Police officers at the scene swiftly rescued the injured and transported them to medical facilities
A tragic accident on the Tamale-Buipe Highway has left at least ten people feared dead, with several others sustaining injuries, according to a report by myjoyonline.com.
The report indicates that the accident involved a Tamale-Kumasi-bound VVIP bus, registered AP 24-21, which veered off the road while attempting to overtake two vehicles.
Police officers at the scene swiftly rescued the injured and transported them to medical facilities. Survivors recounted their harrowing experience, describing how their journey began in heavy rainfall at 7:32 a.m. on Thursday, before the crash occurred at Alipe in the Central Gonja District.
Amatus Kargu, one of the survivors, explained that the bus was carrying fifteen missionaries traveling to Kumasi.
He lamented that the driver’s overtaking maneuver led to the disaster. “After attempting to overtake a second vehicle, he lost control and went off the road,” Kargu reportedly said.
Meanwhile, some commercial drivers who rushed to the accident scene attributed the crash to sand deposits on the road—left by tipper truck operators—which they said made the surface slippery.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that he deliberately pushed the TV3 microphone to the floor to signal the party’s disinterest in engaging with the media house.
The firebrand politician, at a press conference held by the Minority in Parliament on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, was captured on camera pushing the microphone of TV3 to the ground—an action that surprised both the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who were seated with him.
It’s unclear whether Media General, which operates TV3, was officially invited to the press conference.
The NPP caucus has, on several occasions, accused the media house of exhibiting bias in favor of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The action has sparked criticism, with many condemning the Vice Chairman’s behavior as inappropriate and unprofessional. Others have called on him to apologise for his actions, but he has declined.
However, in an interview with Kumasi-based Ashh FM, Alhaji Osman Masawudu strongly defended his actions, saying he has no regrets about what he did.
He urged the media house to stay away from NPP programmes, essentially telling them to “stay in their corner.”
“It’s not the case that my hand accidentally hit the microphone to the floor. I intentionally pushed it to the floor. I was the one who pushed it to the floor because we do not need them at our programme. The way they [Media General] have been unfair to us—they should stay in their corner and allow us to do our thing. They shouldn’t come to any of our events.”
Alhaji Osman Masawudu further warned that punitive action would be taken against any party member who is caught appearing on any of the media house’s TV programmes.
“As I am talking now, if any communicator from the NPP appears on their platform, we are going to suspend that communicator.”
The largest opposition party in January 2025 announced that it has withdrawn from all Media General’s platforms, including TV3, 3 FM, and Onua FM.
The decision, communicated through a press release issued on January 26 and signed by the party’s communications director, Richard Ahiagbah, follows months of supposed failed attempts to address concerns over biased and unprofessional conduct by Media General hosts and management.
According to the NPP, repeated efforts to engage with the media house’s production team, hosts, and management have not resulted in meaningful change.
The party claims that despite assurances since 2023, the issues of biased moderation and inappropriate behaviour have continued.
“Though withdrawal is not our preferred course of action, we have been left with no other choice due to the stance of Media General’s management,” Ahiagbah stated in the release.
The NPP outlined several instances of misconduct, including one involving a regular guest on TV3 who reportedly made inflammatory remarks about former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The party criticised the show’s host for failing to challenge or address the offensive comments, instead laughing them off.
The NPP also raised concerns about the political bias of TV3’s political panels, accusing the network of assembling groups that heavily favour one party over another, undermining fair representation.
The party has called on Media General to move away from what it describes as an activist stance and instead strive to become a more balanced platform that serves the information needs of Ghanaians.
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the NPP, claims he deliberately pushed the TV3 microphone down to signal the party’s disinterest in engaging with them, essentially telling them to “stay in their corner”. pic.twitter.com/RgnZoFgA2K
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
A group of illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, have vowed to continue their activities despite a recent raid on their mining site by a team of soldiers.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have intensified the fight against illegal mining, launching a series of coordinated anti-galamsey operations across the Northern, Central, and Southern Commands.
According to the GAF, these targeted operations focused on major illegal mining hubs, particularly in forest reserves and river basins where environmental degradation has been most severe.
Operation Breakdown:
Northern Command: Troops were deployed to the Bole area and the Black Volta Basin, where illegal mining activities have been linked to water pollution and the destruction of farmlands.
Central Command: The military targeted the Nkawie and Mankranso Forest Reserves, where extensive illegal mining poses a significant threat to biodiversity and forest conservation efforts.
Southern Command: Operations in the Southern Command focused on the Jerusalem area and the Subri Forest Reserve, both of which have seen a surge in illegal mining encampments in recent months.
During the operations, several excavators, water pumping machines, and other mining-related equipment were seized and immobilized. Troops also dismantled and destroyed makeshift shelters and structures used by illegal miners within the forest reserves.
These efforts form part of the government’s renewed campaign to restore Ghana’s forest reserves and protect vital water bodies from further pollution, deforestation, and ecological damage.
However, in a video shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), an illegal miner is heard stating that nothing—including the destruction of their equipment—will stop them from engaging in galamsey.
“You see what the soldiers have done to us? They burned our machines this morning—today, Thursday, 17th April. Their actions will cost us a lot, but we cannot stop the galamsey. This action will not deter us. As for the galamsey, we will continue. We are not stopping anytime soon,” the galamseyer stated.
“For the galamsey, we will still continue”
An illegal miner shares the aftermath of an anti galamsey task force raid on their site. pic.twitter.com/Mpw8xpFEUF
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that he deliberately pushed the TV3 microphone to the floor to signal the party’s disinterest in engaging with the media house.
The firebrand politician, at a press conference held by the Minority in Parliament on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, was captured on camera pushing the microphone of TV3 to the ground—an action that surprised both the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who were seated with him.
It’s unclear whether Media General, which operates TV3, was officially invited to the press conference.
The NPP caucus has, on several occasions, accused the media house of exhibiting bias in favor of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The action has sparked criticism, with many condemning the Vice Chairman’s behavior as inappropriate and unprofessional. Others have called on him to apologise for his actions, but he has declined.
However, in an interview with Kumasi-based Ashh FM, Alhaji Osman Masawudu strongly defended his actions, saying he has no regrets about what he did.
He urged the media house to stay away from NPP programmes, essentially telling them to “stay in their corner.”
“It’s not the case that my hand accidentally hit the microphone to the floor. I intentionally pushed it to the floor. I was the one who pushed it to the floor because we do not need them at our programme. The way they [Media General] have been unfair to us—they should stay in their corner and allow us to do our thing. They shouldn’t come to any of our events.”
Alhaji Osman Masawudu further warned that punitive action would be taken against any party member who is caught appearing on any of the media house’s TV programmes.
“As I am talking now, if any communicator from the NPP appears on their platform, we are going to suspend that communicator.”
The largest opposition party in January 2025 announced that it has withdrawn from all Media General’s platforms, including TV3, 3 FM, and Onua FM.
The decision, communicated through a press release issued on January 26 and signed by the party’s communications director, Richard Ahiagbah, follows months of supposed failed attempts to address concerns over biased and unprofessional conduct by Media General hosts and management.
According to the NPP, repeated efforts to engage with the media house’s production team, hosts, and management have not resulted in meaningful change.
The party claims that despite assurances since 2023, the issues of biased moderation and inappropriate behaviour have continued.
“Though withdrawal is not our preferred course of action, we have been left with no other choice due to the stance of Media General’s management,” Ahiagbah stated in the release.
The NPP outlined several instances of misconduct, including one involving a regular guest on TV3 who reportedly made inflammatory remarks about former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The party criticised the show’s host for failing to challenge or address the offensive comments, instead laughing them off.
The NPP also raised concerns about the political bias of TV3’s political panels, accusing the network of assembling groups that heavily favour one party over another, undermining fair representation.
The party has called on Media General to move away from what it describes as an activist stance and instead strive to become a more balanced platform that serves the information needs of Ghanaians.
Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the NPP, claims he deliberately pushed the TV3 microphone down to signal the party’s disinterest in engaging with them, essentially telling them to “stay in their corner”. pic.twitter.com/RgnZoFgA2K
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The US embassy in Zambia has warned its citizens to be wary of a new “intrusive” cyber-security law introduced in the southern African country.
The embassy issued an alert telling Americans “in or planning to visit Zambia of a new law that requires the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications in the country”.
This includes calls, emails, texts and streamed content “in-country to assess if they include any transmission of ‘critical information,’ a term the law defines so broadly that it could apply to almost any activity”, the embassy says.
Zambia’s government said the law was needed to tackle online fraud and child pornography, as well as the spread of disinformation.
Following the alert from the US embassy, Zambia’s foreign ministry released a statement saying that the new Cyber Security Act was “not intended to invade any person’s privacy” – whether Zambians or foreigners.
“The Law does not authorize mass or random surveillance. Any interception or data request requires a court-issued warrant,” it said.
The statement added that the “classification of ‘critical information'” referred to national security, “and any assessments or actions taken are carried out by authorized institutions, in line with due process”.
There are fears that the law could be use against anyone who criticises the government, especially with elections due next year.
Some Zambians have expressed concern that a new cyber-security unit is being set up in the president’s office.
Joan Chirwa, founder of the Free Press Initiative Zambia campaign group, told the BBC “it was a sad day for Zambia”.
She said the law wouldn’t “just affect journalists, or civil society organisations. It will affect everyone in Zambia”.
The new measure empowers a law enforcement officer with a warrant to enter any premises to search and seize a computer or computer system containing material that is either evidence necessary to prove an offence or acquired by a person as a result of an offence.
It also allows the government to extradite Zambians deemed to have committed any offence under the law, with a range of jail terms prescribed.
Offenders may be fined or jailed for between five and 15 years, depending on the crime they have committed.
Among other provisions, the legislation requires Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies to proactively intercept all electronic communications.
It was signed into law by President Hakainde Hichilema on 8 April with very little publicity and the first many Zambians knew about it was when the US embassy posted its alert on Facebook.
“As this new law introduces an intrusive surveillance ecosystem significantly different from privacy protection provisions that prevail in many countries, the embassy of the United States encourages Americans living in Zambia or considering visiting the country to carefully assess the implications of this law and adjust accordingly,” the US statement said.
The alert came as a surprise to many as the US has widely been seen to enjoy a warm relationship with the Hichilema-led administration, although the ambassador has recently been critical of alleged corruption in the government.
Zambia had enjoyed a frosty relationship with the US after the former government expelled its pro-gay rights ambassador Daniel Foote in 2019 but relations had improved since Hichilema was elected in 2021.
Social commentator and civil rights activist Laura Miti accused the US embassy of “hypocrisy”, while also labelling the new law “tyrannical”.
“Until Edward Snowden revealed the matter, the US secretly surveilled its citizens for years. He remains in exile and one of the most wanted people by American law enforcement,” she wrote on Facebook. “That raises an eyebrow about this from the American embassy. Hypocritical really.”
However, she also condemned the new law.
“This… is a very tyrannical law which the government only needs because it feels insecure.”
In 2021, while still in opposition, Hichilema opposed a similar law when the former government wanted to pass it, writing: “The Cyber Security and Crime Bill is not about preventing cyber-bullying. It is about clamping down on freedom of expression and spying on citizens.”
Opposition lawmaker Miles Sampa has accused Hichilema of performing a U-turn now that he is president.
“My question is when did you change this stance to now sign a law that almost 100% prohibits us citizens from expressing ourselves on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, etc., without being jailed for 25 years or life imprisonment,” he wrote on Facebook.
“In the current state of the Cyber Laws that you have assented to, Mr President, you may as well also sign a martial law (State of Emergency) to discard democracy so we all stop talking and leave it to your good self to express alone.”
When US President Donald Trump hit China with tariffs in his first term, Vietnamese entrepreneur Hao Le saw an opportunity.
His company is one of hundreds of businesses that have emerged to compete with Chinese exports that have increasingly been facing restrictions from the West.
Le’s SHDC Electronics, which sits in the budding industrial hub of Hai Duong, sells $2m (£1.5m) worth of phone and computer accessories every month to the US.
But that revenue could dry up if Trump imposes 46% tariffs on Vietnamese goods, a plan that is currently on hold until early July. That would be “catastrophic for our business,” Le says.
And selling to Vietnamese consumers is not an option, he adds: “We cannot compete with Chinese products. This is not just our challenge. Many Vietnamese companies are struggling in their own home market.”
Trump tariffs in 2016 sent a glut of cheap Chinese imports, originally intended for the US, into South East Asia, hurting many local manufacturers. But they also opened new doors for other businesses, often into global supply chains that wanted to cut their dependence on China.
But Trump 2.0 threatens to shut those doors. And that’s a blow for fast-growing economies like Vietnam and Indonesia that are gunning to be key players in industries from chips to electric vehicles.
They also find themselves stuck between the world’s two biggest economies – China, a powerful neighbour and their biggest trading partner, and the US, a key export market, which could be looking to strike a deal at Beijing’s expense.
Xi Jinping met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim this week when the Chinese leader visited South East Asia to shore up economic ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has been visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia this week, urging unity against Trump’s tariffs. The trip was long planned but has fresh urgency given how significant South East Asia is to the Chinese economy.
China earned a record $3.5tn from exports in 2024 – 16% of its exports go to South East Asia, making it the biggest market.
“We can’t choose, and we will never choose [between China and the US],” Malaysia’s trade minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz told the BBC on Tuesday, ahead of Xi’s visit.
“If the issue is about something that we feel is against our interest, then we will protect [ourselves].”
A wake-up call
In the days after Trump unveiled his sweeping tariffs, South East Asian governments scrambled into deal-making mode.
In what Trump described as a “very productive call” with Vietnamese leader To Lam, the latter offered to completely scrap tariffs on US goods.
The US market is crucial to Vietnam, an emerging electronics powerhouse where manufacturing giants like Samsung, Intel and Foxconn, the Taiwanese firm contracted to make iPhones, have set up shop.
Meanwhile, Thai officials are headed to Washington with a plan that includes higher US imports and investments. The US is their largest export market, so they are hoping to avoid the 36% levy on Thailand that Trump may reinstate.
“We will tell the US government that Thailand is not only an exporter but also an ally and economic partner that the US can rely on in the long term,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has ruled out retaliation against Trump’s tariffs, instead choosing to emphasise their economic and political importance to the US.
Samsung is one of many multinationalks that has come to Vietnam to diversify its supply chain
“We understand the concerns of the US,” Mr Zafrul told the BBC. “That’s why we need to show that actually we, Asean, especially Malaysia, can be that bridge.”
It’s a role that South East Asia’s export-driven economies have played well – they have benefitted from both Chinese and US trade and investment. But Trump’s paused levies could derail that.
Indonesia, which could face 32% tariffs, is home to vast nickel reserves and has its sights set on the global electric vehicle supply chain. Malaysia, which is gearing up to be a semiconductor hub, could be hit with 24% tariffs.
Cambodia, a Chinese ally, faces the steepest levies: 49%. One of the poorest countries in the region, it has thrived as a trans-shipment hub for Chinese businesses seeking to skirt US tariffs. Chinese businesses currently own or operate 90% of the clothes factories, which mainly export to the US.
Trump may have hit pause on these tariffs but “the damage is done,” says Doris Liew, an economist at Malaysia’s Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.
“This serves as a wake-up call for the region, not only to reduce reliance on the US, but also to re-balance overdependence on any single trade and export partner.”
China’s loss and South East Asia’s gain
In these uncertain times , Xi Jinping is tyring to send a steadfast message: Let’s join hands and resist “bullying” from the US.
That is no easy task because South East Asia also has trade tensions with Beijing.
In Indonesia, business owner Isma Savitri is worried that Trump’s 145% tariffs on China means more competition from Chinese rivals who can no longer export to the US.
“Small businesses like us feel squeezed,” says the owner of sleepwear brand Helopopy. “We are struggling to survive against an onslaught of ultra-cheap Chinese products.”
One of Helopopy’s popular pyjamas sells for $7.10 (119,000 Indonesian rupiah). Isma says she has seen similar designs from China going for around half that price.
“South East Asia, being close by, with open trade regimes and fast-growing markets, naturally became the dumping ground,” says Nguyen Khac Giang, visiting fellow at the ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute in Singapore. “Politically, many countries are reluctant to confront Beijing, which adds another layer of vulnerability.”
Local businesses like this one in Jakarta are bracing for an influx of goods from China’s factories
While consumers have welcomed competitively-priced Chinese products – from clothes to shoes to phones – thousands of local businesses have not been able to match such low prices.
More than 100 factories in Thailand have closed every month for the last two years, according to an estimate from a Thai think tank. During the same period in Indonesia, around 250,000 textile workers were laid off after some 60 garment manufacturers shut, local trade associations say – including Sritex, once the region’s largest textile maker.
“When we see the news, there are lots of imported products flooding the domestic market, which messes up our own market,” Mujiati, a worker who was laid off from Sritex in February after 30 years, tells the BBC.
“Maybe it just wasn’t our luck,” says the 50-year-old, who is still hunting for work. “Who can we complain to? There’s no one.”
South East Asian governments responded with a wave of protectionism, as local businesses demanded to be shielded from the impact of Chinese imports.
Last year, Indonesia considered 200% tariffs on a range of Chinese goods and blocked e-commerce site Temu, popular among Chinese merchants. Thailand tightened inspections of imports and imposed an additional tax on goods worth less than 1,500 Thai baht ($45; £34).
This year Vietnam has twice imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel products. And after Trump’s latest tariffs announcement, Vietnam is reportedly set to crack down on Chinese goods being trans-shipped via its territory to the US.
Chinese factories cannot afford to lose another key export market, such as South East Asia
Allaying these fears would have been on Xi’s agenda this week.
China is concerned that channelling its US-bound exports to the rest of the world would “end up really alienating and aggravating” its trading partners, David Rennie, the former Beijing bureau chief for the Economist newspaper, told BBC’s Newshour.
“If a tidal wave of Chinese exports ends up swamping those markets and damaging employment and jobs … that’s a massive diplomatic and geopolitical headache for the Chinese leadership.”
China has not always had an easy relationship with this region. Barring Laos, Cambodia and a war-torn Myanmar, the others are wary of Beijing’s ambitions.
Terrirorial disputes in the South China have soured ties with the Philippines. This is also an issue with others such as Vietnam and Malaysia, but trade has been a balancing factor.
But that might change now, experts say.
Malaysia, the world’s largest maker of medical rubber gloves
“South East Asia had to think about whether they really wanted to offend China. Now this complicates things,” says Chong Ja-Ian, associate professor at the National University of Singapore.
China’s loss could be South East Asia’s gain.
Hao Le, in Vietnam, says he has seen a surge in enquiries from American customers scouting for new electronics suppliers, outside of China: “In the past, US buyers would take months to switch suppliers. Today, such decisions are made within days.”
Malaysia, with sprawling rubber plantations and the world’s largest medical rubber glove maker, has nearly half the world’s market for rubber gloves. But it is poised to grab a bigger share from its main competitor, China.
The region still faces a 10% baseline tariff, like most of the world. And that is bad news, says Oon Kim Hung, president of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association.
But even if the paused tariffs kick in, he says, customers will find paying an additional 24% on Malaysian gloves vastly preferable to the 145% levy they will jave to cough up for Chinese-made gloves.
“We’re not exactly jumping with joy, but this may well benefit our manufacturers, as well as those in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.”
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.
Former Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong, has cautioned the government to ensure fairness and impartiality in the implementation of the newly-launched One Million Coders Programme, stating that the process will be closely monitored.
He said this in an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, April 17, 2025, expressing cautious optimism about the potential benefits of the programme, but noted that it must be executed with integrity to truly serve the Ghanaian youth.
“We just hope that they will give jobs to the Ghanaian youth to work and that they will do it fairly and squarely, so they do not allow some biases to influence the implementation. We are going to observe the spaces with a keen eye,” he stated.
He said that when things are done properly, it will benefit the youth of the country and reduce the rate of unemployment among the youth.
He made these comments in reaction to the launch of the One Million Coders Programme, a nationwide government initiative aimed at equipping one million young Ghanaians with essential digital and coding skills to meet the growing demands of the global tech industry on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
In this interest, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, revealed that 91,847 applications have been received so far.
The launch, held in Accra and streamed to four satellite locations across the country, brought together representatives from the technology sector, academia, development partners, and civil society.
It forms a major part of the government’s drive to create a digital literate and future-ready workforce.
MRA/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
By HARRY BAMFORTH and CHRIS WHEELER AT OLD TRAFFORD and NATHAN SALT AT OLD TRAFFORD
Published: | Updated:
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The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has commenced the construction of a new power distribution line to improve electricity supply in several communities within the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, located in Greater Kumasi.
According to ECG, the project—which is currently 40% complete—is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. It is estimated to cost GH¢2,287,841.31.
Mr. George Amoah, ECG’s General Manager for the Ashanti West Region, revealed that the initiative involved the creation of a new 11kV feeder from the Kumasi Asekyem Primary Substation.
This feeder is expected to ease the load on the existing Kokoben and Ampabame feeders. Once completed, communities such as Ahenema Kokoben, Trede, Heman, Darko, Ampatia, Ampabame, Kotwi, Pakyi, Bebu, Brofoyedru, Bekwame, and surrounding areas would see significant improvements in power reliability.
The project scope includes the installation of 85 new high-tension poles, 11kV headgear, and the stringing of new conductors, among other materials.
Mr. Amoah emphasized that the project aligned with ECG’s mission “to provide quality, reliable, and safe electricity services to support the socio-economic growth and development of Ghana.”
He noted that rapid infrastructural development in the Ampabame enclave, spurred by ongoing road projects and real estate expansion, necessitated the upgrade to reduce pressure on existing lines and accommodate future demand.
Mr Amoah enumerated key benefits of the new feeder as reduction in system losses, improved reliability and stable power supply to enhance customer satisfaction, Better voltage levels, addressing issues of low voltage in affected areas and operational efficiency and flexibility, allowing ECG to supply power via four distinct distribution lines
The general manager described the initiative as a critical step towards delivering dependable and quality power to attract businesses and boosts economic activity in the region.
He also mentioned that similar projects were being undertaken across the Ashanti Region to further improve electricity distribution and reliability.
Mr. Amoah encouraged customers to refrain from illegal connections and to pay their bills promptly to support ECG’s efforts, and advised customers to take advantage of ECG’s cashless payment system by downloading the ECG PowerApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or by dialing *226# to pay their bills before ECG officials visit their premises.
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz eased into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open with a straight-set win over Laslo Djere.
Spanish world number two Alcaraz, who triumphed at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, won 6-2 6-4 against Serbia’s unseeded Djere.
Alcaraz won the first five games and produced eight unanswered winners in a dominant first set.
The four-time Grand Slam winner suffered a blip in the second, falling 4-2 behind, before securing the final four games to triumph.
“After going 4-2 down in the second, I played a bit more like what my level is,” said Alcaraz.
“I am very happy that I could step up my level, and seem more like my best and I want to continue.”
The 21-year-old will play fifth seed Alex de Minaur in the last eight on Friday after the Australian thrashed Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
Unseeded Fearnley beat Spain’s Roberto Carballes on Monday for his first ATP Tour win on clay, but was defeated 6-1 6-2 by De Minaur.
Elsewhere, Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev lost 7-5 6-4 to unseeded Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Fokina will face unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals after he defeated Spain’s Jaume Munar 7-5 6-4.
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.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it is working to facilitate the return and reintegration of Ghanaians being deported from the Unites States of America.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, explained that the ministry has initiated efforts to ensure the safe return of the affected individuals.
“We’re still looking at roughly 160 on the deportation list. That number has not increased; the deportation is ongoing. We decided on humanitarian and human rights grounds not to publicise it.
“So, when they arrive, our team welcomes them and helps them with integration and connects them with their families. We are also working with other partners quietly because it is important that we respect the dignity of our fellow compatriots and not expose them to media coverage,” he stated.
The US has ramped up its immigration enforcements with over 3,500 undocumented immigrants arrested since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Deportation flights have also resumed, with some migrants being transported using US military aircraft.
The Pew Research Center estimates that the United States is home to a population of about 11 million undocumented migrants.
JKB/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Easter is a season of joy, renewal, and celebration—and what better way to express the festive spirit than through vibrant fashion? This year, spice up your Easter with bold and beautiful Ankara styles that reflect both tradition and modern flair. Ankara, with its rich African roots and colorful patterns, is more than just a fabric; it’s a statement of culture, elegance, and creativity.
Easter celebrations typically involve church services, family gatherings, and special outings. Ankara outfits offer the perfect blend of modesty and style for all these occasions. From sleek midi dresses with puff sleeves to chic peplum blouses paired with high-waist skirts, Ankara gives you endless possibilities to create a unique look. For ladies, a floor-length Ankara gown with lace details or a trendy jumpsuit can turn heads while keeping you comfortable all day. Men can also join in the flair with neatly tailored Ankara shirts or complete traditional ensembles that exude class.
Children’s fashion isn’t left out either—mini Ankara dresses, shorts, and shirts make the little ones look adorable while embracing the cultural vibe. Matching family Ankara outfits are another fun way to show unity and bring color to your Easter photos.
What makes Ankara even more special is its versatility. Whether you prefer bold prints or subtle patterns, there’s always a design that suits your taste. Pair your look with accessories like beaded jewelry, gele headwraps, or modern heels to finish it off with flair.
This Easter, let your Ankara style do the talking.
Donald Trump has attacked the head of the US central bank for not cutting interest rates, stating that Jerome Powell’s “termination cannot come fast enough!”.
The US president took to social media to renew his criticism of Powell ahead of the third interest rate cut this year by European Central Bank (ECB).
On Thursday, it announced that it had reduced the key rate “owing to rising trade tensions”.
Trump, who nominated Powell as Federal Reserve chair in 2017 during his first term, wrote that he “is always TOO LATE AND WRONG” on reducing borrowing costs.
Trump continued: “Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now.”
While oil prices have fallen since the start of the month when Trump unveiled his tariff regime, eggs prices have risen to $6.23 per dozen, according to official data.
Meanwhile, the BBC has found no evidence for Trump’s claims about how much money the US is collecting from tariffs.
As Trump attacked Powell, Christine Lagarde, president of the ECB, defended her American counterpart.
“I have a lot of respect for my friend and esteemed colleague Jay Powell,” said Lagarde as she discussed the decision to cut European interest rates from 2.5% to 2.25%.
“We have a solid, steady relationship amongst central bankers.”
The president lashed out after Powell said on Wednesday that US economic growth will be hit and prices will rise for consumers as a result of Trump’s tariffs.
He said the import taxes were larger than the bank had expected, going beyond the higher end of its estimates.
There has been turmoil on global stock markets as investors reacted to the tariffs and an escalating trade war between the US and China.
Mr Powell said: “The level of the tariff increases announced so far is significantly larger than anticipated.
“The same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth.”
The US president has said tariffs will boost US manufacturing and jobs but economists have warned they risk fuelling inflation. Trump campaigned on cutting inflation.
It is not the first time that Trump has targeted Powell, who he nominated to replace Janet Yellen who the president accused of keeping interest rates too low.
The president’s campaign promises included calls for lower interest rates in order to bring relief to borrowers.
Since returning to office, Trump has stoked a trade war by introducing a 10% tax on goods being imported to the US from the vast majority of countries.
He has escalated tariffs further with China by putting a 145% tax on Chinese goods, though there are some exemptions for smartphones.
China has hit back with tariffs of 125% on US products. The White House said on Wednesday that when the new tariffs are added to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.
Ferris Bueller
Mr Powell said that despite the uncertainty and ructions in the markets, the “US economy is still in a solid position”.
For now, he said, the Fed could keep its benchmark interest rate steady “to wait for greater clarity before considering any adjustments”.
The Fed’s benchmark interest rate is currently set in a range between 4.25% and 4.5%, where it has been since December following a series of rate cuts late last year.
If tariffs push up inflation, as many economists expect, the Fed could decide to hold or even raise rates. Traders on Wednesday kept their bets it will continue to cut rates this year.
But the Fed also has a mandate to maintain maximum employment as well as stable prices.
Should it be caught between rising inflation and a rising unemployment rate, Mr Powell said “we would consider how far the economy is from each goal” and then look at “the potentially different time horizons” for getting prices under control and bringing the unemployment rate down.
“As that great Chicagoan Ferris Bueller once noted, “life moves pretty fast”, he added.
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Scene from Tsiame during Miniority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin’s arrival
The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Effutu Constituency in the Central Region, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, is currently visiting his biological father’s hometown, Tsiame, a community in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region.
A video shared on X by JoyNews on Thursday, April 17, 2025, captured the Minority Leader’s arrival in Tsiame amidst enthusiastic celebrations.
Afenyo-Markin received a rousing welcome from the people of Tsiame. Nearly the entire community poured onto the streets to greet him.
Community members, including schoolchildren, men, and women, lined the streets singing, drumming, and dancing in celebration.
Some held placards with inscriptions such as, “The Good People of Tsiame Are Proud of You.”
The Minority Leader, dressed in a blue and yellow smock with a matching hat, was seen walking alongside traditional authorities of the community.
In February 2025, a video went viral featuring a man claiming to be the biological father of Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin.
In the video, reportedly filmed on February 20, 2025, a woman, identified as Abla Amewota Amable, appeared alongside the man, who said he was Afenyo-Markin’s father, at his home in Tsiame.
She refuted claims that the man had not taken care of his son.
According to Amable, Afenyo-Markin was raised in his father’s home until he was taken to Winneba by his mother, who hails from the Central Region.
She further clarified that Afenyo-Markin’s father, Moses Apetogou Afenyo Kofi, gave him the name Afenyo, and that Markin is the name of the Minority Leader’s maternal grandfather, not his stepfather, as previously claimed.
“This is Afenyo-Markin’s hometown, and this is his biological father. Afenyo-Markin lived here as a child and attended the Roman Catholic school in Tsiame.
“He had an older sister called Mawusi. They were the two children their mother had with their father. For those of you saying Markin is the name of a stepfather, we were just told that Markin is the name of his maternal grandfather,” Amable said.
She added, “His maternal grandfather is Markin, from Winneba. Afenyo is the name his father gave him. So, there you have it.”
Watch the reception Afenyo-Markin received in the video below:
Welcome home, leader! The people of Tsiame gave Afenyo-Markin a hero’s welcome ahead of his women empowerment project.#JoyNewspic.twitter.com/TzoPSrpgOq
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, Former Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West
A former Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West, Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, has stated that the rule of law must be upheld in the looming impeachment process of the Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on a wide range of issues during an interview with GhanaWeb on April 16, 2025, he indicated that he has no misgivings over President John Mahama’s consultations with the Council of State regarding petitions calling for the removal of the Chief Justice from office.
“This country is governed by the constitution and hence the rule of law must be respected in the process. So, if some citizens have made a case against the Chief Justice, let’s allow the president and the Council of State to work together to determine if there is a prima facie case.
“Now, if after this consultation, the committee set up by law to look into the matter presents their recommendations. The President shall act in accordance with the recommendations of the committee. So if indeed, she must go, then she must go. Otherwise, she must be allowed to continue her work. Essentially, let’s allow the laws of the country to work,” Benjamin Ayeh stated.
In the meantime, a suit aimed at halting the prima facie determination, filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah in the Chief Justice’s impending impeachment process, has been adjourned again to May 6.
Presiding judge, Henrietta Mensah Brew, cited an unavoidable absence of a panel member as the reason for the adjournment.
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
Washington, Apr. 17, (dpa/GNA) – A second judge in the United States on Thursday ruled that internet giant Google has an illegal monopoly.
It is the second such ruling in less than one year. The case concerned tools for placing online advertisements.
Judge Leonie Brinkema in the state of Virginia concluded that the company had gained a monopoly position in online advertising on some platforms through unfair competition.
The consequences will be decided at a later date.
The US government prevailed in its 2023 lawsuit alleging violations in two of three advertising markets.
Google already suffered a major defeat by US competition regulators last August.
A judge in Washington ruled that the company had a monopoly on internet search and had defended it against competitors using unfair means.
Google said it would appeal the latest ruling.
“We disagree with the Court’s decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president for regulatory affairs, posted on X.
A trial on the consequences of the ruling is set to begin next week.
The US Justice Department is demanding that Google be forced to divest itself of its Chrome web browser and Android mobile operating system businesses.
The Odumase Circuit Court in the Eastern Region has sentenced Baba Issa Zakaria, a 25-year-old okada rider and resident of Agomanya, to ten years in prison for trafficking young Nigerian women into the area.
Ella Elizabeth, a 26-year-old Nigerian trader, also appeared before the court in connection with the case. She was charged with sex extortion, engaging in prostitution, and theft.
According to police investigations, Baba Issa Zakaria lured the victims from Nigeria to Lower Manya Krobo, where he housed them in various locations in Agomanya, a suburb of the municipality, to engage in commercial sex work.
Documents sighted by GhanaWeb revealed that Zakaria was convicted after pleading guilty during his first court appearance before Judge Kwesi Appiatse Abaidoo.
He faced seven charges, including abetment of crime (causing harm), causing harm, conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, sex extortion (sextortion), trading in prostitution, and using trafficked persons.
Zakaria’s operations came to light following an assault report lodged at the Odumase Police Station by one Divine Sakitey, the brother of Desmond Agmortey, a resident of Kpongunor.
Prosecutors ASP Augustine K. Asante Kusi, Odumase District Crime Officer, and Chief Inspector John Kwasi Brahene told the court that Zakaria acted as a hookup agent, trafficking young Nigerian women into Ghana, specifically Lower Manya Krobo, to engage in sex work.
They explained that each woman paid Zakaria a weekly fee of GH¢150 as an agent charge.
The prosecution added that Desmond Agmortey was a regular client of Ella Elizabeth, one of the six trafficked women.
On April 6, 2025, at around 01:00 hrs, Desmond called Ella for her services, which she agreed to. However, a misunderstanding ensued when she arrived.
Ella then called Zakaria, who mobilised a gang and rushed to the scene. The group assaulted Desmond, stripped him naked, inflicted machete wounds, and recorded the entire incident on video.
An eyewitness called the complainant, Divine Sakitey, who rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, Zakaria and Ella demanded GH¢1,200 from Desmond and his brother before releasing him and threatened to leak the nude video if they failed to pay.
Fearing for his brother’s life, Divine transferred the amount via mobile money. He later took Desmond to the hospital and reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of Zakaria and Ella.
Zakaria, during his first court appearance the following day, pleaded guilty to three of the charges: sex extortion, trading in prostitution, and use of trafficked persons.
The court sentenced him to 10 years for sextortion, five years for use of trafficked persons, and fined him GH¢2,400 for prostitution. He would serve an additional one year if he fails to pay the fine.
The sentences are to run concurrently, while other charges remain pending.
Ella Elizabeth also pleaded guilty to trading in prostitution and was fined GH¢2,400 or one year in prison in default. She admitted during interrogation that Zakaria trafficked her and the other women into the jurisdiction for sex work.
The trial judge imposed the sentence as a deterrent, citing the premeditated and exploitative nature of the offenders’ actions and the threat posed to society by human trafficking.
Meanwhile, aside from Ella, several trafficked Nigerian women are reportedly housed in different locations in Agomanya, engaging in illegal sex work with clients from adjoining districts.
Zakaria is believed to be the main orchestrator of the operation since 2024, managing several WhatsApp groups that included the women and prospective clients.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has expressed his excitement about the Adwumawura Programme, a government initiative designed to equip young designers and artisans in the fashion industry. According to him, the programme is a game-changer for Ashanti’s fashion industry, providing the necessary tools and resources for young creatives to excel. Speaking to newsmen at the fashion night, he elucidated that the Adwumawura Programme is designed to open opportunities for young designers and artisans in the region. “By providing training, mentorship, and resources, the programme will enable young creatives to develop their skills and showcase their talents. This will not only contribute to the growth of the fashion industry but also to the overall development of the region’s creative economy,” he asserted. The fashion industry in Ashanti is built on a foundation of traditional craftsmanship, with designers incorporating traditional motifs and techniques into their designs. The programme will provide a significant boost to the industry, enabling designers to access new markets, technologies, and resources. This will not only promote economic growth but also preserve the region’s cultural heritage. “The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the creative economy. Through initiatives like Adwumawura, the government aims to empower young creatives, promote innovation, and drive economic growth. By providing opportunities for young designers and artisans, the government is poised to unlock the region’s full potential and contribute to its economic development,” he stated. Adwumawura is a significant step towards empowering the fashion industry in Ashanti. By providing opportunities for young designers and artisans, the program is poised to drive economic growth, promote innovation, and preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
The demand was made during a high-level diplomatic meeting held in Dhaka on Thursday, the first such engagement between the two countries in 15 years.
In addition to the apology, Dhaka has also sought $4.52 billion in financial reparations from Islamabad, covering Bangladesh’s share of pre-independence Pakistan’s foreign reserves, unpaid provident funds for public servants, and foreign aid that remained unsettled after the country’s liberation.
“We raised the historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for the atrocities committed during the 1971 liberation war and the pending financial claims,” Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin told reporters after a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch.
“Pakistan has assured us of continued engagement on these matters. Resolving them is essential to laying a strong foundation for our bilateral relations,” he said.
Baloch, who arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday on an official visit, did not issue any public statement during her visit.
During the meeting, Dhaka also raised the issue of the repatriation of more than 324,000 stranded Pakistanis — mostly known as “Biharis” — who remain in refugee camps in Bangladesh over five decades after the war.
Bangladesh estimates that the nine-month conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately 3 million people.
The trial of Richard Appiah, a draughtsman who killed two boys and kept their body parts in a refrigerator at Alaska, a suburb of Abesim near Sunyani in the Bono Region is set to begin on May 26, 2025.
A High Court in Accra is expected to empanel a seven-member jury to hear the case which has been pending before the court since August 2023.
The court was forced into discharging the previous panel after some of the jurors indicated their unavailability for the trial.
The court presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey would also be sitting on the matter every day once the jury is set in order to expeditiously deal with the case. The prosecution is set to call four witnesses, two of whom would be testifying in Twi while the other two have opted for English.
The accused himself would testify in English should the court find the prosecution’s case compelling enough for him to mount a defence.
The court has therefore adjourned the case to May 14, 2025 for case management conference and empaneling of the jury.
Charges
Richard Appiah has been charged with two counts of murder in relation to the gruesome murder of 15-year-old Stephen Boateng, who was in JHS 2, and the suspect’s own 12-year-old step-brother Louis Agyemang.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded into custody by the court presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey pending the trial.
The previous Attorney General recommended that the accused be charged with the murder of the minors after he was passed fit to stand trial, having undergone medical treatment after a mental episode.
The prosecution would be relying on documents listed in the summary of evidence attached to the Bill of Indictment filed on May 31, 2023.
These include investigations caution statements and further investigations caution statements of the accused person dated August 21, 2021, August 23, 2021 and September 10, 2021, respectively.
The prosecution will also be relying on the autopsy reports of Stephen Sarpong and Louis Agyemang Jnr. dated December 16, 2022 and May 25, 2023 respectively.
Again, the prosecution will be relying on photographs of the body parts of Stephen Sarpong, partially burnt clothes, and slippers.
Other exhibits include photographs of a double door fridge of the accused containing body parts of deceased Stephen Sarpong and a charge statement of accused dated November 10, 2022.
Murder
Richard Appiah is believed to have been cooking for the victims and showing them some affection, and through that supposed kindness, he was able to lure them and subsequently kill them in turns.
He is said to have initially denied knowledge of the whereabouts of Louis Agyemang, the boy who went missing.
The police discovered the intestines of the victims buried on a cocoa farm.
A police statement indicated that, “The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters team investigating the Abesim murder case has yesterday, Tuesday, August 24, 2021, discovered a place where suspect Richard Appiah buried the intestines of one of the murder victims.”
The statement, signed by ACP Kwesi Ofori, acting Director-General, Public Affairs, explained further how the police also found a sharp cutlass used in the murder, as well as where the body parts were buried.
“The intestines were buried on a cocoa farm at Abesim, which the police have since exhumed for pathological analysis and forensic examination in Accra,” the statement pointed out.
The investigation team has also worked around a septic tank and other places of concern for further examinations, the statement said.
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Nanisto News Blog of Thursday, 17 April 2025
Source: Manteaw Amos
Sometimes I wonder if this is the attitude NDC wants to use to stay in power for 12 years.
The caterpillars has cleared the road but are denied access to apply their own roads and saloon cars and their side 🐥 🐥 🐥 are going up and down on the road cleared by the caterpillars.
In fact some of us didn’t know the criteria for appointment is based on monetary factors. We only believed in hard work taking high risk to secure power.
The money we could have used to secure an appointment today was channeled through consistent press conferences, campaigns, Demonstrations in Tamale, Kumasi, Accra, leaking the then government’s top secret and evil plans against the then opposition party, etc, etc.
We could have stopped 🛑 this caterpillar’s style of politics and kept quiet, organized money to simply pay for the appointment today, and get value for money. No risk, no stress.
Anyway, we have survived in the Nana Addo regime, and we will surely survive in JM’s second term, INSHALLAH.
The real game will kick start from next two years, 2027 and the caterpillars will actually exhibit what they are capable of doing as against the saloon cars/side chicks.
Sharers of positions in this current government no longer care who over sacrificed than who and deserve appreciation to serve, but rather are using it to avenge people who offended them before.
These sharers of positions before the elections could have drawn the attention of their supposed enemies in the NDC not to work and waste their time and precious resources, and allow only their friends and sidechicks, and family members to work.
I will be coming out with a press conference about the behavior of a few individuals at the presidency and how their actions are denting the image of this government.
Yes, it is too early, but some of us can not sit down and allow evil to triumph.
Nothing to lose with or without an appointment.
In any organization, someone must be able to sacrifice to correct the wrongs.
Executive Secretary of ADAM-GH, Azubila Emmanuel Abdul-Salam
Director of Communications for the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a warning to the public regarding the circulation of fabricated versions of a recently submitted confidential party report.
He cautioned against the spread of misinformation, stressing that any documents or quotes attributed to the report appearing on social media are entirely fake.
In a post shared on April 17, 2025, he stated, “After submitting the confidential report to the party, I must caution against fake versions of the report circulating on social media. Please ignore any claims referencing quotes from pages of the report, as they are fake and nothing more than propaganda.”
He added, “Don’t fall for fake news—this report is confidential.”
Ahiagbah also commended the former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, and his committee for what he described as “impressive work” in compiling the report.
“Commendations to the Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye Committee for their impressive work,” he stated.
Background
A 12-member committee was established by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to investigate the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections.
The committee, chaired by Professor Mike Oquaye, was tasked with thoroughly assessing the reasons behind the party’s loss. The committee was given a three-month window to conduct its review and present its findings to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
The committee’s terms of reference included evaluating the party’s internal election processes, reviewing the overall campaign strategy, and identifying the factors that led to the defeat.
The report was presented to party leadership on April 16, 2025, after which Ahiagbah emphasised that it remains confidential.
Read post below:
Commendations to the Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye Committee for their impressive work. After submitting the confidential report to the party, I must caution against fake versions of the report appearing on social media.
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has made an emergency visit to the Abosso Gold Fields Damang Mines in the Western Region to reassure the management and workers of uninterrupted operations and job stability for the workers.
This move comes after the government’s decision to assume control of the mine due to Gold Fields’ failure to fulfil lease renewal conditions.
Alongside senior officers at the Ministry and the Minerals Commission, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah encouraged management to sustain normal operations during the transition phase and ensure no worker is dismissed because of the transition.
“We came to engage the workers of the Damang Mine to assure them of President Mahama’s commitment to ensure that even in this transitional period, their jobs will be guaranteed and that we are going to work with them to ensure the safety and the sanctity of the operations here.
“Contractors and subcontractors who work here must be assured that this transition will not affect their commitments and contracts that they have here. The intention ultimately is to empower the communities here and to make sure that there is continuity in operations,” he said.
Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, says the process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo cannot be influenced by the President.
However, he expressed surprise at the grounds cited in three petitions circulating on social media, which he has reviewed.
Speaking on Channel One’s Newsroom on Thursday, April 17, Osei-Owusu acknowledged that social media can be a source of misinformation, but questioned the credibility of the petitions if their content is accurate.
“My position is that the process cannot be influenced by the president but I will be very much surprised and disappointed if the contents or the grounds as contained in the three petitions I have read—of course I stand to be corrected if those are not the genuine grounds,” he stated.
He emphasized the need to protect judicial independence and ensure that any moves to remove the Chief Justice are based on credible and substantial evidence.
“Social media is also a source of misinformation, I have read something. If that is truly the content, the basis for which the petitioners are asking that the CJ be removed, I will be very surprised, disappointed and truly embarrassed if any committee will come to a conclusion that based on such petition, the CJ of Ghana will be removed. That is where the NPP’s concerns come into play,” he added.
His comments come amid growing public debate over the petitions and their implications for the judiciary’s integrity and independence.
Read also…
Don’t remove Chief Justice on trivial grounds – Manhyia South MP cautions
President John Dramani Mahama has extended invitations to the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to participate in the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, set to take place in Accra.
This announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at a press briefing on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
He described the invitation to the Sahelian states as part of Ghana’s broader efforts to rebuild relations and enhance cooperation for a stable
International Relations Analyst, Dr. Yaw Gebe, has praised former President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three nations had earlier withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Bernard Avle, Dr. Gebe described President Mahama’s invitation to the AES countries to attend the ECOWAS 50th anniversary launch in Accra on April 22, 2025, as a meaningful diplomatic move.
“If President Mahama has again invited them to witness the inauguration of the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS, I think it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Dr. Gebe noted that despite their withdrawal, the AES nations can still engage with ECOWAS, and their presence at the anniversary could open the door to renewed dialogue and collaboration.
He also urged ECOWAS leaders to address the root causes of the Sahel states’ exit, calling for a united approach to regional challenges.
“My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. The ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he stated.
The April 22 event in Accra is expected to bring together all ECOWAS member states, including AES countries, as well as regional and international partners. It will celebrate ECOWAS’ achievements over the past 50 years and reaffirm its commitment to regional unity.
EOCO arrests 219 in major anti-human trafficking operation
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Deputy National Communications Officer of the NPP, Ernest Owusu Bempah Bonsu
The Second Vice Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional branch of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Eric Nartey Yeboah, has taken a swipe at the party’s national leadership for failing to take a decisive action against Deputy National Communications Officer, Ernest Owusu Bempah Bonsu, over what he describes as acts of gross indiscipline.
According to Yeboah, the conduct of Owusu Bempah is unbecoming of a party executive and deserves swift disciplinary action.
Eric Nartey Yeboah, also known as Chairman Dollar, questioned why the party appears hesitant to address the issue, especially when other senior members have been sanctioned for similar or lesser offences.
“The party was quick to crack the whip on former Dome-Kwabenya MP Adwoa Safo, yet it is dragging its feet on Owusu Bempah.
Who is he to be treated as an exception?” Yeboah fumed.
He also challenged the legitimacy of Owusu Bempah’s standing in the party, suggesting that he lacks the grassroots roots and commitment demonstrated by longstanding members.
He argues that people who have roots in the party have been suspended for the same offence why treat Owusu Bempah with exception?
Chairman Dollar made this call in an interview with the media after the party leadership received Prof Mike Oquaye’s report at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Wednesday.
“Some of us know his roots in the National Democratic Congress and his dealings with former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, adding that should a person of such calibre be treated with exception when found culpable,” he stressed.
“If Bempah’s comments were in the interest of the party, why are respected leaders like Nana Akomea and others speaking out against him?” he asked, referencing criticism surrounding Owusu Bempah’s recent remarks about the party’s immediate past Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia.
Yeboah urged party leadership to remain consistent in enforcing discipline across all ranks, especially as the NPP undergoes a period of introspection and restructuring following its 2024 electoral defeat.
Former NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Sefwi Akontombra, Appiah Kubi-Baidoo
A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Sefwi Akontombra Constituency in the Western North Region, Appiah Kubi-Baidoo, has resigned from the party, accusing its leadership of years of neglect and mistreatment.
The three-time parliamentary aspirant disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
“This decision has been arrived at following years of maltreatment meted out to me and my immediate family by the party. All efforts including written appeals to get the attention of the national executives have yielded no results.
“I would like to thank the party for the opportunity to serve as a District Chief Executive and three (3) times as its Parliamentary Candidate of the Sefwi Akontombra Constituency,” he noted.
He further apologised to his supporters, acknowledging that his exit may impact them.
“I unreservedly apologise to the thousands of supporters and sympathisers who have been with me through thick and thin over the last two decades and who will in one way or the other be affected by my resignation,” it added.
Read the full statement below:
JKB/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
After 30 years of hosting one of Ghana’s most prominent gold mining companies, Gold Fields Ghana Ltd., the youth of Damang say they finally feel heard, as news spreads that the government has refused to renew the company’s mining lease.
“You cannot be in a town for three decades and leave it looking abandoned,” said Emmanuel Afful, Convener of the Concerned Youth of the Damang Catchment Area.
“There’s no hospital, no functional water systems in some communities, and the same dusty, pothole-ridden roads,” he added.
For many residents, the government’s decision is being hailed as long-overdue justice. The youth insist they are not against mining itself, but they demand development in return—something they believe Gold Fields Ghana failed to provide.
“Compare Damang to Kenyasi or Akyem, where other mining companies have built hospitals and better infrastructure,” Afful said.
“Three decades should have transformed Damang, but instead, we got neglect.”
The Concerned Youth group has commended the government for taking a bold stand and urged leaders to resist any pressure to reverse the decision.
They believe it marks a turning point in the call for accountability and real development in mining communities.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah has explained the government’s decision to reject the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease for the Damang Mine.
According to him, the company failed to meet the necessary renewal requirements, prompting the government’s decision.
This clarification comes after several industry players called on the government to provide a categorical explanation for the rejection of Gold Fields’ lease after 30 years of operation.
The company’s current lease is set to expire on April 18, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on April 16, 2025, the minister said, “Gold Fields has failed to allocate any budget for exploration at Damang for the past two years. In essence, the company was not prepared, as required by law, to expend resources on exploration activities to discover new ore bodies or convert existing mineral resources into mineral reserves to support a mining program or operation.
“This lack of investment raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and the long-term viability of this particular mine,” he stated.
The surprising everyday factors that accelerate aging and how to combat their effects
Aging is a natural process that happens to everyone, but certain factors can speed up how quickly your body and appearance show the passage of time. While genetics play a significant role in how we age, lifestyle choices and environmental exposures often have an even greater impact on our biological age versus our chronological age.
Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has warned against attempts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo on what he describes as trivial grounds, cautioning that such actions could threaten the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday, April 17, Awuah stressed the need for a careful reading of the constitutional provisions regarding the removal of a Chief Justice.
He noted that while the Constitution outlines grounds such as “stated misbehaviour” or “incompetence,” the interpretation of these terms is intentionally left to the discretion of the President and the Council of State.
“It is not necessarily the procedure; it is also about the potential outcome. If you avert your mind to the grounds for the removal of the CJ, you will notice something.
“You will notice that even though the grounds are stated there, what accounts for instance to stated misbehaviour, what accounts for instance to incompetence is something which is left to the good sense of the President and the Council of State, and the Constitution was deliberate about it,” he explained.
Awuah warned that without substantial justification, any move to remove the Chief Justice could compromise judicial independence and place the judiciary under executive control.
“In the same token, what constitutes stated misbehavior is unknown, and what goes into it is unknown. So very much heavily depends on the President and the Council of State at this point.
“All we are saying is that if there isn’t anything grievous, let’s not touch the Chief Justice because we risk making the judiciary a subsidiary of the executive,” he cautioned.
Read also…
Majority of Ghanaians support removal of Chief Justice – Global InfoAnalytics
Seasoned Ghanaian journalist Gordon Asare-Bediako has launched a scathing response to former Environment Minister Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, following the latter’s recent comments suggesting that “demons” have taken over leadership positions in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking on Movement TV, Gordon did not mince words.
The CEO of Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Mr Ralph Ayitey, has called on the hospitality industry to join him in promoting Ghanaian products, particularly locally produced poultry.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Poultry Festival 2025 in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, at the Tourist Information Centre, Mr Ayitey highlighted the vast potential of the Ghanaian poultry industry in contributing to the country’s economy.
He emphasised the importance of serving guests what Ghana produces locally, rather than relying on the same imported chicken from their countries.
“Tourists travel to Ghana to experience Ghana and our food,” Ayitey said. “What do these people produce for me to try? Let us be deliberate about it.” He noted that his hotel, which has been in operation for over 25 years, has made a conscious decision to serve locally sourced products, including poultry, fruit juices, fresh fish, and furniture.
“We believe that serving our clients with what we produce locally has greatly contributed to us coming this far,” Ayitey said. “We’ve been deliberate about serving local fruit juices, fresh fish from Elmina, and Tilapia from the Volta Lake. And now, we’re encouraging all hospitality outfits to help a brother or sister to consume locally raised poultry to save our motherland.”
Mr Ayitey highlighted the significant impact that importing poultry has on Ghana’s economy, citing the staggering figure of over 600,000 imported chickens consumed daily. “This isn’t just about chicken-poultry simply,” he said. “It’s about jobs. It’s about building a Ghana that feeds itself, employs its own, ‘its own’ pay taxes and believes in its own – let’s build our homeland Ghana.”
The CEO emphasised that the theme for this year’s Poultry Day Festival, “Investing in the Local Poultry Sector: A Means to Creating Jobs, Promoting Agritourism, and Improving Food Security,” is not just a slogan, but a strategy for national transformation and renewal. He called on the government to partner with the private sector to support the local poultry industry, including offering tax incentives, affordable financing, and proper cold chain infrastructure.
His plea is not just about promoting local products, but also about creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. “When Ghana’s poultry thrives, Ghana wins – on food security, on jobs, on health, on agritourism and economic growth,” he said.
“Ghana consumes over 600,000 imported chickens every single day, with an average of 1.2kg… but we know we have 592k unemployed people,” Ayitey noted. “My friends, does that add up to you? This isn’t just about chicken – poultry simply. It’s about jobs. It’s about building a Ghana that feeds itself, employs its own, ‘its own’ pay taxes and believes in its own – let’s build our homeland Ghana.”
The CEO’s call to action is simple: let’s make Ghana chicken the preferred choice. “Let’s say it loud and proud: Ghana Chicken is Fresh. Healthy. Safe. Ghanaian,” he declared. By promoting locally raised poultry, Mr Ayitey, who’s also the National Treasurer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), believes that Ghana can create a thriving industry that benefits both the economy and the people.
About the Ghana Poultry Day
The Ghana Poultry Day festival’s primary goal is to promote the consumption and patronage of locally produced poultry while highlighting its nutritional and medicinal benefits.
The festival also aims to raise awareness about the poultry sector’s role in employment, food security, and economic growth. This initiative is in collaboration with the Ghana Poultry Farmers Association, the Ghana Egg Secretariat, the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and various other stakeholders, to promote the consumption of locally produced chicken.
The 5th edition of the festival will take place at the forecourt of the State House on July 1, 2025.
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 Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders in South Africa, Mr Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has asserted that the NDC is well-positioned to defeat the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in any future election, particularly if the NPP fields Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate.
Speaking on JoyNews‘ UpFront on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during a discussion on the Global InfoAnalytics Post-Election Outlook, Mr Quashie referenced the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections and the current approval ratings of the NDC as clear indicators of the party’s growing strength and popularity among the electorate.
“I have said it time and again: any time, any day, and in any election where Dr Bawumia leads the NPP against the NDC, we would beat them hands down,” he declared.
When asked about the potential leadership of the NDC after President John Mahama, Mr Quashie urged the party to remain focused on governance and supporting President Mahama in delivering on his mandate.
He cautioned against premature conversations about succession, stating that the President has not yet completed forming his government.
“It’s still early days. The party should not be distracted by succession talks. We must rally behind President Mahama to succeed,” he emphasised.
On the topic of potential successors, Mr Quashie acknowledged that while discussions about post-Mahama leadership should be left to political analysts and not NDC members, it wouldn’t be surprising if the current Vice President emerges as the front runner. He cited her groundbreaking achievements as the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and the first female Vice President of Ghana as factors that could work in her favour.
Other prominent names floated as possible future NDC leaders include Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
Reacting to how these individuals might perform against Dr Bawumia in an election, he was emphatic: “With the evidence from the 2024 polls, any of these candidates would defeat Bawumia in a general election.”
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.
A District Court in Madina has ordered the police to file a Bill of Indictment on Daniel Owusu Koranteng, the businessman and a former employee of Tiger Eye P.I. who is accused of playing a part in the murder of investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale.
The court has given the police up to May 13, 2025, to file the document before the court.
The Bill of indictment includes the charges levelled against the accused person, the summary of the prosecution’s evidence and the exhibits that would be tendered at trial should the District Court commit him to stand trial at the High Court.
Chief Inspector Nana Afua Bamfoa Bamfo appearing before the court today prayed for some time to put their house in order.
She also informed the court that the accused was unsuccessful in securing a bail as the High Court has denied his bail application and remanded him into prison custody.
Kwaku Osei Asare, counsel for the accused told the court the defence was expecting that the Bill of Indictment would be ready by today’s sitting.
He reminded the prosecution that the accused person’s liberty was at stake and urged them to put their house in order.
Her Worship Susan Nyarkotey after listening to both sides ordered the police to file the Bill of Indictment before May 13, 2025, which is the next date, for the committal proceedings.
Charges
The accused was initially charged with one count of murder but an amended charge sheet includes a charge of abetment of crime contrary to section 2-(1) of the Criminal and other Offences Act 1960, (Act 29).
He is accused of abetting two other suspects who are currently on the run to murder Ahmed Suale at his home on January 16, 2019.
He is also facing a substantive charge of murder contrary to Section 46 of the Criminal and other Offences Act 1960, (Act 29).
Court documents indicate that the accused had sent pictures of the deceased to Kennedy Agyapong who displayed them on Net2 TV and called for ‘retribution’ against him.
“Accused person having known the deceased’s place of abode and possible hideouts; led two other culprits currently at large to the house of the deceased where he was shot and killed,” the documents alleges.
Meanwhile, the Madina Magistrate Court presided over by Suzy Nkotey has denied a second application for bail on behalf of the accused, ruling it had no jurisdiction to grant him bail in a murder case.
He was remanded into police custody by the District Court and his counsel subsequently filed for bail at the High Court.
However, the court presided over by Justic Naa Koowa Quarshie refused the application for bail pending trial and remanded the accused into prison custody.
The Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, has shed light on the key political figures widely blamed for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking on Joy FM’s , Dankwah shared insights from a detailed post-election survey conducted by his research firm.
According to him, the initial phase of the study allowed respondents to freely mention who they believed was responsible for the NPP’s loss and why. The team then used the most frequently mentioned names to design a more structured, close-ended survey.
“We wanted to find out which personalities people would assign blame to before heading to the field. From that study, we shortlisted the names most frequently mentioned and used them in our final survey,” Dankwah explained.
The survey results revealed that former President Nana Akufo-Addo topped the list, with 68% of respondents citing his administration’s performance as a key factor in the party’s electoral defeat.
Dankwah highlighted widespread public frustration with the President’s perceived dismissive attitude, particularly his controversial comments in the Ashanti Region, where he suggested voters could support someone else if they disagreed with his choices.
“Many were disappointed with his refusal to heed calls from within his own party to make changes in government. His disregard for traditional authorities also did not sit well with the electorate,” Dankwah added.
The report also identified former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as the second-most blamed figure, with 40% of respondents attributing the NPP’s defeat to his role in the management of the economy.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 presidential candidate and then-Vice President, was cited by 37% of respondents, who felt his campaign failed to inspire enough confidence.
Other key figures mentioned include Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh (33%), various government appointees (32%), and Members of Parliament (25%). Kennedy Agyapong, who contested the NPP flagbearer race but did not lead the party into the general election, was held responsible by 9% of respondents.
Dankwah also challenged the widely held belief that voter apathy in the NPP’s strongholds was the primary cause of the defeat, arguing that the data tells a different story.
“Mathematically, that analysis is flawed,” he said. “Our post-election data indicates that nearly 20% of self-identified NPP supporters did not vote for the party in 2024. Of those who initially planned to vote for Bawumia, 17% switched or abstained on election day — with 14% ultimately voting for Mahama.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders Chair for South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, says the NDC is in the position to defeat the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in any future election.
He highlighted that from the 2024 elections defeat to the NPP, and the approval ratings the NDC is enjoying, the NDC stands to win against the NPP in any future election.
“I have said that anytime, any day, and in any election held between the NPP with Dr. Bawumia as their candidate, and the NDC, we would beat them hands down,” he stressed in an interview on Joy News on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Sharing his views on the possible leaders of the NDC post-Mahama, he counseled the party to stay focussed in delivering on their current mandate which puts them in a good stead in winning future elections.
Touching on the current Vice President leading the race post-Mahama, and without prejudice to the other names listed to lead the NDC post-Mahama, he said that the current Vice President leading the race would not be surprising.
Quashie emphasised that, as the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and the first female Vice President of Ghana, fortune might smile on her to make her lead the NDC.
Nonetheless, he indicated it was still early days in the government of President John Mahama. “He has still not completed forming his government. The party should not engage in such discussions but rather rally behind President Mahama to succeed,” he underscored.
The SA Council Chair noted that leadership of the NDC post-Mahama should be left for others to discuss, and not amongst NDC members who have a government to run.
The other potential names listed included the current Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, and the current NDC Chair, John Asiedu Nketia.
Reacting to how any of these persons would fare against the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Dr Bawumia, Quashie posited, with reference to the 2024 election outcome, that any of the candidates would beat Dr. Bawumia any day in a general election.
Quashie highlighted that the NDC was doing very well and their approval rating indicated that Ghanaians believed the country was headed in the right direction.
“The NDC is doing far better, and everybody in Ghana believes we are heading in the right direction. We should stay focused and forget about the naysayers”, he cautioned.
Member of Parliament for Sisala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu
The Member of Parliament for Sisala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has refuted claims that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is behind the petitions to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
Speaking in an interview on GH One TV, monitored by GhanaWeb, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, he clarified that former President John Dramani Mahama was simply responding to petitions he had received and was not politically targeting the Chief Justice.
“John Dramani Mahama has no interest in removing the Chief Justice. His focus is on resetting the country. What is currently happening, and I am surprised that people who believe in the law are maligning the president and creating a narrative that this is a planned move by the NDC to remove the Chief Justice,” he stated.
“There is a petition, and are they (NPP) trying to tell us that the president should act unconstitutionally? The president did not write the petition himself; the petitioners are citizens of this country,” Sukparu added.
Gertrude Torkornoo has submitted her response to three petitions calling for her removal from office. The responses, which were submitted to the president, now pave the way for a consultation process with the Council of State, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
President Mahama had given the Chief Justice 10 days to respond to the three separate petitions.
JKB/MA
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
In recent months, Ghana has witnessed a troubling rise in fire outbreaks, particularly in commercial areas such as markets. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has linked many of these incidents to illegal power connections, substandard materials, and faulty electrical installations. While investigations into the Adum and Kantamanto market fires are ongoing, the reality is clear: we are paying a steep price for our electrical negligence.
This trend is not new. For over a decade, electrical faults have consistently ranked among the leading causes of fire in Ghana. And yet, despite the passage of the Ghana Electrical Wiring Regulations (L.I. 2008) and the Energy Commission’s efforts to promote safe and certified appliances, enforcement remains woefully inadequate. Substandard wiring, unlicensed electricians, and unregulated electrical products still dominate our markets and homes.
As a British-Ghanaian electrician with more than 20 years of hands-on experience, I see this as more than a regulatory lapse, it is a public safety crisis. Having worked extensively across the UK and consulted on projects in Ghana, I have witnessed first-hand the wide gap in standards and the consequences they bring. But I also believe this is not a hopeless situation. Ghana can adopt proven safety practices from elsewhere to create a safer future for all.
Learning from Best Practices
In the UK, electrical safety is safeguarded by strong regulatory frameworks, independent inspections, and clear lines of accountability. Electricians are expected to meet national safety standards and are routinely assessed by bodies such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Installations are documented, traceable, and subject to periodic review.
One crucial tool is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)—a mandatory periodic inspection that checks the integrity of a building’s electrical system. These checks are not mere box-ticking exercises; they help detect faults early, ensure compliance with safety codes, and prevent disasters. Ghana should consider instituting similar mandatory checks for high-risk buildings like markets, schools, and office spaces.
Another issue is earthing—or rather, the lack of it. In my assessments across Ghana, I have observed that many electricians do not install proper earthing in sockets and lighting circuits. This fundamental safety measure protects users from electrocution and prevents fires by redirecting fault currents. System-wide earthing must be non-negotiable, and such violations should attract real consequences.
Equally important is the quality of materials. A skilled electrician is only as effective as the tools and components they use. Substandard cables, sockets, and switches are common in the Ghanaian market. The Energy Commission’s mandate to regulate appliance standards is commendable, but enforcement must extend beyond border checks. Retailers and distributors selling fake or low-grade components must be identified and sanctioned.
The Oversight That Costs Lives
Although the Electrical Wiring Regulations mandate certification for electricians and inspections of installations, implementation has been uneven and slow. The Energy Commission’s efforts to register professionals are a step in the right direction, but too many unlicensed practitioners continue to operate freely, putting lives and property at risk.
In many public buildings, particularly markets, there is no system for routine electrical inspections. Facilities continue to age without being rewired or audited. This creates ticking time bombs, not only for fires but for electrocution, short circuits, and costly outages.
Policy and Industry Recommendations
If Ghana is to end this cycle of preventable tragedies, we must act decisively and urgently. I propose the following measures:
Strengthen Certification and Enforcement
Only certified professionals should be allowed to undertake electrical installations. Regulatory bodies such as the Energy Commission must intensify monitoring, sanction unlicensed operators, and publish a national register of certified electricians.
Mandatory Electrical Audits
Markets, schools, offices, and high-occupancy residential buildings must undergo regular safety audits. These reports should be submitted to local authorities and regulatory bodies.
Clamp Down on Substandard Electrical Materials
Authorities must step up inspections at ports, retail outlets, and warehouses to eliminate substandard and counterfeit electrical products. Only items meeting Ghana Standards Authority benchmarks should be approved for sale.
Public Education and Awareness
Public awareness campaigns to educate the public on identifying certified professionals, spotting unsafe installations, and reporting illegal connections must be intensified by the Ghana National Fire Service and local authorities
Empower Local Authorities
Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must be equipped and resourced to conduct inspections, enforce safety codes, and suspend or revoke permits for non-compliant buildings.
Everyone Has a Role to Play
Electrical safety is not solely the government’s burden. Landlords, market leaders, school administrators, and homeowners must also take responsibility. Buzzing sockets, tripping circuits, burnt smells, or warm switches are warning signs that must not be ignored.
Many Ghanaians live and work in buildings whose electrical systems have never been inspected or were installed by unlicensed hands using subpar materials. In some markets, entire stalls are illegally powered from a single source, overloading circuits and putting lives at risk. We must educate ourselves and demand better.
Engaging qualified electricians and insisting on certified materials is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
The Time to Act Is Now
Ghana has made progress by enacting regulations and appliance standards. But laws without enforcement are just good intentions on paper. We must reframe electrical safety as a national development and public health priority. This requires urgency, leadership, and accountability from government, and citizens alike. Let us not wait for another tragedy to force our hand.
About the Writer
Charles Appiah is the CEO of SparkVolt Electrical Services, based in the United Kingdom. A certified electrician under the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), he was the overall best student at Carshalton College in 2003. Charles specializes in commercial and domestic electrical installations and is a passionate advocate for electrical safety standards.
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In response to the growing threat of cybercrime in Ghana, The Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, in collaboration with Cyber Bells Foundation, FinTech Management Solutions, and Village Minds Production, proudly presents Cyber Heist – a groundbreaking theatrical production that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Set to take the stage at the National Theatre in Accra on Friday, 2nd May 2025 at 6:00 PM, CYBER HEIST is a unique fusion of comedy, drama, and real-life scenarios that tackle the dark world of digital fraud, online scams, and cybersecurity threats. With increasing reports of cyberattacks targeting individuals and businesses alike, this production comes at a crucial time.
Cybercrime in Ghana has reached alarming levels. In 2023 alone, Ghanaians lost over GHS 59.9 million, with 35% of cases linked to online fraud.
By April 2024, reported losses had already hit GHS 10.7 million, with investment scams alone skyrocketing from GHS 421,621 in 2023 to more than GHS 1.9 million in 2024.
Scammers continue to evolve, deploying fake investment websites, phishing schemes, and deceptive social media tactics to exploit unsuspecting victims.
CYBER HEIST confronts these threats head-on, offering audiences:
• Insight into how common scams operate, including phishing, insider threats, and fake investment schemes
• Education on practical cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital identities and financial information
• Empowerment to take proactive steps in the fight against cybercrime
The play’s powerful message is delivered through laughter, drama, and reflection, making cybersecurity awareness both accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Tickets are available now:
• Single Ticket: GHS 150
• Double Ticket: GHS 280
• To purchase, dial *713*33*092# or visit https://egotickets.com/events/cyber-heist
CYBER HEIST is written by Nii Ayi Solomon, based on a story by Kwame Awuagah, CEO of the FinTech Awards. It is directed by WK Dziewornu-Norvor and stage managed by Janet Naa Ashaley Armah—all celebrated names in Ghana’s theatre industry, committed to using the arts as a vehicle for social change.
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.
Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, has emphasised that the recent poll on Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo will not influence the legal process surrounding her removal.
Dankwah explained that judicial decisions should not be swayed by public sentiment, as the law operates independently of popular opinion.
He cautioned that if decision-makers allow public opinion to dictate legal outcomes, it would be a disservice to the country.
“That is why it is a legal process. You know in law, public opinion should not matter, and if those who are tasked with the decision follow public opinion, then they are doing a disservice to this country,” he stated on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday April 17.
He further noted that while polling organisations like Global InfoAnalytics conduct surveys to gauge public sentiment, their findings should not be overextended beyond their intended scope.
“Public opinion is public opinion, and opinion poll companies are circumspect in what they do, but their work should not be taken extremely beyond the little boundaries,” Dankwah remarked.
The poll which has stirred national debate, revealed that majority of Ghanaians supported the removal of the Chief Justice.
Conducted between April 7 and April 16, 2025, the poll sampled 2,545 voters across Ghana’s 16 regions, offering a snapshot of public sentiment on the judiciary’s leadership.
The results showed that 52% of respondents favour the Chief Justice’s removal, while 20% oppose it. Meanwhile, 18% remain neutral, and 10% are undecided. When asked if evidence of legal misconduct would influence their stance, 30% of those initially neutral or opposed said they would support her removal, though 35% would still resist the move.
Read also
Majority of Ghanaians support removal of Chief Justice – Global InfoAnalytics
The CEO of Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Mr Ralph Ayitey, has called on all hospitality institutions operating in Ghana to follow the hotel’s lead and use only Ghanaian poultry in their establishments.
Delivering a speech as the guest speaker at the launch of the Ghana Poultry Day Festival, 2025, an initiative of Agrihouse Foundation that celebrates the Ghanaian poultry industry, Mr Ayitey emphasised the importance of supporting local poultry farmers and promoting Ghanaian products.
“We believe that serving our clients with what we produce locally has greatly contributed to us coming this far,” Ayitey said on Tuesday, April 15, at the Accra Tourist Information Centre. “We’ve been deliberate about serving local fruit juices, fresh fish from Elmina, and Tilapia from the Volta Lake. And now, we’re encouraging all hospitality outfits to help a brother or sister to consume locally raised poultry to save our motherland.”
Mr Ayitey highlighted the significant impact that importing poultry has on Ghana’s economy. “Ghana consumes over 600,000 imported chickens every single day, with an average of 1.2kg… but we know we have 592k unemployed people,” he noted. “My friends, does that add up to you? This isn’t just about chicken – poultry simply. It’s about jobs. It’s about building a Ghana that feeds itself, employs its own, ‘its own’ pay taxes and believes in its own – let’s build our homeland Ghana.”
The CEO emphasised that the theme for this year’s Poultry Day Festival, “Investing in the Local Poultry Sector: A Means to Creating Jobs, Promoting Agritourism, and Improving Food Security,” is not just a slogan, but a strategy for national transformation and renewal. “Let’s face the numbers: Ghana imports over 300,000 metric tonnes of chicken annually. That’s nearly 600,000 chickens every single day — yet only 5% of what we consume is produced locally,” he said.
He also highlighted the potential for poultry farming to contribute to Ghana’s economy, citing the example of ostrich farming. “The ostrich industry offers us a great opportunity to become net exporters of not just the meat but the leather that comes with it,” he noted.
To achieve this goal, Ayitey called for calculated and deliberate action, including innovating feed sources, building out grower partnerships, and involving the youth in poultry farming. “Let’s start early — from basic schools to the university level — and make poultry not just a subject, but a solution,” he said. “We need to develop specialised curricula, training programmes, and workshops in poultry science, animal husbandry, and agribusiness management.”
The hotelier also emphasised the importance of telling the story of Ghana’s poultry industry and building a brand around local poultry products. “Let’s say it loud and proud: Ghana Chicken is Fresh. Healthy. Safe. Ghanaian,” he declared.
Regarding the role of the government, Ayitey said, “The government will need to bolster, reinforce, and fortify the conditions that enable growth. We’re not asking for handouts. We’re asking for a partnership.” He called on the government to offer tax incentives for producers, provide affordable financing for expansion, invest in proper cold chain infrastructure, and enforce existing regulations to stop the dumping of poor-quality imports that are hurting local farmers.
“We’re asking for a partnership that will support every aspect of the value chain — from breeder farms to hatcheries, feed mills to processing plants, transport to marketing,” Ayitey said. “Because when Ghana’s poultry thrives, Ghana wins — on food security, on jobs, on health, on agritourism and economic growth.”
In conclusion, Mr Ayitey, who’s also the National Treasurer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), called on all Ghanaians to support the local poultry industry and promote Ghanaian products. “Let’s be deliberate about it. Let’s make Ghana chicken the preferred choice. Let’s have the Ghana chicken choice available,” he said. “When we demystify poultry and show that it’s not just ‘dirty work’ but profitable, purposeful, and impactful, we will raise a new generation who won’t just seek jobs — they’ll create them.”
About the Ghana Poultry Day
The Ghana Poultry Day festival’s primary goal is to promote the consumption and patronage of locally produced poultry while highlighting its nutritional and medicinal benefits.
The festival also aims to raise awareness about the poultry sector’s role in employment, food security, and economic growth. This initiative is in collaboration with the Ghana Poultry Farmers Association, the Ghana Egg Secretariat, the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and various other stakeholders, to promote the consumption of locally produced chicken.
The 5th edition of the festival will take place at the forecourt of the State House on July 1, 2025.
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 Asogli State has destooled the Mankrado of Ho Bankoe and Afetorfia of the Muviefe Clan, Togbe Afiatsoa III, with immediate effect, citing repeated insubordination and misconduct.
A statement dated Thursday, April 17, 2025, and signed by the Secretary of the Asogli State Council, Stephen Tetteh, described the decision as difficult but necessary.
“This decision, though painful and taken with the utmost restraint and reflection, became necessary due to a consistent pattern of misconduct and insubordination on the part of Togbe Afiatsoa III.
Over an extended period, he has exhibited gross disregard for traditional authority, deliberately denigrated the revered Agbogbome Stool, and persistently brought the name of Asogli into disrepute,” it noted.
The statement added that despite several attempts to encourage reconciliation and reforms, Togbe Afiatsoa III chose to escalate tensions through public platforms and on social media.
“Togbe Afiatsoa III was given numerous opportunities by the Elders of Ho Bankoe to reform his ways, reconcile with leadership, and return to the path of dignity and respect that befits his former office.
“Sadly, he chose to spurn all such opportunities and instead resorted to the reckless use of social media and other public platforms to spread falsehoods, cast aspersions, and peddle misinformation aimed at undermining the image, integrity, and cohesion of the traditional leadership of both Ho and the larger Asogli State,” it added.
Read the full statement below:
JKB/MA
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Banking Consultant, Dr. Richmond Atuahene, in October 2023 stated that Ghanaians were enduring significant financial strain while repaying government loans.
He said this at the Ghana Economic Forum held in Accra.
Read the full story originally published on October 11, 2023 by www.ghanaweb.com.
Banking Consultant, Dr. Richmond Atuahene, has said Ghanaians were repaying loans of government through the nose.
He enunciated that Ghanaians paying unreasonably high prices to finance government’s debt because it borrowed to spend instead of investing into projects.
In his view, the government needs to keep its borrowing in check in order to ensure that it does not exceed its limit.
Speaking at the Ghana Economic Forum held in Accra on Tuesday, October 11, 2023, the banking consultant called for a review of the 1992 Constitution to place a cap on the government’s borrowing.
Atuahene said; “Ghana as a country, must from today, begin to look at the constitution. Inside the constitution, according to literature from IMF, the United Nations in 2014, the debt to GDP of any developing country should not exceed 50 percent and developed countries are given a leeway of 60 percent.”
“We find ourselves in this position because we have a constitution that has no business of setting a debt cap like the Americans have it. When the Americans had the cap and they had trouble they had to go to Congress and when they go to Congress you will see how they suffer. So we need to come to the constitution and amend it as soon as possible,” he stated.
Mr Atuahene added that; “This is one of the shortest strategies that I will recommend so that we don’t find ourselves in such a situation ever again, borrowing and borrowing for consumption. As I have always said, you will pay through the nose, and Ghanaians repaying through the nose.”
Ghana’s public debt as of June this year stood at GH¢575.5 billion. This represent 71.9% of Gross Domestic Debt (GDP).
This was a marginal rise of GH¢6.3 billion compared to the GH¢569.2 billion recorded in April 2023.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s Summary of Economic and Financial Data for September 2023, the country’s public debt has increased by GH¢27.7 billion since January 2023.
In dollar terms, the total debt stock stood at US$52.3 billion as of June 2023.
External debt accounted for GH¢328.6 billion (US$29.9 billion), while domestic debt accounted for GH¢246.9 billion ($30.8 billion).
SA
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Actress and content creator, Priscilla Ojo dey run part two of di many weddings wey she dey do wit her Tanzanian bobo, Juma Jux.
Priscilla wey be di pikin of popular actress, Iyabo Ojo don so far run do first half wetin local tori pipo dey call four weddings for wia her bobo come from, Tanzania for February.
Dem do Nikkah and also civil joining for di kontri. Dis na wia she for get her Muslim name Hadiza Mkambala.
Tori be say dem enta Nigeria to run di Yoruba rights.
Di whole mata around di wedding start to trend around August of last year wen di two both of dem snap with aso-ebi for wetin bin look like pre-wedding shoot.
E cause serious debate around di kontri giving say her collabo series, wit social media star Enioluwa, All of Us bin just launch just di month bifor.
According to Priscilla, she bin meet Juma Jux wey im real name na Juma Mussa Mkambala for business trip wey she go do for Rwanda.
Di two of dem bin jam for di hotel wey she bin dey lodge at which time di 35-year-old musician give di 24-year-old im number to text but she say she no gree but las-las dem land for inside di marriage sha.
Howeva di Ololufemi singer tok say wen e see her, e bin know say na she go be im wife.
Who be Priscilla
Priscilla Ajoke Ojo Mkambala na content creator, actress and business woman wey dem born for di 13 March, 2001.
She get her Bachelors Degree for Mass Communication for June 2021 but even bifor all dat time she don cement herself for di content creation space for Nigeria social media as teenager.
From her fashionista influence wey she dey slay wit her clothes come go di content wey she create wit di likes of Broda Shaggi.
Priscilla reach di height of her social media fame afta she collabo wit bestie and fellow content creator Adeoluwa for August 2024 wey dem call, All of US.
She bin act for di thriller series as Ivy and also gbab credit of associate producer for di project.
She dey also run her own bag line, her clothing brand as well as work as housing agent for Nigeria.
In a world where fashion constantly teeters between boldness and trends, finding a balance between modesty and modern flair can often feel like a challenge. But Ayisha Yakubu, one of Ghana’s most admired media personalities, effortlessly shows us that you can dress decently and still be stylish, current, and confident. Her wardrobe is a graceful blend of elegance, sophistication, and cultural relevance making her a style icon for ladies who appreciate fashion with a refined touch.
Ayisha has mastered the art of dressing beautifully while keeping it modest. Whether she’s on your screen delivering the news or showing up for an event, her fashion choices are always well-thought-out, polished, and inspiring. This article explores some of her most captivating looks and how you can draw inspiration from her to create your own chic, decent, and modern wardrobe.
Ayisha Yakubu proves that you don’t have to show skin to make a fashion statement. Her outfits often feature midi and maxi lengths, high necklines, and long sleeves, yet they are anything but boring. With structured tailoring, well-fitted cuts, and soft, flattering fabrics, she embraces her figure while staying elegant and classy.
From peplum tops with pencil skirts to A-line midi gowns and straight-leg pants with tucked-in blouses, Ayisha’s wardrobe is full of pieces that speak volumes through simplicity and fit.
Ayisha has a distinct taste for bneutral and earthy tones think soft browns, whites, pastels, navy, and olive paired with subtle hints of gold, blush, or teal. These shades not only exude calmness and grace but also make room for versatility. Whether she’s wearing a structured blazer dress, a simple kaftan, or a chic two-piece, she proves that understated colors can be bold when styled right.
Her color choices are a testament to the fact that modern fashion isn’t always about being loud it’s about being *confident in your calm.
Federated Commodities PLC (FEDCO), a leading indigenous cocoa buying company, has raised GHS 72.5 million in the first tranche of its GHS 200 million Commercial Paper programme.
This marks a historic first listing on the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM) since the Commercial Paper Market’s launch by the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) in 2024.
At the listing ceremony, FEDCO’s Managing Director, Maria Adamu-Zibo, highlighted the company’s growth.
“From a 5.7% market share in 2017/2018, we now command a 10.5% share. International partner resource support has grown from 2.3% to 12% over the same period,” she noted.
She added that over 41,000 of the 70,000 farmers under its network now benefit from FEDCO’s sustainability initiatives, with the company’s initiatives further positively affecting over 400,000 lives nationwide.
“Our joint investments with partners amount to $20 million—over GHS 300 million—in cash and in-kind support for our sourcing communities,” she stated, adding that the company rose to become the third-largest Licensed Buying Company (LBC) in Ghana by the end of the 2021/2022 cocoa season.
The company is now expanding beyond cocoa into logistics, commodity trading, and food processing, with an 18,000-metric-ton rice mill in Kampung Dari and a food processing facility underway.
Adamu-Zibo described the capital raise as a “strategic leap” aimed at capitalising on rising food prices, expanding FEDCO’s impact, and delivering more value to farmers and stakeholders.
Commenting on the development, the Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Abena Amoah, stated, “This landmark issuance underscores the effectiveness of the Commercial Paper Market in providing businesses with alternative short-term financing opportunities. We are excited to see the first corporate entity leverage this platform for their short-term capital needs and look forward to more corporate issuances in the coming months.”
She further noted that this successful issuance demonstrates the increasing confidence of corporate entities in Ghana’s capital markets and reinforces the GSE’s commitment to providing diversified financing solutions for businesses while offering investors good returns.
The Special Guest of Honour, John Awuah, in his address said, ’’This inaugural issuance serves as a critical test case, and honoring payment obligations will be essential in building and sustaining investor trust and confidence in similar instruments going forward.’’
‘’In his remarks, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana, Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to fostering Document Classification: Public market confidence, enforcing compliance, and strengthening collaborations with the GSE, Central Securities Depository (CSD), and market intermediaries.’’
The Commercial Paper Market offers a transparent platform for short-term financing. FEDCO’s listing is expected to pave the way for more corporate issuers to explore similar capital-raising avenues.
The transaction was facilitated by First Atlantic Bank Ghana, First Atlantic Brokers, Deloitte Ghana, G.A. Sarpong & Co, Glico General, GCB Bank PLC, the Central Securities Depository (CSD), and Beacon Ratings.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Director of Communication, Paul Kwabena Yandoh, has urged the Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, alias King Zuba to withdraw his infamous comment, in which he publicly threatened to flog traders who defy his directive to vacate pavements in the Kumasi Central Business District (CBD). He also implored him to apologise to Ghanaians and commit to upholding the Constitution and the oath of his office. According to him, King Zuba’s comment is not only disturbing but also unethical, unconstitutional, and fundamentally contrary to the principles of democratic governance, human dignity, and the rule of law. He added that Ghana is a constitutional democracy governed by laws; not by the whims of individuals in authority. “The era of military brutality and command-and-control tactics belongs in the annals of history, not in the present-day democratic dispensation. The enforcement of laws, including those relating to street trading and urban order, must be carried out within the limits of the law and with full respect for the dignity of citizens,” he said these in a press release. “The Mayor’s utterances and intended actions are in direct violation of multiple provisions of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, including; Article 15(1) & (2): “The dignity of all persons shall be inviolable. No person shall, whether or not he is arrested, restricted, or detained, be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.” Article 21(1): “All persons shall have the right to freedom of movement and the right to practice any profession, trade or occupation within Ghana.” Article 296: “Where in this Constitution or in any other law discretionary power is vested in any person or authority: (a) that discretionary power shall be exercised fairly and reasonably and without arbitrarines,” he said. While strongly condemning the Mayor’s threats of violence, he equally acknowledged that the growing trend of pavement trading poses serious challenges to urban safety, pedestrian movement, and city sanitation. He admitted that the use of walkways, pavements, and other unauthorized public spaces for trading activities is not only unlawful under local assembly by-laws but also undermines the vision of organised, accessible, and livable urban spaces. “Street trading, especially when conducted in areas not demarcated for such purposes, disrupts traffic flow, endangers traders and commuters alike, and impedes the work of city authorities. It is, therefore, legitimate and necessary for the KMA to enforce its by-laws to restore order and protect public infrastructure,” he added. This notwithstanding, he continued that such enforcement must be conducted in a lawful, respectful, and structured manner, guided by empathy and public engagement; not through threats of flogging or military-style aggression, explaining that traders must be educated on the laws governing urban space usage and offered decent alternatives, such as well-planned markets or designated trading zones. Call to Action The Ashanti Regional Communication Directorate called on the authority to publicly address this matter and issue a firm directive to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) regarding the expected ethical and lawful conduct of their duties, educate and guide the KMA Mayor on the appropriate enforcement mechanisms under the law and also reinforce a zero-tolerance policy against threats, violence or abuse of power within all local government structures. He stressed that the enforcement of laws must not come at the expense of basic human dignity, and believing in a Ghana where order is upheld through democratic principles, not fear; through lawful processes, not brute force.
Participants in a group photograph at the ASM BARAZA event
The 3rd African Social Movement(ASM) BARAZA 2025, a three-day event brought together social movements, activists, civil society organization leaders, creatives, policymakers and passionate change-makers from across the continent to define and strategize on pressing social issues impacting Africa.
This year’s Baraza, themed, “The Power of Movements,” unites activists and change-makers to co-create solutions for Africa’s pressing challenges.
The event, co-hosted by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-GHANA) in partnership with TrustAfrica, seeks to provide a platform to foster solidarity, collaboration, joint actions and strengthen the African social movements network.
It is also to foster conversations among African social movement leaders on the current global political moment and create common African movement positions on priority intersecting issues.
Executive Director of TrustAfrica, Ebraima Sall, advocated for a “Borderless Africa” initiative, promoting effortless mobility and connections among Africans across the continent. This vision includes ensuring minimum mobility standards for work purposes, study purposes and living conditions.
“By facilitating easy movement within Africa, the continent can unlock its full potential for collaboration, innovation, and progress,” he said.
He stressed that, streamlining visa processes is essential for a borderless Africa, facilitating movement for work, study, travel, and living purposes. By simplifying and expediting visa applications, Africans can enjoy unrestricted travel, enhanced collaboration, and increased economic opportunities.
“This, in turn, will foster greater unity, economic growth, and social exchange across the continent, ultimately promoting Africa’s development and progress,” he added.
Emphasising on the second key points, Mr. Sall stated that policymakers should consider the impact of economic policies on the rights and well-being of ordinary citizens, ensuring that their decisions promote inclusivity and fairness.
He reiterated that BARAZA serves as a catalyst for solidarity, collaborative innovation, and tangible solutions, while fostering a bridge between funders and social movements through open dialogue and trust-building initiatives.
Programs Officer, CDD-Ghana, Vera Abena Addo, said CDD-Ghana firmly believes in the transformative power of social movements to drive democratic renewal and promote good governance.
According to her, CDD-Ghana is an independent, not-for-profit research and advocacy think-to-do-tank dedicated to promoting democracy, good governance, and inclusive development. For over two decades, CDD-Ghana has focused on key areas such as, anti-corruption, elections, social accountability and security.
“Through research, policy engagement, and civic dialogue, CDD-Ghana aims to strengthen democratic institutions and promote inclusive growth in Ghana,” she emphasised.
Former Bishop of the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana, Rt. Rev. Samuel Kofi Osabutey, has urged caution in the ongoing efforts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that such actions could undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
Rev. Osabutey emphasized that while legal provisions allow for the removal of a Chief Justice, the process should be carried out with dignity and free from political influence.
“It should be in the law that the Chief Justice can be changed; however, the Chief Justice’s image shouldn’t be tarnished in the process. What is bothering the people is the politicisation of the office,” he stated.
He called for clearer legislation to safeguard the judiciary from political interference and ensure transparency in such sensitive matters.
His comments come after three separate petitions were submitted to President John Mahama, calling for the removal of Justice Torkornoo.
Police officers at the scene swiftly rescued the injured and transported them to medical facilities
