play videoElizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced plans to revive nearly collapsed industries in the country as part of efforts to promote strategic value addition.
This initiative aims to scale up production to meet both domestic and international market demands.
Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Trade Minister revealed that the government will partner with the private sector to establish three state-of-the-art garment factories.
According to Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, these factories are expected to create 27,000 jobs for the country’s growing unemployed youth population.
“The ministry is promoting strategic value addition, reviving struggling industries, and scaling up production for both domestic and international markets. Under this initiative, we plan to establish, with support from the private sector, three state-of-the-art garment factories. Each will have the capacity to employ 9,000 people, creating a total of 27,000 jobs under the 24-hour economy policy,” she stated.
The theme for this year’s Kwahu Business Forum is “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.”
What happens when a country is staring at an apparent mental health crisis but its people just don’t know what to do?
What do you do when a loved one informs you they are considering suicide? I want you to ponder your answer as you read through this piece. In Africa, the most common reaction is to call out the person with suicidal thoughts who has just opened up about how they are feeling.
“Don’t be silly!” – they’ll be told if lucky. If they are male, the default is to question where the potency of their masculinity has gone. “Are you not a man?” – they’ll be asked. Often even, the person is grilled over their reason for feeling suicidal. Almost to say there are stronger reasons for considering suicide or instances when it’s okay to take one’s own life.
Questions like: “Are you the first person to suffer a heartbreak?” or “why kill yourself over a girl?” as seen in the many public reactions to the unfortunate passing of Nicholas Kumi Dankwah – a freshman at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana.
Nicholas allegedly hanged himself in his room at a university hostel after his 3-month old relationship with his girlfriend went south. A purported suicide note he left behind indicates he tried everything to make the relationship work, albeit unsuccessfully. This comes less than two years after a third year student in the same university succumbed to suicide.
As news of this latest incident went viral, it became apparent that the deceased might have opened up to someone about his suicidal thoughts, especially to his estranged girlfriend.
In fact, a photo which has since gone viral shows Nicholas was on a video call with his friends, essentially watching him go through with the act. Without prejudice, this takes me back to my opening question – what do you do when a loved one tells you they are considering suicide?
In the United Kingdom, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
In Ghana, who do you call? I have seen so many posts and hashtags online encouraging people to speak up or open up to someone when they feel distressed. Unfortunately, not many people have the capacity to process or even know what to do with such information. So what is the point in anyone speaking up when the people they could supposedly speak to, do not have the capacity to handle the information?
While you continue to ponder your answer, here’s another question for you. What will you do when a loved one says they have severe chest pains or a deep cut to their wrist? Of course, even without a medical degree, or specialist training, calling an ambulance immediately or trying to get them to the hospital for treatment is at the top of the list of things to do.
Despite being strongly linked with mental disorders such as depression and chronic anxiety, many suicides happen impulsively during crisis situations when people feel incapable of dealing with the pressures of life. This may be financial issues, relationship problems, or loss (of family or friends).
More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, with up to 73 percent of these deaths happening in low and middle income countries like Ghana. According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people aged 15 – 29 years.
It is instructive to note that for every suicide case, there are many failed attempts and even more people who considered harming themselves. Given the numbers involved, there is no denying the fact that this is a major public health situation needing urgent attention.
So why does it feel like a helpless situation when we hear someone contemplating suicide?
It is, in part, because of the absence of a suicide prevention plan in Ghana – a national strategy which will among other things empower individuals, institutions, communities and the government to adequately respond to suicide as the crisis which it is fast becoming.
The government, courtesy a private members bill sponsored by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, decriminalised attempted suicide only in April 2023.While that is a crucial first step towards suicide prevention, Ghana is dealing with the unintended consequence of treating suicide as a criminal offence – the struggle to seek help when feeling suicidal even where help exists – still lingers.
We must understand that we are all different people, some stronger and more resilient than others. So much so that, even after considering the thought of how empty life will be after losing a loved one, they are able to pick themselves up and move on. But not everyone makes it past that phase without help. That is why making suicide prevention resources available and accessible at every level in the society cannot and should not be considered secondary as it currently is.
With timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented. This must begin in schools, work places, churches and every other group or groups of places where people interact.
The WHO recommends coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics and the media. These efforts, it says must be comprehensive and integrated given the multifaceted nature of suicide.
In the case of Ghana, government must immediately initiate the processes for the drafting and implementation of a national suicide prevention strategy. This strategy must among other things, include:
Duty of care and mandatory safeguarding policies: This will require organisations to institute clear monitoring and reporting channels including gatekeeper training programmes where managers, teachers, and other individuals in positions of authority are trained to identify early signs of withdrawal and distress for timely interventions. These programmes increase awareness and confidence in identifying at-risk individuals, especially in workplace and school settings, and directing them to appropriate support services.
Brief Interventions and Follow-Up Contacts: Simple, structured conversations paired with ongoing contact – such as phone calls, text messages, or visits – can have a significant impact in preventing suicide. Often used after someone has presented in crisis or been discharged from care, these follow up contacts provide connection and continuity. This could reduce repeat attempts and promote long-term engagement with mental health services.
School-Based Mental Health Education: We must invest in integrating mental health education into school curricula to equip young people with essential skills to understand, manage, and talk about mental health. This helps to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behavior, and enable early identification of students who may be struggling.
Digital Tools and Crisis Helplines: As we transition into an increasingly virtual society, online mental health tools and 24/7 crisis helplines provide accessible, anonymous support for individuals experiencing distress. These platforms can include self-assessment tools, chat support, and immediate connection to trained professionals.
It’s not a guarantee that people will not succumb to suicide but, these strategies, when implemented at scale as part of a deliberate national suicide strategy, will present would-be victims with a fighting chance and the appropriate support system to go through it.
While we wait for this government-backed intervention, I ask again — what do you do when a loved one informs you they are considering suicide?
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The writer, Manuel Koranteng is a journalist, mental health advocate and the Founder of MentaPulse Africa, which is Africa’s first employee mental health and wellbeing advocacy organisation based in Accra, Ghana.
The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately reassign the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, following his controversial threat to use corporal punishment against traders flouting city directives.
The Party described the Mayor’s comments threatening to “beat” traders who defied the Assembly’s order as “inhumane” and “irresponsible,” arguing that such an approach to sanitising Kumasi’s central business district renders him unfit for office.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong-Kumankumah, the CPP’s Flagbearer in the 2024 Presidential Election, firmly condemned the Mayor’s comments, insisting that the use of corporal punishment is unacceptable and ineffective in addressing urban challenges.
“The welfare of humanity should be at the centre of every policy that we implement,” she said, urging the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to prioritise dialogue and stakeholder engagement in its decongestion efforts.
As an alternative approach, Nana Sarpong-Kumankumah recommended the creation of employment opportunities for women and the youth as a long-term solution to the congestion challenges caused by petty trading.
“Carrying things on the head and sitting in the scorching sun to sell is inhumane and shameful for this nation. It is the responsibility of the Government to create decent employment for the people. We have failed the people,” she stressed.
The CPP’s call follows a recent press conference held by the Kumasi Mayor, where he announced a two-week ultimatum for traders operating along pavements and roadsides in the central business district to vacate the area.
He warned that failure to comply would attract severe sanctions, including threats of physical assault, a statement that has since drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
In addressing the broader issue, the CPP urged the KMA to adopt a data-driven approach in tackling street trading, stressing the need for proper planning.
“Cleaning Kumasi should be backed by data. We should know the number of people on the streets and what they do. We cannot address the problem without proper planning backed by data,” Nana Sarpong-Kumankumah added.
Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof Ransford Edward Gyampo
The Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof Ransford Edward Gyampo, has commended the current government’s efforts in addressing the issue of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, the government’s initiatives are praiseworthy, and the current minister in charge is more receptive and willing to listen to concerns.
Gyampo noted that, unlike the previous administration, this current one has demonstrated a greater willingness to work towards effective solutions.
“At least nationally, there is a consensus between those who opposed the fight and those who support it, and we are all working together,” he added.
Speaking on TV3’s Keypoints show, he acknowledged the progress made and urged the government to do more, particularly by declaring a state of emergency to better combat galamsey.
“We must demand that more is done. A state of emergency is needed to effectively combat galamsey,” he emphasised.
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GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
A multi-stakeholder approach is being proposed in proffering solutions to challenges hindering cocoa production and its trade.
National Project Manager of Green Commodity Programme at UNDP, Mathias Edetor, believes empowering the local community is the first step towards dealing with environmental challenges hindering cocoa production among others.
He said it is the project’s firm belief that “when the grassroots is firm, we can work together to fight issues of unhealthy environmental practices and promote climate-smart cocoa production”.
He spoke to JoyNews on the sidelines of a training event for executives within the Hotspot Intervention Areas (HIAs) under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme aimed at building capacities to drive collaborative multi-stakeholder action.
Ghana produced 531,000 metric tons in the 2023/2024 cocoa season, an amount experts claim to be below the country’s capacity.
To Mr. Edetor, the decline could be attributed to multiple factors which include climate change and other environmental challenges in the landscape.
It was for these reasons the Green Commodities Programme with funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) teamed up with multiple stakeholders to identify solutions to improve cocoa production and trade as well as transformation of agricultural systems.
Mr. Mathias Edetor said equipping executives with adequate knowledge to deal with stakeholder analysis in the landscape would promote sustainable cocoa production.
Participants in the training programme also sharpened skills in reporting and data management skills, ability to leverage Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for the multi-stakeholder collaboration.
They were also trained to identify and leverage opportunities for sustainable investments that support both environmental conservation and economic development.
Also the training impressed the need for the HIA executives to effectively engage and manage farmer cooperatives, private sector actors, and government institutions.
Mr. Sylvester Mensah, a training beneficiary, enumerated some beneficiary communities that have derived from the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP) through education provided by the HIA executives’ education.
“Some communities have commenced afforestation, climate-smart agriculture and land restoration processes to enhance productivity and nature conservation,” he said.
Others include farming inputs and community projects, including potable drinking water and schools support.
Mr. Mensah is hopeful the supports provided them through the Green Commodities Programme will help them to work better with partners and stakeholders for the communities to derive more benefits under the GCFRP and other investments coming into the cocoa-forest landscape.
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.
File photo showing the movement of electric current
A young man in his late thirties has tragically lost his life while attempting to steal an earth wire at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) substation at Adoato, in the Ashanti Region.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, April 19, 2025, led to a power outage affecting numerous customers in Kumasi and surrounding areas.
Collins Manu, Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Substation, shared the details on TV3 and X, stating that cable theft and vandalism have been on the rise in the region, with at least 133 lives lost since 2014.
“Beyond the personal danger, cable theft threatens economic stability, hinders development, and burdens taxpayers with unnecessary costs,” he lamented.
He added, “Cable theft is more than just an illegal act; it’s a reckless gamble with life and a direct attack on communities that rely on stable electricity. Each stolen cable disrupts homes, businesses, and critical services, leaving entire neighbourhoods in darkness and costing ECG millions in repairs.”
Meanwhile, the ECG has urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent such incidents.
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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:
The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority Professor Ransford Gyampo has criticized the current processes for appointing judges in Ghana, particularly the Chief Justice, describing it as politically biased and lacking meritocracy.
Prof. Gyampo questioned the rationale behind the country’s constitutional arrangement, which grants the president significant power in appointing judges “in consultation with” advisory bodies largely influenced by the same executive.
Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has announced that the government will soon engage transport operators to reduce fares in response to declining fuel prices.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Kwahu Business Forum at Kwahu Mpraeso on Saturday, April 19, Mr. Nyarko emphasized the positive impact this move could have on inflation.
“As a government, we have committed and have started bringing down inflation. In fact, we are hoping that with the next inflation announcement, we see a significant improvement.
“We are seeing that fuel prices are also going down. In the next couple of weeks, we’ll have to engage transport operators so that they will also bring down lorry fares. Once all these happen, it will have a positive impact on inflation, and it will help us as a country,” he stated.
Mr. Nyarko also highlighted the significance of the Kwahu Business Forum, noting that the presence of the Minority Leader at the event reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
“The presence of the Minority Leader and everybody shows that the government wants to bring everybody—the private sector, everyone—together so that we can push the growth that we need in this country,” he added.
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There were illegal miners from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, Guinea and parts of Northern Ghana living in Abrewanekran. Nana Bosompem
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Deputy Director of Operations at the presidency, Mustapha Gbande, has launched a strong critique against the previous administration, accusing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of manipulating the judiciary for political protection.
Speaking on the midday news with Mawuena Egbeta on 3FM on Friday, April 18, Gbande alleged that the former president deliberately filled the courts with loyal judges to shield his appointees from prosecution.
Ghana’s new President, H E John Dramani Mahama has marked his first 100 days (on Wednesday, April 16, 2025) in office with a wave of commendable achievements.
The pace has been swift, the direction clear, and the results – at least so far – reassuring to many Ghanaians. But behind every successful leader is a team, and several ministers have emerged as key drivers of this early success.
From bold digital reforms to economic relief, environmental protection to legal accountability, these individuals have begun shaping a presidency that seems ready to deliver.
Sam Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram
One name that stands tall in this early chapter is Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation.
He is, notably, the only minister to have held a comprehensive press briefing outlining his vision and roadmap. And true to his word, he has already launched the ambitious One Million Coders Program — an initiative designed to equip one million Ghanaian youth with relevant digital skills.
Recognizing the burden of high data costs on citizens, he has also inaugurated a committee to find sustainable solutions to reduce the cost of data in Ghana.
His in-depth understanding of the telecom space, digital ecosystem, and tech landscape has strongly vindicated the president’s choice.
As the administration hits this symbolic 100-day milestone, Samuel Nartey George stands out as a true pacesetter.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako Enyan Esiam
Equally impactful has been Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance. One might call him one of the president’s “mighty men” — and rightly so. He has introduced what is now dubbed the Relief Budget of the Fourth Republic, removing taxes that had become Equally impactful has been Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance.
One might call him one of the president’s “mighty men” — and rightly so.
He has introduced what is now dubbed the Relief Budget of the Fourth Republic, removing taxes that had become thorns in the flesh of businesses and the general public, including the COVID-19 levy, betting tax, E-levy, and the emissions tax.
In addition to that, he’s ensured the payment of accumulated arrears owed to nursing trainees and secured a permanent funding for the Free SHS program — a cornerstone of educational equity in the country.
His international recognition was cemented when he was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
Dr Forson has proven his mettle and continues to hold the fort with integrity and competence.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembele
In the natural resources sector, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has taken a firm stand against illegal mining, or galamsey.
His proactive interventions have led to the retrieval of some forest reserves, and he has unveiled the Blue Water Guards — a youth-led taskforce mobilized to defend Ghana’s water bodies.
While Ghanaians wish for faster results in curbing illegal mining, there is no doubt that Armah Kofi Buah is working with dedication and tact, and his impact is beginning to show.
Dr Dominic Ayine, MP for Bolgatanga East
The pursuit of justice and accountability has also been central to the administration’s agenda, and Dr Dominic Ayine, Minister for Attorney General and Justice, has taken clear steps to walk that talk.
Following the president’s promise to hold former government officials accountable for misappropriation of funds, Dr. Ayine has held a press briefing to update the nation on ongoing investigations and legal actions.
His calm demeanor, deep understanding of legal intricacies, and swift responses are earning him praise both within legal circles and among ordinary Ghanaians. He is fast becoming a symbol of the president’s commitment to good governance and rule of law.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah
In the defense ministry, Dr Edward Omane Boamah has been steadily working to reposition the military in the fight against illegal mining.
His consistent updates on military operations, especially via his social media platforms, have given the public a rare window into the role the armed forces are playing in the national effort to reclaim our lands and rivers.
His swift move to procure food supplies for the military and his openness about the inherited food debt left by the previous administration have also been well received.
His transparency and timely communication have brought a new level of public engagement to the ministry.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu
And then there is Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a standout in Foreign Affairs and International cooperation. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the first 100 days of the Government have seen a dynamic shift in Ghana’s diplomatic posture.
He has strengthened bilateral ties, and restored a level of pride and energy in Ghana’s Foreign Missions. His engagements have been strategic, people-centred, and rooted in Ghana’s broader development goals.
Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa has also become a voice for ethical leadership, advocating for accountability, and ensuring that Ghana’s image abroad reflects the discipline and progress happening at home.
Together, these ministers have formed the backbone of the president’s early success. Their actions show a government not just committed to power, but to purpose — one that understands the urgency of the moment and the expectations of the people.
The first 100 days are only the beginning. But if this pace is maintained, and the vision remains clear, Ghanaians may well be witnessing the birth of a transformative era.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to
to supporting economic growth and the creation of job opportunities for Ghanaians.
Addressing participants at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, he underscored the role of the private sector in national development.
“The private sector is an engine of growth, and the business leaders are the drivers and operators of the engine. They are the job creators, and they are the innovators that we must nurture, grow, and sustain. And this platform demonstrates Your Excellency’s commitment to this very task,” he said.
He gave the assurance that Parliament would partner with the executive to fulfill its mandate.
“Parliament stands ready to do whatever it takes to support your agenda, to ensure growth, and create jobs that are equitable Our various committees will support their sector ministers and the enterprises that work with those sectors to identify their challenges, fashion out appropriate recommendations to help them solve those challenges, and we will monitor your ministers to ensure that they are delivering according to the promises you made to Ghanaians,” he assured.
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GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
“NPP Must Stop Using People for Campaigns and Dumping Them After Power” – Dr. Amin Adam
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Dr. Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against sidelining loyal party members after securing political power as reported by MyNewsGH.
On the party’s loss in the 2024 elections, he advised the NPP to draw meaningful lessons and avoid repeating past mistakes in future electoral victories.
Dr. Adam expressed concern that the party often fails to acknowledge the dedication of individuals who contribute significantly during campaigns.
He emphasized the need to reward active party members, rather than those who gain recognition merely through their proximity to power.
He noted that continued neglect of grassroots members could demoralize the party’s base, weakening its unity and electoral strength.
“Those who work hard for the party must be rewarded,” he stated in a social media post, advocating for a merit-based system where only committed and dues-paying members are considered for government appointments.
Dr. Adam stressed the importance of inclusivity and fairness in leadership decisions, suggesting that this approach would reinvigorate the party’s support across all levels—constituency, regional, and national.
Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, he rallied members to begin preparing for the electoral challenge, urging collective effort. “All hands must be on deck and ready for the electoral battle ahead of us in 2028,” he urged.
Authorities also confiscated two Toyota Hilux pick-ups, a Toyota RAV4, four motorbikes, and several pieces of mining equipment during the swoop.
A high-profile anti-galamsey operation led by personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission has resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals, including foreign nationals, and the seizure of eight excavators from illegal mining sites allegedly linked to Akonta Mining, a company reportedly associated with the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
A few years after Independence, Article 44(3) of the First Republican Constitution of 1960 gave our President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the constitutional authority to dismiss the Chief Justice without giving any reason. Article 44(3) provided as follows:
“The appointment of a judge as Chief Justice may at any time be revoked by the President by instrument under the Presidential seal.”
Today, under the Fourth Republican 1992 Constitution, the President still has power—this time under Article 146—to sanction the removal of a Chief Justice when an impeachment process is set in motion.
“I do not write to assess the merits of the present petitions against the Chief Justice, for I know next to nothing about their contents,” an observer writes.
“However, I write because I am deeply concerned about an emerging trend: that with each electoral transition, we may soon expect a new Chief Justice or a new Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. We are drifting into dangerous territory—one where those in power can begin to lay claim to the ownership of constitutionally created offices.”
The independence of the anchors of state governance is at stake.
Kwame Nkrumah once set a precedent when he removed judges who acquitted Ako Adjei and others in a treason trial. He subsequently replaced them with judges who secured a conviction during the retrial.
In our more recent past, former President Nana Akufo-Addo received a petition for the removal of the then Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei. She was impeached.
Many of us either sat silent or protested, depending on our place along the political divide. Charlotte Osei was perceived to be aligned with the previous NDC government.
Needless to say, the petition to impeach her surfaced after the NDC lost power.
So, have we reaped the whirlwind? Have the chickens come home to roost?
Today’s Chief Justice is perceived by some elements of yesterday’s opposition as an ally of the NPP. Does the desire to remove a Chief Justice—or indeed any judge—arise simply because their rulings do not align with the expectations of the political class?
We must guard against this.
The onslaught against judicial independence and other constitutionally created offices will, in the end, hurt us all.
There is no doubt that the impeachment process under Article 146 can be abused by any President, especially through a Council of State largely appointed by the same President.
That said, there is room for hope.
The Council includes a former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Sophia Boafoa Akuffo (CJ Retired), whose vast neutrality and knowledge of the law could be a steady hand in these turbulent times. She has the mettle for it—or perhaps, she ought to.
We witnessed her independence of mind when she publicly criticised the Government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, despite being nominated and supported by that same government during her elevation to the office of Chief Justice.
I expect no less of her now, should she conclude that her intelligence and experience are being drowned out by numbers and political convenience.
In the end, the independence of the Judiciary and other constitutional institutions needs a safe berth—for the waters are stormy.
If Her Ladyship Sophia Boafoa Akuffo (CJ Retired) is indeed the embodiment of judicial integrity, her response to this unfolding process will be telling.
It will indicate whether prejudice was an ingredient in the impeachment stew, or whether reason and fairness prevailed in its preparation.
Be that as it may, there is an urgent need for constitutional reform to ensure that future Chief Justices are not held hostage by the political manipulation of Article 146.
Perhaps the leadership of the Bar will speak to this matter. Our elders and senior colleagues have remained silent for far too long.
The independence of the Judiciary—and all other constitutional offices—must be protected at all times.
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.
Controversial singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has called for a rematch after suffering defeat to rival Badmus Okikiola, also known as Portable.
Speed Darlington was dealt a second-round knockout on Saturday morning in a celebrity bout with Portable dubbed ‘Chaos In The Ring’ at Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos.
Tensions between the two singers escalated after Speed Darlington offered Portable ₦500,000 to perform at an event, an offer Portable reportedly found insulting.
“Portable, I want a rematch. E dey pain me say you dey carry all that money dey go. E dey break my heart. I want a rematch. It’s so unfair. You have up to two experience before me and you fight. I never enter ring before. I did not come from poverty,” he said.
“You don’t deserve that money. E dey pain me. I want to build swimming pool for my villagers. I need a rematch, Portable,” Speed Darlington added, saying he needed at least 30 days to prepare better.
He also reiterated his claim that Portable used voodoo to secure an easy win.
Earlier, he claimed that his shoulder became dislocated during the match despite not experiencing fatigue.
Dr Ekua Amoako is a member of the Communications Team of the NPP
The X-Patriots, a dedicated group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters, have declared their full support for Dr Ekua Amoakoh’s appointment to the Constitution Amendment Committee as a social media representative.
In a press release dated April 19, 2025, the group praised Dr Amoakoh’s unique ability to leverage social media for the party’s benefit, stating that her appointment would bring valuable insight to the committee’s work.
“As someone deeply connected to the party’s social media grassroots, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh possesses invaluable insights into the concerns, aspirations, and sentiments of our party’s online supporters,” the statement read.
The X-Patriots expressed confidence that Dr Amoakoh will provide a platform for social media voices, ensure online supporters’ concerns are represented, and bring digital perspectives to the constitutional review process.
They believe her involvement will not only enrich the committee’s deliberations but also help shape the NPP’s future strategies in a more inclusive and digitally informed direction.
Read the full statement below:
MRA/EB
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:
Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, has announced plans to revive nearly collapsed industries in the country to promote strategic value addition.
This initiative aims to scale up production to meet both domestic and international market demands.
Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the trade minister revealed that the government will partner with the private sector to establish three state-of-the-art garment factories.
These factories, according to Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, are expected to create 27,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.
“The ministry is promoting strategic value addition, reviving deformed industries, and scaling up production for both domestic and international markets. Under this initiative, we aim to establish, with the help of the private sector, three state-of-the-art garment factories, each with the capacity to provide 3,000 job positions, creating a total of 27,000 jobs under the 24-hour economy policy,” she stated.
The theme for this year’s Kwahu Business Forum is “The Future of Business: The role of the financial sector.”
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has shared a touching story about how President John Dramani Mahama supported him during a difficult time in his early business journey.
He made this revelation at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum, an event that brings together business minds, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss economic development and business opportunities in Ghana.
Mpraeso (E/R), April 19, GNA – Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for establishing the Kwahu Business Forum.
Mr Mahama Ayariga said this would serve as a platform to acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and as a rallying point for entrepreneurship across the country.
Mr Ayariga gave the commendation in his address at the Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum at the Mpraeso Social Centre in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region.
He said a 24-hour economy became the rallying cry of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the Election 2024 campaign, leading to its resounding victory because it represented enterprise, business, and most importantly jobs for the teaming youth, and that was why it was a very popular rallying point for the campaign.
“Private sector is the engine of growth, and the business leaders are the drivers and operators of the engine. They are the job creators, and they are the innovators that we must nurture, grow, and sustain,” Mr Ayariga said.
He said the Forum demonstrated President Mahama’s commitment to this very task. Your Parliament, the Parliament of Ghana, the people’s Parliament stands ready to do whatever it takes to support your agenda to ensure growth and create jobs that are equitable.
“Our various committees will support their sector ministers and the enterprises that work up to those sectors to identify their challenges, fashion out appropriate recommendations to help them solve those challenges and will monitor your ministers to ensure that they are delivering according to the promises you made to Ghanaians,” he said.
He assured the President that Parliament would also monitor and ensure the implementation of the promises to incubate and develop enterprises across the country and reiterated that the ruling NDC manifesto was full of programmes that aim to achieve that.
Mr Ayariga said the 2025 budget that got passed had significant allocations aimed at implementing those promises and their job in Parliament would be to monitor and ensure that this happens.
He lauded President Mahama for taking bold steps to support local enterprises.
Citing examples, Mr Ayariga said the president directed that 80 per cent of the common fund must be sent directly to the local assemblies.
He said this money, when it gets to the local assemblies, would be used to pay for the services of local entrepreneurs and businesses who would be providing services to the local assemblies.
Mr Ayariga said by his estimation, in the next four years, not less than five or six billion Ghana cedis would have hit the accounts of the local assemblies, which would have been used to service contracts by local enterprises and that would nurture the growth of local entrepreneurship across the country in the nation’s districts and assemblies.
Mr Ayariga said the President had also directed that when it comes to feeding the children in the schools, they should not procure the food items and ingredients and the things that they need in Accra.
He said they were to transfer the money directly to the schools in the districts and the headmasters must procure whatever they need in the community where the school was located.
He said one could again just imagine the number of secondary schools across the country.
“The number of school children who must be fed in those secondary schools and the amount of procurement that will take place in those communities and the payments to the service providers and how that will lubricate the economy of those communities and give local businesses a real opportunity to also thrive and grow,” Mr Ayariga said.
“We are very proud of your initiatives and this forum is testament to your commitment to foster dialogue among entrepreneurs to create the platform for collaboration between entrepreneurs, the bankers and governmental agencies so that together we can fashion out a strategy for moving forward and indeed making Ghana a great and better place to live in,” he said.
The Kwahu Business Forum, which is the brainchild of President Mahama, is a major initiative to foster entrepreneurship and support the growth of Ghana’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
It is a direct response to the government’s vision of expanding Ghana’s private sector capacity, especially in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors of the economy.
As a non-partisan national development agenda, the Kwahu Business Forum brings together business owners, industrialists, investors, start-ups, and major industry players to network, share experiences, and explore ways to raise capital or leverage available products from financial institutions.
The maiden forum, held during the 2024 Easter festivities at Mpraeso, the capital of Kwahu South District of the Eastern region, successfully brought together business magnates and young entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and expectations with the then-candidate John Mahama.
The Second Edition of the Kwahu Business Forum on the theme: “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” is being attended by Businessmen, entrepreneurs and heads of financial institutions.
The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority and governance expert, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has warned the constant changes in public officeholders with each new government undermines development and weakens national institutions.
Speaking on the KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey on April 19, Prof Gyampo said from his background with extensive research in governance and leadership the situation is worrying.
“If we are really interested in nation-building and the development of Ghana, then we should all be worried about this incidence of wanting to change appointees when a new regime takes over,” he bemoaned.
Prof Gyampo made these comments when he contributed to discussions on whether petitions for the removal of the current Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo are justified.
According to him, this trend, deeply entrenched since the return to constitutional rule in 1992, prevents long-term policy continuity and institutional memory.
“A nation that wants to develop cannot develop if it is always changing. People are appointed, new government comes in, they change,” he lamented.
Prof. Gyampo emphasized that countries that thrive typically have civil and public servants who remain in office long enough to build the needed experience and competences.
“Whether there’s government or not, they are able to run the country well,” he said.
“We should aim at building institutions such that regardless of who is in power, there are people there who will serve the nation effectively,” he suggested.
He further argued that political interference in appointments weakens meritocracy and fosters a culture of sycophancy. “I am not enthused about the practice of always wanting to change appointees when new regimes come in. It does not help us build strong institutions,” he stressed.
Citing global examples of governance systems where officials are retained across regimes, Prof. Gyampo said stability breeds growth, competence, and good governance.
In his view, Ghana must resist the temptation to politicize every high-ranking position, especially when those roles require technical know-how and long-term planning.
The Winneba Youth Choir has paid glowing tribute to Ghana’s Ambassador to Malta, Barbara A. Benisa, praising her for her pivotal role in elevating the choir’s international profile and redefining Ghanaian cultural diplomacy.
In a citation presented to the Ambassador, the choir expressed “profound gratitude and deep appreciation” for her exceptional leadership, culminating in the choir’s groundbreaking visit to Malta in August 2024.
That visit marked their participation in the 10th anniversary of Ghana’s High Commission in Malta—an event the choir described as “transformative.”
“Your unwavering support, coupled with your meticulous attention to the choir’s well-being and comfort, ensured an enriching and memorable experience for all,” the citation read.
“We deeply value your immense contribution and hold you in high regard for your invaluable impact on the choir’s international journey.”
In response, Ambassador Benisa reflected on the emotional and cultural significance of the moment, underscoring the need to promote Ghanaian identity abroad.
“The choir has done very well carrying the culture of Ghana,” she said.
“It is very, very important to promote the culture of Ghana. In Malta, I was the only Black woman among the whites—I had to work harder and prove myself.”
Her efforts were not limited to music and diplomacy alone. Ambassador Benisa noted that she also used her platform to push Ghanaian culture through food and fashion.
“We introduced Taste Ghana, Wear Ghana, and even made-in-Ghana chocolates became very common in Malta,” she said. “We had a very successful time with the people of Malta.”
True to her reputation as a dynamic diplomat, she emphasised the need for swift action and bold decisions in her role.
“As an Ambassador, I don’t have any problem making decisions and taking action quickly,” she said.
“Getting the Winneba Youth Choir to Malta and getting Chef Jove to take part in the president’s cookery program were all part of that.”
The choir’s acknowledgement is not just a recognition of Ambassador Benisa’s diplomatic achievements, but a celebration of how cultural promotion can serve as a powerful tool in nation branding.
As the citation concludes, the choir is hopeful that this marks the beginning of “greater heights ahead.”
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.
Ghanaian musician, Jah Lead, has expressed discontent at music producer JMJ after the latter claimed that he didn’t earn a single pesewa from the song “Lonely.”
In an interview on Hitz FM on April 18, 2025, Jah Lead referred to JMJ as a liar, accusing the producer of dishonesty regarding the song’s profits.
“Who is blaming who? JMJ is the biggest liar I have ever met in my life… Ask him if he has never asked me for money before. He should curse himself if he has never requested money from me,” Jah Lead stated.
In response to the accusation, JMJ, who was also part of the discussion, denied the claim, insisting that he wasn’t behind the issues regarding Jah Lead’s music profits.
“My problem is that my brother thinks I am the one orchestrating his not receiving his revenue, which is not true. What I want him to understand is that all the accusations he is levelling against me are false. He could have just gone to YouTube and identified the person flagging the content,” JMJ explained.
Jah Lead’s outburst comes after JMJ recently claimed that he didn’t receive any payment for the song, despite producing the beat and contributing to its promotion.
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Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini
Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, has issued a public apology to the Nayiri, the Mamprugu Youth, and the Council of Chiefs for his comments regarding the Bawku conflict.
Inusah Fuseini made the apology during an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile program, stating that his comments were misinterpreted as an attack on the authority of the Nayiri and the Mamprugu Kingdom.
He clarified that his intention was to promote peace and justice in Bawku, not to take sides or disrespect any traditional authority.
“It was unfortunate that my views, though honestly expressed, appeared to align with the Kusasi position. That was never my aim. I am Dagomba, but suddenly I was being labelled as Kusasi simply for suggesting a possible approach to peace,” he said.
He explained that his statements were made spontaneously during a discussion and were not intended to provoke anger or align with any particular faction.
“My comments were not meant to disrupt the existing order or undermine any traditional authority. I was simply pursuing what I believed could contribute to justice and peace in Bawku,” he added.
He also expressed regret that his comments were perceived as supporting the Kusasi position, which he had not intended.
The former Tamale Central MP further reiterated his commitment to peace and justice, stating that his words were meant to contribute to a resolution of the Bawku conflict.
“On this Holy Saturday, I pray that my apology will be accepted by all those I have offended, my brothers in Mamprugu, the youth, and the traditional authorities,” he said.
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GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
At the second edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, President John Dramani Mahama shared some challenges Ghanaian entrepreneurs face when trust and reliability are compromised in business.
He recalled a story from his early years in politics when he decided to support a relative by buying a bus to start a transport business, a decision that ended in failure.
“I bought a bus for a relative to run transport business so that he can look after the family at home and stop disturbing me on my small parliamentary salary. And they gave it to a driver who was a relatively good anytime you saw the bus, the bus had more load on top of it than in the bus”, he narrated.
He detailed how the axle of the bus eventually broke down, marking the start of a frustrating ordeal.
“The axle broke down, and it was the most regrettable experience in my life. When the axle broke down, they came to me to buy a new axle, anytime the bus broke down, they would come to me to come and repair it. And it was costing me more to repair the bus,” he stated.
He mentioned this incident to point out how difficult it is to find trustworthy people to work with these days.
“This driver used to live in the family house. While he was driving the bus, he procured the land, he started to build a house. The house reached lintel level when the bus finally broke down, and by then I had had enough. So, I refused to repair the bus and decided to dispose of it. And so, I sold the bus.
“This was like several years, maybe more than 10 years ago. And since I sold the bus, where the building reached lintel level, it is still at lintel level even till today. And so, what he says is very serious, getting trusted people to work with”, he stated.
The two-day forum, which is themed, “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” is designed to serve as a platform for dialogue between financial institutions and private sector players.
It convened policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore innovative strategies for economic development and private sector empowerment in Ghana and across Africa.
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GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has condemned what he describes as a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic foundations by President John Dramani Mahama concerning ongoing efforts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, April 19, Ahiagbah questioned both the intent and implications of the President’s decision, insisting that the move defies the logic of democratic governance.
“I think this president is taking an intended or unintended aim at the core of our democracy. This whole business of trying to remove the Chief Justice cannot be apologised for, and nobody can convince me that it makes any democratic sense, in terms of the practice and the furtherance of democracy in our country.
“Removing the Chief Justice does not make any rational sense. On that account, I will say that his administration has performed poorly on that score. What brought them into power is the democracy, and if they are aiming to affect that, for me, it cannot be excused,” he added.
His comments come amid increasing political and legal attention on the petition process involving the Chief Justice.
This follows President Mahama’s formal decision to refer a petition for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to the Council of State in accordance with constitutional requirements. The move triggered a swift response from the Chief Justice, who officially requested access to the contents of the petitions filed against her.
In response to her request, President Mahama granted the Chief Justice a 10-day period within which to present her written defence.
Reliable sources have confirmed that Chief Justice Torkornoo submitted her response ahead of the April 7, 2025, deadline, forwarding it to both the President and the Council of State.
With the Chief Justice’s response now officially submitted, the Council of State is expected to begin its review to determine whether the petition holds sufficient merit to warrant further proceedings.
The 2025 edition of the Africa Makeup and Beauty Fair was opened on Friday, 18 April at Afrikiko Leisure Centre in Accra.
The three-day fair, which is expected to bring together the top brands in the makeup and beauty industry, that is in its 9th year, has attracted hundreds of exhibitors from Ghana and other African countries.
It was under the theme: “Thrive: Nurturing Brands & Innovation in a Changing Climate.”
As part of the opening ceremony, a fashion show that portrayed elegant hairstyles was organised while members of the American Global Dance Group put up some performances that thrilled the guests.
In attendance were the Acting Executive Secretary of Creative Arts Agency, Mr Gideon Aryeequaye, female musician, Becca and Ghanaian actresses Martha Ankomah.
The programme lineup for the next three days includes panel discussions in which experts will discuss topics such as Green Beauty, Eco-Fashion, Networking, Business Development and Wellness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive of Makeup Ghana, Rebecca Donkor, who doubles an organizer of the event, highlighted the significant progress the AMBF has made since its inception nine years ago.
She said the Africa Makeup and Beauty Fair has grown to become more than just an event but has been a thriving ecosystem where African beauty and wellness brands connect with global opportunities, adding that over the years, the event witnessed groundbreaking innovations, eco-conscious production, and inclusive beauty standards that continues to transform the industry.
Touting the impact it has created so far, Rebecca Donkor said the platform remains a beacon for networking, learning, and showcasing African excellence on the global stage.
She stated that this year’s theme is a call to action that challenges players to embrace creativity and resilience while fostering sustainable practices that drive innovation and elevate the industry as it is constantly evolving and the ability to adapt and innovate will determine the level of success.
She therefore called for more collaboration. According to her, when they work together, they can create an environment where businesses flourish, talents are nurtured, and the industry thrives.
“Let us continue fostering meaningful collaborations that drive sustainability, empower businesses, and position African beauty and wellness on the global stage,” she said.
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.
Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has assured President John Dramani Mahama of Parliament’s commitment to supporting economic growth and the creation of equitable job opportunities.
He emphasized that Parliament’s various committees will collaborate with sector ministers and businesses to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.
Addressing business leaders and stakeholders in the financial sector at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, Ayariga underscored the crucial role of the private sector in national development.
“The private sector is an engine of growth, and the business leaders are the drivers and operators of the engine. They are the job creators, and they are the innovators that we must nurture, grow, and sustain. And this platform demonstrates Your Excellency’s commitment to this very task,” he said.
He reaffirmed Parliament’s readiness to partner with the executive to deliver on development promises.
“Your Parliament—the Parliament of Ghana, the people’s Parliament—stands ready to do whatever it takes to support your agenda, to ensure growth, and create jobs that are equitable,” he stated.
Ayariga added that committees in Parliament will work closely with relevant ministries and enterprises to shape targeted interventions.
“Our various committees will support their sector ministers and the enterprises that work with those sectors to identify their challenges, fashion out appropriate recommendations to help them solve those challenges, and we will monitor your ministers to ensure that they are delivering according to the promises you made to Ghanaians,” he assured.
He concluded by noting that Parliament will also play an oversight role in ensuring enterprise incubation and development across the country.
“Parliament will also monitor and ensure the implementation of the promises to incubate and develop enterprises across the country,” he noted.
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* Taxpayers footed bills for family vacays, not security! * CJ ‘owes’ $14,000, auditors demand cash back! * Daughter’s flight upgraded, costing thousands more!
A bombshell audit report has ripped open a can of worms at the Judicial Service, revealing that current Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo and her predecessor, Justice Anin Yeboah, allegedly blew taxpayer cash on luxury family holidays instead of vital security details.
Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has warned party members against engaging in illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking on The KeyPoints on TV3 with Alfred Ocansey on April 19, 2025, Tameklo emphasised that any NDC member caught participating in galamsey would face serious consequences under the Mahama-led administration.
He made it clear that those involved in galamsey would not receive any protection or intervention from senior party officials.
“Don’t for a minute assume that something will happen, and then they’ll call ‘order from above.’ That order, if you are the one going to respond to it, you won’t get Dr Omane Boamah. He is not getting involved. No, you won’t get him,” he stated.
According to Tameklo, any NDC member who chooses to break the law by engaging in galamsey would lose the protection of the party and be seen as a threat to the core values and mission of the NDC.
He reiterated the importance of discipline and following legal avenues for livelihood, urging members to explore legitimate business opportunities rather than damage the party’s reputation with illegal activities.
“Please, please, please, there are plenty of legitimate businesses that, as an NDC member, you can pursue in this government. Don’t become a burden for President Mahama,” he urged.
He then described galamsey operators as “environmental terrorists,” stating the damage they cause to the ecosystem and the party’s integrity.
He also emphasized that the party would hold members accountable for their actions.
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GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
GHS has directed healthcare facilities to stop charging patients for use of washrooms
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has directed all healthcare facilities to immediately cease charging patients for the use of washrooms.
In a statement signed by Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the GHS emphasised that washrooms are a vital part of hospital infrastructure, designed to provide comfort and dignity for patients and visitors, not to generate revenue.
“Washrooms are an integral part of the hospital infrastructure intended to provide comfort for patients and visitors and should not be used as avenues for exploitation,” he stated.
Regional directors have been tasked with ensuring that health facilities comply with the directive, with penalties for non-compliance.
“Regional directors are accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect,” the statement noted.
Prof. Akoriyea also emphasised the importance of maintaining clean and comfortable washrooms to prevent infections and improve patient satisfaction.
“The washrooms must at all times be kept clean and comfortable to prevent the risk of infection, enhance the perception of patient care quality, and increase patient satisfaction,” he added.
Read the full statement below:
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GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
Award-winning Ghanaian broadcaster, Maame Frimpomaa Korankye, popularly known as MFK, has made it clear that she draws a firm line between her personal life and her professional work.
In an exclusive interview with GhPage’s Rashad, MFK disclosed that she has been married for two years but strongly emphasised that she will never bring her marital issues to the airwaves.
Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwa, wants sweeping reforms in the processes governing the removal of the Chief Justice, arguing that such a critical decision should not be left in the hands of select committees.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Dankwa said the current system lacks transparency and public accountability.
“For me I believe there must be reforms in the way we appoint the Chief Justice, especially in her removal. I don’t think it should be left to a few committee, what we call quangos in UK to take that decision,” he told host Selorm Adonoo.
Dankwa suggested that Parliament, as the representative body of the people, should be the ultimate authority to approve or reject such removals.
“I think that it would have been better if that decision is referred back to Parliament. Because Parliament is a sovereign body that represents every Ghanaian whether it is partisan or not, that is how Ghanaians have voted,” he said.
According to him, subjecting such decisions to parliamentary scrutiny would ensure transparency, fairness, and robust debate.
“And I believe if it had gone to Parliament the debate would have been much more open, transparent, argument and counter-argument and think that going forward we should be able to look at something like that and strengthen the way some of these people are removed,” he added.
“If the appointment is approved by Parliament, I think it should be Parliament that should get her removed.”
Dankwa’s remarks come amid growing public interest in the future of Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, following petitions calling for her removal from office.
Frank Davies, Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed deep concerns over the politicization of the ongoing discussions surrounding the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as reported by MyNewsGH.
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Davies emphasized that the issue is not the removal itself, which is constitutionally permissible, but rather how it is being debated in the public sphere.
“It’s not the removal, per se, of a Chief Justice which is the problem,” Davies stated. “It is the constitutional structure where it is founded. If there is a valid basis for the removal of a Chief Justice, it should not be too contentious.”
However, Davies raised alarm over how the matter is being distorted by some influential figures.
He described this as an “aberration,” stating that when discussions are clouded with misinformation, it undermines the integrity of the process.
President John Dramani Mahama has officially received three petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo. These petitions accuse the Chief Justice of misconduct, abuse of office, and questionable rulings, including one involving the Speaker of Parliament.
The allegations also mention her advice to the President on judicial appointments and the misapplication of GH¢75,000.
The petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State, following the procedures outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
As part of the process, Justice Torkornoo has responded to the allegations, submitting her formal response to both the presidency and the Council of State.
A decision on whether to form a committee for further investigation is pending.
The iconic Kwahu Paragliding Festival has officially entered its 20th year, with a grand launch held on Saturday at the breathtaking Odweanoma Mountains.
The serene mountain range is the heart of all aerial action in Kwahu, making its significance to the paragliding festival evident.
First held in 2005, the festival has soared in popularity, attracting thrill-seekers and tourists from across the world.
It has also earned a remarkable reputation for safety, boasting two decades without a single fatality.
According to officials, the event continues to adhere to strict safety protocols, working closely with experienced pilots, medical teams, and security personnel to ensure a seamless and secure experience for both flyers and spectators.
As paragliders take flight and celebrations lift off across the Kwahu hills, the 20th anniversary promises not just thrilling moments in the skies but a continued commitment to excellence, safety, and cultural pride.
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.
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism about Ghana’s economic future, promising recovery and prosperity.
Speaking at the Good Friday Miracle Service by the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches at the Black Star Square, Accra, President Mahama assured that Ghana’s economic situation would improve, with more opportunities ahead.
Drawing inspiration from Christ’s resurrection, President Mahama said Ghana would overcome discouragement, hardship, and fear.
“I believe with all my heart that our dear nation Ghana shall rise again. Our economy shall recover, our youth will find opportunity, our families will flourish and thrive,” he said.
The President emphasised that economic restoration required collective effort, urging churches, businesses, and communities to unite and act truthfully.
“But that restoration will require that all of us—government, churches, businesses, communities—work together in unity and in truth. That will make our nation rise again,” he added.
President Mahama encouraged Ghanaians to reflect on Christ’s life and emulate His virtues to restore the nation’s fortunes.
He called for the rejection of pride, resentment, division, and hatred, while embracing love, burden-sharing, and sacrifice.
“Good Friday is a challenge to all of us. It challenges us to be more compassionate, it challenges us to forgive, it challenges us to have mercy—not just with words, but with our hearts,” he said.
President Mahama said that the day challenges “us to serve, and to serve not for praise, but to serve in humility.”
“It challenges us to trust God, even when the night is dark and the path is hard,” he said.
Professor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, has called on communicators of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intensify efforts to counter mounting criticism against President John Mahama’s administration.
Speaking on KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey on April 19, Gyampo stressed the need for a robust defense of the government to safeguard the president’s focus amid growing public scrutiny.
“President Mahama has to concentrate, but he is human. These needless noises can divert or worry him,” Gyampo said, urging party spokespersons to “activate all available channels” to rebut critiques from those he claimed “know next to nothing about governance.” His remarks come amid heightened debates over the government’s handling of economic challenges and environmental crises like illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Gyampo, a vocal advocate against galamsey, acknowledged recent progress in addressing the issue, citing a shift in public consensus. “Those who once defended illegal mining now call for its eradication,” he noted, praising Environment Minister Armah Kofi Buah for responsiveness compared to predecessors. “At least now, we have a minister who listens and acts,” he said, though he emphasized activists would not relent in their campaign despite broader alignment on the issue.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, echoed the urgency, rejecting any slowdown in efforts. “We are in a system where we are dying,” he declared, urging renewed public support for government actions while maintaining accountability. “We must applaud progress but also highlight missteps,” Ashigbey added, referencing Minister Buah’s invitation for collaborative action.
The calls for amplified political messaging coincide with Ghana’s charged electoral climate, as the NDC seeks to consolidate support ahead of future polls. Gyampo’s appeal underscores concerns within the ruling party over sustaining public confidence amid economic pressures and environmental degradation. Critics, however, argue that constructive scrutiny remains vital for democratic accountability, particularly on issues like galamsey, where past governmental inaction exacerbated ecological damage.
Ghana’s political landscape remains deeply polarized, with both major parties frequently accusing each other of misinformation a tension highlighted recently by the NPP’s dismissal of leaked internal reports as opposition fabrications. As debates over governance and environmental stewardship intensify, the balancing act between shielding leadership from “noise” and upholding transparency will likely define public discourse in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
Cape Coast, April 19, GNA – The Chief of Komenda-Kokwado, Nana Kwansa III, on Good Friday, brought Easter to life with a heartfelt celebration, embracing orphans, widows, widowers, aged and differently abled individuals in a day filled with joy and unity.
The event was not only a festive occasion but also a powerful reminder of the Chief’s commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of his community.
The atmosphere got to a crescendo as gospel superstars including Joyce Blessing and SP Kofi Sarpong delivered soul-inspiring performances, blending faith and socialisation in an unforgettable Easter experience.
From a memorable maundy Friday night that stretched into the early hours of Holy Saturday dawn, elders, widows, religious groups, and people from all walks of life came together in an extraordinary celebration.
They joyfully danced through the night to sensational gospel renditions, their voices, and spirits united in powerful praise, thanking God for His unwavering guidance and blessings until dawn.
The celebration formed part of the Nana Kwansa’s one-year anniversary which saw hundreds of the celebrants gifted with hampers and other assorted items.
Handing over the items, the Nana Kwansa expressed gratitude to God and his people for the opportunity to serve them in dignity.
He called for increased community support and urged corporate institutions to bring economic relief to the people through job creation.
Nana Kwansa stressed the need for peace in the area to help attract and retain investments for the good of all and appealed to the government to speed up the construction of the road network in the community to ease commuting challenges that had resulted in exorbitant fares.
Among those touched by Nana Kwansa’s generosity was Madam Akosua Mensah, a widow who expressed profound gratitude, saying: “This celebration has brought light into my life.
“For the first time, I feel truly valued in our community. Nana Kwansa’s kindness has given me hope for a better future.”
Similarly, Mr Kwame Boateng, who is differently abled, said “Being included in this special Easter event makes me feel part of the family.
Our Chief’s support will inspire others like me to believe in ourselves,” he said adding that the gesture was novel in the community.
A 75-year-old widow, Maame Akoa told the Ghana News Agency that the occasion was a testament of a devoted leader who sought to transform Komenda-Kokwado into a thriving and united community.
Other beneficiaries and community members also lauded Nana Kwansa for his unwavering dedication to development since ascending the throne just a year ago.
They mentioned the construction of a new palace, symbolising progress and renewal, and his commitment extending beyond tradition to tangible improvements in education, health, sanitation, and women empowerment.
They praised his initiatives to improve school facilities, enhance healthcare access, upgrade roads, and promote hygiene, all aimed at raising living standards.
Some women particularly appreciated his programmes designed to economically empower all women regardless of age.
Ghanaian music producer JMJ has denied allegations of extortion and greed levelled against him by musician Jah Lead.
Jah Lead had earlier accused JMJ in an interview on Hitz FM of profiting from the song at his expense, blocking it from some streaming platforms, among others.
However, in a recent interview on Hitz FM on April 18, 2025, JMJ refuted the claims, stating that he did not receive even a pesewa from the song, despite producing the beat and contributing to its promotion.
“There is no song out there that is in my name. I am even making 5 cedis from it… He is rather using my beat freely. I didn’t receive a dime from the song. All I wanted to do was to see my brother get a hit song and spark his career… I don’t even manage the song,” he said.
JMJ added that despite Jah Lead recently lashing out at him over the proceeds of the song and even threatening to physically assault him, he has decided not to take legal action.
“I was on my way home when my family called me that a police officer wanted to beat me… Then my lawyer called me based on the video, and he told me to make a case out of it. But I released that this would cost Jah Lead because that wasn’t what I wanted for him.
“Despite our feud, I even gave him a gig in Jamaica, and he didn’t even know because at that point he wasn’t on good terms with me,” he added.
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
How the Presidential Lodge, Regional Minister’s Residence looked as of January 2025
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has received praise on social media for renovating the Presidential Lodge and the Regional Minister’s residence near Lake Bosomtwe.
According to reports, the facility, as part of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, had been left to deteriorate for eight years under the previous government.
Visuals of the facility, which went viral in 2024, showed a vast area of land with dry terrain caused by the harmattan season, and flowers withering heavily due to a lack of irrigation.
Parts of the exterior ceiling were also broken, and the building’s paint was peeling off.
Some of the windows and doors were damaged, while the furniture inside was covered in dust, with several pieces completely broken.
However, new visuals of the facility, shared by The Ashanti Nation on X, show a transformation from just a few months ago.
All the rooms in the facility have now been renovated, completed with new furniture, glass fittings, and other enhancements.
In the viral video, the Ashanti Regional Minister was seen guiding a group of dignitaries through the refurbished space.
Watch the video below:
Wow! Inside the abandoned Presidential Villa at the Lake Bosomtwe. It was strategically built to give an aesthetic view of the Lake and its habitat. Imagine having a mega hotel around the area. And I saw the Regional Police Commander there. He looks good.
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:
Ernest Nuamah who plays for Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars
Black Stars midfielder, Ernest Nuamah has donated two sets of jersey to organisers of the annual Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup football tournament which is underway in Accra.
The organisers announced this saying “we have just received two brand new set of jerseys donated by Olympic Lyon player Ernest Nuamah, to be used for the grand finale of the 10th edition of the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup”.
They thanked Nuamah for this kind gesture.
“On behalf of our Chief Patron, the Eminent National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, we thank Ernest for his kind gesture. Nuamah has also decided to present prizes to our outstanding players. May Allah bless him.”
Nuamah’s donation comes a day after his fellow Black Stars players, Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Suleiman donated a trophy, medals and a cash prize to the tournament.
15 zongo competitions are competing in the 10th edition of the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup which is played every year at the end of Ramadan.
Former Tamale Central MP, Inusah Fuseini, has taken a swipe at the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing the ruling party of politicising the legal discourse surrounding Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, the former legislator expressed deep concern over what he perceives as the NPP’s aggressive defence of the Chief Justice amid growing debates about her position.
Tsiame (VR), April 19, GNA – Hundreds of residents at Tsiame and beyond in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have throng in to receive Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority leader and Member of Parliament for Efutu, to his ancestral hometown.
The excitement and enthusiasm displayed by the crowd attest to the high esteem in which Mr Afenyo-Markin was held by the people of Tsiame, as part of the homecoming to empower women in business.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, in his address at the occasion, said the turnout for the event was significant and a testament to his impact on the lives of the people.
“My visit to Tsiame is significant not only for the community but also for the country. It highlights the importance of community engagement and the role that prominent individuals can play in promoting development and progress,” he said.
He said the move was also to support, motivate and give hope to women and young ladies in the area through benevolence, to improved living standard of the residents.
The MP noted that the people of Tsiame and the entire Municipality had high expectations for future endeavours, while others were eager to see how various support would continue to contribute to the development of the community.
“My donations of hairdryers, sewing machines, and others are from my free heart, I am not in any way preparing myself to be an independent candidate or whatsoever for Keta constituency, it will never happen, I just deem it fit to extend a helping hand to my own people in my own town.
Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, the MP for Keta, who also witnessed the occasion, thanked Mr Afenyo-Markin for the kind gesture that would boost the apprenticeship programmes started in the area.
He urged other colleague MPs to emulate the Minority Leader, to help alleviate the plight of the people in the various constituencies and asked the beneficiaries to utilise the items for the rightful purposes for their economic sufficiency.
Mr Bernard Suka, the former Assembly Member of Tsiame and Deputy New Patriotic Party (NPP) Keta Constituency Secretary, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that the achievements and contributions of Mr Afenyo-Markin to the area had not gone unnoticed.
He said the dedication of the Minority Leader to public service and the commitment to making a positive impact on his community had earned him widespread recognition and admiration in the whole region and beyond.
Mr Suka said the people of Tsiame were proud of Afenyo-Markin’s accomplishments and were anxious to celebrate his achievements and the warm welcome reflected the community’s appreciation for his hard work and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
He said that Afenyo-Markin’s impact on the community extended beyond his professional achievements and becoming a role model for many young people in the area as well as inspiring others to work hard and pursue their dreams.
He said the Minority Leader’s support to women which included over 30 hairdryers, sewing machines worth thousands of cedis to Tsiame residents would impact positively on the community.
Some women, who were beneficiaries of the gesture, expressed excitement about the donations and pledged to use the items for their intended purposes.
Ghana’s Black Satellites have left for the upcoming CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be staged in Egypt.
Desmond Ofei and his players, as well as the technical team, left the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday, April 19, ahead of their participation in the competition.
This comes following months of preparations after booking a return to the continental stage following their second-place finish at the WAFU B qualifiers last year.
The Satellites finished behind eventual winners Nigeria during the tournament in Togo.
16 players travelled with the team on Saturday, with some foreign-based players also expected to join them in Egypt for the competition.
Prior to leaving for Egypt, the team met the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, on Friday.
Ghana is in Group C alongside defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic
With 13 teams competing across three groups from April 27 to May 18, the Black Satellites face a demanding schedule that could lead them through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final.
The tournament is also the qualifiers for the next edition of the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
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The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has appealed to politicians and policy makers to depoliticise business and entrepreneurship matters.
Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, he said that no matter how good political promises sound, they won’t mean much if people can’t get fair and easy access to money to grow their businesses.
“No economy can thrive where access to finance remains elusive, Ghana’s economic future will depend heavily on the strength, agility, and resilience of its business community and on the strategic role the financial sector plays in supporting indigenous enterprises to scale up and succeed.
“When we empower local businesses with the capital and confidence they need to grow, we do more than boost productivity, we open up pathways to job creation”, he noted.
He emphasised that this is especially important for Ghana’s youth, many of whom miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t belong to the right political party.
“In a country where youth unemployment remains one of our most urgent national challenges, building a strong and inclusive financial ecosystem is not just an economic imperative, it is a social one as well, and as someone who has spent over two decades not only in public service but also in private enterprise, I have walked that often unpredictable road.
“I know what it means to raise capital, to innovate through constraints, to weather storms in a fragile entrepreneurial ecosystem. These personal experiences have deepened my conviction that entrepreneurship is not just a livelihood, it is nation building. I don’t just sympathise with their journey out of theory; I identify with it through experience. I understand their struggles, their sacrifices, and their ambitions”, he stated.
He further urged the government to create an ecosystem where business owners can thrive without fear of being tagged or targeted.
“We must celebrate enterprise and actively cultivate an environment where hard work and creativity are rewarded, the success of a business should never depend on which political regime is in power. Nor should it be stifled by partisan labels.
“Our role as political leaders is not to frustrate private sector actors, but to foster a fair and enabling environment where merit, innovation, and hard work thrive”, he noted.
The Minority Leader urged policymakers to adopt long-term national planning built around values that unify, not divide.
“We must also take a hard look at how we extend opportunity particularly to the youth. They must not be supported only when they wear our party colours. They must be supported when they demonstrate potential, creativity, and drive. Ghana’s future cannot be built on partisan loyalty. It must be built on merit. Those who deserve opportunity should be given opportunity regardless of political affiliation.
“That is how we build a nation. That is how we create competition. And that is how we create real, lasting progress. I believe the time has come for Ghana to consider establishing a national orientation program built around these values that prioritise enterprise, fairness, and inclusion over partisanship and division”, he stated.
JKB/EB
GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has appealed to politicians and policy makers to depoliticise business and entrepreneurship matters.
Speaking at the second Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, he said that no matter how good political promises sound, they won’t mean much if people can’t get fair and easy access to money to grow their businesses.
“No economy can thrive where access to finance remains elusive, Ghana’s economic future will depend heavily on the strength, agility, and resilience of its business community and on the strategic role the financial sector plays in supporting indigenous enterprises to scale up and succeed.
“When we empower local businesses with the capital and confidence they need to grow, we do more than boost productivity, we open up pathways to job creation”, he noted.
He emphasised that this is especially important for Ghana’s youth, many of whom miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t belong to the right political party.
“In a country where youth unemployment remains one of our most urgent national challenges, building a strong and inclusive financial ecosystem is not just an economic imperative, it is a social one as well, and as someone who has spent over two decades not only in public service but also in private enterprise, I have walked that often unpredictable road.
“I know what it means to raise capital, to innovate through constraints, to weather storms in a fragile entrepreneurial ecosystem. These personal experiences have deepened my conviction that entrepreneurship is not just a livelihood, it is nation building. I don’t just sympathise with their journey out of theory; I identify with it through experience. I understand their struggles, their sacrifices, and their ambitions”, he stated.
He further urged the government to create an ecosystem where business owners can thrive without fear of being tagged or targeted.
“We must celebrate enterprise and actively cultivate an environment where hard work and creativity are rewarded, the success of a business should never depend on which political regime is in power. Nor should it be stifled by partisan labels.
“Our role as political leaders is not to frustrate private sector actors, but to foster a fair and enabling environment where merit, innovation, and hard work thrive”, he noted.
The Minority Leader urged policymakers to adopt long-term national planning built around values that unify, not divide.
“We must also take a hard look at how we extend opportunity particularly to the youth. They must not be supported only when they wear our party colours. They must be supported when they demonstrate potential, creativity, and drive. Ghana’s future cannot be built on partisan loyalty. It must be built on merit. Those who deserve opportunity should be given opportunity regardless of political affiliation.
“That is how we build a nation. That is how we create competition. And that is how we create real, lasting progress. I believe the time has come for Ghana to consider establishing a national orientation program built around these values that prioritise enterprise, fairness, and inclusion over partisanship and division”, he stated.
JKB/EB
GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish a National Venture Capital Fund aimed at supporting youth and women-led businesses across Ghana.
Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the President revealed that the fund will serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, providing critical financial support to help young people and women scale their businesses.
He further noted that the government will introduce regulatory reforms to encourage banks and financial institutions to increase lending to productive sectors of the economy.
“We will launch a national venture capital fund to support youth and women-led businesses and introduce regulatory reforms that encourage banks and financial institutions to lend to the productive sectors of the economy. In all of this, financial inclusion will be at the heart of this agenda. No economy can grow if its people remain excluded from the formal financial systems” he said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s private sector and ensure inclusive economic development.
GFA President, Kurt Okraku with the Black Satellites squad
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, met with the Black Satellites on Friday, April 18, 2025, to offer words of encouragement ahead of their departure for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
His visit aimed to motivate the team as they prepare to pursue a fifth continental title.
Following the visit, the Black Satellites departed Accra on Saturday, April 19, 2025, to continue their final preparations in Cairo.
The team is expected to spend another week in Egypt before the competition kicks off on April 27.
The squad had earlier completed a two-week training camp in Accra, after returning from a three-nation tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
They also had a short break before the local camp to recover and regroup.
Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic.
The Black Satellites, champions in 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021, aim to add a fifth title and repeat their historic U-20 World Cup success achieved in Egypt in 2009.
Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
Frank Davies, Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed deep concerns over the politicization of the ongoing discussions surrounding the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as reported by MyNewsGH.
