Ghana’s Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has confirmed a ₵400 million partial payment to the contractor of the Ofankor-Nsawam Dual Carriageway, aiming to accelerate work after prolonged delays.

The payment addresses part of a $77 million arrears inherited from the previous administration, which halted progress on the $340 million government-funded project.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on August 3, Agbodza emphasized the project’s prioritization amid widespread road construction stalls: “The public insists this is a priority.

With this disbursement, I expect significantly scaled-up site activities this week.” He acknowledged contractors awaiting payments nationwide but stressed the government’s focus on resolving critical infrastructure gaps.

The project, initially slated for completion in July 2024 and later revised to May 2025, remains at 74% completion.

Delays stemmed from unpaid certificates, unresolved compensation for affected residents, and utility relocations (Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Water). The Finance Ministry’s intervention follows public pressure to complete the key artery linking Accra to Ghana’s eastern regions.

Featured

GraphicOnline

Sports News

Aug – 03 – 2025 , 14:51

2 minutes read

Photo of the defunct uniBank building

The Revenue Mobilisation Africa (RMA), a civil society organisation has called on the government to constitute an independent commission of enquiry to investigate the banking sector clean-up exercise.

It said, “The clean-up exercise, while was argued necessary to stabilise the financial sector, cost the State over GH¢25 billion. These funds were largely mobilised through domestic borrowing and have significantly increased the national debt burden.”

The call was made in a statement read by Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey, the Executive Director of RMA, and supported by Leonard Shang Quartey, Board Chair of RMA, at a press conference held in Accra to raise concerns over how the previous government handled the banking sector clean-up exercise.

It was on the theme, “Delving into the ’60-40’ State Resources Recovery Formula: A CSOs Perspective.”

It said to date, there has been limited transparency and inadequate recovery of the funds injected into collapsed financial institutions.

“Beyond uniBank, there is no clear national accounting of what has been recovered, how assets have been managed or disposed of, and what remains outstanding. This raises a real risk of financial loss to the State and the Ghanaian taxpayer,” it stated.

The statement said although the Attorney-General has outlined broad settlement with uniBank’s former debtors, the public remained largely uninformed about the specific terms and timelines.

“We call on the Minister of Finance and the Bank of Ghana to publish the full details of all agreements and status of recovery so far.”

It stated that before the revocation of uniBank’s license, the Government of Ghana owed the bank approximately GH¢2.9 billion, held bonds, treasury bills, and other instruments.

The statement said, “The bank was placed under administration for six months under Act 930 (Bank and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act), a provision specifically designed to rehabilitate banks and prevent collapse, not to dissolve them.”

It noted that the indebtedness of uniBank as at the beginning of 2025 per court records was GH¢2.8 billion, adding that in 2024, the former Attorney General, Godfred Dame

through the receiver of uniBank amended the total validated indebtedness of uniBank from GH¢5.7 billion to GH¢2.8 billion.

“The GH¢5.7 billion circulating in the news in recent times is therefore not justified by existing records,” the statement said, adding that, “A further validation by the current Government of the GH¢2.8 billion figure brought the amount to GH¢ 2 billion in the year 2025.”

The CSOs said the processes for the liquidation of the uniBank begged for many outstanding questions hence their demand for the constitution of an independent commission of enquiry to investigate the role of the Bank of Ghana, the Attorney General and the Receiver in the revocation of uniBank’s licence.

Others are the shifting of figures of validated liabilities (from GH¢ 5.7 billion to GH¢2.8 billion and now GHS 2 billion); and investigate the State’s failure to acknowledge GH¢ 2.9 billion owed to the bank by the government during the cleanup.

They urged the current administration to initiate legal proceedings against any public official, including the Attorney General and the Receiver, who knowingly misrepresented financial facts, and causing financial loss to the State.

The statement said the RMA and partners acknowledged the recent decision by the Attorney-General to enter a nolle prosequi in the criminal prosecution of former officials of uniBank, and the State’s attention also towards a structured recovery of public funds lost through banking sector failures.

“As civil society organisations committed to promoting transparent and effective mobilisation of public resources, we welcome all efforts that lead to the recovery of lost public funds.

“The ongoing restitution arrangement – through which over GH¢ 824 million in property has already been transferred by uniBank, with a further GH¢ 1.2 billion expected, marks a positive step towards accountability and restoration of public resources.

Aug 3 (BBC/GNA) – Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and prayed there, violating a decades-old arrangement covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.

Photos and videos of his visit show Ben-Gvir leading Jewish prayers at the compound, which is known by Jews as the Temple Mount, in occupied East Jerusalem.

Praying at the site breaks a long-time arrangement that allows Jews to visit the site but not pray.

The Israeli prime minister’s office released a statement saying there had been no change to Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo agreement that allows only Muslim worship there.

Jordan, custodian of the site, called Ben-Gvir’s latest visit “an unacceptable provocation”.

Hamas called it “a deepening of the ongoing aggressions against our Palestinian people”, while a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visit “crossed all red lines”.

The site is the holiest place for Jews because it was the site of two Biblical temples. It is the third holiest place for Muslims, who believe it was where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

It was captured by Israel from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war. Under the status quo, Jordan was allowed to continue its historical role as custodian of the site, while Israel assumed control of security and access.

Palestinians accuse Israel of taking steps to undermine the arrangements and complain that in recent years Jewish visitors have often been seen praying without being stopped by Israeli police.

Waqf, the Islamic endowment which runs the site, said Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jews who ascended the compound on Sunday morning.

GNA/Credit: BBC

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), John Awuah, is projecting a reduction in interest rates on loans from August 6, 2025.

According to him, this is due to the 300 basis points cut in the policy rate by the Bank of Ghana to 25%.

Mr. Awuah disclosed this in an interview with Joy Business in response to concerns that commercial banks often delay in adjusting their lending rates.

He, however, rejected the claim, insisting that “obviously the policy rate carries about 40% weight in the variables that determine the Ghana Reference Rate in the country”.

“So by next Wednesday [August 7, 2025], the commercial banks are expected to publish the new Ghana Reference Rate for August 2025 and we should see quite a good reduction in the Ghana Reference Rate,” Mr.  Awuah disclosed

 The Ghana Reference Rate

The Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Association of Banks in 2017 launched the Ghana Reference Rate, which was described as a new credit rate to serve as a guide in the setting of interest rates on loans by banks and other financial institutions in the country.  The maiden rate was then pegged at 16.82% for April 2017.

According to the Bank of Ghana the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) was expected to help introduced transparency in the setting of lending rates in the country.

The Ghana Reference Rate  (GRR) is an outcome of an extensive consultation between the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Association of  Banks to review the exiting Base rate model and develop a new framework for base rate determination .

 The GRR influences the interest rates of all financial institutions in the country, and it guides the setting of interest rates on all financial products.

Impact on Loan

There have always been debates about the impact of the policy rate cut on the cost of credit in the country.

Mr. Awuah explained that  if the loan was negotiated at a variable rate, then it is likely that the interest rate on a loan will be affected.

He also went ahead to explain that for those who are yet to negotiate a new facility, they are likely to benefit fully from this policy rate cut.

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.

Experts have called on the Ghanaian government to develop forward-looking artificial intelligence (AI) policies, emphasizing that strategic integration across key sectors is vital for long-term economic growth, security, and data sovereignty.

The appeal was made by Professor Quist-Aphetsi Kester, Dean of the School of Computational Sciences at Dominion University College, during the inaugural Media AI Conference in Accra. He warned that Ghana risks missing the economic benefits of the global AI revolution without deliberate action to embed AI in national development.

Professor Kester stressed AI’s transformative potential beyond automation, citing opportunities to revolutionize agriculture, energy, health, and security. He highlighted practical applications, such as using AI to detect illegal electricity connections via mobile payment and consumption data analysis at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

“AI can pinpoint anomalies in usage patterns and guide grid expansion based on predicted demand, fixing inefficiencies while expanding access,” he explained. For national security, he proposed AI-driven analysis of media consumption and online behavior to preempt threats.

However, Kester cautioned that Ghana’s AI potential is jeopardized by over-reliance on foreign infrastructure and weak data control. He raised alarms about sensitive health and security data being stored by foreign firms, citing Israeli and Indian companies managing hospital data.

“They study our patterns, create tailored drugs, and sell them back—eroding economic and strategic value,” he stated. Urging local solutions, he demanded Ghana-centric data centers, legal frameworks, and AI governance systems: “The real question is whether we control and benefit from our data.”

Addressing fears of job losses, Kester asserted AI would expand employment through human-machine collaboration, marking a shift toward a “Fifth Industrial Revolution.” On misinformation, he emphasized AI’s role in fact verification to protect democratic institutions.

Dr. David King Boison, a Senior Research Fellow and AI expert, echoed these sentiments, advocating for African-owned AI models in native languages. “Dubai created its own GPT; Africa must do the same,” he noted, urging Ghana to lead regionally through urgent collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.

Eric Opuku is the Minister of Food and Agric

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has stated that the 2024 National Best Farmer has yet to receive the promised cash prize during last year’s celebration.

He also mentioned that upon resuming office, it was discovered that some awardees from the 2024 event had not received their prizes.

In a post shared on X on August 3, 2025, chanced on by GhanaWeb, the minister said, “When I came to the office, we found out that most awardees from the last farmers’ day have not been paid. The National Best Farmer has not received his, so he came to my office.”

Eric Boakye further established that steps have been taken to ensure that all outstanding prizes are paid by August 6, 2025

He noted that arrangements have been finalized, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), to receive promised funds

“We have put things together to get the money they promised. So, by the 6th of August, thanks to ADB, we will give them that award. Three other award recipients who are yet to receive their awards have been informed that we are arranging for their money so that we will take care of all the debts by the 6th of August”, he assured.

Watch video below:

“The National Best Farmer for 2024 came to my office to complain that he has not yet received the promised cash prize.”

—Hon. Eric Opoku, the Minister for Agriculture, has disclosed that the National Best Farmer and three other award winners visited his office to complain about… pic.twitter.com/PLQuSeGMVy

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) August 3, 2025

RAD/EB

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

In Ghana, spiritual predictions play a significant role in shaping public discourse ahead of elections. Before the nation goes to the polls every four years, several pastors and self-proclaimed men of God publicly foretell the outcome of elections.

These predictions, however, are often contradictory, with different pastors claiming to have received divergent messages from the same God.

During the 2024 general elections in Ghana, over ten pastors made predictions regarding the outcome, but about five of them had their prophecies proven wrong.

One such pastor, Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah, founder of Nyametease Ampa Prayer Ministry in Kumasi, became a subject of public ridicule after boldly declaring that Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and an NPP presidential aspirant, would fail to secure even 30% of the votes in the party’s primary in 2024.

He went further to claim that if Agyapong crossed that threshold, he was not a true man of God.

This prophecy failed spectacularly, as Kennedy Agyapong secured over 30% of the votes in the NPP presidential primary, even though he eventually lost to the then Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Prophet Appiah had also prophesied a win for Dr Bawumia and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, in the 2024 general elections, claiming he had even seen the attire they would wear during their inauguration on January 7, 2025.

That prediction also failed, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by John Dramani Mahama, convincingly won the 2024 election.

As the 2028 general elections draw closer, several prominent figures within the NPP have declared their intention to lead the party back to power.

These include Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education; Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Abetifi; Boakye Agyarko, and the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.

As the NPP prepares for its presidential primary scheduled for January 2026, some pastors have boldly prophesied the outcome of the contest.

So far, most of the spiritual predictions have favoured the two frontrunners, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong.

Prophecies in favour of Kennedy Agyapong

Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun

The General Overseer of Spiritlife Revival Ministries, Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun, predicted that Kennedy Agyapong would become the NPP flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

In a Facebook post dated May 3, 2025, Prophet ElBernard recounted a vision in which he saw intense internal deliberations among party elites who initially doubted Agyapong’s leadership capabilities.

Despite this, a strong youth movement emerged in support of Agyapong, eventually compelling the party establishment to back him.

“I will see a group of passionate young people who have embraced the vision and message of Kennedy Agyapong… Some will even leave their former parties, seeing their future in his leadership,” he wrote.

“In the conclusion of the vision, I will witness Kennedy Ohene Agyapong elected as the flagbearer of the party. A new movement will emerge, one that brings renewed strength, unity, and energy to the New Patriotic Party.”

Prophecies in favour of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Prophet Emmanuel Worlasi

Head Pastor of Conquerors Chapel International (Kumasi Branch), Prophet Emmanuel Worlasi, has also predicted a win for Dr Bawumia in the January 2026 NPP primaries.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Prophet Worlasi stated that Bawumia would win “convincingly” and that nothing could stop it.

“Dr Bawumia is going to win the primaries convincingly. Nothing can change it. Listen to the word: convincingly. A lot of people are prophesying, but let’s give time a chance; time will tell,” he said.

“God is still speaking, and everybody should remember; we see in parts and we prophesy in parts.”

Prophet William Braham

Renowned man of God, Prophet William Braham, has advised the NPP to re-elect Dr Bawumia as their presidential candidate for the 2028 general elections.

Speaking in an interview on Angel FM, he stated, “In the spirit realm, what God opened my eyes to see is that Dr Bawumia will lead the NPP again. He will emerge the victor.”

He warned the party against making a wrong decision at this critical juncture, cautioning that any deviation from this divine revelation could spell political doom for the NPP.

“The NPP currently stands at a place that any wrong decision they make at this time, they are dead and gone forever… I see that any decision they will make now is a do-or-die affair.”

Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah

Despite his previous failed predictions, Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah has once again prophesied a win for Dr Bawumia, both in the upcoming NPP primaries and in the 2028 general elections.

Addressing his congregation, he said, “This time, Dr Bawumia will win the upcoming primaries. And he will win the 2028 general elections.

“I’m telling you, 2028 is not going to fail again. Bawumia will win the election. Anybody who contests him from the NDC will lose.”

@dowonatv

Prophecy! It Will Be A Do Or Dié In NPP Primaries – Prophet William Branham Reveals Winner#viralvideos #viralditiktok #fyp#npp#ndc #Bawumia #ken #mahama #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghana #ghanatiktokers🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭

♬ original sound – Dowona

Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah, who previously prophesied Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s victory in the 2024 elections, has made a fresh declaration, predicting that Dr. Bawumia will win the NPP’s presidential primaries in 2026 and go on to secure victory in the 2028 general elections.… pic.twitter.com/Y2ZPI1xTmB

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) August 2, 2025

AM/SEA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

Amid the accelerating global race towards artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy, Africa is no longer a spectator. The continent is stepping forward to define what inclusive, contextual, and ethical AI looks like.

The Pan-African AI Summit (PAAIS), scheduled to take place from 23rd–24th September 2025 at the Palms by Eagles Hotel in Accra Airport City, Ghana, is a continental declaration of agency, ambition, and innovation.

Strategic Assembly for Transformative Action

Endorsed by Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation as a collaborative partner, the summit will bring together over 500 thought leaders from more than 30 countries across sectors such as technology, government, academia, manufacturing, banking, finance, insurance, telecoms, and civil society.

The theme, “Harnessing AI to Enhance Productivity and Skills to Drive Growth Across Africa,” directly addresses the continent’s urgent need to transform potential into progress.

Notable speakers include:

• Hon. Sam George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Innovation & Digital Technology
• Jason Hickey, Head of Google Research Africa
• Andreas Horn, Head of AIOps, IBM Germany
• Ghita Mezzour, Former Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition

Data Meets Development: The AI “Dividend”

Artificial Intelligence could inject up to $1.2 trillion into Africa’s GDP by 2030 if responsibly integrated, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. However, progress depends on solving local problems with local perspectives. PAAIS will bring this vision to life through case studies and sector-specific spotlights during the two-day inaugural summit.

For example:

• Agriculture: Predictive analytics are optimising yields and mitigating climate shocks
• Finance: AI is expanding access to credit and automating fraud detection
• Education: Local-language AI tools are bridging literacy gaps for underserved youth (e.g. MyManu.com demonstrates such innovation)

Empowering the Majority: Youth as Architects of AI

With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, the continent’s strength lies in its youthful talent. During the summit’s Youth Empowerment session, attendees will benefit from mentorship circles, hands-on AI labs, and scholarship navigation signposts. These hubs are designed to educate and equip tomorrow’s innovators—both in Ghana and across the continent.

This is ecosystem building from the ground up, dubbed by the summit organisers as “the bottom-up, top-down intentional capacity-building strategy.”

Investors & Institutions: A Convergence of Opportunity

Corporate sponsors such as Fidelity Bank Ghana and the Bank of Ghana, innovation hubs like Google Africa Research, and impact-driven firms including MTN, IBM and MyManu.com, are driving home a unified message: the future of business in Africa is intertwined with ethical, inclusive AI.

The summit will spotlight that message and offer:

• Stakeholder insights on digital regulation and data sovereignty
• Networking platforms for venture scouting and strategic partnerships
• Afrocentric design principles for building AI tech aligned with local values
• Best practice pathways from leading organisations who are solving the winning AI puzzle and gaining first-mover advantage

Why Ghana? Why Now? Why Not?

Ghana has taken a proactive stance in the AI space. The Ministry of Communication has positioned itself as the continent’s AI champion ministry—initiating programmes such as UNDP AI boot camps for ministries, and signing significant strategic AI investment partnerships with the government of the UAE and global tech leaders like Google.

These initiatives reflect Ghana’s commitment to digital inclusion and policy innovation, and they position the country as a continental thought leader. Hosting the Pan-African AI Summit sends a strong signal of Africa’s readiness to adopt and define AI on its own terms. The timing is pivotal and aligns with the nation’s preparedness for a new technological paradigm.

We Are Writing Africa’s AI Future

The Pan-African AI Summit is a bold step towards Africa’s technological ownership and relevance. It will serve as a springboard for the continent’s brightest minds, youngest talents, and most visionary leaders to align and leap ahead.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, Accra will become ground zero for Africa’s AI renaissance.

Visit panafricanaisummit.com to participate in shaping history.

Credit: The Pan-African AI Summit Team

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.

Communications Minister Samuel Narley George has rejected MultiChoice Ghana’s counterproposal in the DStv pricing dispute, condemning it as “illogical” and disrespectful to Ghanaians.

The minister dismissed the pay-TV operator’s suggestion to retain high subscription fees while halting revenue repatriation, insisting it ignores core demands for tangible affordability.

George contrasted MultiChoice’s compliance with Nigerian authorities who reversed price hikes after legal action with its refusal in Ghana despite cedi appreciation and lower inflation. “This year, DStv implemented a 15% increase amid improved economic conditions,” he stated, vowing to prioritize “real relief for burdened households.”

The minister framed the conflict as a reset in corporate accountability: “Corporations have fleeced Ghanaians too long. My duty is fierce protection of citizens.”

While expressing empathy for local DStv staff, he demanded future talks focus solely on price reduction, calling other discussions “tangential.”

With public backing growing, pressure mounts on the National Communications Authority to mediate. The stalemate has amplified national debates on consumer rights and equitable pricing in line with Ghana’s economic realities.

By Kingsley Mamore

Dambai (O/R), Aug 03, GNA – The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the military, has conducted a successful intelligence-led operation in Nkwanta, resulting in the arrest of a suspect and retrieval of firearms and ammunition. 

A statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. John Nchor, Public Relations Officer of the Oti Police Command shared with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicated they arrested suspect Francis Donkor, 50, for possession of firearms without authority.  

The joint police and military team cordoned off an area opposite King’s Filling Station Down and conducted a thorough search of the premises around 1815 hours on Friday, August , 2025. 

The search led to the discovery of two single-barrel guns and four AAA ammunition from the room of suspect Donkor and currently assisting with ongoing investigations.  

The retrieved exhibits have been retained as evidence to support the investigation and possible prosecution. 

The Ghana Police Service remains committed to maintaining peace and public safety, cautioning the public against unlawful possession and use of firearms. 

This operation demonstrates the Service’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. 

GNA 

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah 

By Ernest Nutsugah 

Accra, Aug. 3, GNA – A Toxicologist  has urged the government and stakeholders to adequately fund plant medicine research to help harness the potential economic and health benefits of the industry. 

Delivering her inaugural address at the University of Ghana, Professor Regina Appiah-Oppong noted that some indigenous herbal medicines were effective, however, further study on existing plants would require funding from multiple reliable sources.  

Speaking on the topic: “The Potential Role of Medicinal Plants in Ghana’s Healthcare System and Economy,” the scholar recommended, among other things, the cultivation of medicinal plants that were becoming extinct. 

“…There must be policies to replace the harvested ones. When we harvest them, we have to replace them…all hands must be on deck,” she stated. 

The former Head of Clinical Pathology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), noted that about 80 per cent of rural dwellers in Ghana depended on plant medicine, considering factors such as cultural beliefs, effectiveness, affordability and accessibility. 

That notwithstanding, she advised that plant or herbal prescriptions should be tested for their “potentials” before combining them with orthodox medicines, to avoid “harmful drug interactions.” 

The researcher highlighted the significant role of plant medicine in the healthcare system, pointing to available ones like moringa, pawpaw, and “dawadawa,” which, she said, were found to contain essential properties. 

Prof Appiah-Opong identified lack of standardisation, regulatory challenges, safety concerns, and lack of funding as some challenges of integrating herbal medicine into the country’s primary healthcare system. 

She noted that the world market for medicinal plants was projected to reach $437 billion by 2032, adding that Africa’s plant medicine industry could compete globally. 

“Europe dominated the market in 2024, with a market share of 44 per cent, followed by the United States. Despite the global boom, Ghana has not yet significantly benefited from the industry,” she observed.  

The experienced tutor, also a Board Member of the Research Academy for Women, expressed concern about the reluctance of some Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) to subject their products to rigorous approval processes by regulatory agencies. 

“Research is crucial in establishing safe and efficacious plant medicines…Traditional medicine practitioners must ensure that all plant medicines are properly evaluated for safety and efficacy, and facilitate their acceptance into the health care system. 

“Another challenge is the classification of many herbal products as foods or dietary supplements, which is inappropriate, as such medicines bypass critical regulation,” she stated, and called for continuous training for TMPs.  

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana, commended Prof Appiah-Opong for her works, and emphasised the importance of tapping the opportunities in the plant medicine industry. 

“Plant medicine is not just a home remedy; it’s a research discipline, a commercial opportunity, a regulatory headache, and a potential national treasure.”  

“We do have the biodiversity, the traditional knowledge, and the scientific expertise so if we put our acts together, we can make this a booming business for our economy while we are healing ourselves,” Prof Amfo stated, and reiterated the University’s support for related research works. 

GNA 

03 Aug. 2025  

Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong  

Pictures attached 

A British man who died following a hair transplant in Turkiye has been named as Martyn Latchman.

The 38-year-old passed away earlier this week after undergoing the £1,500 procedure at the Dr Cinik clinic in Besiktaş, Istanbul.

His body was returned to the UK following an autopsy at the Forensic Medical Institute.

Mr Latchman’s brother Yashley shared a picture of the keen athlete at the gym, with the words: ‘Rest in peace my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation.

Mr Latchman is thought to have had complications while undergoing his five-hour operation, the Daily Mail reported.

‘Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads.’

Other relatives turned their social media profiles black out of respect for Mr Latchman, who is from Bridgend but lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

A former assistant headteacher, Mr Latchman also raised more than £1800 for the Tree of Hope Charity, by running 10k every day between December 1 and Christmas Day 2022.

Dr Cinik said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by Mr Latchman’s passing.

It said the Briton had previously had successful treatment at the clinic in July 2024.

Mr Latchman had been cleared for surgery following examination but had begun to ‘feel unwell’ for unexplained reasons, it said.

Dr Cinik has treated more than 50,000 patients in 20 years, among them famous footballers including Rio Ferdinand and Ivan Rakitic.

A statement from the clinic said: ‘Despite ongoing intensive care treatment throughout the day, the patient sadly passed away later that evening.

‘Our clinic is an experienced medical institution that has performed over 70,000 hair transplant procedures to date.

‘All relevant medical documentation related to this incident has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, and the matter is currently being investigated by judicial bodies.’

It continued: ‘Unfortunately, much of the information circulating in the media does not reflect the truth. Claims suggesting that the patient passed away during the procedure or that the operation was interrupted midway are incorrect.

‘The incident occurred before the hair transplant procedure had begun. Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time.’

The incident occurred before the hair transplant procedure had begun. Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time’, it added.

Turkiye has become the go-to destination for affordable medical procedures, with around one million Britons estimated to travel there for cosmetic treatments including on hair and teeth.

Most operations are completely smoothly, however not all have gone as planned.

British mother Katrina Marshall, from Hastings, was left fighting for her life with post-surgery infections and blood clots after a £6,000 medical package in Turkey including breast implants, a tummy tuck and a Brazilian butt lift.

The clinic’s website offers ‘personalised care in English, plus access to cutting-edge techniques’.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.’

By: Francis Ofori

Accra, Aug.03, GNA – Strategic Plus, in partnership with LYF Arena and the National Sports Authority, has officially launched the 2025 LYF Festival, aimed at promoting health and wellness nationwide.

This year’s festival, fixed for August 30,2025 introduces the first-ever Eastern Marathon featuring a 10km race, a 5km race, and other top categories.

The race route will start from Ayimensah and lead directly to the Aburi Botanical Gardens, with hundreds of participants expected to also grace the one-day event.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Hubert Leo Mensah, Acting Head of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Sports Authority, shared his enthusiasm for partnering with the organizers to advance Ghana’s sports ecosystem and promote holistic wellness.

He emphasized that health plays a central role in Ghana’s development agenda, making it essential to lead such a campaign.

“It comes as good news for the National Sports Authority to support such a great venture to the point where we can use this means to promote tourism. In the past few months, the Authority has been putting in efforts to promote tourism through sports,” he said.

Mr. Mensah extended heartfelt appreciation to Strategic Plus and LYF Arena for their collaboration in bringing up such a meaningful initiative.

Mr. Nana Essel, a representative of LYF Arena, stated that the event, which began in 2023, has experienced remarkable growth and is now regarded as Ghana’s premier wellness and fitness event.

He explained that multiple categories have been introduced by the organizers to accommodate participants of all backgrounds and abilities.

He added that alongside the races, participants will enjoy free wellness education, yoga, health screenings, and expert health talks.

“We are honoured to have the backing of esteemed institutional partners including the office of the Okuapehene, NSA, Ghana Athletics, among others who have expressed strong interest in strategic collaboration”, he said.

Nana Kwesi Osew, Okuapehene Sompahene, noted that the Okuapeman Traditional Council has backed the LYF Festival in recent years, recognizing its benefits to surrounding communities.

“I am happy that the health walk is now progressing into a marathon and with the cool weather, this is going to be big”, he said.

He urged Ghanaians to participate in this year’s festival, emphasizing its role in promoting physical well-being and offering a chance to experience the rich traditions of Okuapeman.

GNA

Kenneth Odeng Adade

Controller and Accountant-General’s Department signage

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has suspended the salaries of 5,673 government employees as part of a nationwide effort to clean up the public payroll and protect state funds.

This development follows the 2025 Nationwide Payroll Headcount Exercise conducted by the Ghana Audit Service, which uncovered that 53,311 individuals listed on the government’s payroll were “separated staff”.

Separated staff means these individuals were no longer in active service but were still receiving salaries.

While 47,638 of those separated staff have already been removed from the payroll, the remaining 5,673 salaries processed for payment in July 2025 have now been suspended pending further investigations.

The CAGD has directed heads of institutions across the public sector to initiate recovery procedures for any unearned salaries paid due to wrongful validation.

Additionally, any affected employee whose salary has been stopped but is still at post is required to obtain a letter from their institution addressed to the Auditor-General, with a copy sent to the Ministry of Finance.

This documentation will allow for proper remedial action to reinstate legitimate cases.

This audit initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to promote transparency and accountability in payroll management and reduce leakages from the national budget.

SA/EB

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, has criticised MultiChoice Ghana’s proposal in response to demands for reduced DStv subscription fees, describing it as illogical.

According to the Minister, MultiChoice—the operators of DStv Ghana—proposed to retain existing subscription fees but offered to halt the repatriation of revenue to its headquarters.

His comments follow a statement issued by MultiChoice on Sunday, August 3, and signed by its Managing Director, Alex Okyere, in which the company argued that reducing subscription fees, as requested by the Minister, was not tenable.

The company described the Minister’s previous directive to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend DStv’s broadcasting licence as “regrettable,” noting ongoing efforts to engage constructively with the government in good faith.

MultiChoice also disclosed that it had submitted a proposal to the Minister and the NCA outlining alternative avenues for engagement—chief among them being the retention of current pricing while foregoing the transfer of revenue to its parent company.

But in a sharp response posted on Facebook on Sunday, August 3, Mr. George rejected the offer, insisting that it fails to address the core issue of pricing.

“They proposed that I allow them to maintain the collection of the exorbitant bouquet prices as they stand, but order them not to send the revenue to their headquarters. In all honesty, that offer lacks any logic in my estimation. The essence of my action is to see Ghanaians pay a fair price for the services offered. How does this proposal solve the real issue?” he stated.

The Minister further expressed frustration over what he described as years of exploitation of Ghanaian subscribers and reiterated his determination to ensure pricing reforms.

“I remain open to ‘constructive engagements’ that are centred on PRICE REDUCTION. Anything else is tangential and of no consequence,” he added.

The ongoing standoff between the Ministry and MultiChoice has sparked public debate over the affordability and value of pay-TV services in Ghana.

Read below the statement by Sam George on Facebook

For God and Country.

President John Mahama has moved to calm fears among Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana and their government, assuring a special envoy dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that there will be no mass deportations.

During a courtesy call from Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama assured that Ghana has no intention of resorting to mass expulsions, emphasising the shared history and inter-dependence of the two countries.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols, dismissing any anxieties in Nigeria over any potential mass deportation of its citizens from Ghana following the emergence of a viral video.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the “anxieties” of the Nigerian people and government, citing the viral video, widespread apprehension of mass deportations, and fears of shops belonging to Nigerian traders being burned.

The concerns, she noted, have led to emergency sessions in Nigeria’s National Assembly and traditional rulers instructing relatives in Ghana to return home.

President Mahama acknowledged the historical relations between Ghana and Nigeria, describing them as “siblings of the same parents, and so our destinies are joined together.”

He invoked past unfortunate incidents of mass deportations in both countries—Ghana in the 1960s and Nigeria in the 1980s—, stating, “I think that that is a part of our past, and it’s an unfortunate past that we want to put behind us, and I believe that none of our two countries should mass deport our citizens ever again.”

“We are members of the ECOWAS, and we have the ECOWAS protocol that allows our citizens to travel freely between our countries.”

He also clarified that, although there have been isolated incidents and some individuals involved in criminal activity, such cases are addressed through proper legal procedures, not through collective punishment or mass expulsion. He stated that foreign residents in Ghana who engage in criminal activities shall be held individually liable and sanctioned.

President Mahama traced the recent tensions to the resurfacing of a 2013 video featuring an “Igbo king” discussing land acquisition for a kingdom, which was widely misinterpreted as a recent development.

He dismissed this as “a bit of a storm in a teacup,” assuring the Nigerian delegation that Ghanaian law governs the establishment of traditional councils, making such external claims impossible.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President Mahama for de-escalating a potentially volatile situation, noting that the initial fears of widespread unrest upon their arrival in Accra proved unfounded.

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.

Samuel Nartey George is the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a sharp rebuttal to a recent statement from MultiChoice, which claimed that reducing DStv subscription fees is untenable.

According to Sam George, MultiChoice’s response reinforces his position that the company does not take Ghanaians seriously, stating that his advocacy for price reduction is aimed at ensuring fair pricing for consumers.

In a post on X, the minister noted that the government’s “reset agenda” calls for a new style of public service that is fiercely protective of the interests of the Ghanaian people.

“I have read the release by DStv Ghana and taken full consideration that they vindicate my earlier position that they simply do not take the Ghanaian people serious enough.

“They proposed that I allow them to maintain the collection of the exorbitant bouquet prices as they stand but order them not to send the revenue to their headquarters. In all honesty, that offer lacks any logic in my estimation. The essence of my action is to see Ghanaians pay a fair price for the services offered,” part of his post read.

While criticising what he described as the company’s failure to genuinely address the issue of exorbitant subscription fees, Sam George stated that he remains open to constructive engagements provided MultiChoice is focused on price reduction.

He emphasized that any other proposals are “tangential and of no consequence.”

Sam George also expressed empathy for the Ghanaian staff of MultiChoice, but urged them to support the broader public interest.

“I believe that they should stand with the rest of us as we demand what is right for us,” he said.

The minister noted that in April this year, DStv implemented a 15% increase at a time when the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated by roughly 10% against major currencies, inflation had dropped by over 5%, and fuel prices had declined.

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, MultiChoice issued a press release signed by Managing Director, Alex Okyere and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, stating that reducing DStv subscription fees is not tenable given current economic conditions.

The company also dismissed claims that it had referred to the recent cedi appreciation as a “fluke”, a claim made by the minister during the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice faces a possible suspension of its broadcasting license effective Thursday, August 7, 2025, if it fails to comply with the price reduction directive.

SA/EB

Read Sam George’s post below:

I have read the release by DStv Ghana and taken full consideration that they vindicate my earlier position that they simply do not take the Ghanaian people serious enough.

The same Group operating in Nigeria reversed price increases in Nigeria when the Nigerian authorities sued… pic.twitter.com/0Gfgvu7VDP

— Sam ‘Dzata’ George 🦁🇬🇭 (@samgeorgegh) August 3, 2025

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Ewurabena Aubynn and her pastor

A pastor at the Trinity Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Kwashieman has commended Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, for what he described as an act of faith ahead of her electoral victory.

Speaking during Sunday’s service on August 3, 2025, the pastor recalled that prior to the parliamentary rerun in the constituency, Ewurabena Aubynn gave an offering of GH¢10,000 to the church.

He revealed that this act of generosity took place when the Electoral Commission had yet to announce a date for the rerun.

“Because I deal in second-hand goods, I believe in deposits, before the rerun, she came to church and gave an offering of GH¢10,000. And because of the faith I have in God, I knew she was going to emerge victorious,” he stated.

The pastor further expressed confidence that the newly elected MP would address pressing local issues.

“I believe she will fix the bad roads in Kwashiebu, her victory is not just political, it is a fruit of faith”, he added.

Ewurabena Aubynn was officially sworn into Parliament earlier this month following a fiercely contested rerun held in 19 polling stations.

The Electoral Commission nullified the initial December 2024 results due to widespread irregularities, including unsigned pink sheets and discrepancies in vote tallies.

At the rerun, Aubynn secured a narrow victory with 34,090 votes, edging out the New Patriotic Party’s Akua Afriyie, who polled 33,881.

Watch the video below:

LIVE | The pastor of the Ablekuma North MP recounts how she once gave a GHS 10,000 offering during the election impasse, when the EC had yet to announce a date for the rerun, saying that act of faith convinced him she would eventually win the seat. pic.twitter.com/u0vctxeQl2

— ThisIsNeneOdompleh (@The1957News) August 3, 2025

JKB/EB

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown: