The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized quantities of illicit tobac­co and related products during a swoop at several targeted locations in Accra.

The operation, carried out on yesterday, was aimed at clamping down on shops known for the ille­gal sale and distribution of tobacco products, particularly those consid­ered attractive to the youth.

During the operation, the FDA confiscated a wide range of unap­proved products from five shops.

These included shisha flavors, cigarettes, vapes, cigars, nitrous oxide canisters, and tobacco wraps.

All the products seized were either unregistered or had expired registrations, making their sale illegal under Ghanaian law.

Speaking to the media after the exercise, the Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, Mrs Jemima Odonko, underlined that the swoop formed part of activities lined up to commemorate this year’s World No Tobacco Day.

She explained that the FDA reg­ularly undertakes such enforcement activities, but this particular one was special because of its connection to the international anti-tobacco campaign observed every year on May 31.

Mrs Odonko further empha­sised the dangers of tobacco and related products, pointing out that there was no safe form of tobacco.

She warned that even synthetic alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and flavoured vapes, are equally harmful.

According to her, these prod­ucts are often presented as safer options, especially to young people, but in reality, they are toxic and not approved for sale in Ghana.

Additionally, she explained that many of the products seized during the swoop had been smuggled into the country through illegal means.

“These items are often mar­keted in attractive packaging and with sweet flavours to appeal to young consumers, creating the false impression that they are harmless,” she stressed.

Mrs Odonko stated that the theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day is ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’

Moreover, she mentioned that this theme highlights how the tobacco industry continues to use deceptive tactics to promote their products, especially among the youth.

She then urged the public to be aware of these tactics and to avoid such products.

As part of the campaign, she said, the FDA also undertaking education programmes in schools to sensitise students on the dangers of tobacco and synthetic nicotine products.

By Jerry Azanduna 
 
Techiman (Bono East) May, 24 GNA- Oheneba Antwi-Bosiako II, the Chief of Kenten in the Techiman Traditional Area of the Bono East Region, has urged families to instill in children indigenous traditional norms and culture values in their upbringing and development. 
 
He said that would encourage the younger generation to embrace, accept, revere, promote and preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage. 
 
Oheneba Antwi-Boasiako, also the Coordinator of the Techiman Metropolitan Directorate of Education gave the advice when speaking at this year’s Basic School Arts and Culture Festival, organised by the Directorate in Techiman. 
 
He observed that culture and tradition instilled a sense of discipline in children and facilitated proper upbringing and development, saying that, as “a way of life, culture and tradition binds us together too”. 
 
Nana Daasebre Kwarteng Amaniampong, the Chief of Buoyem who presided encouraged the school children to observe their diverse cultural heritage, saying with that they would grow to become responsible. 
 
Some of the school children who spoke with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview said they were highly excited and had learnt a lot from the celebration. 
 
Dressed in locally woven kente fabric and smock, hundreds of Basic School children drawn from various circuits of the directorate participated in the festival. 
 
Some of them displayed unique cultural performances and dances, drum language, and choral music as well as poetry recitals to spice the celebration of the festival. 

GNA 

Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah 

Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin, an economist and finance lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, has said Ghana’s economic recovery will only be meaningful if the country maintains fiscal discipline after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme ends in 2026.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday [May 24, 2025], Prof. Bokpin said that meeting IMF targets in the short term is not enough.

According to him, the real test of Ghana’s progress will come in the years after the programme ends, when external oversight is no longer in place.

“The real test is not whether we meet the IMF targets this year or next,” he said. “The real test is whether, in 2027 and 2028, when the IMF is no longer watching, we will uphold the same standards. That is what determines whether the progress is real or temporary.”

Ghana is currently implementing a US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility with the IMF. The three-year programme began in 2023 and is aimed at stabilising the economy following a period of high inflation, rising debt levels, and sharp depreciation of the cedi. It is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026.

Prof Bokpin noted that past experience suggests Ghana often loses discipline shortly after exiting IMF support, particularly in election years. He said the temptation to overspend ahead of the 2028 general elections could once again undo hard-won progress unless safeguards are put in place.

“When the IMF is here, we follow the rules. But when they leave, we tend to abandon them—especially in election years,” he said. “If we don’t build in protection against political interference, we’ll end up where we started.”

Prof Bokpin acknowledged that the 2025 budget contains signs of recovery, including a projected turnaround from a primary deficit of 3 per cent in 2024 to a surplus of 1.5 per cent. But he warned that these gains are not guaranteed to last.

“These numbers are promising, but they don’t guarantee anything,” he said. “The real issue is whether we can keep it up when the Fund is no longer around. That’s where we usually fall short.”

On the performance of the cedi, Dr. Bokpin observed that recent improvements may be temporary, driven largely by short-term interventions. “A $20 million forex demand can swing the market,” he said. “We can’t mistake temporary stability for long-term recovery.”

He maintained that without long-lasting reforms that withstand political pressure, the country risks falling back into economic distress once the IMF’s supervision ends.

Professor Godfred Bokpin is an Economist

An economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has noted that the current government has demonstrated a commendable level of fiscal discipline in its first few months in office.

According to him, this is evident in the recent appreciation of the local currency against major foreign currencies on the market.

He observed that the previous NPP administration engaged in excessive spending, which contributed to the collapse of the economy.

Professor Bokpin stated that the NDC’s fiscal discipline has resulted in a GH¢10 billion reduction in national expenditure compared to 2024.

The cedi has been appreciating against major foreign currencies in recent weeks, trading below GH¢11 as of May 23, 2025.

“If you look at what the economy has been through in the last three years, the excess liquidity injection came from high expenditure. We have seen this government do within five months what we’ve been calling for since COVID-19 (2020–2025). Since COVID, we’ve said we need to cut wasteful spending and pursue gradual fiscal consolidation to ease the pain, but that didn’t happen,” he said as quoted by 3news.com

The economist attributed the recent gains to effective leadership by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama.

“You can see leadership at the highest level. These are painful choices, but they are producing results,” Professor Bokpin added.

SSD/MA

Bank of Ghana to release audited financial statement soon – Governor

The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, is expanding the frontiers of his transformative educational initiative aimed at equipping young learners with a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The annual Kingsley Maths and Science Quiz, now a flagship academic competition within the constituency, brings together all Junior High Schools (JHS) in the area to compete in a spirited display of intellect and innovation.

Now in its sixth year, the competition continues to positively impact thousands of pupils across 78 Junior High Schools and 92 primary schools, spanning both public and private institutions and school for the deaf within the constituency.

Since its inception six years ago, the competition has significantly improved learning outcomes across the constituency specifically in Maths, Science and spelling for primary school pupils.

Municipal Director of education for the Abuakwa South Municipality Comfort Ofori Appiah, hailed the initiative as a powerful catalyst for driving positive learning outcomes across the municipality.

According to her, the competition is having a direct and measurable impact on Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.

“In our 2024 BECE results, all our top performers for the municipality were contestants from the quarter-finals to the finals. They all performed excellently. The same can be said for the years before. This shows there is a direct correlation between the quizzes and learning outcomes,” she revealed.

Madam Ofori Appiah expressed particular satisfaction at seeing schools like Asiakwa R/C Primary School and Apedwa Presby JHS rise to the top and emerge as champions.

She explained that, “These were not schools that made it to the top in the past, and for these schools to start making it to the top means the impact is reaching the grassroots, and now, every school wants to be part of it.”

It came to light that some of the early participants have advanced to represent their schools in the prestigious National Science and Maths Quiz at the secondary level. Their academic excellence has even earned a few of them admission into top-tier universities in the United States, including Memphis University.

According to Dr. Agyemang, the competition is designed to give students an early head start in STEM education, a field he believes is key to Ghana’s future.

“The world is moving towards STEM. For the next generation to actually become useful in this space and contribute meaningfully to our country’s development, they need preparation that goes beyond normal classroom tuition,” he said.

“Through this competition, students enhance their understanding of core concepts in maths and science”, Dr. Kinglsey Agyemang explained.

The MP added that his vision is to build the capacity of young students in the constituency so they can confidently compete with peers from top-tier institutions both locally and internationally.

Over the years, Dr. Agyemang has consistently funded the competition in partnership with the Abuakwa South Municipal Education Office, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability. Beyond financial support, he has also consistently provided essential learning materials to help participating schools adequately prepare for the challenge.

This year’s 2025 edition of the competition ended on a high note with Asiakwa R/C Primary School and Apedwa Presby JHS emerging as champions of the Kingsley Spelling Challenge and Kingsley Maths and Science Quiz, respectively.

Addressing the finalists at the closing ceremony, Dr. Agyemang applauded their determination and excellence.

He noted, “We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the spirit of excellence you have displayed throughout the competition. Keep soaring higher.”

The impact of the initiative is already being felt by students, parents, and educators alike. One contestant shared how the competition has transformed her confidence and academic approach.

“This competition has helped build my confidence level to speak publicly and also confront difficult topics with a lot of flair. I know that others like me, who couldn’t stand to speak in front of people, are getting a lot from this competition and I can only thank our MP for starting this.”

A parent also praised the initiative, saying,

“Since my son started participating in the quiz, I can see a real change in his appreciation of what he is being taught in school. This is what we need for our kids in the Abuakwa South Constituency.”

Municipal Director of Education, Madam Comfort Ofori Appiah, also appealed to other benevolent organizations to come on board and partner with the initiative to expand its reach, ensuring the next generation of thinkers is adequately prepared for the future of both the municipality and the country at large.

“I must commend the MP for starting this initiative. It is a laudable one, but of course, others can still come on board to support the initiative in any way to help us enroll more schools so that every child can benefit.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Agyemang revealed that more educational interventions are in the pipeline to boost literacy levels across the constituency. He also announced plans to collaborate with international investors, particularly from Hollywood, to establish Africa’s biggest movie studio and AI centre in Abuakwa South, a move he believes will open up even more opportunities for the youth.

Through this bold and consistent investment in education, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang believes he is nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders, sowing good seeds today for a brighter tomorrow.

A battling Novak Djokovic made another bit of tennis history as he clinched his 100th ATP singles title with a comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in Geneva.

Serbia’s Djokovic, who has won almost all there is in tennis, is just the third man in the Open era to achieve the feat after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

The 38-year-old had won all seven of his previous matches against Poland’s Hurkacz but had to grind out victory this time around, coming from a break down in the third set to win 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-2).

Djokovic’s children ran onto the court afterwards to congratulate their father, with wife Jelena watching in the stands.

“I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” he admitted. “Hubi was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was.

“An incredible match with a full stadium, a beautiful atmosphere. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.”

Victory also gave Djokovic some welcome time on the clay, with the French Open beginning on Sunday.

He arrived in Geneva without a win on the surface, having lost his first match in four of his past five tournaments.

A relieved Djokovic now travels to Paris – where he will face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round – with his bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title firmly on track.

However, it remains to be seen how quickly he will recover from a final lasting three hours and eight minutes.

This is Djokovic’s first title since Olympic gold in Paris last year – and marks a high point in a difficult year for the tennis great.

His run to the Australian Open semi-finals was ended by injury before his first attempt to claim his 100th title was ended by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open showpiece.

The clay season has been particularly tricky as Djokovic lost his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid in straight sets before opting out of the Italian Open.

A split with coach Andy Murray followed, but deciding to take a wildcard to Geneva has paid off as Djokovic has improved in each match, with his serving and returning in particular going up a notch.

Much of the packed crowd in Geneva were on his side and it was the Serb who had the first break opportunities at 2-2.

But Hurkacz, a big server making his way back to form after a serious knee injury at Wimbledon last year, produced aces and service winners at the crucial times to keep him at bay.

In truth, it was Djokovic’s errors, rather than excellent play from his opponent, that decided the first set. Serving to force a tie-break, an unfortunate net cord gave Hurkacz his first break point of the set – and a dreadful double fault from Djokovic handed it over.

Every Hurkacz service game of the second set seemed to go to deuce, with Djokovic constantly pushing for an opening, but his uncharacteristic errors allowed his 28-year-old opponent to wriggle free – much to Djokovic’s wry amusement.

The Serb upped his level in the tie-break, smashing a winner to force a deciding set, but it was Hurkacz who broke at the start of the third.

Service games rattled by from both players before the Pole played a dreadful game at 4-3 up. With Hurkacz’s body tight and arm full of tension, an error handed Djokovic the break back, with the world number six shaking his racquet in celebration.

A tie-break felt almost inevitable and once again, Djokovic ran away with it, before sealing the success with an ace.

The two shared a warm hug at the net before a visibly upset Hurkacz covered his head with his towel as the victor thanked the crowd.

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The meeting provided a platform to update stakeholders on ongoing improvements

The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, has reiterated the Authority’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

Addressing a section of port stakeholders during an engagement session, Brigadier General Tanye Kulono emphasized GPHA’s resolve to make port operations more efficient, less cumbersome, and cost-effective for the trading community.

The meeting provided a platform to update stakeholders on ongoing improvements, exchange ideas on trade facilitation, and gather feedback aimed at enhancing service delivery across the ports.

As part of infrastructure upgrades, the Director-General announced plans to dredge the Port of Tema by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This, he explained, would significantly improve vessel turnaround time.

He also disclosed that GPHA has taken delivery of 15 out of 30 trucks acquired to assist in evacuating containers from MPS Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. This intervention, he noted, has already reduced container backlog from nearly 5,000 to 993 as of last week.

He expressed optimism that all backlogs would be cleared by the end of the month, and assured that going forward, importers can expect container transfers from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 to be completed within three days.

Brigadier General Tanye Kulono urged the trading community to cooperate by clearing their goods promptly to sustain the gains being made.

On infrastructure challenges, he acknowledged the poor state of roads leading to the port and assured stakeholders that reconstruction works would commence soon. He appealed for patience and understanding during the period of construction and any inconvenience it may cause.

The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng, commended the Director-General for engaging stakeholders and pledged GUTA’s unwavering support towards GPHA’s ongoing efforts.

“Business thrives on trade facilitation, and the Port Authority plays a pivotal role in that. It’s about reducing time, cost, and bottlenecks in port operations. The trading community stands ready to support you fully in this mission,” Dr. Obeng stated.

play videoDr Stephen Amoah (L) engaged in the jama session

Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, joined students of Atlantic Hall in a lively jama session, right inside the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Auditorium on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Dr Amoah was part of the official delegation accompanying former MP for Assin Central and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, who was delivering the keynote address at a TESCON event.

The auditorium was packed with students, alumni, and political stakeholders, but it was the spirited jama from the Mariners of Atlantic Hall that stole the spotlight.

In a video shared by X user EDHUB, as the chants and drumming broke out, Dr Amoah couldn’t resist.

The former Deputy finance minister was seen clapping, dancing, and moving to the rhythm alongside students, fully immersing himself in the electric atmosphere.

His spontaneous participation drew cheers and applause from the crowd, many of whom captured the moment on their phones.

For students of UCC, and especially those from Atlantic Hall, popularly known as Hall 2, jama is more than entertainment.

It is a proud tradition of expression, unity, and campus identity. These musical sessions, reminiscent of the euphoric scenes at AFCON tournaments, are cultural hallmarks within Ghanaian universities.

Atlantic Hall, established during the 1963/64 academic year, holds a special place in UCC’s history. Known for its energetic, passionate student body, the hall is the only one on campus with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Watch the video below:

MP for Nhyiaeso, Hon. Stephen Amoah (Sticka), joined the ‘jama’ boys from Atlantic Hall (UCC). pic.twitter.com/LJMZq0p9KS

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 25, 2025

FKA/MA

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