Division One League side Hohoe United F.C. has petitioned the Referee’s Appointment Committee to withdraw its appointment of referee Emmanuel Asare Darko as the center referee for their week 24 fixture against Golden Kicks F.C.

Anchored on three points, the petitioned which was sent on Thursday April 17, 2025, raises questions about potential conflict of interest, third party interference and potential to frustrate fair play, transparency and the integrity of the sport.

Hohoe United currently lead Zone Three with 51 points, three more than Port City Football Club and seven more than Okwawu United, their nearest rivals.

In a statement signed by Tom Amewu Duglu, the club, among many things suggested that referee Darko’s appointment may benefit its rivals, Okwawu United and Port City Football Club.

”In the first place, we seek to highlight the fact that Mr. Darko resides in the Eastern Region of Ghana just like the two closest clubs currently competing for the top position of the league log which we occupy; namely Okwawu United F.C. and Port City Football Club.”

The statement further suggested that Emmanuel Asare Darko’s ties to the region, may his impair his capacity to be unbiased, calling his integrity into question.

”The zonal structure of the Division One League means support for the teams is largely region based. The likelihood that a resident of the region can be a fan of one of these two clubs or any other club in the region cannot be ruled out. We therefore strongly object to the appointment of a referee from the Eastern Region to preside over a game whose outcome is of interest to Okwawu United and Port City Football Club, two clubs from the Eastern Region.”

The club has also noted with concern, the heightened interest of third parties in its affairs. According to the club, Mr. Francis Ofori and, a known official of Port City F.C, was at the clubs recent match against Attram de Visser, along with a section of Port City supporters.

While bringing into sharp focus, the nature of the relationship between referee Emmanuel Asare Darko and the Eastern Regional Football Association, the statement also highlighted a potential conflict of interest; the governing body’s perceived intentions and its duty to be fair and just.

”Mr. Darko’s connection to the Eastern Regional Football Association and the perceived interest of the regional football body in the welfare of both clubs [Okwawu United and Port City F.C.] had meant appointing him to superintend over a game involving a competitor of these clubs flies in the face of fair play, transparency and integrity of the sport.”

Hohoe United have therefore asked the Referee’s Appointment Committee to rescind its appointment of Emmanuel Asare Darko for their week 24 encounter against Golden Kicks F.C.

JoySports checks indicate that although the petition was sent shortly after the appointment committee announced Asare Darko’s selection, the GFA is yet to respond to their petition.

The match is scheduled to be played on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Tuba Astro Turf.

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In a decisive operation conducted by the Ghana Police, twenty-six individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region.

The intelligence-driven raid is part of a renewed nationwide crackdown on galamsey—an illegal mining menace that continues to devastate Ghana’s environment and water bodies.

The operation was spearheaded by the Police Intelligence Directorate, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Operations Directorate (NOD), and the Formed Police Unit (FPU).

Acting on actionable intelligence, officers stormed the illegal site and apprehended the suspects, comprising eight Chinese nationals and eighteen Ghanaians, allegedly operating deep within the protected reserve.

According to police sources, the targeted concession is linked to Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. His name has repeatedly emerged in public discourse surrounding illegal mining in the country.

The impact on the forest was evident—vast stretches of land stripped of vegetation and water bodies left polluted by mining sludge. Once lush and green, the reserve now bears scars of extensive environmental degradation.

The police recovered an arsenal of tools and machinery used in the operation, including six pump-action guns with over 150 rounds of 3AA cartridges, six water pumping machines, three excavators, three payloaders, six machetes, two Toyota pickup trucks and one Toyota RAV4.

The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be put before court in the coming days.

This operation highlights the renewed commitment of the Police administration, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in tackling illegal mining. It underscores a broader national effort to restore Ghana’s natural ecosystems and bring offenders to justice.

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Absa Bank Ghana has announced a strategic partnership with Porials Pitch II, Ghana’s fastest-growing youth-led marketplace, founded by Dulcie Boateng.

As the lead sponsor and official banking partner, Absa will offer exclusive financial solutions to support both vendors and shoppers at the upcoming pop-up on Saturday, 19 April at Ghud Park.

The partnership reinforces Absa’s commitment to digital innovation, youth entrepreneurship and SME support. The thousands of shoppers expected to attend will engage directly with over 150 diverse vendors.

As part of the collaboration, Absa will be launching a convenient new digital wallet designed to promote financial inclusion among the youth. Absa Bank has planned rewards for customers on the day, including cash prizes up to GHS 2,000.

Dulcie Boateng, founder of Porials Pitch, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a meaningful endorsement of youth-led innovation.

“Having the backing of one of Ghana’s most trusted banks is a real milestone,” she said.

“It reflects how far the Porials Pitch community has come, and we’re thrilled to be creating a more rewarding experience for shoppers and vendors alike.”

Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Ghana, added,
“Our collaboration with Porials Pitch II has allowed us to curate a digital experience that connects with Ghana’s growing community of young business owners and consumers.

“We are excited to be part of this movement, and eager to help create value where it matters most.”

Absa Bank Ghana is the lead sponsor and official banking partner.

Other official sponsors for Porials Pitch II include Hollard Insurance Ghana, TECNO Mobile Ghana, Radio Entertainment Limited (REL) Ghana, a digital gaming operator and software development firm based in Accra that leverages media platforms to expand the gaming market, and JAC Motors Ghana, represented by Tryton Motors, the official distributor of Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. (JAC), a Chinese automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer.

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 fiery confrontation unfolded on UTV’s Morning Show, Adekye Nsroma, on April 17, 2025, between Jennifer Queen, a Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Hopeson Adorye, former Deputy National Security Coordinator and now a member of Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change.

The clash stemmed from interruptions during discussions on the show.

In a video shared on social media, Jennifer Queen was heard accusing other panel members, including Hopeson Adorye, of interjecting while she spoke. She vowed to reciprocate by interrupting them when they had the floor.

Hopeson then urged the host to allow another panelist to speak, stating that Jennifer had finished her submission.

This sparked a heated exchange, during which Hopeson claimed he had trained Jennifer in communication, a remark that did not sit well with her and led to a verbal altercation.

“I trained her in communications,” Hopeson asserted.

Jennifer responded sharply, saying, “You trained who? You’ve told all your people that you trained me, and they are mocking me…. If God repaid evil, you wouldn’t be alive by now.”

The tension escalated further when Hopeson angrily asked Jennifer if she was insane for raising her voice at him. “Are you mad?” he questioned.

Jennifer fired back, saying, “Am I mad? Like how? You can’t leave your wife there and come here to insult me.”

Watch the video below:

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, has firmly refuted claims that Ghana is nationalising its mining sector, clarifying that the government’s actions are strategic efforts to secure fairer terms for the country and its citizens.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Mr. Tandoh stated unequivocally, “There hasn’t been a policy for nationalisation. We are not Burkina Faso. We are not Mali. But we are pushing for indigenisation.”

His remarks come amid growing public debate following the government’s decision not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana for its Damang Mine.

Some industry watchers and commentators had speculated that the move signals a shift towards nationalisation. However, Mr. Tandoh explained that the real intention is to correct historical imbalances and ensure that Ghana benefits more significantly from its vast natural resources.

“We support foreign investment. But some of these agreements cannot be in perpetuity. It cannot be forever,” he argued. “If you’ve been given a lease for 30 years and you’ve worked through the 30 years, it cannot be business as usual. Those neo-colonial types of agreements cannot continue.”

Mr. Tandoh emphasised that the current shift in policy is neither abrupt nor reactionary, but a calculated, well-thought-out strategy designed to better serve the national interest.

“This is about Ghana. This is about ensuring our infrastructure, our communities, and our people benefit from what is under their feet,” he said.

Reiterating Ghana’s openness to investment, Mr. Tandoh stressed that partnerships must now be built on fairness and mutual respect.

“We’re not saying don’t come. We’re saying, let’s do fair business. Let’s look again at what we signed 30 years ago. The times have changed.”

According to him, the Minerals Commission is actively reviewing all existing agreements to ensure they align with modern standards of equity and sustainability. “We are evaluating everything. We are protecting Ghana’s future,” he stated.

Addressing fears that the Damang decision could discourage investors, Mr. Tandoh dismissed such concerns, asserting that genuine investors seek fairness, not perpetual advantage.

“Genuine investors are not afraid of fairness. They are afraid of instability. We are offering structure, fairness, and a clear plan for growth,” he said.

Mr. Tandoh further assured that the Minerals Commission is working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure that the transition process is transparent, well-coordinated, and beneficial to all stakeholders.

He concluded emphatically, “This is not abrupt. This is deliberate. It is strategic. And above all, it is for Ghanaians.”

Authorities recovered multiple items from the premises, including laptops and internet routers

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have arrested 35 suspected traffickers accused of luring and exploiting over 200 individuals.

The syndicate allegedly operated in Oyarifa, Accra, where victims, mostly foreign nationals from vulnerable backgrounds, were confined under false promises of better job opportunities and improved living conditions in Ghana.

EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, disclosed that the suspects orchestrated a well-coordinated scheme to prey on individuals from various regions, including neighbouring West African countries.

“The operation led to the rescue of 219 people from Oyarifa, where they were held captive and coerced into engaging in cybercrime,” Dapilah stated.

“These individuals were promised attractive job offers in Ghana, but upon arrival, they realized such opportunities did not exist. Instead, they were confined and forced into criminal activities.”

Many victims were deceived with assurances of lucrative employment, education, and better livelihoods. However, upon arrival, they were subjected to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, forced labor, and involvement in cybercrime-related activities.

Authorities recovered multiple items from the premises, including laptops, internet routers, food supplies, and personal belongings believed to be tools used in the cybercrime operations.

In response to the situation, the Nigerian High Commission has engaged with both victims and suspects, urging cooperation with law enforcement authorities.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

Government is taking bold steps to indigenise its mineral wealth and ensure that Ghanaians truly benefit.

That was the clear message from Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, in an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, April 17.

His comments came just a day after the government announced it would not renew the mining lease of Gold Fields at Damang.

The South African firm has operated the mine for decades. The lease rejection means Ghana is now taking operational control of the gold-rich site.

“There hasn’t been a policy for nationalisation,” Andrews Tandoh said.

“We are not Burkina Faso. We are not Mali. But we are pushing for indigenisation.”

According to him, this is not about kicking out foreign investors.

“We support foreign investment. But some of these agreements cannot be in perpetuity. It cannot be forever.”

Andrews Tandoh said the Minerals Commission wants to see real value for the country.

“If you’ve been given a lease for 30 years and you’ve worked through the 30 years, it cannot be business as usual. Those neo-colonial types of agreements cannot continue.”

He was clear that the move is not political.

“This is about Ghana. This is about ensuring our infrastructure, our communities, and our people benefit from what is under their feet.”

While Ghana has long depended on foreign companies to lead major mining operations, Andrews Tandoh said the tide is turning.

“We’re not saying don’t come. We’re saying, let’s do fair business. Let’s look again at what we signed 30 years ago. The times have changed.”

He also hinted that other leases under review may face a similar fate if they don’t reflect Ghana’s long-term interest.

“We are evaluating everything. We are protecting Ghana’s future.”

Issac Andrews Tandoh dismissed any suggestion that the Damang decision would scare off investors.

“Genuine investors are not afraid of fairness. They are afraid of instability. We are offering structure, fairness, and a clear plan for growth.”

The Commission, he said, is working closely with the Lands Ministry to ensure transparency and a smooth transition.

“This is not abrupt. This is deliberate. It is strategic. And above all, it is for Ghanaians.”

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The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 219 Nigerian nationals suspected of operating a human trafficking ring covering Ghana and other West African countries.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the police, army, and National Security, led to the arrest of the suspects and victims at an estate in Oyarifa in the Ga East Municipality, Greater Accra Region.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah disclosed that 11 of the victims were minors. He said the screening at EOCO offices identified 35 suspects directly involved in trafficking the victims.

Giving details about the ring, Mr. Dapilah said that victims were lured into the country with false promises of lucrative jobs in Ghana.

“Unfortunately, since there are no lucrative jobs existing, they took them hostages and confined them at Oyarifa and were forced to go into cybercrime and cybercrime-related activities,” he said.

Mr. Dapilah revealed that laptops, personal effects, foodstuff, and other items were retrieved from the suspects.

He described the operation as a “major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking.”

Mr. Dapilah added that the Nigerian High Commission visited EOCO during the screening process and urged both victims and suspects to cooperate with authorities.

“Screening is ongoing and by tomorrow we should be able to complete the screening and be possible to link and make arrangements to send the victims back to their home countries,” he said.

Mr. Dapilah noted that EOCO and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service had intensified efforts to collaborate on similar operations, with ongoing investigations revealing more trafficking networks.

In a related operation last Saturday, the Police arrested Bella Merie, a 29-year-old Cameroonian national, and 43 other Cameroonians suspected of internet fraud and human trafficking.

The arrests occurred at a residence in Kenyasi Abrem, Ashanti Region.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Bella Merie collected 4,500,000 CFA francs from victims—32 males and 11 females—under false pretenses of offering employment opportunities in Ghana.

Source: GNA

Right Reverend Dr Hilliard Dela Dogbe, Presiding Bishop

Right Reverend Dr. Hilliard Dela Dogbe, Presiding Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, has called on Ghanaians to reach out in love to the marginalized, the weak, and the dying in society.

“Let us use Easter to sacrifice for the nation and make our country and the world a better place.

Let us make our resources available and work together to make this nation great and strong, and our world better,” the clergyman said in his Easter message.

He noted that Easter offers an opportunity to unite in fellowship and celebrate God’s faithfulness, abundant mercies, deliverance, and loving-kindness.

“It also inspires us to respond positively to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross of Calvary and His subsequent resurrection,” he added.

He emphasized that, “Easter is an embodiment of God’s unfailing and unconditional love for humanity and His desire to reconcile us to Himself—thus enabling the best in us to pour forth.”

Rt. Rev. Dr. Dogbe expressed concern about the existential threat posed by illegal mining, the unrest in Bawku, sanitation challenges in cities, and the urgent need to foster peace among the people, along with a bipartisan approach to issues of national interest.

The triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter, he stated, should give us a living hope—not only for the future but also for the present.

“As a nation, we cannot lose sight of the fact that barely four months ago, we held presidential and parliamentary elections in an atmosphere of heightened tension and suspicion, with scattered incidents of chaos and confrontation during the declaration of results.

We had to patiently and prayerfully endure the re-collation of votes in some constituencies, with the declaration of one constituency still pending,” he said.

He called for continuous prayer for President John Mahama and the Executive, Parliament, the Judiciary, the security services, and all others—for wisdom to discern God’s will, courage to take bold decisions, and the ability to implement them.

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has announced that the Ghanaian public will bear the cost of the recent increase in water and electricity tariffs.

GUTA has expressed strong opposition to the decision by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to raise water and electricity tariffs.

The PURC recently announced a 14.75% increase in average end-user electricity tariffs, along with a 4.02% rise in water tariffs across all consumer categories. These adjustments were made as part of the Commission’s quarterly review for the first and second quarters of 2025.

According to the PURC, the increases were necessitated by several factors, including economic and operational indicators — such as the cedi-to-dollar exchange rate, inflation forecasts, fuel costs (particularly natural gas), and the current mix of hydro and thermal power generation.

However, Mr. Clement Boateng, Vice President of GUTA, disagreed with the reasons provided by the PURC, describing the increases as unnecessary and detrimental to businesses.

He urged the government to refrain from arbitrarily increasing tariffs and instead focus on tackling corruption and recovering stolen public funds, rather than burdening consumers with the cost of inefficiencies.

“The new increment will collapse local manufacturing companies. Already, our local manufacturers are not competitive due to unfair trading practices,” he said.

“Should the government ignore our concerns and maintain the tariffs, we will have no choice but to pass the cost on to consumers. For example, I bought electricity worth GHS 100, which previously lasted three days. Following the increment, it now lasts just a day. As a cold store operator, I have no option but to increase my prices in order to stay in business,” he added.

Former Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation, Nana Akomea

The former Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, has expressed disappointment in the current government.

He stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under John Dramani Mahama, has let down the Ghanaian people by engaging in the same practices they once criticized during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) tenure.

According to him, if John Dramani Mahama genuinely intends to “reset” Ghana, then several things need to change.

He took the opportunity to condemn the use of security agencies to intimidate citizens and called for effective interventions to resolve the Bawku conflict.

“While we were in office, the NDC accused us of running a ‘family and friends’ government. They convinced Ghanaians that they would do things differently, and that’s why they were voted into power. But now, they are doing the very things they once condemned,” he said.

He added, “They have deceived the people of Ghana, and that’s why faith in democracy is dwindling. I am deeply disappointed. They claimed they came to reset the country, but look at the situation at the Bank of Ghana—where the Governor also serves as the Board Chairman. How is the Bank of Ghana’s work supposed to be independently monitored? John Mahama came across as a reformer, yet he has maintained this flawed arrangement. If you claim to be resetting the country, then you must be truly committed to that goal,” he said in an interview on Accra-based Asempa FM.

The Minerals Commission Deputy CEO has assessed Gold Fields’ exit from the Damang mine, accusing the South African mining giant of reaping massive profits from Ghana and reinvesting them abroad.

Isaac Andrews Tandoh, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, defended government’s decision to assume operational control of the mine after it rejected Gold Fields’ application to renew its mining lease.

The decision, announced by the Lands Ministry on Wednesday, has stirred debate in both the business and mining sectors.

Andrews Tandoh didn’t hold back. “Last year, Tarkwa and Damang mines made over $600 million in profit. How much of that stayed in the country? Your guess is as good as mine,” he said.

He described Gold Fields’ behaviour as exploitative, stressing that instead of reinvesting in Ghana, the company chose to acquire assets in other countries.

“Instead of using the profit to develop the Damang mine, they were rather busy buying mines elsewhere, like Osisko in Canada. They bought another mine in Chile,” he said.

“They can’t tell me it’s not profit from Ghana. It’s difficult to move money out of Australia. But from Ghana, they had free will to move money around. And I’m saying, we can’t continue on that path.”

The Minerals Commission boss also dismissed the idea that capital constraints justify the dominance of foreign companies in Ghana’s mining sector. He said local capacity has grown substantially.

“Unlike those days when people couldn’t access funding, it’s a thing of the past,” he insisted.

“BCM had very good Caterpillar financing. Engineers & Planners signed a $250 million deal with Caterpillar. Rockshore is purchasing equipment worth hundreds of millions to work in Ghana.”

Andrews Tandoh stressed that the government is not on a mission to drive away all foreign mining firms.

“We are not saying we’re going to chase all mining companies away. No. We are going to support them to do their work,” he said.

But he added that preferential treatment must come with accountability.

“After giving the 30-year lease to Gold Fields, government even bettered the situation for them with a development agreement. That agreement waived several tax liabilities, especially on fuel,” he said.

“While Ghanaians were crying over fuel prices, these mines were enjoying tariff waivers.”

He accused the company of focusing on stockpile treatment in the last two years rather than actual mining.

“They’ve been taking free cash from Ghana without actually working. And this cannot continue. Ghanaians deserve better,” he declared.

The Damang lease controversy is the latest flashpoint in the conversation around resource nationalism, local participation, and fair benefit-sharing in Ghana’s extractive sector.

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 Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Practitioners Association of Ghana (SHEQPA-GH) has announced the launch of its maiden national conference on health and safety.

It is scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, from 9 am.

Organised to coincide with the 2025 World Day for Health and Safety at Work, the conference will explore the theme: “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work.”

The event aims to provide a platform for practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping workplace safety and risk management.

The programme will feature a keynote address from Richard Kofi Adjei, Chief Inspector of Mines, alongside expert presentations by Dr. Koduah Dapaah and Desmond Boahen, Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines for Technical Services & Explosives.  

In addition, a panel discussion involving seasoned General Managers from key sectors will offer a practical perspective on the integration of technology in safety protocols.

Exhibitions by safety technology service providers are also expected to form a major part of the event, showcasing innovations in AI-powered safety monitoring, digital reporting tools, and automated compliance systems.

Commenting on the upcoming event, a representative from SHEQPA-GH noted that the conference is a timely response to the growing need for industries in Ghana to align with global safety standards through the adoption of digital tools and intelligent systems.

Participation is open to stakeholders across mining, construction, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and the public sector.

SHEQPA-GH encourages safety professionals, technologists, and corporate leaders to attend and contribute to shaping the future of workplace health and safety in Ghana.

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Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) committee reviewing the party’s constitution to prioritise discussions on the leadership selection process.

He emphasised the importance of reaching a consensus on this critical issue to strengthen the party’s unity and future direction.

Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Thursday April 17, Osei-Owusu intimated that the leadership selection process has emerged as a key topic during the committee’s deliberations.

“For me, the most critical thing now is that, in the end, we should have some consensus on the way forward. The critical issue if ask me is our processes of selecting leaders,” he stated.

He stressed that achieving agreement on this issue would provide a solid foundation for the party to build upon and move forward.

Osei-Owusu further noted that the method of reaching this consensus is less important than the outcome itself. “It doesn’t matter how we get to that. Once we get to a consensus, we will use it to build our party and move forward with it,” he added.

The NPP on Wednesday, April 16, formed a nine-member committee to review its constitution, following the presentation of a post election report by the Oquaye Committee on the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.

The decision was taken during an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

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