.
Tengey further argued that formal recognition of the union would enable it to engage directly with ride-hailing platforms to ensure passengers benefit from favorable economic trends. He also appealed to the government to step in and regulate the sector.
“We are pleading with the government, through the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Youth and Employment—these two sectors should come together to regulate the sector and recognise the union. When they recognise the union, a letter like this will be coming from us.
Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group CUTS International is calling for firm action from the government to ensure Ghanaians benefit from recent fuel price reductions.
The group is urging authorities to empower local assemblies to deregister and sanction commercial drivers who refuse to implement the 15% fare cut announced by the GPRTU, arguing that transport operators must not be allowed to short-change commuters amid improving economic conditions.
In Nigerian politics, there has long been an informal understanding: presidential appointments should carefully balance the country’s many ethnic and religious differences. Today, there are growing concerns that this is being ignored.
While the constitution requires regional representation in cabinet positions, the broader distribution of other prominent roles has traditionally followed a convention aimed at fostering national cohesion.
Nigeria’s fractious divisions have in the past torn the country, Africa’s most populous, apart.
Concerns about fairness in presidential appointments are not new, but a chorus of criticism is growing over President Bola Tinubu’s picks, with some accusing the head of state – who has been in power for two years – of favouring people from his own Yoruba ethnic group.
The presidency vehemently denies the accusation.
There have long been fears that members of one ethnic group would come to dominate key positions – and this means that presidential appointments are closely scrutinised whenever they are announced.
There are over 250 ethnic groups in the country with Hausa-Fulanis, Igbo and Yoruba – hailing from the north, south-east and south-west, respectively – being the three largest.
Critics say that Tinubu, a southern Muslim, showed signs of ignoring precedent from the onset when he picked another Muslim (although from the north) to be his running mate for the last election.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the major parties had always put forward a mixed Muslim-Christian ticket, as the country is roughly evenly divided between followers of the two religions.
Tinubu’s appointments since becoming president in May 2023 are facing growing criticism.
The rich traditions of Nigeria’s many ethnic groups are often celebrated, but tensions between those groups have threatened the unity of the nation
Although there are dozens of roles for a head of state to fill, there are eight jobs that “are the most crucial for every administration”, according to political analyst and barrister Lawal Lawal.
These are the heads of the:
central bank
state-owned oil company, NNPC
police
army
customs service
intelligence agency
anti-corruption agency and
revenue service.
There is no constitutional ranking of positions, but collectively these roles control the key financial and security apparatus of the country.
Every president inherits his predecessor’s appointees, but has the prerogative to replace them.
As of April, all eight positions under Tinubu are now filled by Yorubas.
The recent appointment of former Shell boss Bayo Ojulari to head the state-owned oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), in place of a northerner, turbocharged the debate about the apparent monopoly of one group in top positions.
Looking at who filled the same posts under Tinubu’s two immediate predecessors, there was no such dominance of one ethnic group at the same stage of their presidencies.
Goodluck Jonathan – who served from 2010 to 2015 – had a relatively balanced team of two ethnic Fulanis, two Hausas, one Atyap, one Igbo, one Yoruba and one Calabar.
When it came to Muhammadu Buhari – in power from 2015 to 2023 – the situation was less clear.
In the top eight he had three Hausas, two Kanuris, one Igbo, one Yoruba and one Nupe.
But in the minds of many Nigerians, Hausas, Kanuris and Nupes are all seen as northerners – and therefore there was a perception that Buhari, who is from the north, showed favouritism.
Some argue that Tinubu’s appointments have merely continued the trend, but the 100%-Yoruba make-up of the eight key positions is unprecedented.
“For a democratically elected president, I cannot remember at any point in Nigerian history where you have this high concentration of a particular ethnic group holding most of the sensitive positions,” history professor Tijjani Naniya told the BBC.
This is not just about what has happened in the past but it could have an impact on the unity and even the future of the country, the professor said.
“For me, the fear is what if the next president continues on this path and picks most of the sensitive positions from his ethnic group, it diminishes the feeling of belonging among the rest and also reduces belief in democracy,” he said.
In the last two years, many northerners, mostly Hausa-Fluanis, have looked at the apparent direction of travel with alarm.
The current men (there are no women) in charge of the NNPC, the police, customs and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) all replaced northerners.
The removal of Abdulrasheed Bawa, a Hausa, as boss of the EFCC in 2023 just two years after he was appointed was especially controversial.
He was arrested, accused of abuse of office and detained for over 100 days before the charges were dropped.
He was replaced by Ola Olukoyode, an ethnic Yoruba.
Some from the north felt Mr Bawa was unfairly treated and pushed aside to make way for Mr Olukoyode.
“The president needs to know that the Yoruba people are just a part of the country, and all appointments should be spread across all ethnic groups and regions,” social affairs analyst Isah Habibu told the BBC.
Without addressing specific cases, a Tinubu spokesperson has said the president is being fair and balanced, by taking the wider view of all appointments.
Some Nigerians are concerned that President Tinubu’s Yoruba ethnic group is dominating the government
Media aide Sunday Dare did try to go into detail, saying overall, 71 northerners and 63 southerners had been appointed by Tinubu. But his 9 April post on X was later deleted, after people pointed out errors in his claim.
He promised an updated list, but more than six months later, it has yet to appear.
Tinubu faces critics even from within his own party.
Senator Ali Ndume is from the north and – like Tinubu – belongs to the All Progressives Congress. In one television interview he said he had gone on air to talk about the president’s appointment “wrongdoings”.
Ndume said he was shocked, describing them as “non-inclusive and not reflecting the president’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which promised to carry every section of the country along”.
Another presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, disputed the idea that some positions were more significant than others.
“All I know is that the constitutional provisions [regarding appointments] have been taken care of by the president – there’s nowhere in the constitution [where it is] mentioned top five, top 10 and the rest,” he told the BBC.
“The way we see it is that any position or appointment that one is privileged to serve in is very critical and important.
“The national security adviser is from the north-east, the chief of defence staff is from the north-west and the secretary to the federal government is from north-central.”
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which coordinates policy on behalf of the presidency, released a statement on 12 April saying Tinubu was being fair.
“This administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies,” it said.
Political analyst Mr Lawal said the president should appoint the best person for the job, irrespective of their ethnic origin – and agues that this is what Tinubu is doing.
“It’s high time Nigeria looks beyond ethnicity,” he said.
There could be a time when Nigerians no longer obsess over the ethnic origins of those in the upper echelons of government, but historian Prof Naniya says this is still some way off.
He believes it can only happen when the country gets at least four presidents in succession who give every section a sense of belonging in terms of projects and appointments.
“I think it can be done but needs the right leaders.”
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 man was wrongfully jailed for rape for being kind-hearted
A 63-year-old former prisoner has recounted how he was wrongly and painfully sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape, all because of what he believed was a kind act toward a stranger.
The ex-convict shared how, on one fateful evening while driving his private car from Accra to the Central Region, he encountered a young lady by the roadside who beckoned him for a lift to her destination.
According to him, he was, at the time, an elder in the Christ Apostolic Church and initially mistook the lady for one of the ushers in his church. Based on that assumption, he stopped to pick her up.
Shortly after she got into the car, he realized she was not the church member he had assumed she was. He then stopped the vehicle and asked her to alight. However, the lady pleaded with him, saying she had been stranded for a long time without finding a vehicle. She begged to stay until he reached his destination, after which she would continue her journey with another vehicle.
He narrated in an interview with Angel TV that when they got to his destination, he stopped for the lady to alight. However, about two hours later, he heard a knock on his door. Upon opening it, a young boy informed him that someone was looking for him. When he stepped outside, he found the same lady to whom he had earlier given a lift. She pleaded with him for a place to spend the night, explaining that she had still not found transportation.
He explained that, out of compassion, he offered her a place to sleep in his four-bedroom house.
“Out of compassion, I gave her a place to lay her head for the night. In the morning, she came to inform me herself that she was ready to leave and continue her journey. I made her sit in my car and dropped her off at a location where she could get a commercial vehicle. That was on a Saturday. The next day, I was informed by the police that I was needed at the station. Since I usually repaired their broken fridges, I thought they needed my services. But to my shock, when I arrived, the police told me that the lady had reported that I had raped her,” he narrated.
The ex-convict added that he was immediately arrested and transferred from Ajumako to Cape Coast. He said that due to his inability to secure a good lawyer, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He also revealed that he spent one and a half years on remand before being transferred to the Maximum Security Prison.
He further explained that he later decided to appeal the case and made arrangements to be moved to Nsawam. However, after serving three and a half years there, he found the conditions tough and requested to be sent back to Ajumako, where he completed his jail term.
A 63-year old ex convict has recounted how a single act of kindness towards a stranger landed him in prison with a 15-years sentence on rape charges. pic.twitter.com/hAmhUQkWew
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Randy Abbey has revealed how syndicated loan delays and poor financial planning plunged Ghana’s cocoa sector into a historic crisis, resulting in an estimated loss of $840 million.
Speaking on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, as monitored by MyNewsGH, Abbey explained that COCOBOD’s financial missteps during the 2023/2024 season not only weakened the industry’s performance but also severely undercut the earnings of cocoa farmers across the country.
According to Abbey, COCOBOD entered the 2023/2024 cocoa season by seeking a syndicated loan using a conservative pricing benchmark of $2,600 per ton, despite ongoing market volatility and liquidity challenges.
However, the real crisis emerged when the funds arrived in December 2023—three months after the official opening of the cocoa season.
“Licensed Buying Companies couldn’t get seed funds to buy cocoa for almost four months. This has never happened in COCOBOD’s history,” Abbey stated with alarm.
The delay in financing had a cascading effect. COCOBOD, having already committed to deliver over 333,000 tons of cocoa, was unable to fulfill those contracts, leading to a rollover into the 2024/2025 season. As global cocoa prices soared to $6,600 per ton, Ghana found itself servicing prior contracts at a $4,000 loss per ton.
“For every ton we used to service the rollover, we lost $4,000. As of April 2025, we had serviced 210,000 tons. That’s a loss of $840 million,” Abbey disclosed.
This massive shortfall, he explained, is a key reason the government could not significantly increase the cocoa producer price, despite mounting political and economic pressure. “They increased it to GH₵3,100 just three weeks before the election, but that’s less than 50% of the world price,” he added.
The situation remains precarious. Abbey warned that Ghana is still rolling over another 120,000 tons into the 2025/2026 season, and while the president has expressed a desire to improve farmer incomes, broader economic instability—particularly the recent challenges facing the cedi—complicates any effort to adjust prices upward.
“This is not just about mismanagement,” Abbey said. “It’s about the collapse of confidence in the institutions that are supposed to protect our farmers and our economy.”
England-based duo Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana have visited the Black Stars team ahead of the Unity Cup in London.
The English Premier League stars have been excluded from coach Otto Addo’s 23-man squad for the four-nation tournament due to minor injuries. However, the West Ham and Southampton players took the opportunity to visit the team as preparations begin ahead of the game against Nigeria on Thursday.
Both Kudus and Sulemana endured a tough season in England, with the latter’s Southampton suffering relegation to the English Championship. Meanwhile, in their absence, coach Otto Addo has invited several new players, including FC Nordsjaelland’s Caleb Yirenkyi.
“Team building is a process that takes time, and it’s not something that happens overnight. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to give some of our young players a chance to prove themselves. Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills,” said Otto Addo.
The Black Stars will open their tournament with a game against the Super Eagles on Thursday. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will also face off on Wednesday at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is set to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) again on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID Headquarters in Accra at midday on Monday, May 26, 2025, accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Dame.
According to a press release signed by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the CID, Wontumi was cautioned on three allegations:
1. Undertaking mining operations without a license 2. Pollution of water bodies 3. Entering a forest reserve without authorisation
The statement noted that Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators, provided his statement, and was subsequently granted bail. He is expected to report to the CID at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as investigations continue.
The police assured the public that further developments regarding the case would be communicated in due course.
Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi in an interview with journalists after his interrogation by the CID denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
He stated that he had presented his mining licence to authorities to prove that he operates legally.
“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey. I presented my licence to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining or galamsey. They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he said.
He further explained that while he had previously applied for a license to operate in a forest area, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission had informed him that the land was designated for protection. “So, if anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it,” he added.
Read also
I engage in responsible mining, not galamsey – Wontumi
Businesses operating in Ghana have been urged to conduct their transactions in the local currency as part of efforts to preserve the recent stability and appreciation of the cedi.
According to the Bank of Ghana, increased use of the cedi in domestic transactions will help reinforce confidence in the currency and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit, Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama opined that CEOs and business leaders have a responsibility to support national efforts by strengthening domestic mechanisms that ensure the cedi’s long-term stability.
“Let me emphasize that the Cedi remains the only legal tender in Ghana and as businesses we must ensure that transactions going forward are conducted in our local currency,” he stressed.
He also disclosed that the Central Bank is collaborating with the Finance Minsitry to transition from short term financing to more sustainable , long term funding strategies .
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Finance, SIGA and the Ghana Stock Exchange to revive Ghana’s domestic capital market even as economic stability returns,” he added.
Dr. Asiama further stressed the urgent need to regulate crypto currency activities in the country.
“We are aware that we have nearly 17 percent of Ghanaian adults already holding crypto assets including strong adoption amongst our youth, among tech entrepreneurs and even among women led businesses. Therefore we cannot afford to a regulatory vacuum that have existed for this while,” he explained.
Outgoing United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has indicated that Ghana stands to benefit from recent global tariff adjustments introduced by the U.S., especially when compared to some of its trade competitors.
Speaking in an interview on The Point of Viewon Channel One TV with Bernard Avle aired on Monday, May 26, Ambassador Palmer explained that although Ghana faces a 10% tariff on exports to the U.S., this rate is far more favorable than those imposed on other countries.
“There were 10% applied globally, which the new US administration has taken, that may in the short term [be] to Ghana’s advantage, vis-à-vis its competitors. Oil and gas, which is being [a] major exporter to the US, is not subject to the tariff. If Ghana faces a 10% tariff, Bangladesh and Vietnam face 47% and 63%,” she said.
Ambassador Palmer also noted that around 60 countries are contending with tariffs higher than 10%, giving Ghana a potential advantage in global trade.
“There were 60 countries where tariffs were much higher than 10%, which may be an advantage for Ghana in the near term. I hope that Ghana will be the one making that point to the American legislature when it expires at the end of September [2025],” she added.
Ambassador Palmer encouraged Ghana to proactively engage U.S. lawmakers, especially ahead of the expiration of the current tariff framework later this year.
Removal proceedings are a ‘mockery of justice’ – Justice Torkornoo
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A member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Yaw Boamah-Nyarko, has called out government for failing to secure long-term economic stability despite recent gains in gold and cocoa prices.
The Effia MP, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, May 26, expressed concern over the lack of a strategic plan to grow the country’s reserves, especially its gold holdings.
“We’re selling gold but not saving it,” he declared, warning that Ghana risks wasting a rare economic opportunity.
He disclosed that by the end of December last year, Ghana’s gold reserves stood at 30 tonnes.
But just five months later, the country has sold almost 20 tonnes of gold, while its reserves have grown by less than one tonne.
“You ask yourself, if you go by this trajectory by the end of the year, how much reserve would you have built into your system?” he quizzed.
The NPP MP insisted that the NDC government’s current positive commodity price trend will not last forever.
“We are not going to get this gold price going on like this forever. We are not going to get a cocoa price rise like this forever,” he said. “So what is the government’s strategy?”
He revealed that Parliament will summon the Minister for Finance to provide answers.
“We’re going back to Parliament tomorrow to ask the Finance Minister to give us information as to government strategy and plan to consolidate this gain and also ensure that we build the buffers that will be able to stand the days of adversity,” he said.
Mr Boamah-Nyarko argued that while the government is quick to take praise when the economy shows signs of recovery, it has failed to make long-term provisions to sustain those gains.
“We are unable to plan well and unable to put in the necessary mechanisms which are more sustainable,” he said.
Citing the aftermath of COVID-19, he said Ghana’s weak fundamentals were exposed, and nothing substantial has changed since.
“We realised that our fundamentals are weak,” he noted.
The MP demanded that the Vice President, who chairs the Economic Management Team, publicly outline how the current gains are being translated into long-term buffers.
“We would want the Vice President… to assure us as a country, the kind of arrangement they are putting in place to make sure that all of these things are not just a nine-day wonder,” he said.
Mr Boamah-Nyarko also pointed out the stark difference between Ghana’s gold reserves and those of global economic powers.
“The US has over 8000 tonnes and the UK has over 2000 tonnes,” he said. “We must begin to ask ourselves where we are going.”
He stressed that boosting reserves is key to defending the currency in difficult times and stabilising the economy.
“If the government intends to use this rainfall to at least bring the cedi down, by so doing, we still make sure that we are building reserves,” he added.
Mr Boamah-Nyarko’s comments come at a time of renewed economic optimism. But for him, that optimism is hollow without a clear plan to preserve 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.
Sixteen players reported for training in West London on Monday as the Black Stars kicked off their preparations for the 2025 Unity Cup semifinal against Nigeria.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford.
The players who trained on Monday included Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Tetteh Anang, Gideon Mensah, Razak Simpson, Mamudu Kamaradini, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Salis Samed, Abu Francis, Majeed Ashimeru, Lawrence Agyekum, Christopher Baah Bonsu, Jordan Ayew, Stephan Ambrosius, Brandon-Thomas Asante, and Kwame Opoku.
Abdul Aziz Issah joined the squad on Monday night.
Six more players include, Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Salisu, Aaron Essel, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena Gyan, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini are expected to join the team today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The winner of the Ghana-Nigeria match will proceed to the final against either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Renowned Ghanaian content creator and actor Jeffrey Nortey has paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to officially inform him about his upcoming show titled “3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey.”
The visit, which took place at the Ga Mantse Palace, was marked by mutual respect and cultural appreciation, as Nortey reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the Ga language and culture through his work in entertainment.
Jeffrey Nortey, widely recognised as one of Ghana’s most versatile creatives, is an actor, lyricist, comedian, and one of the country’s most influential content creators.
He has become a household name for his unique storytelling, humour, and consistent use of the Ga language in his performances—an effort that has earned him praise for preserving and popularising indigenous culture.
Speaking during the visit, Nortey expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse for his leadership and cultural advocacy.
He described “3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey” as a celebration of identity, language, and creativity, promising a dynamic blend of drama, comedy, and spoken word—all delivered in a way that honours his Ga heritage.
The Ga Mantse, in turn, commended Nortey for his role in promoting the Ga language and for using his platform to inspire the youth.
He assured him of his full support for the upcoming show and encouraged other young creatives to take pride in their cultural roots.
“3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey” is expected to draw audiences from all walks of life and further cement the artist’s reputation as a cultural ambassador and creative force.
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play videoKen Agyapong led the arrest of the driver and handed him over to the police at Manso
Former New Patriotic Party flagbearer hopeful and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, on Sunday, May 25, 2024, led a citizen’s arrest on a truck driver allegedly responsible for killing a motorcyclist and attempting to flee.
According to reports, the former MP and his team, while returning from Cape Coast, chanced upon the accident scene where the motorcyclist had been run over by a truck and was lying on the road dead, with his motorbike on fire.
Alarmed by the event, the former MP chased down the driver of the truck, whose wrongful overtaking had allegedly caused the accident, arrested him, and handed him over to the police at Assin Manso.
“Why did you have to run away? If you have committed a mistake, why then do you run away?” the former MP is heard questioning the driver of the truck with registration number AS 9475-19 in a video.
The driver, who was arrested together with his mate, insisted that he was never aware that he had caused an accident.
However, other drivers at the scene corroborated the claim that the accident was caused by the truck driver who had engaged in wrongful overtaking on the stretch between Nsuta and Anyinabrim in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The nomination comes on the back of Party’s performance in the 2024/2025 league season
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has earned a well-deserved nomination for the “Best West African Player Abroad” at the inaugural 2025 CIS Awards, set to take place on June 20, 2025, in Conakry, Guinea.
This recognition underscores his consistent excellence and pivotal role at Arsenal, where his tactical brilliance and commanding presence in midfield have shone brightly. Featuring in 52 matches this season, Partey contributed four goals and three assists, playing a key part in Arsenal’s impressive run as Premier League runners-up and their journey to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
His ability to control the tempo, break up opposition plays, and provide leadership has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable midfielders.
At 31, Partey blends experience with relentless energy, serving as both a mentor to younger players and a cornerstone for Mikel Arteta’s squad. For Ghana, his nomination is a moment of national pride, highlighting his status as a footballing icon. As anticipation builds for the CIS Awards, fans are eager to see if Partey will claim this prestigious accolade, further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for West African football on the global stage.
He faces stiff competition from four other high-profile football talents for the prestigious honour. They are Nigeria and Galatasaray talisman Victor Osimhen, Senegal midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, Guinea star Serhou Guirassy, and Franck Yannick Kessié of Cote d’Ivoire.
Below are the five finalists named for the “Best West African Player Abroad” category:
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has explained the reason behind the introduction of new players into the team’s set-up.
Five players have been handed a debut call-up for the Unity Cup games this week in London. They are Joseph Tetteh Anang of St. Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland, Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Aaron Essel of North Texas SC, Caleb Yirenkyi of Danish side FC Nordsjælland, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, who plays for Union St. Gilloise in Belgium.
“These two matches are extremely important for the team, just like the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September. I believe this is the perfect time to closely observe the players we’ve been monitoring over the last few months,” the 48-year-old told ghanafa.org.
“Team building is a process that takes time, and it’s not something that happens overnight. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to give some of our young players a chance to prove themselves. Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills.
“We’re looking beyond individuals and focusing on building a strong team. That’s why I’ve decided to give many of these young players a chance to play and prove themselves, with the aim of making them a key part of my team going forward.
“The Unity Cup comes at a crucial time for us, and we want to make the most of it. We’re excited to welcome back players who have been absent for months due to various reasons, as well as integrate new players into the team,” Otto Addo added.
Meanwhile, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and other key players have been left out. However, Abdul Salis Samed, Kwame Opoku, and Felix Afena-Gyan have all made a return to the team.
Ghana will take on Nigeria at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, for a slot in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will begin demolishing unauthorized structures along waterways in Tema, Klagon, and the Sakumo Ramsar site starting Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The exercise forms part of a broader effort to restore natural watercourses, curb flooding, and enforce environmental regulations in the region.
At a meeting with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo warned that individuals behind the illegal developments would be arrested.
She added that a dedicated task force would be stationed in the affected areas after the demolition to prevent further encroachment.
“We will continue with the demolition exercise at Sakumono and Tema. In some places where the demolition was done, they have raised the structure again. So we are going to cause an arrest. We are not going to leave a single structure; all of them will go down,” the Minister stated.
“After the demolition, we are going to put a task force in place who will be working 24 hours to protect the place,” she added.
Removal proceedings are a ‘mockery of justice’ – Justice Torkornoo
The Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Ghana, Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, has urged the government to consider extending the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme by a year or two because of the numerous gains the country has achieved so far.
Ghana signed onto an IMF bailout programme in May 2023, securing a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to stabilise the ailing economy. However, the programme is to end in June 2026.
But speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO and Summit, Mr. Owusu said the programme has brought elevated investor confidence, both domestic and external, adding, “The programme has brought fiscal discipline, which we haven’t done well without the IMF”.
He mentioned that the Ghanaian economy showed some resilience, particularly in 2024, despite the turbulence in previous years, growing at a rate of 5.7%, driven mainly by the mining and quarrying sub-sector.
To him, the current growth trajectory requires the country to restructure the economy if it’s to create real and decent jobs and significantly increase government revenue and reduce the overdependency on aid. “This is the reason I support the President’s idea of a reset”.
He lamented that the over-reliance on the services sector could come as a disincentive because it would not generate the needed jobs for the growing labour market, quoting the World Bank estimates that over 150,000 students graduate from the country’s universities annually, and that requires a bold and ambitious plan to create opportunities for them.
He again urged the government to implement its agriculture programmes captured in the 2025 Budget, stating that the ‘Feed Ghana’ and ‘Feed the Industry’ initiatives are very important because they will not only feed the nation but also serve as raw materials for the manufacturing industries, create jobs in the agriculture value chain and the manufacturing sector, and address the high food inflation.
“These policies must be implemented with clear-cut strategies and targeted timelines to enable the government to achieve its vision”, he added.
Increase Reserves Must be Sustained to Preserve Cedi Stability
On the balance of payment front, he warned that the positive balance of payment is likely to be impacted when Ghana starts servicing its external debt from May 2026 and beyond. “This could affect our foreign reserves and consequently the cedi”.
He commended the government for the good work done so far on the economy but called for a continued increase in the country’s reserves to sustain the performance of the local currency.
“We cannot continue to rely on cocoa as our main cash crop. We must deliberately diversify the Non-Traditional Exports base by targeting other cash crops such as oil palm, shea nut, rubber, and cashew. We must grow these into cash-cow commodities that will bring in the much-needed earnings in foreign exchange”, he added.
Cedi’s Sustainability to Ease Inflation
On inflation, he stressed that if the cedi can sustain its recent stability and supply-side factors can be improved to ease the rise in food prices, “we should see a gradual decline in inflation towards the 11.9% year-end target noted in the Budget Statement”.
Parliament resumes sittings today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, marking the start of the Second Meeting of the First Session of the 9th Parliament. This follows a recess observed during the Easter period.
With the resumption, lawmakers return to full parliamentary business, including legislative debates, committee engagements, and deliberations on pressing national issues.
A major highlight of the upcoming session will be the expected appearance of the Minister for Finance in August to present the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to the House.
Speaking to Citi News, Second Deputy Majority Whip, Richard Acheampong, outlined the agenda for the sitting.
“The ministers will make their statements so we can assess their achievements over the past three months and understand their plans going forward. We have a packed agenda this sitting, including the mid-year budget review in August,” Acheampong said.
Ahead of today’s sitting, the Minority Caucus held a strategic retreat over the weekend to evaluate its performance and outline key priorities for the new session.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin reiterated the caucus’s commitment to strong parliamentary oversight while signaling its readiness to assume leadership in the next political cycle.
“We are sending a strong message to our opponents—we will hold their feet to the fire while remaining a responsible opposition. I assure Ghanaians that we are ready to take power in 2028,” he stated.
Removal proceedings are a ‘mockery of justice’ – Justice Torkornoo
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has signed a two-year contract to succeed Xabi Alonso as head coach of German club Bayer Leverkusen.
It is the first managerial role that Ten Hag, 55, has taken since his departure from United in October.
Alonso was confirmed as the new boss of Spanish giants Real Madrid on Sunday.
Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during a spell of just over two years in charge at Old Trafford, but was dismissed with United 14th in the Premier League.
The Dutchman had enjoyed prior success with Ajax before joining United in 2022.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said:, external “With Erik ten Hag, we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch.
“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.
“And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times.”
Under former Liverpool midfielder Alonso, Leverkusen won a league and cup double in 2023-24.
They finished second in the Bundesliga this season, 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.
Ten Hag, who will officially start his new role on 1 July, said Leverkusen are “one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe”.
He added: “I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”
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.
Ghana has temporarily closed its embassy in Washington, D.C. and recalled all foreign affairs staff amid an investigation into an alleged visa fraud scandal.
Ghana has temporarily closed its embassy in Washington, D.C. and recalled all foreign affairs staff amid an investigation into an alleged visa fraud scandal.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the closure on X, revealing that a special audit team uncovered a scheme in which a local staff member in the embassy’s IT department created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website.
This link redirected visa and passport applicants to his private company, where they were charged additional fees for multiple services without the knowledge of the Foreign Ministry.
The investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least five years.
“Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C. shall be closed for a few days from today as we finalize the ongoing restructuring and systems overhaul,” he said.
Funds routed to private account
According to Ablakwa, visa and passport applicants were unknowingly redirected and charged between $30 and $60 for various services, with all proceeds allegedly funnelled into a private account controlled by a locally hired embassy staff member.
In response, all foreign ministry officials stationed at the embassy have been recalled home with immediate effect, and the embassy’s IT department has been promptly dissolved.
Minister Ablakwa emphasized the government’s uncompromising stance on corruption, stating that President John Mahama’s administration will continue to uphold zero tolerance for corruption, blatant conflicts of interest, and abuse of office.
President Mahama being received at the airport by Ivorian officials
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Cote d’Ivoire for the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Annual Meetings aboard a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, branded “Dzata.”
The arrival, captured in a video shared by GHOne TV, occurs amidst recent controversy over Ghana’s presidential jet, which has been deemed unfit for use due to safety concerns.
The video shows the jet landing and President Mahama disembarking, greeted by officials and a red carpet.
This trip marks Mahama’s participation in the annual meetings, scheduled from May 26 to 30, 2025, in Abidjan.
The use of the private jet has reignited debate about the state of Ghana’s presidential fleet, which includes a Falcon 900EX acquired during former President John Kufuor’s tenure and criticized for its age and safety.
The president has recently been criticized for using his brother’s Dzata jet; however, this has been defended by government officials as cost-saving and timely for the state.
While the previous government had hinted at plans to acquire a new presidential jet, the John Mahama government, which took office in January 2025, is yet to make any such plans public.
GTPCW is seeking an injunction to prevent Mr. Nyaunu from being sworn in as a board member
The leadership of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union (GTPCW) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has initiated legal action against Mr. George Nyaunu of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union for allegedly misrepresenting himself as GTPCW’s representative on the governing board of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
According to court filings, the GTPCW is seeking an injunction to prevent Mr. Nyaunu from being sworn in or participating in any board meetings as a representative of the Union. The Union insists that it officially nominated its National Chairman, Mr. Bernard Owusu—who also serves as the National Chairman of the TUC—for the board position. The nomination was submitted to the Presidency, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. To the Union’s dismay, President John Mahama nominated Mr. Nyaunu instead for the yet-to-be-inaugurated board. This decision has sparked controversy and discontent within the GTPCW, prompting the Union to seek redress through the courts.
The ongoing legal tussle threatens to delay the swearing-in of the new NPA board, potentially hampering the Authority’s strategic decision-making processes. The situation has also triggered growing tension between factions of tanker drivers—some aligned with Mr. Nyaunu and others backing Mr. Owusu—resulting in reported disruptions in the supply and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.
While some industry observers argue that Mr. Owusu’s previous service on the board warrants fresh leadership, others are skeptical of Mr. Nyaunu’s appointment, accusing him of aligning too closely with the NPA at the expense of workers’ interests.
In light of the brewing crisis, there are increasing calls for the government to consider appointing a neutral and competent figure from the downstream sector—someone well-versed in the challenges confronting petroleum worker unions and capable of advancing the collective interests of all parties on the NPA board.
Chairman of Ghana’s National Development Planning Commission, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has pushed back against claims that recent gains in the Ghanaian cedi are primarily the result of US President Donald Trump’s economic policies.
“Some say we are gaining because of Trump’s policies in the US – Trump doesn’t even know where Ghana is.
“It would be foolish to ascribe everything to Trump,” he stated pointedly, drawing laughter and nods of agreement from his audience at the Gender Equitable and Transformative Social Policy for Africa (GETSPA) conference held at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Dr Thompson acknowledged that global factors such as a weakening US dollar may have played a part in the cedi’s improved performance but argued strongly that the real credit belongs to Ghana’s own efforts.
“There may well be some element of the US dollar weakening, but that cannot explain everything. We must also take credit for our own efforts – fiscal discipline by the Ministry of Finance, monetary tightening by the Bank of Ghana, and the removal of excess liquidity from the system.”
Emphasizing the importance of domestic economic governance, he called on Parliament to play a more proactive role in overseeing public borrowing.
“Parliament must demand rigorous analysis before approving loans – including how funds will be allocated, disbursed, and monitored. Stronger institutional checks are crucial,” he urged.
Municipal Chief Executives for the La Dade Kotopon and Ayawaso West Municipal Assemblies have been confirmed by their respective assembly members.
Alfredos Nii Anyetei was unanimously confirmed as the MCE of LADMA, while Dr Michael Mensah received 16 “Yes” votes out of 19 to be confirmed as the MCE for Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly in a smooth election.
In the first election for La Dade Kotopon, Mr Anyetei received five “Yes” votes out of the 14 assembly members of LADMA who voted for his confirmation, while nine voted “NO”.
Dr Michael Mensah being sworn into office by Ms Linda Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister Photo: Seth Osabukle
Also, Dr Mensah polled nine votes, representing 47 per cent of the vote, out of 19 eligible voters made up of six government appointees and 13 elected assembly members, while 10, representing 53 per cent, voted “NO” in the election.
Following the rejections, President John Dramani Mahama re-nominated them, following their initial failure to garner the required votes at their respective approval meetings.
The re-nomination was announced in a statement signed on Thursday and issued by the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, stating that the President’s action was in line with Article 243 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20 (1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended.
However, the confirmation exercise for Rudolph Collingwoode-Williams as MCE for Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly was disrupted by NDC supporters.
They protested the President’s decision to renominate him for the position, leading to a chaotic scene at the venue.
Demanding the nomination of the NDC Constituency Chairman for Ayawaso Central, Harry Otu, as the MCE nominee, the protesters dismantled canopies, chairs, and the voting booth set up for the event, compelling the Electoral Commission Officers to bolt for their lives.
Consequently, the exercise did not take off at all as the situation compelled the postponement of the renomination.
It took the intervention of the police to enforce order but that was also thwarted by the angry youth.
This, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, announced that the exercise would take place on Monday, May 26, 2025.
The reggae star (R) has pledged his support for the Burkina Faso leader
On May 25, 2025, some Ghanaians and members of the African diaspora living in Ghana marched through the streets of Accra to commemorate African Liberation Day.
The demonstration was held in solidarity with Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the leader of Burkina Faso, amid global criticism of his leadership as a military president, under the unified call: “Hands Off the AES!” The massive march took place in Ghana’s capital, drawing wide participation and international attention.
One notable figure who caught public attention was Jamaican reggae singer Hezron Clarke, also known by his African name, Kwame Bonsu.
Hezron, who discovered his Ghanaian roots in 2023, expressed his solidarity with Captain Traoré via a video message shared on social media.
His message was delivered during the protest by his African collaborative team member, Bobo Ranking, to the cheering crowd.
Hezron expressed admiration for Captain Traoré’s vision to transform Burkina Faso and promote African unity.
The reggae star pledged his support for the leader and expressed his eagerness to meet him in person.
During the April 30th worldwide solidarity protests, Hezron hosted a special Instagram Live session where he performed an acoustic set dedicated to the cause.
The performance featured some of his most powerful tracks, including:
•Man on a Mission – a tribute to Captain Ibrahim Traoré and his revolutionary path.
•Kuja Nyumbani – a call for Black people to reconnect with their African roots.
•Warriors’ Haven – an anthem honouring the freedom fighters and ancestors who laid down their lives for Africa’s liberation.
•Save the Children – a heartfelt plea to the world to prioritize and protect the future of children everywhere.
Former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene
Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has refuted claims that his client has made any attempt to engage in a plea-bargaining process with the Attorney General’s office.
Speaking to the media shortly after proceedings at the High Court on Monday, May 26, 2025, Atta Akyea described the circulating reports as “completely unfounded” and reaffirmed the innocence of his client and the latter’s wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, who is also standing trial.
“We have not made any overtures. There is nothing on the table for us to plea bargain. There has been no request—formal or informal—for any plea bargaining from my clients.
“These rumours are not only misleading but also intended to tarnish the reputation of a man who insists on his innocence and is prepared to clear his name through the judicial process.”
Atta Akyea further stressed that his clients were confident in the legal process and would contest all charges leveled against them in open court.
He cautioned against what he described as “trial by media,” urging the public to allow the court to determine the outcome based on facts and evidence.
He noted that the judge only made the order since it was a variable for the defence to consider.
The case has been adjourned to June 11, 2025.
The Accra High Court has ordered defence counsel in the case of former Signals Bureau Director and two others not to indulge in any plea bargain agreements until the prosecution has filed and accordingly served them with the full disclosures they will rely on in the case.
In court, Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, pleaded with the court to be given more time to file their disclosures after failing to meet the deadline given by the court.
He explained that the investigator on the matter was temporarily unavailable.
“By the proceedings of the last adjourned date, we were ordered to file our witness statements and disclosures by May 20. However, we couldn’t comply with the deadline because one of our key investigators was indisposed, thus unavailable to sign the relevant documentation,” Dr Srem-Sai posited.
“Our failure to comply with the orders was never deliberate or intentional. We pray you grant us a week’s adjournment. The investigator will be back on Friday,” he added.
The presiding judge, John Nyadu Nyante, then ordered the disclosures to be filed by June 2, 2025.
The judge also ordered the lawyers of the accused persons to only engage in a plea bargain request with the prosecution after the Attorney-General has filed and served the disclosures to them.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate for the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Dr Daniel Augustus Lartey Junior, has expressed optimism about Ghana’s economic prospects, highlighting recent gains in the strength of the local currency and an increase in the country’s gold reserves.
According to the economist, the Ghanaian cedi has appreciated by 16% against the US dollar, a significant development that reflects positively on the country’s economic trajectory.
Speaking in an interview with the media on May 26, 2025, He noted that Ghana’s credit rating has also improved, moving from a default status to an ACC plus, which he described as a major achievement.
Dr Lartey attributed this progress to the bold economic policies of the current government, which he said have helped stabilise and strengthen the economy.
Among the key contributors to the improvement, he highlighted the increase in gold reserves as a major factor.
He explained that the foundation for this success was laid by the previous administration through initiatives like the “Oil for Gold” programme, which aimed to stabilise the economy by building gold reserves.
The current government, he added, has continued and expanded these efforts, increasing Ghana’s gold reserves from 8.7 metric tons to 30 metric tons.
Dr Lartey emphasised that this increase in reserves has helped boost the country’s foreign exchange position and supported the cedi’s strength.
“This development provides the government with the fiscal space needed to invest in critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals,” he said.
In addition to economic matters, Dr Lartey also touched on the importance of public health, particularly women’s health.
He stressed that women’s health and hygiene are vital to national development and expressed hope that the government will continue to prioritise improvements in this area.
He reaffirmed his optimism about Ghana’s economic outlook.
According to him, he believes that the ongoing efforts by the government to build the economy will continue to bear fruit, leading to enhanced infrastructure and an improved quality of life for Ghanaians.
Acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo
The Acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, has emphasised that gaming is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a source of suffering.
“We are not just regulators; we are also concerned about addiction.
“We have teamed up with gaming operators to do this. Worldwide, these operators are mandated to help combat gambling addiction, and they invest significant sums of money in this effort.
“As I always emphasise, gaming is meant to be entertainment, so people should not have to suffer because of it. The operators are more than willing to partner with us in addressing addiction, after all, they are human beings too. Who knows? Perhaps one of their own relatives is struggling with addiction,” he said.
He made this known during a sensitization programme jointly organized by the Gaming Commission and the Mental Health Authority as part of activities to mark May Mental Health Month.
The event, which forms part of a broader campaign by the Gaming Commission and the Mental Health Authority to promote responsible gaming and protect the mental well-being of Ghanaians, was themed “Promoting Responsible Gaming: Exploring the Linkage Between Mental Wellness and Gaming Addiction.”
According to Quainoo, the Commission is increasingly concerned about the rise in gambling addiction in Ghana, particularly among women.
“It is not exciting to sit in the office, and every week, you get people bringing letters that they want to be self-excluded from gambling. Gambling addiction is becoming a huge issue, and we organized this programme to raise awareness.”
He stressed that gambling addiction is not an isolated problem, as it can affect anyone’s close relatives or friends.
“You may think that you don’t gamble, so it doesn’t bother you, but somebody closer to you, a child, mother, or even your wife, can sit somewhere and gamble without your knowledge,” he noted.
Quainoo said the Commission is not only focused on regulation but also on the welfare of affected individuals.
“Worldwide, gaming operators are mandated to help fight gambling addiction, and many are willing to partner with us because they understand the human cost; some even have relatives going through addiction.”
Currently, the Commission refers individuals struggling with gambling addiction to mental health institutions, but Quainoo believes Ghana must invest in specialized rehabilitation centers.
“We think that we have to have our own rehab with psychologists and other health professionals who will help them get out of the situation,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, psychiatrist Dr Daniel Adjei shed light on the psychological toll gambling addiction takes on individuals.
“We are looking at depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts among addicts, It also affects their jobs and relationships; some lose huge sums of money and their livelihoods.”
Dr Adjei urged people to seek professional help when they notice signs of gambling addiction in themselves or others.
He emphasised the importance of social support in the recovery journey, noting that addicts need assistance navigating the challenges of quitting, including self-exclusion from platforms and deleting gambling apps.
“Some people may need psychological support or therapists, and we are also looking at rehabilitation options for some of them,” he stated.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report back to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
This follows his initial visit to the CID, where he was questioned over allegations related to illegal mining activities. Chairman Wontumi reported to the CID headquarters in Accra at midday on May 26, 2025, following an official invitation by the Director-General of the CID. He was accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General, Godfred Dame.
In a press release issued by the Ghana Police Service and signed by Superintendent of Police Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the CID, Mr. Antwi-Boasiako was cautioned on three specific allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without proper authorization.
The police noted that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako cooperated fully during the investigation, provided a statement, and was subsequently granted bail with instructions to return for further engagements.
His appearance and the ongoing probe come at a time when the issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, continues to raise serious environmental and legal concerns across the country. The case has drawn significant public interest due to Chairman Wontumi’s high-profile political standing.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that further developments will be communicated in due course.
President Mahama being received at the airport by Ivorian officials
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Cote d’Ivoire for the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Annual Meetings aboard a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, branded “Dzata.”
The arrival, captured in a video shared by GHOne TV, occurs amidst recent controversy over Ghana’s presidential jet, which has been deemed unfit for use due to safety concerns.
The video shows the jet landing and President Mahama disembarking, greeted by officials and a red carpet.
This trip marks Mahama’s participation in the annual meetings, scheduled from May 26 to 30, 2025, in Abidjan.
The use of the private jet has reignited debate about the state of Ghana’s presidential fleet, which includes a Falcon 900EX acquired during former President John Kufuor’s tenure and criticized for its age and safety.
The president has recently been criticized for using his brother’s Dzata jet; however, this has been defended by government officials as cost-saving and timely for the state.
While the previous government had hinted at plans to acquire a new presidential jet, the John Mahama government, which took office in January 2025, is yet to make any such plans public.
Renowned playwright Latif Abubakar debuted his highly anticipated theatre production, “Ghana Must Go – The Promised Land”, which showcased Ghana’s enormous tourism potential.
Globe Productions, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, staged the “Ghana Must Go” play as part of a global campaign under “The Big Push Ghana Project” and “The Black Star Experience.”
Audiences were ecstatic during the two-day showing of the theatrical masterpiece, which featured a powerful and intensely patriotic journey of several characters.
The performance, starring popular actor Adjetey Anang, amplified the campaign to project Ghana as a leading destination for tourism, investment, and cultural excellence.
From showcasing the traditional dances of various ethnic groups to promoting the country’s stunning tourism destinations and attractions, the play was a thrilling experience that captivated audiences.
It depicted how young travellers were so enthralled by Ghana’s tourism offerings that they were reluctant to return abroad.
The theatrical performance also wowed audiences with dazzling music and dance moves, delivered flawlessly by the talented cast.
The “Ghana Must Go” stage play is expected to embark on a worldwide tour in the coming months as part of efforts to position Ghana as a premier destination for tourism.
This production marks the 20th stage play by Globe Productions in their 15-year history, solidifying their reputation as one of the most renowned producers of theatre in Ghana.
The NDC leadership has been called upon to intervene in the matter
The Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Amenfi East, Nana Kofi Atokyi, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he describes as secret, unjust, and unauthorised appointments made in the constituency without the knowledge or consultation of key party executives.
The statement, addressed to the Western Regional Minister, Regional Executives of the NDC, and copied to the media, expressed deep frustration over the appointments of a Municipal representative to the Regional Lands Commission Board and the Municipal Director for the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), which he claims were done in total disregard for party structures and protocols.
According to Mr. Atokyi, the appointments were made without informing or involving the core nine constituency executives, including himself, the Constituency Secretary, Women’s Organizer, Youth Organizer, Treasurer, Organizer, Communications Officer, and the Zongo Caucus Coordinator—an act he described as a “complete disrespect” to party hierarchy.
The first issue raised in the statement was the appointment of one McLean as the Amenfi East representative on the Regional Lands Commission Board. Mr. Atokyi disclosed that upon hearing of the development, he contacted the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Raymond Nana Ebbah, who admitted to making the nomination, claiming it was his personal slot.
However, the Regional Minister reportedly disagreed with the MCE’s actions, stating that such appointments ought to be made in consultation with the party’s leadership, including constituency executives and the Member of Parliament.
The second matter concerned the recent appointment of Mr. Alidu Dramani as Municipal Director of YEA. Mr. Atokyi described the move as “highly surprising and disheartening,” revealing that regional party authorities had earlier instructed that no one be appointed to that position until broader consultations were concluded.
Despite this directive, Mr. Dramani is alleged to have assumed office without official clearance, reportedly on the orders of the MCE.
The Chairman added that several attempts to alert the Regional Minister and Regional Chairman led to both authorities instructing that the appointment be suspended until further notice—a directive that Mr. Dramani allegedly defied.
The statement also highlighted growing tensions in the constituency, particularly among youth groups who have expressed their anger over what they describe as “malicious appointments” and have threatened to embark on demonstrations.
Mr. Atokyi further alleged that known affiliates of the MCE have resorted to insulting and threatening constituency executives via social media platforms, notably one dubbed the “Asikuma platform.” He cited a recent incident in which the MCE allegedly insulted the Women’s Organizer of the party, further worsening the strained relationship between the MCE and party executives.
Mr. Atokyi concluded his statement by calling on the Regional Minister, Regional and National Executives of the NDC, and all relevant stakeholders—including the President—to urgently intervene to restore order and respect for party protocols in the Amenfi East Constituency.
“I know with the kind of threats coming to me, this press release may worsen the situation, but I am doing this for the good of the party,” he stated.
The Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee (PDSRC) has recommended the immediate scrapping of the premix fuel subsidy, citing entrenched mismanagement and corruption.
In a report sighted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the committee stated that the subsidy had failed to achieve its intended purpose of supporting artisanal fishers, and had instead become a conduit for diversion and illicit sales.
The committee proposed that savings from abolishing the subsidy be redirected towards the development of fishing communities to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive tangible support.
The report described the premix fuel sector as “marred” by systemic diversion and mis-selling of subsidized fuel at the pump.
It emphasized that governance issues surrounding the distribution and use of premix fuel had undermined its core objectives: stabilizing petroleum prices and supporting fisherfolk.
A regional breakdown of consumption from 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 revealed troubling trends, according to the report.
The Northern and former Bono regions—areas with minimal legitimate use for premix fuel—recorded dramatic consumption spikes of 322 percent and 190 percent, respectively.
In contrast, traditional coastal fishing regions such as Western (-4 percent), Central (21 percent), and Greater Accra (13 percent) recorded far lower increases, suggesting large-scale smuggling and diversion.
The report stated: “Almost all of the GHS 680 million in annual revenues accrued from the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy (PSRL) is siphoned through the premix fuel subsidy by cronies, without direct benefits to fisherfolk.”
The PSRL, introduced in 2015 under the Energy Sector Levies Act (Act 899), was designed to stabilize fuel prices, subsidize premix and residual fuel oil, and cushion petroleum-related shocks. Since its inception, Ghanaians have contributed over GHS 3 billion to the fund.
However, the committee noted that only a fraction of this amount has been used for its intended purposes. Notably, the levy has never been applied to stabilize the prices of other fuel types.
The committee’s recommendation adds to growing demands from civil society organizations and energy policy think tanks for reform.
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has long advocated for the elimination of the premix subsidy, citing inefficiency, endemic corruption, and the burden of growing national debt.
Similarly, the Environment and Natural Resource Research Initiative (NRRI) has argued that ending the subsidy is necessary to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has appealed to the Supreme Court to intervene and stop what she describes as a coordinated and degrading campaign to oust her from office.
She warned that the very foundation of judicial independence in Ghana is under attack.
In a supplementary affidavit in support of her motion for an interlocutory injunction, Justice Torkornoo lays bare a string of events she believes demonstrate “a complete desecration of [her] basic constitutional rights,” including the right to a fair hearing, dignity, and protection from inhuman treatment.
“This Honourable Court is the only shield between me and an unconstitutional assault on the office I hold and the independence it symbolises,” she wrote.
“Only you can stop this assault on judicial independence.”
She contends that the inquiry process initiated against her and the conduct of the committee set up by the President, have been marked by blatant violations of due process and personal indignity.
“I have been treated in a manner not meted out even to persons on trial for treason,” she stated in the affidavit, calling the treatment degrading and mentally torturous.
Justice Torkornoo’s grievance stems not only from the substance of the allegations against her—details of which she says have never been properly communicated—but from the process itself.
She revealed that she has not been informed of the legal basis on which a prima facie case was determined, nor of the specific allegations she is required to answer.
“How can I defend myself when I don’t even know what I’m defending against?” she asked.
She described how her lawyers were sidelined during a crucial committee sitting on May 15th, despite receiving formal notice of the hearing.
“The committee simply refused to recognise my counsel because I was not physically present,” she noted incredulously.
When she eventually appeared before the committee on May 22nd with her legal team, they informed the members about her Supreme Court suit.
The committee adjourned for a day and requested copies of the legal filings. But by May 23rd, Justice Torkornoo says, the committee “shockingly” announced its intention to proceed regardless—even though the injunction application was now before the highest court of the land.
What makes matters worse, she said, is the committee’s decision to allow petitioners to call external witnesses rather than appear and testify themselves.
“This is not just irregular. It is offensive to the basic rules of inquiry,” she argued. “Petitioners must be subject to cross-examination. That’s what justice demands.”
The Chief Justice also paints a disturbing picture of the treatment she has been subjected to at the hearings, held not at the Judicial Service’s Court Complex like previous Article 146 processes, but at the Castle, Osu, a high-security zone.
There, she says, her husband and children were barred from entry, she and her lawyers were denied access to phones and laptops, and she was personally searched.
Meanwhile, she alleges, the petitioners’ counsel moved freely with phones and other devices.
“These actions are not merely procedural irregularities,” she said. “They are deliberate tactics designed to mentally break me and tarnish the dignity of my office.”
Justice Torkornoo argues that all previous removal proceedings against judges under Article 146 have taken place at the Courts Complex—a venue she describes as the appropriate judicial setting. The move to the Castle, she insists, “boggles the mind” and signals an effort to intimidate.
Calling the entire process a “mockery of justice” and “a ruse to unjustifiably remove me from office,” she prays that the Supreme Court immediately halt the process by granting an interlocutory injunction.
“This is bigger than me,” she warns. “What is at stake is the security of tenure for every justice of the Superior Courts of Judicature. What is under threat is the very soul of our Constitution.”
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Thomas Partey will not partake in upcoming Unity Cup fixture against Nigeria in London.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has explained Thomas Partey’s exclusion from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming Unity Cup fixture against Nigeria in London.
According to the GFA, the Arsenal midfielder has been granted permission to rest following a physically demanding season in which he played a vital role for his club. Partey helped Arsenal reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and finish second in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old was instrumental for Mikel Arteta’s side with consistent performances in midfield during Arsenal’s run-in, earning praise for his experience and composure under pressure.
In a statement, the GFA noted that Partey remains an important part of coach Otto Addo’s plans but has been excused from the Unity Cup squad to allow full recovery ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
The Black Stars will face Nigeria on May 28 at the GTech Community Stadium in West London. The winner of the tie will progress to the final of the Unity Cup, where they will face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.
Fermented cocoa beans are dried by villagers on a table in Ghana. Photo: Christina Peters via Getty Images
Ghana’s cocoa industry, hit by unfavourable weather conditions and increased smuggling, is likely to miss its output target of 650,000 metric tonnes this season, data from regulator Cocobod showed.
The world’s second-largest cocoa producer has seen output fall in the two previous seasons due to reasons including diseases and illegal gold mining, which destroys cocoa plantations and reduces yields.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has praised NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketia for instilling values that have shaped his political career.
He described Asiedu-Nketia as his “political godfather,” saying the NDC stalwart groomed and guided him for nearly two decades, helping him rise through the ranks as a Member of Parliament, a parliamentary leader, and now, a Minister of State.
Ahmed Ibrahim made these remarks during a thanksgiving service at the Church of Pentecost, Sakumono District, Sophia Cudjoe Temple.
The event marked his re-election to Parliament and his appointment as a minister.
The Banda MP, who entered Parliament in 2009 and is now serving his fifth term, recounted how Asiedu-Nketia encouraged him to contest the seat when he was still a political novice.
“He taught me to be truthful, and that has been my guiding principle,” he said.
“General Mosquito [Asiedu-Nketia] eschews lies because it brings one’s spirit down. He urged me to be hardworking, compassionate, respectful, and to live by Christian values.”
The Minister also acknowledged Asiedu-Nketia’s selfless mentorship and willingness to share his experience as a former minister and three-term MP.
He said such generosity was an example for younger politicians who must avoid chasing short-term glory in public life.
Mr. Ibrahim recalled the struggles he faced as an opposition MP, including attempts by the state machinery to unseat him during elections.
“In all the years of battles and struggles, General Mosquito stood firmly behind me,” he noted, describing Asiedu-Nketia as a leader worthy of emulation.
“I am eternally grateful to General and ask for God’s blessings upon him,” he added.
Ahmed Ibrahim, who was officially sworn in as Minister on January 24, 2025, confirmed the upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Service scheduled for July 1, 2025.
The event will be decentralised and observed across all districts.
He said the service is expected to uplift Ghana spiritually and economically, and that its impact would be evident under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
“The Thanksgiving will help Ghana progress, including stabilising the cedi and realising other aspects of the reset agenda by President Mahama,” he declared.
In his sermon, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyemang, Teshie Nungua Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, called on Christians to pray for the nation’s leaders so they can make decisions that positively impact citizens.
He emphasised the need for transformational leadership that achieves extraordinary results, breaks new ground, and sets new records.
“Ghana needs leaders who achieve outstanding successes with overwhelming impacts and go beyond the ordinary in commanding the affairs of life,” he said.
He also urged the Minister and other public officials to make “godly adjustments” in their spiritual and personal lives, stressing that such transformation attracts divine blessings that benefit the people they serve.
The Thanksgiving service was attended by top NDC leaders led by Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, Bono Regional Chairman Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Members of Parliament, government appointees, friends, family, and the wife of Ahmed Ibrahim.
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Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has filed a suit challenging the ongoing processes for her removal
The general public is yet to hear directly from suspended Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, as the processes on three petitions for her removal continue.
Former Attorney General Godfred Dame, who is the lawyer for Justice Torkornoo, has now shared some details of her state of mind as she continues to make news headlines whenever there is a twist in the ongoing processes.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on May 25, 2025, Godfred Dame disclosed that his client remains upbeat despite the bastardisation she has suffered over the past few weeks.
He indicated that the suspended Chief Justice, as a “very strong believer in the word of God”, is taking inspiration from the scriptures.
He said that Justice Torkornoo has told him that she is confident that, just like the “biblical David”, she will surmount the Goliath before her, and that she wants the people of Ghana to see this in a public hearing of the petitions against her.
“Well, she’s a very strong woman. She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever seen. And indeed she said two things. She said, ‘As I was reflecting on the word of God,’ then she remembered that, yes, David was even able to defeat a Goliath. David was able to just use a very supposedly innocuous object to defeat a Goliath, and so there’s always hope. She finds confidence and trust in the word of God, and she knows that the truth will come out.
“That is why she wants light to be shed on the proceedings. That is why she wants a public hearing, so the public can hear her case. She has kept quiet so far, never made any comment at all whilst people disparage her and damnify her and all that. She’s waiting for the day to speak, and it must be, as is usually the case under the Constitution, a public hearing,” he said.
The former Attorney General also said that Justice Torkornoo told him that she is drawing inspiration from former US President Bill Clinton, who went through an impeachment process after sex abuse allegations were made against him.
He asserted that the Chief Justice believes that, at the end of the day, she will emerge victorious.
“Two, she also said that she remembered, in the times of her reflection on the word of God, she actually remembered that even the most powerful man in the free world, Bill Clinton, at that time had an impeachment trial.
“Bill Clinton went through an impeachment trial, and that was the person who was supposedly the President of the United States of America, the most powerful person, leader of the free world and all that. And at the end of the day, she will also have her day and all that,” he said.
Dame added, “So she’s very calm, reflecting on the word of God, and she knows that the truth will surely come out, except when they seek to suppress the truth in darkness, which is what she resists.”
Carlos Alcaraz said he “expected a worse level” from himself after beginning his French Open title defence with a straight-set victory.
Spain’s four-time major winner recorded an efficient 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in just one hour and 56 minutes.
The 22-year-old is aiming to become the first man since compatriot Rafael Nadal in 2020 to retain the Roland Garros title.
But despite winning 27 of his 29 matches on clay since May last year, Alcaraz said he did not expect such a smooth start to his campaign.
“I expected a worse level for me, honestly,” world number two Alcaraz said.
“The first round for every tournament is never easy to adapt your game to the conditions and get used to it.
“I’m just really proud about it. It is great to have these feelings in the first round.”
Alcaraz won titles in Monte Carlo and Rome in the build-up to the French Open and finished runner-up to Holger Rune in Barcelona – his only loss in 16 clay-court matches in 2025.
But those performances followed a surprise opening loss to David Goffin at the Miami Open in March, with victory at the Rotterdam Open his only success on hard courts this year.
Discussing his form this season, Alcaraz said: “We all know the rollercoaster that has so far been this year for me – making really good results, then losing the first round.
“But right now I think I found a really good path again. I think I’m just starting to get it, feeling more comfortable approaching the matches.
“Once I start the matches, I think I’m just keeping the high level in the whole match and during the whole tournament. “
Alcaraz, who now holds a 19-3 record at the French Open, plays Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
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Global Entrepreneurship Network-Ghana and Voazok Agritours-Canada have announced that the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, will be attending the upcoming Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit as the Guest of Honor.
The summit is scheduled to take place from July 14-15, 2025, at Innovation Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
This groundbreaking summit aims to create a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development within the agribusiness sectors of Canada and Ghana.
It will bring together leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and explore cutting-edge opportunities that drive economic transformation and food security.
The Summit will feature a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, networking sessions, and business matchmaking activities. The summit will be organized over a period of 2 days, with each day focusing on specific themes or topics relevant to the agribusiness sector.
Objectives
Facilitate collaboration: Bring together stakeholders from Canada and Ghana to explore opportunities for collaboration, partnership development, and investment in the agribusiness sector.
Share knowledge and best practices: Provide a platform for knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices, innovations, and success stories in agricultural production, processing, marketing, and technology adoption.
Promote investment opportunities: Showcase investment opportunities in agribusiness value chains, including crop production, livestock farming, agro-processing, agri-tech, and agricultural infrastructure development.
Support capacity building: Offer workshops, seminars, and training sessions to build capacity among farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural professionals in Ghana, focusing on skills development, technology transfer, and market access.
Foster networking and partnerships: Facilitate networking sessions, B2B meetings, and matchmaking opportunities to connect stakeholders, promote collaboration, and facilitate business partnerships between Canadian and Ghanaian organizations.
Drive innovation and sustainability: Highlight innovative solutions, technologies, and practices that promote sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and resilience to climate change in both Canada and Ghana.
Themes for the Summit
a) Agricultural value chain development: Enhancing efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across agribusiness value chains, from farm to fork.
b) Agro-processing and value addition: Promoting value addition, processing, and packaging of agricultural products to create higher value and expand market opportunities.
c) Agri-tech and innovation: Harnessing technology and innovation to drive efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in agricultural production, processing, and distribution.
d) Market access and trade facilitation: Exploring opportunities for export-oriented agriculture, market access, trade facilitation, and international partnerships to enhance global competitiveness.
e) Sustainable agriculture and climate resilience: Addressing challenges related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management in agricultural production systems.
The summit aims to foster deeper collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business partnerships between key agribusiness stakeholders in Canada and Ghana.
The Minister’s participation underscores Ghana’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and agribusiness development through international cooperation and investment. During the summit, the Minister will engage with Canadian policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors, and development organizations to explore strategic opportunities in technology transfer, agricultural trade, investment, and innovation.
The Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit will bring together participants from across both countries’ agricultural value chains. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, B2B matchmaking sessions, and exhibitions focused on climate-smart agriculture, agri-tech, food security, and cross-border agribusiness investment.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr Eric Opoku noted: “This summit presents a timely opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s partnership with Canada in promoting modern and inclusive agribusiness. Our participation marks a significant step towards realizing the government’s vision for agricultural transformation, which aims to create sustainable jobs and drive economic growth in Ghana. By leveraging the potential of agribusiness, we can stimulate economic growth, enhance food security, and alleviate poverty, ultimately fostering a more prosperous future for both our nations through enhanced trade and collaboration in the agriculture sector .The Ministry welcomes this platform as a continuation of its commitment to building global partnerships that support innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in agriculture.”
Ghana’s delegation will include officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, private sector agribusiness leaders, investors, and agri-tech entrepreneurs. The summit also provides an opportunity for Ghanaian businesses to showcase their products and explore market entry and partnerships in the Canadian agriculture sector.
Abraham Amaliba, the Acting Director General of the (NRSA)
The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Abraham Amaliba, has expressed disappointment in South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over his visit to the Oval Office to meet US President Donald Trump concerning the controversial genocide issue in South Africa.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on May 26, 2025, marking African Union Day, celebrated on May 25, Amaliba described the situation as “embarrassing and sad.”
The politician and legal practitioner noted that he is unconvinced African leaders have done enough to realise the vision of the AU’s founding fathers.
“I’m not sure that our transition from the OAU to AU has changed anything significantly. We don’t have Africans acting independently in dealings with foreign partners such as the Bretton Woods institutions and countries from the Global North,” he said.
Amaliba lamented what he sees as a departure from the principles laid down by the AU’s forebears.
“I think that if we had adhered to what our forefathers said, particularly Julius Nyerere and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to speak with one voice, the world would have taken Africa more seriously. As we speak, I’m afraid I am not convinced that African leaders are making meaningful progress toward African unity,” he said.
He cited the appeal of figures like Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré and South Africa’s Julius Malema among African youth as indicative of dissatisfaction with the current crop of leaders.
“The reason why you see the youth of Africa gravitating towards leaders like Ibrahim Traoré and Julius Malema is because they tend to speak in a way the youth expect our leaders to speak. It was sad to see Ramaphosa in the Oval Office being virtually scolded by Trump, I was sad as an African,” he added.
Amaliba stressed the need for African leaders to take bold and decisive steps toward the continent’s development.
“We need to do more as Africans and as African politicians,” he emphasised.
His comments follow a speech by President John Mahama on AU Day. President Mahama, who currently serves as the AU’s Champion for Reparations, reaffirmed his commitment to working with African leaders and stakeholders to achieve lasting progress.
In his Africa Day 2025 message, President Mahama stated, “The AU has declared 2025 as the Year for Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations. As the AU Champion for this critical cause, I am deeply committed to working with you all to achieve this objective.”
The African Union has designated 2025 as the Year of ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations’, a theme aimed at generating momentum across the continent for reparations, driving AU-wide engagement, and supporting the implementation of reparations for historical injustices, including transatlantic slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.
VPO/MA
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
A member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Yaw Boamah-Nyarko, has called on government to urgently focus on building strong foreign reserves to consolidate the recent stability of the cedi.
Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews on Monday, May 26, he said the country must not bask in temporary currency gains but rather plan for long-term resilience.
“We are quick to take praise when these things are happening, but we are unable to plan well and unable to put in the necessary mechanisms which is more sustainable,” the Effia MP said.
He revealed that Parliament is scheduled to summon the Finance Minister to explain the government’s clear strategy for consolidating the currency’s performance.
“We’re going back to Parliament tomorrow to ask the Minister of Finance to give us information as to government strategy and plan to consolidate this gain and also ensure that we build the buffers that will be able to stand the days of adversity,” he noted.
Mr. Boamah-Nyarko questioned the country’s gold reserve management and expressed worry over the pace at which reserves are being depleted without significant replacement.
“As at the end of December, our gold reserve stood at 30 tons. And then we come five months down the line, we’re selling almost 20 tons of gold, and yet our add-on to our gold reserve is just less than 1 ton,” he lamented.
He said Ghana’s economic vulnerabilities were exposed during the COVID-19 crisis, and warned that the current global commodity boom won’t last forever.
“We are not going to get this gold price going on like this forever. We are not going to get a cocoa price rise like this forever,” he cautioned.
The MP called on the Vice President, who heads the Economic Management Team, to provide firm assurance to Ghanaians on how government intends to sustain the cedi’s current strength and ensure prudent reserve accumulation.
“We would want the Vice President… to assure us as a country, the kind of arrangement they are putting in place to make sure that all of these things are not just a nine-day wonder,” he stressed.
Mr. Boamah-Nyarko also pointed to stronger reserve examples elsewhere.
“The US is having over 8000 tonnes and the UK has over 2000 tonnes,” he said, highlighting the scale of Ghana’s shortfall.
He warned that failure to act now could leave the country exposed once global prices begin to fall.
“If you go by this trajectory by the end of the year, how much reserve would you have built into your system?” he asked.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Burgundy is one of the most prestigious wine regions in France, and the US is its biggest export market. But now, Donald Trump’s tariffs are threatening to price European wine out of the American marketplace.
Crouched in cold mud under a thin Spring rain, vineyard employee Élodie Bonet snaps off unwanted vine shoots with her fingers and pruning clippers.
“We want the vine to put all its energy into the shoots that have the flowers where the grapes are going to grow,” she explains.
I leave Élodie working her way down the rows of vines, and walk up to the house and winery in the Burgundy village of Morey-Saint-Denis, where I meet owner and winemaker Cécile Tremblay.
She takes me down to her cellar to taste some of her prized red wines, standing among the oak barrels and old bottles with labels weathered by mould and age.
They have names on them that make wine lovers go weak at the knees – Nuits-Saint-Georges, Echezeaux, Vosne-Romanée, Clos-Vougeot, and Chapelle-Chambertin.
Ms Tremblay sells over half of her wine abroad, under the name Domaine Cecile Tremblay.
“For the United States, it’s around 10% of the production; it’s a big production for me!” she says.
After threatening a 200% mark-up on alcohol from Europe, Donald Trump imposed a 20% tariff on practically all European Union products on 5 April.
Four days later, he lowered this to 10%, with the threat that he’d hike it back up again to 20% in July, depending on how trade negotiations pan out. And now Trump is threatening a future tariff of 50% on all goods from the EU.
I ask Ms Tremblay if she’s worried. “Yes, sure,” she says, “As everybody is.”
But that is all she will say on the matter. French winemakers are walking on eggshells at the moment, fearful of saying anything that might aggravate the situation.
Perhaps their representatives will be more forthcoming? I get in my car and drive over to one of her neighbours – François Labet. He is the president of the Burgundy Wine Board, which represents this region’s 3,500 winemakers.
“The US is the largest export market for the whole region. Definitely,” he tells me. “They are the biggest in volume and the biggest in value.”
And, until Donald Trump’s re-election, the US market was booming. While French wines and spirits’ global exports fell 4% last year overall, sales of Burgundy wines to the US rose sharply.
In volume terms, there were up 16% from 2024, to 20.9 million bottles. This was worth €370m ($415m; £312m) in revenues, 26.2% higher than in 2023.
Mr Labet says the US accounted for about a quarter of Burgundy’s wine exports last year.
Burgundy’s reputation abroad is mainly for its red wines, which are made from the celebrated pinot noir grape. Indeed, in the English-speaking world, burgundy is not so much a wine as a colour.
The French word for the same colour is bordeaux; showing they know more about their wine, because while Bordeaux wines are mostly red, two-thirds of Burgundy is actually white.
These are predominantly made from the Chardonnay grape. Chablis, one of the best-known examples, is extremely popular in the US.
Burgundy also produces an increasingly successful sparkling wine, called Crémant de Bourgogne, and a small amount of rosé.
All of which is good for Burgundy because while general red wine consumption just keeps going down, white is holding firm, and sparkling is going up.
Also, the reds that come out of Burgundy are, according to Mr Labet, the kind consumers increasingly want, as they are typically lighter than New World reds.
“What is interesting to see is that there is a strong de-consumption of what we call the big reds, made in the US. Wines with a lot of alcohol, aged in new wood.”
Less sun and lower temperatures in Burgundy, even with climate change, means less sugar in the grapes and lower alcohol content.
At the higher end, Burgundy produces some of the world’s most expensive wines
Mr Labet remembers when, for 18 months of his first presidency, Donald Trump hit European wine with a 25% import tariff during a dispute over airlines.
“We were hostages of that situation, and it really did affect our sales to the US. We had a drop of about 50% of our exports to the US.”
Regarding the current 10% Trump tariff, he predicts that French wine producers and US merchants will split the cost of the new import duty between them in order to maintain sales.
But what will be the impact if, in July, Trump decides to increase the tariff on all European Union exports to 20%, as he has threatened to do? “We will go back to the 2019 situation where the market was almost stopped,” says Mr Labet.
For French wines in general, things could be even worse.
“When President Trump raised import duties by 25% for one-and-a-half years of his first mandate, we lost about $600m [£450m] very quickly,” says Jerome Bauer, president of the French National Wines and Spirits Confederation.
“But back then Champagne wasn’t included, and neither were wines stronger than 14 degrees of alcohol. So you can see the scale of the threat today.”
The solution Mr Bauer is backing is free trade. No tariffs. But you’d expect him to say that, given that France and Europe run a big trade surplus with the US when it comes to wines and spirits.
US wineries have seen sales to Canada grind to a halt due to a boycott of American products
More surprising, perhaps, is the opinion of his American competitors in California and Oregon who, you might think, would be cracking open something a bit special to celebrate.
“This looks horrible from our perspective. We don’t like it one bit,” says Rex Stoltz, vice-president of industry relations at Napa Valley Vintners, which represents 540 wineries in the sunny slopes of California’s most famous wine region.
“Wine is an international product. Even here in the Napa Valley, our wineries primarily get their corks from Portugal, and their oak barrels, a key component in winemaking, from France.
Mr Stoltz adds: “They’re already expensive and the potential is that they will get more expensive.”
Also, trade wars cut both ways. He says the tariffs announced against Canada are having a devastating impact on US wine exports.
“Canada is the most important export market for California wines, and one of the top export markets for Napa Valley wines. Right now, there are zero Napa Valley wines on the shelves of stores in Canada.
“They’ve removed all American alcohol beverage products from their store shelves!”
Mr Stoltz adds: “We just want to compete on an even playing field with our friends and neighbours all over the world. That’s our ask and that’s our hope.”
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.
Radio presenter, Nana Romeo
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