play videoEdward Bawa is the Group CEO of GOIL PLC

Group CEO of GOIL PLC, Edward Bawa has raised concerns over Ghana’s declining oil production, attributing the issue to deep-rooted structural challenges within the sector.

Speaking at an oil and gas forum in Accra on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Bawa revealed that Ghana’s oil production has dropped by more than 25 percent in recent years.

“Let’s not deny or pretend that the situation in Ghana today is not good. It’s not good because if we look at the data from 2019 to now, production has declined by about 25%,” he said.

Bawa’s remarks underscore the urgent need for reforms and investment to address the obstacles hampering the country’s oil output and to ensure long-term sustainability.

He further explained that the decline in production is primarily due to underinvestment and inefficiencies, noting that some license holders have failed to effectively develop or utilise their allocated resources.

“This has been caused by various factors, underinvestment and cases where even those holding licenses are not actively developing resources,” he added.

Bawa was first appointed Acting CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) in January 2025 by President John Mahama, before he was later reassigned as GOIL Group as CEO in February 2025.

FKA/MA

play videoHarry Maguire scored the winning goal against Lyon

Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback against French side Lyon, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring for United in the 10th minute, calmly slotting home a pull-back from a teammate. Before the end of the first half, defender Diogo Dalot netted a second goal to extend their lead.

However, Lyon mounted a strong second-half response. Corentin Tolisso capitalised on a spilled save from Andre Onana to pull one back, and Nicolás Tagliafico leveled the score with a composed finish past the goalkeeper.

In extra time, Ryan Cherki scored in the 104th minute to give Lyon the lead, followed by Alexandre Lacazette, who made it 4-2 with a well-placed effort.

United responded with renewed intensity. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to narrow the gap, Kobbie Mainoo equalized in the 120th minute, and a dramatic header from Harry Maguire sealed a stunning 5-4 victory at Old Trafford.

The Premier League side advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 7-6 aggregate scoreline.

Manchester United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, scheduled for May 1 and May 8, 2025.

The other semi-final tie will feature Bodo/Glimt against Tottenham Hotspur.

Watch highlights of the match below:

Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong

SB/MA

Edward Ato Sarpong, Managing Director of ADB

The Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC, Edward Ato Sarpong, has expressed excitement about the Kwahu Business Forum, stating that such a key platform can empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and facilitate economic growth.

Speaking on the Bank’s participation at the forum, Edward Ato Sarpong emphasised that the Kwahu Business Forum was a critical enabler that will bring together businesses and financiers to deliberate and chart a common path towards creating wealth and enhancing national development.

He indicated that as a development-oriented bank, ADB’s participation at the forum underscores its commitment to supporting Ghana’s business ecosystem.

“Our participation in the Kwaku Business Forum is in line with the Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and corporations for socio-economic development,” the MD said.

Ato Sarpong noted that business growth is fueled by access to capital and that ADB offers a range of financing options, such as term loans, lines of credit, and bank guarantees, that best serve the needs of all customer segments.

“By making capital accessible, entrepreneurs can turn their innovative ideas into reality to drive economic growth, and ADB is ready to support viable businesses in this regard,” he stated.

The Managing Director urges all participating businesses to engage the ADB representatives at the forum for all their banking needs, be it corporate banking, trade finance, electronic banking, SME banking, agribusiness, asset finance, retail banking, or consumer finance.

He reiterated the enduring capacity of ADB to provide tailor-made financial solutions for all.

Kwahu Business Forum

The Kwahu Business Forum is scheduled to take place on 19th April, 2025, at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region. MSMEs, investors, financial institutions, and other major industry players are expected to attend, network, share ideas, and promote investments.

The forum forms part of the government’s broader agenda to stimulate private sector development through enterprise-driven solutions. The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC is one of the key participants in the forum.

GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028

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Beatrice Laryea

Apr – 18 – 2025 , 13:27

2 minutes read

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Ted News Ghana Blog of Friday, 18 April 2025

Source: TEDDY VAVA GAWUGA

The legal move follows the government’s decision not to renew the company’s 30-year lease

Reports from the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) indicate that Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of mining giant Gold Fields Limited, has taken legal action against the Government of Ghana following the termination of its mining lease for the Damang site.

The legal move follows the government’s decision not to renew the company’s 30-year lease, a stance reportedly influenced by pressure from local youth who have accused the company of failing to contribute meaningfully to community development.

With the lease set to expire on Friday, April 18, 2025, the government has assumed operational control of the Damang Mine.

In an official statement, the government cited the company’s inability to declare verifiable mineral reserves as a critical reason for rejecting Abosso Goldfields Limited’s lease renewal application.

Gold Fields Limited, one of the world’s leading gold producers, operates two major mining sites in Ghana: the Tarkwa Mine, managed by Gold Fields Ghana, and the Damang Mine, operated by Abosso Goldfields Limited.

The company gained full operational control of the Damang Mine in 2011 after acquiring IAMGold’s remaining shares.

Currently, Gold Fields holds a 90% ownership stake in the Damang Mine, while the Government of Ghana retains the remaining 10%.

FKA/MA

GhanaWeb to stream Kwahu Business Forum as government targets 600 businesses by 2028

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Sofia, April 18, BTA/GNA – Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria observe Good Friday. On this day, the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. Good Friday is the day of strictest fasting. By abstaining from water and food, believers express their compassion for Christ’s suffering. 

In churches across the country, believers gather for morning services where twelve excerpts from the Gospel recounting Christ’s sufferings are read.

The rituals in the temples are dedicated to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

At Orthodox Christian churches in Bulgaria, a replica of the Holy Shroud, in which his body was wrapped after being taken down from the cross, is taken out as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s divine presence on earth.

Before the service begins, Christ’s “tomb” is erected in the middle of the church, decorated with flowers, and the shroud is placed on the throne – a piece of cloth on which the image of the Saviour laid in the tomb is embroidered. Nowadays the shroud is usually placed on a table and Orthodox Christians pass under it and pray for health and divine favour.
For church ritual, this action has the value of bowing before the tomb of the Lord, and for folk tradition this is the hope of health.

The evening service focuses on Christ’s death. 

BTA/GNA

In commemoration of World Health Day, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), organised a webinar focusing on maternal, neonatal, and child health in West and Central Africa.

The webinar assembled health experts, practitioners, and other stakeholders to share data on the challenges and opportunities in improving health outcomes for mothers and children in the region.​

Expert Insights on Maternal and Neonatal Care

Co-moderating the session with the President of REMAPSEN, Bamba Youssouf, a Health Specialist at UNICEF’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, health practitioner Dr. Tomomi Kitamura identified the critical role of collaborative efforts in enhancing health outcomes for mothers and children.

Professor Mariam Sylla, President of the Association of Francophone Black African Paediatricians, highlighted the multifaceted care required for nursing mothers and newborns. She stressed the importance of comprehensive healthcare services to prevent and reduce mortality rates, advocating increased awareness and education on maternal and neonatal health.

Professor Faye Moctar, Vice-President of the African Neonatal Association, addressed the necessity for substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, skilled personnel, and financing.

He underscored that adequate resources are essential to provide quality care for mothers and newborns, calling for heightened commitment from governments and stakeholders.

A Mother’s Personal Journey

Sharing a personal story in contribution to the discussion, Madam Ebena narrated her harrowing experience of giving birth to a premature baby. She recounted the emotional and physical challenges she faced, watching her fragile infant in an incubator while grappling with her own recovery. Her story underscored the profound impact of maternal and neonatal health services on families.

The session was a platform for a clarion call for enhanced investment, policy implementation, and community engagement to improve maternal and child health outcomes in West and Central Africa.

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.

Three Nigerian teenage girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and safely returned to the country, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed on Friday.

In a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, the agency revealed that the victims, Divine, Favour, and Bright, aged between 17 and 19, were deceived by their aunts with promises of employment, only to be forced into prostitution.

The girls were officially received at the NiDCOM office in Lagos on Thursday and subsequently handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for profiling and rehabilitation.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM,  who addressed the media during the reception, lamented the continued silence surrounding human traffickers and called for a more aggressive stance.

“Until we begin to name and shame the perpetrators of this modern-day slavery, human trafficking will not end,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa also commended Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, for working closely with Ghanaian security agencies to rescue victims.

She acknowledged the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana for its consular support and praised  Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady, for facilitating the girls’ return home.

The commission disclosed that more than 169 Nigerians have been repatriated from Ghana in recent months, underscoring the persistent threat posed by human trafficking networks.

The rescued girls, originally from Bayelsa and Ebonyi States, are now in the custody of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), where they will receive further support and rehabilitation.

IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva

Trade tariff uncertainty is “literally off the charts” but there will not be a global recession, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

The international economic group said in its forecast for the world economy that global share prices have dropped “as trade tensions flared” and warned about an “erosion of trust” between countries.

However, it stopped short of predicting a worldwide recession, saying “our new growth projections will include notable markdowns, but not recession”.

The comments come as leaders and businesses respond to US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announced on 2 April.

Global stock markets plummeted following the announcement and many have not recovered since – with the FTSE 100 index of the largest firms listed in the UK still 4.6% lower than a month ago.

Meanwhile, predictions of a global recession have risen as firms slash spending and investment amid the uncertainty and some countries respond to Trump with tariffs of their own.

On Wednesday, the World Trade Organization (WTO) forecast that global trade will fall this year because of Trump’s tariffs.

It follows similar comments from the Bank of England, which has said that rising trade tensions from tariffs have “contributed to a material increase in the risk to global growth” and financial stability.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank (ECB) said on Thursday it had reduced its key interest rate “owing to rising trade tensions”.

But the IMF’s outlook is rosier by contrast. “[This] is a call to respond wisely,” said IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday.

“A better balanced, more resilient world economy is within reach. We must act to secure it.”

She added “all countries must redouble efforts to put their own houses in order” in response to the uncertainty.

She specifically called on Europe to cut down on “restrictions on internal trade in services” and “deepen” its single market.

She also said China needs to increase its social safety net so that there is less “precautionary saving” and said the US government needs to reduce its debt.

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Ted News Ghana Blog of Friday, 18 April 2025

Source: TEDDY VAVA GAWUGA

• Skilled Ghanaian female carpenter, Ama Endorsed, had a great taste in cars when she was alive, and this was evident in the pictures she shared on Instagram
• The Lady Carpenter, as she was affectionately called by many, was reported to be dead on April 17, 2025
• YEN.com.gh put together pictures of the cars the skilled carpenter owned before her untimely passing

Female Ghanaian carpenter Ama Endorsed reportedly passed away, and the news of her passing took over social media on April 17, 2025.

Ama Endorsed car collection

The late Ama Endorsed was more than just a talented carpenter and successful businesswoman.

She was also known for her vibrant personality, inspiring work ethic, and taste for the finer things in life, especially cars and luxury jewellery and bags.

Before her untimely passing, Ama Endorsed proudly showcased glimpses of her car collection on social media over the years, offering fans and followers a peek into the rewards of her dedication and hustle.

Read also

Ama Endorsed: Late celebrity carpenter speaks about her ill health in old video, netizens react

For her birthday on February 17, 2025, Ama Endorsed gifted herself a brand new Range Rover in the colour white with a registered number plate dated 2025.

She shared pictures of her posing with her tools in the booth of the expensive car, while slaying in a black mini dress.

The expensive car was a gift to herself for her hard work in the architectural industry. As part of her birthday celebrations, she held a grand opening for the first phase of her factory

Ama Endorsed on her birthday

More pictures of Ama Endorsed with her Range Rover

The Lady Carpenter, as she was affectionately called by many, was captured posing with a white Mercedes-Benz, which further heightened her preferences in white cars.

The beautiful pictures in the carousel post below were taken at the Aburi Botanical Gardens. She flaunted her designer bag and fine beauty.

Read also

Ama Endorsed: Beautiful photos of the late carpenter slaying in outfits surface

Ama Endorsed dazzled in a brown figure-hugging dress while seated on the car’s bonnet.

In June 2019, Ama Endorsed flaunted her silver Hyundai Elantra while dazzling in a pair of gym shorts and a top.

The car was the first ever she posted on her Instagram feed, and it featured in her pictures until she changed to the white Mercedes-Benz.

Her changing from the Hyundai Elantra to the Mercedes-Benz showed that she was a lover of cars, and she proudly showcased that part of her.

More pictures of Ama Endorsed with her Hyundai Elantra

Pictures of Ama Endorsed

Photos of late carpenter Ama Endorsed emerge

YEN.com.gh reported that the sudden passing of celebrated businesswoman and skilled carpenter, Ama Endorsed, was announced on April 17, 2025, leaving many in sorrow.

Following the heartbreaking news, celebrities, friends, and fans flooded social media with tributes, offering condolences to her family and remembering her remarkable talent and vibrant personality.

Read also

Real name, age, businesses, photos, and other details of famous lady carpenter Ama Endorsed surface

In honour of her life and legacy, YEN.com.gh compiled a collection of beautiful photos showcasing Ama Endorsed’s unique fashion sense and style — a flair that endeared her to many and will be fondly remembered.

Source: YEN.com.gh

A US judge has ruled tech giant Google has a monopoly in online advertising technology.

The US Department of Justice, along with 17 US states, sued Google, arguing the tech giant was illegally dominating the technology which determines which adverts should be placed online and where.

This is the second antitrust case Google has lost in a year, after it was ruled the company also had a monopoly on online search.

Google said it would appeal against the decision.

“Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective,” the firm’s head of regulatory affairs Lee-Ann Mulholland said.

US district judge Leonie Brinkema said in the ruling Google had “wilfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts” which enabled it to “acquire and maintain monopoly power” in the market.

“This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” she said.

Google lost on two counts, while a third was dismissed.

“We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half,” Ms Mulholland said.

“The court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don’t harm competition.”

The ruling is a significant win for US antitrust enforcers, according to Laura Phillips-Sawyer, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law.

“It signals that not only are agencies willing to prosecute but also that judges are willing to enforce the law against big tech firms,” she said.

She said the verdict sets an important legal precedent and is likely to affect decision-making in corporate America.

Google’s lawyers had argued the case focused too much on its past activities, and prosecutors ignored other large ad tech providers such as Amazon.

“Google has repeatedly used its market power to self-preference its own products, stifling innovation and depriving premium publishers worldwide of critical revenue needed to sustain high-quality journalism and entertainment,” said Jason Kint, head of Digital Content Next, a trade association representing online publishers.

‘Structural changes’

Google owns large companies on the buyer and seller sides of the online advertising market, as well as an ad exchange which matches demand and supply.

Internet users will not notice a difference online as a result of the decision, said Anupam Chander, professor of law and technology at Georgetown University.

But it affects “the division of monies between advertisers, publishers, and ad service providers”.

“The judge seems willing to order structural changes in Google’s ad exchange practices, which may affect Google’s bottom line somewhat, but don’t seem to necessarily threaten its core value proposition as an advertising middleman,” he added.

In an ongoing series of antitrust lawsuits, the US government argues Google and its parent company Alphabet should be broken up – which could include selling off parts of the company such as the Chrome browser.

The US case will now move to a second “remedies” phase, which could also lead to Alphabet being broken up, said John Kwoka, a professor of economics at Northeastern University.

In September, the UK’s competition watchdog provisionally found Google was using anti-competitive practices to dominate the market for online advertising technology.

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