The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa yesterday, July 16, 2025 invited Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the man captured in a viral video claiming he intends to establish an Igbo Kingdom in Ghana following an alleged purchase of a tract of land.

According to the Minister at a meeting, Izwe clarified that it was an old 2013 interview which he deeply regrets.

Mr.Ablakwa said the leader of the Igbo Community in Ghana assured that he has long abandoned that idea and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose.

Chukwudi conveyed profuse apologies to the President, Government, Chiefs and People of Ghana for the unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created.

“As I emphasized in the meeting, Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy which is welcoming of all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to keep championing that Pan-African identity — for which we have attained global renown,” the Minister revealed.

According to him, “We however expect all our fellow Africans and guests to adhere to our peaceful and law-abiding traditions and desist from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality.”

Government has therefore called for calm and restraint as well as recalls the inseparable bond of friendship and brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria.

“Let us all in the true spirit of African solidarity guard our commentary so this matter does not degenerate into xenophobic consequences. Long live our incredibly vibrant Ghana Nigeria relations,” he concluded.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong is the GRA’s Commisioner-General

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has received strong recognition at the just-ended 45th Annual Meeting and Technical Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.

The event brought together senior tax administrators and policy leaders from across 47 member countries to deliberate on pressing global tax issues and share country-level innovations.

Ghana’s delegation was led by Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, who is playing a central role in shaping the conference’s discourse.

Sarpong moderated a flagship session on the theme “Implementing Global Tax Standards While Preserving National Interest: Strategies for Adapting International Frameworks.”

In his opening remarks, Sarpong emphasised the need for balanced global frameworks such as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) pillars and digital tax rules.

“Tax administrations in emerging markets face the dual responsibility of remaining internationally compliant while protecting national revenue bases. This session is about finding that common ground and remaining balanced in all frameworks that relate to local developments,” he said.

Discussions during the session focused on key issues such as the adaptation of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures, treatment of digital services taxation, the capacity gaps in lower-income countries, and the role of domestic resource mobilisation in achieving sustainable development goals.

Sarpong’s leadership at this session highlights Ghana’s growing role in global tax reform dialogue.

Ghana’s delegation has actively engaged in technical panels and bilateral discussions throughout the conference, sharing the country’s recent experiences and innovations.

Notable among these is the implementation of Ghana’s 2023–2026 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS), which outlines a coordinated reform program aimed at broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and leveraging technology.

The GRA also highlighted progress in taxpayer education with the introduction of the National Tax Education Strategy, modified taxation, risk-based compliance management, and anti-corruption efforts.

Also representing Ghana at the conference is Lawrence Hotsonyame, Assistant Commissioner and Head of Domestic Tax Technical Training, who also serves as Ghana’s official representative to CATA.

The 45th CATA Conference was hosted by the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea.

The event features a mix of technical workshops, plenary sessions, and closed-door consultations on issues such as international tax cooperation, domestic revenue mobilisation, tax and gender equity, and administrative governance.

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Hamburg, July 16, (dpa/GNA) – German prosecutors said additional parents have contacted authorities, following the arrest of a 20-year-old man believed to be the ringleader of a group of paedophiles, suspected of having sexually abused children online under the alias “White Tiger.”

Some of the parents expressed concern that their children may also have been targeted, Senior Public Prosecutor Mia Sperling-Karstens told dpa. Investigators are reviewing the information provided.

The man, a German-Iranian national, was arrested in mid-June at his parents’ home in Hamburg. He is accused of leading a group of cybercriminals who allegedly coerced at least eight minors aged 11 to 15 from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States into acts of self-harm.

According to German prosecutors, the man targeted children who were struggling, including in suicide forums. He is said to have won their trust before making his victims emotionally dependent on him, in order to make them harm themselves, to the point of suicide.

One 13-year-old boy from the US is believed to have died by suicide, while a 14-year-old girl from Canada reportedly attempted to take her own life.

The suspect, who denies the accusations, remains in custody and faces charges of murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, sexual abuse of children, and possession of child pornographic material.

So far, there is no evidence the international group known as 764, has other members in Hamburg, prosecutors said.

GNA

The Minority in Parliament staged a walkout on Thursday, July 17, in protest against comments made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga concerning the yet-to-be-declared vacancy of the Akwatia parliamentary seat following the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

Ayariga, raising the matter during proceedings, questioned Speaker Alban Bagbin on when the seat would be formally declared vacant.

He referred to a recent visit by Parliamentary leadership to the late MP’s family, noting that the death had been acknowledged during that interaction.

“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if they are aware or not, can he say he is not aware?

“After being informed by the Leader of the Caucus through a statement in this House, the Clerk himself followed up at his house and met the family members of the deceased, and they confirmed to him that the deceased had passed. And this was on national television,” He stated.

In response, Speaker Bagbin clarified that Parliament could not proceed with declaring the seat vacant or notify the Electoral Commission until it receives formal communication from the bereaved family.

The situation grew tense when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already circulated campaign posters featuring the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, indicating her intention to contest the anticipated by-election.

The Minority found Ayariga’s remarks inappropriate and insensitive, describing them as premature and politicising a period of mourning. In protest, they walked out of the chamber.

Godfred Adu Kofi is chairman of the Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association

Correspondence from Ashanti Region

The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association has voiced strong discontent over the continued high import duties at the nation’s ports, despite the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi and the Dollar.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Chairman of the association, Godfred Adu Kofi, expressed their frustration and urged the John Dramani Mahama-led government to address the issue immediately.

“We are here today to express our deep displeasure at the government’s failure to reduce duties at the ports,” stated Adu Kofi. “Despite the cedi’s gains against major trading currencies, duties remain stubbornly high, and in some cases, have even increased.”

The Association highlighted a disconnect between the Cedi’s appreciation and the import duties levied by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). They pointed to examples, such as the Toyota Voxy car, which has seen import clearance costs surge, allegedly due to reclassification.

According to them, the cost of clearing these vehicles has risen from GH¢35,000.00 to as high as GH¢60,000.00.

The dealers are particularly critical of the government’s failure to implement promised reforms. Adu Kofi reminded the government of a campaign promise to implement a flat-rate duty system at the ports. “During the last election campaign, the former president promised us flat-rate duties at the ports. We had hoped this would be addressed in the last budget, but that did not happen,” he recalled.

The Association’s plea is now focused on the upcoming mid-year budget. They are urging the government to consider implementing the promised flat rate system. The dealers also complained about public perception and said that they are being wrongly accused of price abnormality, particularly from commercial drivers, despite the strengthened cedi.

“We implore the President to ensure duties reflect the Cedi’s strength so we can pass on lower prices to the public,” Adu Kofi appealed.

The Association emphasised that a reduction in port duties would be critical for allowing spare parts prices to become more affordable.

President John Mahama has unveiled a development agenda for the Northeast Region, including the establishment of a public university, major road projects, improved health facilities, and agricultural investments to boost economic growth and address youth unemployment.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Thursday, July 17, during a visit by a high-powered delegation from the Nayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu, President Mahama announced, “I’m pleased to reaffirm that my government is actively working on the modalities for the establishment of a public university in the Northeast Region of our country.”

He said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure equal access to higher education.

“This is part of our broader effort to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for all our people in all parts of the country and so that nobody will be left out,” he added.

The president stressed the importance of road infrastructure in unlocking the region’s economic potential.

“We recognise that development cannot be complete without reliable infrastructure, and that is why we are prioritising the completion of major roads critical to connectivity and economic activity within the Northeast Region,” he said.

Key road projects named include the Nalerigu–Gambaga–Walewale road, the Ulugu–Pusiga road, the Nasia–Tanga road, the Nalerigu–Bunkpurugu–Nakpanduri road, the Nalerigu–Bintiri road, the Tamale–Zebilla–Walewale road, and the Nanduri–Kolumbugu road.

He also pledged that the long-delayed Micho Bridge would soon be completed to improve access to remote areas.

Addressing water needs, President Mahama said, “We are providing small-town water systems to Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale to tackle the persistent water challenges.”

On health care, he confirmed plans to construct new district hospitals and CHPS compounds in Jagaba, Mpulugu, Yunyo, and Chereponi. “As also contained in our manifesto, we shall build a modern Regional Hospital in the Northeast Region. This will spare our people the trouble of having to travel all the way to Tamale to get specialised treatment,” he said.

He also announced that all six new regions, including the Northeast, will each receive a modern sports stadium to promote youth development through sports.

Turning to agriculture, President Mahama said the Yagaba–Fumbisi area would be developed into Ghana’s rice production hub. “A modern rice mill is to be built at Dzadema to buy and process all the rice that is produced. The rice will be bought by the National Buffer Stock Company and supplied to our schools and hospitals, and so the farmers will have a ready market for their rice,” he explained.

On youth employment, the president acknowledged the urgency of the crisis. “No task is more urgent than creating hope and opportunities for our young people. We are acutely aware of the unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth in the Northeast Region,” he said.

He highlighted government interventions like the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura initiative. “We are eager to partner closely with your palace and traditional councils to ensure that these programmes are tailored to local realities and benefits,” President Mahama assured the Nayiri and his delegation.

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

Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu

The Parliament of Ghana has suspended consideration of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025, to allow for further consultations with stakeholders.

The decision was on the request of the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, during parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The minister informed the House that the suspension was necessary to address concerns raised by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Education.

“Mr Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the Office of the President related to me some concerns that have been communicated, and therefore Mr Speaker, I sought the chairman’s indulgence if we can stay further consideration as I do the consultation. As I indicated, on Tuesday we will engage the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Education,” the minister said.

The consultation, according to the minister, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to ensure stakeholder input is incorporated before the bill progresses.

The Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, laid before Parliament on July 8, 2025, aims to reform the country’s scholarship system by elevating the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat into a full-fledged authority.

The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate nepotism and cronyism in scholarship awards, ensuring allocations are based on merit and need, particularly in critical disciplines like science, mathematics, and education.

It includes provisions to end government-funded foreign scholarships for courses offered in Ghanaian universities, aiming to strengthen local institutions and promote fairness.

However, civil society groups, including Africa Education Watch, have raised concerns about the bill’s governance structure, arguing that it grants excessive executive control, which could undermine transparency efforts.

GA

Deputy CEO of DVLA Foster Akwasi Asante (L) and Alok Singhal of VFS Global (R)

A premium ultra-center for licensing and vehicle registration, offering expedited services, has officially opened.

Located in a prime area at Ring Road West in Accra, the centre, established through a partnership between the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and VFS Global, aims to provide a comfortable, efficient, and convenient environment for applicants seeking DVLA services.

Speaking during a media tour at the DVLA office in Accra on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Foster Akwasi Asante, praised the state-of-the-art nature of the facility.

According to him, the ultra-center forms part of the Authority’s policy to collaborate with private businesses to improve service delivery and make these services more accessible to Ghanaians.

“The state of art is top-notch. I just informed the manager here that this is my first time, but it appears this is one of a kind. I’m really impressed. I’m amazed at how much it works. The ultra centers, as a policy, are getting the private partners to partner with governments in providing services to the masses, that is, our cherished customers,” he said.

He continued, “DVLA alone cannot take on this mandate because the workload will definitely overwhelm us. We are happy to have such partners, and I’m very glad to be here today to see what VFS is doing. DVLA, our mandate is to serve, and we are expected to bring our services to the doorsteps of our cherished customers. Bringing the services closer to the doorsteps of our cherished customers does not only show up the revenue of the states, but give out the service in the convenience of our cherished customers.”

Also speaking during the tour, Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa for VFS Global, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and what they have been able to achieve with the premium center.

Singhal highlighted how such partnerships could improve service delivery in the public sector, calling for more such initiatives to strengthen public services across the country.

“This is something that we have been planning for last several months and I’m really, really happy that we have been able to finally achieve because we wanted to showcase the kind of partnership that we have with DVLA in order to provide convenient access to the Ghanian citizens who wish to apply basically for their driving license as well as for vehicle registration.

“This facility is definitely a testament of how public services can be improved through a very strong public-private partnership, wherein we meet all the compliance requirements that are required by the authorities, but at the same time provide a world-class, excellent service to the Ghanian citizens,” he said.

He commended the premium center for its advanced digitalization and the technology adopted in its operations, which ensures speedy and efficient service delivery for the general public.

Additional services that Ghanaians can get are driver’s license renewal, replacement of licenses, amendment of records, missing license, international driving permit, foreign license conversion, vehicle registration, and International Vehicle Permit.

MAG/MA

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed that an amount of GH¢462 million has been disbursed to support the training allowances of 120,000 nursing students across the country.

This payment, which covers a six-month period, forms part of a broader initiative by the government to provide financial support to students in Nursing Training Colleges.

The allowance, which was a key commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 election campaign, has now been fulfilled, with payments beginning today and continuing through to next Friday.

The Ministry views this development as a significant step in improving the welfare of nursing trainees and sustaining the motivation of future health professionals.

It further aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector by ensuring that critical human resources receive the necessary support throughout their training.

The Ministry extended its appreciation to President Mahama for fulfilling his promise to the nurses, as well as to all stakeholders involved in facilitating the timely release and distribution of the funds.

It also reiterated its commitment to working closely with nursing institutions to ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare education across the country.

How Virtual Reality is enhancing business and customer experience

Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor in a group photo with

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, paid a working visit to the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGC) as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagements with agencies under the ministry.

During the visit, the sector minister held discussions with the management and staff of GNGC on the company’s operational direction and strategic priorities.

Addressing the team, John Jinapor highlighted the vital role of natural gas in Ghana’s energy development and called for renewed efforts to boost domestic gas production.

“Gas is not merely a bridge fuel; it is a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy security and a driver of our economy,” he said.

“We must invest in infrastructure and improve delivery through the expansion of pipelines,” he added.

He mentioned that the government remains committed to building a resilient gas sector that supports power generation, industrialisation, and job creation.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a Minister, but as a partner in this vital endeavor. Your expertise, dedication and unwavering commitment are what will drive us forward. I am pleased to announce that plans are underway for a new gas processing plant. With this new plant, we will secure a brighter energy sector and a more prosperous future for Ghana,” he told staff.

Welcoming the sector minister, the Managing Director of GNGC, Judith Adjobah Blay, expressed appreciation for the visit and praised the minister’s proactive approach to energy sector reform.

“We are inspired by the minister’s vision and support. Our institution remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering results that will move the country forward,” she said.

Judith Blay assured that the company is ready to align with the government’s agenda to expand domestic gas infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

The visit reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key institutions in the energy value chain and accelerating national efforts to ensure sustainable and affordable energy for all.

Ghana’s Parliament is currently reviewing the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025—an important initiative aimed at reforming how government scholarships are administered and awarded nationwide.

Now under discussion during the second meeting of the first session of the Ninth Parliament, the Bill seeks to address persistent challenges in scholarship management while promoting transparency, fairness, and equitable access to educational support.

The Bill was officially introduced to Parliament by the Honourable Minister for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrissu, on July 9, 2025. 

Related Article: Scholarship scheme overhauled – New bill to go before Parliament soon

Following its presentation, it was referred to the Joint Committee on Education and Public Administration and State Interest for detailed review and recommendations.

The core objective of the Bill is to establish the Ghana Scholarships Authority—a dedicated body responsible for overseeing the administration, allocation, and management of government scholarships.

The Bill contains 34 clauses, covering everything from the Authority’s establishment, its functions, governance structure, and funding arrangements, to eligibility criteria, application procedures, and conditions for scholarship awards.

Key provisions under consideration include the decentralisation of scholarship awards to ensure wider access across regions, prioritisation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes to foster national development, and the introduction of a transparent, merit-based selection process.

The Bill also emphasises the need to prevent abuse of the system, including measures for the repayment of scholarships by beneficiaries who study abroad and fail to return or serve the country afterwards.

Funding remains a crucial aspect of the Bill. The proposed legislation recommends that the Authority’s funds could be supplemented by up to two percent of the country’s oil revenue and a percentage of disbursements from the Ghana Education Trust Fund and the Student Loan Trust Fund, ensuring sustainable financing.

The Committee also discussed the importance of establishing a comprehensive database of scholarship beneficiaries to prevent duplication and improve transparency. Additionally, amendments have been proposed to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of some clauses, including criteria for scholarship eligibility, application assessment, and disciplinary measures for non-compliance.

While the Bill is still under review, the Joint Committee has expressed a positive outlook, noting that the proposed legislation aligns with national development goals and addresses past issues of patronage, corruption, and nepotism in scholarship awards. 

The Committee unanimously recommended that the House adopt the report and pass the Bill, paving the way for a more transparent and equitable scholarship system in Ghana.

During the second reading of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025, the Education Minister called on Parliament to support the legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s scholarship system. 

In his address, Mr Iddrisu emphasised the need for a robust legal framework to regulate scholarship awards, which he said would help eliminate issues of political patronage, corruption, nepotism, and cronyism that have plagued the current system. 

“Support this Bill to provide the regulatory oversight needed to ensure deserving students benefit from our scholarship programs and to restore confidence in our national education system,” he appealed.

He highlighted that the Bill seeks to elevate the Scholarship Secretariat into a formal authority responsible for ensuring transparent and merit-based scholarship awards, including skills upgrading programs across Ghana.

Furthermore, the Minister announced the introduction of the President’s Scholarship for Excellence, which will recognise the top 10 students in West Africa based on results from the West African Senior Certificate Examination, ensuring meritocracy in awarding national honours.

He also highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that many Ghanaian students studying abroad have been sent home due to unpaid scholarships, underscoring the urgency of passing this legislation.