The recent plunge in crude oil prices on the international market may offer some relief at the fuel pumps, but it poses a significant threat to Ghana’s revenue projections — a development that could derail Ghana’s effort of achieving its fiscal policy target.
In the 2025 budget, government is banking on over one billion dollars in revenue from crude oil exports, based on a benchmark price of $74 per barrel.
However, in the last two weeks global oil prices have been fluctuating between $61 and $65 per barrel, well below the forecast, and analysts warn of a potential shortfall in projected earnings.
The drop in prices is largely driven by weakening global demand and fears of an impending recession, with many analysts predicting a further decline. This, they caution, could derail Ghana’s revenue targets, further tightening the fiscal space.
Fitch Solutions in its recent report indicated that Sub-Saharan Africa oil-exporting markets will come under significant pressure should global oil prices fail to recover.
Brent crude prices have dropped by around 14.9% since April 2 2025 with rising fears of a global economic slowdown being exacerbated by the decision by OPEC+ to accelerate the return of its cut barrels to market.
The situation is particularly concerning given the potential dip in revenue from non-traditional exports due to new import tariff hikes by the U.S. — an added blow to the country’s already stretched finances.
On the flip side, some market analysts argue that lower crude prices could lead to reduced fuel costs locally.
This may help ease inflationary pressures and offer some stability to the cedi, providing a glimmer of relief amid the broader economic uncertainty.
Already, Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has announced that the government will soon engage transport operators to reduce fares in response to declining fuel prices.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Kwahu Business Forum at Kwahu Mpraeso on Saturday, April 19, Mr. Nyarko emphasized the positive impact this move could have on inflation.
A police officer has been captured in a viral video threatening a suspect during an interrogation in an alleged criminal case involving a taxi robbery scheme.
According to reports, the suspects posed as a taxi driver and a passenger to lure unsuspecting victims. Once inside the vehicle, the victims were allegedly robbed of their belongings, mainly mobile phones.
In the video, the officer is seen aggressively questioning one of the suspects and threatening to release him to an agitated crowd if he fails to confess.
“Herh! Are you the one who took the phone? I am asking you a question. If you don’t tell me the truth, I will make them kill you,” the officer is heard saying.
A man behind the camera is also heard urging the officer to be patient with the suspect.
“Aban (officer), have patience,” he said.
The video, which was first shared on social media by Sikaoffial’s handle, was captioned, “Residents have nabbed two suspected armed robbers who were reportedly posing as a taxi driver and a passenger to rob unsuspecting victims seeking to take a taxi.
“The two were arrested and handed over to personnel of the Ghana Police Service after their attempt to rob a young man failed. Other passengers who had previously fallen victim to their operations also rushed to the scene to retrieve their stolen valuables, mainly mobile phones.”
Residents have nabbed two suspected armed robbers who were reportedly posing as a taxi driver and a passenger to rob off unsuspecting victims seeking to take a taxi.
The two were arrested and handed over to personnel of the Ghana Police Service after their attempt to rob a… pic.twitter.com/qxJeKoAxQm
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will offer 1,000 scholarships to university students from across the ECOWAS sub-region, as part of efforts to strengthen regional ties through education and shared experiences.
The announcement was made at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS in Accra on Tuesday [April 22, 2025].
The event, held on the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration”, brought together heads of state, senior government officials, and representatives of the ECOWAS Commission.
“To mark this moment and strengthen regional bonds, Ghana is offering a thousand scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in our universities,” Mr Mahama said.
He described the initiative as a practical step towards building unity among West African youth.
“This is not just a gesture,” he said. “It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners.”
Mr Mahama stressed that diplomacy should not be limited to resolving disputes but must also include creating conditions for peace, inclusion and progress. He called for greater investment in youth and education as a means of strengthening regional ties.
“Our drive for integration through diplomacy must extend to economic, social and cultural areas,” he said. “Whether it is harmonising trade negotiations or advancing cooperation in education and health, our diplomatic tools must always work in the service of our people.”
The scholarship programme is expected to be implemented in partnership with Ghana’s public universities and coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
ECOWAS, established in 1975, was formed to promote economic cooperation and political coordination among West African states. As the community marks its 50th anniversary, Mr Mahama urged leaders to take practical steps to make the regional bloc more relevant to citizens, especially the youth.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has defended the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, stating that no constitutional provision prohibits the president from taking action while a matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
His remarks follow criticism from former Member of Parliament and private legal practitioner, Samuel Atta Akyea, who described the suspension as unconstitutional and possibly contemptuous of the Supreme Court.
Atta Akyea pointed to an interlocutory injunction application filed by the MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, which is yet to be determined.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Srem-Sai explained that public officials must balance competing interests and cannot be expected to halt all decisions simply because a legal challenge has been initiated.
He stressed that unless a court has issued a specific order to halt a public duty, it is legally permissible for the president or any public officer to proceed.
“When people make such assertion, what they forget is that you are balancing interest as an official. So, if the president says that ‘I will not proceed until a court’s decision is made’ the other side is that there is a group of people who are aggrieved and have adopted a constitutional required process for a particular outcome.
“That is why the law does not require anybody to stop performing his public duty merely because someone is aggrieved. This is because every public decision, step or action taken, there is someone who will be aggrieved about it, and you cannot base on that person’s grievances alone to stop performing your duty.
“The general jurisprudential understanding is that, it will be an injustice to the person who is aggrieved. That is why it is said that the public duty must continue until a court makes a definite order that it should stop. In this case, there is not court order stopping the process to suspend the Chief Justice,” he stated.
Suspension of Chief Justice unfortunate, potentially unconstitutional – Atta Akyea
The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has described Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s response to the petitions seeking her removal as damning.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s , the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) said the responses are even more damning compared to the allegations made in the three petitions.
Mr. Gyamfi claimed that Justice Torkornoo, in her response, admitted to misbehaviour and unlawful conduct.
“I am happy I did not intercept the petitions; if I had, people would have said it was because my party is in power. But I intercepted the responses through someone, and they are more damning than the petitions themselves,” he said.
However, he did not explicitly disclose what the alleged admissions in the Chief Justice’s responses were.
Sammy Gyamfi’s remarks follow the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The suspension, announced on April 22, came after the establishment of a committee to investigate multiple petitions seeking the removal of the top judicial official.
The move complies with constitutional provisions and followed consultations with the Council of State.
Meanwhile, Mahama has set up a five-member committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang to investigate the petitions.
The other members of the committee, including eminent figures from the legal, military, academic, and public service sectors, will conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.
President John Dramani Mahama, joined the former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahammudu Bawumia to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis who passed to eternal rest on Monday.
In separate posts the three leaders extolled the legacy of compassion, humility and commitment to social justice to inspire the generation while alive.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with Pope FrancisFormer President Akufo-Addo with Pope Francis
The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s passing after a prolonged struggle with illness, noting that although he had been discharged from the hospital recently and had resumed his papal duties, his death came suddenly, leaving millions of Catholics and world leaders shocked and mourning.
President John Dramani Mahama, in his post on X, formally known as Twitter, said the late Pope Francis’ legacy of “compassion, humility, and commitment to social justice will continue to inspire generations.”
He fondly recalled visiting the Vatican with his wife, Lordina, where they met Pope Francis.
He extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and Catholic faithful in Ghana on behalf of his family and the people of Ghana.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Mahama prayed, as he mourned the passing of the influential spiritual leader.
Former President Akufo-Addo in his tribute posted on his X account, said he was saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing of the venerable Bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State, His Holiness Pope Francis.
He said since his election, the late Pope Francis has been a latent force of tolerance and inter-religious cooperation.
Former President Akufo-Addo said late Pope Francis had given the world a clear indication of what his papacy would be in his choice of a papal name, Francis, after the great pilgrim Francis of Assisi.
“Pope Francis’ 12-year service as Pope has been one of genuine care for the downtrodden and the poor.
His deep concern for and vigorous pursuit of global peace and the progress of Africa had been consistently expressed during the times I had the privilege of meeting him at the Vatican.” he stated.
He said Pope Francis was indeed “God’s treasured gift to our world of today. I extend a message of deep condolence to the Catholic community and Christendom”.
We pray that this great servant of humanity finds rest in the bosom of the creator until the last day of the resurrection, when we shall all meet again,” he added.
On his part, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, expressing his deep grief over the Pope’s passing.
Dr Bawumia in a short tribute described the late Pope “as a man of unwavering peace and compassion” who lived a life of inclusiveness and humility.”
“When I visited him a year ago, he left such a remarkable impression on me as one whose true essence and outlook on life was to live pure and right,” Dr Bawumia wrote.
The former Vice President praised Pope Francis’s legacy, saying, “May his legacy inspire us as we continue to pursue our individual mandates on earth.”
Dr Bawumia extended his sincerest condolences to the Catholic community in Ghana and worldwide.
“I join the Catholic community in Ghana and worldwide to mourn this huge loss.” The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in a tribute expressed sorrow at the news of the death of the late Pope Francis, describing it as a heavy blow to many Catholic faithful.
He recalled that the Pope had only recently led the Church through the sacred triduum before his passing.
“Oh? Pope Francis just celebrated the sacred triduum with us, the flock and departed so soon after. This is a blow to many faithful, but God knows best. It shall be well with our souls,” Mr Bagbin wrote.
He described the late pontiff as “a blessing to humanity” and encouraged believers to celebrate his life with joy. Mr Bagbin also reflected on the spiritual lessons to be drawn from the Pope’s passing.
“His passing reminds us to always be prepared to go to Zion, anytime, any day, anywhere, the beautiful city of God,” he added.
The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, also in tribute to Pope Francis, described him as a leader chosen by the Holy Spirit to respond to the unique challenges of his time.
He was known for championing care for the environment, an inclusive approach to leadership and tackling abuses that had plagued the Church.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show after the death of the pontiff at the age of 88, Most Reverend Gyamfi said the “Catholic Church and the entire world are mourning, having lost a Pope who embodied compassion, reform and strong moral leadership.”
The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has raised concern over a major setback in Ghana’s fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, following the suspension of United States of America (USA) government funding through USAID.
Speaking during an Easter HIV screening and sensitisation event held at La Pleasure Beach in Accra on April 21, 2025, Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of GHANET, described the US “stop work” directive as the most significant hitch currently facing HIV/AIDS efforts in the country.
“This has been a major blow to us as far as funding is concerned,” Ortsin stated.
He explained that Ghana was already grappling with declining donor support and limited government funding, which had put the country at risk of missing global targets set by UNAIDS.
Ortsin emphasized the urgent need for the government to honor its 2025 Budget promise to allocate more resources to the health sector.
He also called on authorities to activate the long-dormant National HIV/AIDS Fund to compensate for the funding gap left by USAID’s withdrawal.
“We need the national HIV/AIDS fund urgently because now the US government their withdrawal of funding is going to affect us,” he said.
“If the government doesn’t make resources available, that is really going to affect the national campaign against HIV.”
Ortsin urged Ghanaians to embrace regular testing, emphasizing that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to halting the spread of the virus.
He disclosed that in 2024 alone, more than 35,000 people in Ghana were newly diagnosed with HIV.
“So, it means the disease is still very much with us,” he said.
“We are encouraging people to test, know their status, so they don’t have to pass on the virus to their loved ones, especially pregnant women, so they don’t pass it on to their unborn children.”
The targets require countries to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2025.
Ghana’s current statistics, however, show that only 65% of people with HIV are aware of their status, 69% of those are on treatment, and 89% have achieved viral suppression.
The Easter weekend exercise saw about 500 people screened for HIV, with over 100,000 condoms distributed as part of awareness efforts. The campaign also promoted the use of HIV self-test kits, which were made freely available at the event.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
The mother of Diamond X Muzik, a recently evicted contestant from TV3’s Talented Kidz, has leveled serious allegations against the popular children’s talent show, accusing organizers of corruption, favoritism, and prioritizing profit over genuine talent. Her son’s elimination on April, 2025, sparked an emotional response that’s now gone viral on social media.
In a TikTok video, the aggrieved mother claimed that families were pressured to spend thousands of Ghana cedis weekly to keep their children in the competition. According to her, those who didn’t comply faced eviction—regardless of their talent or performance.
“They already know the winner before the show even begins,” she alleged. “It’s not about talent anymore. Change the name from Talented Kidz to Pay and Win—that would be more honest.”
She further claimed that the final outcomes are often predetermined, suggesting that votes and talent have little to do with who takes home the crown. Her frustration echoes a broader concern about transparency in reality TV competitions, especially those involving children.
The mother didn’t stop there—she questioned the legacy of the show, pointing out that most past winners have faded into obscurity. “This is the 16th season. Show me ten past winners who made it far. You can’t—because the show doesn’t nurture talent; it exploits it.”
The accusations come after Diamond X Muzik, Dirriu De Poet, and the dance group Beat Monsters were evicted from the current season.
The show’s organizers have yet to respond publicly to the accusations.
This controversy has reignited conversations about fairness and accountability in youth-focused entertainment platforms, with many calling for greater transparency in how such competitions are judged and managed.
The information gathered reveals that two new petitions have been filed against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for her removal from office.
The two more petitions filed against the suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo bring the petition against her to five.
According to the presidency communication signed by the Minister of Government Communication, John Mahama suspended the Chief Justice following a prima facie case being determined against her by the Council of State.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has described Ghana’s energy sector as the most significant economic threat currently facing the country.
In a post on X after a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 22, Dr. Forson stated that the sector is weighed down by a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion—an amount he noted exceeds Ghana’s entire domestic capital expenditure.
“During a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the WorldBank Yesterday, I reiterated that Ghana’s energy sector is currently the biggest economic risk we face. The sector is burdened with a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion.
“This amount surpasses our domestic capital expenditure. This challenge goes beyond tariffs. The entire energy value chain requires urgent reform. Inefficiencies, especially in the distribution sector, are being passed onto the ordinary Ghanaian through high tariffs,” part of his post stated.
He highlighted that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) alone could significantly reduce the deficit if it addressed operational inefficiencies.
Dr. Forson added that the government is already taking steps to introduce private sector participation, with cabinet having approved the move. A Legislative Instrument has also been submitted to Parliament to allow for competitive procurement of power plants.
“ECG alone could cut the shortfall by half if it addresses these inefficiencies. Cabinet has already approved private sector participation, and we have submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament to enable competitive procurement for power plants. These are critical steps toward bringing transparency and sustainability to the sector. The Energy Compact has come at the right time.
“It has the potential to make a lasting impact, and we are hopeful that the process will not be delayed. Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to turn this around for the good of our economy and the well-being of our people,” the X post stated.
His remarks come just a week after Ghana reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the fourth review of its IMF-supported programme.
The agreement is expected to unlock approximately $370 million in financial support to bolster the country’s economic recovery efforts.
The Vatican has announced that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT).
The ceremony is expected to draw world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe as the Catholic Church bids farewell to its spiritual leader.
Following his death, Francis’ open coffin was placed at the altar of the chapel in the Santa Marta guesthouse—his former residence. On Wednesday, his remains will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful
Rev. Charles Owusu, the former Head of Monitoring at the Forestry Commission, has called for a radical shift in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He argued that the ongoing struggle cannot be won through rhetoric, political interference, or isolated crackdowns.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsemprogramme on Tuesday, April 22, Rev. Owusu stressed that galamsey is a long-standing issue that will require time, strategy, and unwavering political will to eradicate.
“It cannot simply be wished away, as it has been entrenched for so long,” he remarked, suggesting that substantial time and effort would be necessary for its eradication. He also recalled that the late President J.E.A. Mills had established a task force to combat galamsey during his tenure.
Rev. Owusu lamented the spread of illegal mining activities across the country, particularly following the withdrawal of military personnel from anti-galamsey operations in November 2022.
He expressed concern over the continued expansion of the problem, stating, “It is saddening that the scourge is spreading even as we continue to wage the war to eradicate it.”
He acknowledged that while the current government made strong commitments to combat galamsey while in opposition, the reality has proven to be more complex. “I know this government said a lot while in opposition, but I am aware that the fight will not be won in a single day. It requires careful planning, which must be followed through to ensure success,” he stated.
Rev. Owusu referenced the recent invasion of the Subri Forest Reserve by over 10,000 illegal miners and highlighted the scale and speed of the environmental degradation. “Consider the number of people who have invaded the forest and wreaked this havoc. Dismantling the settlement and destroying their belongings does not mean they have left,” he cautioned.
Drawing a biblical analogy, he warned that ineffective or unsustained interventions could worsen the situation. “The Bible says if you cast out one demon, it goes in search of seven stronger ones and returns with them. Similarly, these illegal miners will find a way to return,” he explained.
He aligned himself with calls made by former Minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, for a more action-oriented approach. “How to sustain the fight is of great importance to me, and I subscribe to Omane Boamah’s recommendation. It must be less talk and more action. Anyone engaged in an illegality must face the law,” Rev. Owusu emphasised.
The emotional public reaction of Lands Minister, Armah Kofi Buah, who was seen in tears during a recent media engagement about the devastation caused by illegal mining, was also criticised. Rev. Owusu remarked, “The Lands Minister’s crying will not solve the problem. It may even signify failure, suggesting that he is overwhelmed, which is why he is crying.”
He continued, “We have been empowered by the state to correct wrongs. We cannot expect President Mahama to come crying because life has become difficult. Lands Minister Armah Kofi Buah should lace his shoes and get to work. We want to see him succeed.”
While acknowledging the need to keep the public informed, Rev. Owusu stressed that emotion alone cannot address the crisis. “Weeping in public does not solve the issue. More illegal miners are entering the fray day in and day out, even as we take some out,” he added.
In what he described as a long-term solution, Rev. Owusu proposed the establishment of a Forest Protection Unit within the Ghana Armed Forces, specifically tasked with guarding forests and lands vulnerable to illegal mining.
“If we want to succeed, politicians must stay away. We should establish a Forest Protection Unit as a wing of the Armed Forces and assign them the responsibility for managing forests and lands—particularly those areas that are being devastated,” he recommended. “Galamsey would be a thing of the past, and we would no longer need to hold this conversation.”
He also proposed setting up mechanised barracks in key regions across the country. “Let the Ashanti Region have its mechanised barracks, specifically dealing with illegalities within and outside the forest domain. Let the Western Region, Western North, and Northern Region each have their own. Then, we will not need to have this conversation again.”
When asked about concerns over possible military compromise, Rev. Owusu responded firmly, saying, “Won’t you be concerned if you hear that the Ghana Armed Forces have been compromised? That will not happen. The issues you speak of usually arise when operations are led by politicians. How can a party loyalist arrest a party chairman involved in galamsey?”
He contrasted this with military training zones, such as the Achiase Jungle Warfare training school, which remain untouched. “Have you heard of anyone undertaking galamsey in the Achiase Jungle, where the military has its training base? It cannot happen because it is a military zone. If we want to fight galamsey, we must declare such areas military zones, except where proper mining licences have been issued,” he said.
Rev. Owusu credited the idea to former Lands Minister Collins Dauda and called for bipartisan cooperation to remove politics from the galamsey debate. “The galamsey fight has been mired in politics for far too long,” he said. “The NDC told the NPP that the war could be won in a day if the government were committed by declaring a state of emergency. Now, the NPP is telling the NDC to declare a state of emergency. This back-and-forth will get us nowhere.”
He concluded by urging that the establishment of forest protection units and military zoning be prioritised. “How would anyone attempt illegal mining in the Subri Forest if it has been handed over to the military for training? No one would dare,” he argued. “Let us take action and stop wasting money. We can even allocate funds to the Armed Forces to recruit staff for this job. Within four months, they will get it done.”
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.
Communications Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has denied ever supporting calls by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for a state of emergency to be declared in communities affected by illegal mining under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
According to him, he strongly opposed such calls and instead advocated for a “state of emergency” on the removal of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his appointees, whom he accused of overseeing the illegal mining menace to the detriment of the Ghanaian people.
Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, Sammy Gyamfi clarified that while some individuals within the NDC supported the idea, the party as a corporate entity never endorsed it or issued any official statement in support.
“Go and check. I spoke about this even on Good Morning Ghana. I said I disagreed with those calling for a state of emergency. The real issue was not to declare a state of emergency in mining areas, but rather to declare one on Akufo-Addo and his gang—to vote them out, because they were the ones supervising the illegal mining activities,” he stated.
“At the time, you saw appointees, regional ministers, and mayors directly involved in the galamsey issue. And you say ordinary Ghanaians who had invested in mining should be penalized? The NDC as a party never supported those calls. Some individuals within the party may have done so, but show me one official NDC statement that supported it,” he emphasized.
He added, “It was in 2017/2018, when the NPP government banned mining, that Ghana exported more gold than ever before—a feat that hasn’t been matched since. The ban was a façade. That’s why I didn’t support the state of emergency calls; they would have simply used it as an excuse to seize people’s concessions.”
play videoThousands flock to beaches across Accra for Easter Monday festivities
Thousands of revelers thronged popular beaches across the capital on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, turning places like Dansoman, Labadi, and Sakumono into vibrant hubs of celebration.
The annual Easter Monday beach tradition saw families, friends, and fun-seekers flooding the shores to enjoy the public holiday, with music, dance, food, and games setting the tone for the day.
“Today is a holiday and I am here to have fun,” said one excited beachgoer at Labadi Beach.
Others had more personal motivations. “I am here to swim, talk to people, and meet new friends,” said another.
“I am actually here to release some stress and feel my best,” a young man shared.
Vendors took advantage of the large crowds, offering everything from grilled seafood to colourful beachwear.
Security personnel were also present to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the most senior judge on the bench, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice.
This development follows President John Mahama’s decision made in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution that there is sufficient basis to proceed with three petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie will temporarily lead the judiciary until a substantive Chief Justice is appointed.
This transition is in line with the Constitution of Ghana, which mandates that the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court assume leadership in the absence of the Chief Justice.
Profile of the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
Early Life and Education
Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was born on 26 December 1956. He began his education at the Goaso Local Authority Primary and Middle Schools, completing his Middle School Leaving Certificate examinations in the late 1960s.
He attended Konongo Odumase Secondary School, where he obtained his GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level certificates between 1969 and 1976. He proceeded to the University of Ghana and subsequently the Ghana School of Law.
While at law school, he was roommates with the late former NPP General Secretary Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, and close friends with former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. He fondly described the three of them as forming “a trio of village law students.”
Legal Career
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was called to the Bar in Ghana in 1983. He began his judicial career as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi and later served as a High Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta. He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2006.
In June 2008, President John Agyekum Kufuor appointed him as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Notable Case
In 2013, he was part of the panel of Supreme Court Judges that adjudicated the landmark election petition filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which sought to annul approximately four million votes from the 2012 general elections due to alleged irregularities. The petition was ultimately dismissed by the court.
Personal Life
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie hails from Sewua in the Bosomtwe District through his father, Opanyin Baffoe-Bonnie, and from Breman in Kumasi through his mother, Ama Kyerewaa.
He is married to Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, who serves as the Director-General of Prisons.
He is also the brother of the late Kwasi Sainti Baffoe-Bonnie, the founder of Network Broadcasting Company Limited, which operates Radio Gold.
Is Mahama also a traitor for meeting Akufo-Addo? Watch as Koku Anyidoho questions Ghanaians
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called for the establishment of a comprehensive National Orientation Programme aimed at reshaping the mindset of Ghanaians especially the youth—towards civic responsibility, meritocracy, hard work, and entrepreneurship.
He advocated for a national reorientation agenda and the depoliticization of entrepreneurship, drawing from his own challenging experiences as a young businessman navigating Ghana’s transport and logistics sector.
Afenyo-Markin made the call while speaking at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum held in Mpraeso-Kwahu in the Eastern Region. The forum was themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.”
The Minority Leader emphasized the need for a cultural shift to build a nation that rewards excellence and fosters inclusive economic development.
“I believe the time has come for Ghana to consider establishing a National Orientation Programme built around values that instill civic responsibility, discipline, hard work, and enterprise in our national psyche,” he stated.
He lamented the prevailing perception that opportunities in Ghana are often based on political connections rather than merit, arguing that such a system stifles growth and competition.
“We must deliberately shift to a new Ghanaian mindset—one that values hard work over shortcuts, merit over connections, and contributions over entitlement. Those who deserve opportunity should be given opportunity, regardless of political affiliation.
“That is how we build a nation. That is how we create competition. That is how we create progress,” he emphasized.
Afenyo-Markin further noted that the public sector was oversaturated and could no longer absorb the growing number of job seekers. He stressed that the future of employment lies in the private sector, and called on policymakers, educators, and industry players to redirect focus towards entrepreneurial development.
“The jobs of the future will be created in the private sector. This is the mindset people need to have.
“Such a programme, particularly if targeted at the youth, will play a transformative role in reshaping national attitudes and helping us build a country where excellence is expected, rewarded, and sustained,” he said.
He also shared his personal entrepreneurial journey to highlight the challenges many Ghanaian business owners face from high-interest bank loans and inconsistent labor practices to politically motivated sabotage.
“I started a transport business as a young man. My trading partners were Kwahus, who supplied me with tyres and spare parts on credit. But I went through extremely difficult times with the banks.
“My contract payments were often insufficient to service my loans due to pilferage, poor worker discipline, and high operating costs,” he explained.
He recounted how, during his contract with Guinness Ghana, his monthly payments were routinely reduced due to operational losses caused largely by driver misconduct, including theft and absenteeism.
“Drivers would abandon their duties to play football or steal drinks. In Awaso, where I ran a bauxite business, they simply didn’t care,” he added.
To address managerial inefficiencies, Afenyo-Markin said he hired a Canadian expert, despite already having a transport manager.
“That expert helped, but it cost me in dollars,” he noted. He also recalled appearing before the Weekend Courts due to SSNIT defaults, resulting from pressure by workers who “used their union to stage protests.”
He further revealed that his transportation business faced politically motivated sabotage after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost power in 2008.
“At each axle load station, my trucks were deliberately stopped while others were allowed to pass. The reason? They said, ‘That boy is an NPP boy,’” he recounted.
He explained that he was operating a critical logistics route from Togo to Aflao and onward to Buipe, supplying gypsum and limestone to Diamond Cement factories. The sabotage, he said, became so severe that his partner had to appeal to then Vice President John Dramani Mahama, who intervened to stop the obstruction.
“President Mahama called the officers to order after we explained that halting the supply chain would cripple the cement factory in his own region,” he disclosed.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that he shared these experiences not for sympathy, but to help private sector actors appreciate the political hurdles entrepreneurs face and to urge political leaders to create a more supportive environment.
“Entrepreneurship should not be viewed through a partisan lens. The success of a business must not depend on which political party is in power. We must stop tagging and targeting entrepreneurs.
“Our job as political leaders is not to frustrate businesspeople, but to foster fairness, merit, and innovation,” he stated.
He reiterated his belief that entrepreneurship is not merely about individual profit, but about nation-building.
“I understand the thrill of opportunity and the weight of challenges in business. I have lived it. That’s why I believe in championing policies that empower the private sector,” he said.
The Minority Leader also urged banks and financial service providers to play a more proactive role in nurturing local businesses.
“The role of the financial sector in the growth of indigenous businesses cannot be overstated. For our economy to thrive, we must ensure that financial institutions support local enterprises, not just with capital but with opportunities for growth,” he emphasized.
He called for tailor-made financial products to address the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by young Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
“We must bridge the gap between access to finance and entrepreneurial potential. Let us develop financial solutions that meet the specific realities of our local business environment. By doing so, we will cultivate industries that are sustainable, innovative, and grounded in Ghana’s socio-economic context,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin urged banks to become not just financiers but strategic partners in the growth of Ghanaian enterprises.
“You are expected to rise to this challenge. Do not just provide capital become true partners in the growth of a prosperous Ghana,” he appealed.
He commended President John Mahama for initiating the Kwahu Business Forum, describing it as a valuable platform for dialogue on Ghana’s economic future.
“I thank President Mahama for putting together a platform like this, which continues to focus on the business future of Ghana. The initiative is crucial not only for promoting dialogue but also for translating those conversations into tangible actions,” he noted.
He also acknowledged the contributions of industry players present at the forum, urging them to sustain the momentum and serve as catalysts for entrepreneurship in the country.
“Let this be the beginning of sustaining the spirit of enterprise. Let us walk the talk and build a Ghana where the youth are empowered, businesses thrive, and progress is driven by merit and innovation,” he concluded.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
You Can’t Leave Your Wife and Come Here to Insult Me – Jennifer Queen on Live TV
News Hub Creator3d
A dramatic on-air altercation erupted on UTV’s Adekye Nsroma morning show on April 17, 2025, when Jennifer Queen, Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, clashed fiercely with Hopeson Adorye, former Deputy National Security Coordinator and now a leading voice in the Movement for Change.The heated exchange unfolded after Hopeson repeatedly interrupted Jennifer during her submission. She snapped, promising to repay the constant interjections: “Since I’m being interrupted, I’ll interrupt you too when it’s your turn.”
In the middle of the fracas, Hopeson claimed he had trained her in communications—a remark that ignited further outrage.
“You trained who?” Jennifer fired back. “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 climaxed when Hopeson angrily asked, “Are you mad?” prompting Jennifer to deliver a fiery rebuke: “Am I mad? Like how? You can’t leave your wife there and come here to insult me.”
The NPP issued a strongly worded statement condemning Hopeson’s conduct, describing it as “unprogressive, undemocratic, and primitive.” Signed by Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah, the party emphasized that “threats of assault on women for expressing political views must not be tolerated.”
Ghanaians are now debating not only the ethics of political discourse but also how women in politics are treated—especially when they speak with conviction.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a stern warning to Peace FM, stating that it will boycott the station’s popular morning show, Kokrokoo, unless veteran journalist and host, Kwame Sefa Kayi, is reinstated. The party’s decision comes amid growing tension between the NPP and Despite Media, the owners of Peace FM.
According to sources, the NPP’s decision stems from what they perceive as “unfair treatment” meted out to Kwame Sefa Kayi, a respected figure in Ghanaian media known for his balanced and professional approach to political discussions. The party believes that his sudden removal or sidelining from Kokrokoo is politically motivated.
The Kokrokoo show has been a major platform for political discourse in Ghana, with Kwame Sefa Kayi playing a central role in shaping national conversations. His absence from the program has raised eyebrows, and the NPP’s stance seems to confirm speculation that internal wranglings may be at play.
A senior member of the NPP stated that the party will not appear on the show until Sefa Kayi is fully restored to his position as host. “We believe in press freedom, but we also value fairness. If one of the most credible voices on radio is being silenced, we must ask why.”
The situation has sparked public debate, with many Ghanaians calling for transparency and urging media organizations to resist political interference. Despite Media has not yet issued an official response to the NPP’s threat, but industry insiders suggest that the management is caught between maintaining editorial independence and managing political pressure.
The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how political actors engage with independent media platforms moving forward. As Ghana gears up for the 2028 elections, the relationship between media and political parties will undoubtedly face more scrutiny. The NPP’s decision to take a stand for Kwame Sefa Kayi highlights the party’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the media.
According to a report from GhanaWeb, former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has voiced strong objections to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the move as unexpected and the recommendation behind it as deeply problematic.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on April 22, 2025, Tuah-Yeboah expressed concern over the decision, particularly criticizing the Council of State’s advisory role in the matter.
He noted that while the President has the authority to act on such recommendations, there is no obligation to accept them, and in this case, he believes the advice should have been rejected.
He said, “But that’s the president’s decision. I see the advice of the Council of State as being very poisonous.”
He raised alarm over the potential consequences of the Council of State’s involvement, warning that such actions could upset the constitutional balance among the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
According to him, any call to suspend the head of an independent arm of government must be based on substantial justification.
Tuah-Yeboah stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity and independence of state institutions, especially the judiciary.
He argued that decisions of this nature should be approached with caution to avoid undermining the foundations of governance.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the rationale provided for the suspension, he questioned the credibility and weight of the grounds presented publicly.
He maintained that if the reasons cited are the actual basis for the Chief Justice’s removal from office pending an inquiry, then the action is deeply troubling.
Mourners gather ahead of procession carrying Pope to St Peter’s Basilicapublished at 06:36 British Summer Time
06:36 BST
Image source, Reuters
Tens of thousands of mourners have been descending on Vatican City over the last two days to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who died of a stroke on Easter Monday aged 88.
Today, the coffin carrying the Pope will be taken from Casa Santa Marta, where he died, to St Peter’s Basilica at 09:00 local time (08:00 BST).
He will then lie in state until his funeral on Saturday, giving mourners a chance to say a final goodbye.
Pope Francis will be buried at St Mary Major Basilica, making him the first pope since Leo XIII, who died in 1903, to be buried outside the Vatican.
Donald Trump, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky are among world leaders set to attend the the funeral. Kensington Palace also announced that Prince William would travel to the Vatican on behalf of his father, King Charles.
Yesterday, details of the late pontiff’s final moments were shared by the Vatican, with those who were near him describing his death as “discreet”, “without long waits or too much clamouring”.
The Vatican also shared images of the Pope lying in his open coffin in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, which served as his papal residence for 12 years.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest developments as today’s prayers and procession commence, so stay with us.
US President Donald Trump has said that he has “no intention of firing” Jerome Powell after repeatedly criticising the head of the Federal Reserve.
But he added that he would like Powell to be “a little more active” when it comes to cutting interest rates.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump also said he is optimistic about improving trade relations with China.
Last week, the president intensified his criticism of the Fed chief, calling him “a major loser”. The comments sparked a selloff of stocks, bonds and the US dollar, but financial markets have since been recovering from those losses.
The latest remarks came after the director of the National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Friday that Trump was looking into whether it would be possible to sack Powell.
During his first term in the White House, Trump nominated Powell to lead the central bank in 2017. Then-President Joe Biden nominated him for a second four-year term at the end of 2021.
The Fed has not cut rates so far this year, after lowering them by a percentage point late last year, a stance Trump has heavily criticised.
It is unclear whether Trump has the authority to fire the Fed chair. No other US president has tried to do so.
Also on Tuesday, Trump said he would be “very nice” in negotiations with Beijing and tariffs would fall if there was a deal, but not to “zero”.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly said he expected a de-escalation of the trade war with China, describing the current situation as unsustainable.
After the remarks, most major Asian stock markets were higher on Wednesday as investors appeared to welcome the latest remarks.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose about 1.9%, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong climbed by around 2.2%, while mainland China’s Shanghai Composite was down less than 0.1%.
That came after US shares made gains on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 ending Tuesday’s session up 2.5% and the Nasdaq rose 2.7%.
US futures were also trading higher overnight. Futures markets give an indication of how financial markets will perform when they open for trading.
Investors feared that pressure on Powell to lower interest rates could cause prices to rise at a time when trade tariffs are already seen boosting inflation.
Trade tensions between the world’s biggest economies, as well as US tariffs on other countries around the world, have triggered uncertainty about the global economy. Those concerns triggered turmoil in financial markets in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, the forecast for US economic growth for this year was given the biggest downgrade among advanced economies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to uncertainty caused by tariffs.
The sharp increase in tariffs and uncertainty will lead to a “significant slowdown” in global growth, the Fund predicted.
Trump has imposed taxes of up to 145% on imports from China. Other countries are now facing a blanket US tariff of 10% until July.
His administration said last week that when the new tariffs are added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.
China has hit back with a 125% tax on products from the US and vowed to “fight to the end”.
The Chinese government has not yet officially responded to the latest statements from the Trump administration.
However, an article in the state-controlled Global Times on Wednesday quoted commentators who said the remarks showed that the US is beginning to realise the tariffs do more harm than good to America’s economy.
Ekow Vincent Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region, has expressed strong concerns over the impartiality of the committee established by the government to investigate petitions against the Chief Justice.
In a statement dated April 22, 2025, Assafuah argued that the committee is politically biased, noting that three out of its five members have known political affiliations, making them unfit to deliver an objective assessment.
Films made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to win top awards at the Oscars, according to its organisers.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued new rules on Monday, which said the use of AI and other digital tools would “neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination”.
Generative AI – which can create text, images, audio and video in response to simple text prompts – helped to produce some of the films awarded top industry accolades in March.
But the Academy said it would still consider human involvement when selecting its winners.
The Academy said its new language around eligibility for films made using generative AI tools was recommended by its Science and Technology Council.
Under further rule changes announced on Monday, Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category in order to be able to take part in the final round of voting, which decides upon winners.
The use of AI in film became a hot topic after Adrian Brody took home the award for Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist at this year’s Oscars ceremony in March.
The movie used generative AI to improve the actor’s accent when he spoke Hungarian.
It then emerged similar voice-cloning technology was used to enhance singing voices in the Oscar-winning musical Emilia Perez.
The technology’s ability to quickly alter or match the tone and style of an artist, or perform edits such as subtly changing someone’s appearance, has helped it become more popular in the production of music and film.
But AI use remains controversial, and artists and actors have voiced concerns over the material used to train such tools and its impact upon their livelihoods.
Concerns and limitations
Actors and screenwriters previously highlighted fears about losing work to AI during the 2023 strikes in Hollywood.
“If you can take my face, my body and my voice and make me say or do something that I had no choice about, that’s not a good thing,” actress Susan Sarandon told the BBC from a picket line.
And screenwriters are concerned studios would seek to cut costs and save time by using tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for tasks such as researching, treatment and script writing, instead of humans.
Safeguards around the use of AI were established as part of the agreements reached between unions and studios that marked the end of the strikes.
But while some actors have seemingly embraced the technology, others, such as Scarlett Johansson, have issued warnings about its potential to allow abuse of their image or likeness.
Animators told the BBC in 2024 generative AI tools were not yet good enough to be able to replicate the quality of their work – certainly not to an award-winning standard.
“It’s like having a bad writer help you,” said Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder and chairman of global streaming service Rokit Flix.
“Sure it will get an outline done, but if you need something with emotional weight, an AI isn’t going to get you an Oscar.”
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 Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has said during a deep-dive session on the Ghana Energy Compact under Mission 300 at the World Bank in Washington, US, on Tuesday April 22 said that Ghana’s energy sector is currently the biggest economic risk we face.
Dr Forson indicated that the sector is burdened with a financial shortfall of approximately $2 billion.
This amount surpasses the domestic capital expenditure, he said.
“This challenge goes beyond tariffs. The entire energy value chain requires urgent reform. Inefficiencies, especially in the distribution sector, are being passed onto the ordinary Ghanaian through high tariffs. ECG alone could cut the shortfall by half if it addresses these inefficiencies,” Dr Forson wrote on his X page after the meeting.
He further stated that cabinet has already approved private sector participation.
“We have submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament to enable competitive procurement for power plants. These are critical steps toward bringing transparency and sustainability to the sector.
“The Energy Compact has come at the right time. It has the potential to make a lasting impact, and we are hopeful that the process will not be delayed. Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to turn this around for the good of our economy and the well-being of our people.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is leading the country’s delegation to the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings.
This is the first such participation under the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration led by President John Dramani Mahama.
The meetings come just one week after Ghana secured a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund on the fourth review of its IMF-supported programme.
This agreement is expected to lead to the release of approximately 370 million dollars in support of Ghana’s economic recovery agenda.
What makes the deal particularly noteworthy is that it was reached despite the fact that several structural benchmarks and quantitative targets under the programme had been missed before the new administration took office.
The agreement reflects renewed international confidence in Ghana’s direction, largely driven by the swift and targeted actions taken by the new government.
The Mahama-led administration has worked tirelessly to reverse the country’s fiscal challenges. In many cases, it has fast-tracked the implementation of key structural reforms while introducing additional corrective measures aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and credibility.
One of the most urgent issues addressed has been the large buildup of payables in 2024, which created a significant primary deficit—far exceeding the modest surplus that had been programmed.
The government has responded with a bold and pragmatic reform package to curb arrears, reinforce spending discipline, and strengthen Ghana’s public financial management system.
Veteran Ghanaian musician and Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience, Rex Omar has called on musicians in the country to focus on the awards schemes in Ghana.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Sisil Prempeh on April 19, 2025, Rex Omar noted that the Grammy Awards were not created for Ghanaian artistes; therefore, they should be content with what the country has.
He emphasised that musicians should also stop disrespecting the award schemes the country has.
“Sometimes when I hear Ghanaians talk, Grammy is for America. So, if you disrespect the Ghana Music Awards and you think you want to go to the Grammy, I don’t understand it. Because Grammy was not created for you.
“BET is an American TV station that ended up also doing their own awards. You get what I mean? So the whole situation is we have to believe in ourselves and things that we do in Ghana,” he said.
Rex Omar further proposed that industry players create an awards scheme that matches the Grammy Awards.
According to him, such an initiative would attract the interest of musicians in other countries.
“We can also develop our own award if we speak well about it, if we do it well. Other countries will also want to be part of it. So the whole thing is, it goes beyond just receiving an award.
“It’s a whole value chain and ecosystem that must be developed so as to be able to make any meaningful impact,” he added.
JHM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD Ghana
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has expressed concerns about the current procedure for dismissing justices of the higher courts, calling for increased transparency and institutional reform.
This follows the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Prof. Prempeh strongly criticized Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the process for removing justices of the higher courts, including the Chief Justice.
“I have at least two problems with Article 146 in its present form,” he stated. “First is the secrecy or lack of transparency surrounding the removal petition. Even if the removal proceedings must be held in camera, I believe that, at a minimum, the findings and outcome of the proceedings including the grounds and supporting evidence behind the removal petition—must be made public after the fact.”
He emphasized that accountability and access to information are essential for preserving public trust in the judiciary.
“The public must not be kept in the dark as to why a removal petition failed or succeeded,” he said. “In the interest of justice, I believe the grounds and evidence supporting the committee’s decision whichever way it goes must be made public, so that the public, too, can judge for themselves whether justice was served,” he was quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.
Professor Prempeh also raised concerns about the composition of the five-member committee tasked with investigating removal petitions, especially when the Chief Justice is involved.
“Where the removal petition pertains to a Chief Justice, no sitting judge should be included in the five-person removal committee constituted to hear the petition,” he argued.
“None of the CJ’s judicial peers should sit in judgment on a removal petition involving their judicial colleague or ‘boss,’ as they are likely to have an interest in the outcome.”
He advocated for a more politically inclusive and impartial process for selecting committee members, suggesting the use of retired jurists or experienced public servants to eliminate conflicts of interest.
“It is better to keep the President out of the removal process, except to implement, after the fact, the final outcome of the process as determined by an independent removal committee,” he added.
On April 22, 2025, President John Mahama announced the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, following the establishment of a prima facie case based on three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.
The suspension, implemented in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution, followed the President’s consultation with the Council of State.
In line with constitutional provisions, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, has assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice.
A five-member committee has been established to look into the claims, but the public, civil society, and legal experts are all becoming increasingly alarmed by the lack of public transparency about the substance of the petitions and the supporting documentation.
KA
Is Mahama also a traitor for meeting Akufo-Addo? Watch as Koku Anyidoho questions Ghanaians
The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, calling it a “brazen judicial coup” and an alarming misuse of executive authority.
In a statement released on Monday, April 22, 2025, the Minority accused the President of pursuing political revenge and undermining judicial independence—especially as the legality of the removal process remains under review by the Supreme Court.
Ghana stands ready to serve as a bridge to help re-knit the fabric of West African unity, President John Dramani Mahama, has stated.
“We believe that through sustained dialogue, patient diplomacy, and principled negotiation, we can restore cohesion and rebuild trust in our good community,” President Mahama stated in his address at the launch of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra.
The event, on the theme “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”, was attended by Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Togolese Prime Minister, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Gambia, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and representatives from all the 12-Member ECOWAS countries.
President Mahama said the recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Sahel to withdraw from ECOWAS was a regrettable development.
“Yet, even in this, continuous engagements must remain our road star. We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and to engage,” he said.
“Since assuming office as President, I have prioritized diplomatic re-engagement with our Sahelian neighbors.”
He said Ghana had appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States.
“I have personally led missions to foster trust, rebuild communication channels, and affirm our shared aspirations.”
President Mahama said these efforts reflected their belief that they had a shared destiny as a sub-region, and that unity, however difficult, remained the best path to shared prosperity and regional stability.
President Mahama said the period, called for giving greater solidarity and understanding for the difficult challenges that confronted their brothers in the Sahelian states.
He said diplomacy was not only about resolving disputes, and that it was about creating the conditions for peace, for inclusion and progress.
Adding that it was about fostering mutual respect and advancing their common interests.
He said in this regard, their commitment to integration through diplomacy must extend into economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
“Whether we are harmonizing trade negotiations, whether we are facilitating free movement of our people, or championing education and health cooperation, our diplomatic instruments must always work in the service of our people.”
President Mahama advocated the empowerment of ECOWAS institutions to act swiftly, credibly, and transparently.
“Our citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not some distant bureaucracy, but a living community that understands their struggles and champions their hopes,” he said.
“And let us never forget the power of soft diplomacy. Our shared languages, our new faith, our literature, and youth culture.”
He underscored that they were powerful tools binding them together more deeply than any treaty could.
“Let this 50th anniversary be a turning point for diplomacy in West Africa.”
He called for more investment in early warning systems, mediation capacities, and youths and women as peace builders.
He urged his fellow West African leaders to put position as sub-region ECOWAS, not only as a political and economic bloc, but as a diplomatic anchor for the continent; model of integration, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, in speech read by Madam Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, lauded President Mahama’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to regional integration and development ideals had been a source of inspiration and strength.
He said as a proud member of ECOWAS, Nigeria pledged to collaborate with every nation, large or small, to build an ECOWAS that was resilient and prepared to confront the challenges of their time.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, said in marking the 50th anniversary their objective was to celebrate, reflect, and recalibrate their community.
In what appears to be a return to the days of road indiscipline and untouchable individuals, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tetteh Yohunu, has reportedly ordered the arrest and detention of four police officers for daring to arrest a judge involved in a road traffic incident.
The officers—Inspector Godwin Dey, Inspector Francis Adjei, Sergeant Daasebre Oti Boateng, and Corporal Jonah Adjubulisah—were conducting a routine road safety operation in December 2024 when they stopped the vehicle of Her Honour, Mrs. Angela Attachi. However, the case was dropped following the intervention of the Adenta Police Commander.
Last week, the officers were summoned to the CID Headquarters by the Police Headquarters to give statements regarding the arrest of the judge’s vehicle. After submitting their statements, the officers were detained, in what seems to be a clear case of power play.
“When we tried to stop her after the reckless driving, she refused to stop and drove off. We followed her until her car was eventually blocked by another vehicle.
She then parked in the middle of the road and left in another vehicle.
Later, when we went to the Adenta Police Station to press charges, the commander and other senior officers intervened due to her position, and the matter was dropped,” one of the officers recounted on condition of anonymity.
He added that they have been told only the Inspector General of Police can authorize their release, as the detention order reportedly came from the top.
Renowned Ghanaian football scout, Ebenezer Sefa, has expressed concern over what he describes as indiscipline within the current Asante Kotoko squad.
Speaking to Sporty FM on Tuesday, April 22, Coach Sefa alleged that players of the Kumasi-based club are involved in alcoholism and womanizing.
He believes this behavior has negatively impacted the players’ performance, contributing to the team’s decline in the ongoing Ghana Premier League season.
“There’s indiscipline in the Kotoko squad – players are drinking and chasing each other’s girlfriends,” Coach Ebenezer Sefa said.
Asante Kotoko have failed to win any of their last five matches in the Ghana Premier League. This poor run of form has caused the team to drop from the top of the league table to fourth position.
Due to the unimpressive results, head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has been relieved of his duties.
On Tuesday, the club announced a new technical team structure, with highly-rated tactician Abdul Karim Zito appointed as interim head coach.
A suspected gunman has been arrested and a cache of weapons and ammunition seized following a cordon and search operation by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, April 21, 2025, forms part of intensified security measures aimed at restoring calm in Bawku and its surrounding areas, which have been plagued by clashes and intermittent gunfire.
According to a statement from the GAF, signed by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quarshie, Director General of Public Relations, troops stationed in Binduri responded swiftly after hearing sporadic gunshots from the Binduri Central Market area and cordoned off the vicinity.
A joint team comprising personnel from the 11 Mechanised Battalion, the Joint Task Force, and the Police conducted a thorough search of the area.
During the operation, one suspected gunman was apprehended and handed over to the Police.
The security team also seized a number of military-grade items, including:
One empty M16 rifle magazine
An AK-47 rifle
A G3 rifle
370 rounds of M16 and AK-47 ammunition
128 rounds of G3 ammunition
A machete
Four fragmentation jackets
A pair of boots
One helmet
Later that day, unidentified gunmen attempted to infiltrate Binduri, but military personnel on patrol intercepted the attempt. This resulted in an exchange of gunfire, after which the assailants fled the scene.
The GAF reported that the situation is currently under control and that troops remain on high alert to address any further threats.
“The GAF, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to safeguarding the peace and security of Bawku and urges residents and the general public to support efforts to restore normalcy,” the statement concluded.
After eight years of a high-profile legal battle, former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, has emerged vindicated and spiritually strengthened.
Marking his acquittal with gratitude, Dr. Opuni joined the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Emmanuel Congregation at Dormaa-Babianeha in the Bono Region, to celebrate Easter Sunday and give thanks to God for what he described as a divine victory.
Dr. Opuni had faced allegations of financial malfeasance during his tenure at COCOBOD, but the court ruled in his favour, citing the state’s failure to prove its case.
The ruling brought an end to a legal ordeal that began in 2017.
Speaking during the service in his hometown, Dr. Opuni expressed heartfelt appreciation to God and to the community that supported him throughout the challenging years.
He declared a renewed commitment to both his faith and public service, stating that he is determined to use this new chapter of his life to contribute meaningfully to society.
True to his word, Dr. Opuni has already initiated several community development projects, particularly in education.
He announced plans to construct new school buildings in the Bono Region, including one at the school once attended by his late mother in Dormaa Ahenkro — a project he says is both a tribute to her memory and a reflection of his dedication to education and legacy building.
Dr. Opuni also used the occasion to caution against the dangers of slander and false accusations, urging Ghanaians to refrain from actions that can unjustly destroy lives and reputations.
Reflecting on his time as COCOBOD CEO under the John Mahama administration, Dr. Opuni compared the performance of the cocoa sector during his tenure to its current state under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He asserted that the sector is now in decline and encouraged citizens to independently assess and draw their own conclusions about its current condition.
With his legal battles behind him and his faith renewed, Dr. Opuni says he is looking forward to a future of service — both to God and to the people of Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to position Ghana as the bridge that will enhance unity across the ECOWAS sub-region.
He explained that the founding fathers of ECOWAS chose cooperation over rivalry, which has enabled the community to develop into a vital diplomatic force on the continent.
Launching the 50th anniversary of the sub-regional bloc in Accra yesterday, the President said that as a result, member states needed to safeguard and strengthen the bloc’s legacy of engagement, dialogue and mediation, especially in the face of emerging challenges such as violent extremism and political instability.
“Ghana stands ready to serve as a bridge to strengthen West African unity,” he said, stressing the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts within the sub-region.
He added that Ghana would continue to prioritise diplomatic re-engagement with its neighbours, and that it had taken the effort to appoint a special envoy to initiate high-level conversations with the Alliance of Sahel States, made up of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, who quit the ECOWAS fraternity to form their bloc.
Dialogue
President Mahama called for continued engagement through understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and engage.
The President further called for an extension of diplomatic commitment to economic, social and cultural dimensions, including normalising trade negotiations, facilitating free movement of people, and championing education and health cooperation.
He pointed out that diplomacy should extend beyond merely resolving conflicts to include the economic, social and cultural aspects.
Scholarship
President Mahama announced that the Ghanaian government, as part of efforts to enhance relations and cooperation within West Africa, would provide 1,000 scholarships to tertiary students from across the sub-region to study in Ghana’s universities.
This initiative, he said, aimed to foster deeper connections among the youth in a bid to shift perceptions from rivals to partners.
“This is not just a gesture. It is an act of solidarity. It is a bridge to a future where many young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners,” he said.
Evolution
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said ECOWAS had evolved from a modest economic cooperation framework into a dynamic, multifaceted regional community championing not only economic integration, but also peace, security, democracy and social development.
He commended ECOWAS for making remarkable strides in advancing the aspirations of West Africa.
The 50th anniversary, he said, should offer member states an opportunity to reflect on the challenges they had overcome, the progress made, and the sacrifices of those who envisioned a united, prosperous and peaceful West Africa.
“It is also a time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which this community was formed as we launch these celebrations today,” he added.
He called for a collective effort to keep the ECOWAS and the African community’s dream alive, emphasising the importance of shared stories and partnerships.
“We invite all member states, institutions, partners and the people of West Africa to participate actively, to share our common stories, to chart a new path stronger, more resilient, more united, and to keep the ECOWAS and African community dream alive,” he added.
ECOWAS
Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS aims to promote regional integration through policy harmonisation, resource pooling and collective efforts to address the region’s challenges.
The launch of the 50th anniversary is the beginning of a year-long string of activities across the sub-region.
The anniversary is on the theme: “Stronger together for a brighter future”.
As part of the launch, ECOWAS unveiled its 50th anniversary logo and declared the official theme for the Jubilee celebrations.
The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) has made serious allegations against the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo, accusing her of illegally spending a substantial amount of state funds on a private family trip abroad.
According to the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, the suspended head of the judiciary allegedly spent nearly GH₵260,000 on business class air tickets and approximately $30,000 in per diem allowances for her family during the trip.
Speaking on Asempa FM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that under existing travel policies for high-ranking government officials, the Chief Justice was permitted to travel with only one person — her bodyguard — if the trip was private. Any additional expenses incurred by including other individuals were to be personally funded.
“If you are a Chief Justice and you are going on a private trip, the policy mandates you to travel with only one person — your bodyguard or security detail. That is the only person whose cost can be borne by the state. If the Chief Justice takes anyone else, she must fund the trip with her own money,” Gyamfi said.
He alleged that Justice Torkonoo violated this policy by traveling with her husband and two daughters, using GH₵260,000 of state funds for their business class tickets, despite earning a substantial salary that could have covered those expenses personally. In addition, he claimed she disbursed nearly $30,000 in per diem allowances to her family, also from public funds.
“How can anyone justify this? She used public funds — the taxes of struggling Ghanaians — to finance a private family trip. Not even economy class, but business class tickets for her entire family. She even shared dollar per diems with them. That’s why the Council of State is unanimously calling for a thorough investigation into this matter,” Gyamfi stated.
He further revealed that in her response to a petition calling for her removal, Justice Torkonoo claimed she exercised her official travel privileges for the private trip — a justification he dismissed as unacceptable.
“How can you justify using taxpayer money to fund a private family trip under the guise of official travel privileges?” he asked.
President John Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, stated.
According to the statement, the President has also established a five-member committee, in compliance with constitutional provisions, to inquire into the petitions, which have been referred to the committee.
“The President has consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them,” the statement added.
Members of the committee, as listed, are:
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court, Chairman
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court, Member
Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General), Member
Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces), Member
Professor James Sefah Dzisah (Associate Professor, University of Ghana), Member
The dismissal of Asante Kotoko head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has sparked significant conversation across Ghanaian football circles.
In a revealing interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM, the club’s Communications Manager, Samuel Sarfo Duku Esq., offered clarity on the controversial decision, describing it as “tough but necessary.”
Kotoko, who once sat at the summit of the Ghana Premier League table, have seen their form dip alarmingly—dropping to fourth place, with six points separating them from leaders Bibiani Goldstars.
While many see the gap as bridgeable, Duku insists the decision was not based on standings alone.
“We were once leading the table, even tied with second place at a point, but the trend has been worrying,” Duku emphasized.
“We started poorly, improved briefly, and now we’re declining again. What do you expect?”
He was quick to acknowledge the coach’s technical acumen.
“There’s no debate about his competence—he remains one of the best in the country,” he admitted.
However, Duku stressed that results remain paramount. “In football, when things don’t go well over time, changes at the top become inevitable.”
Duku also revealed that Ogum had full control over player recruitment and that management had delivered on its responsibilities.
“If the team’s performance is faltering, the technical team bears that responsibility.”
Though Ogum gave his best, Duku concluded that “his best wasn’t enough to meet expectations,” and the club had no option but to chart a new course.
Reports indicate that former Kotoko player and veteran coach Karim Zito is being lined up to take over the helm, with an announcement expected soon.
More than 7 million Canadians have cast their ballots in advance, setting a new record for early voter turnout, Elections Canada says.
Advance polling stations were open across the country for four days, from Friday to Monday, over the Easter long weekend. Poll workers reported long lines, with two million people casting their ballots last Friday alone.
With less than one week to go before election day on 28 April, federal leaders are now in the final stretch of campaigning.
Voters will consider which party should govern the country amid an ongoing trade war with the US and President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada the 51st US state.
Elections Canada, the organisation which runs federal elections, said 7.3 million Canadians – about a quarter of eligible voters – had cast their ballots, marking a 25% increase from early votes in the previous 2021 election.
Mail-in voting is up as well, with over 754,000 returning their special ballots to the federal agency. That is more than the 660,000 that did so in 2021.
Latest polling suggests Liberals have a 5-point lead over the main opposition Conservative party, as campaigning enters its last stretch.
Liberal leader Mark Carney held events in Prince Edward Island and Quebec, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had a rally in Vaughan, a suburb of Toronto, on Tuesday evening.
Carney, the former central banker of Canada and the UK, has touted his party as the best option to deal with Trump and his tariffs.
“Pierre Poilievre has no plan to stand up to President Trump,” Carney told supporters on Tuesday.
The US president has implemented blanket 25% tariffs on goods from Canada, with an exemption on products covered by the USMCA – a North American free trade deal.
Canada is also hit with global US tariffs on steel and aluminium, and cars.
The northern country does a majority of its trade with the US, and the tariffs have already resulted in thousands of temporary layoffs in Canada’s auto sector.
A win for the Liberals would mark a dramatic reversal of fortune for the party, which had been polling at just 20% when former Liberal leader and prime minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in late January.
Their main rivals, the Conservatives, have focused their campaigning on Canadians’ desire for change following nine years of leadership under Trudeau.
At rallies and events across the country, Poilievre has honed in on issues like housing, crime and the high cost of living, while criticising the Liberals for government overspending.
“It’s time for the government to start pinching pennies,” Poilievre said on Tuesday as he unveiled his party’s platform, before adding: “We can choose change. We can choose hope. We can choose our future.”
Polls suggest the Bloc Quebecois, a party advocating for Quebec separatism that only runs candidates in the French-speaking province, is in third place, with the left-leaning New Democratic Party trailing behind in fourth.
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.
National Youth Organizer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, believes that the party sabotaged itself in the 2024 election.
According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was clearly not the problem; rather, the NPP was its own worst enemy.
Salam Mustapha attributes the party’s defeat to a lack of unity, internal wrangling, and other internal issues.
“During the campaign for the elections, I stated almost everywhere I went that the NDC was not the problem of the NPP—that the problem of the NPP was the NPP itself—and that if we didn’t unite, we would not win. It remains a statement of fact today.
If all the 2.1 million people who didn’t vote in the last election had done so, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It was the lack of unity and the apathy that affected us, and now here we are. I want to implore all of you to remember that the party belongs to all of us, not just a select few. It is not for only my regional youth organizers; it is for every member of the party. Let us come on board, hold hands together, and move forward on a level playing field for everyone,” he said.
He used the opportunity to call on all party members to come together and work collectively to regain power.
Tesla boss Elon Musk has said that he will cut back his role in Donald Trump’s administration after the company’s profits and revenues plunged during the first three months of the year.
Sales slumped and the electric carmaker faced a backlash as Musk became a political fixture in the White House.
On Tuesday, the firm reported a 20% drop in automotive revenue in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period last year, while profits fell more than 70%.
The company warned investors that the pain could continue, declining to offer a growth forecast while saying “changing political sentiment” could meaningfully hurt demand.
The recent dip in the company’s fortunes came amid an outcry over Musk’s role in Trump’s new administration, which he acknowledged had taken his focus off the company.
The tech boss contributed more than a quarter of a billion dollars to Trump’s re-election. He also leads Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) initiative to cut federal spending and slash the government workforce.
Musk said his “time allocation to Doge” would “drop significantly” starting next month. He would, he said, spend only one to two days per week on government matters “as long as the president would like me to do so and as long as it’s useful”.
His political involvement has sparked protests and boycotts of Tesla around the world.
He blamed the “blowback” on people who would “try to attack me and the Doge team”. But he called his work at Doge “critical” and said “getting the government house in order is mostly done”.
Tesla brought in $19.3bn (£14.5bn) in total revenue in the quarter, down 9% year on year, according to the new numbers. That was less than the $21.1bn expected by analysts, and came as the company cut prices in a bid to woo buyers.
Trump’s tariffs on China also weighed heavily on Tesla, the company indicated. Although the vehicles Tesla sells in its home market are assembled in the US, it depends on many parts made in China. “Rapidly evolving trade policy” could hurt its supply chain and raise costs, according to the company.
“This dynamic, along with changing political sentiment, could have a meaningful impact on demand for our products in the near-term,” Tesla’s quarterly update said.
Musk has clashed on trade with other Trump administration figures, including trade adviser Peter Navarro.
Earlier this month, he called Navarro a “moron” over comments he had made about Tesla. Navarro had said Musk was “not a car manufacturer” but a “car assembler, in many cases”.
On Tuesday, Musk said he thought Tesla was the car company least affected by tariffs because of its localised supply chains in North America, Europe and China, but he added that tariffs were “still tough on a company where margins are low”.
“I’ll continue to advocate for lower tariffs rather than higher tariffs but that’s all I can do,” he said on Tuesday.
Tesla said artificial intelligence would contribute to future growth, though investors have been unconvinced by such arguments in the past.
Shares in the company had shed about 37% of their value this year as of market close on Tuesday. They rose by more than 5% in after-hours trading following the results.
Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, called expectations “rock-bottom” after the company said earlier this month that the number of cars sold in the quarter had fallen 13% to the lowest level in three years.
The firm faces fierce competition, Mr Coatsworth said, warning that potential disruption to global supply chains as a result of Trump’s trade war also created risks.
The Ghana Shea Employers Association (GSEA) has 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.
At a press briefing held in Tamale, the Association appealed for government and policymakers to implement urgent interventions to halt the export of raw shea nuts, which they say are essential to sustaining local production and creating jobs.
“We are pleading with government to stop exportation of the raw nuts meant to feed our local processors. Foreign investors can still participate in the sector, but they must be encouraged to establish processing factories in Ghana to promote employment and boost domestic revenue,” said Faiza Duut Majeed, Communications Officer-GSEA.
She was supported by GSEA President Rabiatu Abubakar, Board Member Rita Dampson and other stakeholders across the shea value chain.
Export threatens domestic industry
The Association decried the increasing presence of foreign buyers in rural communities who are purchasing raw shea nuts in bulk for export, leaving local processors without access to raw materials.
According to GSEA, this practice is undermining the local shea industry and pushing small-scale processors out of business.
The Association noted that countries such as Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Nigeria have already instituted bans on raw shea nut exports to protect their domestic industries. Ghana, they warned, risks being left behind if no action is taken.
Price volatility and market disruption
The surge in foreign demand has contributed to significant price increases at the community level. A bowl (2kg) of shea nuts which sold for GH¢12 in 2023 rose to GH¢14 in early 2024 and currently sells for GH¢60, driven largely by middlemen and unregulated market activity.
“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.
Environmental and socio-economic consequences
GSEA also raised alarm over environmental degradation linked to unregulated harvesting. They noted that continued deforestation, rampant bushfires and destruction of shea tree farms are not only threatening biodiversity but also accelerating climate change.
“When raw nuts are exported, we lose up to 300 percent of the potential value that could be added locally. This translates to lost jobs, reduced industrial growth and forfeited tax revenue -resources that Ghana desperately needs for national development,” said the Association.
They added that women, who account for over 90 percent of the shea nut collection workforce, remain trapped at the value chain’s lowest end.
This perpetuates poverty and limits their opportunity for upward economic mobility.
Recommendations
GSEA urged government to take bold, forward-looking action to protect the shea industry’s future. Their key recommendations include:
Imposing an immediate ban on raw shea nut exports to secure supply for local processors.
Investing in local processing infrastructure through grants, low-interest loans and public-private partnerships to boost competitiveness.
Empowering women through inclusive policies, improved access to finance, skills training and technology.
Enforcing regulations on harvesting practices and launching reforestation initiatives to preserve shea tree populations.
“This is not just an economic decision – it is a moral responsibility. The shea belt across Ghana’s northern savannahs represents not only an economic lifeline but also a symbol of cultural identity and resilience against climate change,” the Association stated.
They concluded by calling for national unity in reclaiming the domestic shea sector’s narrative – which empowers women, builds strong local industries and safeguards the environment for future generations.
Ernest Owusu-Bempah, Deputy Communications Director NPP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has referred Ernest Owusu-Bempah, the party’s Deputy Communications Director, to the National Disciplinary Committee over alleged misconduct.
According to a press statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, Owusu-Bempah is reported to have made several comments on social media that are suspected to contravene the party’s directives.
The statement further explained that the party had issued a directive to all members to refrain from discussing internal matters in the media, especially those that may cause disaffection within the party. Owusu-Bempah’s recent utterances, according to the party, raise concern and suspicion.
“Following the directives issued to all members of the party to cease discussions on matters that create disaffection within the party in the media, Mr. Owusu-Bempah has made several comments on social media which are suspected to be in contravention of the directives issued to all NPP members (Reference: NPP/HQ/PR/2025/03/DAM),” the statement noted.
“Mr. Ernest Owusu-Bempah is hereby referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the party for the necessary action,” it added.
It may be recalled that former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, was also summoned before the disciplinary committee after embarking on a media tour in which she criticized the then-government.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Ernest Owusu-Bempah, Deputy Communications Director NPP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has referred Ernest Owusu-Bempah, the party’s Deputy Communications Director, to the National Disciplinary Committee over alleged misconduct.
According to a press statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, Owusu-Bempah is reported to have made several comments on social media that are suspected to contravene the party’s directives.
The statement further explained that the party had issued a directive to all members to refrain from discussing internal matters in the media, especially those that may cause disaffection within the party. Owusu-Bempah’s recent utterances, according to the party, raise concern and suspicion.
“Following the directives issued to all members of the party to cease discussions on matters that create disaffection within the party in the media, Mr. Owusu-Bempah has made several comments on social media which are suspected to be in contravention of the directives issued to all NPP members (Reference: NPP/HQ/PR/2025/03/DAM),” the statement noted.
“Mr. Ernest Owusu-Bempah is hereby referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the party for the necessary action,” it added.
It may be recalled that former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, was also summoned before the disciplinary committee after embarking on a media tour in which she criticized the then-government.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Joe Nana Adarkwa, the newly appointed head coach of Epiphany Warriors
Joe Nana Adarkwa, the newly appointed head coach of Epiphany Warriors, has expressed his commitment to giving his all to the team.
Adarkwa, who previously had a successful nine-year stint with Ampem Darkoa Ladies, described his new role as the beginning of a meaningful final chapter in his coaching career.
“This is home for me now,” Adarkwa declared.
“This will be my last stint with any women’s team in Ghana, and I’ve signed a 10-year deal with Epiphany Warriors. I’m here to give everything I have and help this team reach new heights.”
Adarkwa’s long-term commitment to the team signals his determination to build a strong and successful Epiphany Warriors.
With a résumé that includes multiple league titles, FA Cups, and a WAFU gold medal, Adarkwa’s appointment is seen as a major step forward for Epiphany Warriors.
Currently, he also serves as head coach of the Black Maidens, Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team. His experience and expertise will likely play a significant role in shaping the team’s future.
The 2024 NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Adentan Constituency, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, has commissioned a modern five-seater toilet facility for residents of Adjiringanor in the Greater Accra Region.
This initiative, part of her broader commitment to addressing the pressing needs of underserved communities within the constituency, is expected to significantly improve hygiene and sanitation in an area that has long struggled with access to proper toilet infrastructure.
The brief commissioning ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, drawing a modest crowd of community members, local leaders, and party faithful.
The atmosphere was one of gratitude and celebration as residents lauded the gesture as timely and deeply impactful.
Speaking at the event, Kozie expressed her delight at the project’s completion, describing it as a meaningful step toward dignity and improved living conditions for the people of Adjiringanor.
“It fills me with joy to see this promise come to life,” she said.
“This isn’t just about building a toilet facility, it’s about showing respect for the daily struggles of our people. Sanitation is a basic human right, and I’m proud we are taking action to meet that need.”
Kozie further urged residents to take good care of the facility and ensure it is kept clean and functional at all times.
She stressed that community ownership and maintenance are essential for the longevity of such initiatives.
“I encourage all of us to treat this place as our own. With collective responsibility, we can protect and preserve this facility for years to come,” she added.
The project was warmly welcomed by residents, many of whom have long endured the inconvenience and health risks posed by inadequate sanitation options.
For George Andam, a long-time resident of Adjiringanor, the new facility is more than a structure; it’s a symbol of hope.
“If Ghana had dozens of Parliamentary Candidates like Kozie, our communities would thrive,” he said with emotion.
“She listens, she delivers, and most importantly, she cares. This toilet will serve generations, and we’re deeply grateful.”
He said the provision of the toilet facility is a clear reflection of Kozie’s commitment to practical, people-first leadership, one that needs to be commended.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Ghana has announced plans to build three oil refineries and five petrochemical plants as part of a national strategy to reduce reliance on imported refined fuel
Ghana currently operates two small-capacity refineries, Tema and Sentuo, with a combined limit of 90,000 barrels per day
The project includes five petrochemical plants and a gas processing facility, to be managed by the new Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC)
Ghana has announced plans to build three oil refineries and five petrochemical plants as part of a national strategy to reduce reliance on imported refined fuel and position itself as a regional energy hub. The projects were unveiled during the “Investing in African Energy: Accra Investor Briefing 2025” forum.
Ghana currently operates two small-capacity refineries, Tema and Sentuo, with a combined limit of 90,000 barrels per day. The new refineries will each target a minimum of 300,000 barrels per day. A 20,000-acre site in Jomoro, Western Region, has been allocated for the development.
The government will provide basic infrastructure to support investment. The project includes five petrochemical plants and a gas processing facility, to be managed by the new Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC).
Daba is Africa’s leading investment platform for private and public markets. Download here
Key Takeaways
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Success!
Almost finished…
We need to confirm your email address.
To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.
Error!
There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.
Ghana’s planned expansion of refining and petrochemical capacity is a strategic shift. The country imports most of its refined fuel despite producing crude oil. New local processing infrastructure will allow Ghana to retain more value across the energy supply chain. The government’s push to include gas processing and petrochemical conversion into products like fertilizers, methanol, and alumina signals an intent to support domestic industries and exports. A gas processing plant with a 150 million scfd capacity is expected to supply industrial demand. By anchoring the initiative in the Western Region and promising infrastructure like roads and power, Ghana seeks to attract investors while stimulating local economic development. Oversight by PHDC aims to streamline permitting and regulation for foreign and domestic firms. With oil production plateauing, this downstream strategy is designed to diversify revenue, improve trade balances, and generate jobs across sectors tied to energy-intensive industries.
The Minority in Parliament has condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, describing it as a “brazen judicial coup” and a reckless abuse of executive power.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 22, 2025, the Minority accused the President of engaging in political vengeance and undermining judicial independence, especially while legal challenges to the Chief Justice’s removal are still pending before the Supreme Court.
“This move is nothing short of a brazen judicial coup, a reckless abuse of executive power, and a direct assault on the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary,” the statement read.
The Minority argued that suspending the Chief Justice under these circumstances amounts to a violation of due process and a dangerous overreach by the Executive.
They likened the action to the 1963 removal of Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah by President Kwame Nkrumah, a decision widely criticized as executive interference in judicial affairs.
“It is an unpardonable affront to the rule of law that the President has proceeded to suspend the Chief Justice while the Supreme Court is yet to rule on the constitutionality of the very process being used against her,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that the suspension was politically motivated, citing President Mahama’s 2023 remarks in Akosombo where he reportedly declared intentions to “balance” the judiciary with judges aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“This is not about accountability; it is about raw political control. It is neither good governance nor a credible attempt to reset the judiciary, it is tyranny,” the Minority asserted.
The Minority has warned the Mahama administration, vowing to resist any further attempts to harass or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice.
“Any further attempts to harass, intimidate, or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice will be met with fierce legal and public resistance.
“The legal fraternity, civil society, and all defenders of democracy will not stand idly by while the judiciary is turned into an appendage of the Executive.”
The Minority called for the immediate reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkornoo and a suspension of all removal proceedings until the Supreme Court has ruled on the matter.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
The Forestry Commission has indicated that it will investigate and sanction any staff aiding and abetting illegal miners in the country.
This follows a claim by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, that some staff of the commission collude with illegal miners to destroy the environment.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Elikem Kotoku, said some investigations will be conducted in that regard to bring the culprit to book.
“Those officers who are complicit in any involvement in any illegal mining will be thoroughly investigated, and any other punitive action that has to be taken against them will be done so that things are done properly. As a commission, we only have to continue to work and abide by the ethics that are established by the institution, and anyone who acts contrary will have to be dealt with,” he stated.
The Lands Minister on Monday, April 21, ordered the revocation of the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd. following revelations of the company’s deep involvement in illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey—within protected forest reserves.
In a presser, he outlined findings from recent undercover investigations, which uncovered that Akonta Mining was operating unlawfully in forest reserves despite lacking the necessary permits.
According to the Minister, although Akonta Mining holds a license to operate off-reserve, the company had encroached on the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
The investigations further revealed that Akonta Mining had been selling access to these reserves to illegal miners for as much as GHS 300,000 per concession. In return, some of these miners allegedly paid weekly royalties in gold, up to 250 grams, to the company.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has announced a solemn Requiem Mass in honour of the late Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, inviting the faithful to gather in prayer and thanksgiving for his life and ministry.
In a press release signed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Archdiocese expressed “deep reverence and a spirit of prayerful solidarity with the Universal Church” as it prepares to bid farewell to the late Pope.
“This Requiem Mass is being organised by the Apostolic Nunciature, in collaboration with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC),” Archbishop Kwofie stated, emphasising the nationwide spiritual significance of the occasion.
The Mass will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka.
Archbishop Kwofie urged all priests, religious, and lay faithful across the Archdiocese to attend and take part in this profound moment of collective mourning and reflection.
“To ensure full participation,” he added, “I kindly request that Friday evening Masses, on that day, in the various parishes be celebrated in the morning.”
The Archbishop called on the faithful to “come together as one family of faith to thank God for the life and ministry of the late Pontiff, and to commend his soul to the infinite mercy of God.”
Ending the message on a note of devotion and hope, Archbishop Kwofie prayed: “May the soul of the late Supreme Pontiff, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
As Ghana prepares to join the world in honouring a beloved shepherd, the Cathedral’s bells will toll not just in sorrow, but in reverence for a papacy that touched hearts across continents.
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.
![Chief Justice’s responses to petition removal very damning – Sammy Gyamfi [Video]](https://www.ghanamma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5d2868ffe97242446d73644bf5097456.jpeg "Chief Justice’s responses to petition removal very damning – Sammy Gyamfi [Video]")
According to a report from GhanaWeb, former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has voiced strong objections to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the move as unexpected and the recommendation behind it as deeply problematic.
