Ghana international Ibrahim Osman was on target for Feyenoord on Wednesday, April 2, when the team hammered Groningen 4-1 in the Dutch Eredivisie.
The teenager missed out on a starting role for the game against their Week 25 opponent but came on in the 65th minute, replacing Antoni Milambo.
Adding to the attacking power of his team, Ibrahim Osman caused a lot of trouble for Groningen in the minutes he played.
Late in the 90th minute, the skillful winger scored with an impressive strike to seal an emphatic 4-1 victory for Feyenoord.
On the matchday, Feyenoord earned all the points thanks to a brace from Igor Paixao and a strike from Anis Hadj Moussa.
The only consolation goal for Groningen was scored by Jorg Schreuders.
Following his goal against Groningen, Ibrahim Osman has now scored three goals and provided two assists after making 18 appearances for Feyenoord in the Dutch Eredivisie.
A recent survey by Global InfoAnalytics has ranked the Ghana Police Service as the most corrupt public institution in the country.
The poll, which assessed public perceptions of corruption across various state agencies, placed the Ghana Immigration Service and the Judiciary in second and third place, respectively.
According to the findings, the Ghana Police Service received the highest corruption rating, scoring 6.43.
The Ghana Immigration Service followed closely with a score of 5.86, while the Judiciary was ranked third with a score of 5.78.
These results highlight widespread concerns about corruption within key law enforcement and judicial institutions in Ghana.
The report underscores persistent public mistrust in these institutions, which play crucial roles in maintaining law and order.
Over the years, allegations of bribery and misconduct have frequently been levelled against officers in these agencies, reinforcing the negative perception of their integrity.
The survey results indicate a pressing need for institutional reforms to restore public confidence.
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Professor Akoriyea (R) handing over the kyes to the health officials
The Government of Ghana has officially handed over the Okere District Hospital to the Ghana Health Service, marking a significant step in improving healthcare access in the Eastern Region.
The handing-over ceremony, held on April 2, 2025, was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members.
Speaking at the event, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey emphasized the importance of the hospital in providing quality healthcare services to the people of Okere.
She noted that the facility would reduce the need for referrals to larger hospitals and ensure that residents receive medical care closer to home.
“This hospital is a critical investment in the health and well-being of our people. It will provide quality healthcare services to the community, reducing the need for referrals to regional or national hospitals. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, ensuring that our people receive the best care,” she stated.
Awatey expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, the District Assembly, and development partners for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
She urged the community and healthcare workers to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
Ben Ampomah Nkansah, Director of the Infrastructure Directorate at the Ministry of Health, spoke on behalf of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure nationwide, with Okere being one of the twelve districts benefiting from the construction of 40-bed hospitals.
“The project is a fully functional 40-bed hospital developed on a turnkey basis by VAMED Engineering GmbH of Austria, one of the most experienced contractors in the world. A total of €71,500,000 was secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna, a.s., with an export credit guarantee of €8,612,931.3 from EGAP of the Czech Republic. This funding covers the construction and equipping of 12 hospitals, including Okere,” he stated.
Chief of Adukrom and Akuapem Nifahene, Osuodumgya Nana Otutu Ababio V, who chaired the occasion, assured the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, that the facility would be well-maintained to serve the community effectively.
In his remarks, Prof. Akoriyea urged all stakeholders to ensure the proper upkeep of the hospital.
He cautioned that poor maintenance could hinder the facility’s ability to deliver quality healthcare and emphasized the need for community support in sustaining its operations.
“The facility should be maintained properly to serve the community. I also encourage the nurses and healthcare staff to demonstrate patience and professionalism in their service to patients,” he advised.
The facility was inaugurated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on December 5, 2024.
AM/KA
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Professor Akoriyea (R) handing over the kyes to the health officials
The Government of Ghana has officially handed over the Okere District Hospital to the Ghana Health Service, marking a significant step in improving healthcare access in the Eastern Region.
The handing-over ceremony, held on April 2, 2025, was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members.
Speaking at the event, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey emphasized the importance of the hospital in providing quality healthcare services to the people of Okere.
She noted that the facility would reduce the need for referrals to larger hospitals and ensure that residents receive medical care closer to home.
“This hospital is a critical investment in the health and well-being of our people. It will provide quality healthcare services to the community, reducing the need for referrals to regional or national hospitals. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, ensuring that our people receive the best care,” she stated.
Awatey expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, the District Assembly, and development partners for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
She urged the community and healthcare workers to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
Ben Ampomah Nkansah, Director of the Infrastructure Directorate at the Ministry of Health, spoke on behalf of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure nationwide, with Okere being one of the twelve districts benefiting from the construction of 40-bed hospitals.
“The project is a fully functional 40-bed hospital developed on a turnkey basis by VAMED Engineering GmbH of Austria, one of the most experienced contractors in the world. A total of €71,500,000 was secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna, a.s., with an export credit guarantee of €8,612,931.3 from EGAP of the Czech Republic. This funding covers the construction and equipping of 12 hospitals, including Okere,” he stated.
Chief of Adukrom and Akuapem Nifahene, Osuodumgya Nana Otutu Ababio V, who chaired the occasion, assured the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, that the facility would be well-maintained to serve the community effectively.
In his remarks, Prof. Akoriyea urged all stakeholders to ensure the proper upkeep of the hospital.
He cautioned that poor maintenance could hinder the facility’s ability to deliver quality healthcare and emphasized the need for community support in sustaining its operations.
“The facility should be maintained properly to serve the community. I also encourage the nurses and healthcare staff to demonstrate patience and professionalism in their service to patients,” he advised.
The facility was inaugurated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on December 5, 2024.
AM/KA
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Former Hearts of Oak Board Member Frank Nelson has thrown his support behind under-pressure coach Aboubakar Ouattara, believing he needs more opportunities to turn things around.
Ouattara has come under scrutiny after Hearts of Oak’s recent slump in form, which has seen them drop to fifth place in the Ghana Premier League, seven points off the top spot.
However, Nelson is confident that the Phobians will recover and is backing Ouattara to deliver.
“I believe the coach is performing well, and we should offer him more opportunities so that he can deliver,” Nelson told Akoma FM.
With a crucial match against Nations FC on Wednesday, Hearts of Oak can close the gap on leaders Bibiani Gold Stars to four points with a victory.
Nelson’s vote of confidence in Ouattara may provide a timely boost for the team.
Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has refuted claims that he was engaged by the committee investigating the disappearance of over 1,300 ECG containers at the Tema Port.
Expressing disappointment over the committee’s handling of the case, Mahama stated that he was never given the opportunity to share his side of the story.
His response follows the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian by National Security operatives in connection with the missing containers.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has since been tasked with compiling a comprehensive report on the matter.
The committee’s investigation involved interviewing ECG directors and managers, uncovering possible theft and the alleged auctioning of ECG containers.
However, speaking on Asempa FM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Mahama dismissed allegations that he had fled the country or avoided scrutiny.
“Since this container issue came up, I have received several calls from some staff members of ECG, inquiring why I have not come to defend myself. Today, I want to clarify, since I resigned as the MD of ECG, I have not gone anywhere.
“There were reports that I had absconded from the country and gone into hiding. I can say for a fact that I have been in this country. The pain I feel now is what the committee has done to me.
“I was never contacted as part of the investigation of the committee. I didn’t receive any letter from any committee.
“If the committee had contacted me or spoken to me, I would have given out all the information I have because I only came in to serve Ghana. I worked for two years and four months. My records are there. The company hasn’t seen this kind of growth within this period,” he stated.
The first National Tracking Poll of 2025 by Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that the Ghana Police Service and the Immigration Service are perceived as the most corrupt institutions in the country.
The poll, which assessed public perception of corruption across various sectors, placed the Police at the top with a score of 6.43, followed by the Immigration Service at 5.86.
Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics made this known on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday April 2.
The Judiciary ranked third with a score of 5.78, reflecting concerns about corruption within the legal system.
Tax officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (5.68), local government representatives (5.63), and business executives (5.63) also featured prominently in the rankings.
Other institutions, including the Electoral Commission (5.58), traditional leaders (5.51), and Parliament (5.47), were perceived as moderately corrupt. The Prison Service (5.43), Military (5.27), and Presidency (5.27) scored lower but still raised concerns among respondents.
Ministers and government officials received the lowest score of 4.61, indicating relatively less public concern about corruption in this category compared to others.
The Asankragwa District Court has sentenced Daniel Baidoo to a fine of 300 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢3,600, for attacking journalists at Adumanya near Asankra Breman in the Western Region.
In default, he would serve a year’s imprisonment in hard labour.
A press release by the police said Baidoo was arrested on February 21, 2025, by the Western Central Regional Police Command for the attack.
The police retrieved from him a Panasonic Lumix camera and an iPhone belonging to the victims.
“Daniel Baidoo’s face has been shown in the attached photograph because he has been duly convicted by the court,” it added.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Western Central Regional Police Command has apprehended two suspects in connection with a robbery and extortion incident that occurred at Wangarakrom in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
The arrest took place on Monday, March 31, 2025, and the suspects, Kwame Mumuni and Awal Benjamin, are currently in police custody.
According to the Regional Police Command, exhibits retrieved from the two suspects included an unregistered red Suzuki motorbike, military camouflage uniforms, three pairs of boots, a torchlight, a black face mask, and a sum of GH¢645.00.
The suspects will soon be put before the court for trial.
A recent report from the Forbes currency calculator has shown that Ghana’s local currency – the Ghana cedi – secured its position as the seventh strongest currency on the African continent during the first quarter of the year.
However, despite this achievement, the Bank of Ghana reported a 5.3% decline in the cedi’s value on the interbank market within the same period.
Leading the pack of African currencies was Tunisia’s Dinar, valued at 3.09 per US dollar. The second was Libyan Dinar, followed by Morrocco’s Dirham.
Botswana’s Pula, Seychelles’ Rupee, and Eritrea’s Nakfa ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Lesotho Loti, Namibian Dollar, and South African Rand rounded out the top ten, placing eighth, ninth, and tenth.
SA/AE
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Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has officially assumed office as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Nations, marking a historic moment for both Ghana and the African continent.
Her election to this prestigious role makes her the first African woman to lead the 56-member intergovernmental body, which is dedicated to fostering international cooperation, democracy, and development among member states.
Ayorkor Botchwey took over from Baroness Patricia Scotland, whose tenure ended in March 2025.
Before her appointment as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey had a distinguished political and diplomatic career.
She served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2024, playing a crucial role in advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda and strengthening diplomatic relations with nations across the globe.
Under her leadership, Ghana took on significant roles within international organisations, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
She also served as a four-term Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe.
In her first address after her swearing-in ceremony, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and called for a collaborative effort to strengthen the Commonwealth.
She emphasised the importance of shared values, cooperation, and collective action in addressing global challenges.
“As I take on this role, I do so with profound optimism and unwavering belief in what we can achieve together. With the support of our team at the Secretariat, drawn from all across the Commonwealth, I will work every day to honour and repay the trust and confidence which has been placed in me.
“The challenges we face are real and serious but together, we are more than equal to them. Sustained by the values that bind us, democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity for all.”
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The group has appealed to government authorities and stakeholders to intervene
A group identifying as the Concerned Market Members of Kantamanto Secondhand Clothing Sellers has called for the immediate resignation of the leadership of the market’s 13 unions, accusing them of making unilateral decisions that threaten the traders’ livelihoods.
The demand, announced at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, comes amid growing tensions following a devastating fire that ravaged Kantamanto Market, West Africa’s largest secondhand clothing hub, on January 2, 2025.
Nana Kofi Addo, leader of the concerned traders, criticized the union leaders for engaging with external organizations without consulting members. He specifically pointed to a partnership with a foundation—allegedly The OR Foundation—which the leadership claimed would aid in rebuilding the market after the fire.
However, Addo and his group assert that their investigations reveal the foundation’s intent is to take over the market yard rather than support its recovery.
“We don’t need The OR Foundation in our markets,” he declared.
Addo urged the leadership to cease dealings with entities pursuing agendas misaligned with the traders’ interests.
He alleged that a secret meeting took place between the union leaders and the foundation, leading to growing suspicion among the traders.
“This has raised more suspicion in our minds. Why hold such a meeting at dawn?” Addo questioned.
The aggrieved traders also alleged that the leadership may be planning to evacuate traders under the guise of advocating for them.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, the group further alleged that the union leaders had been influenced by financial incentives from The OR Foundation, compromising their loyalty to the market’s 30,000-plus traders.
The statement also targeted one Adutwum Atta Manu, described as the market manager, whose authority and allegiance the group has called into question.
“Mr. Manu does not sell secondhand clothing and has no expertise or experience in the trade,” the group asserted.
The traders linked their concerns to a recent move by the union leadership to break away from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), a decision they argue jeopardizes the market’s unity and economic stability.
Kantamanto Market, a vital economic lifeline in Accra, has been struggling to recover since the January fire destroyed over 60% of its retail sections, displacing thousands of traders and wiping out goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedis.
The market, which processes an estimated 15 million secondhand garments weekly from the Global North, has long been a cornerstone of Ghana’s informal economy, supporting resale, repair, and upcycling businesses.
The concerned traders emphasized their commitment to preserving this trade, which they say sustains countless families and contributes significantly to the national economy.
The group has appealed to government authorities and stakeholders to intervene, warning that the current leadership’s actions could irreparably harm the market.
GA
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2024 NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is leading the race for the NPP’s 2028 flagbearer position, according to a new poll by Global InfoAnalytics.
However, Mussa Dankwa, Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics in an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday April 2, cautioned that the figures indicate a much fiercer contest than before.
The poll results show Bawumia at 48.1%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong (25.1%), Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (12.5%), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong (7.2%), Bryan Acheampong (4.1%), and Francis Addai Nimo (3.0%).
While Bawumia remains the frontrunner, Dankwa noted that his support is lower than expected, signaling that he still has significant work to do in securing the party’s leadership.
“Bawumia should not be happy with this; it’s too low. This means that the battle will be fiercer than the last time,” Dankwa stated, suggesting that internal competition within the NPP is far from settled.
On Kennedy Agyapong, who finished second in the 2023 NPP primaries, Dankwa observed that his numbers could have been stronger, attributing his dip in support to Dr. Adutwum’s rising influence.
“I think he [Kennedy Agyapong] should be doing better. You could see that maybe Adutwum has eaten into his backyard,” he noted.
With less than three years to go before the NPP selects its next leader, these early numbers suggest that Bawumia remains the favorite but cannot afford to be complacent, as competition within the party is heating up.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate demolition of all structures built on waterways around Mallam Junction in the Weija Gbawe Municipality.
This directive, the President emphasised, is essential to mitigating the devastating impact of perennial floods that have plagued the area for years, causing loss of lives and destruction of property.
The President’s order follows a recent inspection tour of flood-prone areas in Accra, where he engaged with city engineers, municipal authorities, and residents to assess the extent of the problem.
During the tour, Mahama expressed deep concern over the unregulated construction of buildings and other structures on waterways, which he identified as a major contributor to the frequent flooding in the area.
Addressing the city engineers and municipal authorities, President Mahama questioned the rationale behind allowing settlements and commercial structures to spring up in natural drainage channels.
He further emphasized the sheer volume of water that the Mallam Junction area is supposed to hold during heavy rains, warning that improper planning and unauthorised development would only exacerbate the situation.
“The assembly here, how did you sit and allow this to happen? How did the assembly allow this to happen? And that is why you have the chief executive, have assembly members. They must be conscious of all this. These are waterways. Can you imagine the volume of water that this place alone can hold when it rains?
“And so if you fill it up and you say there should just be a drain passing through, the drain cannot contain that water. And so let’s do what we have to do. They should remove all these.”
Flooding has remained one of the most pressing urban challenges in Accra, particularly in low-lying areas such as Mallam Junction, Weija, Odawna, Kaneshie, and Circle.
The persistent problem has often been attributed to poor drainage systems, the indiscriminate disposal of waste, and, more critically, the encroachment of buildings and structures on natural floodplains and drainage channels.
Over the years, both residents and environmental experts have repeatedly called for government intervention to address the issue.
However, despite multiple warnings and demolition exercises in the past, unauthorized construction continues to worsen the situation.
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On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a series of new tariffs, including a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods starting April 5.
Additionally, higher “reciprocal tariffs” were imposed on specific countries, with Lesotho facing a 50% tariff, Madagascar 47%, and Botswana 37%.
President Trump described this initiative as a “Declaration of Economic Independence,” aiming to bolster domestic industries and address trade imbalances.
These tariffs are expected to have significant economic implications for the affected African nations. For instance, Lesotho’s textile and apparel industry, a major contributor to its economy, may experience reduced exports to the U.S., potentially leading to job losses and economic downturn.
Similarly, Madagascar and Botswana, which rely heavily on exports to the U.S., could face economic challenges due to decreased competitiveness in the American market.
Economists and business leaders have expressed concerns that these tariffs may lead to increased prices for U.S. consumers and potential retaliatory measures from affected countries, potentially escalating into a broader trade conflict.
AP News
African leaders and trade officials are closely monitoring the situation, considering strategies to mitigate the impact on their economies. This development underscores the interconnected nature of global trade and the far-reaching consequences of policy shifts by major economies.
BREAKING: @POTUS Trump’s Reciprocal Tarrifs Have Been Released & They Give Discounts To Some Nations Where We Get Key Imports While We Wean Off Their Imports & Build Back Manufacturing In The United States. pic.twitter.com/03zTvnQnIz
The UK exported almost £60bn worth of goods to the US last year, mainly machinery, cars and pharmaceuticals.
The government will keep pushing for a deal to avoid a “trade war” after US President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs globally, the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds has said.
Trump announced fresh levies on goods coming into his country, including 10% on all UK imports and 20% on those from the European Union.
The UK has spent weeks working on a trade deal with the US to avoid the full impact of the level of tariffs introduced on countries such as Canada and China.
A Downing Street source said the UK’s lower tariff “vindicates” the government’s plans, because “the difference between 10% and 20% is thousands of jobs”.
Responding to the new tariffs, Reynolds said the government remained “fully focused” on negotiating a deal with the US that would strengthen their “balanced trading relationship”.
“We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act,” he said.
The US plan sets a baseline tariff on all imports of at least 10%, with items from countries that the White House described as the “worst offenders” facing far higher rates for what Trump said was payback for unfair trade policies.
His move breaks with decades of American policy embracing free trade, and analysts said it was likely to lead to higher prices in the US and slower growth around the world.
The government’s official forecaster estimates a worst-case scenario trade war could reduce UK economic growth by 1% and wipe out the £9.9bn of economic headroom Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s gave herself at last week’s Spring Statement.
A Downing Street source told the BBC: “We don’t want any tariffs at all, but a lower levy than others vindicates our approach. It matters because the difference between 10% and 20% is thousands of jobs.
“We will keep negotiating, keep cool and keep calm,” the source said, adding: “Tomorrow we will continue with that work.”
The government will hold a series of talks with affected businesses on Thursday to provide support and discuss a response.
Sebastian Gorka, an adviser to US President Donald Trump, told BBC Newsnight as much when he said the UK is getting a “special rate” on tariffs.
“After Brexit you have reaffirmed your independence and I think that is been proven today by the special rate that has been afforded to the UK,” he told the programme, adding that “the exempted rate” could be “improved” in the future.
Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, and as part of the efforts to get a deal, Lord Mandelson, the UK ambassador, has had meetings in the White House with JD Vance, the vice-president, and Susie Wiles, the president’s chief of staff.
For the moment, the UK says it will not be “jumping into a trade war” with retaliatory tariffs Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said – a repeat of the response to Trump’s earlier tariffs on steel and aluminium.
Sir Keir told his cabinet this week he was “keeping all options on the table” to respond to the tariffs, which economists have warned could damage the UK economy and increase the cost of living.
Inside government officials hope that Wednesday’s announcement sets a “ceiling” on negotiations, not the final price, and can be talked down.
The government’s approach has been backed in some of the early responses from the UK business sector.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said the government “has rightfully tried to negotiate a carve-out” and businesses need a “measured and proportionate approach”.
But Conservative shadow trade secretary Andrew Griffith accused Labour of “failing to negotiate with President Trump’s team” in time.
“Sadly, it is British businesses and workers who will pay the price for Labour’s failure,” he said.
“The silver lining is that Brexit – which Labour ministers voted against no less than 48 times – means that we face far lower tariffs than the EU: a Brexit dividend that will have protected thousands of British jobs and businesses.”
In contrast, the Lib Dems urged the government to consider using “retaliatory tariffs where necessary” and form a “coalition of the willing against Trump’s tariffs” with other countries.
Government sources believe talks between the US and the UK have made good progress, but have been derailed by Trump’s public comments.
At different times, statements by Trump about his tariffs are said to have differed from what his negotiating team had previously understood his position to be.
The deal would be broader than just reducing tariffs, focusing on technology but also covering elements of trade in goods and services as well as agriculture – a controversial area in previous unsuccessful US-UK trade talks.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested the UK could change its taxes on big tech firms as part of a deal to overturn US tariffs.
The digital services tax, introduced in 2020, imposes a 2% levy on tech firms, including big US firms such as Amazon, bringing in about £800m in tax per year.
The UK motoring industry, also hit with an additional 25% tax on all car import to the US announced this week, called the tariffs “deeply disappointing”.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, called the US announcement “yet another challenge to a sector already facing multiple headwinds”.
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President Donald Trump has announced new import taxes on all goods entering the US, in the biggest upheaval of the international trade order since the aftermath of World War Two.
His plan sets a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, consistent with his proposal during last year’s White House campaign.
Items from about 60 trade partners that the White House described as the “worst offenders”, including the European Union and China, face higher rates – payback for unfair trade policies, Trump said.
Analysts said the trade war escalation was likely to lead to higher prices for Americans and slower growth in the US, while some countries around the world could be plunged into recession.
But in Wednesday’s announcement at the White House, Trump said the measures were necessary because countries were taking advantage of the US by imposing high tariffs and other trade barriers.
Declaring a national emergency, the Republican president said the US had for more than five decades been “looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike”.
“It’s our declaration of economic independence,” Trump said in the Rose Garden against a backdrop of US flags.
The White House said the US would start charging the 10% tariffs on 5 April, with the higher duties for certain nations starting on 9 April.
“Today we are standing up for the American worker and we are finally putting America first,” Trump said, calling it “one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history”.
His decision stunned many analysts.
“He just dropped a nuclear bomb on the global trading system,” Ken Rogoff, former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, told the BBC.
Canada and Mexico not affected
Tariffs are taxes on imports. On the campaign trail last year, Trump said he would use them to boost manufacturing, promising a new age of US prosperity.
The import taxes could raise $2.2tn (£1.7tn) of revenue by 2034, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
He spent weeks previewing Wednesday’s announcement, which followed other orders raising tariffs on imports from China, foreign cars, steel and aluminium and 25% on some goods from Mexico and Canada.
For now, the White House said the latest changes would not change anything for Mexico and Canada, two of America’s closest trading partners.
But other allies will face new tariffs, including 10% for the UK and 20% for the European Union, said Trump.
The measure introduces a new 34% tariff on goods from China, on top of an existing 20% levy, bringing total duties to at least 54%.
The tariffs will affect trillions of dollars in trade
The tariff rate will be 24% on goods from Japan, and 26% from India.
Some of the highest duties will hit exports from countries that have seen a rush of investment in recent years, as firms shifted supply chains away from China following tariffs in Trump’s first term.
Goods from Vietnam and Cambodia will be hit with 46% and 49% respectively.
Higher levies will also fall on much smaller nations, with products from the southern African country of Lesotho facing 50%.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned other countries not to hit back.
“My advice to every country right now is, do not retaliate,” Bessent told Fox News.
“Sit back, take it in, let’s see how it goes. Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation,” he said. “If you don’t retaliate, this is the high watermark.”
The duties will affect trillions of dollars in trade, likely setting the stage for higher prices in the US on clothing, European wine, bicycles, toys and thousands of other items.
Olu Sonola, head of US economic research at the Fitch Ratings agency, said the measures would bring the US tariff rate to what was in place in 1910.
“Many countries will likely end up in a recession,” he said.
The US stock market was closed for trading by the time that Trump made his announcement, which he billed as “Liberation Day”.
But shares in the Asia-Pacific region opened lower on Thursday morning.
Japan’s benchmark stock index, the Nikkei 225, was down by 4% in early trading. Australia’s ASX 200 was around 2% lower.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives described the tariffs as “worse than the worst case” that investors had anticipated.
But he said he believed there would be negotiations and exemptions.
Trump has described his measures as “reciprocal” – intending them as a retaliation for other countries’ policies that he says fuel high trade imbalances.
These include high tariffs, as well as Value Added Tax (VAT) or regulations that bar foods with traces of certain chemicals.
Trump also reinstated plans to end tax-free treatment for small packages from China as of May, a move that would hurt Amazon rivals such as Shein and Temu.
He confirmed that a 25% tax on imports of all foreign-made cars, which he announced last week, would begin from midnight.
And he repeated his intention to hit specific items that were exempt from Wednesday’s action, such as copper and pharmaceuticals, with separate tariffs.
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Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, member of NPP’s communications team
A member of the New Patriotic Party’s communications team, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini has expressed worry over the rise of criminal activities in Ghana just three months after the New government took over the administration of the country.
He cites the recent cocaine busts and the rise in illegal mining across the country as worrying features of a new government.
Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini likened the recent development to a nuclear warhead.
Making his position known in a post shared via social media he said “In March alone, cocaine valued at 470 million dollars entered Ghana. The first arrest was on 4th March and the second was on 28th March. This is huge and scary.
And it is even more worrying that a flight from an Island notorious for drug trade entered Ghana within the same period and it took the minority to prompt the nation.
Cocaine mixed with galamsey and dumsor is equivalent to a nuclear warhead. We cannot afford to launch such a warhead on ourselves.”
Senator wey dey represent Kogi Central District for di National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Di suspended senator wey dey represent Kogi Central District for di National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan don land Kogi state for one home coming ceremony.
Dis dey come despite say Kogi state police ask di organisers of di event to cancel am, citing security concerns.
Dis na plus di ban on political gathering and curfew wey authorities put in place for di state, just few hours bifor di senator home coming ceremony.
Plenty of senator Natasha supporters troop out to welcome her.
Videos wey her media team share on Facebook show as dem gada dey sing and dance, and joy full dia faces.
Dem also carry placards wey dem write inscriptions like, “Welcome worthy daughter of Ebira land, di pipo of Okene are solidly behind you, “Welcome Natasha, di pipo of Adavi are solidly behind you, among odas to welcome dia senator and express support for her.
Di Kogi central senator as she dey address di crowd tok say she dey happy to come house and nobody fit stop her from coming home, as she be di true daughter of di soil.
“Nobody and nothing fit stop me from coming home, I be Ebira girl dis na my land, I no be bastard, I no dey fear anybody, I be di daughter of late Dr Jimoh Akpoti.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan dey di middle of one recall process afta some members of her constituents petition di Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) to recall her bicos dem don lose confidence for her representation for di National Assembly.
Natasha address di controversies she dey face for di homecoming
Senator Natasha land her home kontri in di company of her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan.
As she address her supporters wey come out to welcome her, she clear di air on di issue of her suspension, di recall, plus oda controversies she dey face.
Recall process
Madam Natasha say wetin she see na how di Independent National Electoral Commission Inec dey aid and guide di petitioners on how to perfect dia illegal acts.
“Di first time wey dem submit di petition, dem no put address, phone no or any contact details. Inec go all di way out, and guide di petitioners on how to submit di informate wey go perfect dia submission”.
She raise concern say even di address wey dey di letter head carry no dey registered and wonder why Inec neva act afta public outcry on di mata.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan however urge di pipo of Kogi central to do right wen
Di petitioners wey come from di APC submit petition wey di letter head carry address wey no exist.
“We run check on di status of di registration of di association wey sponsor my recall, di Kogi central political frontiers and di CAC report come out negative. I still dey wait and I wonder why Inec neva make any statement to dat effect or send pipo to confam if di address dey real. Or we don reach point wey anybody or fictitious organization fit call for di recall of a senator.
“I no know wen dem go come verify you, but if di time come for di verification of my recall, I trust you would go right,” she tell her constituents.
Sexual harassment
She reiterate di sexual harassment saga and say she speak up afta deep reflection, even though she know say she go face backlash.
She add say wetin she go through na wetin many women dey go through for school, corporate organisations, wia dia bosses go dey demand for dia bodies in exchange for promotion or grades and dem no dey tok about am.
“I don speak di silent pains of many women and I dey proud to tok am, bicos next time e go dey easier for anoda woman to do so and hopefully one day law go dey wey go protect women and dem go dey safe weda dem dey married or not.”
Suspension from di senate
Madam Natasha say her suspension dey illegal, as she claim say di signatures wey dem use na just attendance sheet.
Di suspension dey saddled wit plenty irregularities and di entire procedure amount to gross injustice.
Co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali purchased Chelsea in 2022 for £2.5bn, and have since spent £1.5bn on players
Uefa will assess Chelsea’s sale of its women’s team to parent company BlueCo at the end of the season.
On Monday, Chelsea reported a pre-tax profit of £128.4m for the year ending June 2024 – their first positive financial results under the ownership of Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium.
That was largely down to the “repositioning” of their highly successful women’s team as a separate business from the men’s team, and followed a similar move in their previous financial results – when the club sold two hotels to a sister company to keep them compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
The Blues have already been cleared of any PSR breaches in January, along with the other 19 top-flight clubs.
The current Premier League financial rules do not address associated party transactions (APTs), after clubs were unable to close the loophole after an AGM meeting in June.
However, European football’s governing body Uefa has more stringent Financial Fair Play rules which would discount APTs of all its members, including Chelsea’s sale of its women’s team and two hotels, which were sold for £76.6m during the 2022-23 season.
That would vastly weaken Chelsea’s position over the three-year monitoring period, with Uefa allowing a maximum £75m loss compared to an £105m loss in the Premier League over the same spell.
All cases would have to be assessed individually by Uefa’s independent panel. Punishments can come in the form of settlements or fines, but are unlikely to involve severe sporting sanctions.
In 2022, Paris St-Germain were among the clubs to face substantial fines for breaching Uefa’s FFP rules and were ordered to pay £8.6m.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League with nine games left to play, so will likely qualify for one of Uefa’s three main competitions and face scrutiny under its jurisdiction.
They also faced an £8.6m fine over historic FFP breaches under Roman Abramovich in 2023, which remain under investigation by the Premier League.
What do the experts say?
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport:
It’s certainly an unprecedented level of profit which we’ve not seen before. At the same time, nobody’s quite certain how much a women’s team is worth.
Chelsea had to submit their accounts to the Premier League by 31 December 2024. The Premier League had two weeks to review them to take things further and decided not to, so it must be satisfied.
Chelsea certainly benefit from being in a very upmarket part of London, so therefore the ability to sell those hotels as real estate assets is more beneficial to them.
There has been an enthusiasm from some club owners to outlaw this particular rule. It’s not possible to sell your assets to yourself and book profits in the EFL. The rules under Uefa are complex and difficult to understand, but then again it’s not guaranteed that Chelsea will be able to utilise these profits.
Uefa tends to fine clubs for breaching the financial rules as opposed to on-field penalties, so if I was a Nottingham Forest or Everton fan I suspect I would feel very aggrieved, because they have been punished severely in terms of historical points deductions for spending money, but spending far less money than Chelsea.
But the Premier League owners have decided to allow this particular feature and it does seem strange, but it’s their ball and that’s how they are choosing to play with it.
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IGP Tetteh Yohuno [M] seated with some former IGPs
The immediate-past Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare was conspicuously missing from a meeting by his successor with former IGPs.
MyNewsGh.com confirmed from the Police Headquarters that the current IGP, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohunu, met with his former superiors to solicit their input aimed at ensuring that he gives off his best.
Among the former Police Chiefs who attended the meeting were Mr David Asante Apeatu, Mrs Mills—Robertson, Nana Owusu Nsiah, Mr CK Dewornu, Mr Owusu Poku, Mr. PK Acheampong, Mr John Kudalor, and Mr James Oppong-Boanuh.
It is interesting, however, that the former IGP who was removed weeks ago was not at the meeting despite sources indicating he was duly invited. No reason was assigned for his absence in the Wednesday, April 2, 2025 meeting, which many have lauded the current IGP for.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service in a post about the meeting said it was to seek their counsel and share experiences to enhance the administrative and operational effectiveness of the Police Service.
“The meeting which was also aimed at strengthening collaboration between the current leadership of the Ghana Police Service and its past leadership was attended by the following former IGPs: Mr. C.K Dewornu, Mr. Ernest Owusu Poku, Nana Owusu-Nsiah, Mr. Patrick Acheampong, Mrs Elizabeth Mills-Robertson, Dr John Kudalor, Mr David Asante-Apeatu and Mr. James Oppong Boanuh.
The key issues discussed at the meeting include; personnel welfare, crime-fighting efforts across the country, stakeholder engagements, ongoing reforms in the Police Service and other general issues affecting the Ghana Police Service as well as the security, law and order in the country.
The meeting ended with a commitment to hold regular engagements for the growth and development of the Ghana Police Service.”
Medeama head coach Ibrahim Tanko expressed concerns about his team’s wastefulness despite their victory over Holy Stars in the Ghana Premier League on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The former Black Meteors coach believes his side should have scored more than the two goals they managed in the game.
Despite lamenting the missed chances, he commended his team for their composure in staging a comeback after conceding first in the 2-1 win.
“We had a lot of chances in the first half and should have scored at least two or three goals. But we kept our composure after [Holy Stars’] opening goal,” he said after the game.
“In the second half, we tried to score another, but unfortunately, the penalty was denied.”
Issah Yakubu gave the visitors the lead, but Medeama equalized through Kamaradini Mamudu, who scored on the stroke of halftime.
Derrick Fordjour secured the win in the dying moments for the Mauve and Yellows after a dominant second-half performance.
The victory has propelled Medeama into the top four, as they now sit fourth with 38 points after 24 games.
EE/KA
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians applaud Black Stars for excellent performances against Chad, Madagascar<\b>
Timothy Omotoso said he thanked God for the verdict
After spending eight years in jail, a Nigerian televangelist accused of raping young women from his South African church has been found not guilty of all charges.
Timothy Omotoso had denied the 32 charges in a trial that was broadcast live and gained huge interest across the country.
In 2018, one witness told the court she had been raped by the pastor – who ran a church in the city of Port Elizabeth – when she was 14 years old.
When delivering the verdict on Wednesday, the judge presiding over the trial said that Mr Omotoso had been found not guilty because prosecutors had mishandled the case.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) shared a similar assessment, saying that “former prosecutors in the case acted improperly and the accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state”.
The NPA said it would now “consider its legal options” and that the drawn-out nature of the trial was partly down to Mr Omotoso filing numerous legal challenges.
For his part, Mr Omotoso told the media he thanked God for the verdict.
Hi co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also found not guilty.
Mr Omotoso was dramatically arrested at an airport in 2017 as he sought to leave the country.
His trial was the first prominent rape case to be broadcast live in a country where sexual violence is rampant.
The hearings attracted huge interest, and raised difficult questions about victims’ rights, impartiality and whether justice is best served by having television cameras in courtrooms.
Following Wednesday’s verdict, Mr Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria, South African media outlet News24 reported.
Galatasaray have accused Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho of “physically attacking” their manager Okan Buruk after he appeared to grab his nose following a fiery derby in the Turkish Cup.
The incident occurred after the final whistle at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, when both managers were interacting with the match officials in the centre circle.
Mourinho approached Buruk from behind and appeared to pinch his nose, causing the Galatasaray manager to fall to the floor with his hands covering his face.
“Our manager Okan and Mourinho congratulated the referees. After that, while Okan was continuing, Mourinho first verbally and then physically attacked him,” Galatasaray’s vice-president Metin Ozturk said.
“Where else in the world can he do this? What does he think of Turkey?
“I believe that Fenerbahce’s management will impose the necessary sanction before the federation does.”
Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup quarter-final tie 2-1 with Victor Osimhen scoring twice for the visitors.
BBC Sport has contacted Fenerbahce for a response.
Buruk, who enjoyed two spells at Galatasaray as a player before returning as manager in 2022, played down the incident at his post-match news conference.
“There was nothing between me and Mourinho,” Buruk said.
“He pinched my nose from behind. There was a slight scratch. Of course, it wasn’t a very nice or elegant thing to do.
“We expect managers to behave more appropriately in such situations. I won’t exaggerate this issue, but it wasn’t a classy move.”
Fenerbahce substitute Mert Yandas and Galatasaray substitutes Kerem Demirbay and Baris Yilmaz were shown red cards for their part in a melee between the two benches during stoppage time.
Following a goalless draw between the two clubs in the Turkish Super Lig in February, Galatasaray said they would “initiate criminal proceedings” against Mourinho after claiming he made “racist statements”.
The Turkish Football Federation also handed Mourinho a four-game ban and a fine of £35,194 for two separate disciplinary matters.
Mourinho responded by launching a lawsuit against Galatasaray “due to the attack on the personal rights” of the Portuguese.
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vThe Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has launched an investigation into an alleged assault on civilians by military personnel in Kumasi.
The incident, which reportedly took place on Friday, March 28, 2025, involved seven military officers—three officers and four soldiers—who are accused of arresting and assaulting three civilians over a stolen mobile phone.
In an official statement issued on April 2, 2025, the GAF assured the public that appropriate action would be taken if the officers involved are found guilty.
“The Military Police and the Ashanti Regional Police CID are investigating the case. The officers and soldiers have been placed under closed arrest while the investigation continues,” the statement, signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations, stated.
According to the release, the civilians involved are said to have sustained varying degrees of injury.
While the circumstances leading to the incident remain under investigation, the military command has urged the public, especially families and friends of the victims, to remain calm.
“We also urge the families and friends of the victims to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigations,” the statement added.
The GAF reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline within its ranks and emphasized that anyone found guilty of misconduct would be dealt with according to the law.
FULL HEAT 🔥 | In this explosive moment from the Ghana Tonight Exclusive, former ECG MD Samuel Dubik Mahama hits back hard at claims linking him to a syndicate accused of stealing ECG containers.
💣 “Do I live in a container house?” he snaps — sarcastically, shutting down the idea that he personally benefited from the alleged disappearance.
As Alfred Ocansey presses him, Mahama:
– Challenges the claim of a syndicate, – Questions the customs and port system, – Demands a forensic investigation to “find how the containers left the port.”
The former ECG boss defends his integrity while struggling to explain who should be held accountable.
Watch full interview – https://youtu.be/pqi2yBEeScs
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London, April 2, GNA – Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has officially assumed office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, pledging to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter in a world marked by rising tensions and shifting alliances.
According to an official statement from the Commonwealth Secretariat, Madam Botchwey, who succeeds Patricia Scotland, is the first African woman and the second African overall to lead the association of 56 countries.
The Commonwealth represents a third of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the United Nations membership.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London on April 1, the Secretary General underscored the significance of the Commonwealth’s role in addressing global economic and political challenges.
“The world we live in today is unlike any we have seen before,” she stated, highlighting the implications of economic downturns, increased defence expenditures, and weakened multilateralism on employment, poverty, and social protection.
She emphasised that the Commonwealth’s long-standing values—democracy, good governance, peace, human rights, and equal opportunity—remain vital in responding to these challenges.
Outlining her strategic vision for the Commonwealth, Madam Botchwey prioritised three key areas: empowering women and young people with essential skills and opportunities, revitalising trade and investment to drive inclusive growth, and strengthening climate action to support vulnerable member states.
She reaffirmed her commitment to modernising the Commonwealth through innovative partnerships that respond effectively to the needs of member nations.
Reflecting on her appointment at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on October 25, 2024, Madam Botchwey expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her leadership.
“It is a great honour to be the first African woman to serve as Secretary-General. No matter where in the Commonwealth you come from, this path is open to you,” she stated.
She urged Commonwealth nations to move forward with shared purpose and commitment to prosperity for all.
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Historic Account Blog of Thursday, 3 April 2025
Source: Joshua Ofoe Asigbey
Ghana commemorated author and poet, Maya Angelou with a 350-cedi stamp showing a happy portrait of Angelou issued on March 25, 1998.
Maya Angelou attended the ceremony honoring her special stamp from Ghana on November 13, 1997.
She lived in Ghana from 1962 through 1967.
Maya Angelou born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014 was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou’s series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou’s most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
President John Mahama after assenting to the bills
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has directed all Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) charging entities to immediately reconfigure their systems to reflect the abolition of the levy.
This instruction comes on the back of President John Dramani Mahama’s assent to legislative bills on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, which eliminated the E-Levy, Betting Tax, Emissions Tax, and other levies.
The GRA in a statement informed all stakeholders that the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075) and the Electronic Transfer Levy (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1089) had been signed into law, abolishing the 1% E-Levy, effective April 2, 2025.
“In accordance with our previous communication regarding implementation guidelines, this letter serves as formal authorization for you to proceed with the deployment of the ‘no charge’ configuration on your platforms,” the GRA stated.
The GRA outlined the following measures for charging entities:
1. The GRA Electronic Transfer Levy Management and Assurance System (ELMAS) will automatically return a “no charge” on all transactions posted to it by entities from midnight.
2. Charging Entities must cease applying the 1% E-Levy from midnight on all their channels.
3. Charging Entities must immediately process refunds for any E-Levy amounts deducted from customers effective today 2nd April 2025. Entities are to establish an expedited refund process to handle such cases promptly and maintain proper documentation of all refunds processed. Reports of such refunds must be submitted to GRA.
4. Charging Entities are to take the necessary steps to file and pay all outstanding E-Levy charged and collected on all transactions that occurred before 2nd April 2025.
5. For effective reconciliation and in accordance with Section 33A of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915) as amended, entities must continue to post all electronic transfer transactions to ELMAS until further directives are provided.
6. All entities must maintain electronic transfer records for at least six (6) years as stipulated in Section 27(3) of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915).
Compliance and Enforcement
The GRA issued a warning, stating that noncompliance with these guidelines is illegal and will result in legal penalties. In order to guarantee complete obedience, the authorities further declared that regular compliance checks will be carried out.
For further clarification or technical assistance, entities are advised to contact the E-Levy Technical Support Team at [email protected].
Following the President’s assent to the Electronic Transfer Levy (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1089), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that the 1% Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) is abolished, effective today 2nd April, 2025. pic.twitter.com/1lnrpDmIeR
President Donald Trump declared a national economic emergency and announced tariffs of at least 10% across all countries, with rates going even higher for 60 countries deemed the “worst offenders,” according to White House officials.
The long awaited announcement on Wednesday was, unsurprisingly, partly a political rally and partly an unveiling of his “Liberation Day” agenda — an across-the-board set of tariffs that represent the most fundamental shift in global trade since World War II.
In a 48-minute speech in the Rose Garden, Trump laid out the key points of his plan before veering into his trademark rambling about the price of eggs, violent gangs crossing the border, his approval ratings, “Sleepy Joe,” and other things.
Here are the key points:
The US will charge 10% baseline tariffs on practically all goods imported from other countries — meaning American importers will have to pay a surcharge to the US government for all manner of stuff produced overseas. In addition, Trump laid out “discounted” reciprocal tariffs on dozens of “worst offenders” — nations that have the highest trade deficits with the United States. The US will upcharge those imports at roughly half the rate those countries impose on US goods.
Imported cars will be hit with a 25% tax effective at midnight.
Stock futures tumbled in response. Partly because investors know that tariffs raise prices and crimp growth and make it more likely the US will tip into a recession.
The thing concerning critics of tariffs — which is to say, virtually all mainstream economists, business leaders and investors — is the fundamental contradiction in what Trump believes the plan will accomplish.
He sees tariffs as a catch-all economic tool that can restore America’s manufacturing prowess, bring foreign nations to heel on key disputes, restore the balance of trade and bring in gobs of money that can help pay off the US deficit and reduce Americans’ tax burdens, as David Goldman writes.
And while tariffs can do some of those things, they can’t possibly achieve them at the same time. Consider this: If tariffs are a pressure campaign, they have to go away once countries acquiesce — poof goes the revenue.
There were a lot of flat-out false and exaggerated statements in Trump’s speech. But one thing he said rang true, in a way I’m sure he didn’t intend.
“This will be an entirely different country in a short period of time,” he said. “It’ll be something, the whole world will be talking about it.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Dr Ken Ashigbey, has assured customers that any deductions made on their transactions by any of its members from midnight of April 2 will be refunded.
He has therefore urged persons who may suffer such deductions not to panic.
“Because of the shortness of the notice, if there is any charge of e-levy inadvertently, the charging entity will be the one to refund because they will not be passing on any e-levy to the Consolidated Fund,” Dr Ashigbey assured.
According to him, the telecommunications companies are all set to charge zero percent for e-levy effective April 2 as directed by the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s News 360, Dr Ashigbey said “What will happen is that by tomorrow when you send mobile money, what you will see is that e-levy will be zero. There will be no charge.”
This follows President John Mahama’s assent to the Bill passed by Parliament to that effect earlier in the day and the subsequent issuance of guidelines by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to the charging entities such as the telecommunications companies.
In the letter issued by the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA to charging entities, it said with effect from midnight of April 2, the Electronic Transfer Levey (E-levy) has been scrapped.
“We wish to inform you that the President of the Republic of Ghana has assented to the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075) and the Electronic Transfer Levy (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1089) bill, which abolishes the 1% E-Levy. This is expected to take effect from today 2nd April 2025,” parts of the letter read.
It said, “In accordance with our previous communication regarding implementation guidelines, this letter serves as formal authorization for you to proceed with the deployment of the “no charge” configuration on your platforms.”
Dr Ashigbey confirmed that the GRA has passed on the information and assured of cooperation in that regard.
“We have had a meeting with the GRA. The notice is short, but the EMIs are working to ensure that by midnight when the GRA sets the ELMAS to zero, we will also be able to follow through and by morning, we will also be able to set our systems to charge zero percent e-levy,” he said.
Washington, Apr. 2, (dpa/GNA) – US President Donald Trump announced a round of sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” on countries around the world in a speech in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday.
“We will charge them approximately half what they are or have been charging us,” he said, as he listed import tariffs to the US for certain areas. The European Union will face a 20% tariff. Japan must pay 24%, China 34%.
“This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It is our declaration of economic independence. Now it is our turn to prosper,” he added.
He said the US was “standing up for the American worker” with these new steps.
“Our country and its tax payers have been ripped off for 50 years but it is not going to happen anymore,” Trump added.
New ‘golden era’ heralded
He claimed that the US was entering a new “golden era.”
Trump had touted Wednesday as “a day of liberation.”
The imposition of reciprocal tariffs means, in principle, that the US will raise its tariffs in proportion to where they currently charge less than their trading partners.
Since moving back into the White House, Trump has been relying on tariffs on a large scale, as he also did in his first term in office.
He has already imposed tariffs on all aluminium and steel imports, introduced tariffs of 25% on imported cars and car parts, introduced increased tariffs on all goods from China and is targeting its neighbours Canada and Mexico.
The car tariffs in particular are hitting Europe and the German market hard.
Tariffs have consequences for consumers
An import duty works similarly to a tax. It has to be paid by the importing company – in this case, by companies in the US.
It is likely that the importing companies will not simply absorb the higher costs themselves. They are likely to pass them on to consumers, causing prices to rise and potentially fuelling inflation.
Trump’s goal is to prevent US companies from importing products from abroad. In the long term, this should promote the US as a production location.
Trump claimed that a number of key US and foreign companies have pledged to build new factories in the United States in the coming years.
He promised a total of $6 trillion in investment in factories in the United States.
Counter-tariffs expected
Since counter-tariffs are expected and exporting companies are likely to suffer a decline in sales, this could lead to a decline in production and possible job cuts, which can put a strain on the economy as a whole. An escalating trade conflict between the US and the EU will therefore also have a significant impact on European consumers.
Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago will assemble in England, London in May 2025 to compete for the Unity trophy.
In what has been billed as “The Best in the West the Afro Classico Contest,” fans will be treated to two semi-finals featuring two compelling local derbies.
The first semi-final on Tuesday, May 27 will feature the first-ever TriniJam clash on UK shores as the Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago take on the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica to claim who is the best in the West Indies.
The following day, May 28, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Black Stars of Ghana to determine who has the bragging rights in West Africa.
The four teams will play again on Saturday, May 31, in a double-header awith two games to decide who will take the bronze place, followed by the final to see who will lift The Unity Cup 2025. Two-time Unity Cup winners Nigeria may start as favorites given their FIFA ranking and recent performances.
However, the form book goes out of the window when playing their West African rivals Ghana, who will be returning to London, where they previously inflicted a 4-1 routing of the Super Eagles.
Jamaica will also come to the tournament with old scores to settle, having lost by a solitary goal. Ahead of the game, Rotimi Pedro of AfroSport, the organizers of the event, stated, “I am proud to announce that The Unity Cup is back.
It has been a long road to revive this important community event, and we are happy that fans of African and Caribbean football will get to see international football of the highest caliber at The Unity Cup 2025.
“Andy Howes, Co-Director of AfroSport, added, “The Unity Cup is a tournament that really does evoke the often-used phrase ‘an event that goes beyond sport.’
But with the array of elite stars and the profile of the teams involved, this event is not only important in terms of its cultural significance but also reflects the growing commercial importance of African and Caribbean football, as well as the growing demographic of black football fans within English football.”
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has launched an investigation into an incident in Kumasi, where seven military personnel are alleged to have assaulted three civilians on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The accused include three officers and four soldiers who reportedly arrested and attacked the individuals over claims of stealing a mobile phone belonging to another civilian.
According to a press release issued by the Military High Command, the civilians involved reportedly suffered varying degrees of injuries.
The Military Police, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police CID, is conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the facts surrounding the case.
The accused military personnel have been placed under closed arrest while investigations proceed. The High Command has assured the public that any individuals found guilty will face the full force of the law.
“We urge the families and friends of the victims to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigations,” stated Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces.
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I’ll sue OSP for wrongful detention – Gordon Asare-Bediako
Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics, has reaffirmed confidence in the credibility of the organisation’s polling methods following its projection of a win for President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general election.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of Viewon Wednesday, April 2, Dankwah highlighted the organisation’s dedication to accuracy and objectivity.
“For us, we are humble, so we take it in good faith. We don’t want to blow our horns out of proportion, but we believe that the work that we have done has stood the test of time.
“For us, that is what matters,” he stated.
Global InfoAnalytics has built a reputation for reliable polling and political trend analysis.
Projections by the Global InfoAnalytics sparked discussions on Mahama’s potential return to power ahead of the 2024 elections. The organisation’s prediction was ultimately validated as Mahama secured a decisive victory in the election.
Read also…
Enchi magistrate must be surcharged if excavators go missing – Ashigbey
2024 running mate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh
The 2024 running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has paid a commiserating visit to the Adum Central Market following a devastating fire that destroyed a three-storey building, causing damages to properties and goods worth millions of Ghana cedis.
The politician and former lawmaker for Manhyia South, during his visit, announced a donation of GH¢100,000 from the common fund dedicated for Members of Parliament.
He also contributed GH¢50,000 and 500 bags of cement from his personal funds to aid in the recovery efforts.
Addressing the affected traders, NAPO, as he is affectionately known, expressed his dedication and commitment to helping the traders rebuild and revitalise the market, so they can recover their losses.
“…. There is some money left in my MPs common fund dedicated to parliamentarians which we couldn’t work with. I am appealing to the Manhyia South MP to, with immediate effect, donate an amount of GH¢100,000 out of the total amount left in the fund.
“Currently, I’m no longer an MP but just an unemployed politician. I am also donating GH¢50,000 and 500 bags of cement from my personal funds,” he said during his visit on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Dr Opoku Prempeh further appealed to the Ashanti Regional Minister to use his power, resources, and influence to support and assist the traders during their time of hardship.
“I am appealing to the regional minister to recognise and understand that the mandate given to him is meant to serve human beings, not animals. If God has granted him that power, he should use it to help people. His engagement with the traders should be driven by goodwill, not one that will invite curses upon him,” he added.
The former lawmaker was joined by the incumbent Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, and other NPP dignitaries during his visit to the market.
This follows an earlier visit by the former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on March 25, 2025, to sympathise with the traders.
He presented to them 1,000 bags of cement to aid rebuilding efforts, and also presented a cash amount of GH¢200,000.
MAG/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Alhaji Seidu Agongo a Businessman and philanthropist has revealed President John Dramani Mahama helped Kennedy Agyapong retrieve his locked-up funds with the ECG.
He noted that President Mahama is not vindictive as he helped former member of parliament Kennedy Agyapong retrieve his locked-up money with ECG despite Ken being one of Mahama’s ferocious critics while in government during his previous term.
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has disclosed that the government is set to increase the number of households benefiting from the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme by over 50,000 starting in July.
She made this known during a monitoring exercise of the 94th and 95th LEAP payment cycles in the Krowor Municipality on Wednesday, April 2. The Minister assured that challenges with disbursement are being addressed and that beneficiaries who no longer qualify, including deceased individuals, will be removed to make way for new applicants.
Naa Momo also acknowledged concerns about ineligible people receiving benefits and urged the public to report such cases for necessary action. “From the budget presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister on behalf of the President, he announced 50,000 households to benefit from it, so we are looking forward to that, and it will take off from July.
“Everyday monitoring goes on, and we are monitoring until the last beneficiary gets their benefit. Then, we will be done for this batch and will come back again when the funds are available for the next disbursement.
“I just want to encourage beneficiaries that I know this is woefully inadequate, but half a loaf is better than none. Some have started businesses with it, and that is a good thing about the project. Through that, they can take care of their family in a small way. We would have to see them graduate to do major things,” he stated.
Samuel Kow Donkoh is the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH).
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana has shortlisted 48 institutions, individuals and products for the maiden Pharma Excellence Awards.
The awards have 23 categories but five of the categories did not receive nominations.
For the Hospital Pharmacist of the Year, there were three nominees. They include Pharm Anne Anokye-Kumatia, Pharm Dr. Josephine Mensah and Pharm Fareeda Serwaa Brobbey.
The Community Retail Chain Pharmacy of the Year had two nominees – Top-Up Pharmacy and Unicom Pharmacy.
Three products are competing for the Brand of the Year. They are Lufort, Lexporin Ointment and Polyfer.
The awards would recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of corporate bodies and individuals within the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical care health sector.
It is also aimed at recognising the value of responsible professional, business and entrepreneurial practices that improve the standards of clinical practice, provision of healthcare, and access to medical treatment or services; identify and recognise the talented organisations and individuals behind the work and create an environment where success is valued and commended.
The maiden edition of the Pharma Excellence Awards will convene industry leaders, quality professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate excellence in a wide array of categories, including professional practice, manufacturing, research and development, distribution and marketing, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and compliance, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, pharmaceutical care delivery and overall leadership.
Below is the list of nominees
NOMINEES FOR PSGH PHARMA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025
No.
Award Category
Nominees
1
OTC Advert of the Year
1. Wormplex 400 Tablets & Suspension
2. Lufart Tablets & Suspension
2
Hospital Pharmacist of the Year
1. Pharm. Anne Anokye-Kumatia
2. Pharm. Dr. Josephine Mensah
3. Pharm. Fareeda Serwaa Brobbey
3
Community Pharmacist of the Year
1. Pharm. Dr. Isaac Buabeng Nyantakyi
2. Pharm. Dr. Ruby Anne Biaku
3. Pharm. Scholastica Mensah
4
Industrial Pharmacist of the Year (Mark Owiredu Award)
1. Pharm. Dr. Evelyn Biriwaa Offei
2. Pharm. Smart Atta Bediako
5
Community Retail Chain Pharmacy of the Year
1. Top-Up Pharmacy
2. Unicom Chemist
6
Brand of the Year (OTC)
1. Lufart
2. Lexporin Ointment
3. Polyfer
7
Multinational Company of the Year
1. Viatris
2. LUEX
3. Gokals Laborex
8
Excellence in Pharma: Wholesale/Distribution
1. UNICHEM Ghana Ltd
2. Tobinco Pharmaceuticals
9
Excellence in Pharma: Manufacturing
1. Kinapharma Ltd
2. Entrance Pharmaceuticals
3. Unichem Industries Ghana Ltd
10
Excellence in Pharma: Community Pharmacy
1. UNICOM Chemist
2. Top-Up Pharmacy
11
Hospital Pharmacy of the Year
1. The Bank Hospital Pharmacy
2. UGMC Pharmacy
12
Young Achiever of the Year
1. Pharm. Dr. Grace Nelson
2. Pharm. Therestella Tei-Kwabla
3. Pharm. Dr. Andrew Nii Ofori Annan
13
Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Research
1. Pharm. Dr. Francisca Zigah
2. Pharm. Dr. Daniel Ankrah
3. Pharm. Dr. Israel Sefah
14
Excellence in Pharma: Health Systems & Administration
1. Pharm. Bernard Bedu Bediako
2. Pharm. Lucia Addae
3. Pharm. Robert Adatsi
15
Excellence in Pharma: Education (Prof. A.N. Tackie Award)
1. Faculty of Pharmacy, KNUST
2. School of Pharmacy, UG
3. School of Pharmacy, UHAS
16
Academic Pharmacist of the Year
1. Pharm.Prof. Eric Woode
2. Pharm. Prof. Christian Agyare
3. Pharm. Prof. Mahama Duwiejua
17
CEO of the Year
1. Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku
(Ernest Bediako Sampong Award)
2. Pharm. Patience Tsegah
3. Pharm. Dr. Kofi Addo Agyekum
18
Lifetime Achievement Award (Kwabena Ohene-Manu Award)
1. Pharm. Abraham Gyesie
2. Pharm. Dr. Divine Azameti
3. Pharm. Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku
19
Regulatory Affairs & Marketing Pharmacist of the Year
Nominations are being reviewed to be announced.
20
Best Online Pharmacy
Nominations are being reviewed to be announced.
21
Excellence in Pharma Research: Clinical Trial Facility of the Year
Nominations are being reviewed to be announced.
22
Excellence in Pharma: Regulation (T.C. Corquaye Award)
Nominations are being reviewed to be announced.
23
Pharmaceutical Company of the Year
Nominations are being reviewed to be announced.
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 Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has called for the magistrate of Enchi, His Worship Lawrence Buenor Buer, to be surcharged if excavators he previously ordered to be released go missing.
The controversy arose after the magistrate initially ordered the release of two excavators seized in connection with illegal mining activities.
However, on Wednesday, April 2, he reversed his decision, raising suspicions about whether the equipment had already been moved before the reversal.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Ken Ashigbey emphasized the importance of following legal procedures in handling confiscated mining equipment and holding those responsible accountable for any breaches.
“The mining act talks about the fact that when these cases are reported, the equipment are confiscated and kept with the police so that when conviction happens, forfeiture can happen. And so now that this magistrate has allowed the equipment to move—and from the tone of his new order, it looks like the equipment have been moved already.
“I pray that they find the equipment, otherwise the magistrate must be made to buy those excavators that would have gone missing. And at this stage, we should be asking the IGP to institute an investigation into this—that is, who took this case to the wrong jurisdiction,” Ashigbey stated.
He called for an urgent probe into the situation to determine whether the equipment was improperly released and to ensure that those involved are held accountable.
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The Greater Accra Regional Hospital has announced plans for a mass burial of 70 unclaimed bodies that have remained in its mortuary for over nine months.
In a public notice published in the April 2, 2025, edition of the Daily Graphic, the hospital urged family members of the deceased to come forward and claim the bodies before they are interred.
“The Greater Accra Regional Hospital wishes to inform the general public that the following bodies have been left unclaimed in its mortuary for over nine months,” the announcement stated.
Hospital authorities have cautioned that if the bodies remain unclaimed three weeks after the public notice, they will proceed with a mass burial in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and its environmental unit.
The mass burial is aimed at decongesting the mortuary and maintaining public health standards.
Among the unclaimed bodies listed are individuals of varying ages, including men, women, and some whose identities remain unknown. The deceased include Charles Boateng (50), Emmanuel Adom (54), and Mary Donkor (33).
The list also contains names such as Isaac Andy, Emmanuel Akwetey, Diana Migolle, and several individuals identified only as ‘unknown male’ or ‘unknown female.’
The hospital has called on members of the public to assist in identifying and claiming the remains of their relatives.
“Family members of the deceased persons are hereby informed to contact the hospital mortuary officials to claim the bodies of their relatives for burial as soon as possible,” the notice added.
Dr Ralph Armah, Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, signed the statement, appealing for the cooperation of the public to help locate relatives of the deceased.
With this latest development, authorities hope to ease the strain on mortuary facilities while ensuring that the deceased are laid to rest in a dignified manner.
Concerned relatives are encouraged to visit the hospital and make necessary arrangements before the set deadline.
Here is the extracted list of 70 names from the public announcement:
1. Charles Boateng 2. Moses Zugi 3. Kwame Kwakye 4. Kofi Owusu 5. Emmanuel Adom 6. Shadrack Sarpong 7. Isaac Addu 8. Mary Donkor 9. George Siaw 10. Ampetey Koo 11. Maata Tague 12. Agya Wusu 13. Unknown 14. Unknown 15. Wisme Ali Samuel 16. Ntimi Joe 17. Wisdom Bujorck 18. Nana Yaw Darko 19. Yaa Atta 20. Unknown Madina 21. Richmond Happiness 22. John Brett 23. Matilda Azuma 24. Abraham Agyemang 25. Portia Agyemang 26. Unknown Female 27. Kwasi Kotey 28. Unknown Female 29. Comfort Sulejirim 30. Emmanuel Frimpong 31. Unknown Male 32. Unknown Female 33. Eduful Kofi Prince 34. Lawsu Kudjoe 35. Samuel Kwofie 36. Emmanuel Yeboah 37. Bertha Gbowaad 38. Isaac Andy 39. Doris Lartey 40. Diana Migolle 41. Emmanuel Akwetey 42. Diana Odoi 43. Mary Moweh 44. Gertrude Dede Ayi 45. Jackline Konadu 46. Georgina Asamoah 47. Maima Amadu 48. Rebecca Davidson Ghansah 49. Raphael Dorwu 50. Serema Idrisu 51. Michael Nyinku 52. Duriya Maxwell 53. Charles Akwa 54. Eric Teli Lamptey 55. Wisdom Kofi Atta 56. Constantine Lari 57. Solomon Kakari 58. Edwin L Lawson 59. Issah Usif 60. Ishmael Lawson 61. Veronica Sedoh 62. Juliet Afifah 63. Jonas Amankor 64. Sarah Aggrey 65. Vida Asare 66. Jonathan Odoi 67. Precious Abbey 68. Favor Sunday 69. Nyame Aye 70. Unknown
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The right to live and enjoy absolute freedom irrespective of one’s ethic background, religious and political affiliation are enshrined in any civilized society which forms the basis of humanity and respect for human dignity.
Although not every society in this 21st century condoles and respect the rights of its citizens who associate themselves in a society that they feel secure, the rights of these people according to a larger voice including human rights organizations and civil societies must be respected and protected.
Musab Abdallah aged 24 years old is a Muslim from Ghana and a member of the LGBTQ+ in Ghana where the practice of gay is against portions of the constitution and religious and traditional beliefs.
The Muslim community where Musab live is very much against same sex marriages and relationships which is against the decrees and traditions of Islam and that is why all the Islamic states across the world is a no go area for persons practicing LGBTQ+.
Musab Abdallah started practicing gay when immediately he was enrolled into senior high school in 2015. According to him, a student who is ahead of him introduced him to the act during his first year in School .
Musab Abdallah said “We were practicing it in school till he ( Senior) completed and left. My love for the same gender became so intense that i kept practicing with some other boys who were just like me”.
” Unfortunately, i was caught in the act with a fellow student in 2017. Both of us were beaten by the student population before they even reported us to the school authorities. We were humiliated, harassed and suspended for weeks. I went home and lied to my parents that i was suspended because i went out of campus without permission”.
It wasn’t safe anymore even after they returned back to school as they were faced with bullying in all forms. Musab tried his best to go through the Senior high School level and finally completed.
After senior High school, he met a young man called Amin and was really good looking and charming. Musab started developing feelings for the young man and eventually they became sex mates.
To cover up his association with fellow men, he started dating a woman at the same time so people will not suspect him of being a gay.
Shockly he said “I had no idea that Amin was pretending all this while and was also keeping records and screenshots of all our messages. And he told his family about it”.
“We planned on booking a hotel for the weekend in September 2021 just so we can have some alone time and also discuss the healthy and the way forward of our relationship since it is not accepted. On the said day, i was so happy and ready to meet Amin so i went earlier to prepare the hotel room ahead of him. Little did i know that he has disclosed everything we have been talking and planning about to his family and they had also planned to come get me beaten at the hotel for involving their son into the act. Luckily for me, i locked the door while i was inside waiting for him. He was getting late thou buh i was still patient and waiting for his arrival. I was inside when i heard knocks on the door. I was confused and scared because i didn’t know what was happening all of a sudden. I insisted that i wasn’t going to open the door. I guess they waited for long and decided to leave. I remained inside till midnight when i heard no voices”. He narrated.
Musab knew they had left at that time so he managed to leave the hotel premises and go home. He knew his family would been informed at that time but had no other option than to go home. He also knew definitely that he was going to be beaten because in the Muslim community where he lives, you get beaten and killed when you are caught either stealing, or involved in adultery or rape or gay.
Musab said “According to her ( his mother), they held a family meeting when the family of Amin came to report the issue and some members of our family where in support that i get beaten for what i did. At that point, i knew i was not safe anymore to continue living on that community. My mom and i had a long talk and i told her about the entire issue and we came to a conclusion that i leave the country. I continued to stay in doors for about 2 weeks waiting for my mom to gather some money for me to travel out of the country. It was a humid evening when i started my journey to the United States to find comfort and also a sound mind. For years i have known that i am gay and it was not only frowned upon, it was also considered as a major sin”.
Tracing back to all the times that he was being bullied and beaten by his mates in school and the decision taken by his family members, he knew that he was making the right decision by leaving the country to survive else where.
Finally after what seemed like an eternity , he was able to cross the border into the United States.
” I was relieved to be in a place where i could finally be myself without fear of persecution. I knew i had made the right decision to leave my home in Ghana and seek a better future in the United States. As time goes on, i have come to feel more and more at home in this country. I have made friends who have accepted me for who i am and also found a community of people who understand the struggles that i have faced. I have found love and people who really care. Despite the challenges that i have faced, i have finally been able to live openly without fear of violence or persecution and as i look back on this journey, i knew that i have found a place where i can truly be myself and live a life free from fear”.
Musab is currently residing in the United States of America, where he can finally live openly and without fear. It has been a challenging journey for Musab, but according to him, he is grateful for the opportunity to be true to himself. “My heart goes out to those who are still struggling in traditional societies, and I hope that one day, everyone will be accepted for who they are. No one should not endure the pain and discrimination that I have faced simply for being true to themselves. I am hopeful that with increased awareness and empathy, we can create a world where love is celebrated in all its forms”, he concluded.
Thousands of people like Musab Abdallah are being subjected to emotional torture and physical abuse for belonging to the LGBTQ society which they feel comfortable belonging to the society. They wish for a society like the United States of America and parts of Europe that accept and respect the rights of LGBTQ+ members to live in but access to these countries is hard for them to reach.
Gordon Asare-Bediako, a prominent journalist with Wontumi TV, has been released on bail after being arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
He was reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The OSP has not yet disclosed the cause of his apprehension.
Reports, however, indicate that he was arrested after making accusations against the Special Prosecutor.
Asare-Bediako is said to have alleged that the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng allegedly asked the former Akufo-Addo administration for a private jet for his own use.
The OSP granted him a bail at five million Ghana Cedis with sureties.
KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Jennifer Kankam Yeboah (L) battling for a ball with an opponent
Reigning Ghana Women’s Footballer of the Year, Jennifer Kankam Yeboah, continued her impressive form in the Indian Women’s League by inspiring Odisha FC to a hard-fought draw on Saturday, April 1, 2025.
Following an extraordinary stint at ZED FC in Egypt, where she netted an astounding 57 goals in 30 matches, the prolific striker was signed by Odisha to bolster their squad. She showcased her prowess during their match against Kickstart.
With Odisha needing crucial points, they took the lead just seconds before halftime. Youngster Lynda Serto headed in a pinpoint cross from Yeboah to make it 1-0.
Despite Odisha’s dominance, Kickstart mounted a comeback, scoring twice within four minutes to take a 2-1 lead.
However, with 11 minutes remaining, Yeboah found herself through on goal after a well-executed build-up. Calm and composed, she expertly placed the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score at 2-2.
The draw lifts Odisha out of the relegation zone, with the team now holding 12 points from 11 games.
Watch the highlights of her performance below:
Jennifer Kankam Yeboah scores and assists for Odisha
Bayo Ojulari’s biggest job will be to try and increase Nigeria’s oil output
Nigeria’s president has appointed Bayo Ojulari – a former Shell executive – to lead the state-owned oil company, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at cleaning up the sector dogged by allegations of corruption, pollution and decades-long inefficiency.
Mr Ojulari was picked in a “crucial” overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the presidency said on Wednesday.
It added that the restructure – which also involved replacing the entire board – was necessary to drive economic growth in Africa’s biggest oil exporter.
President Bola Tinubu’s time in power has seen a series of economic shocks, with food and fuel prices rocketing over the past couple of years.
The NNPC has also been under financial strain – last September it admitted to having debts of around $6bn (£4.5bn).
In its statement announcing the NNPC restructure, the presidency said Tinubu wished to boost Nigeria’s oil output and refining capacity.
Despite its massive oil sector, most of the crude oil Nigeria produces is exported, while it has to import the fuel it uses from other countries because it does not have enough oil refineries.
The cost of fuel used to be subsidised by the government – until this was removed by President Tinubu when he came to office nearly two years ago.
He said the country could no longer afford to pay for it, leading the price of fuel to skyrocket.
The subsidy was overseen by the NNPC and was shrouded in mystery leading to allegations of massive corruption.
However, oil marketers say the price at which fuel is imported is still higher than the pump price, leading many to believe that the government is still subsiding the cost of fuel through the NNPC, which it has denied.
Nigeria’s oil production slowed to less than a million barrels per day in 2023, news agency AFP reported.
Tinubu’s administration wants to hit two million barrels per day of oil by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030.
Tasked with executing this mission, Mr Ojulari replaces former NNPC boss Mele Kyari.
Some oil industry experts have expressed confidence in his appointment owing to his decades of experience in the oil sector, however they fear the challenges he inherits.
“The commission is indebted. Even the NNPC Ltd does not know how much it owes,” energy expert Henry Adigun told the BBC.
“Its accounting has been marred by corruption and inefficiencies. I think it’s bloated. It’s a case of the more you read, the less you understand.”
Mr Ojulari joined Shell Nigeria 1991 and rose to become managing director, a position he held for six years. He left the company in 2021 to join the investment advisory organisation BAT Advisory and Energy Company.
He then moved to Renaissance Africa Energy Company last year.
Along with trying to boost Nigeria’s oil production, Mr Olujari will no doubt also seek to improve the NNPC’s poor public image.
For many years, under previous governments, much of the company’s profits never reached the treasury.
It is only in the last five years that the NNPC has been publishing accounts.
The new board appointed by President Tinubu comprises oil industry experts with decades of experience.
The hope is the team will be free of politics and restore transparency in the country’s murky oil sector.
“If he doesn’t succeed, it would be because of government interference,” Mr Adigun added.
Ghanaian dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah, widely recognized as Shatta Wale, has made headlines once again after a period of relative silence, sharing significant news on his official X page.
In response to a fan’s request for mentorship to achieve musical greatness, the acclaimed hitmaker expressed his reluctance to provide such guidance.
Ghana international, Ibrahim Osman
![IGP Tetteh Yohuno [M] seated with some former IGPs](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/445/44589177.295.jpg "IGP Tetteh Yohuno [M] seated with some former IGPs")
