The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) have denied allegations that two aircraft that recently landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra had illegal substances and cash on board. 

The NACOC Deputy Director, Twum Barimah, in an interview, rejected the allegations, stating that a comprehensive search of the aircraft found no illicit substances.

Already, the GACL had described the allegations as “false, baseless and malicious” in a statement dated April 8, 2025.

It affirmed that all necessary checks by appropriate state agencies had been conducted.

Minority claims

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, made the claims at a news conference by the Minority Caucus at the Parliament House in Accra on April 1, 2025.

He alleged that two flights — AirMed flight N823AM, and Cavok Air private jet, Antonov An-12B, landed on the tarmac of KIA last month from Gran Canaria, an island in Spain, and later departed back to Gran Canaria.

Rev. Fordjour, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Assin South in the Central Region, called on the National Security to, as a matter of urgency, make public the content of cargo suspected to be cocaine and cash, transported into the country by the two suspicious flights.

The NPP also in a statement dated April 6, 2025, signed and issued by the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, called on the government to provide a detailed update on the presence of two foreign aircraft that landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) last month.

In addition, both Rev. Fordjour and the NPP also demanded updates on two separate cocaine seizures. One involved a $350 million cocaine bust in Cape Coast and the other a $150 million seizure in Sekondi.

NACOC

“We had prior intelligence, and a week before Reverend Fordjour made his claims, we had already searched the Antonov flight. We found nothing,” Mr Barimah clarified.

“His (Rev. Fordjour’s) claims are unfounded, and as a member of the committee that oversees NACOC, he should have come to us directly with any concerns instead of going to the media.”

“We are handling the investigations as directed by the President. If Rev. Fordjour has legitimate information, he should present it to the appropriate security agencies, not the media.

By doing so, he is only giving suspects a chance to flee,” Mr Barimah cautioned.

The NACOC Deputy Director also responded to the allegations regarding a cocaine bust valued at $350 million in March, which the MP claimed involved an NDC parliamentary candidate.

Mr Barimah denied the claims, stating that those arrested in connection with the bust were being prosecuted by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and that there was no link to any political candidate.

GACL

The GACL explained that landing permits of all aircraft entering Ghana were issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in conjunction with the National Security and not GACL.

It further explained that security checks on the aircraft in question were conducted by Aviation Security and National Security, while Swissport handled the ground services.

The GACL noted that “there was no evidence of any illegal substances on board both aircraft.”

The statement went on to challenge those making the allegations to produce evidence.

“The onus is on the groups or individuals making false allegations to provide evidence of same,” it said.

John Awumi, Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), has raised serious concerns over the recent surge in prices of goods and services, describing the increases as “illogical” and lacking any clear justification.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, April 10, Awumi questioned the rationale behind the price hikes, highlighting inconsistencies within the broader economic context.

“For me, it defies logic. If you look at fuel prices, the government has done a couple of things that have cancelled VAT on insurance, which has allowed transport fares to be stable for some time. Yet a tipper truck of sand has increased from Ghc2,700 to Ghc3,000 in the Greater Accra region, and stones have increased from Ghc3,400 to Ghc4,000. What is the basis for these increases? I don’t understand,” he lamented.

Awumi urged the government to take a more proactive role in monitoring and addressing such unexplained price movements. He emphasized that the current situation requires greater oversight and transparency.

He called on the Ministry of Trade to investigate the root causes of the price hikes and gather accurate data to help inform national economic planning.

“Looking at trends, the government needs to take a hand in that. We must be interested in our economy. Because you just come in and you have a certain area of the country, you just increase the price, and there is no basis.

“A pepper seller will tell you that it is because of the dollar. A bean seller, an okra seller, and all the others will tell you it is because of the dollar. It is time the Ministry of Trade goes down and gathers these figures to know what they can do so that the figures the church puts out as inflationary figures reflect what is on the ground,” he stated.

Awumi’s remarks reflect growing public frustration over the rising cost of living, especially in light of stable fuel and transport prices, which many expected would ease the pricing pressures on basic goods and construction materials.

President John Mahama has called for deeper collaboration between Ghana and the Czech Republic to spur economic growth and improve the lives of the people. 

He mentioned machinery, assembling of automotive components, advanced agro-processing technologies and the establishment of integrated supply chains as some of the sectors the two countries could partner to enhance value addition to benefit both economies.

The President said this when the Czech Republic, with its remarkable industrial heritage, technological expertise and spirit of innovation, joined hands with Ghana, which abounds in natural resources, coupled with its strategic location and dynamic young population, the two countries would benefit significantly.

Citing figures from the UN Country Database on international trade, President Mahama said that exports from the Czech Republic to Ghana reached $20.82 million in 2023, while Ghana’s exports to the Czech Republic stood at approximately $1.12 billion.

“This trade imbalance, rather than being a cause for concern, should represent a compelling opportunity for growth, diversification and mutual advancement,” he said.

President Mahama was speaking at a Ghana-Czech Business Cooperation Seminar in Accra yesterday.

Present at the event was the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, who is on a three-day state visit to the country.

Also in attendance were some private sector players, government officials, and development partners from both countries who are exploring ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.

Economy

President Mahama said Ghana’s GDP growth rate was projected at 4.2 per cent for 2025, adding that it was evidence of the country’s economic resilience and the sound policy direction of the government.

He said this, coupled with the country’s strategic position as a gateway to West Africa and host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, further made Ghana an ideal partner for Czech businesses seeking access to the vast and growing African market of 1.3 billion consumers.

The President also said that Ghana was positioning itself as a manufacturing hub of West Africa, particularly in automobile assembling and agro-processing.

And with the country undergoing rapid digital transformation, including the recent repeal of the e-levy on electronic transactions, he said there was a role for Czech FinTech companies, cybersecurity experts and digital infrastructure developers in bridging Ghana’s digital divide and promoting financial inclusion.  

President Mahama further welcomed strategic partnerships with Czech companies to expand Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure, enhance medical training programmes and develop the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.

Additionally, he said sectors such as hospitality, sanitation and Ghana’s burgeoning real estate market also presented immediate opportunities for Czech businesses to invest in. 

Commitment

President Petr Pavel emphasised his commitment to partner President Mahama to facilitate efforts at investing in sectors ranging from food processing to satellite technology.

He said Ghana’s exemplary democratic standards, vibrant civil society, robust economy, abundant natural resources and favourable agricultural conditions made the country a natural partner to the Czech Republic.

President Pavel further said that Ghana’s consistent internal stability and its role in fostering regional peace and contribution to global stability in an increasingly unpredictable world made the country conducive for investment.

“In these turbulent times, our shared values of partnership and friendship are more crucial than ever.

“I encourage you all to transform goodwill into tangible results, and be rest assured, we stand ready to support you in achieving these outcomes,” he added.

Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has set an ambitious target of producing 6 million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025.

To achieve this goal, the Company has invested a substantial US$122.97 million in upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiencies.

This significant investment has enabled GBC to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and retooling of existing plant and machinery.

According to the General Manager of GBC, Mr. Alexander Gyedu in a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region, he said the Company’s production volumes have already seen a significant boost. The use of both surface mining and drill and blast methods have increased production from 1.3 million tonnes per annum to about 1.8 million tonnes in 2024.

Mr. Gyedu attributed this historic production milestone to Ofori-Poku Company Limited’s (OPCL) takeover from Bosai Group in 2022.

OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of the old and dilapidated set of equipment.

As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner, and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others. The Company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.

The Haulage department has also seen significant improvement, with OPCL adding 161 fleet of 9-axle trucks since taking over in 2022.

This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations, from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons of bauxite in 2024.

As GBC works towards achieving its production target of 6 million tonnes by the end of 2025, the Company remains committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. The acquisition of new equipment and technology is expected to reduce the Company’s environmental footprint.

GBC’s plans to expand its operations and increase production are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.

The Company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices is a testament to its dedication to sustainable development.

Priority for Environmental Protection

The management of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, emphasizing that the Company’s operations are guided by strict adherence to ecological regulations.

Mr. Alexander Gyedu mentioned that Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) is dedicated to responsible resource management, striving to minimize its impact on the environment through conservation, reclamation measures, and sustainable mining practices.

Mr. Gyedu noted that the Company diligently complies with regulatory standards and submits it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by law.

This, he said, demonstrates the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its environmental stewardship.

Environmental experts have praised Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s efforts, noting that the mining sector has a significant impact on the environment and that responsible practices are essential to mitigating this impact.

The government has also been vocal about its commitment to protecting the environment, particularly in the mining sector.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has emphasized the need for mining companies to prioritize environmental protection.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been working closely with mining companies, including Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations.

Ghana Bauxite Company Limited’s commitment to environmental protection is particularly significant given the Company’s location in the Western North Region, an area known for its rich biodiversity.

The Company’s efforts to minimise its environmental impact are also in line with the government’s vision to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

Mr Gyedu mentioned that as the mining sector continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s economy, it is essential that companies like Ghana Bauxite Company Limited prioritizes environmental protection.

GBC’s Awaso Mine concession covers an area of 47.04 sq km. The Company’s ratified 30-year Mining Lease covers the Subri, Inchiniso, Kanayerebo, Afumba, and Boakakhirri.

GBC has been operating the Inchiniso pit since 1969, producing high-grade trihydrate bauxite annually. The Run of Mine (ROM) annually is at an average of 2.5 million metric tonnes.

Historically, Bauxite was first discovered in Ghana by the Gold Coast Geological Survey team in 1921.

In 2022, Bosai group transferred their shareholding of 80% to the current owner- Ofori – Opoku Company Limited (OPCL) a member of the IOP Group of Companies with Government of Ghana still retaining its 20% share.

Success story

In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku (IOP), a visionary Ghanaian businessman, acquired approximately 80% shares of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s mining industry.

This acquisition transferred majority ownership of the Company to a local entity, paving the way for a new era of success.

Under IOP’s leadership, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has undergone a remarkable transformation. One of the major visions of Mr. Ofori Poku was to reduce the unemployment rate in the catchment areas and Ghana at large.

True to his word, the Company has increased its contract staff strength from 465 to 1061 employees, with 976 males and 85 females. This significant increase in employment opportunities has had a positive impact on the local economy.

In addition to creating jobs, IOP has also invested heavily in acquiring new and sophisticated equipment to boost production. The Company has acquired 56 new equipment and 198 new trucks, including Sino trucks, RDT trucks, TX 400 dump trucks, and Howo 371 trucks. This significant investment has enabled the Company to increase its production capacity and export more bauxite ore.

The results are impressive. In 2024, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, Awaso exported a record 1.8 million metric tons of bauxite ore to China and other parts of the world. This achievement is unprecedented in the history of the Company and a testament to IOP’s vision and leadership.

The success of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited under IOP’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are given the opportunity to thrive. With a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce, the Company is poised for even greater success in the future.

The Insurance Awareness Coordinators Group (IACG) led by its Chairman, Mr. Wilson Tei, with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), has officially launched the Micro and Small Business Clinics (MSBC) in Takoradi, the Western Regional Capital.

According to Mr. Tei, this initiative aims to educate market traders and artisans in the Western and Western North Regions on the importance of insurance as a critical tool for risk mitigation.

The MSBC programme, a collaborative effort by key industry stakeholders, including the National Insurance Commission (NIC), the regulator, the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), the Insurance Brokers Association of Ghana (IBAG), and the National Association of Ghana Insurance Agents (NAGIA), seeks to improve insurance penetration and financial security among small-scale business owners.

The launch began with the training of facilitators on April 9 at the GNAT Hall in Takoradi.

The session was led by Mr. Kyeame Ghansah, Head of Research at the NIC, with active support from industry representatives.

Also speaking during the training, Mr. Prince Peter Quayson of the GIA emphasized the critical role insurance plays in protecting livelihoods, especially for Micro and Small Businesses that are most vulnerable to unforeseen losses.

It was also announced that Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) will be held from April 10 to 16, 2025, across several towns, including Takoradi, Axim, Tarkwa, Asankragua, Agona Nkwanta, Kwesimintsim, Wassa, Sehwi Bekwai, Bogoso, and Sefwi Wiawso.

Mr. Ghansah earlier reaffirmed that IACG is the mandated body responsible for leading insurance awareness campaigns across the country, noting that the MSBC initiative aligns with the group’s broader goal of building resilience within the informal sector through education and advocacy.

The MSBC initiative is expected to serve as a crucial platform for bridging the knowledge gap on insurance products and services among informal sector workers, ensuring that more Ghanaians are protected from financial shocks.

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.

Communications Minister, Sam George Nartey has emphasised that the technology sector is a central pillar in Ghana’s efforts to reset and revitalise the economy.

Speaking at the first-quarter press briefing on April 9, he highlighted the crucial role technology plays in positioning Ghana at the forefront of the global digital and competitive economy.

“The technology sector is critical in positioning Ghana at the top of the digital and competitive global economy,” he stated.

In recognition of technology’s transformative potential, President John Dramani Mahama made a pre-election promise to launch the iMillion Coders programme, a bold initiative aimed at training one million young Ghanaians in digital skills, he said .

The Minister noted that this programme is designed to empower the youth, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in rapidly evolving sectors such as business processes and knowledge management.

“This programme will provide young people with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive world,” he explained.

Building on this vision, his ministry has swiftly moved to turn the 1Million Coders programme into action.

“We have acted quickly to ensure that this vision becomes a reality, preparing our youth for the future of work,” he added.

“The Ministry is actively working to mobilise partners and secure the resources needed for the programme’s successful implementation”he said.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration to achieve the programme’s goals.

“Through strategic diplomacy and public-private partnerships, we are committed to delivering the results required to upskill our youth and ensure they are equipped for the challenges of the future,” he concluded.

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

Ghanaian rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal, has been accused by the music group Alabaster Box of sampling their popular song, “Akwabaa,” without permission.

A writ of summons dated April 8, 2025, and signed by Sustineri Attorneys, stated that the first 10 seconds of Medikal’s recent single titled “Welcome to Africa” contain Alabaster Box’s intellectual property.

The group is demanding that Medikal remove the song from all distribution and streaming platforms.

They are also requesting a detailed account of all revenue generated from the promotion, distribution, performance, and marketing of the song in question.

“The circumstances, we hold our client’s firm instructions to demand the following forthwith, which we hereby do: The withdrawal of the infringing song from distribution and circulation from all traditional and digital platforms. The cessation of any public performance, direct marketing, and/or sale of the infringing song. The termination of any subsisting agreement for the production, promotion, distribution, and sale of the infringing song, the submission of copies of the related contracts, and the termination notifications to us.

“The provision of a detailed account of all revenue from the promotion, distribution, performance, and marketing of the infringing song. The specification in writing of the names of all parties/ persons you have provided copies of the infringing song to and steps you are undertaking to retrieve the same from them,” the writ contained.

It also outlined potential sanctions Medikal could face if he fails to comply with Alabaster Box’s demands.

“Should you refuse and/or ignore our clients’ demands, do note that our instructions include taking legal action against you without recourse to, among others: Injunct the continuous promotion, distribution, and marketing of the infringing song.

“Demand for the destruction and deletion of the infringing song from circulation, and demand for damages for your infringing conduct. Demand for exemplary damages for your intentional infringement of our client’s copyright and demand for costs including legal fees,” the document stated.

JHM/EB

Meanwhile, watch as Sam George warns Ghanaians about rising online recruitment scams:

President Donald Trump announced a complete three-month pause on all the “reciprocal” tariffs that went into effect at midnight, with the exception of China, a stunning reversal from a president who had insisted historically high tariffs were here to stay.

But enormous tariffs will remain on China, the world’s second-largest economy. In fact, Trump said they will be increased to 125% from 104% after China announced additional retaliatory tariffs against the United States earlier Wednesday.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump said in his social media post. “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” he wrote.

Wall Street breathed a sign of relief, however, that Trump was backing down on other extreme trade measures. Stocks rallied sharply on the news – even though the 10% universal tariff on all imports coming into the United States remained in effect.

Trump in a Truth Social post Wednesday said he has “authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.”

Shortly after the announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the pause was part of “his strategy all along.” But he also said that Trump had “great courage to stay the course until this moment.”

CNN previously reported that Bessent traveled to Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss the tariffs with Trump, encouraging him to focus on an endgame of reaching new deals with a variety of countries.

Bessent said Trump would be “personally involved” in all the discussions as he seeks out concessions.

“No one creates leverage for himself like President Trump,” Bessent said.

The message sought to cast to other countries was: “Do not retaliate and you will be rewarded,” he said, adding that the move “signals that President Trump cares about trade and that we want to negotiate in good faith.”

He and and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were with Trump when he sent his message on Truth Social, Lutnick confirmed on a post on X.

“Scott Bessent and I sat with the President while he wrote one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his Presidency,” Lutnick said. “The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction.”

Stocks rocketed higher on the news, with the Dow surging 2,200 points, or 5.9%. The S&P 500 rose 6.5% and the Nasdaq was more than 8% higher. Markets have been getting slammed by the prospect of the significantly higher tariffs Trump laid out last week.

Bessent didn’t offer many details on what could happen after the 90-day pause, but he said the administration will continue to have discussions with other countries in the interim. For example, he said US government officials are meeting with representatives from Vietnam on Wednesday.

“These are complicated negotiations,” he said. But having seen the “maximum level” that Trump is willing to go on tariffs, he feels more countries will be willing to give in.

Escalating tensions with China

The higher tariffs on China came after Beijing announced new retaliatory tariffs of 84% on US goods set to take effect on Thursday.

The Trump administration has taken particular aim at China’s trade practices.

“We will see what China does but what I’m certain of is what China is doing will affect their economy much more than ours,” Bessent said Wednesday.

Announcing China’s response, the State Council Tariff Commission said in a statement: “The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules.”

The amped-up retaliation comes after China repeatedly warned that it would “fight to the end” if the US moved forward with further tariffs.

Pushing off a recession?

Economists significantly increased forecasts for a recession after Trump proceeded with the reciprocal tariff package, which called for tariffs as high as 50% impacting dozens of countries.

While the 90-day pause may have been welcome news to investors, it’s unlikely to stave off a recession, Joe Brusuelas, chief economist of RSM US, told CNN Wednesday.

“My sense here is that the [US] economy is still likely to fall into recession, given the level of simultaneous shocks that it’s absorbed,” Brusuelas said in an interview. “All this does is postpone temporarily what will likely be a series of punitive import taxes put on US trade allies.”

Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents a wide range of importers, said the pause is “a step in the right direction.”

But he cautioned, “Let’s not celebrate the fact that it still seems to leave in place a new baseline of 10% tariffs on most countries, plus significant levies on China, steel and aluminum and autos, with the promise of more duties to come.”

Colvin was referring to the 25% tariffs that remain in place on the three industries. Trump has also vowed to impose tariffs on a slew of other industries, including lumber, pharmaceuticals and copper.

Ultimately the pause does little to alleviate businesses of the uncertainty they’ve faced since Trump’s November victory regarding the tariff environment, he said.

The Okada Riders Association has expressed strong opposition to a new law restricting individuals under the age of 25 from operating commercial motorcycles in Ghana.

In a fiery interview on GHOne TV, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpanaba, issued a sharp warning to the government, calling for the immediate reversal of the policy or risk facing legal and political backlash.

“We knew these things would happen once the 13-member committee failed to involve us. They seem to have lost their logical reasoning in bringing out this legislation,” Akpanaba stated, accusing the government of sidelining key stakeholders during the drafting process.

The law, which seeks to regulate commercial motorcycle operations, has been met with frustration by riders, many of whom view the age restriction as unfair and illogical.

Akpanaba questioned the rationale behind the decision, especially considering that young adults in the same age bracket are already entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as voting.

“Why must someone who voted for John Mahama at 18 now be told by the same administration to wait until 25 before they can work legally as Okada riders?” he asked.

The association has not ruled out taking drastic steps if the government fails to reconsider. Akpanaba made it clear that the riders are prepared to explore all avenues of protest — including legal action and electoral consequences.

“If not, we will demonstrate, we will take them to court, we will curse them — not spiritually, but when it comes to the next election,” he declared.

He further condemned what he described as a disregard for the intelligence and contributions of Okada riders, insisting that their arguments are based on data and experience — not emotion.

“They shouldn’t insult our intelligence. We didn’t come here wearing coats and ties — we came with logic and scientific research. So if they want respect, they should respect us too,” he added.

Czech President Petr Pavel yesterday opened a new hospital on the outskirts of Accra, the capital city of Ghana, built by Czech company Vamed Health Projects.

“I’m really proud of it, I’m proud because I can’t imagine anything so universally good as opening a hospital, opening a facility that will serve those in need,” said Pavel. The hospital has 40 beds and will serve up to 100,000 people from the wider area around the town of Kpone, close to the capital.

The President was repeatedly applauded by several hundred onlookers, and was finally presented with traditional Ghanaian kente clothing, which he tried on immediately.

“I was a bit surprised at how they approached it, because we saw it as such an official event,” Pavel said. “In fact, they conceived it as a small folk festival, and for us it was an extremely pleasant change because we could at least get a small window into local customs and culture.”

The atmosphere before the ribbon cutting ceremony was added to by live music from local drummers, the presence of traditional community leaders, and their good luck ceremonies. 

“It will make a huge difference to us, so many times people have lost their lives because we had to transport them to a more distant medical facility,” a local resident named William told CTK. “It will save travel time and have a big impact on the lives of the local people,” said an elderly man in formal wear.

See also

The hospital, which was decorated yesterday with the Ghanaian and Czech flags, is part of the construction of 12 health facilities in different parts of Ghana.

The Czech company built the hospitals in 30 months, at a total cost of 71.5 million euros. Initially, three doctors and a number of nurses are to serve in the new hospital. Changes for the local population will include a paediatric centre and a section for mothers with newborns, where it will be possible to perform ultrasound examinations and, if necessary, caesarean sections.

Pavel’s trip to Africa included visits to Mauritania and Ghana. His delegation will fly back to the Czech Republic today.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Johnson P. Asiama, has urged banks to moderate the pace of interest rate adjustments and sustain credit flow to viable enterprises – especially those in vulnerable sectors – despite a tightening monetary environment.

He highlighted the importance of transparent communication with clients and the need for innovative lending solutions that protect credit access without undermining asset quality.

This appeal formed the central message of Dr. Asiama’s address to of commercial banks’ chief executives during the BoG’s first post-Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting under his leadership.

The session followed MPC’s decision to increase the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent, aimed at accelerating a disinflation process that remains sluggish.

While acknowledging that the policy rate hike could heighten borrowing costs and constraint business activity, Dr. Asiama stressed the importance of striking a balance between prudence and support.

“The financial system is robust enough to withstand this adjustment,” he stated, calling on banks to avoid an automatic pass-through of rate hikes and maintain credit support to sectors essential to economic recovery.

Already, banks have demonstrated a softer stance toward lending with the Ghana Reference Rate for April 2025 at 23.99 percent.

Also, in February 2025 private sector credit recorded an annual growth of 26.9 percent, a significant rebound from 5.1 percent in February 2024. In real terms, credit growth stood at 3.1 percent compared to a contraction of 14.7 percent over the same period last year.

The Governor’s remarks were delivered against a backdrop of ongoing reforms in the financial sector, which continues to recover from two major disruptions – the banking sector clean-up and Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

While commending banks for their resilience and professionalism through these challenges, Dr. Asiama admitted that aspects of both interventions could have benefitted from better foresight and consultation.

“We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it,” he noted, urging a new chapter of collaboration between banks and regulators to rebuild public confidence and drive inclusive economic growth.

This comes amid signs of recovery highlighted by the most recent data from BoG. As of end-February 2025, total banking assets had grown by 34.05 percent year-on-year while deposits increased by 27.89 percent. Additionally, the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 14.35 percent – well above the 10 percent regulatory minimum.

Yet risks linger – especially as Solvency challenges persist in some domestically controlled and state-owned banks, where recapitalisation efforts remain incomplete.

BoG is engaging these institutions to address capital shortfalls, ensure compliance with prudential standards and restore depositor trust, the Governor noted.

Additionally, non-performing loans (NPLs) remain elevated with the gross NPL ratio at 22.57 percent – largely due to legacy exposures. Even after adjusting for fully provisioned loans the NPL ratio remains at 8.93 percent, prompting a call for stronger credit risk management and underwriting standards.

Dr. Asiama also encouraged traditional banks to respond with greater innovation and agility, while reaffirming the BoG’s commitment to creating a level playing field that balances innovation with consumer protection.

“Digital transformation must be pursued with discipline,” he warned, noting that operational and cyber risks have intensified. A recent BoG report revealed a 5 percent increase in fraud incidents and 13 percent rise in value at risk, reinforcing the need for banks to strengthen internal controls and cyber resilience.

Dr. Asiama further stressed full compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing standards. He warned that failure could attract reputational damage and limit Ghana’s access to global financial markets.

To keep pace with emerging challenges, BoG is enhancing its supervisory capabilities. A new Resolvability Assessment Framework is in development to improve crisis preparedness. Meanwhile, supervisors are being trained in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate risk and geopolitical instability.

The Governor emphasised a shift from reactive enforcement to forward-looking supervision, with priorities including risk-based analytics, sustainability assessments and enhanced governance. He hinted at mandatory Basel III and IV training for bank board members to strengthen leadership and regulatory compliance.

Beyond domestic priorities, Dr. Asiama urged banks to deepen their support for trade finance and regional integration – particularly through platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). These efforts, he said, could improve transaction efficiency and boost Ghana’s export competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Sustainable banking requires strong governance at the core,” he stated, describing ethical and inclusive banking as essential to Ghana’s long-term economic trajectory.

Dr. Asiama reaffirmed BoG’s commitment to its six policy priorities – including exchange rate stability, inflation control, financial inclusion and crisis preparedness – and called on banks to partner with the central bank in delivering a resilient, inclusive and future-ready financial system.

“Financial institutions like yours are essential to Ghana’s economic growth,” he said.

“Together, we must rebuild confidence and position the sector to support inclusive growth,” he added.

Former first lady Michelle Obama discussed stepping back and making time for herself on a podcast released Tuesday, addressing her recent absences from political events and rumors of marital troubles.

Speaking of her life eight years out of the White House with two adult children, Obama said on the “Work in Progress” podcast with actress Sophia Bush that she now has the opportunity to control her own calendar and can now make “a choice for myself.”

“I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom,” Obama said, “Maybe even as much as I let my kids live their own lives, I use their lives as an excuse for why I couldn’t do something.”

She continued: “And now that’s gone. And so now I have to look at my — I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year, was a real big example of me, myself looking at something that I was supposed to do — you know, without naming names — and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do.”

The former First Lady notably skipped President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, as well as the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in January.

She went on to discuss the guilt of saying no and how her recent choices to step away from certain responsibilities raised rumors of a possible divorce from her husband, former President Barack Obama.

“I still find time to you know, give speeches, to be out there in the world, to work on projects. I still care about girls’ education. We, you know, the library is opening in a year from now. Certain things I am and am not doing with the library,” Obama said.

She continued: “That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with like disappointing people. I mean so much so that this year people were, you know — they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

The Obamas have been together for 32 years, according to a post from the former president on X in October.

The former first lady has been open about how Barack Obama’s political ambitions and time in the Oval Office was tough on their marriage, writing in her book “Becoming” that it resulted in loneliness and exhaustion.

Since leaving the White House, Obama has spoken out against Trump and campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris last year.

During one campaign stop in Michigan just days before the 2024 election, Obama said: “Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us, who has shown deep contempt for us.”

She added: “Because a vote for him is a vote against us, against our health, against our worth.”

Listen to the audio below;

Lawyers of popular Ghanaian a cappella group, Alabaster Box, have written to rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, known in showbiz as Medikal, for using a portion of their song without their consent.

The letter sighted by myjoyonline.com indicates that Medikal used part of their ‘Akwaaba’ song for the rapper’s latest song titled ‘Welcome to Africa.’

The letter states that the first 10 seconds of ‘Welcome to Africa’ is a reproduction of their song. 

They say the choice of title and verses of Medikal’s song point to the fact that his work is derived from Alabaster Box’s ‘Akwaaba.’

The group also alleges that Medikal’s aggressive promotion and distribution of his track on major streaming platforms also deepen the violation.

The lawyers therefore demand the immediate removal of ‘Welcome to Africa’ from all digital and traditional platforms.

They also demand the cessation of any marketing, performance, or business related to the track and the termination of any contracts associated with its production and distribution.

Apart from these, Alabaster Box also wants Medikal to render accounts of revenue generated from the song, and disclose all individuals or companies involved in its promotion and distribution.

They say failure to comply with the above-listed demands will result in a legal action against the rapper.

In the meantime, Medikal is yet to respond to the allegation.

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Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.52 and a selling price of GH¢15.53 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢19.81 and sold at GH¢19.83, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢17.13 and a selling price of GH¢17.15.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 10, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.05 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢20.70 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.80 on the retail market.

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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Former Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has visited Rev. John Ntim Fordjour following an attempted arrest at his residence by officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

The incident occurred on Wednesday but was met with resistance from the Minority caucus in Parliament, who condemned the action as politically motivated.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour, who serves as Member of Parliament for Assin South and the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, has alleged that two aircraft that recently visited Ghana may have been involved in drug dealing and money laundering.

The NIB says he is required to assist in investigation.

Dr Bawumia after his visit, described Ntim Fordjour as being “in high spirit and undaunted” despite the incident.

Last night, following the attempted raid by some alleged officials of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), I visited Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour,” Dr Bawumia wrote in a statement shared on his social media. “Rev. Fordjour was in high spirit and undaunted.”

In his remarks, Dr Bawumia called on members of the NPP to remain composed in the face of what he described as “unfortunate political persecution”.

He urged the party’s supporters to “remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding” while the matter unfolds.

His visit and public comments are the latest in a growing wave of criticism directed at security institutions accused of acting under political influence.

Dr Bawumia further appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action. “I wish to reiterate my earlier submission to the President… to immediately rein in his security operatives.

“The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” he stated.

“Ghanaians will not accept this descent into lawlessness and fear,” he added, calling for the protection of democratic norms and the rule of law.

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