Evangelist Akwasi Nyarko is a Ghanaian gospel musician

Ghanaian gospel musician Evangelist Akwasi Nyarko has appealed to former President John Dramani Mahama, his wife Lordina Mahama, and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to come to his aid.

In a video shared on social media, the gospel singer revealed that he is struggling to survive after composing a campaign song for the NDC.

According to him, since releasing the song titled Sankofa, he has been rejected by many people in the Ashanti Region.

Evangelist Nyarko explained that he hardly receives invitations to perform anymore, especially in his home region, due to the political affiliation. He believes his open support for the NDC has caused many people to turn their backs on him.

“I’m suffering because of the campaign song I made for the NDC. People in the Ashanti Region have stopped inviting me to perform or attend events. It’s as if the song was made for an evil person. People here don’t like it when you openly support the NDC,” he said.

Looking emotional in the video, the gospel singer revealed that he and his family are going through difficult times. He said he has children to care for, but due to the lack of performance opportunities, he is facing financial hardship.

“I have kids, and we are hungry,” he stated.

Evangelist Nyarko then made a heartfelt plea to the former president, the First Lady, and the NDC leadership to support him.

“I beg President Mahama, First Lady Lordina Mahama, and the NDC executives, please remember me. I need help to take care of myself and my children,” he appealed.

Ghanaian gospel musician Evangelist Akwasi Nyarko has with President Mahama, First Lady Lordina Mahama, and the entire NDC leadership for financial support, saying he is currently suffering from hunger.

According to the singer, he composed a campaign song for the NDC ahead of… pic.twitter.com/MdBPyhhjBX

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) June 19, 2025

AK/MA

Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has strongly reiterated China’s position on the Taiwan issue, calling it a matter of historical truth and international consensus.

At a media briefing held at his residence on Thursday, the ambassador described the one-China principle as “the political foundation for China’s relations with all countries,” adding that China will continue to oppose all forms of “Taiwan independence.”

He traced the historical and legal basis for China’s claim to Taiwan, referencing the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which in 1971 recognised the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations.

“The authority of Resolution 2758 cannot be challenged,” the ambassador stated. “It affirms that Taiwan is part of China and has no seat in the UN.”

Ambassador Tong also commended Ghana’s consistent support for the one-China principle over the decades.

He cited Ghana’s vote in favour of Resolution 2758 and the role of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, then Deputy Foreign Minister, as a critical moment in diplomatic history.

“Ghana’s principled vote helped shape the international order. It was a symbol of trust, solidarity, and true friendship,” he noted.

The ambassador acknowledged that even during strained diplomatic periods, such as after Ghana’s 1966 coup, the country refrained from engaging with Taiwan.

“This loyalty laid the political foundation for the resumption of diplomatic ties in 1972,” he said.

He further praised both the NDC and NPP for their continued public support for China’s territorial integrity, calling it a bipartisan endorsement of shared values.

The event formed part of the Chinese Embassy’s quarterly engagement with media and policy institutions, aimed at deepening understanding of China-Ghana and China-Africa relations.

“We see Ghana not just as a partner, but as a long-time friend,” the ambassador said. He stressed that open dialogue and mutual respect remain central to the China-Ghana relationship, which continues to grow across sectors including trade, infrastructure, and culture.

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

Accra, June 20, GNA – The Osu Mantse, Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV, has endorsed the 2025 Absa Black Star marathon, underlining its significance in fostering healthy living and community welfare. 

The Osu Mantse threw his support behind this year’s event when a group from Absa Bank Ghana and the Black Star Marathon Foundation paid him a courtesy call at the Osu Palace to formally invite him to the marathon. 

This year’s marathon, set for Saturday, July 26, 2025, would feature a 42.2km race with a wheelchair event in both the men’s and women’s races, as well as a 10km run, walk, and jog. 

The event, which is on the theme “Your Story Matters”, would begin and end at Independence Square in Accra. 

During the meeting, Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV thanked the organisers for their respect and formality in seeking the blessing of traditional authorities. 

He praised the marathon as a positive step towards enhancing community health and encouraged all Ghanaians to participate and support this vital cause. 

Mr Richard Doe – Sallah of Absa Bank Ghana, speaking on behalf of the organisers, highlighted the broader vision behind the marathon. 

“We came here this morning to invite Osu Mantse and his subjects to join us in this very important marathon that is going to happen on their land,” he said.  

“It is also a way of saying that we recognise the fact that we are having this event on your land, and we want you and the whole traditional area to be part of this important international marathon.” 

He emphasised that the event aligns with Absa’s corporate mission to make a positive and inclusive impact on society.  

“The marathon itself is geared towards supporting healthy living and lifestyle and also addressing critical health issues like kidney disease,” he added. 

Also present was Naa Adokarley Mettle Tutu of the Black Star Marathon Foundation, who reiterated the health-focused goals of the event. 

 “We are on a mission to promote good health, vitality, tourism, and awareness of kidney disease, which has become a major concern in Ghana. We want the entire community and traditional leadership to stand with us in this national effort for wellness and transformation,” said Naa Adorkarley. 

The prize pool for this year’s marathon has been increased, with the total exceeding GH¢132,400.  

Both the men’s and women’s marathon winners will receive GH¢15,000 each, with special prizes allocated for other categories. 

Registration for the event is currently open and will close on Monday, June 30, 2025.  

GNA 

Kenneth Odeng Adade 

By Anthony Adongo Apubeo 

Bolgatanga, June 20,  GNA – The Church of Pentecost has commissioned a state-of-the-art 35-bed hospital in Bolgatanga to provide quality and accessible healthcare services to residents of the Upper East Region and surrounding communities. 

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) hospital is equipped with advanced medical technologies and facilities tailored to meet the healthcare needs of the region and the entire northern Ghana. 

The facility comprises a fully equipped Outpatient Department (OPD) with an emergency unit, male and female wards, consulting rooms, a delivery ward, dispensary, surgical theatre, diagnostic laboratory, public health unit, doctor’s office, and other essential amenities. 

The facility, named Pentecost Hospital – Bolgatanga, forms part of the Church’s wider social intervention programme under its “Possessing the Nations” agenda, launched in 2018, which seeks to transform society through  principles and values of God. 

To this end, the Church has been investing in critical sectors such as health, education, water and sanitation, and security. 

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Bolgatanga, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, said the Church’s decision to build the hospital in Bolgatanga was born out of a tragic car accident in 2018 which occurred on the outskirts of Bolgatanga. 

The accident, he said, involved a pastor (Pastor John Ofori of Wiaga District) and his family, and a newly posted minister to Siniensi (Pastor Godwin Kpobi), which exposed critical gaps in emergency healthcare within the region. 

“As the urgency to seek healthcare services for these victims heightened, they were referred from Bolgatanga Hospital to Tamale Teaching Hospital and later to Duayaw Nkwanta Catholic Hospital. 

“The journey took an exhausting sixteen hours. This traumatic experience, coupled with the high disparity in referral centres and the increasing population vis-à-vis the limited health facilities, propelled the urgency to construct this hospital.” 

He commended the Teshie-Nungua Area of the Church, under the leadership of Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah, and other departments and members of the Church for their efforts in realising the project. 

“Currently, the Church operates an impressive network of 12 healthcare facilities, including four hospitals and eight clinics, catering to more than 234,516 outpatients annually. With a committed staff of 1,199, these facilities deliver crucial healthcare services to our communities. 

“As we speak, five additional health facilities, including a Specialist Hospital in Accra, are at various stages of completion. Furthermore, just in 2024, the Church generously contributed GH₵10,729,795.98 toward healthcare support for its members at various levels of the Church,” he said. 

He added that apart from the health interventions, the Church had invested heavily in education, borehole drilling, correctional and police infrastructure, and skills training across the country. 

Dr Peter Kwame Yeboah, Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), commended The Church of Pentecost for demonstrating dedication and God’s love in supporting healthcare delivery. 

He explained that the facility would help boost healthcare delivery and bridge the inequalities between urban and rural areas, further contributing to accelerating Ghana’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage and primary healthcare. 

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, lauded The Church of Pentecost, describing the facility as “a vital health initiative that will serve as a cornerstone for improved healthcare.” 

Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, Paramount Chief of Nangodi and member of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, urged the management of the facility to not only ensure a proper maintenance culture but also the health workers to be professional in providing hope and healing to clients who visit the facility. 

GNA 

Edited by Fatima Anafu-Astanga/Christian Akorlie  

The rice, contained in ten 20-foot containers, was valued at $204,770

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has charged four public officials with corruption for conspiring to hijack 10 containers of rice at the Tema Port.

The rice, contained in ten 20-foot containers, was valued at $204,770 and had been legally imported from Thailand in 2022.

The four accused individuals are:

• Issah Seidu, General Services Manager at the National Insurance Commission,

• James Keck Osei, a former Director of Administration at the Vice President’s Secretariat,

• John Abban, and Peter Archibold Hyde, both senior officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

According to the OSP, Seidu fraudulently claimed the rice using fake documents and a forged letter allegedly issued by the Office of the Vice President.

Seidu and Osei, together with Customs officials Abban and Hyde, allegedly conspired to override customs processes and secure the release of the goods.

Although the rice had been lawfully imported and the necessary duties fully paid, the group attempted to have the containers auctioned to Seidu under fraudulent pretenses.

Their plot unraveled following internal investigations and a ruling by the High Court, which exposed the scheme.

The OSP confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated June 19, 2025, that the four accused persons are expected to appear in court on Friday, June 27, 2025.

According to court documents, Issah Seidu, aged 53, served as General Services Manager at the National Insurance Commission and also operated as a businessman between April and July 2022.

He has been charged with corruption of a public officer for attempting, directly and indirectly, to influence James Keck Osei, a public officer, in the discharge of his duties at the Vice President’s Secretariat.

See the OSP’s post below:

New: Four Public Officials Charged with Corruption Over Seized Rice Containers

Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban, and Peter Archibold Hyde have been formally charged with corruption after allegedly conspiring to hijack ten containers of imported rice at Tema Port. The… pic.twitter.com/zreiF9S87H

— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) June 19, 2025

BREAKING NEWS

1. Case Title: The Republic v. Issah Seidu & 3 Others

New: Four Public Officials Charged with Corruption Over Seized Rice Containers

2. Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban, and Peter Archibold Hyde have been formally charged with corruption after allegedly… pic.twitter.com/WspzyUZbi1

— The High Street Journal (@TheHighStreetJ) June 19, 2025

SSD/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

The Minority in Parliament has called on the Business Committee of Parliament to schedule the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to appear before the House next week to repeal the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, commonly referred to as the Dumsor Levy, following its indefinite postponement.

Although the government suspended the implementation of the levy, the Minority Leader is pushing for its repeal.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 20, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the law should be repealed using the same certificate of urgency under which it was initially passed.

“The right thing to do is to repeal the law. The Majority Leader should programme the Finance Minister to appear before us next week to repeal this law under the same certificate of urgency.

“It is very important, they should have Ghanaians understand that indeed what the Minority said that it was wrong to have a ‘dumsor’ levy, you have at least listened for the first time,” he said.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), on June 13, 2025, issued a directive suspending the implementation of the levy, which was set to take effect on June 16. The levy was expected to impose extra charges on petroleum products support power sector stability and help address legacy debts.

File photo of Makola Market [Image Credit: JAFEPX]

An economist, Professor Patrick Asuming, has noted that despite positive signs of recovery in Ghana’s economic indicators, many Ghanaians are yet to feel the impact in their daily lives.

According to him, although the exchange rate and inflation have eased in recent months, the prices of goods and services have remained largely unchanged.

He lamented the high cost of living, pointing out that prices continue to rise despite a slowdown in the rate of inflation.

“We still have to understand that prices are climbing. Yes, the rate of increase has slowed, from around 18% to about 10%, but prices haven’t declined. Things are still getting more expensive. We shouldn’t expect that the decline in inflation means that prices are coming down anytime soon,” he was quoted as saying by myjoyonline.com.

Professsor Asuming also noted that tariffs and production costs have increased, explaining that while the monetary side of the economy is showing signs of recovery, wages have remained stagnant.

“These tariffs keep going up, and it’s a big element of the cost. Wages are not increasing either, and the domestic cost of production is rising. It seems to me that the financial and monetary side of the economy has performed better, but the real sector is still lagging behind,” he said.

He further acknowledged that despite improvements in Treasury bill rates, it does not necessarily mean the economy is healthy.

“The government has been very quick to try and put its finances in order. We’ve done well on the financial side, but that doesn’t mean the broader economy is healthy,” he added.

SSD/MA

Bernard Ahiafor, Justice Ackaah-Boafo and Afenyo-Markin

A hilarious moment unfolded during the vetting of Supreme Court nominee Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo on Friday, June 20, 2025, as the nominee and some members of the vetting committee fumbled their lines while attempting to recite the national pledge.

The light-hearted exchange began after Justice Ackaah-Boafo, during his submission, encouraged citizens to embrace patriotism. In response, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin asked the nominee to recite the national pledge.

Somewhat embarrassed, Justice Ackaah-Boafo admitted, “Mr. Chair, I am not sure I am able to recite it,” prompting laughter around the table.

Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor jumped to the nominee’s defense, saying, “He’s right to say he cannot recite it; why insist on it?”

Afenyo-Markin then clarified that he simply wanted the nominee to share any part of the pledge he could recall. Taking up the challenge, the Justice managed the opening line but quickly stalled.

In an effort to assist, Afenyo-Markin began reciting the pledge line by line for the Justice to repeat, only to stumble himself midway.

Noticing the slip, Ahiafor teased, “But you are struggling too.”

With a grin, Afenyo-Markin replied, “At least I made an attempt.”

Ahiafor quipped in return, “That’s exactly why I didn’t try, I didn’t want to struggle!”

Their humorous banter drew laughter across the room, providing a rare light-hearted moment in what is typically a serious and formal vetting process.

ID/MA

Treasury bills were undersubscribed in last week’s auction

The government is expected to raise GH¢4.551 billion from the 91-day, 182-day, and 365-day treasury bills on June 20, 2025.

The latest auction results from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) show that the government fell short of its treasury bills target by GH¢393 million, reflecting a 5.19% undersubscription.

The government had aimed to raise GH¢7.58 billion but received total bids of GH¢7.19 billion, marking a sharp drop compared to the selective acceptance recorded in previous auctions.

In this round, the government accepted nearly all available bids, particularly in the shorter tenors, likely in response to upcoming high maturities.

All GH¢6.02 billion tendered for the 91-day bill was accepted, along with the full GH¢995 million for the 182-day bill.

For the 364-day bill, GH¢173 million out of GH¢204 million in bids was accepted.

Meanwhile, interest rates continued to decline across the curve.

The 91-day rate dropped by 9 basis points to 14.70%, the 182-day rate fell by 21 basis points to 15.25%, and the 364-day rate eased by 6 basis points to 15.74%.

SSD/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah

Former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has backed the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana’s assertion that the illegal mining menace, locally known as galamsey, is largely driven by Ghanaian complicity rather than the actions of Chinese nationals.

He agreed with the ambassador’s claim that the galamsey crisis is not China’s problem, but rather a failure on Ghana’s part.

Professor Agyeman-Duah’s comments come amid growing concerns about the environmental and economic impact of illegal mining in Ghana.

Speaking on the JoyNews Desk programme on June 19, 2025, the professor described the ambassador’s remarks as “both valid and timely,” noting that it was not the first time such concerns had been raised by the Chinese envoy.

He cited the ambassador’s claim that many Chinese nationals involved in galamsey operations are flown into Ghana, land at Kotoka International Airport, and are then transported by bus directly to mining sites.

Professor Agyeman-Duah stressed that the galamsey crisis is a national issue requiring collective effort.

He pointed out that many of the foreign nationals involved “come from rural backgrounds and lack advanced education or sophistication,” implying the presence of a well-organized recruitment and operational network.

He urged Ghanaians to take responsibility for their actions and commit to finding sustainable solutions to the problem.

According to a myjoyonline.com report dated June 20, 2025, the professor stated, “This suggests there must be official collusion or systemic failure enabling these foreign nationals to enter the country in large numbers and be shepherded directly to illegal mining operations.”

“In that respect, the ambassador is absolutely right, the problem is us, not the Chinese,” he emphasised.

The galamsey crisis poses serious threats to Ghana’s environment, economy, and national security. Professor Agyeman-Duah called on the government to intensify its efforts by tightening immigration controls and dismantling the networks facilitating the entry and movement of illegal foreign miners.

Expressing concern over the lack of progress in the fight against galamsey, he lamented that despite political promises and legislative actions, the crisis has worsened six months into the current administration’s tenure.

He cited recent reports of official complicity, referencing the case involving Dr Bissue, allegedly confronted by a senior police officer, as well as investigative journalism exposing the involvement of senior political party officials in illegal mining.

He also criticised the ineffectiveness of regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission and the Gold Board, stating, “We arrest illegal miners and seize gold, yet transparency and accountability remain woefully absent.”

Calling for decisive leadership, Professor Agyeman-Duah urged the government to abandon half-measures and take bold, courageous action.

“There is an urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of our approach to combating galamsey. The government must be bold, courageous, and unwavering,” he stressed.

He warned that the previous government’s failure to effectively address galamsey significantly eroded public trust and contributed to its electoral defeat.

He also urged the current administration not to repeat the same mistakes.

NAD/MA

Meanwhile, watch as victims of the June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:

By Hannah Awadzi 

Accra, June 20, GNA– Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC has entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and non-disclosure agreement with the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Limited (SLCB). 

The MOU and agreement aim at providing technical support, strengthening banking capabilities and accelerating financial sector development in Sierra Leone and beyond. 

A formal signing ceremony at the headquarters of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC (RBGH) at Ridge in Accra was attended by key leadership of both institutions, including the Board Chairman of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, Mr. Jonathan Prince Cann, and the Board Chairman of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Mr. Nyake I. Amara.  

Also present were the Managing Directors of the two institutions, Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku and Mr. Yusufu Abdul Silla, respectively, and Senior Management of the two institutions. 

A statement issued by the Republic bank Ghana (PLC) copied to the Ghana News Agency said the strategic partnership marks yet another significant step forward in Republic Bank’s mission to support peer African institutions through capacity building, operational guidance, and product innovation.  

The agreement will have Republic Bank provide technical assistance to SLCB in areas including mortgage financing, credit card services, corporate and institutional banking, trade financing, investment banking, custody and trust services, and asset management. 

 Mr. Jonathan Prince Cann said: “This partnership is a timely response to the growing need for African banks to collaborate more deliberately in shaping a resilient, inclusive financial future for the continent. 

 “The knowledge we share today will have a ripple effect on generations to come, and on behalf of the RBGH Board, we are poised and committed to lead this agenda of capacity building.” 

Mr. Nyake I. Amara, the Board Chairman of SLCB, expressed confidence in the long-term impact of the partnership: “This alliance with Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC is rooted in shared purpose and mutual benefit. Our staff, our customers, and our country will gain significantly from the transfer of technical knowledge, proven expertise, and collaborative innovation, opening more doors for both institutions.” 

Mr. Abdulai Yusufu Silla, Managing Director of SLCB added that, “This partnership opens new doors for SLCB to modernize our offerings, enrich the skills of our people, and deliver world-class services to our customers not just in Sierra Leone but in West Africa and Africa as a whole. We have not been able to attract huge funds to develop the country, because we 

didn’t have the capacity and skills, so this partnership is a bold step toward our transformation journey.” 

Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, referencing the bank’s successful technical support engagement with the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), said: “When African banks share expertise, the outcome is institutional transformation and customer empowerment. We believe that this partnership with SLCB will yield similar, if not greater results, enhancing financial access and stability not only in Sierra Leone but across the region. 

“The signing of this MOU was borne from a place of trust and a corporate desire to have a robust institution whose operations meet global standards. It affirms the growing role of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC as a technical support hub within the Republic Financial Holdings Limited Group and underlines its commitment to regional integration and leadership in banking innovation.”  

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah