By Florence Afriyie Mensah

Kumasi, June 26, GNA – The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has organized a workshop aimed at scaling up efforts to combat gender-based violence and sexual harassment.  

It was a collaboration between KNUST DoSA, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Perfector of Sentiment (POS) Foundation, a human rights advocacy organization with sponsorship from Amplify Change.  

The event brought together faculty members, students, healthcare professionals, university security officers and other stakeholders to build awareness, enhance institutional response, and promote coordinated strategies to create a safer and more inclusive campus environment.  

Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, Director of Student Affairs, described the initiative as a vital step towards fostering respect and accountability within the university community.  

She said raising awareness through knowledge and skills building could engender respect, consent and dignity.  

Prof. Nkansah encouraged participants to trust the university’s reporting mechanisms, assuring that all personal information shared through official channels would be handled with the highest confidentiality.  

Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Adjei, Deputy Registrar and Head of the KNUST Counselling Centre, outlined several institutional tools and policies designed to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual misconduct.   

They included the Sexual Harassment Policy, Gender Policy, Counselling Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and the KNUST e-Counselling App (an online app enabling anonymous reporting).  

She assured that confidentiality remained key in handling issues affecting students and urged them to open up to the counselors.  

The Counsellor entreated families and faith-based organizations and educational institutions to support early education on empathy and respectful behaviour.  
Dr Mrs. Frances Dufie Azumah, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Social Work, KNUST highlighted the relevance of the gender-based violence and sexual harassment policy, education and awareness.  

She indicated that the University’s policies aligned with nationally and internationally accepted standards.  

Dr Azumah used the occasion to caution people not to use their positions to harass or intimidate others, saying that “we want a safe space for all.”  

Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of the POS Foundation, commended KNUST for demonstrating institutional commitment to gender equity.  

“The real meaning of gender equality has been practically manifested by KNUST.  

 I see a lot of great women managing student affairs, and it’s encouraging,” he said.  

What was left, he pointed out, was lack of awareness around what constituted sexual harassment, explaining that some students did not recognize what qualified as harassment while others underestimated its seriousness.  

GNA  

Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Christian Akorlie   

Central University has launched a landmark collaboration with Ghanaian tech firm Presto to revolutionise student accommodation services across its campuses, marking a bold step in alumni-led innovation.

The new digital platform, PrestoStay, is the brainchild of Nana Kweku Adumatta, a Central University alumnus and founder of Presto. The system aims to transform the entire hostel management process, eliminating manual frustrations and bringing transparency, speed, and ease to students and administrative staff alike.

PrestoStay allows students to book rooms online, make payments digitally, receive real-time updates, track vacancies, and renew accommodation—all on one platform. It also offers 24/7 support and integrates directly with the university’s internal databases for enhanced security and efficiency.

“We believe technology should make everyday systems invisible,” said Mr Adumatta. “Managing hostels shouldn’t feel like a battle. With this partnership, we’re not just improving efficiency, we’re improving peace of mind, for both students and staff.”

The partnership is a significant milestone for both the university and the tech firm. Presto’s first client during its early startup phase was Central University, making the latest collaboration a symbolic reunion fuelled by innovation and trust.

According to James Amezi Anani, Head of Innovations and Development at Central University, the project is a shining example of the institution’s impact on its graduates. “When the education is right, this is what an alumnus can do—solving real-life problems,” he said. “We’re proud to see our own graduate come back to build something truly transformative.”

Key features of PrestoStay include online room bookings, automated allocation, renewal alerts, digital receipts, and transparent billing—all designed to streamline housing services and enhance the student experience.

The introduction of the platform positions Central University as a leader in campus digitisation and smart infrastructure in Ghana, setting a new standard for how educational institutions can leverage local expertise to drive change.

With the successful rollout of PrestoStay, the university hopes to inspire other institutions to embrace homegrown tech solutions and build lasting partnerships that serve both students and the broader academic community.

The suspects are alleged to have been engaged in romance scam

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were in the country to arrest and seek the extradition of certain Ghanaian nationals in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme.

Addressing the nation on June 25, 2025, Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana had fully cooperated with US law enforcement officials to hand over individuals implicated in the $100 million scam to the FBI.

He reiterated the country’s zero tolerance for criminal activity, firmly stating that Ghana and its government are not a safe haven for criminals.

“We do not harbour criminals. You do know that recently we cooperated with the FBI and they were here to remove some suspects involved in the $100 million scam. In terms of deportations, as I told Parliament last week, we have been cooperating with US authorities,” the minister stated.

Ablakwa’s official confirmation follows weeks of widespread public speculation.

Background>

The case involves three Ghanaian nationals who were facing extradition to the United States in connection with a $100 million fraud scheme involving Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance scams.

The suspects, Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng, also known as Kofi Boat; a man identified only as Agony; and a third accomplice, were arrested on Friday, June 13, in a joint operation between Interpol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The extradition request, issued by the US Department of State and relayed through the US Embassy in Accra, follows a May 2023 indictment by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The court charged the accused with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in relation to a criminal enterprise operating out of Ghana.

MAG/VPO

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

By Maxwell Awumah

Ho, June 27, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has said a well-developed emergency preparedness plan, which is regularly reviewed, could help minimise significant losses and impact on humans and property. 

He called for a practical and collective roadmap for swift action to mitigate its impact when disaster strikes.  

Mr Gunu disclosed these during a workshop on Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) with District Assemblies, at the instance of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and the Volta River Authority (VRA), in Ho. 

He said the workshop underscored the importance for proactive governance and community safety, resilience, and sustainable development. 

 “We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be proactive, planning meticulously for any eventuality.” 

He observed that the effectiveness of a well-coordinated regional emergency response hinged significantly on the strength of your respective District Emergency Preparedness Plans and stakeholders’ commitment to sound environmental management practices. 

He said issues such as deforestation, poor waste management, and unsustainable land use practices could exacerbate the impact of natural phenomena. 

“By embracing effective environmental management, we are not just protecting our natural heritage; we are building resilience against future disasters. We must ensure that our development initiatives are environmentally sound and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our region.” 

“Delve into actionable strategies and brainstorm practical steps for implementation, monitoring, and regular review and again identify potential gaps in our current approaches and work collaboratively to address them.”  

The Regional Minister said the VRCC was committed to supporting inter-agency stakeholder efforts in strengthening disaster preparedness and environmental stewardship at the district level.  

“Let this workshop be a catalyst for renewed commitment and enhanced cooperation. Let us emerge from these discussions with clearer objectives, stronger plans, and a shared resolve to make the Volta Region a model of resilience and sustainable development.” 

Madam Akosua Effah Owusu, a representative of VRA, said in a presentation that the EPP formed part of the entity’s annual outreach programme to engage key stakeholders and elicit responses to guide its operations, particularly, on anticipated disasters. 

She said the EPP was an early warming mechanism, which identified potential emergencies and outlines pre-planned actions to minimize property damage and loss of lives, or risks posed in a case of spillage to people, property and economic activities downstream. 

She said during emergency situations protocols included detection and evaluation, notification activated, followed by implementation and direction of emergency repairs and preventive action and participation in the warning of potentially affected people. 

She indicated that under spillage emergencies, expected inundated areas were mapped-out, designated safe havens outlined and targeted messages relayed to impacted communities based on the level of the discharge with collaboration with key stakeholders at the district, including Chiefs and related institutions. 

Mr Abdul Noor Wahab, Director, Department of Water Resources and Renewable Energy, said EPP was a national security concern and encompassed inter-agencies towards mitigating the effects on humans and the environment. 

He insisted on thorough emergency planning and management at the District levels to be disaster-ready, saying fighting emergencies was always a collaborative responsibility. 

Participants demanded greater collaboration and information flow from VRA on emergency risk assessment, rainfall trends, tributaries assessment, levels of water in reservoir to aid planning and management in handling of emergencies. 

Nine Districts in three Regions, Volta, Eastern and the Greater Accra, are on the radar of the VRA on EPP and EMP situations. 

GNA 

Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie  

The National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO-GH) has issued a strong disclaimer distancing itself from a Supreme Court lawsuit filed by one Henrietta Nana Yaa Simpson against the nomination of COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (Rtd) to represent retired senior police officers on the Police Council.

In a statement dated Thursday, June 26, 2025, and signed by eight members of its Functional Executive Committee, NARPO-GH made it clear:

“The said plaintiff, Henrietta Nana Yaa Simpson, is neither a registered nor a known member of NARPO-GH. Indeed, she has no formal or informal relations with NARPO-GH.”

The Executive Committee further emphasized that it had neither discussed nor authorized any legal action in the association’s name, describing Simpson’s actions as unauthorized and misleading.

“We fully support COP Mr. Nathan Kofi Boakye (Rtd) and believe he possesses the necessary qualifications and expertise to represent all retired police officers, irrespective of rank,” the group added.

The disclaimer was signed by key figures, including Vice President COP Richard Safo-Kwarteng (Rtd), Secretary DCOP George Anko-Bil (Rtd), and NAPWA President Mrs. Cecilia Ayi-Bonte, among others. Retired Police Officers (NARPO-GH) has issued a strong disclaimer distancing itself from a Supreme Court lawsuit filed by one Henrietta Nana Yaa Simpson against the nomination of COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (Rtd) to represent retired senior police officers on the Police Council.

In a statement dated Thursday, June 26, 2025, and signed by eight members of its Functional Executive Committee, NARPO-GH made it clear:

“The said plaintiff, Henrietta Nana Yaa Simpson, is not a registered nor known member of NARPO-GH. Indeed, she has no formal or informal relations with NARPO-GH.”

The Executive Committee further emphasized that it had neither discussed nor authorized any legal action in the association’s name, describing Simpson’s actions as unauthorized and misleading.

“We fully support COP Mr. Nathan Kofi Boakye (Rtd) and believe he possesses the necessary qualifications and expertise to represent all retired police officers, irrespective of rank,” the group added.

The disclaimer was signed by key figures including Vice President COP Richard Safo-Kwarteng (Rtd), Secretary DCOP George Anko-Bil (Rtd), and NAPWA President Mrs. Cecilia Ayi-Bonte, among others.

1.Ace Money Transfer

2.Remit Union

3.Remit Home

4.Roze Remit

5.Monty Global

6.Nairagram

7.I-Transfer

8.Hurupay

9.Eversend

10.Izi Send

“Approved MTOs are reminded to terminate their foreign exchange flows through their partner institutions only and to adhere strictly to all the guidelines in respect of their operations,” the notice read.

Bank of Ghana Headquarters

The Bank of Ghana has warned against transacting with some ten (10) Money Transfer Organisations (MTOs), including Eversend and Hurupay.

It stated that these organisations have been operating within the Remittance and Ghana Forex Market without approval from the Bank of Ghana.

In a statement issued on June 27, 2025, the Central Bank listed the organisations as follows:

1. ACE MONEY TRANSFER

2. REMIT UNION

3. REMIT HOME

4. ROZE REMIT

5. MONTY GLOBAL

6. NAIRAGRAM

7. I-TRANSFER

8. HURUPAY

9. EVERSEND

10. IZI SEND

According to the bank, Section 3.1 of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 Act 723 states that, “a person shall not engage in the business of dealing in foreign exchange without a licence issued under this Act”.

Additionally, it noted that Section 15.3 of the Foreign Exchange Act states, “each transfer of Foreign exchange to or from Ghana shall be made through a person licensed to carry out the business of money transfers or any other authorised dealer.”

Therefore, the BoG has asked the Public, Banks, Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMIs), and Enhanced Payment Service Providers (EPSPs) to desist from dealing with any of these institutions.

However, “approved MTOs are reminded to terminate their foreign exchange flows

through their partner institutions only, and to adhere strictly to all the

guidelines in respect of their operations.”

“By this Notice, all market players are reminded of the above directives and

entreated to comply accordingly. Non-compliance will result in severe sanctions, including the withdrawal of the licence of the institution in breach,” parts of BoG’s statement read.

SSD/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Founding President of IMANI-Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, has called for an end to entrenched political bias in public sector employment, describing it as a dangerous injustice that undermines national development and erodes public trust in state institutions.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, Mr Cudjoe criticised the persistent politicisation of recruitment and dismissal processes within the public service, with specific reference to the recent dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of some staff at the Bank of Ghana.

“It is a technical thing that we need to stop. I don’t think it helps us,” he stated.

“I’m asking myself, when will this stop? I think it will stop when we show the public how recruitment is done in public service,” he added.

Mr Cudjoe had earlier expressed similar concerns in a Facebook post, where he condemned the reported dismissals at the central bank, suggesting they were politically motivated.

His comments reflect growing public concern over claims that individuals are often denied appointments or unfairly dismissed from public service based on real or perceived partisan affiliations.

He urged political leaders to pursue an inclusive and merit-based recruitment framework that prioritises competence and national interest over party loyalty.

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.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, will host India’s Prime Minister, H.E. Narendra Modi, for a two-day official visit to Ghana from Wednesday, July 2 to Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Presidency has announced.

This landmark visit marks the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in recent years and reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

According to a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the visit underscores the warm and long-standing ties between Ghana and India, and both leaders are expected to use the opportunity to enhance cooperation across a range of sectors.

The agenda for Prime Minister Modi’s visit includes:

• A bilateral meeting with President Mahama at the Jubilee House.
• High-level discussions on trade, investment, agriculture, education, technology, healthcare and energy.
• An exchange of views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Bilateral agreements & joint press briefing

One of the key outcomes of the visit will be the signing of several bilateral agreements to expand collaboration frameworks between Accra and New Delhi. These agreements are expected to lay the foundation for increased economic and developmental engagement.

Following the signing ceremony, President Mahama and Prime Minister Modi will address a joint press conference, where further details of their cooperation roadmap will be shared.

To commemorate the visit, President Mahama will also host a State Dinner in honour of Prime Minister Modi and his accompanying delegation. The event will bring together key political figures, diplomats, and business leaders to celebrate the enduring friendship between Ghana and India.

The Presidency says the visit is expected to solidify bilateral ties, promote economic diplomacy, and open new avenues for technological and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

India has long been a strategic partner in Ghana’s development journey—supporting infrastructure, ICT, education, and industrial growth. This visit is seen as a significant step in building on those foundations.

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.

Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong

The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, is expected to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Friday, June 27, 2025, to respond to questions regarding the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) scandal.

According to a report by Manasseh Azure, although the scandal predates Sarpong’s tenure, his input is required due to his role as a senior partner at KPMG when then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the firm to conduct an investigative audit on the SML contract with the GRA and the Ministry of Finance.

The OSP is currently investigating suspected corruption and related offenses involving revenue assurance contracts between the GRA and SML.

Earlier, the OSP arrested former Commissioner-General Reverend Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and two others; Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at SML, and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now Managing Director and CEO of SML.

The three were detained on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after failing to meet their bail conditions.

Additional individuals arrested in connection with the case include Evans Adusei, CEO of SML; Philip Mensah, former Deputy Commissioner of Legal at GRA and now a legal consultant to SML; and Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor, both staff of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). Also implicated is Kofi Nti, a former GRA Commissioner-General.

The SML scandal is among several high-profile cases being examined by the OSP, with former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, declared a suspect and wanted fugitive.

The OSP is scrutinising agreements involving petroleum and mineral revenue oversight, which were brokered between SML and GRA under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.

Initially intended to monitor the downstream petroleum sector, the contract’s scope was expanded in 2023 to include upstream petroleum operations and the mining sector, drawing public criticism.

In 2024, following the KPMG audit, the government suspended the contract. By then, GH¢1.06 billion had already been paid to SML, and if it had continued, the deal was projected to cost the state GH¢5.17 billion over five years.

In reaction to the scandal, a coalition of five civil society organisations filed a lawsuit seeking to recover the GH¢1 billion already disbursed.

SA/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

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Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment

The Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has inaugurated a new Governing Board for the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), tasked with strengthening oversight and advancing reforms within the country’s pensions sector.

The newly constituted board is chaired by Ebenezer Ofori Agbettor, bringing to the role a wealth of experience to steer the authority’s strategic direction.

Other members of the board include Christopher Boadi-Mensah, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the NPRA, and Ms. Delphia Fafa Agbai, a presidential nominee for pensions.

The board also comprises representatives from key national institutions and stakeholders:

• Ms. Gloria Bortele Noi, representing the Ministry responsible for pensions.

• Dr Zakaria Mumuni, representing the Bank of Ghana.

• Dr James Klutse Avedzi, representing the Securities and Exchange Commission.

• Barnard Adjei and Mr. King Ali Awudu, both representing Organized Labour.

• Alex Frimpong, representing the Ghana Employers’ Association.

• Ernest Amartey-Vondee, representing the National Pensioners Association.

• Dr Justice Srem-Sai, representing the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, and also serving as a presidential nominee for pensions.

The new board is expected to provide policy guidance, ensure robust regulatory oversight, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s pension system, which continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the welfare of workers and retirees across the country.

The National Pensions Regulatory Authority, established by the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766), is the statutory body mandated to oversee and regulate pension schemes in Ghana, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and security within the pensions sector.