The police have arrested a taxi driver in the Greater Accra Region after discovering large quantities of suspected cannabis concealed in fertilizer sacks.

The arrest occurred on Monday, June 2, 2025, during a special intelligence operation by the National Highway Patrol Unit of the Ghana Police Service.

The suspect, identified as Ernest Mohammed Adjiri, was driving a Hyundai i10 taxi with registration number GW 9832-22 when officers stopped him. 

A search of the vehicle revealed three fertiliser sacks containing 120 slabs of compressed dried leaves believed to be cannabis.

According to the police, Mr Adjiri admitted during interrogation that the items belonged to him.

He is currently in police custody and is expected to be put before the court.

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.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (R) and Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II when the king visited

The former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has expressed appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his enduring support and statesmanship, particularly during his tenure.

In a post shared on his X page, he wrote, “On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, led an impressive delegation of Chiefs and noblemen from Asanteman to pay a courtesy call on me at my residence in Nima, Accra.

“I extended to him my deepest appreciation for his guidance and support throughout the time I was at the helm of this country, key amongst which was his contribution, as Chairman of the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, which included the Yagbonwura and the Nayiri, towards the peace in Dagbon.”

The former president revealed that he has a longstanding relationship with the Asantehene.

“The Otumfuo and I have charted a trajectory of longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation from our formative periods, and such ties have grown even more stronger with the passage of time,” he noted.

The Asantehene paid a courtesy call on the former president at his residence on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

See the post below:

On Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, led an impressive delegation of Chiefs and noblemen from Asanteman to pay a courtesy call on me at my residence in Nima, Accra.

I extended to him my deepest appreciation for his guidance and support throughout… pic.twitter.com/6wWyzgUVDy

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) June 3, 2025

JKB/AE

Watch Wontumi appear unsteady after release from EOCO custody

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the real value of the cedi lies between GH¢10 and GH¢12.

He emphasised that despite the cedi’s current performance, there needs to be a fair balance to sustain the economy.

According to him, the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana are working to ensure that the cedi’s appreciation is balanced in terms of both demand and supply.

Speaking on June 3, 2025, President Mahama said, “The recent appreciation in the value of the cedi is something we’ve been monitoring closely. As the cedi began to strengthen and the dollar depreciated, we knew from basic A-level economics that this is a balance between imports and exports. What this means is that imports become cheaper, while exports become more expensive.”

He noted that the Economic Management Team has determined a realistic valuation for the cedi, cautioning that the currency cannot appreciate to GH¢4 or even GH¢1, as some have speculated.

“There must be a fair balance to reflect the true value of the cedi. Some people say, ‘Oh, it will come down to four,’ but of course, we know the true value is not GH¢4. If it went that low, it would destroy our export businesses. That’s why I met with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and the Finance Minister, and we all agreed that the cedi’s real value lies somewhere between GH¢10 and GH¢12.”

The President further stated that this range ensures a sustainable economic environment and prevents the cedi from falling below GH¢12.

“Fortunately, the recent forex auction has pushed the rate slightly above GH¢10, and it appears to have stabilized there. Going forward, I believe anything between GH¢10, GH¢11, and GH¢12 provides a fair value. It encourages our exports while ensuring that imports don’t become so cheap that they flood our markets with toothpicks, biscuits, coconuts, and other non-essential items.”

While the appreciation of the cedi has made imports cheaper, President Mahama cautioned importers to be responsible and not oversaturate the market with foreign goods at the expense of local products.

“This is a call to our exporters to take advantage of the cedi’s appreciation. Raw materials are now cheaper, fuel prices have dropped, transportation costs are lower, and port charges have reduced. These are clear incentives for export growth.

“But I’m also urging importers not to exploit the situation by flooding our markets with things like Nkatie burger and similar imports. Let’s focus more on import substitution. Let’s produce as many of the goods we import right here in Ghana,” he said.

SSD/MA

Dr Kingsley Agyemang and Anne Sansa Daly

Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has urged Anne Sansa Daly to consider pursuing formal medical education if her passion for healthcare is genuine, amid concerns over her lack of a valid medical license to practice in Ghana.

Speaking in a recent interview on Oyerapa TV, he advised that the state should adopt a more constructive approach in addressing the controversy surrounding her.

“If it is true that Anne is not a medical doctor, she has every opportunity to enroll in medical school. If she desires to become a doctor, she can focus on that dream and achieve it. Why can’t we support her to become a medical doctor in the next seven or eight years?

“She can be in medical school even while serving a prison term. Let us use the cohesive power of the state to help her,” he added.

According to the lawmaker, people’s passions and intentions matter, and if her ambition is genuine, it could be channeled to save lives in the future.

“If she indeed becomes a doctor, many lives can be saved,” he added.

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointment of Anne Sansa Daly as a member of the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

The revocation followed public uproar over her alleged false claims of being a medical doctor.

A letter dated May 23, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, and addressed to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, confirmed the decision.

“I write to inform you that the President of the Republic has, with immediate effect, revoked the appointment of Anne Sansa Daly as a member of the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority. The President has nominated Prof. Dr. (Med) Ernest Yorke to replace her,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has formally requested the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) to verify the medical credentials of Anne Sansa Daly.

Watch the interview below:

JKB/MA

You can also catch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:

Ghana’s cedi has stunned global markets in 2025, becoming the world’s best-performing currency with a nearly 50% surge against the dollar. This comeback—fueled by soaring gold prices, strict Bank of Ghana policies, and a $3 billion IMF program—marks a sharp turnaround from its 2022 collapse, triggered by a debt crisis and inflationary spiral. Other factors include increased FX reserves, commodity windfalls, and political stability under President Mahama. Moreover, strategic moves such as forex market reforms and domestic gold-settlement mandates have helped strengthen Ghana’s external position. Despite the progress, the central bank remains cautious, with Governor Johnson Asiama emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced currency management. Nevertheless, investors are cheering the cedi’s rally, which was largely unexpected.

Nairametrics

By Francis Ntow 

Accra, June 3, GNA – The Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, has encouraged businesses to provide accurate data and cooperate with enumerators ahead of the 2025 Ghana Integrated Business Establishment Survey II (IBES II).  

The exercise, scheduled from July 10 to September 10, 2025, aims to support national economic planning, inform investment decisions, and contribute to Ghana’s development agenda, including the 24-hour economy initiative. A report on the findings is expected by December 31, 2025.  

Speaking at the 2025 IBES II training of trainers’ workshop in Winneba on Monday, Dr. Iddrisu called on all selected businesses nationwide to give their full cooperation, stressing that the data being collected would serve but the entire nation. 

He emphasised that providing accurate and timely data aligned with the mandate of the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003), which supports national development.  

The survey will cover sectors such as transport and storage, accommodation and food services, telecommunications, computer programming, consultancy, computing infrastructure, real estate, administration, arts, sports, and recreation.  

Dr Iddrisu stated that IBES II data would estimate the value and structure of business operations, evaluate innovation in manufacturing, assess the impact of environmental goods and services, and document business challenges affecting productivity and competitiveness.  

Additionally, the survey will provide benchmark data for rebasing Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Producer Price Index (PPI), and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) while measuring sectoral and regional contributions to national output.  

Dr Iddrisu urged trainers to prioritise excellence in planning, training, and execution, as their work will directly impact the 3,200 field officers participating in the exercise.  

“The success of IBES II depends on the quality of training you deliver. The data we collect will only be as reliable as the people who collect it—and you are the first line of quality assurance. Your role is indispensable,” he said.  

Dr Anthony Kraka, IBES II Project Coordinator, explained that the 2025 IBES would extend beyond traditional data collection and GDP rebasing to include domestic production and export challenges.  

This expansion will inform policy decisions addressing economic constraints, including those tied to the implementation of the 24-hour economy initiative, enhancing business operations and competitiveness.  

The 2025 IBES marks Ghana’s fifth survey, following those conducted in 1962, 1987, 2003, and 2015, targeting 44,652 establishments across all 16 regions. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Sammy Gyamfi is the CEO of GoldBod

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has announced government plans to open the ‘Ghana Gold Village.’

This development, which will be modeled after the Dubai Gold Souk in the United Arab Emirates, is intended to serve as “a hub for gold jewellery and ornaments in Africa.”

Addressing industry players at the ongoing Mining in Motion Summit in Accra on June 3, 2025, Sammy Gyamfi explained that this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to increase value addition in the country’s gold production.

“Let me also say that GoldBod is open to symbiotic partnerships to realise President Mahama’s vision to establish a ‘Gold Village’ in Ghana as a hub for gold jewellery and ornaments in Africa,” he revealed.

He also highlighted other key interventions by GoldBod aimed at helping Ghana fully benefit from its gold resources.

The GoldBod CEO further disclosed plans to clamp down on smuggling and build a robust, well-coordinated gold trading sector focused on prosperity for Ghanaians.

Since its inception, the Ghana GoldBod has recorded many successes in its operations.

Speaking to the gathering, the CEO revealed that for the first time in Ghana’s history, gold exports from the artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) sector have surpassed exports from large-scale producers, marking what he described as a “defining moment” in the nation’s extractive sector.

Despite these significant achievements, Sammy Gyamfi emphasised that his organization will not rest on its laurels but will continue to work for the benefit of its partners, stakeholders, and Ghanaians at large.

“I wish to extend a warm invitation to the LBMA, the World Gold Council, the OECD, and the global investor community across the entire mining value chain to partner with Ghana in sustainable mining, responsible sourcing, and value addition to achieve the best mutual outcomes.

“Ghana is ready! GoldBod is prepared. Together, we can all sail to higher realms of dividends in the mining sector, where the environment is preserved, lives are improved, and communities are uplifted,” he said.

SSD/MA

By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey  

Accra, June 3, GNA – The Ghana Health Service（GHS) has confirmed 26 new Mpox cases, bringing the total case count to 45. 

In an update, the GHS said two people are currently on admission, with no deaths recorded.  

It added that the Service was vigilant across all 16 regions and continued to monitor infections through its surveillance system. 

Regional health directorates have activated public health measures, including contact tracing, to prevent further spread.  

The GHS is also working with the Ministry of Health to implement containment strategies. 

Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of the GHS, earlier reassured the public that Ghana’s health system remains vigilant, with established protocols in place for detecting, managing, and controlling infectious diseases. 

The GHS urged the public to maintain hygiene, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.  

It stated that the government is committed to protecting public health, saying,” We have the capacity and expertise to manage this situation and prevent a larger outbreak.” 

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated material.  

Symptoms include rash, fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. 

The GHS has advised frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores.  

It recommends wearing masks, covering lesions when around others, keeping skin dry and uncovered, avoiding shared items, disinfecting shared spaces, and using saltwater rinses for mouth sores. 

In August last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a new variant spreading in Africa. 

Mpox cases have since been reported in over 13 African countries. 

Last year, Africa recorded over 17,000 suspected Mpox cases and 517 deaths, according to the Africa CDC.  

The WHO has since approved the first Mpox vaccine to increase access for millions at risk, particularly in Africa, where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000 people. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) today inaugurated its new nine-member board at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra, marking a pivotal moment for Ghana’s sovereign wealth fund as it prepares to navigate recent legislative amendments and chart a new strategic course.

Mr. Richard Kwame Asante assumes the role of Board Chairman, leading a distinguished panel that includes MIIF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Justina Nelson.

The other board members are: Dr Zakaria Mumuni, First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Mr. Edward Apenteng Gyamena, Commissioner of Domestic Tax Revenue, Ghana Revenue Authority; Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament, Ablekuma South; Mr. Yakubu Mohammed, Member of Parliament, Ahafo Ano South East; Mr. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, Member of Parliament, Prestea Huni-Valley.

The rest are: Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Asante, Director, Public Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance; Ms. Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The new board brings together expertise from across government and parliament, with representation from key ministries and constituencies.

The Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who inaugurated the board emphasized the board’s responsibility to provide strategic leadership during this transition period, charging members to collaborate closely with management to revitalize the fund’s performance.

He gave the assurance that the Ministry of Finance stands ready to provide necessary guidance to ensure MIIF fulfills its mandate while maximizing benefits from Ghana’s mineral wealth for citizens.

Mr Asante expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence placed in the board members, pledging unwavering commitment to address existing challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth.

“The new board and management are committed to working tirelessly to correct past shortcomings and position the Fund for success,” Mr Asante said in his acceptance speech.

Mrs. Nelson reinforced MIIF’s core mission as Ghana’s sovereign wealth fund, established to strategically manage and invest the nation’s mineral royalties and equity stakes in mining ventures.

She said MIIF’s mandate is unambiguous: maximize long-term value from Ghana’s abundant mineral resources while ensuring sustainable economic benefits for current and future generations.

“We recognise the responsibilities ahead, particularly given recent amendments to our Act, and stand ready to collaborate with the board to transform the Fund.”

The board members after the inauguration at the ministry later engaged directly with MIIF’s management and staff, signaling a collaborative approach to the fund’s future direction.

Finance Minsiter, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has presented the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill to Parliament, seeking an increase in the current rate.

According to the minister, the bill aims to address financial challenges in the energy sector, particularly to raise funds to cover energy sector indebtedness, including payment shortfalls and reducing the debt associated with the Energy Sector Recovery Levy (ESLA).

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the minister underscored that the recent appreciation of the cedi would absorb the impact of this increase, with no significant net effect expected on consumers.

In response, the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, accused the government of deceiving Ghanaians by pretending to remove taxes while introducing more taxes.

“You claimed to have cancelled the E-Levy, but you eventually want to reintroduce the E-Levy,” he stated.

In response, the Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, argued that the new levy, expected to be pegged at GH₵1, is insignificant in the face of the need to support the energy sector and deal with the persistent issue of erratic power supply, also known as ‘dumsor.’

“What is before us is not the E-Levy; what is before us is the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill. It is saying that Ghanaians should give just GH₵1 each when they buy a litre of fuel so that we can end dumsor,” he stated.

The Second Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding, referred the bill to the Finance Committee for further action.

The Energy Sector Recovery Levy, established under the Energy Sector Levies Act, 2015, and amended in 2021, currently imposes a 20 pesewas per litre charge on petrol and diesel and 18 pesewas per kilogram on LPG to address the sector’s $1.2 billion debt and fund fuel for thermal power plants.

A total of 49 individu­als have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service (GPS) for engaging in illegal min­ing activities at various locations across the country.

The arrest follows an inten­sified series of intelligence-led operation which was carried out in eight mining locations within four regions in the country.

“The coordinated operation also resulted in the retrieval of exhibits, including various mining equipment,” the statement said.

They include Huniso, Was­sa-Dadieso and Wassa-Gyapa in the Western Region; Akrokerri in the Ashanti Region; Dunk­wa-On-Offin and Diaso in the Central Region; and the Awin river at Pankese and Akyem Ak­wadum in the Eastern Region.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Ghana Police Service and copied to The Ghanaian Times Yesterday in Accra.

“At Huniso, Wassa-Dadieso and Wassa-Gyapa, the Western Central Regional Police Com­mand arrested 19 suspects, and disabled over 135 chanfan ma­chines,” the statement disclosed.

The statement added that the team also retrieved exhibits, including 23 Water Pumping Ma­chines, four Excavator batteries and a motorbike.

The statement also revealed that the Ashanti South Regional Police Command arrested 9 sus­pects at Akrokerri.

In the Awin River located at Pankese and at Akyem Akwad­um, the statement indicated that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities by the Eastern South Regional Police Command.

They also retrieved mining equipment including, onr exca­vator monitor, two excavator pedals, seven excavator control boards and one gold detecting device.

At Dunkwa-On-Offin and Diaso, the Central North Regional Police Command ar­rested 10 suspects and retrieved four Excavators, eight Pump­ing machines and one cylinder machine.

According to the state­ment, all suspects are in Police custody assisting the Police in ongoing investigations

 BY TIMES REPORTER

John Dramani Mahama is President of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that projections suggesting the cedi could strengthen to GH¢4 to the dollar are unrealistic.

According to him, a fair and sustainable exchange rate lies between GH¢10 and GH¢12 to the dollar, a range he says better supports Ghanaian exporters.

Speaking at a meeting with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), President Mahama acknowledged the recent strengthening of the local currency but cautioned that an overly strong cedi could harm the competitiveness of Ghana’s export sector.

“Some people say the cedi could fall to GH¢4, but we know the true value is not there. If it drops that low, it will kill all export businesses,” he stated.

He revealed that, following strategic consultations with the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, government experts had aligned on the GH¢10 to GH¢12 band as the cedi’s “real value.”

He added that recent developments, including the latest foreign exchange auction, had already pushed the exchange rate above GH¢10, signaling a return to a more stable currency environment.

President Mahama further encouraged exporters to take full advantage of the more favorable rate, adding that this environment should serve as a catalyst for expanding exports.

He said, “Cheaper fuel, lower port charges, and reduced raw material costs should drive production and improve competitiveness.”

The President’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of Ghana’s economic outlook and exchange rate dynamics, particularly as the country navigates post-COVID recovery efforts and continues structural reforms under international support programs.

President Mahama: Cedi at GHS 4 to $1 Unrealistic, GHS 10–12 More Sustainable

President Mahama says projections suggesting the cedi could strengthen to GHS 4 to the dollar are unrealistic. He believes a fair and sustainable exchange rate lies between GHS 10 and GHS 12 to the… pic.twitter.com/KqHNpwk8cy

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) June 3, 2025

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

By Kingsley Mamore

Ayerumu (O/R), June 3, GNA-Mr. Safo Nketia, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Krachi East, has engaged Kpachiri and Kalentine communities in Krachi East to address pressing local concerns.

During the meeting in Kpachiri, community members raised several issues, including lack of access to clean water, making it difficult for residents to access the essential resources.

The stakeholders in the community spoke about the school infrastructure and the poor conditions affecting the quality of education in the area.

They said teachers’ bungalows were damaged, which has affected teachers’ morale and the quality of education.

The community also lacks teaching staff, which is impacting the quality of education.

Mr Nketia, in his response, promised to collaborate with local authorities to tackle these problems through improved water supply, hiring more teachers, and repairing schools.

At Kalentine, community members raised similar issues affecting them, including better water services to access clean water.

Opinion leaders emphasized access to reliable telecommunications, making it difficult for residents to communicate with others.

The MCE reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the challenges and informed the community about government educational initiatives such as Adwumawura Program and the National Apprenticeship Scheme.

Similar exercise was carried out at Dambai market, where the MCE acknowledged the contributions of market traders to local development.

He assured them of ongoing support to improve their business conditions.

GNA

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie