Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, has sharply criticised the ongoing process to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, labelling it a “charade” orchestrated to oust her from office.
Mr Dame made the submission in open court on Tuesday, May 6, while arguing in favour of an injunction to halt the suspension process.
He contended that the steps taken so far lack genuine legal merit and appear politically motivated.
“All these processes to suspend the Chief Justice are nothing but a charade to remove the CJ from office,” Dame stated emphatically.
He urged the court to intervene and prevent what he described as an abuse of constitutional procedures for improper ends.
Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie has been relieved of his duties as the Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
The circumstances surrounding his dismissal have not been officially disclosed.
Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie was appointed Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on June 24, 2024.
His appointment was made by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
Prior to leading NaCCA, Prof. Dzakadzie held several influential positions within Ghana’s education sector. He served as Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and was also Director for Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education.
Renowned for his expertise in educational assessment, research, and evaluation, Prof. Dzakadzie brought significant experience in test development, statistical analysis, and teaching across various academic levels.
No official explanation has yet been provided by the Ministry of Education or the Office of the President regarding the reasons for his dismissal.
SHS food quality has improved – CHASS to Education Minister
A young man has taken to Lawson Afisem to share that he is going through a lot.
Speaking with MFK in an interview monitored by Gh Page, the young man has said that he has been suffering for the past 7 years.
Narrating his story, the man stated that during his Senior High School days, life was beating him half dead, so, he decided to use a dubious means to make money for himself.
Winneba (C/R), May 6, GNA-The Effutu Municipal Assembly has rejected outright, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) nominee, Mr Abraham Arthur.
Mr Arthur, an educationist did not meet the threshold required to be elected as the MCE during a special meeting on Monday, May 5, at Winneba to confirm his nomination.
Of the 26 votes cast, the nominee, had nine “Yes” votes and 17 “No” votes, indicating a rejection of he, being nominated.
The election was conducted by officials from the Effutu Directorate of the Electoral Commission, and supervised by Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister.
As by law, since the nominee failed to obtain two-thirds majority of the valid votes cast, the members will reconvene at a meeting within ten days for another election.
Mr Eduamoah had earlier, appealed to the Assembly Members to do away with partisan politics and approve the President’s nominee in the interest of development.
Mr Alexander Ato Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament for Effutu, had also urged the House to confirm the nominee and make the Assembly effective by being non-partisan, uniting as one people to pursue the Effutu dream of development, hard-work and resilience.
“I also believe if the nominee receives the support of the house, he will cooperate with the members to work to better the lots of the people,” Mr Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Minority Leader of Parliament, added.
Earlier, Mr Yakubu Quansah, Assembly Member of Abassaba North, was elected as Presiding Member of the Assembly.
Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Ghana Business School, Lord Mensah has been appointed as the new Head of Local Government.
With a strong academic background, Professor Lord Mensah holds a PhD in Applied Economics-Finance from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, an MSc in Financial Mathematics from the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He brings to the role a wealth of international exposure, having presented papers at leading finance and economics conferences globally including the World Finance Conference in Portugal, the Swiss Society for Financial Market Research, and events hosted in the U.S., South Africa, Vietnam, France, and Singapore.
His extensive research portfolio is widely cited and indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Beyond academia, Prof. Lord Mensah has consulted for prominent institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Bank of Ghana.
He also serves as Executive Director of the African Centre for Development Finance and is a familiar voice in Ghana’s financial discourse across media and corporate platforms.
His appointment signals a strategic move to bring financial and economic expertise to the governance of local government systems, with potential implications for fiscal decentralisation and development financing in Ghana
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed an objection raised by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame against the participation of acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, in the panel hearing the case concerning the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Mr Dame, who described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s role as “unprecedented,” argued that it was procedurally improper for the acting Chief Justice to both empanel and preside over a matter directly involving the substantive Chief Justice.
According to him, such a move could undermine public confidence in the judiciary’s independence.
Following a brief recess, the Supreme Court panel reconvened and unanimously overruled the objection.
The justices held that the concerns raised by the former Attorney General did not disqualify Justice Baffoe-Bonnie from presiding over the proceedings, and that due judicial process would be upheld throughout the case.
The panel currently hearing the matter comprises Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Justice Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, Justice Yonny Kulendi, Justice Amadu Tanko, and Justice Ernest Gaewu.
The ruling clears the path for the continuation of legal arguments surrounding the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo.
On May 2, The Market Place on JoyNews analysed President John Mahama’s recent comments on boosting the local movie industry.
At the launch of the Black Star Experience on May 1, the President announced that only Ghanaian films will be shown on the presidential jet—a policy he first introduced during his previous administration.
To unpack what this means for the creative sector, culture journalist Kenneth Awotwe Darko joined host Daryl Kwawu to assess the implications.
Watch playback here:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
East Africa’s leading musical sensation Marioo has released a moving new single titled ‘TETE’, under Tanzanian label Bad Nation.
The song is a heartfelt fusion of Afro fusion and Bongo Flava, produced by the acclaimed S2kizzy and mastered by sonic craftsman Laizer.
Crafted to stir hearts and soundtrack love stories across the continent, ‘TETE’ is a poetic ode to love, showcasing Marioo at his most vulnerable.
With a melody that samples Brenda Fassie’s “Nakupenda,” the track lingers long after it ends–with its lyrics offering a sense of healing.
Marioo says, “Tete is about a love so deep, it humbles you. It’s that feeling of being so in love that you let your partner lead and care for you–like a child learning how to walk. I wanted to capture that tenderness and intensity and let listeners feel the beauty of love through my perspective.”
At the same time, Marioo has solidified his position as a top music force in Tanzania and beyond, currently ranking as the number one artiste on Boomplay Tanzania and also leading on Audiomack Tanzania with over 465,000 monthly listeners.
These milestones highlight his massive streaming success and growing influence in the African music scene.
Since breaking onto the scene, Marioo has emerged as the voice of a generation, effortlessly balancing youthful storytelling with deeper, mature themes.
With ‘TETE,’ he welcomes fans into a more intimate space, revealing his growth as a custodian of emotion and tradition.
The stripped-down romantic visualizer, already trending on YouTube and featuring his wife Paulah Kajala, beautifully captures the simplicity and authenticity of love’s most tender moments.
“TETE” unfolds like an intimate handwritten letter, braiding raw emotion into Swahili verses, delicately set against an Afrobeat rhythm that transcends borders.
It’s nostalgic yet contemporary sound bridges cultures while reminding us that in a fast-paced digital world, love remains timeless.
Marioo has also been enjoying the success of “The Godson” – his recently released and acclaimed second album which has been declared a monumental addition to the African music landscape.
The album collaborators include celebrated artists such as King Promise (Ghana), Patoranking (Nigeria), Bien (Kenya), Joshua Baraka (Uganda), Rwanda’s Kenny Sol and Element Eleeh and Tanzanian legends very own Harmonize, Alikiba and and the new rising star from Bad Nation – Stans.
“The Godson” album showcases Marioo’s artistry and flair – blending distinct Bongo Flava with genres and influences across Africa, a testament to his dynamic style, love for cross-cultural collabs and his ability to produce sounds that resonate with fans across the continent and beyond.
Stream “The Godson” album via http://africori.to/thegodson
The Tema East Constituency Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Robert Kempes Ofosuware, has called on all elected Assembly Members and government appointees within the Tema Metropolitan Assembly to vote overwhelmingly in support of Ebi Bright’s nomination as Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE).
Madam Bright’s appointment was officially communicated in a letter dated April 23, 2025, jointly signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, and the Minister for Local Government, Ahmed Ibrahim.
Her nomination has sparked celebrations among NDC supporters in Tema, many of whom cited her extensive experience, strong visibility in the constituency, and long-standing commitment to local development.
In a statement addressed to Assembly Members and government appointees, Ofosuware urged them to set aside personal preferences and rally behind Ebi Bright for the sake of party unity and the national development agenda.
“Although I demonstrated a strong interest in occupying the mayoral position in the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, the President of the Republic, in his own wisdom, thought otherwise,” Kempes stated.
He emphasised that the President’s decision must be respected, as it falls squarely within his constitutional prerogative.
“It is instructive to note that the President, by constitutional mandate, has the singular and sole prerogative to hire and fire. It is in that regard that he has nominated Madam Ebi Bright for the position of MCE for Tema Metropolitan Assembly,” he added.
With the confirmation vote approaching, Kempes appealed for a united front.
“As the countdown to her endorsement approaches, I sincerely urge all twenty-one (21) elected Assembly Members and ten (10) government appointees to endorse her nomination. This will enable her to effectively partner with the President in implementing key flagship economic policies that align with our local needs,” he said.
He further assured that he and other local leaders will give Ebi Bright their full backing.
“As Chairman of Tema East Constituency, I will work closely with my colleague in Tema Central to provide Madam Ebi Bright with all the necessary support and cooperation to succeed in her new role,” he said.
Ofosuware concluded by calling on all party members to throw their weight behind the nominee: “In light of the above, I crave the indulgence of all party members to support her to succeed. Together as one.”
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Professor Lord Mensah, a renowned financial economist, as the new Head of the Local Government Service.
The Local Government Service (LGS), established under the repealed Act 656 and now governed by the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), is mandated to ensure the effective administration and management of Ghana’s decentralised local government system.
Its core functions include supporting effective local governance by providing technical assistance to RCCs and MMDAs, conducting organisational and job analyses, performing management audits to improve service delivery, designing and coordinating management systems and processes, and assisting these local bodies in carrying out their duties under relevant laws.
Professor Mensah, who is a distinguished Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Ghana Business School, brings an exceptional blend of academic depth and real-world experience to the role.
His appointment is expected to strengthen fiscal decentralisation and enhance the financial management capacity of local government institutions nationwide.
He holds a PhD in Applied Economics-Finance from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, an MSc in Financial Mathematics from the University of Kaiserslautern in Germany, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from KNUST,
Professor Lord Mensah has also built a solid academic foundation that has informed his contributions to financial policy and development discourse across Africa.
He is widely recognised for his research, with publications indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
He has delivered expert presentations at leading international conferences including the World Finance Conference in Portugal, the Swiss Society for Financial Market Research, and events across the U.S., South Africa, Vietnam, France, and Singapore.
Beyond academia, Professor Mensah has consulted for major institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Bank of Ghana.
He also serves as Executive Director of the African Centre for Development Finance and is a respected voice in Ghana’s economic policy space, regularly featured in national media and corporate circles.
Kurt Okraku with some players of the Black Princesses
The Ghana U-20 women’s national team, the Black Princesses, received a timely boost on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, when Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku paid them a surprise visit at their training base in Prampram.
The visit came just a day after the team resumed camp ahead of their upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. With preparations barely underway, the President’s presence served as both a morale booster and a strong statement of intent from the GFA.
In a warm interaction with the players and technical team, Okraku expressed his confidence in the squad and urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and united as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
His words of encouragement were met with smiles, as the players welcomed the gesture from the nation’s football leader.
The atmosphere in camp has been described as vibrant and full of energy, with the Princesses already displaying a sharp sense of purpose during early training sessions.
The technical team is expected to intensify preparations in the coming days as Ghana works toward securing a place in the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
FKA/MA
Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity
According to GhanaWeb, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, has commented on an alleged altercation between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and a police officer.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated May 6, 2025, Sam George referenced a video of himself being assaulted by National Security officers during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019, under the previous New Patriotic Party administration.
He highlighted what he described as inconsistency in public reactions to both incidents.
“The very people who said my words justified these attacks by two ‘national security’ operatives are today slapping a policeman who was simply doing his job?
“Hmmm. This life is truly a cycle. We pray for long life and good health. Cheers,” he added.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who represents the Effutu constituency, has become the focus of public attention following an incident during the #SaveTheJudiciary protest held on Monday.
A video circulating online appears to show the lawmaker attempting to strike a police officer near a security barricade.
In response to the allegations, Afenyo-Markin explained that his actions were prompted by an earlier physical encounter, during which he said a police officer struck him while he was trying to access Parliament House.
He described the blow as forceful enough to leave him disoriented and gasping for breath.
According to him, nearby officers intervened and assisted him into the restricted zone, where he had to support himself against a wall to recover.
He further noted that a Parliament staff member offered him water, and two officers from the Criminal Investigation Department helped him to a nearby rest area, where he lay down to stabilize.
Following the incident, the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation.
The police confirmed that they have formally requested the Speaker of Parliament to make Afenyo-Markin available to assist with the inquiry.
According to YEN.com.gh News report, A viral sensation has emerged from Ghana as three-year-old hairstyling prodigy “Serious Madam” gains international attention for her extraordinary braiding skills. The toddler, whose real name remains unknown, has captivated social media with videos showcasing her dexterity and focus while creating intricate hairstyles. Recently spotted abroad, her global appearances have sparked excitement among beauty enthusiasts worldwide, with many praising her natural talent under the celebratory hashtag #GodDid.
What makes Serious Madam remarkable is not just her age, but the professional-level techniques she displays. Videos show her confidently sectioning hair, applying tension correctly, and executing complex braid patterns that many adult stylists spend years mastering. Her TikTok fame (@by_heart_boi) has grown exponentially, with clips of her working diligently – tongue often peeking out in concentration – amassing millions of views and comments marveling at her “God-given gift.”
The child’s rise highlights Ghana’s rich tradition of hairstyling excellence. Braiding is deeply cultural in West Africa, with styles conveying identity, status, and artistry. Serious Madam appears to have absorbed these skills through observation, possibly growing up in a salon environment. “This isn’t just play – she understands the craft,” noted Accra-based master braider Afua Mensah. “The way she handles hair shows instinctual knowledge of texture and technique.”
As her international sightings trend online, questions arise about balancing childhood with early fame. While many celebrate her talent, child development experts caution about maintaining normalcy. “Prodigies need protection,” says psychologist Dr. Kofi Anokye. “Her gift should be nurtured without pressure.” Meanwhile, the beauty industry is already taking notice – major brands may soon compete to mentor this pint-sized stylist.
Whether Serious Madam becomes a future celebrity stylist or simply enjoys braiding as a childhood passion, her story inspires global audiences. In a world often focused on negativity, this Ghanaian toddler reminds us of life’s simple wonders – where extraordinary talent can emerge in the smallest packages, and where, as her fans proclaim, God truly did something special.
Fludor Ghana Limited, a member of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, is expanding healthcare insurance coverage for cocoa farmers and their households across Ghana.
Launched in partnership with Elucid Social in 2023, Fludor’s healthcare coverage initiative, part of its “Apomuden Project,” aims to provide cocoa farmers and their families with access to affordable healthcare across multiple regions in Ghana.
Through this initiative, Fludor has registered over 266 households, comprising nearly 1000 individuals, in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The comprehensive health coverage includes access to emergency funds, maternal health funds, and essential medication, and helps to improve cocoa productivity and income stability, further reducing the risk of child labour and deforestation.
Maria Christodoulou, Head of Cocoa Sustainability, Fludor Ghana Limited said, “Establishing agricultural supply chains where farmers’ health is prioritised is fundamental for their access to decent work and income.”
Director, West Africa, Elucid,Richard Osei Kuffour, highlighted the broader impact stating “Our collaboration on the healthcare project strengthens Ghana’s national healthcare system and protects farmer household income by preventing out-of-pocket health expenses. Beneficiaries also gain from an emergency and maternal health fund, enhancing their physical well-being and farm productivity.”
Fludor Ghana Limited, established by TGI Group in 2014, engages in sourcing, internal trading, and marketing cocoa, cashews, and soya. The company works with donors and chocolate makers to enhance farmers’ l, promote entrepreneurial abilities, and ensure a sustainable cocoa supply.
The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed an application filed by a Member of Parliament for Old Tafo and New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator, Hon. Ekow Vincent Assafuah, challenging the President’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The court, by a 3-2 majority ruling, held that there was no legal basis to overturn the President’s decision, effectively putting to rest a constitutional showdown over the authority to temporarily suspend the nation’s top judicial officer.
President John Mahama and Justice Gertrude Tokornoo
This is the time of year true friends check on each other and find out their ‘how far’ as they say. Completely absent-minded I called my nephew Eric and said I was on my way to his office only to be told.
‘I am no longer at the Ministries. I have been Reset, and currently at home.’ The word Reset, originally well intended has acquired such a bad odor, people take to their heels hearing reset drums in the neighborhood.
Labor Day greetings are tricky; you never know whether your neighbor is grinning to celebrate his new job; or on a Labor Day, groaning to cope with labor pains.
While scanning various cases countrywide I came across the biggest reset this Labor week: the nation’s Chief Justice who should normally be settling labor disputes, has herself been reset to idle at a Departure Lounge. School children have been told Justice Gertrude is only under suspension.
Among adults, it is known she is at the Departure Lounge. A successor has already been named, nicknamed as ‘Acting.’
But he was last seen dancing in church and thanking the good Lord for kind mercies. For those who knew the youthful days of His Lordship Baffoe-Bonnie, his recent ‘dance moves’ betray his past as an Okpo mate of Mensah Sarbah Hall.
For security reasons, however let me say the good old Justice was well behaved in his student days. Our worry being that if appointed, his date of birth entitles him to only a one-and-half-year tenure as Chief Justice, and those ready with welcome greetings should be prepared to add, ‘Farewell, brand new Chief Justice.’
It is notable however that Getty’s suspension and planned sendoff, has brought several concerned groups to their feet, looking desperately for any grave sins she committed. For once a public opinion poll hurriedly concocted by a mercenary pollster reports a 70% public approval of Her Lordship’s dismissal. That was perhaps inspired by an imaginary mandate in the Constitution such as: ‘The Chief Justice shall be removed by a swift opinion poll across the nation;’ clearly an irrational attempt to trivialize the fourth highest position of the Land.
Unpersuaded, civil society groups are up in arms this week to save the neck of Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, and preserve the dignity of the judiciary: the almighty Trade Union Congress, the Minority in Parliament, the Ghana Bar Association, and others. These are flying protest flags ready to hit the streets to avert a national disgrace. Together with one dissenting voice on the Council of State, the clarion call is ‘JM, Touch not the Anointed.’
By Kwesi Yankah
The reasons are not hard to find. Justice Gertrude is on record as Ghana’s third Female CJ since independence. Should the axe fall, she would be the first dismissed CJ since 1963, when Nkrumah booted out His Lordship Justice Ako Korsah for acquitting suspects in a major murder trial.
The Second and Third Republics saw no such dismissal; and here comes this setback as Ghana’s democracy deepens and the 4th Republic hits the 33rd milestone.
The planned ousting amounts to terrorism on womanhood, the vulnerable, the judiciary, and a stain on that vision that has gifted Ghana the first female Vice President.
Since independence in 1957, Ghana has produced only 12 females out of a total of 89 justices of the Supreme Court, a dismal 13.5% female participation; and here comes this fresh wound meant to humiliate a 62-year old Chief Justice, and mother.
My own lay experience of a judicial disaster that would have triggered a dismissal was 1995: the historic drama on the appointment of Justice I. K. Abban as Chief Justice. The renowned Abban, earlier reputed as a stubborn Electoral Commissioner, received a baptism of fire when as CJ he erroneously jailed a newspaper columnist inserting a new page in his judgment, to balance the equation. The GBA was up in arms challenging Abban’s appointment due to a proven lack of integrity. Happily, my ubiquitous pen chronicled the event those days. Listen to my write hand, February 1995.
‘At the time of departure, the Ghana Bar Association was feverishly looking for red bands with which to bury Justice Abban as Chief Justice. They were going on a sympathy strike in support of the jailed columnist, Mensa Bonsu, and to boycott the courts.
If Abban is watching, he must have realized that he has mounted a throne which may turn out to be more problematic than the Veep’s. The real drama, however, will start if the GBA decides to take the Chief Justice to court.’
Yes the GBA took the matter to court, but failed to have the CJ removed.
The current attempt based on more trivial allegations should fall on deaf ears if Ghana seeks a respectable judiciary. Our President Mahama currently treads on slippery grounds and will not be spared by posterity should he opt to humiliate womanhood to consolidate power. There is every good reason guidelines in the formation of public committees are carefully worded. The golden clause, ‘at least one of whom must be a woman,’ is not a mere cliché. But Justice Torkonoo an astute Judge with formidable credentials is not simply ‘one of whom.’
Listening to a public lecture she gave at a Central University event last year, was breath of fresh air. As child of a teacher she experienced elementary education on various turfs: Tema, Suhum, Winneba, Ajumako, and being a whiz kid, skipped P5. To seal it all, Gertrude attended Motown.
Ask the sages, how many homes ever survived that flippantly sold off the Mother Hen?
The visa-free agreement, which allows citizens to travel between Ghana and Algeria without requiring a visa, was signed during an official visit to Algiers by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The announcement followed high-level meetings with Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf.
Beyond the visa-free travel pact, the two countries discussed expanding scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students in key fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and engineering.
Plans were also laid out to launch a direct flight between Accra and Algiers, establish partnerships in oil and gas, and boost collaboration in security and intelligence sharing.
Additionally, both countries agreed to revive their Joint Economic Cooperation program. Officials described the visit as a step forward in renewing the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Algeria, which dates back to the early post-independence years of both nations.
Ghana removes visa barriers
Ghana has made clear its intention to open its doors for business across the continent. Earlier this year, the country took a landmark step by abolishing all visa requirements for nationals of African countries.
This bold policy shift means all African passport holders can now visit Ghana without the need for a visa, as announced by outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo.
With this move, Ghana became the fifth African country to eliminate visa requirements for all other African nations.
The others are Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin.
Analysts view the decision as a significant breakthrough in addressing one of the key non-tariff barriers that has long hindered intra-African trade.
Travel for business across the continent remains a major challenge for investors, many of whom face time-consuming visa processes when moving from one African country to another.
In addition to its agreement with Algeria, Ghana has also initiated steps to waive visa requirements with Morocco.
In March, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that both countries had agreed in principle to abolish visas for all categories of travelers.
The agreement, he said, is expected to be presented to both national parliaments for ratification, signaling a deepening of diplomatic and economic relations between Ghana and North African partners.
The Ghana National Chamba Youth Chief, Umoja Bwe Hajj Abdul Samad Said Ibn Chambas, has extended warm congratulations to three youth from Nima, a vibrant Zongo community in Accra, following their triumphant election to the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).
The trio include Lawyer Mohammed Muniru Kassim, Ghana Swimming General Secretary, who won the esteemed position of GOC General Secretary; Dunga Kamal Sulley, Vice President of Ghana Rowing and Canoe Association, who secured a seat on the GOC board as a representative of Olympic Sports.
Rafatu Inusah, President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union and Secretary of Ghana Triathlon Federation, also won a seat on the GOC board.
In a statement, Hajj Abdul Samad praised the achievements of the three youth, citing it as a testament to the potential and dedication of Zongo youth. He encouraged all Zongo youth to pursue their passions with diligence and determination, emphasising that with hard work, they can attain greatness and make a positive impact.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the country, saying the American movie industry was dying a “very fast death” due to the incentives that other countries were offering to lure filmmakers.
“This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Trump said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States.
He added: “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on X: “We’re on it.”
Neither Lutnick nor Trump provided any details on how the tariffs would be implemented.
It was unclear if the tariffs would apply to movies on streaming services as well as those shown in theaters, or if they would be calculated based on production costs or box office revenue. Hollywood executives were trying to sort out details on Sunday night. The Motion Picture Association, which represents the major studios, had no immediate comment.
In January, Trump appointed Hollywood veterans Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson to bring Hollywood back “bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”
Movie and TV production has been exiting Hollywood for years, heading to locations with tax incentives that make filming cheaper.
Governments around the world have increased credits and cash rebates to attract productions and capture a greater share of the $248 billion that Ampere Analysis predicts will be spent globally in 2025 to produce content.
All major media companies, including Walt Disney (DIS.N), opens new tab, Netflix (NFLX.O), opens new tab and Universal Pictures (CMCSA.O), opens new tab, film overseas in countries such as Canada and Britain.
Shares in Disney, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab, Paramount Global (PARA.O), opens new tab and Amazon.com (AMZN.O), opens new tab were lower in early trade on Monday.
On Monday, leaders in Australia and New Zealand responded to Trump’s tariff announcement by saying they would advocate for their local industries. Some Marvel superhero movies have been filmed in Australia, while New Zealand was the backdrop for “The Lord of the Rings” films.
The British media and entertainment union Bectu called on the government to move swiftly to protect the country’s “vital” film industry.
“These tariffs, coming after COVID and the recent slowdown, could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering,” said Bectu head Philippa Childs.
She said they would also threaten tens of thousands of jobs of freelancers who make films in the UK. Film and high-end TV production in the UK was worth 5.6 billion pounds ($7.45 billion) in 2024, a 31% increase over 2023, according to the British Film Institute.
The government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
‘LOT MORE TO LOSE THAN TO GAIN’
In 2023, about half of the spending by U.S. producers on movie and TV projects with budgets of more than $40 million went outside the U.S., according to research firm ProdPro.
“I think the most likely consequence is not that more productions will be done outside of America, or more productions would be done in America, but probably that just fewer productions will (be made),” said Scott Roxborough, Europe bureau chief of the Hollywood Reporter.
Film and television production has fallen by nearly 40% over the last decade in Hollywood’s home city of Los Angeles, according to FilmLA, a non-profit that tracks the region’s production.
The January wildfires accelerated concerns that producers may look outside Los Angeles, and that camera operators, costume designers, sound technicians and other behind-the-scenes workers may move out of town rather than try to rebuild in their neighborhoods.
A ProdPro survey of executives found California was the sixth most preferred place to film in the next two years, behind Toronto, Britain, Vancouver, Central Europe and Australia.
Hollywood producers and labor unions have been urging Governor Gavin Newsom to boost the state’s tax incentives to better compete with other locations.
Trump’s proposed movie tariff follows a series of trade conflicts initiated by his administration, which have roiled markets and led to fears of a U.S. recession.
Former senior Commerce official William Reinsch, a senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said retaliation against Trump’s film tariffs would be devastating.
“The retaliation will kill our industry. We have a lot more to lose than to gain,” he said, adding it would be difficult to make a national security or national emergency case for movies.
The 2025 Met Gala brought together the biggest names in music, film, sports, and fashion at New York City’s iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid tribute to the elegance, creativity, and heritage of Black fashion, drawing inspiration from Monica L.
With the official dress code labelled, “Tailored for You,” the 2025 edition focused heavily on menswear in structure and also in inspiration, inviting attendees to blend tradition with individuality in their interpretations.
The event was co-chaired by well-known personalities including Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton.
LeBron James, originally announced as an honorary chair, sadly had to pull out last minute due to a knee injury.
But beyond the usual Hollywood royalty and music megastars, this year saw a surge of African excellence take centre stage.
Artistes from the African continent made statements and represented their cultures with pride, sophistication, and plenty of flair.
From Nigeria to South Africa, creativity made a lasting impression at the biggest night in fashion.
Tems
Tems, known for her soulful music and standout fashion sense, didn’t disappoint at her Met Gala debut.
She brought a touch of Africanness to the steps of the Met, turning heads in a gown that reimagined traditional Ankara fabric through a modern couture lens.
Designed by British-Ghanaian designer Ozwald Boateng, Tems’ look was a stunning fusion of culture and tailoring.
The custom mermaid-style vest gown was crafted in rich shades of blue and green, worn over a pinstriped shirt with a dramatic green pussy bow.
A matching peacock-themed umbrella completed the ensemble.
Tyla
South African star Tyla, off the global success of her hit single “Water,” made a strong fashion statement that honoured her present and the legacy of black fashion icons.
Her fitted off-the-shoulder dress, designed by Jacquemus, came with a floor-length coat featuring dramatic black and white stripes, a visual nod to the late André Leon Talley, a trailblasing black fashion editor and Met Gala icon.
Tyla’s stylist, Law Roach, confirmed the inspiration by sharing Talley’s portrait wearing a similar striped outfit.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy arrived at the 2025 Met Gala in full regal form, just days after making history as the first African artiste to sell out the 80,000-capacity Stade de France.
His appearance was a celebration of heritage, achievement, and high design.
The Nigerian superstar chose British-Ghanaian Ozwald Boateng to design his look: a striking red wool tuxedo paired with a deep oxblood eelskin cape.
The ensemble was sharp, powerful, and steeped in cultural symbolism.
Ayra Starr
Nigerian singer-songwriter Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, made her first Met Gala appearance this year.
Her red carpet look dazzled and interpretated the theme of the event.
Ayra Starr rocked a black leather dress paired with a walking stick.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially cancelled 701 Diplomatic and Service Passports belonging to a wide range of former public officeholders and individuals no longer serving in official capacities.
The affected categories include former ministers and their spouses, former Members of Parliament, former members of the Council of State and their spouses, retired justices of the Superior and Lower Courts, former regional ministers, former MMDCEs, and former officers of state institutions, including board chairpersons.
The rest are officials of the National Cathedral Project, former non-career ambassadors and dependents, religious and traditional leaders, businessmen and entrepreneurs, and former government functionaries.
In a statement dated May 6, 2025, the ministry disclosed that the affected passports include 341 unreturned Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports, which are no longer valid for international travel.
“Consequently, owing to the failure or refusal of the other holders to comply with the directive, the underlisted 341 unreturned Diplomatic and 360 Service Passports bearing the following serial numbers have been hereby CANCELLED with immediate effect on the instructions of the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs. All affected passports have been placed on the Stop List and shall be confiscated from any person attempting to travel with same,” it noted.
Read the full statement below:
JKB/AE
Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity
Olympic medalist Fred Kerley is back in the headlines for the wrong reasons after being arrested in Dania Beach, Florida, on May 1, 2025, over allegations of assault against his ex-girlfriend, fellow Olympian Alaysha Johnson.
The alleged incident occurred at the upscale Le Méridien hotel where the two athletes were staying ahead of the upcoming Grand Slam Track event in Miami.
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson told deputies that Kerley punched her during a heated exchange, leaving her with a bloody nose.
Officers stated that her injuries were consistent with her account of events.
Kerley was taken into custody and later released on a $1,000 bond.
He now faces a misdemeanour battery charge.
But the drama didn’t end there. A woman identified as Kerley’s current girlfriend, known online as DJ Sky High Baby, added a twist to the saga, insisting that Johnson’s boyfriend was involved and actually the one who assaulted her.
Kerley’s lawyer, Richard Cooper, strongly denied the accusations, calling the situation a “smear campaign” and warning against premature conclusions.
He assured the public that the full story would eventually clear his client’s name.
This is not Kerley’s first brush with controversy; he has had two prior arrests within the past year.
In January 2025, he was tased and arrested following a scuffle with police in Miami Beach.
Before that, in May 2024, he faced domestic battery and robbery charges involving his wife, pleading not guilty in both cases.
Following this latest development, Grand Slam Track organisers confirmed Kerley’s withdrawal from the Miami meet where he was set to compete in the 100m and 200m sprints. An investigation is ongoing.
Kerley, a silver and bronze medalist from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, respectively, now finds his future on the track overshadowed by legal troubles.
Johnson, also a Paris 2024 Olympian, has yet to make a public statement.
FKA
Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the Minister for Foreign Affairs has boldly declared that State Capture is dead following the launch of the Code of Conduct for government appointees.
According to Ablakwa, he is delighted his crusade in opposition against state capture has not been abandoned by President Mahama.
Ablakwa asserted that the code of conduct is a major step in protecting state resources.
Damask dresses are a timeless choice for any event because their intricate woven patterns effortlessly elevate any look. The fabric’s rich texture and detailed designs make it suitable for both formal and casual settings, ensuring versatility in styling. For black-tie events, a floor-length damask gown in deep jewel tones like emerald or burgundy exudes sophistication while maintaining a regal presence. If the occasion calls for something slightly less formal, a knee-length fit-and-flare damask dress strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Cocktail parties benefit from the fabric’s luxurious appeal, especially when styled in a sleek sheath silhouette with metallic accents for added glamour.
Professional settings can also embrace damask through subtle, muted prints in structured silhouettes like a tailored pencil dress or a sophisticated wrap style. The refined patterns keep the look polished without overwhelming the office dress code. For daytime outings, a lightweight damask shirt dress or a flowy sundress offers comfort while maintaining a chic aesthetic. The breathable fabric ensures ease of movement, making it ideal for brunches or casual gatherings.
Wedding guests can opt for pastel or floral-inspired damask designs, which provide elegance without overshadowing the bridal party. The fabric’s inherent sheen catches light beautifully, making it a flattering choice for photographs. Even in colder months, damask dresses remain a stylish option when layered with a tailored coat or paired with opaque tights and ankle boots. Because damask patterns vary from bold to understated, they adapt seamlessly to personal style preferences. Whether dressed up with heels and statement jewelry or kept simple with flats and a clutch, these dresses transition effortlessly from day to night. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to suit any season, trend, or setting while maintaining a classic, sophisticated charm.
The Supreme Court has thrown out two objections raised by Godfred Yeboah Dame, calling for the recusal of Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and a reconstitution of the panel hearing a motion to injunct processes for the removal of the Chief Justice.
Mr. Dame, representing plaintiff Vincent Ekow Asafuah, argued that the Acting Chief Justice stands to benefit from the proceedings and should therefore recuse himself.
He further objected to the reconstitution of the original panel, which included Justices Samuel Asiedu, Ernest Gaewu, Richard Agyei Frimpong, and Yaw Asare Darko, and was presided over by Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu.
The current panel, however, includes Justices Yonny Kulendi, Amadu Tanko, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, and Ernest Gaewu, and is presided over by acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.
Citing Article 157(3) of the Constitution, Godfred Dame argued that the original panel, having commenced hearing the injunction motion, could not be altered until the matter was concluded.
But the Supreme Court, in its ruling, dismissed the objection. It held that Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution empowers the Acting Chief Justice to perform all powers of a substantive Chief Justice including the power to constitute a panel and therefore rejected the call for recusal of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.
On the second objection, the court again dismissed the argument, stating that the constitutional provisions cited by Mr. Dame did not apply in this context.
NPP’s protest against CJ’s suspension was a childish act – Ade Coker
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah has told government appointees that the only time they will not be able to reach President John Dramani Mahama is when they are about removing them.
According to Julius Debrah, appointees must comply with the newly introduced Code of Conduct by President John Dramani Mahama, and warn that any breaches will not be tolerated.
Tarkwa (W/R), May 6, GNA – Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has stated that the institution is utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate educational standards.
He revealed that currently AI and machine learning courses were mandatory for everyone who came to the institution regardless of their majors.
In addition, the UMaT intends to put this into practice, not just theoretically in the classroom but also in real-world settings.
The VC made these remarks in Tarkwa when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) inquired about UMaT’s efforts to promote education through AI.
He continued that the University have teamed up with AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, and they were constructing a state-of-art smart system center fully equipped for them.
“Now whether you are learning mining engineering, logistics and transport or geomatic engineering, you can enter that space and try to see how you can digitize the area.
Even if you are learning history, you should be able to digitize the history, to make it easier for people to understand and appreciate it” he mentioned.
Mr Amankwah revealed that UMaT was currently working closely with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and that this month, they would start building the Mining AI and Robotics Laboratory, where students would learn how to create prototypes, simulation processes, and innovate solutions for the mining industry and other aspects.
He said by training their students in this manner, UMaT was certain they would bring about positive change and innovation in their respective fields.
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has dismissed claims that Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin assaulted a police officer during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration, arguing that the narrative is a deliberate attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to divert attention from the protest’s success.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One TV’s News Feed on Tuesday, May 6, Ahiagbah described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“I think this is a non-issue that has been elevated obviously by the NDC to share space with the rather successful demonstration yesterday. And for me, we ought to just dismiss it without merit,” he stated.
He insisted that it was, in fact, the police officer who assaulted Afenyo-Markin, not the other way around.
“It was rather the police officer who assaulted the MP for Effutu, who is the Minority Leader,” he claimed, adding that the officer struck Afenyo-Markin hard enough to leave him visibly shaken.
Ahiagbah criticised the police for failing to clarify the situation, arguing that a simple inquiry with the officer involved could have resolved any doubts.
“The police could have simply just cleared any doubt by talking to the officer, who would attest to the fact that he perhaps knowingly or unknowingly hit him pretty hard,” he said.
He further suggested that the officer’s actions may have been intentional.
“I am inclined to even think that the guy did it on purpose. That is really where the point is. There is nothing that the Minority Leader did wrongly,” he asserted.
Ahiagbah urged the public to focus on the demonstration’s core message, which he said was to protest President Mahama’s alleged undermining of the judiciary.
“This narrative the NDC is foisting on us, as though the demonstration was all about the Minority Leader assaulting someone, is false and one that we should set aside and focus on the objective of yesterday’s demonstration,” he emphasised.
Read also
Supreme Court dismisses Assafuah’s injunction application against CJ’s removal process
The Supreme Court has dismissed an application seeking to halt the process for the removal of Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo and revoke her suspension from office.
The apex court In a narrow 3-2 majority decision dismissed the Old Tafo member of parliament Ekow Assafuah’s application seeking to halt the process initiated by President Mahama for the removal of the Chief Justice.
The Supreme Court, in a narrow 3-2 majority decision, has dismissed an application seeking to halt the process for the removal of Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo and revoke her suspension from office.
The application, filed by Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, was represented in court by lawyer and former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, along with Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko, ruled to dismiss the injunction request. Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented, opposing the majority decision.
The court indicated that the full reasons for its decision will be made public on May 21, 2025.
Chief Justice, Torkornoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her. The action was based on petitions filed by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer, Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic advocacy group, Shining Stars of Ghana.
A five-member committee has since been constituted to investigate the allegations leveled against the Chief Justice.
Before the petition was referred to the Council of State, Assafuah filed an interlocutory injunction at the Supreme Court, seeking to restrain the president from transmitting the petition to the Chief Justice for a response.
Supreme Court rejects Dame’s objections to acting CJ panel
…..
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Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress
A prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo, has pledged to vigorously oppose any efforts by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to tarnish the reputation of President John Dramani Mahama, regarding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
According to him, President Mahama has committed no constitutional violations, and any attempts by NPP members to maliciously attribute wrongdoing to the President will be met with strong resistance from him and other NDC members.
In a heated exchange with Alhaji Kamal-Deen Abdulai of the NPP on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre asserted that the NPP is engaged in a deliberate campaign to defame President Mahama.
He assured that NDC members will employ appropriate measures to refute such claims and persuade Ghanaians of President Mahama’s steadfast adherence to the constitution throughout the process.
He argued that, just as former President Akufo-Addo served as a mere conduit in the matter of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei, President Mahama similarly acted as a conduit in forwarding the five petitions to the Council of State.
“I won’t allow you to besmirch President Mahama’s reputation. You people have besmirched the reputation of President Mahama enough, and posterity has judged him right. Posterity has judged President Mahama right in eight years, and Ghanaians have given him a ringing endorsement. You will not besmirch his reputation again.
“The President has received five petitions, and his job is to forward them to the Council of State to know how they feel about it. President Mahama has not done anything to remove the Chief Justice. He has been the conveyor belt Akufo-Addo was in the Charlotte Osei case,” he said.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, President John Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
According to a statement signed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice, as determined by the President in consultation with the Council of State, in response to three petitions filed against her.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, read.
AM/KA
#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a strong warning against the growing popularity of “Detty December,” a phrase commonly used to describe Ghana’s festive end-of-year party season that draws thousands of tourists annually.
Speaking during a traditional durbar held at the forecourt of Job 600 to mark Labour Day on May 1, 2025, Bagbin expressed deep concern over the image the term projects internationally.
He recalled a recent encounter in the United States where a young woman told him she was planning to visit Ghana specifically for “Detty December.”
“She said she was coming to attend Detty December. I said, ‘I’ve never heard of Detty December. What is Detty December?
“I was told it’s when people come into Ghana from all over the world, do whatever they want for free, and then go back. This is destroying our country,” he said.
The Speaker linked the concept of “Detty December” to the increasing use of substances such as Tramadol and a newer drug referred to as ‘Red.’
“No wonder ‘Red’ is now in Ghana. As leaders, we have not yet accepted Tramadol, and now they want us to accept Red. This is what is happening, and it’s destroying our country. We must all stand up and fight it,” he urged
.
He further expressed his disappointment over how positive cultural initiatives like the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ are, in his view, being overshadowed by activities that erode Ghana’s moral and spiritual fabric.
“We cannot move from ‘Homecoming’ to ‘Year of Return’ and then desecrate this holy country with ‘Detty December.’ We must all stand up and fight it,” he emphasised.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker issued a firm warning: “I’m giving notice. We’ll take this one up again and fight it to make sure Ghana remains the holy land that the Lord made for us.”
Watch the video below:
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, condemns the use of the term ‘Detty December’ to describe Ghana internationally.
He made the remarks during a traditional durbar at the forecourt of Job 600 to mark Labor Day. pic.twitter.com/3qfeirXB83
L-R: Vincent Assafuah, Gertrude Torkornoo and President John Dramani Mahama
The Supreme Court of Ghana has thrown out the application for the reversal of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The five-member panel of the apex court of the land, chaired by the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, dismissed the petition filed by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, by a 3:2 majority decision.
The justices who voted to dismiss the application included Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Justice Yonny Kulendi, and Justice Amadu Omoro Tanko.
The dissenting judges were Justice Ernest Gyaewu and Justice Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu.
The chairman of the panel announced that the full judgement would be released on May 21, 2025.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah filed a motion at the Supreme Court seeking to halt the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The application, filed on Thursday, April 24, 2025, requested that the Supreme Court issue an order restraining any further action related to the Chief Justice’s removal under Article 146 until the court has heard and delivered its final ruling on an already pending matter regarding the issue.
Assafuah, through his lawyers, also requested that the court restrain the committee of inquiry established by the president from proceeding with the probe into the petitions filed against the Chief Justice.
In the suit, the lawmaker raised concerns that the petition against the Chief Justice, her subsequent suspension, and the formation of a committee to investigate the matter are “a farce and the product of a pre-conceived orchestration to unconstitutionally remove the Chief Justice from office.”
In documents shared by the Law Platform and sighted by GhanaWeb, Assafuah provided evidence to support his claims, alleging that President Mahama and certain members of his administration had previously launched attacks against the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, which the Chief Justice heads, and had consistently expressed intentions to remove Justice Torkornoo from office.
“That other appointees of the President have, in very recent times, expressed a view on the petitions purportedly presented against the Chief Justice and indicated that she will surely be removed. Attached herewith and marked as Exhibit ‘F’ is a publication of a recent statement by the Deputy Director of Operations at the Office of the President and Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Mustapha Gbande, in which he stated that the Chief Justice will be removed.
“That following the purported suspension of the Chief Justice and the composition of a committee to inquire into the three petitions against her, statements made by other appointees of the President show that the President’s decision was part of machinations by the NDC Government to control and interfere with the independence of the judiciary. Attached herewith and marked as Exhibit ‘G’ is a copy of a publication by the Deputy Director of Elections and Information Technology of the NDC, Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer, in which he stated that the NDC was pleased with the suspension of the Chief Justice,” excerpts from the application filed read.
Before the judgment of the court on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the decision to reconstitute the panel which presided over the case faced strong opposition from former Attorney General Godfred Dame, who is also the legal representative for Vincent Ekow Assafuah.
Dame objected to the panel’s reconstitution, according to GhanaWeb’s legal affairs correspondent, George Ayisi, arguing that Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie—now presiding over the case—is directly affected by the outcome and, therefore, should not lead the proceedings.
However, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai countered that the argument was based on a misconception of personal benefit to the Acting Chief Justice, which, he said, did not exist.
After a brief deliberation, the court unanimously overruled Dame’s objection, affirming that the new panel, chaired by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, would proceed with the hearing.
The panel was reconstituted due to changes in the composition of the bench, with some justices now serving on the Chief Justice Removal Committee and others being replaced.
The original panel, which was presided over by Prof Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu, included Samuel Asiedu (now on the removal committee), Ernest Gaewu (who retains his place on the new panel), Yaw Asare Darko, and Richard Adjei Frimpong—both of whom have been replaced.
BAI/MA
Meanwhile, watch why Kennedy Agyapong has withdrawn from NPP’s ‘Thank You Tour’
Meanwhile, watch as frustrated Ghanaians speak out on poor network challenges
Premier League side Arsenal are preparing an offer to sign Ghanaian attacker Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in the 2024/2025 summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Gunners are lining up an amount around €60 million to secure the Black Stars attacker’s signature from their London rivals.
It is understood that although Kudus’ release clause is in the range of €80 million, West Ham are said to be ready to listen to offers above €60 million to facilitate a move that would benefit the player by joining a top club.
Arsenal’s technical team is reportedly impressed by Kudus’ versatility in playing in midfield as well as any of the positions in attack.
The London club believes the player’s ability to dribble and make valuable goal contributions will bolster their team in their pursuit of the Premier League title and the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Kudus is said to be open to the move, as it will give him the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League and compete for major honors.
The 24-year-old made a promising start to life in the Premier League following his switch from Ajax in 2023, contributing 14 goals and assists in his debut season.
However, his performances have dipped this campaign, with only four goals and two assists in 29 league appearances.
SB/MA
Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below
A video has popped up on social media of Mr Baltasar Engonga Edjo’o, President of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) Commission and father of Baltasar Ebang Engonga receiving loud cheers at the inauguration ceremony of Gabon’s President.
In the viral video, Mr Baltasar Engonga Edjo’o at the inauguration ceremony of Gabon’s President, Brice Oligui Nguema received praise when he was introduced at the event.
Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has criticized the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday, May 5, 2025, as unwarranted as reported by Ghana Web.
Gbande, who also serves as the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), argued that the protest failed to make a significant impact on the nation’s political system
The demonstration, led by the NPP and supported by parties such as the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and others, was a response to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo and the dismissal of public service appointees.
The protesting coalition sought to defend the constitution and the independence of the judiciary, as outlined in a statement from the NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye.
However, Gbande dismissed the demonstration as a futile attempt, suggesting that it was more about testing the NPP’s political standing after their recent loss of power.
“Perhaps they wanted to test their popularity, which is fine,” Gbande remarked. “But in the end, they failed to drive home any meaningful point.”
He further stated that the issues raised during the protest should not have been decided by individuals outside the appropriate legal processes.
“It is not within their purview to determine whether these processes align with the law,” he added, emphasizing that there was no genuine need for the protest.
Your hairstyle is more than just a look it’s a statement. Whether you’re aiming for effortless glam, timeless elegance, or bold innovation, the perfect hairstyle can transform your entire appearance and boost your confidence. Here are some stunning hairstyles guaranteed to turn heads and make a lasting impression.
Braids are not just a style; they are a tradition woven into modern beauty. From intricate Fulani braids to thick, regal goddess braids, each variation carries a story of strength, culture, and grace. Whether adorned with beads or styled in sleek patterns, braids are versatile enough for casual days or red carpet moments.
There’s something effortlessly regal about straight, silky hair. Whether you opt for a sharp, bone-straight bob or a sleek ponytail with a polished finish, this style radiates confidence. Achieved with heat styling or wigs, a sleek hairstyle is the ultimate way to channel high-fashion glamour.
Big, bouncy curls bring an undeniable energy to any look. Whether rocking natural afro-textured curls or dramatic Hollywood waves, this style is all about movement, volume, and vibrancy. Curls frame the face, soften features, and add a romantic touch to any ensemble.
A bold hair color can be the ultimate confidence booster. Whether you’re experimenting with fiery auburn, radiant platinum blonde, or rich burgundy, colored hair is a transformative experience. Subtle highlights can enhance natural tones, while vibrant hues make a daring statement.
A high bun is effortlessly regal, giving off a sophisticated and graceful aura. Whether structured and sleek or loose with soft tendrils framing the face, this style highlights facial features and pairs beautifully with bold accessories. It’s a go-to look for both everyday chic and formal elegance.
Your hairstyle is a powerful form of self-expression. Whether you’re experimenting with new trends or sticking to classic favorites, the right hairstyle can uplift your confidence and define your personal style. So, dare to be bold, elegant, or utterly unique because your hair deserves to be celebrated!
The Renal Unit at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has remained closed for over a week, leaving many patients who depend on life-sustaining dialysis treatments in a state of distress and uncertainty.
Frustrated patients have voiced concerns over the silence from hospital authorities, noting that no official explanation has been provided for the sudden shutdown. The lack of communication has heightened fears about the potential health risks associated with delayed or missed treatments.
Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association, confirmed the continued closure and lamented the toll on patients. According to him, members are experiencing increased anxiety, deteriorating health, and mounting complications due to the disruption of their treatment schedules.
“Some of my patients are complaining that they cannot sleep, they are having fatigue at night, they cannot eat, and they are vomiting. You can just imagine the complaints that keep coming. It is not good for us, but what can we do? Either you look for money and go to a private facility, or there, the least you can pay is GHS 700. Korle-Bu is a bit cheaper, and so when something like this happens, they should communicate with us. We are an association. Call us to the table, sit us down, this is the challenge that we have and that we are working on it, so that we will go and prepare ourselves, look for money and take care of ourselves,” he said.
In response to growing pressure, the Public Relations Officer of the hospital is currently in discussions with hospital management to address the issue and respond to the mounting concerns from patients and their families.
701 Diplomatic, Service Passports cancelled by Foreign Affairs Ministry
Half past midday, the famous Nana Ampadu’s “Obra” song breaks through the airwaves, ending the midday news broadcast on Ghana’s number one Akan radio station, Nhyira FM.
But nobody is eager to switch their dial to another channel. The thousands of ears behind the radio set are not only fluttering to listen to the unique soothing and melodious voice that follows soon after the signature tune ends, but they get all ears to assimilate the capsules of life lessons that the enchanting voice bears.
The Queen of the afternoon airwaves in Kumasi and beyond, known by the thousands of her ardent listeners as Mama Effe, is ready to serve the juiciest, untold and transformative stories of life.
She turns on the console’s microphone button.
“Adehyeman mma, aha yɛ Nhyira 104.5 FM, ɛmmerɛ aso sɛ yɛde Obra show ɛbra wo“… to wit “Compatriots, this is Nhyira FM. It’s time to serve you the Obra show”, she warmly welcomes her listeners to the show.
It started as a radio program she was tasked with to attract listenership to the station. But little did she know it was the beginning of a remarkable journey to transform the lives of many, including the vulnerable, and ultimately shaping public discourse and societal beliefs.
But on her 65th birthday, Mama Effe drops the microphone and hangs up her headphones after nearly three decades in broadcasting with the Kumasi Business Unit of the Multimedia Group.
Mama Effe Amanor may be retiring, but she has etched her name in the annals of the Ghanaian media landscape, leaving an indelible legacy worthy of emulation, observed Jimmy Aglah, General Manager of Luv FM and Nhyira FM.
Jimmy, who has shared 25 years of service with her, recounts delightful moments serving as colleagues.
“You didn’t just host a program – you built a sanctuary for the broken, a courtroom for justice, and a mirror for our conscience as a nation. Working with you was never just a job. It was ministry. It was purpose. It was family,” he said.
From her beginnings in 1997 as a panelist and host on Luv FM’s Awaremo Nkomo, to the transformative leadership of Obra on Nhyira 104.5 FM since 2005, Mama Effe has embodied grace, empathy, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of others.
Serving as a firm foundation and a pioneer, Mama Effe has groomed many young female broadcasters who, today, are perpetuating a legacy to elevate Ghana’s cultural heritage, restoring broken homes, and granting audience to the voiceless.
Through the ‘Obra’ show, she created a platform of hope and healing — where truth was spoken with compassion, and lives were transformed by the wisdom and care she so generously gave.
Families found direction, communities found voice, and individuals found strength — all because of her unwavering dedication to humanity.
The Multimedia Group, where she has lived her entire media life, are indebted to her sacrifice, magnanimity and determination to push beyond limits.
CEO of the company, Kwesi Twum, is ecstatic about the many lives she touched through her show.
“We honour not just your years of service, Mama Effe, but the immeasurable impact of your presence. The legacy you leave behind is written in the lives you have touched and the hearts you have uplifted,” he noted.
Queen Eleanor I, through the show, has been celebrated for her genuine commitment to humanity and society, earning her an honour as “the Queen of Humanitarian Affairs”.
COO of the Multimedia Group, Ken Ansah celebrates her fulfilling and spirited career that stood for the core virtues of life.
“Your impact goes far beyond the screen; your voice has been a comforting constant, and your presence will be deeply missed. May this new chapter be as fulfilling and meaningful as the one you so brilliantly crafted with Obra,” he stated.
For the many lives she touched through benevolence, Adwoa Sarpomaa, an ardent listener of the show, is emotional about missing her favorite afternoon show host.
But she is delighted at the stupendous legacy of the woman who always made her afternoons a memorable and educative one.
“Mama, don’t go,” she said while celebrating her achievements. “Mummy, you are too strong to stay home. Don’t go home. You have indeed lived a remarkable legacy.”
Her name, Mama Effe, is now not just a household name but a reminder of a ‘She King’ who trod the Ghanaian media space with exceptional service, inspirational broadcasting, and tireless advocacy.
She remains a counselor, mother, mentor, and a steadfast light to countless listeners.
“You will forever remain a cherished part of the Multimedia family. We celebrate you with love, pride, and enduring gratitude,” Kwesi Twum said joyously.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Accra, May 06, GNA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cancelled 341 unreturned Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports issued by the previous Government.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said further to its public announcements of 15th January, and 10th March, 2025 on the recall of Diplomatic and Service Passports, it was announcing that, effective Tuesday, 6th May, Diplomatic and Service passports issued to the underlisted category of persons had been cancelled and were not valid for international travel: Former Ministers and spouses, former Members of Parliament, former Members of the Council of State and spouses and former/retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts.
The rest are former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, former Officers of State Institutions, Chairpersons and Members of Boards, Officials of the National Cathedral Project, former Non-Career Ambassadors and Dependents, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Businessmen and Entrepreneurs, former Government Functionaries and all other persons holding official passports not currently serving in any official capacity for the State, or otherwise holding any position that falls under the requirements of sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967(NLCD 155).
It said the Ministry acknowledges the compliance of 407 holders of Diplomatic and 403 Service Passports, who duly returned their passports in line with the recall directive as of 6th May.
“Consequently, owing to the failure or refusal of the other holders to comply with the directive, the underlisted 341 unreturned Diplomatic and 360 Service Passports bearing the following serial numbers have been hereby cancelled with immediate effect on the instructions of the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs,” the statement said.
It said all the affected passports had been placed on the StopList and shall be confiscated from any person attempting to travel with same.
A group picture of the organisers and participants
TechnoServe, a leader in business solutions, has launched the implementation of grant support for agri-Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and micro-entrepreneurs along the poultry, tomato, rice, and soybean value chains.
The support forms part of the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Programme.
The HAPPY Programme is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Agri-Impact, Juliana Asante-Dartey, in her address explained that the event was to ensure the agri-businesses and micro-businesses understood the consortium’s especially, TechnoServe’s role in the Programme as well as support drive to growth and development.
“Even though we have increasingly gotten better at being self-reliant, we are still bringing in a lot of rice. Ghana’s demand for poultry is over 400,000 metric tonnes. The country is doing less than 20% of that, so most of it has to be imported. Even tomatoes—we still bring them in from neighbouring countries. The situation is not any different with soya, even though it is needed in the poultry and food processing industries,” she explained.
“We are seeking to improve outputs from the value chains to the tune of over 189,000 metric tonnes over four years. In terms of import substitution, we hope that we will be able to reduce importation by $200 million by the end of the four years,” she said.
In his welcome address, HAPPY Programme Director, Frank Obiora Mgbemena, noted that, TechnoServe, over the next two years, will work alongside the participants’ businesses to support business re-engineering efforts by providing technical assistance, grants, market linkages, crop business services, and developing the financial resilience of their businesses to attract more investment.
Agriculture Lead for the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana, Daniel Ninson, pointed out that the Foundation was poised to work with business leaders to strengthen ecosystems where young people could thrive.
One of the micro-entrepreneurs and a team lead at Hakama, a tomato processing company, Zainab Acheampong, expressing her excitement about the project, disclosing that the technical support and grant will help expand their business.
The Supreme Court, in a narrow 3-2 majority decision, has dismissed an application seeking to halt the process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and revoke her suspension from office.
The application, filed by Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, was represented in court by lawyer and former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, along with Justices Yonny Kulendi and Amadu Tanko, ruled to dismiss the injunction request. Justices Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented, opposing the majority decision.
The court indicated that the full reasons for its decision will be made public on May 21, 2025.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her. The action was based on petitions filed by private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic advocacy group Shining Stars of Ghana.
A five-member committee has since been constituted to investigate the allegations leveled against the Chief Justice.
Before the petition was referred to the Council of State, Assafuah filed an interlocutory injunction at the Supreme Court, seeking to restrain the president from transmitting the petition to the Chief Justice for a response.
BoG gold reserves hit 31.37 tonnes as of April 30, 2025
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has increased its gold reserves to 31.37 tonnes as of April 30, 2025, marking a sustained upward trend in the central bank’s strategic effort to shore up the country’s foreign exchange reserves and enhance monetary policy credibility.
The April figure reflects a modest rise from the 31.01 tonnes recorded at the end of March 2025 and continues the growth trajectory observed since May 2023, when reserves stood at just 8.78 tonnes.
The more than threefold increase over a two-year period signals a decisive policy shift by the central bank, leveraging Ghana’s gold-producing capacity to support macroeconomic stability.
This accumulation has been driven primarily by the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme introduced by the BoG.
The initiative aims to increase the country’s foreign exchange buffers, boost investor confidence, and reinforce the stability of the Ghana cedi amid volatile global financial conditions.
At the launch of the programme, the BoG noted that beyond bolstering reserves, it also intended to expand gold holdings to serve as collateral for securing cheaper sources of international financing. This would improve short-term foreign exchange liquidity and reduce reliance on more expensive borrowing instruments.
The Bank’s strategy also aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify Ghana’s reserve assets, moving away from traditional holdings such as U.S. Treasury instruments toward assets with more intrinsic value, like gold.
Analysts say the accumulation of gold is a prudent response to rising global interest rates and capital flow volatility. They note that a robust gold reserve position enhances Ghana’s balance of payments resilience, provides a buffer against external shocks, and strengthens the central bank’s policy toolkit.
SP/MA
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An Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Deborah Seyram Adablah, the young woman at the centre of a high-profile sexual harassment lawsuit involving senior banker, Ernest Kwesi Nimako.
Seyram Adablah, a social media influencer, who gained notoriety in 2023 after suing her alleged “sugar daddy,” Ernest Nimako, for breach of promise, claimed the banker failed to fulfil certain financial and material commitments made during their intimate relationship.
Among her demands were monetary compensation and ownership of a Honda Civic gifted to her.
On May 16, 2023, the court ordered Adablah to hand over the vehicle with registration number GC 7899-23 to the court registrar for safekeeping until the case’s final determination.
However, reports indicate she has defied this order.
In a new development, the High Court has issued a bench warrant for her arrest on grounds of contempt.
According to GHOne TV, the warrant was issued after Selorm Adablah released two videos on social media in which she launched scathing attacks on the judiciary, particularly targeting the presiding judge, Justice John Bosco Nabarese.
In the videos, she accused the judge of favouritism and unprofessional conduct.
“This Judge John Bosco Nabarese said they needed seven days for the judgment to be effective if I had failed to deliver the vehicle as Judge Olivia Owusu had ordered. But he refused to set it aside and now he’s claiming my lawyers insulted him,” she alleged.
She went on to openly challenge the judge, saying, “You, Judge John Bosco, what they did was wrong but you’re not allowing them to bring the car back. You are joking. What is preventing you from doing the right thing?”
Adablah further warned the judge to be fair in his rulings or “face her wrath,” making a controversial statement, “be ready to dance to this drum you are beating. You cannot be sitting there, chopping salaries that are coming from my menstruation and still sideline me.”
She also questioned the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary and dismissed the contempt proceedings as meaningless.
“That contempt case is dead on arrival. I try to advise others not to go to court because I know the system but always remember: the judiciary is an arm on its own, but one full of spirits. So, we shall see.”
She concluded by vowing to appeal the judgment, adding, “as an old man, you should be retiring in peace, not carrying young spirits with you but since you’ve chosen that path, you will carry them.”
The court has since ordered her to appear and explain why she should not be held in contempt.
Seyram Adablah accused Ernest Kwesi Nimako of sexual harassment in 2023
An Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Deborah Seyram Adablah, the young woman at the centre of a high-profile sexual harassment lawsuit involving senior banker Ernest Kwesi Nimako.
Seyram Adablah, a social media influencer, who gained notoriety in 2023 after suing her alleged “sugar daddy,” Ernest Nimako, for breach of promise, claimed the banker failed to fulfil certain financial and material commitments made during their intimate relationship.
Among her demands were monetary compensation and ownership of a Honda Civic gifted to her.
On May 16, 2023, the court ordered Adablah to hand over the vehicle, with registration number GC 7899-23, to the court registrar for safekeeping until the case’s final determination.
However, reports indicate she has defied this order.
In a new development, the High Court has issued a bench warrant for her arrest on grounds of contempt.
According to GHOne TV, the warrant was issued after Selorm Adablah released two videos on social media, in which she launched scathing attacks on the judiciary, particularly targeting the presiding judge, Justice John Bosco Nabarese.
In the videos, she accused the judge of favouritism and unprofessional conduct.
“This Judge John Bosco Nabarese said they needed seven days for the judgment to be effective if I had failed to deliver the vehicle, as Judge Olivia Owusu had ordered. But he refused to set it aside, and now he’s claiming my lawyers insulted him,” she alleged.
She went on to openly challenge the judge, saying, “You, Judge John Bosco, what they did was wrong, but you’re not allowing them to bring the car back. You are joking. What is preventing you from doing the right thing?”
Adablah further warned the judge to be fair in his rulings or “face her wrath,” making a controversial statement, “Be ready to dance to this drum you are beating. You cannot be sitting there, chopping salaries that are coming from my menstruation, and still sideline me.”
She also questioned the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary and dismissed the contempt proceedings as meaningless,”That contempt case is dead on arrival. I try to advise others not to go to court because I know the system. But always remember: the judiciary is an arm on its own, but one full of spirits. So we shall see.”
She concluded by vowing to appeal the judgment, adding, “As an old man, you should be retiring in peace, not carrying young spirits with you. But since you’ve chosen that path, you will carry them.”
The court has since ordered her to appear and explain why she should not be held in contempt.
Ghana is intensifying efforts to monitor and conserve its biodiversity resource
Ghana is intensifying efforts to monitor and conserve its biodiversity resource as part of commitments to global environmental goals, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Through pockets of existing projects data and the Future of Biodiversity Monitoring and Mapping in Ghana, a new initiative, has commenced to identify gaps and opportunities to build robust framework to better protect nature as well as aid decision making.
Dr Peter Dery, the Director of Environment at the Environment, Science and Technology opened a national stakeholders’ workshop on biodiversity monitoring and mapping, said natural resources were vital to the nation’s economy, cultural identity, and ecological resilience.
The workshop will identify further prioritisation of these opportunities for development into research project proposal (by project partners) potentially incorporating some or all of the following; green financing, novel technologies, building capacity and digital infrastructure in this region
The Project Organising Partners include UNESCO, Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Ghana Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UK and West Africa offices).
In a speech delivered on his behalf Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology said natural resources were vital to the nation’s economy, cultural identity, and ecological resilience.
Dr Muhammed said Ghana was one of Africa’s biodiversity hotspots, with diverse ecosystems across forests, wetlands, savannahs, and coastal zones.
He said the initiative was in line with the country’s vision to integrate biodiversity into national development planning, provide evidence/science-based decision-making and build capacity for sustained biodiversity monitoring.
The Minister noted it was a priority to update and implement Ghana’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in line with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
Government, the Minister added, hoped to finalise the National Biodiversity Plan and establish a formal legal framework for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Mr Edmond Moukala, the Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through its global programmes and initiatives.
He noted that the national workshop highlighted the significance of its flagship Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which includes 756 sites across 136 countries, including Ghana.
Mr Moukala stated that Ghana’s Bia, Lake Bosomtwe, and Songor Biosphere Reserves played a vital role in demonstrating how biodiversity conservation can be harmonised with sustainable livelihoods.
Those reserves, he said, served as model sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to managing changes in social and ecological systems.
“UNESCO remains committed to supporting national and international efforts to build sustainable green economies, bridge data gaps, and strengthen the link between biodiversity and climate resilience,” he said.
Professor Helen Roy, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Exeter, said the world was facing biodiversity loss caused by human activities, climate change and pollution.
She noted there were initiatives in the biodiversity framework which could facilitate restoration if countries worked hard to effectively implement them.
Professor Roy noted that working together with stakeholders and exploring new tools, technologies would help better protect nature.
The fierce debate over who deserves the title of Ghana’s greatest footballer has taken centre stage once again after Abdul Razak launched a sharp response to Mohammed Polo’s claim that Razak didn’t deserve his 1978 African Footballer of the Year award.
The two legends, both members of Ghana’s golden 1978 AFCON-winning squad, are now at the heart of a growing public conversation that has split fans and reignited old rivalries.
Razak’s reaction came after Polo suggested in an interview that the prestigious continental award should have gone to someone else, perhaps even himself.
Razak, laughing off the suggestion, fired back on live TV, daring Polo to come to his house and physically collect the award if he truly believed he was more deserving.
“Polo talks as if he’s the best, but greatness is not self-proclaimed,” Razak said bluntly. “It is earned, and the people will decide. The award is in the house, he should come for it or report it to CAF.”
But who really was the better player?
While Razak’s name is forever etched in continental history as one of only three Ghanaians to be crowned African Footballer of the Year, Polo’s reputation as a creative genius and unrivalled dribbler continues to captivate generations.
Nicknamed the “Dribbling Magician,” Polo was a fan favourite during his prime with Accra Hearts of Oak and the national team.
He dazzled audiences in the 1970s and ’80s with his wizardry on the wing, helping Hearts dominate locally and playing a key role in Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph on home soil in 1978.
Polo’s flair and finesse earned him not only admiration but also continental recognition, finishing fourth in the 1977 African Footballer of the Year voting.
He scored in the 1978 AFCON and made the CAF Team of the Tournament, reinforcing his impact at the highest level.
Even after retiring, Polo’s legacy endured, with notable football voices and public figures hailing him as Ghana’s greatest.
At different times, legends like Abedi Pele, Kwabena Yeboah, and A Plus have openly praised Polo’s brilliance, claiming he belongs in the same breath as Pelé and Maradona.
Razak, on the other hand, built his legend on goals and decisive moments. His winning goals against Zambia and Tunisia in the 1978 AFCON were critical to Ghana lifting the trophy.
It was his “Golden Goal” against Tunisia that sealed Ghana’s spot in the final. Months later, the recognition followed with the African Footballer of the Year award.
He later played alongside icons like Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto at the New York Cosmos, then went on to lift more trophies in the UAE, Egypt, and Ivory Coast. In 2007, CAF named him one of Africa’s top 30 players of the previous 50 years, an accolade few can claim.
Both men wielded different weapons—Polo with artistry and imagination, Razak with power, precision, and the ability to rise in big moments.
Statistically, Razak had a longer international career with more goals and was Ghana’s undisputed star in 1978. But Polo’s elegance and influence on Ghanaian football culture made him a cult icon, whose name still inspires awe in football circles.
This isn’t just a battle between two footballers, it’s a clash of styles, legacies, and public memory. Polo’s followers insist that his impact transcends trophies, pointing to the magic he brought to the pitch and the generations he inspired.
Razak’s supporters point to his concrete achievements, his global recognition, and the hardware he collected as proof that he didn’t just perform, he conquered.
The argument, ultimately, may never be settled definitively. Greatness in football is often more than statistics or medals—it’s about moments, memories, and influence.
In that sense, perhaps both Polo and Razak, with their different gifts and stories, shaped Ghanaian football in ways that no single award or headline can fully capture.
Maybe the real question isn’t who was greater, but rather what kind of greatness you value. One brought the poetry of football; the other delivered its most decisive chapters.
The Razak-Polo rivalry mirrors the timeless global debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two all-time greats defined by different styles, each with a loyal army of believers.
In the end, the real victory might simply be that Ghana had both.
FKA/MA
Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity
A bus seen in flames after overturning on the Katosi-Nyenga Road in Buikwe District on May 5, 2025
Police have said that three people died and 30 others were hospitalised with serious injuries following a Monday evening bus crash on the Katosi-Nyenga Road in Buikwe District.
However, there are fears that the number of fatalities could be higher as detectives are still verifying the number of passengers who were on board.
Ssezibwa Region Police Spokesperson, Ms Hellen Butoto said in the morning of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that the three people were burnt beyond recognition after the Scania bus belonging to YY Coaches overturned and burst into flames after the driver lost control when he tried to dodge hitting a boda boda rider who was crossing the road.
“The injured are receiving treatment at Kawolo General Hospital and St. Charles Lwanga Hospital in Buikwe District,” Ms Butoto said.
Ms Butoto explained that confirming the number of fatalities was challenging initially, as police were gathering information from the bus company about the number of passengers on board.
According to Ms Butoto, “The unidentified bodies were taken to Kawolo General Hospital mortuary, as investigations about the particulars are ongoing.”
Ms Butoto said the injured included 10 male adults, 14 female adults, 2 male juveniles, and 4 female juveniles.
Eyewitnesses said the Mbale-bound bus transporting an unknown number of passengers from Kampala overturned and caught fire near Makindu Village Trading Centre in Najja sub-county in Buikwe District.
Mr Moses Katongole attributed the crash to poor planning, citing the narrow road constructed as an alternative route to reduce traffic between Kampala and Jinja.
Mr Katongole noted that over the past two years, the road has increasingly become congested with heavy trucks.
“This road needs to be expanded, especially around trading centers, with speed humps and signage to alert motorists, because the area has become a black spot for accidents,” said Mr Katongole said.
One of the boda boda riders in the area, Mr Rashid Kazibwe, attributed the road’s narrowness to the government’s reluctance to compensate landowners for acquiring more land to construct wider roads, unlike other parts of the country.
Rex Owusu Marfo, popularly known as Rex Omar, and serving as a Presidential Staffer and Coordinator of the Black Star Experience Secretariat, has dismissed claims that the Black Star Experience is merely a rebranded version of the ‘Year of Return’.
Addressing the criticisms in an interview with Amansan Krakye, the veteran musician explained that the Black Star Experience is not an event, but a year-round lifestyle designed to promote Ghanaian identity and culture.
Joseph Ade Coker, former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for their protest against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling it a “childish” political stunt.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 6, Coker defended the government’s actions, asserting that due process was being followed and that the NDC would not be swayed by the opposition’s actions.
“The government is doing the right thing, and due process is being followed.
All the petitions they sent were childish, because nothing will move President Mahama or the NDC from adhering to the constitutional provisions of this country,” Coker said.
He emphasized that the suspension was part of a lawful procedure and that President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to upholding the constitution.
The protest, organized on May 5 by a coalition of opposition parties led by the NPP, saw demonstrators calling for the reversal of the Chief Justice’s suspension.
Petitions were presented to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary, urging President Mahama to act in favor of Torkornoo’s reinstatement.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her, based on complaints from private citizen Daniel Ofori, police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civil society group Shining Stars of Ghana.
A five-member committee has been set up to investigate the allegations, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
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