Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum has been sacked as Kotoko manager

Asante Kotoko have officially parted ways with head coach, Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, according to a statement released by the club.

According to the club, the decision was made by mutual agreement following discussions between both parties.

“Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has, this afternoon, parted company with Head Coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum.

“This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time,” the statement read.

The manager’s dismissal comes in the wake of the team’s 2-0 loss to Nations FC on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

The former WAFA gaffer exits two seasons after returning for a second stint with the Porcupine Warriors. His departure marks the end of a turbulent campaign that has seen the club fall from title contention.

Kotoko, who led the table at some point, have now slipped to fourth place on the table, having managed only two wins in their last nine games.

During this stretch, they have drawn five and lost two, with both defeats coming back-to-back, with the first being a 3-0 loss to struggling Accra Lions, followed by the recent 2-0 defeat to Nations FC.

The team’s sharp dip in form appears to have been a key factor in the decision to part ways with Ogum, as their ambition to secure the league title has grown increasingly uncertain.

Currently, Asante Kotoko sit on 47 points, trailing league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars by six points with six matches remaining in the season.

Despite their inconsistency in the league, the club remains in the hunt for silverware, with a place in the semi-finals of the MTN FA Cup keeping hopes of a domestic double alive.

EE/AE

Meanwhile, watch football fans’ reactions after Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from the 24/25 UEFA Champions League

The 2025 IMF Spring Meetings begin on April 21

As the world grapples with economic uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) are set to convene for their highly anticipated Spring Meetings in 2025.

The meetings will take place from April 21-26, in Washington, D.C., on the theme: “Jobs – The Path to Prosperity,” aimed at exploring international cooperation on the future of job creation.

This comes as the two Bretton Woods institutions estimate that about 1.2 billion young people in emerging economies, reaching working age over the next decade, would only have access to some 420 million jobs.

The gathering of global leaders, finance ministers and central bank governors, policymakers, and experts would focus on exploring solutions to the recent trade tariff tensions and shape the future of international cooperation.

It would also serve as a platform for a call to action for global leaders to work together to address pressing economic challenges to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Ahead of the meetings, Mr Ajay Banga, President, WBG, has said the workforce and expected jobs disparity was a global risk, noting that without opportunity, the forces of fragility, illegal migration, and instability could grow stronger.

He challenged developing countries to provide the right systems for the private sector to bring its financing to play, enabling infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for jobs generation.

Mr Banga said the Bank would expand its Private Sector Investment Lab to include the most critical sectors to job creation – energy and infrastructure, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.

He reaffirmed their commitment towards creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, adding that: “The idea is to build a Bank that delivers what is demanded – jobs – because jobs are the best way to drive a nail in the coffin of poverty.”

On the global trade tariff tensions, he noted that they were engaging in constructive dialogue with the US administration, despite uncertainty, saying: “They’re asking the right questions, and we’re trying to give them the right answers.”

The World Bank Chief called for more efficient border processes, reduced trade costs, clearer rules of origin, and decreased friction to boost trade volumes to provide a more stable and diversified growth in developing economies.

Ms Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF, observed that the resilience observed about six months ago was being tested again by the reboot of the global trading system.

She gave three consequences of the trade tensions: costly uncertainty, negative impact on economic growth in the short term, and erosion of productivity over the long run, especially in smaller economies through protectionism.

That required a restart of global trends towards low tariff rates while reducing non-tariff barriers and distortions, in “ensuring that there can be cooperation in a multipolar world,” Ms Georgieva said.

She expressed confidence in the spring meetings, serving as “a vital forum for dialogue at a vital time.”

“All countries, large and small alike, can – and should -play their part to strengthen the global economy in an era of more frequent and severe shocks.”

The IMF Chief noted that when pushed “hard enough, things that were not possible become possible, mountains that couldn’t be climbed are climbed, vested interests that would not retreat are overcome.”

She called for cool heads, clear vision, and strong will, adding that: “We need a more resilient world economy, not a drift to division. And, to facilitate the transition, policies must allow private economic agents time to adjust and deliver.”

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Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for an integration of all divisions of the Service to enhance its operations and progress.

According to him, the lack of integration of the divisions of the GHS to enable them to work in close collaboration over the past years had slowed its progress.

He said that the integration of the various divisions of the GHS to enhance its operations and progress could be achieved through collective collabora­tion and the inclusion of staff participation.

Prof. Akoriyea made the call at the annual performance review of the GHS held at the Health Promotion Division in Accra on April 16.

The purpose of the perfor­mance review was to assess the performance of the GHS last year to identify the progress that was made, the challenges faced, and also propose solutions to the challenges.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Akoriyea said the situation where some of the divisions were under-resourced as compared to others was not encouraging.

He, therefore, urged the Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation divi­sion to ensure that resources were allocated for the benefit of all the workers of the various divisions and ensure their integration.

Furthermore, Prof. Akoriyea charged the directors of the vari­ous divisions to promote inclusive participation of workers and also ensure that they deliver services effectively.

“My attention has been drawn to the fact that some of you, the directors, deputy directors and programme managers of the various divisions often ignore the GHS staff who have been employed to work with you and rather give the job to volunteers,” he stated.

“I am also well informed that there are drivers who have never gone on a trek, while there are other drivers who are always on a trek. That is not a good thing, and we need to change. We need to do things where every GHS worker participates actively to enhance its operations and progress,” Prof. Akoriyea added.

The Ag Director General also promised to ensure the equal allo­cation of resources to the various divisions, especially the research and development division, in order to enhance their research work.

Moreover, he said that the re­search centres across the country, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Navrongo University would now be affili­ated to the GHS to enable staff who conduct research to become associate professors and not consultants.

Prof. Akoriyea promised to oversee the rebounding of the GHS and prioritise the welfare of staff of the Service.

There were presentations by the directors of the various divisions of the GHS during the review to assess their perfor­mance last year.

Some of the divisions that were present at the performance review were the Health Promo­tion Division, the Human Re­source Division, the Institutional Care Division, Family Health Division, Research and Devel­opment Division, Public Health Division, Policy, Planning, Mon­itoring, and Evaluation Division and the Office of the Director General of the GHS.

Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pro­fessor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called for an integration of all divisions of the Service to enhance its operations and progress.

According to him, the lack of integration of the divisions of the GHS to enable them to work in close collaboration over the past years had slowed its progress.

He said that the integration of the various divisions of the GHS to enhance its operations and progress could be achieved through collective collabora­tion and the inclusion of staff participation.

Prof. Akoriyea made the call at the annual performance review of the GHS held at the Health Promotion Division in Accra on April 16.

The purpose of the perfor­mance review was to assess the performance of the GHS last year to identify the progress that was made, the challenges faced, and also propose solutions to the challenges.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Akoriyea said the situation where some of the divisions were under-resourced as compared to others was not encouraging.

He, therefore, urged the Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation divi­sion to ensure that resources were allocated for the benefit of all the workers of the various divisions and ensure their integration.

Furthermore, Prof. Akoriyea charged the directors of the vari­ous divisions to promote inclusive participation of workers and also ensure that they deliver services effectively.

“My attention has been drawn to the fact that some of you, the directors, deputy directors and programme managers of the various divisions often ignore the GHS staff who have been employed to work with you and rather give the job to volunteers,” he stated.

“I am also well informed that there are drivers who have never gone on a trek, while there are other drivers who are always on a trek. That is not a good thing, and we need to change. We need to do things where every GHS worker participates actively to enhance its operations and progress,” Prof. Akoriyea added.

The Ag Director General also promised to ensure the equal allo­cation of resources to the various divisions, especially the research and development division, in order to enhance their research work.

Moreover, he said that the re­search centres across the country, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Navrongo University would now be affili­ated to the GHS to enable staff who conduct research to become associate professors and not consultants.

Prof. Akoriyea promised to oversee the rebounding of the GHS and prioritise the welfare of staff of the Service.

There were presentations by the directors of the various divisions of the GHS during the review to assess their perfor­mance last year.

Some of the divisions that were present at the performance review were the Health Promo­tion Division, the Human Re­source Division, the Institutional Care Division, Family Health Division, Research and Devel­opment Division, Public Health Division, Policy, Planning, Mon­itoring, and Evaluation Division and the Office of the Director General of the GHS.

By Emmanuel Nyatsikor

Adaklu Waya (V/R), April 21, GNA – Mr Jerry Ameko, Adaklu District Chief Executive Monday said the ideas, energy and talents of the youth were essential to the progress and development of the country. 

He said, “When the youth can rise with purpose and commitment, their communities and the country will flourish.” 

Mr Ameko said this in his Easter message, which was copied to the Ghana News Agency at Adaklu Waya in the Adaklu district. 

He noted that the youth were not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the force of today. 

Mr Ameko urged them to join hands with their respected chiefs and community elders to promote peace, unity, and development. 

“Join your strengths to the wisdom and experience of our chiefs and elders to ensure continuous growth and development,” he said. 

The DCE appealed to them to always partook in communal labour, join development initiatives, support their leaders and above all be ambassadors of peace wherever they found themselves. 

He urged Ghanaians, especially the people of Adaklu to move away from apathy and divisions and embrace their shared responsibilities. 

He intimated that Easter was not only a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ but a reminder of the power of sacrifice, unity, and transformation. 

Mr Ameko noted that as Ghanaians reflected on the significance of the season, they should use it as a moment to recommit and rededicate themselves into building a peaceful and prosperous country. 

He said this resonated well with the reset agenda of his Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. 

The DCE noted that development was a shared responsibility and urged all Ghanaians to play their individual and collective roles effectively and efficiently and join hands with government “to build the Ghana we all want.” 

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the people of Adaklu for their unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress party and also for the trust they reposed in him. 

Mr Ameko said their cooperation and contributions had played a significant role in the progress of the party in Adaklu adding “we see your efforts and we value them.” 

“Your loyalty and dedication to the visionary leaders of the party are commendable and we encourage you to remain loyal and steadfast in your support and prayer for the party,” he stated. 

The DCE said he and Mr Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways who is also the Member of Parliament for Adaklu would support any development initiatives that communities and individuals would undertake in the district. 

“We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Adaklu continues to shine. 

“Let the Easter season inspire us to love more, give more and work harder for the good of our communities and the prosperous Adaklu we have in mind,” he noted. 

GNA 

MA/LAA 

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has announced the launch of the National Heritage Photo Competition 2025 in Accra.

The competition, which is open to all the 16 regions of Ghana, seeks to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage through photography.

Giving an overview of the competition, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the sector minister, said the competition aimed at promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage and providing a platform for young creatives to showcase their talents.

Beyond showcasing the unique heritage, cultural and tourism sights of all the metropolitan, municipal and districts to the world, the competition would foster national pride and appreciation of Ghana’s rich cultural diversity.

“We are not only promoting our rich cultural heritage but providing opportunities for young Ghanaians to showcase their creativity,” she said.

On the eligibility and requirements,  Madam Gomashie said participants should not be more than 25 years and entries could include photographs of heritage sites and cultural products such as traditional dresses and foods.

The competition is being organised in collaboration with UNESCO and supported by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Folklore Board, National Commission for Culture, and Bureau of Ghana Languages.

The others are the National Theatre, National Film Authority, Tourism Development Authority, Pan African Writers Association, Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute, Museums and Monuments Board, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Creative Arts Agency, and W.E.B Du Bois Centre.

Entries are to be submitted to [email protected] not later than Wednesday, April 30, 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.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has experienced marginal losses against major trading currencies, including the British Pound and the Euro, at some forex bureaus.

As of April 17, 2025, the Central Bank noted that the cedi was trading at a buying price of GH¢15.51 and a selling price of GH¢15.52 to a dollar.

The British pound was going for GH¢20.23 and sold at GH¢20.26, while the euro traded at a buying price of GH¢17.57 and a selling price of GH¢17.58.

GhanaWeb Business checks on April 21, 2025, at 08:00 AM, on CediRates indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.00 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢21.30 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the Euro is trading at GH¢18.20 on the retail market.

SSD/AE

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By Yussif Ibrahim

Kumasi, April 21, GNA – In 1984, Reverend Ransford Obeng, inspired by divine calling, embarked on a life-changing mission that would lead to the establishment of the Calvary Charismatic Center (CCC) in Kumasi, Ghana. 

His journey began with a transformative experience at the prestigious Haggai Institute Leadership Training in Singapore.  

While there, he visited the Calvary Charismatic Center, now known as Victory Family Center and led by the late Pastor Rick Seaward.  

This encounter stirred a deep spiritual conviction within him, inspiring a vision to replicate that vibrant faith community upon his return to Ghana. 

On Easter Sunday, April 7, 1985, after sharing his vision with his late wife, Mrs. Joyce Obeng, and spending time in prayer and reflection, CCC was born. Its inaugural service was held at the Ministries Canteen, now the Ashanti Regional Office of the Civil and Local Government Servants Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) in Adum-Kumasi. 

Determined to revolutionise the Charismatic Church experience in Ghana, Reverend Obeng, affectionately known as “Brother Ransford,” committed himself to sound biblical teaching and to equipping Christians to fulfill the Great Commission.  

Known for his practical approach to Christian living and his distinct style, including his bushy hair and signature Tomos motorbike – he quickly became a beloved and iconic figure in the faith community. 

The CCC continued to grow steadily, necessitating several relocations. From the Workers Canteen in 1987, the church moved to ‘The Upper Room’ in Adum, and eventually settled in a larger auditorium in Sepe Buokrom in the Manhyia community, in November 1990. 

For four decades, CCC has remained steadfast in its mission to train individuals to find joy in making disciples. The church emphasises missionary work and community engagement, striving to influence society through godly living, biblical teachings, and service while building a culture rooted in faith, service, and community development. 

The CCC is widely recognised for its impactful outreach programmes, especially its strategic ‘Outdoor Evangelism.’  

These initiatives begin with community surveys, followed by targeted evangelism efforts tailored to the unique needs of each area.  

The Church operates under a structured governance model with a Board of Governors and Elders, and promotes modest, decent dressing as part of its culture. 

Over the years, CCC has effectively harnessed the talents of its members, creating numerous ministries to serve a wide range of needs. These include Health, Legal Services, Missionary Work, Family Life, Counseling, Evangelism, Media and Productions, Protocol, Security, Sound and Logistics, Outdoor Publicity, Children’s Ministry, Youth and Young Adult programs, Transportation, and Cleaning Services. 

One of CCC’s standout initiatives is the School for Christian Development (SCD). Here, members are grouped into smaller communities of 20 to 25 individuals for focused Bible study, fostering spiritual growth and fellowship. 

From its modest beginnings, CCC has blossomed into a global movement, planting over 600 churches across Ghana and beyond. 

Reflecting on this 40-year milestone, Reverend Ransford Obeng, General Overseer of CCC says, “For 40 years, CCC stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness – a legacy of faith that has impacted nations and a beacon of hope for many seeking the light of Christ.” 

As he looks to the future, Reverend Obeng reaffirms that CCC is more than a church – it is a living legacy, continuing to fulfill the Great Commission and transform lives and communities through the power of the Gospel. 

GNA 

LAA 

By Michael Foli Jackidy

Tadzewu (V/R), April 21, GNA – Police personnel on duty at the Tadzewu-Metsrikasa Barrier in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region have intercepted a massive consignment of ammunition on a passenger bus traveling from Accra to Benin. 

The arrest occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 18, 202, at approximately 0330 hours, during a routine inspection of a Hyundai passenger bus, with registration number GR 8246-Q. 

A search of the vehicle revealed 60 cartons of AAA cartridges, amounting to 15,000 pieces of the AAA cartridge, and 72 cartons of BB cartridges, totaling 18,000 pieces of the BB cartridge ammunition. The boxes had been concealed under luggage and wrapped in sacks to avoid detection. 

This was contained in an official statement issued by the Volta Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, signed by DSP Felix Danku, and dated April 19, 2025. 

According to the release, the driver of the vehicle, Abasou Fousseni, aged 45, and his co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, aged 38, were immediately arrested for questioning.  

Both men, however, denied knowledge of the concealed ammunition.  

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, was responsible for loading the illicit items into the vehicle,” the statement said. 

In light of this development, the driver was granted bail to allow him to continue the journey and ensure the safe arrival of the passengers at their destination.  

The co-driver remains in custody to assist with ongoing investigations. 

He is expected to be arraigned before court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 

The statement reiterated the Ghana Police Service’s firm commitment to combating transnational crimes, especially those that threaten peace and security within the ECOWAS sub-region. 

Investigations are ongoing to identify the source and intended recipients of the ammunition. 

GNA 

MA/BM 

Police personnel stationed at the Tadzewu-Mitsrikasa Police barrier intercepted an Accra-Benin bound Hyundai bus, registration number GR 8246Q, with passengers on board.

The interception occurred at approximately 3:30 AM during a routine search of the vehicle.

Authorities discovered a substantial cache of illegal ammunition concealed under luggage on the bus. The search revealed 60 cartons of AAA cartridges, totaling 15,000 pieces, and 72 cartons of BB cartridges, amounting to 18,000 pieces, all hidden in sacks.

According to a press statement from the Public Affairs Unit of the Volta Region police, signed by DSP Felix Danku, the driver of the vehicle, Abasou Fousseni, 45, and his co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, 38, were taken into custody for questioning. Both individuals denied any knowledge of the illicit cargo.

“However, police gathered information indicating that it was the co-driver who loaded the illicit goods into the vehicle,” the statement noted.

Following the investigation, the driver was granted bail to allow him to transport passengers to their destination, while the co-driver was detained to assist with further inquiries.

DSP Felix Danku confirmed that Salisu Jalilu is set to be arraigned before the court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to combating transnational crimes and ensuring peace within the sub-region.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke 

By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu

Dagbamate (VR), April 21, GNA- ‘Hanuawo’ of Dagbamate Apetorku Gbodzi shrine, in the Akatsi Municipality of the Volta Region, have appealed to the government to as a matter of urgency, prioritise their road networks in the area. 

Ngorgbea Kofi Moses Davor, the Acting Chief of Dagbamate, in an address delivered during this year’s annual festival held at the Apetorku Shrine, Dagbamate, said that the road network within the area was in a bad state and needed urgent attention.  

“Our road networks here for the past years have been very bad, we appeal to the government to urgently address this pressing challenge for us,” he said. 

Ngorgbea Davor said that other challenges in the community, which needed immediate attention included the roofing of the Dagbamate Junior high school storey building block, which was awarded to a constructor for over 15 years but was abandoned, while the roofing was also recently destroyed by a heavy rain.  

He said the community through the Apetorku Shrine single-handedly built a Vocational Training Centre to cater for the youth from the Municipality and urged the government to support and expand the school to accommodate more youth to alleviate unemployment rate in the area. 

“The youth are the torchbearers of our tradition, the innovation of our present, and architects of our future. We believe empowering our youth with the wisdom of our tradition and tools of modernisation, we can unlock their potentials.” 

He outlined some of the projects undertaken through modernisation drive by the community over the past two decades, which include the Apetorku shrine worship centre, school blocks with canteen and water closet toilet, teachers’ bungalows, Apetorku Gbodzi patients’ residence, community roads, and streets, electrification and maintenance of streetlights as well as the construction of lorry park. 

Others were water reservoir and pipelines extensions, community health centre and staff bungalow, Chief’s palace, six guest houses, community centre and Vocational training centre which was commissioned during the festivity with a sod cutting for construction of hostels for vocational training centre apprentices. 

Ngorgbea Davor appealed to the stakeholders to promote and support African traditional and cultural assets for tourism to generate unlimited benefits to enable most communities to be self-sustainable to relieve pressure on the government budgets. 

He also urged President John Dramani Mahama to consider and embrace the African Traditional Religion and Culture, and mark one-day as a public holiday to foster more respect and harmony between all different faith groups in the country to get rid of any feeling of discrimination. 

Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, commended Dagbamate Apetorku Shrine worshipers for their hard work, dedication, and developmental agenda that promoted the progress of the area. 

He promised that the government would bring back contractors to continue the abandoned works including community roads, Akatsi to Dagbamate, Avenorpeme, Xavi, Kpodzivi, Anyiheme, Agbagblakope, Tuime, among others for easy access. 

He said 99 per cent of development projects in Dagbamate were self-initatives by the community and urged other religious bodies in various areas within the country to emulate same examples of development projects to help curb pressure on government as well as alleviate unemployment level in the communities. 

GNA 

MA/LAA