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President Mahama to Model at Ghana Fashion Week

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President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to participate in the upcoming Ghana Fashion Week in July, revealing that he will walk the runway wearing outfits designed by local Ghanaian designers.

This unexpected declaration came during his speech at the national launch of the Black Star Experience, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagship creative arts programme, on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the Freedom and Justice Monument at Black Star Square in Accra.

President’s nominee for LaDMA rejected by assembly members

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Mr Alfredo Nii Anyetei, the President’s nominee for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the La Dade-Ko­topon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), was rejected on Tuesday by the assem­bly members.

After voting and counting, Mr Any­etei secured five Yes votes representing 36 per cent against nine No votes repre­senting 64 per cent, out of 14 members who voted.

GAVI CEO tours Ghana to evaluate immunization initiatives

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Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, is on a three-day visit to Ghana to strengthen partnerships as the country advances its transition from GAVI’s support.  

She is scheduled to meet President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministers of Health and Finance, GAVI Alliance partners, and key stakeholders.  

On Monday, Dr. Nishtar toured health facilities in Gomoa East, visiting St. Gregory Catholic Hospital and Nyanyano Community Health Centre to observe immunisation sessions.  

At St. Gregory Catholic Hospital in Buduburam, she assessed the Paediatric Ward and Immunisation Centre and monitored vaccination activities.  

She also visited the Oyinase outreach point in Kasoa Nyanyano, observed child immunisation, engaged with health workers and caregivers, and personally administered vaccines to children.  

Dr. Nishtar commended Ghana’s immunisation progress and reaffirmed GAVI’s commitment to supporting vaccination and malaria prevention efforts.  

She described Ghana’s 80 per cent coverage for the third vaccine dose as a model for African nations.  

Dr. Nishtar acknowledged challenges health workers faced, including serving displaced populations and navigating difficult terrains.  

Praising the government’s commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, she lauded Ghana’s leadership in immunisation and efforts to improve vaccine access.  

She welcomed Ghana’s Investment Case for Immunisation as part of its transition roadmap from GAVI support by 2030.  

Dr. Nishtar commended Ghana’s growing role in regional vaccine manufacturing, with local partnerships progressing under the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA).  

She reaffirmed GAVI’s continued support for Ghana’s immunisation programme as it moved towards full ownership.  

Prof. Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, thanked GAVI for its ongoing support and pledged Ghana’s commitment to ensuring every child received essential vaccines.  

Dr. Nishtar was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Control Programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and community leaders.  

Her visit highlights the strong partnership between the GAVI Alliance and Ghanaian health authorities in advancing vaccine coverage and strengthening healthcare delivery.

It reaffirms GAVI’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s immunisation financing, promoting digital innovation, and improving vaccine distribution. Notable successes include the use of biometric verification, digital microplanning, and Zipline’s drone delivery system.

Founded in 2000, GAVI is a global organisation dedicated to improving vaccine access for children in low-income countries, having helped immunise more than half of the world’s children against life-threatening diseases.

For over 20 years, GAVI has worked with Ghana to introduce new vaccines, strengthen health systems, and reach remote and underserved populations.

This long-standing collaboration has positioned Ghana as a model for immunisation success across Africa.

Source: GNA

GoldBod reacts to challenges with submission of license application forms online

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The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has responded to technical challenges some applicants are facing in uploading mandatory documents during the online license application process.
To ease the burden on affected applicants, GoldBod has announced that individuals may go ahead and submit their applications online even if they are unable to upload all required supporting documents.
However, applicants are required to submit any outstanding mandatory documents within 30 days of completing the online application. Failure

Fludor Ghana expands healthcare coverage for cocoa farmers

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 Fludor Ghana Limited, a member of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, is expanding healthcare insurance coverage for cocoa farmers and their households across Ghana.

The move seeks to improve the quality of life of cocoa farm­ers, strengthen its cocoa supply chain and meet regional and in­ternational certification standards, policies, and regulations.

Fludor is on a mission to foster a healthier cocoa sector through healthy farmers, cocoa trees and farms, farming commu­nities, and the natural environ­ment.

Launched in partnership with Elucid Social in 2023, Fludor’s healthcare coverage initiative, part of its “Apomuden Project,” aims to provide cocoa farmers and their families with access to affordable healthcare across multi­ple regions in Ghana.

Through this initiative, Fludor has registered over 266 house­holds, comprising nearly 1000 individuals, in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The comprehensive health coverage includes access to emergency funds, maternal health funds, and essential medication, and helps to improve cocoa productivity and income stability, further reducing the risk of child labour and deforestation.

Maria Christodoulou, Head of Cocoa Sustainability, Fludor Gha­na Limited in a statement issued in Accra yesterday emphasised the importance of the initiative.

“Establishing agricultural sup­ply chains where farmers’ health is prioritised is fundamental for their access to decent work and in­come. Elucid’s work in pioneering health standards in cocoa supply chains is remarkable and we are thrilled to join forces to improve human health in our cocoa supply chain,” she said.

Richard Osei Kuffour, Direc­tor, West Africa, Elucid, high­lighted the broader impact saying “Our collaboration on the health­care project strengthens Ghana’s national healthcare system and protects farmer household in­come by preventing out-of-pocket health expenses.”

“Beneficiaries also gain from an emergency and maternal health fund, enhancing their physical well-being and farm productivity,” he said.

In the second year of the health project, Fludor plans to onboard local health centres, fur­ther expanding the reach to more cocoa farming communities.

The healthcare programme partnership with Elucid, is one of many partnerships that Flu­dor is leveraging to strengthen its sustainability program.

Fludor has also partnered with VisionSpring, an interna­tional social enterprise that is improving cocoa farmers’ access to eye care – and income po­tential – through its See to Earn program.

The initiative has supported 4,805 individuals across 12 cocoa districts in Fludor’s operational network, providing 45 per cent of them with eyeglasses, 68 per cent with medication, and refer­ring 20 per cent to nearby health centers for further examination.

“Apomuden,” meaning “good health” in Twi, reflects Fludor’s commitment to health as a central part of its sustain­ability strategy

 BY TIMES REPORTER

Paediatric Society of Ghana launches Yellow Month Campaign to combat newborn jaundice

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Paediatric Society of Ghana launches Yellow Month Campaign to combat newborn jaundice – Ghana Business News




















Shea industry on brink of collapse as harsh conditions ravage trees

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The northern part of the country – Upper East, Upper West, Northern, North East and Savannah Regions – is reeling from the impact of climate change, which is threatening the existence of shea trees.

Shea trees – the ‘cocoa of the north’ – are seeing a very steep decline in production due to the prevailing harsh weather conditions which affect its yield.

Sheanut production has been on a decline over the last decade.

According to recent figures, sheanut production has declined 10-20 percent and continues to nose-dive due to the impact of climate change and some other environmental factors.

Against this backdrop, exports keep increasing year after year – gradually rendering the local industry unproductive.

Ghana produces over 150,000 metric tonnes of shea nuts annually. Of this quantity, only about 30-40 percent is processed into shea butter domestically. The rest is exported as raw nuts, mainly to Europe, for refining.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 sheanut exports dropped slightly. Only 75,000 metric tonnes worth US$70million made it out of Ghana. However, in 2021 sheanut exports upticked again and has been increasing ever since. 85,000 metric tonnes of sheanuts valued at US$80million was exported in 2021, while in 2022 over 90,000 metric tonnes of sheanuts and shea butter worth approximately US$90million – which could have been refined in-country to derive the highest value – slipped out of the country.

The Ghana Shea Employers Association (GSEA), responding to this worrying trend, in a press conference renewed calls for an immediate ban on the export of raw shea nuts; citing the growing threat to local processors, value chain actors and the broader economy in Northern Region.

“This situation is negatively affecting pickers, processors and local businesses, many of which are women-led. The resulting market distortion is collapsing the local shea economy,” the association lamented.

The shea industry players express worry over the export of raw shea nuts without value addition and the less investment in the country’s shea value chain to create opportunities for Ghanaians.

The association is therefore calling for participation by foreign investors, on condition that they establish processing factories in Ghana to promote job creation and boost domestic revenue.

Sheanuts, being one of the country’s leading non-traditional agricultural exports, present an opportunity to improve the incomes of rural females in northern Ghana, helping to reduce the north-south development gap

The global market for shea butter is estimated at US$2.75billion and projected to reach US$5.58billion by the year 2033, growing at 6-8 percent annually.

However, low yield and the surge in foreign demand is said to have contributed to significant price increases at the community level, which is stifling local industry growth and presents a challenge to the entire value chain.

For instance, a 2kg bowl of shea nuts sold at GH¢12 in 2023 and then GH¢14 in early 2024. However, due to the meddling of middlemen and unregulated market activity, the 2kg bowl now sells at GH¢60.

The Ghana COCOBOD, tasked to control the commodity’s price, has done little to avert price fluctuations and middlemen activity.

This price hike looks impressive. However, these vulnerable sheanut pickers from the north, who are predominantly women, are continually being exploited by middlemen.

Apart from climate change, the shea industry – unlike cocoa – lacks much-needed support such as incentives for farmers to grow and produce more nuts.

This leaves the local industry struggling to source sheanuts to sustain their production, while a chunk of the country’s produce is shipped raw to multinational companies outside. These companies then make finished goods and sell back in Ghana at high prices.

Derived from sheanuts, Shea butter is a valuable commodity used for cooking, fabricating cosmetics, in pharmaceuticals and as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate production. It is a significant export product for Ghana, which is one of the world’s largest producers.

Evils of the climate menace have also made life unbearable and frustrating for people living in these areas, with ripple-effects on the entire country.

From the stifling heat that often comes with outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) and trees dying, the impact on economic lives of the people, who are predominantly peasant farmers, is glaring.

Rain patterns have become erratic and short-lived, thereby causing intermittent drought.

This is taking a toll on peasant farmers who rely heavily on seasonal showers for their farming activities.

Since these regions serve as the country’s food-basket, a little shake-up there impacts food prices.

The drought that ravaged the north during the 2024 crop season shot food inflation off the roof toward the end of last year. This shows how integral the north is when it comes to food security in Ghana.

Yet there has not been a deliberate and consistent effort to irrigate the north and promote dry-season farming as a viable means to shore-up the country’s food supply.

Rather, it is one failed initiative after another – and the situation is worsening each passing day.

The ‘One Village, One Dam’ initiative that was seen as a panacea for this perennial problem did very little to improve the situation. Its poor implementation led to some of the dams drying up in the early months after the raining season, taking farmers back to square one.

Left with no economic activity for nearly six months of no rain – a half-year of no farming – these vulnerable farmers expend their meagre incomes on food supplies and other basic necessities after the drought ravaged their yields. This impacts their livelihoods severely.

More disturbingly, droughts have become a common phenomenon due to global warming in recent years.

The effects of climate change is not limited to only food crops. Deep-rooted trees also succumb to the ever-rising temperatures.

With a thickened bark and toughened for the savannah’s extreme weather, the shea tree depends on seasonal rainfall. It starts bearing fruit after 10 years and reaches full production after 20 years – with a lifespan of between 200 to 300 years.

However, the ever-rising temperature – which clocks above 40 degrees in peak summers – affects not only the production yield of these shea trees but causes some of them to expire in the sweltering heat.

Cultural practices have also contributed to the challenges facing sustained shea production. In many shea-producing communities it remains taboo to cultivate shea trees, with a long-held belief that anyone who plants a shea tree will die once it begins to bear fruit.

Regrettably, limited efforts have been made to dispel this myth… resulting in continued reliance on wild shea trees and hindering the systematic cultivation of this valuable economic resource.

Environmental degradation linked to unregulated harvesting, deforestation, rampant bushfires, logging of shea trees for firewood and production of charcoal and destruction of shea tree farms for large-scale agriculture are threatening biodiversity and accelerating climate change.

Shea trees, being significant sources of carbon storage, are crucial for mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity. Shea parklands are rich in biodiversity and possess significant potential for carbon sequestration.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project, aimed at restoring degraded savannah forests – but it has yet to achieve its purpose. Despite the fact that it has been implemented for almost five years and is left with just three years to completion, the project has yet to fully restore appreciable forests in the savannah.

COCOBOD estimates that there are approximately 94 million shea trees across the savannah in Northern Ghana. While the entire West African region is home to approximately one billion shea trees.

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Kumasi Girl ‘Queen’ Trends Again After Private Video Surfaces Online

A young girl from Kumasi, popularly known by many on social media as ‘Queen’, has once again sparked widespread attention after a private video allegedly involving her surfaced online. The viral clip, which appears to show her in a compromising situation, has stirred mixed reactions from the Ghanaian public.

Known for her bold personality and striking street presence, ‘Queen’ rose to fame after being spotted several times in Kumasi, captivating viewers with her vibrant energy and raw charisma. Her growing popularity on platforms like TikTok and Facebook had positioned her as one of Ghana’s rising internet sensations.

However, this latest development has drawn a different kind of attention. The leaked video has triggered conversations about privacy, cyberbullying, and the exploitation of young women in Ghanaian society. While some online users continue to share and comment on the video, others have condemned the act, calling for respect for her dignity and mental well-being.

“This is a clear case of cyber abuse. No one deserves to be exposed like this,” a social media user commented.

In the wake of the incident, some human rights advocates and public figures have called for legal action against those circulating the video. Ghana’s laws on the distribution of explicit content are clear — sharing such material without consent is a criminal offense.

Conclusion:

As the Kumasi girl ‘Queen’ continues to trend, her story highlights the urgent need for digital responsibility and the protection of vulnerable individuals online. Whether her fame continues or fades, her case serves as a powerful reminder of how social media can both elevate and endanger lives in today’s digital age.

THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED – Sarkodie Lauds President Mahama’s Call To Reclaim Our National Resources

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Award-winning Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie has reacted to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent call for Africa to take control of its natural resources.

Ghana’s President, John Mahama, recently made a call for African countries to take charge of their own resources while speaking at the Executive Leadership Retreat in Ada on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

I built my career without a godfather or industry backing – Davido

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Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared his thoughts on his career trajectory while celebrating a significant accomplishment in his music career after surpassing 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify for the first time.

This achievement follows the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive, which has continued to garner widespread attention.

In a moment of reflection, Davido expressed pride in how far he has come, emphasising that his success was not the result of industry endorsements or influential mentors.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who had early backing from key figures in the music industry, he built his career independently through perseverance and dedication.

Nonetheless, Davido was quick to attribute much of his success to divine grace and the unwavering support of his fans.

He wrote, “No co-sign, built from the ground up! Just God, good music and the best fans! I Appreciate you guys fr [for real]!

“Who wan even CO-SIGN big man like me ?? Hmmm another angle sha 5️⃣”

5ive, Davido’s April 18, 2025 release, includes 17 tracks and has become a runaway success, amassing millions of streams and sitting comfortably at the top of Afrobeats charts.

701 Diplomatic & Service Passports of Akufo-Addo gov’t officials cancelled

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, yesterday, May 6, 2025, cancelled 701 Diplomatic and Service Passports, belonging to Akufo-Addo government officials and individuals who no longer hold public office.

The revoked passports, include those issued to former ministers and their spouses, ex-Members of Parliament (MPs), former members of the Council of State and their spouses, and retired justices of both the Superior and Lower Courts.

How 2 Ghanaian women were tricked with marriage to ‘white men’ and kidnapped in Nigeria

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Two Ghanaian women have been rescued after falling victim to a romance scam that led to their kidnapping in Nigeria, in a case that has shocked the public and triggered cross-border investigations involving security agencies in Ghana and Nigeria.

The victims, Anastasia Baidoo Arthur and Evelyn Konadu, were lured into Nigeria under the guise of marriage proposals from men they believed to be white foreigners, only to be abducted and assaulted upon arrival.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, detailed how the women were deceived by a criminal syndicate operating under fake identities online.

“These suspects met the two victims, Anastasia Baidoo Arthur and Evelyn Konadu through their Facebook accounts. The suspects posed as white men who wanted to marry the victims. The two unsuspecting victims became convinced and accepted the marriage proposals,” DCOP Donkor disclosed.

The victims travelled separately but arrived on the same day, April 22, 2025, at a pre-arranged location in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where they were immediately kidnapped.

According to police investigations, the suspects – Peter Okoye, 31, Paulinus Chidokwe, 35, Chinoso Okafor, 35, and Christian Emeka – carried out the abduction. Okoye and Emeka, both Nigerians with prior ties to Ghana, had previously been involved in the operations of QNET in Ghana before returning to Nigeria. Emeka returned to Ghana again in 2024 before the kidnapping plot was executed.

DCOP Donkor explained that the group was part of a broader syndicate engaged in romance scams in both Ghana and Nigeria. “Peter Okoye, Christian Emeka and Basil Okonkwo, all Nigerians were into romance scam in Nigeria and Ghana,” she noted.

After kidnapping the victims, the suspects subjected them to brutal treatment. The victims were stripped, tied up, and assaulted with machetes. They were also threatened with death, wrapped in bedsheets, had their heads covered with black polythene, and were told they would be hanged using nylon ropes.

The ordeal was recorded on video and circulated on social media. Copies were also sent to the victims’ families with a ransom demand of GH₵500,000 for each victim.

“Videos of the torture were shared widely on social media and used as a tool to extort families,” DCOP Donkor revealed. Before the arrests, GH₵18,000 had already been transferred via mobile money to various accounts linked to the suspects.

With assistance from Ghana’s National Signals Bureau (NSB) and the Nigeria Police Force, the victims were eventually rescued and eight suspects were arrested from hideouts in both countries.

“The Ghana Police Service is collaborating closely with Nigerian authorities to expedite the return of the two victims and suspects back to Ghana,” DCOP Donkor confirmed. “As of today, both suspects and victims are with the Nigerian authorities, and efforts are being made to transport the victims to Ghana.”

She added that the suspects would also be extradited to Ghana to assist further investigations.

Police have cautioned the public against falling prey to online romance scams and urged individuals to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The disturbing incident has sparked renewed calls for vigilance in online engagements and greater collaboration between security agencies across borders to tackle cyber-enabled crimes.

Watch the video below;

Government and UNDP partner to shape Ghana’s governance future

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The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has organised an Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) for government officials and other stakeholders in Ada of the Greater Accra Region.

The initiative, was under the theme, “Reimagining Leadership in a ‘Reset’ Ghana,” aimed to equip senior government officials with the tools to navigate the complexities of today’s governance landscape.

Maxwell Konadu close to completing Hearts of Oak move – Report

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Former Black Stars assistant coach Maxwell Konadu is on the verge of taking over as the new head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, with the deal reportedly 80% complete.

Hearts of Oak are expected to make an official announcement once all contractual details are finalized. The former Asante Kotoko manager will replace Ivorian tactician Aboubakar Outtarra if the move materialises. 

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that barring any last-minute hitches, Konadu will be confirmed as the new boss of the Phobians in the coming days, marking a significant shift for the struggling Ghana Premier League giants.

In a possible boost to the technical team, experienced goalkeepers coach Najahu Issa is also expected to join Konadu at Hearts. Talks are progressing smoothly, and if all goes as planned, Issa will be part of the new setup.

Konadu, known for his tactical discipline and calm demeanor, is seen as the ideal candidate to steer Hearts back to their glory days. 

His appointment is anticipated to bring stability and a new direction to the club, which has endured a turbulent season.

The club are sixth on the table with 46 points, trailing league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars by 8 points. 

Man and wife apologise to Tamale Teaching Hospital doctors over defamatory social media claims

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A photo of the Tamale Teaching Hospital A photo of the Tamale Teaching Hospital

A man and his wife have publicly apologised to two senior doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for publishing defamatory statements about them on social media, following recent tensions involving health professionals and political figures.

In a signed letter addressed to Dr Velda Agriwie and Dr Rockson Asore Asaan, both of TTH, Charles Dakurah offered an unreserved apology for false allegations made under pseudonyms on social media.

The letter, written through his legal counsel, Dr Edward Addo Dankwa Esq, of Oseawuo Chambers at Tema, was released after the couple were issued a 48-hour ultimatum to retract the statements or face legal action for defamation.

“Upon sober reflection, I realise that the comments I made were ill-informed, misguided, and deeply hurtful.

“I acknowledge that my actions have caused unwarranted pain and reputational damage,” Dakurah wrote in the apology letter.

The defamatory comments made using social media pseudonyms, “Adepa Afia Chepere” and “Queen Afia Enr,” falsely accused the doctors of unethical behaviour, extortion, and corruption.

In the retraction, Dakurah admitted the allegations were entirely baseless and unjust, and extended his apologies on behalf of himself and his wife, Clementina.

“I unconditionally withdraw and retract all the allegations I made… I understand that those statements were false, defamatory and unfair to professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others including my dear wife and daughter,” he added.

The apology comes in the wake of heightened public scrutiny of TTH following a separate incident involving Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and doctors at the hospital — a situation that drew national attention and triggered a flurry of social media commentaries.

Dakurah acknowledged the impact of his actions and promised to act more responsibly moving forward.

“I assure you that I have taken valuable lessons from this unfortunate episode and I commit to being more responsible and discerning with my words and actions,” he added.

AM/AE

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

AIB Commissioner pays courtesy call on Ghana Air Force to deepen aviation safety collaboration

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The visit forms part of a broader stakeholder engagement initiative by AIB Ghana The visit forms part of a broader stakeholder engagement initiative by AIB Ghana

The Acting Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) of Ghana, John M. K. Wumborti, has paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Air Force, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.

The visit aimed to build stronger working relationships that will enhance the bureau’s mandate of investigating and preventing aviation-related accidents and incidents within the country.

Speaking during the engagement on May 6, 2025, Wumborti underscored the importance of cooperation among institutions operating within the aviation space.

“The job is such that you need a lot of collaborators to work with, and so I am doing what is called stakeholder engagement. The Ghana Air Force is one of the key stakeholders that we have in our sector,” he said.

“We are in the aviation industry, and the Ghana Armed Forces is in our industry, so I feel that we come closer so that we can have a conversation for us to carry out our mandate to prevent incidents from happening in our jurisdiction.”

Receiving the delegation, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Eric Agyen Frempong, welcomed the initiative and emphasised the value of institutional collaboration in achieving national goals.

“Collaboration and working together will benefit all the institutions, and in the end, the country will progress if our work output improves,” he stated.

Air Marshal Frempong also called for enhanced financial support for aviation-related institutions to enable them to operate more efficiently and meet international safety standards.

AM/MA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

Sad News Hits Nhyira FM As Mama Effe Resigns After 28 Years Of Dedicated Service

Sad news has hit the airwaves as veteran radio presenter, Mama Effe Amanor, has officially resigned from the Multimedia Group after serving for 28 years. Her departure brings an emotional end to one of the most impactful careers in Ghanaian broadcasting.

Mama Effe, known for her calming voice and motherly advice on Nhyira FM’s Obra show, shared her decision in a touching video that has been widely shared on social media. Fans, friends, and well-wishers reacted with sadness but also gratitude for the years she dedicated to helping people.

To celebrate her journey and birthday, a beautiful party was held in her honour. The event was filled with joy, featuring friends, family members, and some respected personalities, including Oheneni Adazoa, who came to show their love and appreciation.

Mama Effe started her media journey in 1997 as a panelist and host on Luv FM’s Awaremo Nkomo. In 2005, she moved to Nhyira FM where she became the face of Obra, a popular program that gave real-life advice to individuals and families facing challenges. Her wisdom and compassionate nature made her a household name across the country.

CEO of Multimedia Group, Mr. Kwesi Twum, also honoured her with heartfelt words, saying, “We honour not just your years of service, Mama Effe, but the immeasurable impact of your presence. The legacy you leave behind is written in the lives you have touched and the hearts you have uplifted.”

Ghanaians will truly miss Mama Effe on the radio, but her legacy will continue to inspire many. Her departure marks the end of an era, but her voice and impact will never be forgotten.

We wish Mama Effe all the best in her next chapter.

Source

https://www.facebook.com/100064528846759/posts/1088583703302581/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Shatta Wale Declares Presidential Ambition for 2028

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Source: Facebook

Ghana’s music scene was set ablaze once again—not with a new song, but with a bold political declaration. Award-winning dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, has announced his intention to run for president in 2028.

In a passionate post shared on Facebook, Shatta Wale declared:

“My people of Ghana, I have a great vision! Just like Ibrahim Traoré, I dey enter Presidential level. If dem like make dem doubt, prepare for President Shatta by 2028!”

The self-proclaimed “Dancehall King” laid out some unorthodox—but unmistakably Shatta-style—policy proposals that have left fans and critics buzzing.

Proposed Laws Under “President Shatta”

1. National Dancehall Day: Every Friday will be officially recognized and celebrated as National Dancehall Day—a day to promote music, culture, and national unity through rhythm and movement.

2. Freestyle Entry for MPs: In a move that blends politics with entertainment, Shatta Wale proposes that every Member of Parliament must drop a freestyle rap or dancehall verse before being sworn into Parliament.

3. National Anthem Remix: In collaboration with reggae-dancehall heavyweight Stonebwoy, the national anthem will receive a remixed version—reflecting a modern, youthful Ghana proud of its musical roots.

While some see this declaration as satire or a publicity stunt, others believe the move is a reflection of a growing trend where celebrities transition into politics, much like Liberia’s George Weah and Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour.

Shatta Wale ended his post with the slogan:

“Vote Shatta for a better Ghana and Africa at large.”

The message, tagged with hashtags like #Afrocania, #viral, and #highlightseveryonefollowers, has since gone viral, sparking discussions across social media platforms.

As the countdown to 2028 begins, one thing is certain—whether on stage or in the state house, Shatta Wale knows how to keep Ghana talking.

Do you think Shatta Wale stands a chance in Ghana’s political space? Share your thoughts below.

MPs must not be appointed Ministers – Fifi Kwetey

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General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, is advocating for constitutional reforms to decouple parliamentary duties from ministerial appointments.

In an interview on Face to Face on Channel One TV with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr. Kwetey expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals contesting parliamentary seats primarily as a stepping stone to secure ministerial positions, rather than out of a commitment to legislative service.

“Parliament is a means by which you want to serve your people, and so, that should be your number one thing. So, don’t come telling me that I came to Parliament and hoping that I can get ministerial appointments. Please, please, that was not part of the contract,” he said.

Kwetey stressed that ministerial appointments should be seen only as a “bonus”, not a primary motivation.

“Ministerial is a bonus. In fact, I insist that the Constitutional Review, the first thing that must be done is to decouple this business about whether you are in Parliament, you can be selected to become a government member. No, they should decouple it. So that we have genuine Parliamentarians,” he added.

He further argued that the current system allows political aspirants to mislead voters by running for Parliament with the hidden aim of joining the executive.

“You cannot use the MPship to deceive the people of this country. Meanwhile, what you are looking for is ministerial. Focus on legislation, your heart is to legislate, go in there, legislate. That is what I will recommend the country go. The Constitutional Review must decouple the two.”

Emphasising the importance of legislative independence, Kwetey added that Parliament should serve as a true check on the executive, rather than being absorbed by it.

“Parliament must become a means of checking government. So, this thing about disappointments, please tone down,” he concluded.

…..

Third Force Alliance-Ghana backs chief justice’s suspension, urges calm and due process

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Citizen Afo Dadaie, a representative of the Third Force Alliance-Ghana Citizen Afo Dadaie, a representative of the Third Force Alliance-Ghana

The Third Force Alliance–Ghana, a coalition of smaller political parties including the CPP, PNC, GFP, GCPP, and APC, has thrown its weight behind the constitutional process that led to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, leaders of the Alliance stated that the constitutional process, activated under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, is being carried out in accordance with Ghana’s democratic principles and should not be politicized.

“The invocation of Article 146 must not be about the personality of President John Dramani Mahama or that of Chief Justice Torkornoo,” said Citizen Afo Dadaie, a representative of the Third Force Alliance–Ghana.

“It is about the rule of law, good governance, and the sanctity of our Constitution.”

The Alliance expressed concern over attempts by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to politicize the matter, especially after the party suspended its ‘Thank You Tour’ to mobilize support for the Chief Justice.

It criticized what it described as “hypocritical and disingenuous tactics” being employed to stir political and gender-based sentiments against President Mahama’s constitutional actions.

“The NPP and its surrogates appear more interested in weaponizing this issue than respecting the dictates of the Constitution,” the group stated.

While acknowledging the significance of the suspension, the Alliance emphasized the importance of public trust in the constitutional process, noting that the decision to suspend the Chief Justice followed a near-unanimous recommendation from the Council of State, after a prima facie case was established in response to petitions filed by citizens.

“This is not a political witch-hunt. It is a lawful process aimed at maintaining the integrity of our judiciary.”

The Alliance also used the platform to recommend long-term constitutional reforms to enhance judicial accountability while safeguarding judicial independence. Among the key proposals were:

Independent Assessment Committee – to review prima facie cases without executive interference.

Statutory Timelines – to ensure swift resolution of Article 146 proceedings.

Public Release of Committee Reports – with appropriate redactions to uphold transparency.

Judicial Integrity Commission – a non-partisan body to investigate and recommend disciplinary action against judges.

Clear Definitions of Misconduct – to avoid politically motivated petitions based on vague terminology.

The group lauded President John Dramani Mahama for acting decisively and within the constitutional framework, stating that his leadership reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“President Mahama has shown that no one is above the Constitution. His action sends a strong message—justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done.”

The statement was signed by prominent figures from the Alliance, including Virimando Mess Anha (PNC), George Attul (GFP), Rev. Mordecai Thomrian (APC), and Citizen Afo Dadaie (GCPP).

AM/KA

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Sad News Hits John Dumelo and Other NDC Appointees as Mahama Punishes Them for Disrespecting Him

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Some top government appointees in President John Mahama’s administration are in hot water for failing to declare their assets as directed. Despite the president’s clear order to submit their asset declaration forms by May 31, 2025, several appointees ignored the deadline.

President Mahama, who had earlier warned that any appointee who disrespected this directive could be sacked, has now decided to punish them in a different way. Instead of firing them, he has ordered that they forfeit three months’ salary. The money will be sent to the “Mahama Cares Fund,” a fund set up to support national development.

This decision was confirmed by Shamima Muslim, a respected communicator and media personality. She stated that anyone who failed to declare their assets by March 31 would not receive their salary for three months.

The list of affected appointees includes several big names. They are:

Seth Terkper, Presidential Adviser on the Economy

Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States

Nathan Kofi Boakye, Director of Operations at the Presidency

Charles Kipo, Director of the National Investigations Bureau

Nana Yaa Jantuah, a presidential staffer

Also affected are:

Ernest Brogya Gyamfi, Deputy Minister of Defence

Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways

Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, Deputy Minister of Works and Housing

John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture

This move by Mahama has shocked many, especially within the NDC party. It sends a strong message that President Mahama is serious about transparency and discipline in his government.

What do you think about the punishment? Share your thoughts in the comments section below

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Michael Kpakpo Allotey confirmed as new Accra Mayor with unanimous vote

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Michael Kpakpo Allotey has been unanimously confirmed as the new Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) following a decisive endorsement by Assembly Members during a Special General Assembly Meeting held on Tuesday at the Accra City Hall.

Mr Allotey secured all 30 valid votes cast in an election conducted by the Electoral Commission, representing a 100 per cent endorsement—well above the two-thirds threshold required under Section 20 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).

The confirmation, hailed as a strong show of unity and support, took place in a charged atmosphere of jubilation and drumming, attended by Assembly Members, government appointees, party executives, traditional leaders, and residents of the capital.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who supervised the election, urged the Assembly Members to rise above partisan considerations. “This is the centre of Greater Accra,” she stated, calling on members to uphold their constitutional mandate and support the President’s nominee for the good of the metropolis.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Allotey thanked God and expressed deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment. “I thank the President for entrusting me, a young man from North Kaneshie, with this responsibility. It is an honour I do not take lightly,” he said.

He praised his predecessors and pledged to build on their achievements. “I now hold the baton as Mayor of Accra. My predecessor has done her part, but today, it’s my turn. If I have any misunderstandings, I can seek advice from the many who have come before me, so there is no window for failure,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from the President’s development vision, he declared: “We are going to reset Accra—starting now,” adding, “what God cannot do does not exist.”

A Council of State representative and Chairman of the Economic and Social Development Committee, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, challenged the new Mayor to lead with “strategic foresight, empathy and discipline.” He identified sanitation, urban congestion, housing, youth unemployment and social equity as urgent areas requiring innovation and integrity.

Mr Allotey brings over a decade of experience from the private sector, having worked in real estate, petroleum, and logistics. He previously served as CEO of Our God Is Good Real Estate, contributing significantly to job creation and infrastructure development. His past roles also include General Manager at KYG Consultancy and EXOLUBE Company Ltd, and Transport Manager at DIMD Ghana, where he introduced reforms that cut operational costs and boosted efficiency.

Politically, Mr Allotey has held several leadership positions within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), most recently as Director of Operations for the Okaikwei South Constituency.

Ghana’s telecom sector suffers over 5,600 fibre cuts in 2024

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, says Ghana recorded 5,600 fibre optic cable cuts in 2024.

This widespread damage resulted in an estimated cost of US$9.2 million, equivalent to over GH¢138 million for the sector.

The CEO made these remarks at the 24th edition of the Chamber of Telecommunications Knowledge Forum in Accra, which was attended by the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecommunications companies in the country.

The forum, themed “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development”, also saw the unveiling of the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual.

This document is aimed at guiding and harmonising the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure across Ghana.

Dr. Ashigbey emphasised the significant impact of these disruptions, extending beyond the direct financial cost to the telecommunications companies.

He highlighted the loss of revenue, reputational damage, and the extensive time spent on restoration efforts, which collectively amounted to over 432 days in 2024.

Dr. Ashigbey noted the financial impact faced by the industry, stating that the average cost per fibre cut stood at approximately US$23,000.

He lamented the repeated instances of damage at the same locations, prolonging repair times and exacerbating the impact on businesses and essential services.

“This destruction costs the telecom companies, small businesses, banking services, emergency communication, education delivery, among others,” he said.

He identified road construction as the primary cause of the fibre cuts, accounting for 20.68 per cent of the total.

“Other significant causes included theft and vandalism (13.98 per cent), often fuelled by the mistaken belief that copper is embedded in the fibre cables, as well as the activities of private developers,” he said.

The CEO also cited broken ports, drain construction, fire, farming, flooding, and accidental damage by utility companies like Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as contributing factors to the extensive fibre cuts.

Dr. Ashigbey stressed the vulnerability of the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and called for collective action to protect it.

He acknowledged the support received from regulators and policymakers, including the NCA, the Cyber Security Authority, and the Ministry of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation.

However, he called for intensified collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders, particularly road agencies, utility companies, and assemblies, to ensure the protection of telecommunications infrastructure during development projects.

“Key recommendations included mandatory relocation of telecom data cables in new road constructions, strict enforcement of excavation permits, and the establishment of dedicated utility management units within road agencies,” he said.

Dr. Ashigbey also called for decisive action against individuals and entities deliberately damaging the fibre optic network.

He pointed out that the funds spent on repairing fibre cuts could have been used to expand connectivity to underserved areas.

Dr. Ashigbey appealed to stakeholders to prioritise the protection of Ghana’s digital backbone.

He urged the Minister of Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation to champion legislation that consolidates existing laws and ensures the robust protection of telecommunications infrastructure.

He also called on the Ministers for the Interior and the Attorney General to support the implementation of such a law.

ALSO READ:

‘You didn’t protest when Charlotte Osei was unfairly removed’

Renowned Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah Renowned Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah

Renowned Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has sharply criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its recent protests against President John Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

In a post on her X account on May 6, 2025, Anamoah highlighted the party’s silence during the controversial 2018 removal of former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Charlotte Osei.

Anamoah accused the NPP of double standards, stating, “When my beloved and efficient cousin, Charlotte Osei, was unfairly removed from office as EC Chairperson, you didn’t hit the streets for her. Nipa nua ne nipa. Every institution must be protected.”

In 2018, under the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, Charlotte Osei and two of her deputies were removed from office following a committee investigation into alleged procurement breaches and misconduct.

Critics, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), labeled the move a witch-hunt, while the NPP defended it as a constitutional action. Anamoah, among others, had expressed shock at the time, calling the decision unjust.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the NPP has now staged a protest over the suspension of the Chief Justice, alleging political interference in judicial independence.

This follows the establishment of a prima facie case in response to three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

President John Dramani Mahama subsequently suspended her and established a five-member committee to inquire into the petitions.

In the interim, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has assumed the role as acting Chief Justice.

ID/IKA

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President Mahama speaks on 120-day social contract today

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President John Dramani Mahama President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama will address the nation today, May 7, 2025, to provide a comprehensive update on the progress of his administration’s 120-day social contract.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications, the special national broadcast will offer Ghanaians an opportunity to assess President Mahama’s performance and his compliance with campaign promises.

During the broadcast, President Mahama will highlight key achievements under his 120-day action plan, including the implementation of a leaner government structure designed to reduce public expenditure.

Other notable initiatives include the organization of a National Economic Dialogue and an Education Dialogue, the launch of the “Tree for Life” and “Blue Water” environmental initiatives, and the rollout of the “One Million Coders” program aimed at enhancing digital skills and promoting youth employment.

Furthermore, President Mahama will provide updates on the establishment of the Mahama Cares Health Fund, the abolition of the E-Levy, Bet Tax, and Emissions Levy, as well as the funding of the Women’s Development Bank.

President Mahama will also elaborate on the Code of Conduct for all government appointees, underscoring his commitment to transparency and accountability.

Kwakye Ofosu emphasized the significance of the broadcast, stating, “On Wednesday, the President will hold a broadcast in which he will render an account of his stewardship over the last four months or 120 days. Therefore, I urge Ghanaians to tune in and listen to the President so that they can draw their own conclusions regarding the level of compliance with the promises the President made to the people of Ghana.”

GUTA commends BoG Governor over the Cedi’s gain against major trading currencies

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GUTA President, Dir Joseph Obeng GUTA President, Dir Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has commended the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his team for the measures put in place, which have led to the Cedi gaining strength against major trading currencies.

According to GUTA, this positive trend has brought a level of respite and renewed confidence in the economy.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Joseph Obeng, and Head of the Business and Economic Bureau, Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi, GUTA applauded the Governor for this achievement, adding that it has brought hope to the business community.

“We wish to highly commend the Governor and his team for efficiently managing the forex market to this extent. We believe that the fiscal discipline adopted by the Government has also contributed to this achievement.

“This has brought hope to the business community in recouping some of the capital lost over the past couple of years.

Importantly, it has also fostered positive speculation and predictability within the foreign exchange market, thereby eroding the notion that foreign currency is a store of value in the Ghanaian community.”

GUTA consequently encouraged the Government, especially the Central Bank, to continue with this laudable effort.

“These prudent measures, if sustained, will lead to full economic recovery, enhance business competitiveness, increase productivity, and alleviate the high cost of living in the country,” the statement added.

The Ghana Cedi started the week on a losing streak despite a massive gain in April 2025.

The local unit sold at GH¢14.60 to one American greenback in the retail market.

It, however, went for GH¢13.65 to one US dollar in the interbank market.

The local unit is currently among the top-performing currencies in Africa this year, recording over 7% appreciation since January 1, 2025. The CFA, used by Francophone West African countries is the best performing currency in Africa so far this year

All things being equal, the local unit would remain stable in May 2024.

KA

Thomas Partey to start in Arsenal’s midfield against PSG on May 7

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Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to start in Arsenal’s midfield on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when the team takes on PSG in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.

The Black Stars’ midfield dynamo missed the first leg of the tie last Tuesday due to yellow card accumulation, as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to the French Ligue 1 side.

Now back from suspension, Thomas Partey is set to return to the starting eleven for the reverse fixture in Paris.

As emphasized by manager Mikel Arteta after the first-leg defeat, the former Atletico Madrid man is a key player for his team.

“He’s a starter for us. He’s the player who has played the most minutes in his position,” the Arsenal manager said.

Arteta also lamented Partey’s absence in the first leg of the semi-final clash against PSG.

“For the biggest game of the season, we didn’t have him [Thomas Partey], but Rice did a great job. Now we have him back, so we have more options,” Arteta added.

Wednesday’s clash between PSG and Arsenal is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.

Alleged Private Video of Influencer “Queen” Sparks Online Frenzy – Here’s What We Know

In the early hours of Monday, social media platforms in Ghana were set ablaze following the circulation of a video allegedly featuring popular social media influencer known as “Queen.” The video, which many claim to be of an intimate nature, has stirred intense debate across various platforms, with reactions ranging from support to criticism.

While the authenticity of the video is yet to be officially confirmed, several users claim the woman in the clip bears a striking resemblance to the influencer. As expected, the footage spread rapidly across WhatsApp groups, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, drawing the attention of both fans and critics alike.

Public Reactions

The internet community has been divided, with some urging the public to respect privacy and refrain from sharing the video further. Others have criticized the alleged subject of the video, questioning the morality and impact such exposure could have on her brand and followers.

A section of fans, however, have come to the defense of Queen, calling for empathy and urging the public not to judge her based on unverified content.

Has Queen Responded?

As of the time of writing, Queen has not issued an official statement addressing the video. Her verified social media accounts have remained inactive since the video began trending. This silence has further fueled speculation, although close associates are reportedly advising her on the best legal and public relations steps to take.

Legal Implications

According to Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act and laws on privacy, the unauthorized sharing of intimate videos is a criminal offense. Legal experts have warned that individuals involved in distributing the video risk arrest and prosecution.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not the video is authentic, this incident serves as a reminder of how quickly one’s private life can become public in the digital age. It also calls attention to the importance of responsible media consumption and the need to avoid circulating harmful content.

Opera News Hub will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Facts About Plus-Size Ladies

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Hello, everyone! I’m back with an exciting article. Please follow me, like, and share.

Today, I want to share some facts about plus-size women.

Fact #1: Plus-size women are not lazy. Many people think being plus-size means someone is lazy. This is not true. Body size is affected by many things like genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle.

Fact #2: Plus-size women can be healthy. While being overweight can lead to health problems, many plus-size women are healthy. Health includes more than just weight. Important factors are blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and how active someone is.

Fact #3: The fashion industry is changing. Designers are now making stylish clothes for plus-size women. Brands like ASOS Curve, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii offer fashionable choices. This helps promote body positivity and self-expression.

Fact #4: Plus-size women face bias. Sadly, plus-size women often deal with discrimination at work, in healthcare, and in media. It is important to address these biases and support size inclusivity.

Fact #5: Body positivity is growing. Movements like #BodyPositivity and #PlusSizeRevolution encourage people to love themselves and accept their bodies. Plus-size influencers and celebrities are changing the idea of beauty.

Fact #6: Plus-size women are successful. Many plus-size women do well in different areas. They shine in entertainment like Adele and Gabourey Sidibe, in sports like Serena Williams, and in business like Christina Hendricks.

Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine

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Joe Biden has told the BBC that pressure from the Trump administration on Ukraine to give up territory to Russia is “modern-day appeasement” in an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House.

Speaking in Delaware on Monday, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin believed Ukraine was part of Russia and “anybody that thinks he’s going to stop” if some territory is conceded as part of a peace deal “is just foolish”.

Biden, who spoke as Allied nations mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week, said he was concerned about US-Europe relations breaking down under President Donald Trump, which he said “would change the modern history of the world”.

In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Biden was challenged on his own record on Ukraine as well as his decision to end his 2024 re-election bid late in the race after a stumbling debate performance stoked concerns over his fitness and plunged the Democratic Party into crisis.

Biden dropped out less than four months before the November election, and when pushed on whether he should have left sooner and allowed more time for a replacement to be chosen, he said: “I don’t think it would have mattered. We left at a time when we had a good candidate.”

“Things moved so quickly that it made it difficult to walk away. And it was a hard decision,” he said. “I think it was the right decision. I think that… it was just a difficult decision.”

Asked about the current administration’s treatment of US allies, the former president condemned Trump’s calls for the US to take back the Panama Canal, to acquire Greenland and to make Canada the 51st state.

“What the hell’s going on here? What president ever talks like that? That’s not who we are,” he said. “We’re about freedom, democracy, opportunity, not about confiscation.”

On Ukraine, Biden was challenged on whether he gave enough support to Kyiv to ensure they could win the war as opposed to just resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion. During three years of fighting, his White House shifted its position on the use of US-supplied weapons and lifted some restrictions over time.

“We gave them everything they needed to provide for their independence, and we were prepared to respond, more aggressively, if Putin moved again,” he said.

Biden was also asked about comments from the Trump administration suggesting Kyiv must give up some territory in order to secure a peace deal that would put an end to the fighting.

US Vice-President JD Vance recently laid out the US vision for a peace plan in Ukraine, saying it would “freeze the territorial lines… close to where they are today”.

He said Ukraine and Russia “are both going to have to give up some of the territory they currently own”. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has echoed that message, saying a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic”.

“It is modern-day appeasement,” Biden said on Monday, a reference to the policy of former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who sought in the late 1930s to appease Adolf Hitler’s demands in a failed attempt to avoid a catastrophic all-out war in Europe.

He also expressed concern that “Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America and the leadership of America”.

The continent’s leaders, he added, were “wondering, well, what do I do now?… Can I rely on the United States? Are they going to be there?”

Trump has said he expects Russia to keep the Crimean peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014, and last month he accused Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky of harming peace negotiations when Zelensky rejected the suggestion.

Reports suggest recent US proposals for a truce settlement not only include formal US recognition of Crimea as part of Russia but also de facto US recognition of Russian control of other occupied areas in Ukraine. The White House has not publicly confirmed the details.

“I have no favourites. I don’t want to have any favourites. I want to have a deal done,” Trump said last month when asked about recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea.

“Yes, of course, [the Ukrainians] are angry that they were invaded,” VP Vance told Fox News last week. “But are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory this or that way?”

The pressure to cede land is not just coming from Washington, with the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, telling the BBC last month that Ukraine may have to temporarily give up territory.

Discussing Putin, Biden said: “I just don’t understand how people think that if we allow a dictator, a thug, to decide he’s going to take significant portions of land that aren’t his, that’s going to satisfy him. I don’t quite understand.”

He also said he feared some countries in the NATO Alliance that border Russia may “just say we’ve got to make an accommodation” to Putin if Ukraine ultimately gives up land.

Trump has long resisted continuing the level of US military support that Biden gave to Ukraine, arguing that his ultimate aim is to end the bloodshed. He has previously said Zelenskyy played Biden “like a fiddle”.

Tensions between the White House and the Ukrainian leader exploded into public view in February when Trump and Vance berated Zelenskyy and demanded he show more gratitude for years of US support during an extraordinary televised meeting in the Oval Office.

“I found it sort of beneath America in the way that took place,” Biden said of the meeting.

Trump and his top officials have repeatedly criticised European countries for not spending enough on their own defence and relying too heavily on US support.

The US is by some margin the largest single donor to Ukraine, but European countries combined have spent more money, according to the Kiel Institute, a German-based think tank tracking support for Kyiv.

“I don’t understand how they fail to understand that there’s strength in alliances,” Biden said of the Trump administration on Monday. “There’s benefits… It saves us money overall.”

When asked about President Trump’s first 100 days in office, which has seen a whirlwind of executive actions as well as sweeping cuts to the size and spending of the federal government, Biden touted his own record and sought to draw a stark contrast between when he left office and now.

“Our economy was growing. We were moving in a direction where the stock market was way up. We were in a situation where we were expanding our influence around the world positively, increasing trade” he said of the state of the country when he left the White House in January.

Trump, meanwhile, says he is driving a needed overhaul of the world’s relationship with the US, rebalancing trade, controlling illegal immigration and making government more efficient. He celebrated the 100-day milestone with a triumphant speech last week. What does Biden make of the start of Trump 2.0?

“I’ll let history judge that,” he said. “I don’t see anything that was triumphant.”

Source: BBC

EFCC Delays Release Of VeryDarkMan, Lawyer Decries Lack Of Bail Documents

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The lawyer representing social media personality and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, has expressed frustration over the difficulty in securing his client’s release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Despite being granted administrative bail, VeryDarkMan remains in custody due to his inability to fulfil the bail conditions, according to a statement released by the EFCC on Tuesday.

Palmer gets swagger back as Chelsea heat up top-five race

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Football writer Alex Keble analyses Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool.

For most of the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge it was the delirious Liverpool supporters making all the noise, as they continued celebrating their Premier League title-winning season.

But after Cole Palmer lashed home a late penalty, the Chelsea fans decided to join them – and it was Palmer who stole the show, not the new Premier League champions.

Inter Milan defeat Barcelona by equalling Champions League semifinal record

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Inter Milan substitute Davide Frattesi struck an extra-time winner to send his side into the Champions League final following a barnstorming 4-3 victory over Barcelona after Francesco Acerbi had rescued them from the brink of elimination with a stunning equaliser deep in added time.

Frattesi’s goal and a string of stunning saves by goalkeeper Yann Sommer secured Inter a rip-roaring and record-equalling 7-6 aggregate victory in a semifinal for the ages, which finished with the Italian side reaching the Munich final.  They will later this month face either Paris St Germain or Arsenal, who meet on Wednesday.

It was a tale of two halves as Inter dominated the first 45 minutes and opened a two-goal lead thanks to a Lautaro Martinez goal on the counter in the 21st minute, before Hakan Calhanoglu extended the lead with a penalty right before the break.

However, Barca woke up in the second half with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo netting within six minutes to level the scoring and, even though Sommer worked his magic to help keep the hosts alive, the Catalans thought they had scored the winner through Raphinha who struck from close range in the 87th minute.

But as Inter made a desperate run for an equaliser, Denzel Dumfries found 37-year-old Acerbi inside the box, who fired a first-time effort into the net to score his first European goal in his 20th season and take the game to extra time.

In the 99th minute, Marcus Thuram made a brilliant run from the right and played the ball into the area for Frattesi, who set himself up before neatly guiding a curling shot into the bottom corner to send the delighted home fans into raptures.

Sommer made two world-class saves from teenager Lamine Yamal to secure the hard-fought win for Inter, who will bid to claim their fourth Champions League title and their first in 15 years after losing to Manchester City in the final two years ago.

“I’m lucky to have finished the game. I screamed so much that I saw everything black,” Frattesi told Sky Sport.

“I have to thank the physiotherapists because, in recent days, I was not well, I dedicate the victory to them. It’s incredible, I don’t know what to say. Tonight, the incredible happened.”

Barcelona, who were chasing a treble after winning the Copa del Rey by beating Real Madrid in extra-time, will now have to focus on LaLiga, where on Sunday, they host their old rivals who are in second place and trail them by four points.

Source: Aljazeera

Govt to inaugurate task force to fast-track National Airline establishment

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Plans to establish a national airline in Ghana are set to receive a significant boost with the inauguration of a high-level task force to oversee and accelerate the process.

This move signals a renewed commitment by authorities to revive the country’s aviation ambitions, following years of stalled efforts to launch a flagship carrier.

Ghana has been without a national airline for nearly two decades, after operations were suspended due to a U.S. ban linked to operational debts.

The country’s original flag carrier, Ghana Airways, operated from 1958 until its collapse in 2004. It was succeeded by Ghana International Airlines, which served from 2005 to 2010 before also ceasing operations.

Momentum to revive a national airline gained traction in September 2022 when Ashanti Airlines was selected as the government’s strategic partner.

The move rekindled hopes for the re-launch of a rebranded ‘Ghana Airlines’ and attracted interest from multiple stakeholders.

The new task force, to be inaugurated under the directive of President John Dramani Mahama and led by the Ministry of Transport, is expected to generate fresh investor interest and foster strategic partnerships within the aviation sector.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe earlier this year indicated that the government is actively seeking collaborative partnerships to realize the national airline project, acknowledging that the country’s current economic constraints make it difficult to pursue the initiative independently.

Former Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare Responds After Removal by Mahama

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Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, has expressed his gratitude to Ghanaians after being relieved of his duties by President John Dramani Mahama.

In a statement signed by his Executive Assistant Nana Osei Afrifa, Dr. Dampare first thanked God and the people of Ghana for their prayers and support during his tenure. He acknowledged the overwhelming show of solidarity he’s received from across the nation and internationally since news of his dismissal broke.

The former police chief extended appreciation to:

– Former President Nana Akufo-Addo for appointing him as Ghana’s youngest IGP in the Fourth Republic

– President Mahama for their professional collaboration

– Religious and traditional leaders for their guidance

– The international community for their partnership

Dr. Dampare reflected on his distinguished 35-year career in the Ghana Police Service, during which he rose from Constable to become the nation’s top police officer. He highlighted serving as Director-General in nearly all departments and holding the record for two terms as Director-General of both Welfare and Administration.

The former IGP emphasized that attaining the Service’s highest rank gave him the privilege to contribute significantly to national security. He praised the dedication of all police personnel during his leadership.

At 55 years old, Dr. Dampare affirmed his continued availability to serve Ghana, maintaining that he leaves office with an unblemished record and undiminished passion for national service through disciplined and honorable leadership.

Source: Erastus Asare Donkor (Facebook)

He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves” – Rice praises Partey

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Arsenal star Declan Rice has showered praise on teammate Thomas Partey, highlighting the Ghanaian midfielder’s influence and composure in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 7, Rice emphasised Partey’s importance to the team, especially with the Gunners needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit following a narrow first-leg loss in Paris.

“Thomas brings calmness to the team,” Rice said. “He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, but I’m lucky to have him beside me. He allows me the freedom to move around the pitch.”

Partey missed the first leg due to suspension, and Arsenal felt his absence early on as PSG took control and found the net through Ousmane Dembélé in the fourth minute.

The 31-year-old, who joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020, is expected to return for the second leg—his presence seen as a key boost as Arsenal chase their first Champions League final since 2006. Talks are ongoing between the club and Partey’s representatives regarding a contract extension, with his current deal nearing its end.

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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.

Why NPP terminated A Plus’ appointment at BOST after he received only one month salary

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Kwame Asare-Obeng, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, popularly known as A-Plus Kwame Asare-Obeng, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, popularly known as A-Plus

Kwame Asare-Obeng, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, popularly known as A-Plus, has narrated how his appointment at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) was terminated.

According to him, the intentions behind his appointment were not clearly communicated, and he continued doing what he had always done.

“You will go to a group of NPP people, and you will hear that A-Plus was looking for something he didn’t get, so he is angry. Then, another group will tell you that they gave me everything, and I am ungrateful.

“So, what this should tell you is that people are coming up with stories. There is one thing I like about this country: people don’t read; they just follow. And I like it when they live like that because it benefits me.

“You see, when too many people are intelligent, you will not succeed.

“The problem with the NPP is that they gave me a job expecting that, now that I am benefiting, I would stay silent. But they didn’t tell me this at the time of my appointment. As for me, I prefer talking to eating—so if you want to stop me from talking, then you might as well stop me from eating… because I want to talk.”

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on May 4, 2025, he asserted that his appointment was given by the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to silence his criticism.

However, as he continued voicing his opinions, his appointment was terminated.

He explained that although he worked for two months, he received only one month’s salary before being relieved of his post.

“So, they gave me a job at BOST. After one or two months in the role, they said I was talking too much, so they took my job. As for my salary, I got just one month’s pay. Now, anybody should go to BOST and ask: if you lift oil for one month, what is the maximum amount you can make?

“And go to BOST and ask them how many months they paid A-Plus, one month,” he added.

@channel1tvgh “The NPP gave me a job and suddenly expected me to stop sharing my views.” — Kwame Asare Obeng (A-Plus) recounts how he lost his job at BOST just 1–2 months in, about 8 years ago. He added he was only paid for one month. #UpsideDown ♬ original sound – Channel One TV

AM/KA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

‘I take side chicks seriously’ – Former KATH CEO Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah

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Former CEO of KATH, Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah Former CEO of KATH, Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah

Immediate-past Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, has lightheartedly shared how he does not joke about side chicks, as he narrated his life story.

In an interview with journalist Bright Kankam Boadu, the academic revealed that he was born to a mother who was a side chick pregnant at age 21 for a married man, joking that he wouldn’t be alive if not for side chicks.

“On a lighter note, I don’t joke with side chicks at all. If there were no side chicks, I wouldn’t have been in this world. On a more serious note, my mother was just 21 when she gave birth to me. She was a student at the polytechnic. She was a side chick pregnant for a very married man. She had had four abortions before me, and I was the fifth. My father wanted me aborted, so he gave her GH₵2.00 at the time to terminate the pregnancy.”

Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah an Associate Professor of Haematology, Immunology, and Global Health in the Department of Medical Diagnostics at KNUST surprisingly said he could understand why his father wanted the abortion.

“I don’t blame my father too much for that decision, especially after learning that his wife was also pregnant at the time. He was faced with a difficult choice, and that was the decision he took. A couple of weeks later, he learned that the abortion had not been carried out. That was when my mother’s struggles truly began. My father told her to use the GH₵2.00 to cater for herself and the unborn baby.”

He recounted how his mother had to sacrifice to raise him:

“It was quite challenging for my mum. She had to sell her cloth and jewelry to make ends meet. Thankfully, she worked at SSNIT for 38 years, and SSNIT pays well, so I was able to go through school.”

Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah shared how difficult it was growing up without his father’s support:

“It was tough growing up. There were moments when it was clear this man was my father he gave money to others but denied me the same. I remember during national service, I was posted to Wa, but Prempeh College had offered me a teaching opportunity. When I went to the National Service Secretariat to change my posting, my father came there to help others change theirs. He saw me and only asked how I was before leaving without offering any help. I stood there until almost 5 p.m., after which an influential man helped me change my posting. I met that man recently in Abetifi and gave him all the money I had on me because of how much he helped me back then.”

“I also recall sitting with friends when my father appeared on TV. He was asked to request a song for his children, and he mentioned all their names but left mine out. That really hurt, especially being among friends who knew who he was.”

Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah explained what motivated him to excel academically:

“I prayed like my whole life depended on it, and I studied like my whole life depended on studying. That gave me a certain balance. Somehow, I felt that if I failed, my father would be happy and I didn’t want that. So, I studied hard and aspired to become someone great.”

Eventually, his father returned to seek forgiveness:

“He later came to apologize with some influential friends of his. But by then, I had already finished medical school. I asked them, ‘Why now?’ because they had known about me for a long time.”

@paakwasi_prah Video credit: BKB show on YouTube #watch full video there. #ghanatiktokers🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 #kumasitiktokers #asantehene #accraghana🇬🇭 ♬ Yeshua Hamashiach – Josué Novais Piano Worship

KA

Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below

We’ve inherited a mess, but we’re fixing It with bold reforms – Adongo

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Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central

Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and a board member of the Bank of Ghana, says Ghana’s recent fourth review with the IMF has yielded positive signs, though the road to economic recovery is far from over.

“The IMF is comfortable with our trajectory. We’ve met critical benchmarks and introduced bold reforms. That’s why we’re expecting the next tranche in June,” he said in a detailed interview on GHOne TV monitored by MyNewsGh.

Adongo admitted that the current administration inherited a massive arrears crisis, with previously undisclosed commitments swelling the public debt.

“We discovered over 45 billion in arrears—more than what the IMF had assumed. One agency alone had commitments exceeding 21 billion without financial clearance,” he revealed.

To address this, Adongo said the government has amended the Public Procurement Act, now empowering the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to deny procurement approvals without proper financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.

“We now have a procurement policeman. If you show up without clearance, you’re turned away. That’s how we’re controlling expenditure,” he stressed.

He added that reforms have also extended to state institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which can no longer make purchases without ministerial concurrence, even when spending from their own balance sheets.

Adongo further hinted at a possible overhaul of audit procedures for state-owned enterprises. “We’re asking how ECG’s auditors missed the biggest risk in its operations—procurement of imported items. We can’t afford rubber-stamp audits anymore,” he stated.

For Adongo, these policy changes mark a shift in accountability and control across the board. “We are finally plugging the loopholes and managing the country with discipline,” he concluded.