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Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi pleads not guilty to charges

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Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi is the former Board Chairman of GIIF Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi is the former Board Chairman of GIIF

Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Attorney General in connection with the $2 million SkyTrain project saga.

Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, who is standing trial as the second accused person at the Accra High Court, pleaded not guilty to charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state, intentional dissipation of public funds, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

His appearance in court on Monday, May 26, 2025, for the formal taking of his plea follows his failure to appear on two prior occasions. His earlier absence was attributed to medical grounds, after he was reportedly rushed to the hospital on May 20, 2025.

The state slapped Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi and one other Solomon Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIIF with six charges.

The charges include conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and willfully causing financial loss to the state.

The others are; conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit, intentional dissipation of public funds; and intentional dissipation of public funds; and intentional dissipation of public funds.

Background:

Before the arrest and the filing of the charges, Attorney General, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, indicated that both Asamoah and Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi would be prosecuted, with some board members offering to testify as prosecution witnesses.

He stated that it has been established that the $2 million payment made by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund was unauthorised, with only former CEO Solomon Asamoah and former Board Chairman, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, aware of and involved in the transaction.

“In respect of the Sky Train matter, we have completed investigations and will be filing charges, hopefully next week. We have established that the two million United States dollars (US$2,000,000.00) paid by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund was paid without board approval.

“The only persons who knew and acted on the payment were the former CEO, Mr Solomon Asamoah, and the former Board Chairman, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi. Both will be charged next week. Some of the board members have offered to testify as witnesses for the prosecution, and I am considering their offers,” the AG said while briefing the media at a recent press briefing.

MAG/MA

Randy Abbey unveils cost-cutting plan amid $12 million monthly wage bill at COCOBOD

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Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey, has announced a comprehensive payroll audit to address inefficiencies and potential irregularities within the organisation.

The move comes as part of broader reforms to restore financial discipline and operational efficiency in Ghana’s cocoa sector, which is grappling with a GH₵33 billion debt.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Dr Abbey disclosed that COCOBOD employs over 10,000 staff, with monthly compensation costs amounting to approximately US$12 million.

“COCOBOD has over 10,000 people on its payroll, and our staff cost is $12 million USD each month,” he stated.

To ensure accountability, he revealed plans for a staff audit, adding, “We are going to do a staff audit to ascertain whether we are all human beings,” raising concerns about possible ghost names on the payroll.

When questioned about the sustainability of COCOBOD’s financial model, Dr Abbey emphasised that fiscal discipline and waste reduction are critical to turning the organisation around.

“Once there is discipline and we cut down waste, we should be fine. It’s gross mismanagement that puts COCOBOD in a terrible financial situation,” he said.

He attributed the organisation’s financial challenges to procurement mismanagement and the failure of previous leadership to implement a financial turnaround strategy.

Dr Abbey also noted that the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi would help alleviate COCOBOD’s external debt burden.

Additionally, he disclosed ongoing efforts to address operational inefficiencies, including an audit of stockpiled jute sacks and collaboration with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to locate 200 missing containers of cocoa-related supplies.

These measures, Dr. Abbey stressed, are aimed at restoring accountability, rebuilding public confidence, and improving efficiency within Ghana’s cocoa sector, a vital contributor to the country’s economy.

Eight big misses for Black Stars squad for Nigeria game

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L-R: Kudus, Partey, Dede Ayew and Semenyo will be missing in Black Stars' game against Nigeria L-R: Kudus, Partey, Dede Ayew and Semenyo will be missing in Black Stars’ game against Nigeria

Eight key players were exempted from the Black Stars squad that will be taking on Nigeria in the Unity Cup on May 28, 2025.

Several big players have been left out of the squad for various reasons, including injuries, manager’s preferences, and club duties, as head coach Otto Addo announced the full squad on Monday, May 26, 2025.

The Black Stars will compete in a four-nation tournament with a high-profile semi-final clash against long-time West African rivals Nigeria scheduled for May 28, 2025, at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, with a kick-off time of 19:00 GMT.

In this article, GhanaWeb Sports highlights the eight key players who were exempted from the squad:

Mohammed Kudus

One of the players is attacker Mohammed Kudus, who scored in West Ham United’s 3-1 win over Ipswich Town in the last game of the Premier League.

The exact reason for his absence is yet to be revealed.

Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo found the back of the net twice during Bournemouth’s last game of the season against Leicester City on May 25, 2025, in the Premier League.

Despite playing a pivotal role in the team’s massive wins against Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he was omitted from the list.

Dede Ayew

Black Stars forward Andre Dede Ayew has missed yet another international call-up despite his good run of form for French side Le Havre.

Ayew has been sidelined from the national team since Otto Addo took over in March 2024, signaling a possible move away from the 34-year-old veteran.

He is Ghana’s fourth-highest goal scorer in the top five leagues, with four goals.

Thomas Partey

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was exempted from the Black Stars squad for the Nigeria game.

Having played a pivotal role in the team’s previous matches, his absence will likely impact their performance, with the reason not known yet.

Ernest Nuamah

Nuamah was exempted from the squad after sustaining an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury while playing for club side Olympique Lyonnais.

The player has undergone successful treatment and is in the process of recuperating.

Iñaki Williams

Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams was left out of the squad by head coach Otto Addo for the Unity Cup competition.

The attacker, who has found his form for the Black Stars in recent matches, absence from the team is surprising, with the La Liga season having ended.

The exact reason for the exclusion has not been disclosed yet.

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Southampton winger Sulemana, who has been struggling this season, could not make the list despite not having any injuries following the conclusion of the Premier League.

Alexander Djiku

Fenerbahçe defender Alexander Djiku also missed the squad announced by head coach Otto Addo.

With the reason not disclosed yet, Djiku has been one of the best defenders for the team, forming a partnership with Mohammed Salisu at the back to aid the Black Stars’s wins against Madagascar and Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, watch as ADISEC win the 4×200 Boys finals at the 23rd Annual Inter schools and colleges

SB/MA

‘Nowhere is safe’ – Cameroonians trapped between separatists and soldiers

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Ngabi Dora Tue, consumed by grief, was barely able to stand on her own.

The coffin of her husband, Johnson Mabia, sat amid a crowd of stricken mourners in Limbe in Cameroon’s South-West region – an area that had witnessed scenes like this many times before.

While on a work trip, Johnson – an English-speaking civil servant – and five colleagues were captured by armed separatists.

The militants were – and still are – fighting for the independence of Cameroon’s two anglophone regions in what is a predominantly francophone country. A near-decade-long conflict that has led to thousands of deaths and stunted life in the area.

When he was abducted four years ago, Dora struggled to reach Johnson. When she eventually heard from separatist militants, they asked for a ransom of over $55,000 (£41,500) to be paid within 24 hours in order to secure his release. Dora then received another call from one of Johnson’s relatives.

“He said… that I should take care of the children. That my husband is no more. I didn’t even know what to do. Tuesday he was travelling, and he was kidnapped. Friday he was killed,” says Dora.

The separatists responsible had not just murdered but decapitated Johnson, and left his body on the road.

The roots of the separatist struggle lie in long-standing grievances that stretch back to full independence in 1961, and the formation of a single Cameroonian state in 1972 from former British and French territories.

Since then the English-speaking minority have felt aggrieved at the perceived erosion of rights by the central government. Johnson was just an innocent by-stander, caught up in an increasingly brutal fight for self-determination and the government’s desperate attempts to stamp out the uprising.

The current wave of violence began almost a decade ago.

In late 2016, peaceful protests started against what was perceived to be the creeping use of the francophone legal system in the region’s courtrooms. The French- and English-speaking parts of Cameroon use different judicial systems.

The protests rapidly spread, and led to a call for the closing of shops and institutions.

The response of the security forces was immediate and severe – people were beaten, intimidated and there were mass arrests. The African Union called it “a deadly and disproportionate use of violence”.

Cameroon’s defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment on this or other issues in this article.

Armed groups were set up. And, in late 2017 as tensions escalated, anglophone separatist leaders declared independence for what they called the Federal Republic of Ambazonia.

To date, five million anglophone Cameroonians have been dragged into the conflict – equivalent to one-fifth of the total population. At least 6,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands forced from their homes.

“We used to wake up in the morning to dead bodies on the streets,” says Blaise Eyong, a journalist from Kumba in the English-speaking South-West region of Cameroon, who has produced and presented a documentary on the crisis for BBC Africa Eye, and was forced from his hometown with his family in 2019.

“Or you hear that a house has been set ablaze. Or you hear that someone was kidnapped. People’s body parts chopped off. How do you live in a city where every single morning you’re worried if your relatives are safe?”

There have been a number of national and international attempts to resolve the crisis, including what the government called “a major national dialogue” in 2019.

Although the talks established a special status for the country’s two anglophone regions which acknowledged their unique history, very little was resolved in practical terms.

Felix Agbor Nkongho – a barrister who was one of the leaders of the 2016 protests and was later arrested – says that with both sides now seeming to act with impunity, the moral high ground has disappeared.

“There was a time… where most people felt that, if they needed security, they would go to the separatists,” he tells BBC Africa Eye.

“But over the last two years, I don’t think any reasonable person would think that the separatists would be the ones to protect them. So everybody should die for us to have independence and I ask the question: who are you going to govern?”

But it is not just the separatists who are accused of abuses.

Organisations such as Human Rights Watch have recorded the brutal response of the security forces to the anglophone independence movement. They have documented the burning of villages and the torture, unlawful arrests and extrajudicial killings of people in a war largely unseen by the outside world.

Examples of state-sponsored brutality are not difficult to find.

John (not his real name) and a close friend were taken into custody by Cameroonian military forces, accused of buying weapons for a separatist group.

John recalls that after being incarcerated, they were given a document which they were told to sign without being given the chance to read its contents. When they refused, the torture began.

“That is when they separated us into different rooms,” says John. “They tortured [my friend]. You could just hear them flogging everywhere. I could feel it on my own body [too]. They beat me everywhere. Later they told me he accepted and signed and they allowed him to go.”

But that was not the truth.

A month after his arrest, another man arrived in John’s cell. He told him that his friend had, in fact, died in the room he had been held and tortured in. Months later John’s case was dropped and he was released without charge.

“I just live in fear because I don’t really know where to start from or where it is safe to start from or how,” says John.

Part of the separatists’ strategy to weaken the state and its security forces is to push for a ban on education which they say is a tool of government propaganda.

In October 2020, a school in Kumba was attacked. No-one claimed responsibility for the atrocity but the government blamed separatists. Men armed with machetes and guns killed at least seven children.

The incident sparked, for a brief moment, international outrage and condemnation.

“Nearly half the schools in this region have been shut,” says journalist Eyong.

“A whole generation of kids is missing out on their education. Imagine the impact this will have for our communities and also for our country.”

As if the violence between the government forces and the various separatist groups was not enough, an additional front has opened up in the war. Militant groups in the separatist areas have emerged to fight the Ambazonians in an effort to keep Cameroon united.

A leader of one of these groups, John Ewome (known as Moja Moja), regularly led patrols in the town of Buea in search of separatists until he was arrested in May 2024.

He, too, has been accused of human rights violations, of public humiliation and torturing unarmed civilians thought to be separatist sympathisers. He denies the accusations. “I’ve never laid my hands on any civilian. Just the Ambazonians. And I believe the gods of this land are with me,” he told the BBC.

Meanwhile, the cycle of abductions and killings continue.

Joe (not his real name) was – like Johnson – taken hostage by a separatist group, keen to maintain control through fear – and to cash in.

“I walked into the house, and found my children and my wife on the floor while the commander was sitting in my kitchen with his gun very close. All around me, my neighbour had been taken, my landlord had been taken. So when I saw them, I knew it was my turn,” says Joe.

He was led into the forest with 15 other people where he witnessed the execution of two of his fellow captives. But he was eventually freed after the military discovered the camp.

Johnson was not as lucky and, about two years after his funeral took place, news arrived that neither were his five colleagues kidnapped with him. Their bodies had just been found.

More families will now have to try to come to terms with their enormous loss. For Ngabi Dora Tue, sitting with her young child in her lap, the future feels almost overwhelming.

“I have debts I have to settle I don’t even know how to settle,” she says.

“I thought of selling my body for money. And then I Iook at the shame that would come after, I just have to swallow the difficulty and then push forward. I was very young to become a widow.”

The BBC has asked for a response from the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), which claims to be the largest separatist force.

It responded that there are a multiplicity of separatist fighters now operating in the anglophone region.

The ADF said it operates within international law and does not attack government workers, schools, journalists or civilians.

Instead it has blamed individuals and fringe entities acting on their own accord who are not members of the ADF for these attacks.

The group also accuses government infiltrators of committing atrocities while claiming to be Ambazonian fighters to turn the local populations against the liberation struggle.

Adopt good lifestyle to manage blood pressure – Dr. Patricia Kufuor advises public

Dr. Patricia Kufuor, Senior Physician Specialist and Nephrologist at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

A Senior Physician Specialist and Nephrologist at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Patricia Kufuor, has emphasized that individuals with high or low blood pressure can effectively manage their condition through good lifestyle choices, potentially reducing their need for medication.

Mahama’s strong ‘fundamentals’ driving cedi gains – Tetteh Nyarko

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The Member of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo, Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, has credited the recent stability of Ghana’s cedi to the strong economic fundamentals put in place by President John Mahama and the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Speaking on the cedi gains on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday May 25, Nyarko highlighted the resilience of the cedi, stating, “The cedi is doing pretty well, and like we’ve all been told previously, when the fundamentals are strong, the cedi will reflect the same.”

He attributed this positive performance to prudent economic policies and stabilisation strategies initiated under Mahama’s leadership.

Nyarko further emphasised that the passage of the GoldBod legislation has also played a crucial role in ensuring the cedi’s stability.

“You can also remember that recently we passed a law to establish the GoldBod. The GoldBod has also contributed to the stability of the cedi, and I think I expect more of this in the coming year,” he stated.

Timeless Elegance and Comfort for Stylish Mothers

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The bubu gown, a staple of African fashion, holds a special place in the wardrobes of many women, especially mothers, often affectionately referred to as “mummies.” Known for its flowing silhouette, graceful drape, and comfortable fit, the bubu gown combines tradition with practicality—making it an ideal choice for women who balance elegance with everyday responsibilities.

Traditionally worn across West African countries, the bubu gown is a long, loose-fitting garment that allows freedom of movement while maintaining a regal and dignified look. For mothers, particularly older women or matriarchs in families, the bubu gown offers both comfort and cultural pride. It is often crafted from rich fabrics such as cotton, silk, brocade, or Ankara and adorned with beautiful embroidery, lace, or beadwork to enhance its beauty and significance.

What makes the bubu gown especially popular among mummies is its adaptability. It can be worn casually at home, during family gatherings, or at religious events. For more formal occasions like weddings, naming ceremonies, or church services, the bubu gown can be elevated with more elaborate designs, vibrant colors, and luxurious accessories. Its forgiving shape is perfect for all body types, providing both style and modesty.

Modern designers continue to reinvent the bubu gown, offering fresh styles that appeal to both older and younger generations. These contemporary versions might feature stylish necklines, layered sleeves, or even a mix of traditional and modern fabrics. Despite the changes, the bubu gown retains its essence—a symbol of dignity, femininity, and cultural heritage.

For mummies who cherish comfort without compromising on elegance, the bubu gown remains an iconic fashion choice. It represents not just style, but also the strength, wisdom, and grace of motherhood—a garment that tells a story of culture, legacy, and timeless beauty.

NPP Slams NIB Over Adenta Kumi Arrest

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Justin Kodua Frimpong

 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly referred to as Adenta Kumi, by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), describing it as an act of intimidation.

The General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said he received a distress call from Mr. Kumi early Friday morning, during which Kumi said about 20 armed men had surrounded his house, demanding that he come out, although he could not identify them.

According to Mr. Kodua, by the time he arrived at Adenta Kumi’s residence, Mr. Kumi had already been taken away by the operatives.

“It’s appalling that officers, whoever they may be, would act in this manner. What crime has Adenta Kumi committed?” Mr. Kodua questioned in an interview with the media.

“This is someone who, acting as a responsible citizen, submitted a petition to the President after observing what he believed to be wrongdoing. He never received a response, only to be forcibly picked up without explanation,” he stated.

“Are they trying to put fear into him? Are they trying to intimidate him? If someone has filed a petition, the right course of action is to invite them, not to storm their home without a warrant,” he added.

The former parliamentary aspirant of the party was arrested by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau following his submission of a petition to President Mahama, calling for the dissolution of the committee investigating the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo.

By Ebenezer K. Amponsah

Adenta Kumi’s NIB arrest was to divert public attention – Elvis Darko alleges

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Editor of The Newscenta newspaper, Elvis Darko, has accused the government of orchestrating the arrest of NPP youth activist Alfred Ababio Kumi, also known as Adenta Kumi, to divert public attention from a viral video allegedly showing Supreme Court justices dining with a petitioner’s lawyer.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, May 26, Darko argued that the timing of Kumi’s arrest was deliberate, suggesting it was meant to distract from mounting criticism over the footage.

“What happened was a strategy used by the government. When an issue comes and the government realises that we are under serious pressure from the public, they try to take certain actions so that it diverts public attention,” he said.

The video at the center of the controversy allegedly shows Justices Pwamang and Adibu-Asiedu, along with Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi, dining with Thaddeus Sory, lawyer for petitioner Daniel Ofori, on May 15—the same day the committee investigating the Chief Justice held its inaugural sitting.

According to Darko, the footage sparked widespread public concern, and the government, “feeling the heat,” sought to shift focus by arresting Kumi.

“The video was the talk of the town, and in my own opinion, the government felt the pressure and decided to divert attention, and that is why they did what they did,” he asserted.

Kumi was arrested by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on Friday, May 23, and later charged with the publication of false news.

His petition to President John Dramani Mahama questioned the neutrality of the justices on the committee, citing the alleged dinner as a possible conflict of interest.

Darko insisted the petition followed due process and criticized the arrest as an abuse of power.

“Arrest Adenta Kumi for what? The person brought what he had and followed the process, and petitioned the President. The President is yet to respond to the petition, so why arrest him?” he asked.

I was nearly kicked off plane over indecent dressing – Korra Obidi

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Nigerian singer and dancer Korra Obidi has revealed that she was nearly removed from a flight recently over alleged indecent dressing.

Obidi, who is known for her skimpy outfits, disclosed this on her social media page over the weekend.

The dancer, dressed in a revealing pink outfit, said she was informed that she needed to wear something over her clothes or risk being removed from the plane.

Ameyaw-Akumfi granted GH¢10m bail

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Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties, to be justified with landed property in Greater Accra.

As part of the bail conditions, he is to deposit his passport and all other travel documents with the court and report to the investigator once every week.

The case has been adjourned to June 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, intentional dissipation of public funds, and conspiracy to commit crime.

His plea was entered on Monday, May 26, after he missed two previous court appearances due to reported medical emergencies.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi is standing trial alongside Solomon Asamoah, a former CEO of the GIIF, in connection with the controversial transfer of $2 million of public funds into a private account belonging to Africa Investor Holdings.

According to the prosecution, the funds were transferred without proper authorisation or due diligence, allegedly for the construction of a proposed Sky Train project.

The state contends that the transaction—executed during the accused persons’ tenure—violated legal and administrative protocols, resulting in a significant financial loss to the state.

Both men deny any wrongdoing and are expected to mount a full defence as the trial progresses.

Cedi remains the only legal tender in Ghana – BoG Governor warns against dollarisation

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Dr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has emphasised that the cedi remains the sole legal tender in Ghana.

He cautioned business owners against quoting prices in foreign currencies, stressing that such practices violate Ghana’s financial laws.

Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra on May 26, 2025, Dr Asiama stated that using foreign currencies instead of the BoG-recognised Ghana cedi constitutes an offense punishable by law.

He made these remarks while addressing the topic; “Monetary Policy, Financial Stability and Innovation: Anchoring Ghana’s Economic Reset for Sustainable Growth.”

“Businesses must ensure that transactions are conducted in our local currency,” he said.

The Bank of Ghana has consistently warned business owners against pricing goods and services in U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. However, some businesses continue to disregard these directives.

Touching on the recent appreciation of the cedi, the Governor clarified that the gains are not artificially engineered by the Central Bank.

He noted that the current measures in place are efficient and promise continued stability and macroeconomic resilience.

“The Central Bank is not using its international reserves to support the cedi, and we are not engineering the cedi’s appreciation in a way that is unsustainable,” he emphasised.

The 9th CEO Summit was held under the theme “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy.”

SSD/MA

Dame Fires Sory –

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Godfred Yeboah Dame and Thaddeus Sory

 

Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has taken a swipe at private legal practitioner, Thaddeus Sory, describing his constant unprovoked attacks on him as a sign of obsession and bewildering jealousy that need healing.

According to him, Mr. Sory’s predilection to comment on the slightest thing he (Dame) does or says is not lost on the public, observing that his fellow lawyer, for some time now has been expending enormous energy, time and resources to launch public attacks on him in relation to his work.

“I live in your mind rent free. Indeed, your obsession with Godfred Dame is bewildering and needs healing,” he stated.

Mr. Dame’s statement was in response to a strong-worded post Mr. Sory made on social media platform, Facebook, in which he described the former Attorney General as ‘incongruous cry baby.’

Mr. Sory, on the other hand, was responding to Mr. Dame’s suggestion that the three lawyers representing the three petitioners calling for the removal of the Chief Justice – Tsatsu Tsikata who is a known National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyer, Mr. Sory, who is the Speaker of Parliament’s lawyer, and Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who is said to have ties with the NDC, is a clear indication that the whole process was an NDC orchestration.

Mr. Sory debunked this assertion and indicated that he is a professional who is bound by legal ethics to represent anyone who retains him, subject only to certain exceptions, adding that he had represented some New Patriotic Party (NPP) clients in the past.

He then went on to make certain allegations against Mr. Dame, including a suggestion that his legal acumen suddenly improved just because he became Attorney-General.

Dame Fires Back

But Mr. Dame, in a sharp rebuttal, refuted the claims made by Mr. Sory, describing them as being fueled by jealousy and obsession.

Mr. Dame highlighted his stellar legal career prior to his appointment as Deputy Attorney General and later Attorney General, recalling innumerable victories he had recorded in courts across the country.

Mr. Dame even recalled a case which he worn at the High Court in which Mr. Sory was opposing counsel between 2007 and 2009, and also lost same on appeal at the Court of Appeal.

“In all humility, I say, as a testament to the strength of Ghana’s judicial system, that the record of the consistent success I enjoyed in the courts in innumerable high-profile cases I conducted between 2003 and 2007 (as a relatively junior lawyer) and between 2009 and 2017 (when I was not the Attorney-General but a lawyer who was a member of the opposition), is there for all to verify. It is this independence of Ghana’s judiciary that I see is threatened by recent happenings in Ghana, and which I seek to protect. You and the NDC’s desperation to churn out a false narrative now will not change the situation,” Mr. Dame pointed out.

The former Attorney General also indicated that the legal acumen Mr. Sory suggested he found during his time as Attorney General, was not limited to the domestic territories of Ghana, as he deployed same to the successful defence of Ghana’s interests in many international arbitration cases and foreign courts, saving the nation billions of United States Dollars.

“In point of fact, in my tenure as Attorney General, Ghana emerged victorious in all the international arbitrations my humble self and my able deputies led the Office to conduct without the aid of foreign counsel,” he stressed.

Mr. Dame also clarified that he had never said that Mr. Sory has not represented NPP clients, as he is aware of Mr. Sory’s association with NPP clients, particularly, when he was a junior to Ambrose Dery in Dery & Co.

“The irrefutable point I make now is that Mr. Tsikata was President Mahama’s lawyer in the last election petition in 2020. You are the current Speaker of Parliament’s lawyer and double as lawyer for a person who is aggrieved by judgments delivered by the Chief Justice against him in his attempt to recover some gargantuan money from Ecobank. If you do not find it “incongruous” that the lawyers of the heads of two arms of government have teamed up to remove the lady Chief Justice of the Republic from office, I cannot fault you,” he added.

Mr. Dame also pointed out that his call for judicial independence did not begin today, as he did same even when he was the Attorney General.

He also observed Mr. Sory asserting his duty to ‘represent anyone who retains him’, wondering whether he (Dame) does not owe the same duty.

Mr. Dame concluded by hoping this will be his only and ever response to Mr. Sory, adding that “I will continue to ignore all your provocative comments.”

BY Gibril Abdul Razak

Tarkwa District Gets New Power Transformer

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Some workers who did the installation

 

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has installed a 20/26MVA transformer at Atuabo Bulk Supply Point (BSP) at Tarkwa in the Western Region.

The move is to help improve electricity power supply reliability in the Tarkwa District.

Speaking to the media, General Manager of ECG in the Western Region, Ing. Emmanuel J. Ofori, indicated that one of the key thematic areas of ECG’s focus is to enhance its network operations.

“Thus, the company strives to ensure that there is stable and reliable electricity supply to boost economic activities in the region,” he added.

For his part, the Regional Engineer, Ing. Yaw Sarfo mentioned that there is a growing demand for electricity across the region.

He said considering the factories and other businesses being set up in the district, the transformer will enhance efficient supply of electricity to both industrial and residential customers,” he added.

The District Manager for Tarkwa, Ing. Benjamin Odame Thompson, disclosed that about 40,000 customers are set to benefit from the installation.

“The installation of the transformer will help improve voltage and quality of supply in Tarkwa Township, Akyempim, Senyakrom, Ahwetieso, Bonsa and surrounding communities.

He indicated that the entire staff of ECG in Tarkwa District are committed to ensuring that customers have access to stable and reliable electricity as part of the company’s mandate.

 

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi

Ghana Calls for Calm as Burkina Faso Crisis Spills Across Borders

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violence in Burkina Faso
violence in Burkina Faso

Ghana’s Interior Ministry has appealed for harmony in northern border communities grappling with a surge of asylum seekers from Burkina Faso.

Deputy Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi issued the call during the launch of World Vision Ghana’s Border Project, which aims to support strained host communities in the Upper East and Upper West regions.

The initiative targets high-risk areas including Zini, Fielmo, and Tarikom, where local resources are stretched thin by the influx. “While we uphold our tradition of hospitality, this displacement crisis tests our capacity,” Terlabi acknowledged, revealing enhanced security measures along the frontier. Education officials simultaneously pledged to address schooling challenges, with Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak vowing to align emergency education responses with national development goals.

The coordinated response highlights Ghana’s delicate effort to maintain stability while addressing humanitarian needs along its vulnerable northern border.

Inaki Williams wins SPORTY LaLiga MVP award for second consecutive season

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Ghana International winger Inaki Williams has been named the SPORTY LaLiga Most Valuable Player for the second time in a row.

He received the prestigious Best African Player in Spain award for the 2024/25 season, beating out Villarreal’s Pape Gueye and Osasuna’s Enzo Boyomo.

Inaki has contributed six goals and eight assists in 35 league appearances for Athletic Bilbao this term.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire professional career with Bilbao, switched his nationality to feature for Ghana in 2022.

The forward has found the back of the net twice in 22 appearances.

Inaki has been left out of Ghana’s 23-man squad for the 2025 Unity Cup in London, England as head coach Otto Addo intends using the four-nation tournament to assess new players.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

BoG’s quarter-ounce gold coin selling at GH¢9,657.73 on May 26

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BoG's quarter-ounce gold coin selling at GH¢9,657.73 on May 26 BoG’s quarter-ounce gold coin selling at GH¢9,657.73 on May 26

The Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins continue to see a drop in prices for its investment, following the appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.

The central bank introduced the coin as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of the US dollar.

As of Friday, May 23, 2025, the bank reported the following updated prices:

– The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢9,657.73, down from GH¢10,514.85 on May 26, 2025.

– The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢18,596.99, down from GH¢20,271.01.

– The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢36,518.24, down from GH¢39,830.77.

According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market to help strengthen the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies.

The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations: one-ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and it is being sold through commercial banks.

SP

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How Osu’s nightlife is coping with the ban on noise making

Usually on Friday nights, Osu Oxford Street, a place that never sleeps, comes alive.

Music blares from the clubs, neon lights reflect off passing cars, and crowds of partygoers flood the street, ready to dance away the week’s stress.

In recent times, the usual excitement has been missing from Osu Oxford Street, as the heart of Accra’s nightlife has gone quiet.

A city-wide noise-making ban, enforced by the Ga Traditional Council, has hit Osu hard, and the impact is loud, even in the silence.

The ban, which took effect on May 12, 2025, and is expected to end on June 12, 2025, is part of traditional preparations for the Homowo Festival.

The Ga community observe this cultural practice annually as a time for peace, reflection, and spiritual preparation.

Homowo, meaning “hooting at hunger,” is celebrated to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and to honour Ga ancestors.

The ban, protected under Article 11(3) in Ghana’s constitution, recognises customary law, while Article 26(1) guarantees every community the right to maintain and preserve its cultural heritage.

In Osu, however, where nightlife is not just entertainment but also a vital part of the local economy, the ban has left many residents and visitors confused, disappointed, and financially strained.

Some partygoers who showed up in Osu over the weekend said they had no idea a noise-making ban was in effect.

Many had travelled from far away hoping to enjoy the usual vibrant scene, only to find silent clubs and nearly empty pubs.

One patron stated that they are still out despite the ban, primarily for the food, although they admitted that music would have enhanced the experience.

“I’m here just for the food and to relax. I’m okay without the music, but it would have made it better,” they said.

Another visitor expressed how the silence has affected his usual Friday night enjoyment.

“I want music, music can make me drink more than what I am drinking so it has affected me. When there is music, I can take about four to five bottles but right now I’m even struggling with one,” he said.

The ban has not only affected the vibe but also hit hard at the businesses that come alive after dark.

A supervisor at one of Osu’s most popular and busy pubs, known for drawing huge crowds every weekend, shared how things have changed.

“The market is slow and some people when they come and there is no music, they just go, some too sit for a while and take just a bottle of drink, and it is affecting the business. Income has dropped because no one is buying anything, unlike before when consumers troop in and buy lots of stuff,” the supervisor of the pub complained.

A walk along Oxford Street paints the full picture.

The once vibrant road was quiet, the kind of quiet you don’t expect from a place like Osu on a Friday night.

There were fewer people on the street, and the usual sound of thumping music had been replaced by the hum of car engines and the occasional honk.

But perhaps the most shocking scene was at the ever-busy KONA, a club that is normally packed to the brim.

On this night, it was empty, not a single person inside. Waitresses who would usually be running around with orders were seen standing outside, chatting among themselves and trying to invite passersby to come inside for a drink.

It was clear: the silence had taken over even the loudest parts of Osu.

However, not every place was hit the same way.

Just around the corner, Republic Bar stood tall in quiet defiance. Known for its loyal customer base, the bar was full even without music.

Patrons at this pub sat in groups, enjoying drinks, chatting, and making the most out of the calm atmosphere.

AK/EB

Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:

‘The streets are our office’ – Traders defend return after AMA decongestion

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File photo of traders selling on pavements File photo of traders selling on pavements

Traders at the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra have defied the red line initiative which has been reintroduced by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to peddle their business on pavements and unauthorised spots in the area.

The initiative which was originally implemented under former Mayor Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, according to AMA, has been reintroduced with stronger enforcement strategy and deeper collaboration with stakeholders, particularly market women.

However, in a video report shared on CITI FM’s X account on Monday,26, 2025, a trader reacting to the development explained why she has returned to the streets to sell.

According to her, trading on the streets is their main source of livelihood and hence is forced to return to do business.

“This place is our office. This is where we make a living. So, if you ask us to stay off the pavement without giving us alternative places to trade, we have no choice but to return to the pavements to trade.

“Even some of the AMA officials have their wives among us who are also engaged in trade here. So, it will be difficult to keep us off the pavements,” he said.

Watch video below

The first phase of the decongestion exercise led by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in partnership with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) began on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Central Business District of Accra.

The exercise forms part of a broader initiative to reduce congestion, enforce city by-laws, and improve sanitation in the capital, initially targeted key areas around the AMA Head Office—specifically Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka, identified as hotspots for street hawking and human and vehicular traffic.

However, in a viral video sighted by GhanaWeb on May 21, 2025, some traders were seen displaying their goods on the pavements in defiance of the directive.

Meanwhile, AMA has indicated that the second phase of the decongestion exercise will cover Wato Junction to King Tackie Tawiah, Cow Lane, Rawlings Park, Timber Market, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

VPO

Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:

Government breaks T-Bill undersubscription streak with GH¢5.97 billion raised

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Government exceeded its latest T-Bill target by GH¢420 million Government exceeded its latest T-Bill target by GH¢420 million

The government has successfully ended a three-week streak of treasury bill undersubscriptions in its latest auction, raising GH¢5.97 billion against a target of GH¢5.54 billion.

This represents an oversubscription of approximately GH¢420 million.

According to results published by the Bank of Ghana, the government accepted a total of GH¢5.97 billion against the GH¢5.54 billion target.

Out of GH¢4.95 billion in bids for the 91-day treasury bill, the government accepted GH¢4.58 billion.

For the 182-day bill, all GH¢890 million in bids were accepted while GH¢499 million was accepted for the 364-day bill out of GH¢698 million in bids.

Analysts believe the oversubscription largely reflects alignment between government issuance and market demand driven by end-of-month government spending.

As expectations of a bond market reopening gain traction, analysts anticipate continued selective acceptance of bids and modest yield compression.

The 91-day yield dropped by 18 basis points to 14.92%, down from 15.10% the previous week.

The 182-day rate declined by 13 basis points to 15.55% while the 364-day yield fell sharply by 78 basis points to 16.00%.

Looking ahead, the government plans to raise GH¢3.89 billion in the next auction.

SP/MA

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Dry Lace Kaftan You Can Wear As A Woman For An Exquisite Look

Dry Lace Kaftan You Can Wear As A Woman For An Exquisite Look

News Hub Creator11h

A dry lace kaftan is a timeless and elegant choice for women seeking a sophisticated yet comfortable outfit. The delicate lace fabric adds a touch of femininity, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Its lightweight and breathable nature ensures comfort in warm weather while maintaining a polished appearance. The intricate patterns in the lace create visual interest, elevating the overall look without needing additional accessories.

Many women appreciate the versatility of a lace kaftan, as it can effortlessly transition from a beach cover-up to an evening ensemble with minimal styling adjustments. The loose, flowing silhouette flatters various body types, offering a graceful drape that enhances movement. Pairing it with simple sandals or heels can instantly change the vibe, making it suitable for different settings. Neutral tones like ivory, beige, or soft pastels enhance the kaftan’s delicate appeal, while darker shades like navy or black add a more dramatic effect.

Layering with a slip dress or fitted camisole underneath ensures modesty while allowing the lace detailing to shine. For a bolder statement, metallic or embroidered belts can be added to define the waist without compromising comfort. Jewelry choices, such as dainty gold pieces or statement earrings, further enhance the kaftan’s elegance. Because of its effortless styling, it’s a favorite for resort wear, garden parties, or even relaxed evening gatherings. The airy fabric prevents overheating, making it ideal for outdoor events in warmer climates. Whether worn open like a duster or cinched at the waist, the lace kaftan adapts to personal style preferences while maintaining its refined charm. Its ability to blend comfort with high-fashion appeal makes it a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe for an effortlessly exquisite look.

Chairman Wontumi to appear before CID today after failed arrest attempt

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The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, Monday, May 26, 2025.

His appearance follows a failed attempt by a combined team of National Security and police officers to arrest him at his residence last Friday, May 23.

Christiana Awauni looking gorgeous in stylish Outfit

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Christiana Awuni, one of Kumawood’s most respected actresses, is known not only for her commanding presence on screen but also for her bold and confident fashion style. Her fashion choices reflect her strong personality elegant, mature, and unapologetically Ghanaian.

Often seen in stylish African prints, lace gowns, and custom-made outfits, Christiana Awuni embraces her curves and age with grace. She prefers traditional and decent styles that highlight her figure while maintaining class and modesty. Her love for colorful fabrics and detailed embroidery gives her a regal look at public events and award shows. Here are some pictures of the actress which has generated into a conversation on social media.

Awuni is also known for her signature headwraps and statement jewelry, which she pairs beautifully with her outfits. These accessories complete her look, adding a touch of culture and personal flair that fans admire.

On social media and in public appearances, she often encourages body confidence and self-love, showing that fashion is not just for the young or slim, but for every woman who embraces herself fully.

Christiana Awuni’s fashion sense is a blend of culture, confidence, and elegance. She continues to inspire many Ghanaian women, especially in the plus-size community, to dress with pride and own their beauty with style. She has featured in over 100 kumawood movies, acting with stars like, Agya Koo, Kojo Nkanasah lilwin, Matilda Asare, Mercy Asiedu, Nana Ama Mc Brown, Among others.

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Economic Stability Preceded Mahama – Amin Adam

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Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam

 

The former Finance Minister and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has refuted claims by his colleague from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Isaac Adongo that the recent signs of macroeconomic stability in Ghana are the result of policies by the new Mahama-led administration.

In a rejoinder issued on Sunday, Dr. Amin Adam argued that the country’s ongoing recovery stems from years of structured economic reforms, not a sudden turnaround by the government in power for barely four months.

Dr. Adam described Mr. Adongo’s assertions as misleading, emphasising that the country’s improving indicators – such as the appreciating cedi, declining inflation, and credit rating upgrades – are built on a foundation laid by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

“The idea that four months of governance has reversed the country’s economic trajectory is not only false but dangerous,” the NPP MP for Karaga stated and added, “The economic recovery we see today is the result of deliberate reforms undertaken between 2022 and 2024, including fiscal consolidation, revenue mobilisation, and international negotiations to restore macroeconomic credibility.”

Citing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) April 2025 review, the former Finance Minister noted that the IMF recognised Ghana’s economic improvements such as stronger-than-expected growth, external sector resilience, and accumulation of reserves before the current government assumed office.

He also referenced the IMF’s December 2024 report that highlighted recovering growth and improved fiscal and external balances.

On debt management, Dr. Adam attributed recent credit upgrades and improved debt sustainability to the difficult but essential debt restructuring efforts by the previous administration. These included the October 2024 Eurobond exchange, domestic debt restructuring, and bilateral debt negotiations that culminated in nearly $12.5 billion in debt relief and rescheduling.

“These processes were concluded before the new government took office. Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 80.4% in 2020 to 61.8% by December 2024, and further to 53.7% in January 2025. Unfortunately, that trend has reversed under the current government, with debt rising to 55% and total public debt increasing by over GH¢42 billion in just three months,” the former Finance Minister indicated.

He further dismissed claims of improved export performance under the Mahama administration, pointing out that the trade surplus of 6.1% of GDP in 2024 was achieved through consistent export growth strategies under the NPP.

In terms of reserves and exchange rate stability, Dr. Adam emphasised that the current foreign reserve level of nearly $9 billion was built by the former government, enabling the Bank of Ghana to intervene strongly in the forex market.

Despite these achievements, Dr. Adam warned that inflation and high interest rates still signal fragility. He called on the government to move beyond claiming credit and focus on clearing arrears, restoring access to external finance, and launching its own economic plan.

“The time for political credit wars must end,” he concluded. “Ghanaians deserve sustainable progress—not applause built on someone else’s hard work.”

By Ernest Kofi Adu

He suddenly proposed marriage, and we got married at night, the next morning he left for lagos- Isa

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Renowned Kannywood actress Mansura Isa has shared a gripping account of betrayal, heartbreak, and deception, revealing the shocking circumstances that led to the sudden collapse of her second marriage — a union she once believed was built on love but ultimately unraveled like a script from a tragic film.

Speaking candidly on the BBC Hausa programme Mahangar Zamani, alongside fellow actress Fati Mohammad, Mansura detailed how her whirlwind romance quickly turned into a calculated plot to exploit her influence and access to a lucrative film contract.

“I got married because I truly loved him. I was convinced it was mutual,” she said. “But later, I realized he had other plans all along.”

Mansura’s second marriage made headlines in June 2024, following her remarriage after a public separation from her first husband, Kannywood star Sani Danja. Together, the former couple had built a reputation as one of the industry’s most admired duos and share four children — Iman, Khalifa, Sultan, and Sudais.

But her new beginning was short-lived. According to Mansura, the man she married had used a family connection to worm his way into her trust while she was working on a film project in Lagos. With no representative in the city, she accepted his offer to assist her — a decision that would soon haunt her.

“He came to the wedding with a document, asking me to sign it,” she recalled. “It was an agreement giving him full control over a N4 billion contract under the guise of managing it as my husband. I trusted him — I signed it.”

What followed was a chilling betrayal. He vanished the very next day, cutting off all communication.

When confronted later by acquaintances in Lagos, he reportedly claimed to have forgotten he was even married. It wasn’t until external pressure mounted that he sent a formal divorce notice.

Fati Mohammad, a veteran of the Kannywood industry and no stranger to public scrutiny, weighed in on the broader issue, calling out the unfair stigma placed on actresses whose marriages fail.

“There’s this assumption that actresses can’t sustain marriages because they want lavish lifestyles, but that’s far from the truth,” she said. “Some men target us because of our fame, not because of love.”

Mansura’s story has struck a nerve across social media, not just for its shocking details but for the broader questions it raises about trust, vulnerability, and how fame can become a weapon in the hands of the manipulative.

From the romantic spectacle of a wedding with a one million naira bride price to a cold, calculated exit — her experience reads less like a love story and more like a cautionary tale.

“I thought I was entering a new chapter,” she said quietly. “Instead, I walked into a trap.”

Source: Daily Post Newspaper

24-Unit accommodation facility inaugurated for GIS at Savelugu

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A 24-unit accommodation facility for junior officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has been inaugurated at Savelugu in the Northern Region.

The four-storey facility, constructed by the State Housing Company, is part of the government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of security personnel and enhance national security operations in the area.

Additionally, sod has been cut for the construction of another 24-unit facility in Tamale.

The new project, estimated at GH¢10 million and designed specifically for senior officers stationed at the Tamale International Airport, will include modern amenities to meet the operational and residential needs of the officers.

Improving welfare

At a brief ceremony to inaugurate and cut sod for the additional facility, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, indicated that the project began in 2016 when the government, acting through the Ghana Immigration Service, entered into an agreement with the State Housing Company to address the acute accommodation challenges faced by the service.

“This project stands as a beacon and testament to the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of our security officers and their families. We believe that when our officers are well housed, they are better equipped to perform their duties efficiently and effectively,” he said.

He lauded the State Housing Company for the quality of work delivered and extended appreciation to the traditional authorities and community stakeholders whose support made the project a success.

Alhaji Mubarak acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of the GIS officers in maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s borders and safeguarding national peace.

LatexFoamPromo

Enhance operations

The acting Comptroller-General of the GIS, Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support and stressed that the new accommodation will significantly reduce the stress associated with housing and enhance operations.

He expressed his outfit’s commitment to put the facility to good use and ensure a proper maintenance culture.

The Managing Director of the State Housing Company, John Bawah, recounted that the partnership began in 2016 with the completion of four residential units for the GIS in Tamale, followed by two more in Wa and the renovation of the GIS regional commander’s residence in Bolgatanga in 2022.

He added that a number of new projects were in the pipeline, including a regional GIS office in Tamale, a district office at Tatale, a new border post near Yendi and other facilities across the country aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the GIS.

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, also highlighted inadequate logistics as a key challenge hampering the operations of the service and called for more resources to enhance security operations in the north.

Sorogho criticizes force used against Wontumi

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Former Member of Parliament for Madina, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, has expressed concerns regarding the methods employed by security personnel during the attempted arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also known as Chairman Wontumi.

In an interview with Channel One TV, Mr. Sorogho emphasized that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) could have approached the situation more appropriately, suggesting that legal channels, such as obtaining a court order, would have been preferable rather than deploying a significant number of heavily armed officers to Mr. Boasiako’s residence.

“Wontumi was invited, and he refused to honour the invitation. I am not in favour of so many armed men going after one person. To me, it is not because the state is more powerful than the individual. There are so many avenues you can use to call the person, and if the person doesn’t come, you can even go to court,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the security agencies may have acted within their legal framework by obtaining a warrant, Sorogho expressed concerns about the execution of the operation, particularly regarding the necessity and proportionality of the force used.

“But I am happy that they went with the warrant. Maybe the mode is what I am talking about, but not the actual deed itself,” he added.

Chairman Wontumi is scheduled to appear before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, Monday, May 26, 2025. This follows an unsuccessful attempt by a joint team of National Security operatives and police officials to apprehend him at his residence on Friday, May 23.

Source: Adomonline

COMING SOON? OVAL OFFICE

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Ghana’s Mobile Money Transactions Surge as Banking Sector Maintains Stability

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Mobile money usage continued to grow, reaching 75.2 million registered accounts and transaction values topping GHS 365 billion in April.

The Bank of Ghana ’s May 2025 report  reveals a mix of progress and ongoing challenges across key economic sectors.

Annual inflation fell to 21.2% in April 2025, down from 22.4% the previous month, with food prices rising 25.0% year-on-year and non-food inflation easing to 17.9%. Monthly inflation remained low at 0.8%, indicating short-term price stability.

Ghana’s real GDP growth for Q1 2025 stood at 3.6%, showing a slowdown from the 7.2% recorded in the previous quarter. The non-oil sector posted a stronger 4.4% growth, supported by services and agriculture.

The Bank maintained its Monetary Policy Rate at 28%, while average lending rates dropped to 27.4%, signaling modest easing in credit conditions. Meanwhile, the Ghana cedi showed significant appreciation, rising 24.1% against the US dollar since the beginning of the year.

In external trade, the country posted a cumulative trade surplus of USD 4.14 billion as of April 2025, driven largely by strong gold and cocoa exports. Gross international reserves rose to USD 10.67 billion, covering 4.7 months of imports.

On the fiscal front, public debt stood at GHS 769.4 billion, about 55% of GDP, with external debt accounting for GHS 442.5 billion.

The banking sector remained stable with a capital adequacy ratio of 17.5%, despite a high non-performing loan ratio of 23.6%. Mobile money usage continued to grow, reaching 75.2 million registered accounts and transaction values topping GHS 365 billion in April.

Overall, while inflation is easing and external buffers have strengthened, growth momentum and credit expansion appear to be softening.

My boyfriend is behaving uninterested after I’ve invested my life into the relationship

File photo of a worried woman File photo of a worried woman

Dear GhanaWeb,

I’ve been in a relationship with my boyfriend for over four years now. In the beginning, he was loving, sweet, and attentive. He made me feel cherished, and I truly believed he was the one.

I prayed for him daily, supported him emotionally and financially, and hoped we would settle down and build a life together.

But over time, everything changed. He’s become distant and cold. He barely calls or texts anymore, and when he does, it feels forced.

He’s always “busy” and only sees me occasionally. It feels like I’m the only one trying to keep the relationship alive. Talking to him now leaves me feeling drained and heartbroken.

I spend more time crying and worrying than feeling loved or valued.

I’m 29 and he’s 34. At this point, we should be talking about marriage, but he avoids any serious conversations.

He used to care deeply about my life and well-being, but for over a year now, he’s been emotionally absent.

He doesn’t contribute anything financially, but I haven’t been bothered because I have a job. In fact, I often support him, even paying for things he should be handling himself.

We saved and bought land together. I contributed GH₵80,000, and he added some more to purchase and wall the land. He also owes me an additional GH₵20,000 which I gave him recently for something urgent.

Unfortunately, the land is registered in his name alone, and now I have nothing left in my account.

These investments and sacrifices make it hard for me to walk away, even when I feel unloved and disrespected.

I still love him and wish he would take us seriously, but I feel used and taken for granted. I’ve gone through so much for him, including four abortions, and I’m left wondering what I got in return.

Every time I try to end things, he makes grand promises that he’s working hard for our future, asking me to be patient. But I no longer know what to believe. I’m exhausted emotionally and financially.

Please, what should I do? Should I leave this man who won’t officially end things but clearly doesn’t value me anymore? How do I begin to rebuild my life after giving him so much?

And most importantly, how can I retrieve my share of the land and the money when everything is in his name?

I feel like I’ve lost myself in this relationship, and I don’t know how to find my way out.

FG/EB

How staff diverted visa and passport fees into private account in Washington DC

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed a local staff over corrupt practices Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed a local staff over corrupt practices

A local staff at the Ghanaian embassy in Washington DC identified as Fred Kwarteng, has been dismissed with immediate effect by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for engaging in alleged corrupt practices.

Fred Kwarteng, a local staff recruited in 2017 to work at the embassy is reported by the minister to have illegally diverted visa and passport applicants into his privately owned company called Ghana Travel Consultants.

According to Ablakwa, Kwarteng upon interrogation admitted to using his private company to charge extra fees for multiple services without the knowledge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and additionally kept the entire revenue generated in his private account.

“Mr Kwarteng was a local staff recruited on August 11, 2017 to work in the embassy’s IT department. According to findings and his own admission, he created an unauthorised link on the embassy’s website which diverted visa and passport applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC) where he charged extra for multiple services on the blind side of the ministry and kept the entire proceeds in his private account,” the minister indicated on Monday, May 26, 2025.

The fees charged by Kwarteng were not approved by either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Parliament, thereby constituting a violation of the Fees and Charges Act.

“His illegal extra charges which were not approved by the ministry and parliament as required under the Fees and Charges Act ranges from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant. The Investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least 5 years,” the statement added.

Ablakwa added that, in addition to the individual’s dismissal, the matter has been referred to the Attorney General for further punitive action.

He also emphasised that all funds illicitly obtained by Kwarteng through his private company will be recovered.

“This conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes,” he added.

Meanwhile, the embassy has been officially shut down to allow for a comprehensive restructuring process. As part of this effort, some staff members have also been suspended, while others have been recalled to Ghana.

Read the post below:

MAG/VPO

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Why Baba Rahman is trending

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Baba Rahman plays for PAOK Baba Rahman plays for PAOK

Ghanaian defender, Baba Rahman, has been dominating conversations on social media ahead of the Black Stars’ game against Nigeria.

The Black Stars will face Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup in London on May 28, 2025.

Ahead of the release of the squad, there were reports that Rahman had been invited as part of the team and had even arrived in London to partake in training.

Some Ghanaian football fans were stunned by the news, as the player had decided to stay away from the team some time ago when he was needed to aid the team in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Others also accused him of making himself available at a time when the Black Stars are on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and using the opportunity to revive his career.

There are those who wished him the best upon his return to the team and hoped he would excel to avoid the criticisms he faced previously, which compelled him to excuse himself for some time.

However, the reports turned out to be false, as the player was not included in the official squad released by head coach Otto Addo for the match.

In the 2024/2025 season, Rahman made 46 appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists for PAOK.

Read the comment below:

Watch as Shama SHS emerge overall champions at 2025 Sekondi Schools games

SB/EB

Gyakie Returns With New Single “Sankofa”

Gyakie Press

Ghanaian singer and songwriter Gyakie returns with a moving new single, “Sankofa,” a soulful anthem that explores the power of reflection and emotional truth. Co-written with longtime collaborator Eyram Gbewonyo (Afrolektra), the song marks the beginning of a new chapter in Gyakie’s artistic journey—one that is raw, inward-looking, and brimming with vulnerability.

Rooted in the meaning of the Ghanaian adinkra symbol Sankofa – to go back and retrieve what has been lost – the song delicately captures the beauty in reconnection, closure, and emotional honesty. With stripped-down production and emotive delivery, Gyakie offers listeners a glimpse into the heart of her upcoming debut album.

Soulful songstress and Afrobeats sensation Gyakie is set to unveil her highly anticipated debut album, After Midnight. The project is a deeply personal body of work, inspired by the quiet, reflective, and creatively charged hours that follow midnight—when emotions run deep, inspiration flows, and the world feels at its stillest. Speaking on the album’s essence, Gyakie shares: “Almost all the songs on the album were recorded after midnight. It’s within those hours that I find my best inspiration to write. The peace and quiet, the sounds from the birds, the serenity— everything about that time fuels my creativity.”

Beyond its musical scope, After Midnight is also a reflection of Gyakie’s personal experiences and emotional journey. She opens up about moments of solitude, grief, and healing: “I’ve done a lot of crying after midnight too. When I’m in my down moments, I schedule my tears for when I get home from work, then I let it all out.”

The album’s theme also draws from Gyakie’s upbringing. A cherished family tradition involved her mother praying for her and her siblings after midnight – a ritual that continues to this day. “It was a consistent routine, and it still is. That time of the night holds so much meaning for me,” she adds.

With After Midnight, Gyakie invites listeners into her world – a space where raw emotions, nostalgia, and introspection collide. It’s an album best experienced in the stillness of the night, at 12:01 AM, when honesty flows most freely.

Before After Midnight, Gyakie made her mark with the breakout Seed EP in 2021, led by the chart-topping single Forever, followed by the 2022 My Diary EP, which included collaborations with global icons like Davido. These projects revealed a maturing artist with a distinct voice and a remarkable ability to tell universal stories with soul and grace.

Beyond the music, Gyakie continues to solidify her place as a global innovator. At the 2025 Forbes Summit, she was a featured speaker, offering insights into her sonic evolution and the genre-blending direction of her upcoming work. With influences spanning Afro-fusion, R&B, hip-hop, and highlife, Gyakie is redefining the boundaries of African music on the world stage.

Gyakie is a Ghanaian singer and songwriter celebrated for her rich vocals and emotional storytelling. Since her breakthrough single Forever, she has built a global fanbase with her genre-fluid sound and introspective lyrics. Her debut album After Midnight promises to be her most authentic and transformative work to date.

Former NPP MP endorses Bryan Acheampong as NPP flagbearer

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The political scene in Ghana is heating up as preparations for the 2028 general elections begin to take shape. One name that is already gaining serious attention is that of Dr. , the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture. Over the weekend, he received a major boost when Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, a respected former MP for Asante Akim North, openly declared his full support for Bryan’s presidential ambitions.

Lace Style for Women: Timeless Elegance and Versatility

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Lace has long been celebrated as one of the most exquisite and feminine fabrics in fashion. Its delicate patterns and intricate designs bring a touch of sophistication, romance, and elegance to any woman’s wardrobe. The lace style for women remains timeless, seamlessly blending tradition with modern trends to create stunning outfits suitable for all occasions.

Lace is highly versatile, making it a favorite choice among designers and fashion enthusiasts. Whether incorporated into casual wear, formal dresses, or traditional attires, lace adds texture and detail that elevate the overall look. From sheer lace overlays to embroidered lace trims, the fabric’s intricate patterns can range from floral and geometric to abstract motifs, allowing women to express their personal style beautifully.

One of the most popular uses of lace is in evening gowns and cocktail dresses. A lace gown exudes grace and sophistication, perfect for weddings, galas, or special events. Designers often combine lace with silk, satin, or chiffon to create a luxurious feel. Lace can be used for full dresses, sleeves, bodices, or as accents on skirts, adding dimension and visual interest without overwhelming the outfit.

In everyday fashion, lace is incorporated into blouses, skirts, and even trousers to add a subtle feminine touch. A lace top paired with jeans or tailored pants can transform a simple outfit into a chic statement. Lace camisoles layered under jackets or cardigans offer a peek of elegance suitable for both office and casual settings.

Lace is also widely used in traditional and cultural clothing, particularly in African fashion. Lace fabrics are often richly embroidered and dyed in vibrant colors to create beautiful ensembles for ceremonies, celebrations, and religious events. The combination of lace with other fabrics like Ankara or brocade allows for creative and eye-catching designs that honor cultural heritage while embracing contemporary fashion.

Caring for lace requires gentle handling to preserve its delicate fibers, but its timeless appeal makes it well worth the effort. For women seeking an elegant, versatile, and classic style, lace remains an unmatched fabric that continues to inspire designers and fashion lovers alike. Whether worn in subtle accents or bold statements, lace style for women embodies grace, beauty, and sophistication at every turn.

President Mahama congratulates Pope Leo on his election

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By Iddi Yire

Accra, May 26, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new head of the Catholic Church.

The President extended the congratulatory message to the Pope, during a courtesy call him at the Presidency in Accra by a 20-Member Delegation of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), led by its President, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Sunyani Diocese.

The Bishops were at the Presidency to congratulate the President on his massive victory in the December 7, 2024, general election and to present a litany of issues of national concern for his attention, such as the menace of illegal mining, the education reform, governance, and electoral reforms.

President Mahama shared his hope that Pope Leo would follow in the compassionate and impactful footsteps of Pope Francis, who held a special place in his heart for Africa.

The President noted that it was an honour to receive the Bishops’ Conference because of their support, prayers, and the opportunity to discuss critical national issues as he had done before the elections.

He extended his appreciation to the Conference for its strong stance against the devastation being caused by illegal mining (galamsey) and their call for decisive action.

He said the GCBC ‘s suggestions for credible and sustainable alternatives were equally important for those involved and remain one of the effective strategies that the government has been committed to.

The President thanked the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for its dedication to the development and well-being of the country.

“As a government, we are committed to working together to address these challenges and build the Ghana we want,” he said.

GNA

Kenneth Odeng Adade

Ghana’s Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti wins $250,000 Aster Global Nursing Award

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Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has won the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, earning a cash prize of $250,000.

Mrs. Oti was selected from over 100,000 nominations submitted from 199 countries and emerged among the top 10 global finalists.

Her win, alongside finalist Khadija Mohamed Juma of Kenya, marks a proud moment for African healthcare on the international stage.

She received the award at a grand ceremony held in Dubai on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Honouring Healthcare Leadership

The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award recognises exceptional nurses worldwide who have shown outstanding leadership, commitment, and impact in the healthcare sector.

Mrs. Oti, who also serves as Head of Nursing at Ghana’s National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, was honoured for her transformational contributions to cancer care across Africa.

A Legacy of Service and Innovation

With a career spanning over 23 years, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti has made pioneering strides in oncology nursing in Ghana. She has:

  • Trained and mentored over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses

  • Developed Ghana’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015

  • Played a key role in building specialist oncology capacity nationwide

Her work extends internationally as well. She is:

  • A member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC)

  • A co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology Grant

  • A global faculty member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses

In recognition of her achievements, Mrs. Oti has received numerous honours, including the Ministry of Health’s Excellence Award and the Dr Dorcia Kisseh International Award.

A Global Stage for Nurses

The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2022 by Aster DM Healthcare to celebrate the vital contributions of nurses to global health and to connect healthcare stakeholders across continents.

  • 2022: Anna Qabale Duba (Kenya) won the inaugural award from over 24,000 nominees.

  • 2023: Margaret Helen Shepherd (UK), a leading diabetes nurse, was awarded at a ceremony in London.

  • 2024: Maria Victoria Juan (Philippines), a military nurse, won the award in Bengaluru, India.

Finalists for the 2025 Award

The 2025 award shortlisted ten remarkable nurses from across the globe:

  • Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti – Ghana

  • Khadija Mohamed Juma – Kenya

  • Catherine Maree Holliday – Switzerland

  • Edith Namba – Papua New Guinea

  • Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho – UAE

  • Dr Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre – Hong Kong SAR

  • Dr Jose Arnold Tariga – USA

  • Maheswari Jaganathan – Malaysia

  • Dr Sukhpal Kaur – India

  • Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya – India

Mrs. Oti’s recognition affirms Ghana’s growing role in advancing cancer care in Africa and celebrates the immense value of dedicated nursing professionals on the global frontlines of healthcare.

Actors Guild of Nigeria Steps In As Video of Zubby Michael Kicking Godwin Nnadiekwe on Set Trends

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The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) reacted following the show between Godwin Nnadiekwe and Zubby Michael on a movie set

Producer Stanley Ontop disclosed in an update that he received a call from the AGN president, saying the guild is set to take action

It was earlier reported that Godwin Nnadiekwe had been hospitalised with internal bleeding after Zubby Michael kicked him

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Ghanaian Oncology Nurse Specialist wins $250,000 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award

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Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has won the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, which comes with a $250,000 cash prize. She was chosen from more than 100,000 nominations submitted across 199 countries.

The Oncology Nurse Specialist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, was selected among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, which comes with a $250,000 cash prize. 

 She was chosen from over 100,000 nominations submitted by 199 countries.

Award

The award recognises exceptional nurses who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in advancing health care.

Her selection, along with Kenya’s Khadija Mohamed Juma, marks a significant moment for African healthcare excellence on the global stage. The eventual winner will be announced at a grand ceremony in Dubai on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Mrs Oti, who also serves as Head of Nursing at Ghana’s National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, is being recognised for her transformative impact on cancer care across Africa. 

Career

With over a 23-year career, Mrs Oti has pioneered specialist oncology training in Ghana, mentored over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses, and helped develop the country’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015.

Her work extends beyond Ghana’s borders. She is a member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology Grant.

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She also serves as global faculty for the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses.

Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Ministry of Health’s Excellence Award and the Dr Dorcia Kisseh International Award.

Commendation

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, praised the impact of the two African finalists.

“Their stories demonstrate extraordinary courage, innovation, and commitment to community health, whether it’s transforming cancer care or revolutionising blood donation systems.

These nurses are redefining leadership in healthcare,” he said.

Previous award winners

To recognise the phenomenal contribution of nurses to humanity and bring key stakeholders together, Aster DM Healthcare conducted the first-ever Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award ceremony on May 12, 2022, at the International Nurses Day at the Atlantis, Dubai, where Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya emerged victorious from among 24,000 nurses.

The second edition of the award took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London on May 12, 2023, with the UK’s leading nurse for monogenic diabetes, Margaret Helen Shepherd, winning the grand prize of $250,000.

In 2024, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was held in the Silicon Valley of India, and Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines, a Consultant at the Philippines Army Health Services and Colonel, Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, won the $250,000 cash prize.

2025 Finalists

The 2025 finalists are Catherine Maree Holliday, Switzerland; Edith Namba, Papua New Guinea; Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, UAE; Dr Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, Hong Kong SAR; Dr Jose Arnold Tariga, USA; Khadija Mohamed Juma, Kenya; Maheswari Jaganathan, Malaysia; Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Ghana; Dr Sukhpal Kaur, India; and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya, India. 

Expectations
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mrs Oti said she felt humbled by the award, saying a win for her would be a win for the whole nursing fraternity in the country.

She said it had not been easy for her since the application, adding that it took her three days to complete the application process.

She thanked God, her family, her institution and all who had supported her to come this far.

In a separate interview, the Public Relations Officer at the KBTH, Mustapha Salifu, said the management of the hospital had over the past few weeks rallied support from the staff and other people for Mrs Oti.

He said the hospital supported her to fulfil all the requirements needed when she was bidding for the award.

FirstBank presents GH¢100,000 towards Education Fund, Homowo

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The FirstBank Ghana has presented a cash amount of GH¢50,000 to support the Ga Education Fund established by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. The Fund is aimed at supporting and empowering brilliant needy children in the Ga State.

At a brief meeting in Accra last Friday, a delegation from FirstBank Ghana led by the Managing Director (MD) of the Bank, Victor Yaw Asante, also donated an amount of GH¢50,000, packs of water and assorted drinks to support the celebration of the Homowo festival this year.

Mr Asante, who presented the money and items to the Ga Mantse pledged the Bank’s annual support to the Fund.

He explained that the Ga Mantse has been active in providing educational support to needy individuals, a cause the Bank was ready to contribute to.

He said their gesture underscored their commitment to education, praising the Ga Mantse’s efforts in providing educational support to those in need.

Mr Asante emphasised that their support was not a one-time event, but said they would continue with their contributions to the Fund.
Initiatives

The Managing Director said the Bank had been supporting initiatives, particularly in the education and health sectors.

“We came here to announce our support, we will start this year, and we expect to stay with him annually.

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“We support a lot of initiatives sometimes directly, sometimes we do through organisation and institutions, and this particular one is with the Ga Mantse through his education fund,” he added.

He said it was important to support the Ga State annual event, Homowo, to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Ga people as well as the country as a whole.

He indicated that the Bank would continue to engage in various social support programs to improve the wellbeing of people and contribute to the development of the country.

The Ga Mantse thanked the delegation from FirstBank for their kind gesture and asked for God’s blessing for their life and prosperity for business.

He urged them to fulfill their pledge to contribute to the Fund and not make their support a one-off thing.

The Chief of Staff of the Ga State, Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, also thanked the team from FirstBank, urging them to continuously support the Fund.

Second Meeting of First Session of Ninth Parliament reconvenes on May 27

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By Elsie Appiah-Osei

Accra, May 26, GNA – The Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament will commence on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10 O’clock in the Forenoon at Parliament House, Accra.

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced in a statement issued on Monday and copied to the Ghana News Agency.

It said: “Pursuant to Order 58 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament hereby give notice that the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic will commence on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Ten O’clock in the forenoon at Parliament House, Accra.”

This Meeting marks the resumption of parliamentary business following a recess period on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

GNA

CA/

Johnson & Johnson partners with UG to tackle mental health crisis

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Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Ghana aimed at improving access to mental health care for members of the university community.

The agreement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony at the University’s New Council Chamber, marking a significant step toward addressing mental health challenges among Ghanaian youth.

Ghana faces a major mental health crisis, with limited access to care, stigma, and resource constraints contributing to a treatment gap exceeding 98%. An estimated 21% of adult Ghanaians are believed to suffer from moderate to severe psychological distress at any given time.

“Mental health is essential for the strength of our communities, requiring a collaborative approach to overcome barriers to access and ensure equality for all,” said Emmanuel Antwi, Country Manager of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in Ghana.

“Our partnership with the University of Ghana reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting individuals affected by mental illness. We aim to build inclusive, stigma-free care models and strengthen access to essential mental health resources.”

Under the MoU, the two institutions will implement the Resilient Minds Future Leaders Program — an initiative designed to raise awareness, combat stigma, and build capacity among key university stakeholders.

The program will focus on prevention, early intervention, and education, especially concerning conditions like schizophrenia, to improve overall mental well-being on campus.

In addition to awareness campaigns, the initiative will include capacity-building and disease-awareness training for staff involved in mental health service delivery.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo emphasised the importance of addressing mental health challenges proactively.

She called for a sustained, campus-wide mental health awareness campaign throughout the year to ensure that no one is left behind.

“This collaboration is a timely and critical intervention that will help us build a more supportive environment for students and staff,” she noted.

The initiative is part of Johnson & Johnson’s broader commitment to mental health, spanning over six decades, with a renewed focus on creating accessible, community-based support systems globally.

Amadu Sorogho condemns heavy-handed security raid on Wontumi

He Died Because There Was No Bed” – Cadman Atta Mills Shares a Heart-Wrenching Revelation

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Dr. Cadman Atta Mills, a well-known economist and brother of the late President John Atta Mills, has shared a touching story about Ghana’s struggling healthcare system that has left many people emotional and concerned.

In a post on X on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Dr. Mills revealed how a close friend of his died after being taken to a public hospital in Ghana.

RS Berkane claim 3rd TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title

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 RS Berkane are the TotalEn­ergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 champions after coming from behind to a 1-1 draw in Zanzibar to secure the title on aggregate in a tense and emotional final clash.

 The Moroccan side, having earned a first-leg advantage, dis­played grit and composure under immense pressure in Dar es Salaam to claim their third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, adding to their triumphs in 2020 and 2022.

With a packed Stadium roaring them on, Simba SC took an early lead to ignite hopes of a come­back. Joshua Mutale opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a composed finish after a clever assist from Elie Mpanzu, giving Simba a 1-0 lead.

The hosts continued to push, with Steven Mukwala and Shom­ari Kapombe threatening the RS Berkane goal. However, the Moroccan side remained resolute, with goalkeeper Munir Mohame­di and his backline withstanding the pressure.

Despite Simba’s lead, VAR heartbreak struck in the 73rd minute when Steven Mukwala’s goal was overturned for offside, a pivotal moment that kept RS Ber­kane’s aggregate advantage intact.

Tensions ran high through­out the match. Simba’s Yusuph Kagoma was sent off early in the second half after receiving a second yellow card in the 50th minute, tilting the balance in RS Berkane’s favour.

As Simba pushed desperate­ly for a second goal, Soumaila Sidibe emerged as the hero for RS Berkane.

Sidibe scored a crucial equal­iser with a well-taken right-footed effort from a tight angle, beating goalkeeper Moussa Camara and silencing the home crowd.

That goal sealed the draw and effectively ended Simba’s hopes, as RS Berkane’s aggregate lead became insurmountable. –Cafon­line.com

This is our office, so we will return to the streets – Trader justify return to pavements

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File photo of traders selling on pavements File photo of traders selling on pavements

Traders at the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra have defied the red line initiative which has been reintroduced by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to peddle their business on pavements and unauthorised spots in the area.

The initiative which was originally implemented under former Mayor Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, according to AMA, has been reintroduced with stronger enforcement strategy and deeper collaboration with stakeholders, particularly market women.

However, in a video report shared on CITI FM’s X account on Monday,26, 2025, a trader reacting to the development explained why she has returned to the streets to sell.

According to her, trading on the streets is their main source of livelihood and hence is forced to return to do business.

“This place is our office. This is where we make a living. So, if you ask us to stay off the pavement without giving us alternative places to trade, we have no choice but to return to the pavements to trade.

“Even some of the AMA officials have their wives among us who are also engaged in trade here. So, it will be difficult to keep us off the pavements,” he said.

Watch video below

The first phase of the decongestion exercise led by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in partnership with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) began on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Central Business District of Accra.

The exercise forms part of a broader initiative to reduce congestion, enforce city by-laws, and improve sanitation in the capital, initially targeted key areas around the AMA Head Office—specifically Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka, identified as hotspots for street hawking and human and vehicular traffic.

However, in a viral video sighted by GhanaWeb on May 21, 2025, some traders were seen displaying their goods on the pavements in defiance of the directive.

Meanwhile, AMA has indicated that the second phase of the decongestion exercise will cover Wato Junction to King Tackie Tawiah, Cow Lane, Rawlings Park, Timber Market, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

VPO

Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:

IMF to disburse $360 million to Ghana in June 2025 – Dr Asiama confirms

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Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr Johnson Asiama has announced that a $360 million disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to be credited to the Central Bank’s account in the first week of June 2025.

The expected inflow follows the successful conclusion of the fourth review under Ghana’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program with the Fund.

“We expect the funds to hit our account early next month. This will further bolster our reserves and support the ongoing recovery of the economy,” he stated.

The expected disbursement is contingent upon approval by the IMF Executive Board, scheduled to meet on June 3, 2025, once approved it will unlock the release of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) amounting to 267.5 million, equivalent to approximately $360 million.

The incoming funds are expected to further strengthen the Ghanaian cedi, which has recorded a year-to-date appreciation of 24.1% against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, Governor Asiama has dismissed speculation that the Central Bank has set an appreciation threshold for the local currency beyond which it would intervene to weaken the cedi.

“We don’t have such a plan that dictates intervention when the cedi reaches a certain point. While we do not want to see the Ghanaian cedi depreciate excessively, we do not maintain a target rate that we aim to defend aggressively,” he clarified.

He further reiterated that the bank’s approach to exchange rate management is focused on curbing excessive volatility rather than defending arbitrary thresholds.

The IMF cash injection, combined with tight monetary policy and stabilising macroeconomic fundamentals, is expected to cushion the local currency and reinforce confidence in the broader economy as the country continues to implement fiscal and structural reforms under the Fund’s program.

SP/MA

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“You’re Not a Celebrity”—Mona Gucci Blasts Efia Odo as Feud Over TikTok Stars Escalates

The Ghanaian entertainment industry is no stranger to drama. The latest social media beef brewing between media personality Mona Gucci and actress-influencer Efia Odo has garnered a lot of attention on the internet. This budding beef between the duo has got many people asking who is truly befitting of the title of “celebrity” in this modernised era of technological advancement.

NPP MP opposes electricity bill exemption for president’s office

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While the government says the exemption aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical public services amid rising utility costs, Nyarko Osei questions the justification for granting such relief to most of these institutions

Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Nyarko Osei has publicly opposed the government’s recent decision to exempt select state institutions from paying electricity bills, describing the move as unwarranted for most of the ministries involved.

Wontumi to honour CID’s invitation today

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Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, will honour an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, May 26, 2025.

Wontumi’s lawyer, Kwame Adom Appiah, confirmed this in an interview with Accra-based Citi News, pledging their readiness.

“We are practising democracy. Wontumi is not someone who can hide from the cameras. He is not someone who is going to run away. He has investments in Ghana, and he is not going anywhere. If you want him any time or day, you are going to get him. We have not done anything criminal, and we are not afraid of facing them,” he stated.

This comes after an unsuccessful attempt by a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers to arrest Chairman Wontumi at his residence in Kumasi on Friday, May 23.

Chairman Wontumi was initially scheduled to appear on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, but he rescheduled to 10:00 am on May 26, 2025, due to what he described as ill health.

The invasion of his residence was widely condemned, with many questioning the motive despite his willingness to cooperate with the security agencies.

Reacting to the incident, he claimed it was a plot to frame him, alleging that his sources revealed the security operatives planned to plant weed, cocaine, or gold in his home to implicate him.

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Amadu Sorogho condemns heavy-handed security raid on Wontumi

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Former Member of Parliament for Madina, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, has condemned the forceful tactics employed by security personnel during the attempted arrest of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, May 26, Sorogho said the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) could have handled the situation differently by pursuing legal channels, such as obtaining a court order, instead of deploying a large contingent of heavily armed officers to Wontumi’s residence.

“Wontumi was invited, and he refused to honour the invitation. I am not in favour of so many armed men going after one person. To me, it is not because the state is powerful than the individual. There are so many avenues that you can call the person, and if the person doesn’t come, you can even go to court,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the security agencies may have acted within their legal bounds by obtaining a warrant, Sorogho questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out, raising concerns about the necessity and proportionality of the force used.

“But I am happy that they went with the warrant. Maybe the mode is what I am talking about, but not the actual deed itself,” he added.

Chairman Wontumi is expected to appear before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, Monday, May 26, 2025. His appearance follows a failed attempt by a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on Friday, May 23.

The incident sparked outrage among NPP supporters, who gathered in large numbers at Wontumi’s residence to protest what they described as an act of intimidation. Many expressed concern over the deployment of heavily armed personnel, accusing the state of resorting to excessive force.

Although the specific reason for the attempted arrest has not been officially disclosed, reports indicate that during Friday’s standoff, Wontumi assured the officers that he would voluntarily report to the CID on May 26.

Bryan Acheampong ready to redeem NPP – Appiah-Kubi