Nikyema Billa Alamzy is the MP for Chiana-Paga Constituency
The Member of Parliament for the Chiana-Paga Constituency, Nikyema Billa Alamzy, has criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over what he describes as unnecessary petitions and press conferences.
Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV on May 19, 2025, Billa Alamzy said the NPP has been organising press conferences and submitting petitions in response to virtually every action taken by the John Dramani Mahama administration.
According to him, this approach could lead to an even more devastating defeat than what the NPP experienced in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
“I only pray that you change your tactics. Don’t come in with the ‘sisi fia no’ campaign again because, with that, you might not even get 20%. The way your party is going now, you are not reorganising. You’re not reorganising at all.
“If I’m right, by tomorrow, or even this evening, you will organise another press conference. If you’re not petitioning, you’re holding press conferences instead of focusing on rebuilding your party,” he said.
He added, “I can tell you that if you don’t stop the press conferences and petitions, by the end of the day in 2028, your petitions and press conferences might outnumber the votes you receive. Because we are managing this country very well.”
The Chiana-Paga MP reiterated that the NPP’s repeated recourse to petitions and media briefings is making them an ineffective opposition.
“You should be a worthy opposition, put us on our toes. But press conferences and petitions over Sammy Gyamfi allegedly giving someone money? Is that the work of an opposition party? What crime has been committed?” he asked.
Lyrical Joe has expressed disappointment after missing out on the Best Rap Performance award
Ghanaian rapper Lyrical Joe has expressed disappointment after missing out on the Best Rap Performance award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, the rapper said he had high hopes of winning the award, especially after putting in so much effort into his work over the past year.
“Yes, every year. I’m nominated there. I’m always hopeful. Until maybe that category definition has changed,” he said.
Lyrical Joe explained that his rap song meets all the requirements of the category, including lyrical dexterity and flow, which are key criteria for winning the award.
“When you go into the category is talking about lyrical dexterity, flow, all those, I mean, I always do that. So just like anyone that gets nominated anytime. I’m also nominated. I’m hopeful,” he stated.
He also revealed that this year’s loss was especially painful because of how much work and stress went into his works.
According to him, his ‘5th August’ song in particular, demanded a lot from him, in terms of creativity.
“Yeah, this year because last year’s 5th August song cost me a lot, a lot of stress and lots of work went in there. It’s not easy to shoot 10-minute hip-hop video and keep it top-notch. So, if I’m disappointed, it’s normal,” he added.
Lyrical Joe was nominated alongside other rappers like Eno Barony, Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Flowking Stone, and Kweku Smoke.
Kweku Smoke eventually emerged winner of the category.
Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs
Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong has given the histroy of the name of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
The current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is named after Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, who is regarded as the founder of the Ashanti Empire.
Stories are told of how the first Asantehene got the name, “Tutu,” and what it actually means.
Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong, in a recent interview on Max TV, gave the history behind the name and why it was given to the current king of the Asante Kingdom.
Anokye Frimpong, who is also a lawyer by profession, began with an explanation of why Asantes name their kings after past ones.
He said that Asantes believe in reincarnation, adding that chiefs believed to be reincarnated have the additional name of ‘Ababio’, which literally means ‘has come again.’
“In the Asante tradition, we believe that our chiefs are reincarnated. The title of Osei Tutu III was Opemsuo. Opemsuo means ‘he fights without backtracking no matter what happens’… So, we have something like Opemsuo Ababio, which means, ‘Opemsuo has reincarnated’,” he explained in the Twi dialect.
The historian added that the name of the first Asantehene was Osei Kofi and not Osei Tutu, as has been claimed in some history books.
“Again, let us understand the meaning of the name Osei Tutu. Some history books say that Osei Tutu I’s mother gave him that name after a deity who helped her give birth when she was having trouble conceiving. But this is not true. If his name was Osei Tutu from his childhood, why would history say that before his enthronement, he was called Osei Kofi? The name he was called from childhood was Osei Kofi,” he narrated.
He went on to tell the story of how the first Asantehene got the name ‘Osei Tutu.’
According to him, “Osei Tutu” is a corrupted form of an accolade for Osei Kofi because of the might of the soldiers who were assigned to protect him and the weapons they were using.
“Asantes used to be under the people of Denkyira, and they had notes to the Elmina Castle. They had direct access to the coast, but the Asantes did not have that to be able to buy guns for their battles.
“What happened was that when Osei Tutu’s uncle died and he was summoned, the Akuamuhene, Ansa Sasraku, gave him about five well-trained soldiers. Ansa Sasraku told them to come to Accra and go to the Danish Castle (Christiansborg Castle) to purchase state-of-the-art weapons,” he said.
The historian added, “These weapons were over and above what the people of Denkyira had ever seen before. So, he (Osei Kofi) had trained soldiers and weapons that no one had seen before, so that they would defeat any person they fought with.”
He explained further that Osei Tutu defeated all his enemies with the soldiers and weapons given to him, which made him feared.
The reference people gave him because of his might was corrupted into the name that exists today, he added.
“So, when this was done, Osei Tutu (who was by then Osei Kofi) was able to defeat his enemies and was given the name ‘the man who speaks through guns’. That was even what the British wrote – ‘the man who speaks through guns’.
“This is translated in Twi as ‘Osei a ɔto tuo’. ‘Osei a ɔto tuo’ is what has been corrupted to ‘Osei Tutu’,” he explained.
BAI/AE
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The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application filed by Nana Appiah Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, seeking to halt his ongoing criminal trial.
The application was filed pending the resolution of an appeal challenging a High Court ruling that directed him to open his defense.
In 2024, the High Court ruled that Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM1, must open his defense in a criminal case involving multiple charges. These charges include operating a gold dealership without a license, fraudulent breach of trust, defrauding by false pretenses, and money laundering.
His legal team subsequently filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal to overturn the High Court’s decision, seeking a stay of proceedings until the appeal was determined.
However, on Monday, May 19, 2025, state prosecutors argued before the appellate court that the application was an attempt to overreach the court’s authority, and that no exceptional circumstances had been presented to justify halting the trial.
The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, comprising Justices Gbiel Suurbaareh, Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, and Christopher Archer, unanimously dismissed the application.
Following the ruling, Frederick Forson, spokesperson for the aggrieved customers of Menzgold, welcomed the decision as a significant step toward justice.
He described the ruling as an important moment for those who suffered losses from Menzgold’s operations.
Despite the setback, Nana Appiah Mensah has signaled his intention to further appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, based on legal advice from his counsel.
SP/MA
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Former Vice President and NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, says he strongly believes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will come back to power in the 2028 elections.
Speaking to NPP members in London, Dr Bawumia said history shows that in Ghana, it’s very hard for a political party to win an election with a brand-new candidate after the sitting president has done two terms.
The Industrial Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Imoro, has hinted at an imminent reduction in transport fares, promising commuters some relief as the Ghana cedi continues to gain strength against the US dollar.
Speaking to Channel One News on Monday, May 19, Imoro revealed that ongoing negotiations between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport are nearing a conclusion, with a final meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.
“It was a marathon meeting. The Transport Ministry is looking for some percentage, and the transport operators are also looking for some percentage. Finally, we closed halfway. We are going back, and tomorrow we will come and meet them on the final decision,” he said.
According to him, the talks are focused on fare reductions that reflect the appreciation of the cedi, assuring commuters that the outcome of the meeting would bring some relief to their pockets.
“The meeting is about the reduction in fares, so the public should rest assured that we will give them a smiley reduction,” Imoro added.
The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have suspended their planned nationwide strike, initially scheduled to take effect on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The strike had been declared in protest against the government’s alleged failure to enforce aspects of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 2012, which bars street trading on roads, pavements, and at designated bus stops.
However, following a closed-door meeting with the Minister for Transport, the groups have agreed to temporarily halt their industrial action, pending the government’s fulfilment of its promises.
National Public Relations Officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, told Citi News that while the strike had been suspended, it could be reinstated if enforcement measures are not sustained.
“I am sounding this caution to the Mayor that we do not want tomorrow to be a nine-day wonder. If tomorrow they are cleared off the street, and they come back the next day, they should be assured that we will also sit down and not work.
“Pending the action of the Mayor, we have suspended the strike action, but that doesn’t mean we won’t strike.”
Meanwhile, GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, also confirmed that a follow-up meeting will be held tomorrow to finalise discussions on a potential reduction in transport fares, following the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
“It was a marathon meeting. The Transport Ministry is looking for some percentage, and the transport operators are also looking for some percentage.
“Finally, we closed halfway. We are going back, and tomorrow we will come and meet them to discuss the final decision. The meeting is about the reduction in fares, so the public should rest assured that we will give them a smile reduction.”
Personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) last Friday rounded up over two thousand migrant beggars from various parts of Accra.
The figure of the arrested persons, according to GIS sources is 2,241, whose presence at strategic locations including some ceremonial streets has caused a continuous nuisance to motorists and pedestrians alike.
The beggars are migrants from Niger Republic who, a few years ago, were deported with the support of their home country in a major operation, but they returned not long after.
The statistics of those arrested are 384 adult males, 525 adult females, 577 male children, and 755 female children.
During a press briefing on Friday, May 16, the Head of Public Relations, GIS, Michael Amoako-Atta, announced that after a profiling of the suspects they would be deported to their individual countries via buses which, he added, are ready.
The Friday dawn operation focused on the general area of the Kotoka International Airport, Madina, Kaneshie, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and Abossey Okai.
“As we speak, we have arrested 2,241 foreign nationals, made up of 384 male adults, 577 male children, 525 female adults, and 755 female children. All these persons are currently undergoing profiling,” he stated.
The exercise, GIS sources explained, are part of national security measures to protect the country from elements whose backgrounds are unknown.
Beggars from Niger Republic have in the past few years flocked Ghana, where they easily find accommodation in the Zongo communities.
From such locations, they go out daily to beg in the streets. They can be found not only in Accra but Kumasi and other urban settings.
Nigeria is a no-go area for them because the authorities in the various states have clamped down on them in the face of militant attacks from neighbouring Niger.
There are agents who bring the beggars into the country. In Accra, Sabon Zongo is a haven for the beggars where they sleep in front of shops and some shelters provided by some landlords for fees. At dawn, they fan out in town to engage in street begging, their preferred locations being traffic intersections.
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season will conclude in three weeks yet, there is still not clear favorite for what will go down as the most competitive in the history of the competition.
The level of competition may be debatable, but never before has there been four different clubs; Bibiani Gold Stars (56 points), Nations F.C. (with a game in hand) and Kpando Heart of Lions (54 points each), and Asante Kotoko (54 points), all with a realistic chance of winning the league.
Asante Kotoko
After firing Dr. Prosper Ogum, Kotoko, who last won the league two years ago, has won two out of three league matches (4-1 against Dreams F.C. and 1-0 over Aduana Stars) to keep up with Gold Stars. The only blemish in an otherwise unsullied record was the stalemate against rivals Accrea Hearts of Oak in Karim Zito’s second game.
Abdul Karim Zito could become only the second coach to have won the league both as a player and coach for Asante Kotoko
Regardless of the marginal gains, the true measure of Kotoko’s temperament and by extension, their championship credentials will be tested in the next three matches.
The litmus test, to that extent, will be on Sunday when they face Gold Stars in Bibiani.
But it is also a fixture Kotoko has typically enjoyed playing. In seven previous meetings, Kotoko has won four times and lost just once. In fact. Kotoko’s only defeat to Gold Stars came after four unbeaten matches in the fixture.
Since Eric Bosomtwi and Prince Adu Kwabena scored for Gold Stars in the 2-1 win in September 2023, the Miners have lost both games against Kotoko without scoring a goal.
What’s more, Kotoko has scored 12 goals in the fixture, while letting in just four (two of those were recorded in one game.)
A betting man will bet on either or both of Kwame Poku and Albert Amoah to score on Sunday.
Where Gold Stars can feel confident, is their monstrous home record. Before last week’s home loss to Karela United, the Miners had not lost at home in a year and five months (517.4 days).
It is a ground they simply do not lose.
Kotoko’s current position and points tally mean any slip-up effectively ends their title aspirations.
Kotoko won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in December last year
What comes after Gold Stars, are familiar foes, Medeama S.C.
Traditionally a complex fixture, this is perhaps the first time in many years where Medeama are not in a title race and at the same time, suffered an early elimination in the MTN FA Cup.
To that extent, it is not a team to be feared.
Beyond Kevin Nkrumah, there is very little worth fearing about the former league champions.
The problem for Kotoko, however, is Medeama’s legendary cussedness against Kotoko.
In 20 league meetings, Medeama has won 6, and lost 7, while 7 have ended in stalemates.
In the last five matches at the Baba Yara Stadium, Medeama have won more games (three) than they have lost (two) to Asante Kotoko.
To put it bluntly, Medeama is a problem for Kotoko.
On average, Kotoko drops points once every four matches at home.
For the next two weeks, however, none of those slip-ups can be countenanced.
If Kotoko can emerge from the two games with six points, then it’s all systems go against Vision F.C. on the final day of the season.
Gold Stars
First things first.
Alex Asso (in yellow and gold) has been a reliable contributor to the Gold Stars story this season
By every known metric, Bibiani Gold Stars have exceeded expectations and deserve commendation.
Since their promotion to the Ghana Premier League four years ago, the narrative around the club has been about how well-oiled, the business is.
Many have, often in a rather reductive, almost dismissive tone, pointed to Dun’s Park and the investment that made it possible, as the only reason for the club’s stability.
However, a glance at the team sheet on match days quickly dispels any suggestions of a sugar-daddy club.
Led by the magnificent Frimpong Manso, who won four league titles with Kotoko between 1986 and 1995, as a center-back, Gold Stars have built their team on a mix of smart and experienced acquisitions.
Before July 2024, Ronald Frimpong had the reputation of an often busy but seldom productive winger.
When Real Tamale United (RTU) got relegated, Frimpong was held up as a symbol of the club’s dysfunctional recruitment setup.
Six months before Frimpong’s arrival, Samuel Atta Kumi was deemed as surplus to requirement by relegation-threatened Karela United.
As we speak, he has scored nine goals for Gold Stars and is the club’s top scorer.In 2023, Amon Kotei was the highest rated right back in the country. After two disciplinary issues, his Tamale City and later, Susubiribi contracts were terminated.
When Gold Stars signed him, he did not make the squad for five of their first 10 league games and was on the substitute bench for four of the other five matches.
Yet, since making his debut, Kotei has started 15 consecutive league matches.
There is Vincent Atinga too.
After winning the league with Medeama S.C. Vincent Atinga was also deemed to have been past his sell-by-date.
Two years on, Atinga, and Charles Kamar Gyamfi, who has been with the club since their days in Zone Two of the Division One League, are leading the Miner’s gold chase.
That is what Frimpong Manso has done; rehabilitating careers that were on life support or declared dead, adding players who no one cared about, to forge the most consistent team in the league.
If they can keep it together for 270 minutes more (plus added time), Gold Stars, they will become the 14th different team to have won the league.
To do that, they need to beat Asante Kotoko, Berekum Chelsea, and Accra Lions.
Chelsea’s hopes of ending the season have dissipated. Kotoko saw to that when they won the FA Cup semi-final by a goal to nil.
That defeat, and Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Accra Hearts of Oak, means Samuel Boadu’s men have also lost their last three matches in all competitions. The other was a 3-2 loss to Aduana Stars.
Familiar faces: Alex Aso (left) and Vincent Atinga (middle) train under instructions from Godwin Ablordey
So Chelsea is not exactly in form.
Chelsea’s record in the fixture is what may worry Gold Stars.
Each side has won three of the seven meetings in the league.
So there is very little to choose between the two sides.
However, Gold Stars have won the last two meetings, scoring five goals and conceding just once in the process.
What’s more, Samuel Boadu is a coach Gold Stars enjoys playing against.
Boadu was in charge when Gold Stars recorded their last two victories against Chelsea. He was also in charge of Hearts of Oak when the Miners held them to a 1-1 draw two years ago.
Boadu’s only win against The Miners was a 2-1 win in 2022.
Perhaps the most difficult of the three remaining matches is against Accra Lions.
Lions appear down and out in the relegation scrap and 16th on the log with 35 points. That means they need to win every game and hope that Young Apostles, Karela United and Basake Holy Stars all drop points in two of their last three matches.
Matches between Lions and Gold Stars are typically very close.
In seven meetings, each side has won twice while the remaining have ended in draws.
In the first round, Gold Stars recorded the most impressive away performance when they trounced Lions 3-0 in Accra.
Atta Kumi scored a hat trick on that day.
If Gold Stars are to win the league, they will need Atta Kumi to be as impeccable as he was on that day.
Not just him, but the entire team.
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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.
Kennedy Agyapong is a former Member of Parlaiment for Assin Central
Concerned lawyers of the largest opposition the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are demanding an immediate retraction and apology from Sampson Lardy Anyenini for what they described as unprofessional and unethical commentaries against Kennedy Agyapong within 7 days.
According to the concerned lawyers, recent commentaries made by Anyenini on his News File show crossed the boundaries of responsible journalism and professional ethics.
They stated that the statements conflate legal analysis with inflammatory rhetoric and reveal a troubling pattern of behaviour that undermines confidence in Ghana’s judiciary while simultaneously launching unprovoked and slanderous attacks on the character of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
They have issued a 7-day ultimatum for an apology and retraction.
The Black Queens are set to face Côte d’Ivoire in two away international friendly matches on May 30 and June 3, 2025.
Under the guidance of Coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the team is gearing up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
These matches will serve as valuable preparation as they aim to make a strong impression at the continental championship.
Ghana has been actively preparing for the upcoming WAFCON tournament, engaging in international friendlies since March under the guidance of Coach Kim Lars Björkegren. The upcoming friendlies against Côte d’Ivoire will likely provide further valuable experience for the team.
Players for the upcoming matches will be announced in due course.
Yaw Darling is a music sensation and Unsung Artiste of the Year 2025
Following his triumphant win as Unsung Artiste of the Year at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), Ghanaian music sensation Yaw Darling has been embarking on a heartfelt thank-you media tour.
The Gen-Z king of Highlife’s mission is to express his deepest gratitude to his devoted fans and industry stakeholders who supported his journey.
Yesterday, Yaw Darling took to the stage at the Onua Concert Party, a celebration of Ghana’s comedy talent, and delivered an unforgettable performance.
The audience were enthralled, with everyone on their feet, dancing in unison to the infectious beats of Highlife.
Furthermore, as part of his winning package, Yaw Darling is set to announce his official partnership with Warner Music, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Yaw Darling’s recent performances and upcoming collaborations have generated immense excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
His dedication to his craft and his gratitude towards his supporters are truly inspiring, and his future endeavors are eagerly anticipated.
The Gen-Z king of Highlife has just dropped the official video for his trending single “Password”, which can be watched below:
Some students below the legal age have been caught in recent times for possessing guns
The issue of students possessing guns or other weapons on school campuses has raised serious concerns among stakeholders in the education sector.
Recent media reports of violent clashes in high schools have featured students wielding weapons such as guns, machetes, and other dangerous devices they could use to potentially harm themselves, other students, or staff.
On many occasions, the students who were arrested have actually discharged the weapons while in some instances, they have brandished them to threaten other students or whoever they sought to target.
The growing trend has raised concerns among authorities and stakeholders, underscoring the growing trend of indiscipline in schools.
Most of these incidents, which reportedly occurred in 2025, have sparked conversations about how students are able to get access to firearms and why they were not detected by their guardians, parents, or even school authorities.
The rising rate of indiscipline in schools, despite the ongoing efforts by school authorities to address the issue, have left many asking the question that – are the measures rolled out by school authorities effective, and are punitive actions stringent enough to deters others from repeating same behavior?
This GhanaWeb listicle chronicles the number of times cases of students possessing guns have been recorded in the first half of 2025.
Adventist SHS incident
A second-year student of the Adventist Senior High School at Bantama in the Ashanti Region, Suzy Adwoa Pinamang, suffered a terrible ordeal during school hours on April 4, 2025, when her fellow student allegedly shot her in the face injuring her eyes in the process.
According to the Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service, the 16-year-old student who shot at Suzy Pinamang brought his father’s loaded pistol to school to showcase it to his classmates.
While they were examining the weapon, it accidentally discharged, striking one of the students and causing injuries to her eyes. The police further noted that the firearm was taken without parental consent.
Narrating the incident in an interview on De God Son TV on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the victim, Suzy, said she did not pay attention to her friend when he was holding the gun.
“My classmate was holding the gun in class, but I didn’t pay attention to it. During break time, I had put my head on my desk. He was then having a conversation with other classmates.
“I briefly raised the head and then the gun went off. I was bleeding profusely at the time, so, I covered my face with my hands and dashed out to seek help,” she narrated.
The case is currently in court.
Salaga SHS incident
In February 2025, a locally manufactured pistol was found and confiscated from one of the 20 students arrested for engaging in a violent clash at Salaga Senior High School, which was handled by the Salaga Divisional Police Command.
The clash, as reported by dailyguidenetwork, resulted in the injury of one student.
Osei Kyeretwie SHS incident
A 16-year-old SHS Two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) was arrested for possessing a firearm without lawful authority during a routine dormitory search on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m.
During interrogations, the student stated that the gun belonged to his stepfather, who was also arrested by the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command.
He has been granted police enquiry bail along with his stepfather, Daniel Owusu Baafi.
MAG/VPO
Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs
Ghanaian Civil Engineer, Fawan Issah Iddi has called for the introduction of tax incentives and subsidies for low-carbon constructions in the country as part of efforts to ensure a climate-resilient future for the country.
Calling for an urgent need for Ghana to integrate sustainability into its construction industry, the Civil Engineer also said that the country needed to develop and enforce national green building codes that align with the country’s climate goals, invest in capacity building for local professionals and incorporating sustainability criteria into public procurement and promote life cycle based sustainability assessment for major infrastructure projects.
Fawan spoke in an interview in Tamale on Friday.
Low-carbon construction refers to building practices that minimise the carbon footprint of a building throughout its lifecycle, from construction to demolition. It involves reducing emissions from materials, construction processes, and the building’s operational energy use.
Climate change effects in Ghana
Ghana is already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, especially in Northern Ghana.
Last year, an over 40 day drought in Northern Ghana caused destruction to thousands of acres of farmlands, forcing the government to come in to provide relief support worth millions of Ghana cedis to affected farmers.
Experts have been warning that Ghana would be experiencing the effects climate change and have blamed the drought on the effects of climate change in the Northern Ghana.
Dr Yaw Agyeman Boafo, a climate change expert at the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana last year highlighted several urgent signs of climate change in Ghana.
He noted that rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, especially in Northern Ghana and irregular rainfall patterns were among the signs of climate change in the West African country.
Ghana’s carbon emissions
In 2020, Ghana was said to be contributing about 19,401 to Sub-Saharan Africa’s 760,868.113 carbon emissions. This figure was expected to rise in the following years.
Fawan said there is limited focus on reducing carbon emissions especially in the Ghanaian construction industry even though it remains one of the country’s most environmentally impactful industries.
“The construction sector remains one of the country’s most environmentally impactful industries, with its carbon footprint expanding rapidly. Ghana’s construction industry is largely dominated by traditional methods that are resource-intensive and carbon-heavy,” he said.
He added that “This presents a significant threat to the country’s ability to meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
Fawan said it was important for urgent actions to be taken because “The construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions and over 30% of global energy consumption.”
He noted that Ghana would need to reduce the direct annual CO₂ emissions from the buildings sector from 1.9 Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) to 0 MtCO₂e by 2032, reaching full decarbonisation.
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Chairman of the National Youth Working Committee, Okai Mintah as the new Board Chairman of the National Service Authority (NSA).
The appointment of the entrepreneur and youth activist takes effect immediately following a brief swearing-in ceremony at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The management of Lakeside Estate has pushed back against reports suggesting that the entire estate was submerged during the torrential rains that hit Accra on Sunday, May 18, 2025, clarifying that the flooding was localized and not widespread across the residential enclave.
In a press statement issued on Monday, May 19, Lakeside Estate disputed media reports describing them as misleading.
“It was actually the bridge connecting Community Five and Community Six that overflowed due to the adjacent stream bursting its banks. The flooding spread to parts of the Madina Institute of Technology and homes near the university bridge—not the entire Lakeside Estate,” the statement explained.
Management further attributed the flooding to the construction of a Star Oil filling station near the bridge, which they claim has significantly narrowed the water passage and impeded the natural flow of stormwater.
“In 2023, we wrote to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Adentan Municipal Assembly objecting to the siting of the station at the edge of the bridge. However, the NPA in a January 2024 response granted the permit after reviewing the location,” the statement added.
According to the estate’s engineers, the obstruction caused by the fuel station is a major contributor to the flooding observed in Community Five and its environs.
In response to the latest incident, Lakeside Estate has announced a raft of immediate measures, including the desilting of all drains across the estate and renewed appeals to local authorities to reassess the positioning of the fuel station.
“We have issued firm instructions to our Public Works Department to clear all drainage systems. Residents are also being sensitized to regularly clean the gutters in front of their homes to ensure free flow of water,” the company said.
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3,000 affected as floods hit Odawna – NADMO confirms
Former Nollywood actress, Grace Bassey, previously known as Belinda Effah, has embarked on a new career path by joining the United States Navy, a move that has also earned her U.S. citizenship.
The 33-year-old actress took to her social media platforms to share the milestone, posting a photo of herself in Navy uniform and expressing gratitude to God, her family, and her supporters.
“Last week, I graduated from U.S. Navy boot camp as a Sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States,” she wrote.
“Nigeria raised me, America challenged me, and I stand today stronger and more determined than ever.
“Thank you to everyone who believed in me. This is just the beginning. In honour of my late father – Naval Cdr. Asido Bassey Effah.”
Bassey had previously revealed that she changed her name after a divine spiritual experience.
According to her, the name Belinda, which means “beautiful serpent”, was replaced with Grace following what she described as a God-given transformation.
“God changed my name to Grace after a divine encounter,” she said.
She added that the name change” reflects a personal rebranding, but not a change in her core values or identity.”
Bassey rose to fame in Nollywood under the name Belinda Effah and featured in several acclaimed films before stepping back from the industry.
Her transition into military service marks a significant and inspiring new chapter in her life.
A strategic partnership between ABB and Jual Group Ghana Limited has been announced to accelerate Ghana’s transition towards sustainable electrification.
The agreement was unveiled in a meeting held in Accra over the weekend as part of efforts to address the country’s increasing energy demands through the integration of ABB’s advanced electrical systems and automation technologies with Jual Group’s local expertise.
A commitment to strengthening Ghana’s energy infrastructure through innovative and efficient solutions was expressed by the parties.
Emphasis was placed on the delivery of reliable systems that are tailored to the specific needs of the Ghanaian market. The collaboration has been framed as a model of global and local synergy designed to support national energy objectives.
Sustainability and innovation were highlighted as central pillars of the initiative. Smart power and modern building solutions are expected to be deployed under the partnership, enabling the integration of renewable energy and the improvement of overall energy efficiency.
The long-term sustainability of the energy sector is also to be supported through capacity building. Technical training and knowledge transfer programmes are to be facilitated, with the goal of empowering local professionals and building in-country expertise.
The partnership has been described as a significant step towards achieving Ghana’s electrification targets. The approach being adopted is expected to promote sustainable development while also enhancing resilience within the energy system.
The announcement has been welcomed by industry observers as a demonstration of how strategic collaboration between global technology leaders and local firms can drive meaningful progress in addressing energy access and infrastructure challenges.
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.
Former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has acknowledged the shortcomings of the NPP-led administration, offering an apology to Ghanaians while appealing for renewed trust ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Speaking at an engagement in London, Dr Bawumia admitted that although the NPP had made significant strides in governance, it had also made notable mistakes.
In a candid and reflective tone, he said: “The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf, on behalf of the party and the government, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the things right that we should have gotten.”
He assured Ghanaians that the party has taken stock of its errors and is committed to doing better if given another mandate.
“I believe that if by the grace of God, we have another opportunity I believe that we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons of where we are going,” he added.
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks follows the NPP’s abysmal performance in the 2024 elections.
Read also
Court of Appeal dismisses NAM1’s application to halt criminal trial
The Convener of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, Ken Ashigbey, has called for the immediate arrest of Amenfi East Member of Parliament, Nicholas Amankwah, following reports that the MP pleaded on behalf of illegal miners operating in Wassa Japa within his constituency.
Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor revealed that during a military-led operation targeting the galamsey enclave, Mr. Amankwah defended the illegal miners.
Reacting to the reports in an interview on , Dr. Ashigbey condemned the MP’s actions, saying they undermine efforts to combat illegal mining.
He cited Act 995, Section 99 (2b), urging authorities to take swift action against the lawmaker.
“Under Act 995, this MP who is encouraging people although he knows about the illegality and is doing nothing about it, he must be arrested. It breaks my heart that no action has been taken against these self-confessed criminals, and the MP is also defending them despite the devastation,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
He stressed the urgent need for the government to intensify the fight against galamsey and bring it to an end.
Constable Isaac Kwofie and his colleague officer were shot by unknown gun men on April 13
Correspondence from Western Region
The late Constable Isaac Kwofie of the Ghana Police Service has finally been laid to rest at Ngalekyi in the Ellembelle district of the Western region.
He was buried on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Constable Isaac Kwofie and his colleague officer were shot dead on their moving motorbike on Sunday, April 13, 2025, by unknown armed robbers, according to the Ghana Police’s report at Binduri in the Upper East Region.
Constable Isaac Kwofie completed his secondary school education at Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School (NASS) in the Ellembelle district in 2022.
He was born at Ngalekyi in 2002 and had his basic education at Ngalekyi.
His burial service was performed by the Ghana Police Service.
The family of the late Constable Isaac Kwofie has called on the Ghana Police to find the killers of their son and punish them according to the laws of this country.
The family described the demise of their son as a big blow to the family.
“We have lost a great asset and a breadwinner of our family. We are appealing to the Ghana Police to do everything possible to arrest the killers of our son and deal with them,” they mourned.
Some of his schoolmates who paid their last respect, remembered him saying, “Isaac Kwofie was a brilliant student and in school, we didn’t call him Isaac Kwofie but ‘Skull Fees’, we heard his demise as shocking and we pray to God to give him a peaceful rest.”
Residents of his community and other communities in the Ellembelle district paid their last respect to him in a sorrowful mood.
Fast rising, Ghanaian music duo, Lali X Lola, have petitioned the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, over unpaid royalties from digital music platform Boomplay.
According to them, they have not received any revenue from their music streams on the platform since April 2023.
In a petition dated May 19, 2025, the artistes expressed concern over the lack of transparency and accountability by Boomplay, stating that they have made several attempts to get answers but have been met with silence.
“Our distributors have told us that we haven’t received any payments or detailed reports from Boomplay for over a year. This is despite the fact that our music is still actively being streamed on the platform,” part of the statement read.
The musicians said the situation is frustrating and unfair, especially considering the time, money, and energy that go into creating music.
They explained that although platforms like Boomplay help artistes reach new fans and grow their brand, they must also be responsible and ensure musicians are paid what they are due.
Lali X Lola called on the minister to investigate Boomplay’s system of paying artistes and to introduce proper regulations for all digital service providers (DSPs) operating in Ghana.
“We respectfully urge your office to investigate this issue and help establish better regulatory oversight over DSPs operating within Ghana’s digital and creative economy,” they added.
Read the statement below
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
Screenshot from video report on ‘Operation Clean the Zongo’ on Facebook
Some concerned youths in the Zongo community of Sogakope have launched an operation dubbed ‘Operation Clean the Zongo’ to clamp down on rising crimes in the area.
The group began demolishing makeshift structures and ghettos believed to be sheltering criminals following a recent spate of thefts that left residents anxious and frustrated.
Sogakope, the capital of the South Tongu District in the Volta Region, has long been known for its scenic river tourism, mass bread production, and the Lower Volta Bridge, which connects the town to Sokpoe.
In recent weeks, however, the town has been grappling with a surge in petty and serious crime, with Zongo areas reportedly becoming hotspots for such activities.
According to a video post by metrotvonline.com, the structures being torn down were not residential homes but illegal hideouts used by suspected criminals.
They argued that criminal elements have been taking advantage of the neglected and poorly monitored spaces to coordinate thefts, drug use, and other unlawful activities that endanger the peace of the community.
“This is one of the ghettos in the Zongo. Spoil everything when they come, they’ll know there was action here. We can’t sit back and watch our community become a breeding ground for crime,” the report stated.
Watch the video below:
MRA/AE
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:
An economist professor at the University of Ghana of Business School, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has highlighted the implications of the cedi’s appreciation on the broader economy.
According to him, while the recent gains of the cedi are commendable, they could have unintended consequences if not carefully managed, particularly by making imports cheaper and undermining local production.
He warned that such a development could negatively impact job creation and the domestic economy.
“If the consideration is that we can drive down inflation to the end-of-year target, and we can’t get that done from the supply end because the economy’s supply capacity is severely constrained, then I would not support strengthening the currency in the manner it is currently being done,” he was quoted by MyJoyOnline.com.
Professor Bokpin noted that the appreciation of the cedi appears to be driven more by policy than by market forces.
He praised the government and the Minister for Finance for the fiscal consolidation efforts being implemented.
“It’s not a blip. And again, there are concerns about sustainability. There’s a reason for what is happening. From the fiscal side, you can see discipline. The government is not spending. Imports are very low. That means the economy’s cash absorption capacity is restricted, and demand is subdued,” he said.
Professor Bokpin commended the coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, describing their efforts as focused and aligned.
“I want to commend the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana. There is coordination happening toward a common goal,” he stated.
However, he reiterated the potential downsides of a strengthening cedi if not balanced with policies that support domestic production.
“When you drive down the exchange rate, it only makes imports cheaper. If we were promoting an import-oriented economy, I’d say go for it. But that strategy does not create jobs.”
He cited recent data trends showing that local producers are already being adversely affected.
“Since November 2023, inflation on locally produced items has been higher than imported inflation. That means it’s more economical to import goods, even after paying all the duties at the port, than to produce them locally.”
SSD/MA
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Andre Dede Ayew receive massive applause from Le Havre fans
Ghanaian forward Andre Dede Ayew was hailed by Le Havre fans after the club defeated Strasbourg 3-2 to escape relegation in the French Ligue 1.
Andrey Santos scored the first goal in the 20th minute, with Sebastian Nanasei doubling the lead in the 53rd minute for the home side to go 2-0 up.
Abdoulaye Toure scored two goals to level the game. In the dying embers of the game, Josue Casimir scored the winning goal to seal 3-2 victory for Le Havre.
The triumph salvaged the club from relegation as they finished in 15th position with 34 points, just one point ahead of the 16th-placed team, Reims.
After the match, Ayew, together with his teammates, poured onto the streets to celebrate with the club fans, who were enthused by the team’s performance.
In a viral video on X, the fans were singing and chanting Ayew’s name in unison, saying “Andre Ayew! Andre Ayew!” to appreciate his efforts in helping the team.
The 35-year-old played 27 games for the team in the 2024/2025 season, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
However, Andre’s contract with the club expires at the end of the season, with his future yet to be decided.
Watch video of Dede Ayew being cheered by Le Havre fans below:
🇬🇭 Andre Ayew and Le Havre fans celebrated their Ligue 1 survival into the early hours of Sunday.
Timothy Omotoso, head of Jesus Dominion International Church, was acquitted of all charges
South African authorities say they will continue with legal proceedings against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso who was acquitted of rape last month, even though he has left the country.
Mr Omotoso, who denied the 32 charges against him, was accused of sexually assaulting young women from his church in Port Elizabeth.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will still appeal against the judgement which found Mr Omotoso not guilty, saying his presence is not required.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs said Mr Omotoso had flown to Nigeria from OR Tambo International Airport, where he was filmed by public broadcaster SABC wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses.
Mr Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 as he attempted to leave South Africa.
Among his accusers was a woman who said she was raped by the pastor when she was aged 14.
In a statement, South African prosecutors accepted “there are no legal grounds to prevent” Mr Omotoso from leaving the country following his acquittal.
However, if the appeal were allowed, the authorities would apply for Mr Omotoso to be extradited back to South Africa, the statement added, highlighting South Africa’s “bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria”.
On Sunday, the department issued a statement saying that Mr Omotoso had been classified as an “undesirable person”, meaning he will not be able to return to the country for five years.
South Africa’s public broadcaster reports that the pastor left the country voluntarily.
Mr Omotoso leads the Jesus Dominion International church, which has branches in the UK, Nigeria, France and Israel, as well as in many parts of South Africa, according to its website.
Mr Omotoso’s trial made South African history as the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live.
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has sworn in the newly appointed members of the Governing Board of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), following consultations with the Council of State.
Speaking during the swearing in on Monday, May 19, Dr Forson urged the newly-constituted Board to work hard to support and sustain this trajectory.
“I urge the newly-constituted Board to work hard to support and sustain this trajectory,” he advised.
The appointments are part of efforts to strengthen the governance and operational effectiveness of the GoldBod, which oversees the regulation and promotion of gold-related activities in the country.
The newly appointed members include:
Kojo Fynn – Chairperson
Samuel Gyamfi – Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah – Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Thomas Nyarko Ampem – Deputy Minister for Finance
Dr. Johnson Asiama – Representative of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana
Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew – Legal practitioner and former Attorney General
Nana Ama Amissah III – Traditional leader and representative of women on the board
The board is expected to play a key role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and growth in the gold sector, with a focus on supporting both large- and small-scale mining operations.
Prepare for more heavy rains – GMet tells Ghanaians
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Tensions are escalating in parts of the Greater Accra Region following reports of confrontations between traditional authorities and Christian churches during the ongoing ban on noise-making, which took effect on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Prominent lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has issued a stern warning about the growing friction.
Fans left speechless as Grand P reveals new partner
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Graphic Showbiz
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2 minutes read
Guinean social media influencer, Grand P, known for his previous preference for plus-sized women, has recently made headlines with a surprising shift in his relationship status.
South African news.com reports that fans were left in shock when he revealed his new partner, and many couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between his past choices and his current love interest.
This unexpected development has sparked curiosity and debate among his followers, as people wonder what motivated the change of moving away from voluptuous women. (Read Evans Scott: TGMA Best Urban/contemporary category is vision in progress)
But it appears Grand P, who has been vocal about his admiration for fuller-figured women in the past, seems to be moving in a new direction with pictures of his new partner.
His fans are reacting with mixed emotions, some expressing their support for his new relationship, while others are left questioning the sudden change.
The celebrity’s love life has always attracted attention, and this latest update has only intensified the spotlight on him.
Grand P and his then girlfriend, Eudoxie Yao’s visited Ghana in December 2023 and the unconventional couple embarked on a media tour, captivating audiences across various platforms. (I had cancer scare, underwent thyroid surgery – Mercy Johnson explains weight loss)
In an interview on Prime Morning Show during the visit, Eudoxie professed her real affection for Grand P and explained that it wasn’t influenced by his financial status.
They were tightlipped about the details of their intimate life as secret. However, they disclosed they were planning to tie the knot at the time of the interview until the recent news of Grand P finding a new partner.
Treasury bill faces third consecutive undersubscription
Treasury Bills popularly known as T-Bills has for three weeks now experience major undersubscription prompting many investors to reassess their strategies.
While T-bills have long been regarded as one of the safest and most accessible investment options in Ghana, the recent downturn in returns is raising key questions: Is it still safe to buy T-bills in Ghana? And is it still worth it?
This GhanaWeb Business article highlights the current state of Ghana’s treasury market, the risks and opportunities it presents, and what investors should consider moving forward.
Why are T-bills falling?
According to data and reports from the Bank of Ghana, treasury yields have declined steadily in recent weeks, with the average 91-day and 182-day bill rates falling to around 24% and 26% as of mid-May 2025.
This marks a significant drop from earlier this year when yields hovered closer to 30%.
The main drivers of the decline include
High Investor Demand: Investors are rushing to T-bills for safety and relatively high returns pushing prices up and yields down. When demand is high, the government can offer lower interest rates.
Government Financing Strategy: The government is under less pressure to borrow at high costs due to improved cash flow from domestic revenue and support from the IMF program. This gives it room to lower interest costs.
What are the risks associated?
While treasury bills are among the safest investments available in Ghana, they are not entirely risk-free.
Investors especially those looking to preserve and grow their capital should be aware of the following key risks and considerations;
1. Decline in Yields: One of the most immediate concerns for investors is the steady decline in interest rates. As yields fall, the income potential from T-bills diminishes, particularly for short-term investors who frequently reinvest their matured bills.
2. Currency Depreciation (for Foreign Investors): For non-resident investors or Ghanaians holding wealth in foreign currency, exchange rate fluctuations are a critical factor. If the Ghana cedi depreciates significantly during the investment period, returns may be wiped out when converted back to dollars, euros, or pounds.
While the cedi has shown signs of stabilization in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, it remains vulnerable to external shocks, import pressures, and global interest rate changes making forex risk an important consideration for offshore investors.
What should investors do?
As treasury bill yields continue to trend downwards, investors are advised to protect returns and manage risk amid evolving market conditions.
With that, investors can lock in higher yields if they believe rates will continue to fall.
Also investors must ladder their investment by spreading across different maturities to manage reinvestment risk.
There is a need to diversify yields with low-risk instruments like fixed deposits or money market funds for more flexibility.
Conclusion
Despite falling yields treasury bills remain a safe and stable investment option in Ghana, especially for risk-averse investors looking to preserve capital and earn predictable returns.
Treasury bills continue to offer competitive yields with minimal risk as the 30 percent returns maybe lagging behind.
SP/MA
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Okyenhene flanked by some representatives of the Foundation
The OKYENHENE, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has donated GH₵50,000 to support the AMAGYEI Foundation’s skills training initiative.
This initiative promotes youth empowerment in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in the Eastern Region.
The donation was made when management and some beneficiaries of the foundation’s skills training programme paid a courtesy call on the Okyenhene at his palace in Kyebi, Eastern Region, on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The AMAGYEI Foundation was established as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wing of the AMAGYEI Legal Firm to provide legal aid, advocacy, literacy training, mediation services, and skills training for underserved communities. It is affiliated with the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service.
The purpose of the courtesy call was to present products made by the trainees to the Okyenhene and to seek his support in expanding the initiative to other communities in Akyem Abuakwa.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, commended the foundation for its efforts in empowering local youth and improving livelihoods.
He pledged his continued support for its initiatives and emphasised the importance of affluent members of society returning to their roots to create opportunities for others, adding that the geography of one’s birth should not determine his or her economic prospects.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin urged citizens of Akyem Abuakwa to go back home to help their communities, nothing, “the system in Ghana does not give us the leverage and control and central planning of the economy.”
The Managing Attorney of AMAGYEI, an Accra-based Law Firm and founder of the AMAGYEI Foundation, Ofosua Amagyei, indicated that individuals who undergo skills training are also equipped with knowledge in marketing, branding, sales, customer service, among others.
“Marketing, branding, and how to register with FDA, we have taken them through all of that and we are hoping to set up ten of them to enable them to grow their business,” she said.
Ms. Amagyei expressed the hope of constructing a training centre for the foundation to aid the training of beneficiaries.
As part of the courtesy call, AMAGYEI Foundation presented to the Okyenhene with samples of some of the various items and products that the foundation’s trainees have made.
Among them were multi-purpose liquid soap, multi-purpose surface cleaner, hand wash, black soap shower gel, floor cleaner, hydrochloride bleach, antiseptic, disinfectant, fabric softener, laundry detergent, mosquito repellant, washing powder and shea butter body cream.
Tensions are simmering at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) following revelations that the newly announced position of Deputy Managing Director (DMD), now held by Obuobia Darko-Opoku, is not part of the company’s approved organisational structure.
Highly placed sources at GACL say the position does not officially exist in the company’s organogram, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the appointment.
Kumasi, May 19, GNA – A graduate of Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Mr. Francis Agyei, has been elected President of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) in the Kumasi Metropolis (KMA) for the 2025/2026 service year.
Mr. Agyei secured 210 votes to defeat his contenders, Prince Kwarteng and Emmanuel Akowuah, who garnered 81 and 66 votes, respectively.
In the Vice-Presidential race, Ezekiel Baah emerged victorious with 144 votes, overcoming Dominic Amoah (124 votes) and Edward Boateng (85 votes).
Millicent Bessah Yeboah ran unopposed for the Secretary position and received 334 votes.
For the position of Organising Secretary, Michael Amankwah won with 288 votes, defeating Emmanuel Yeboah, who polled 116.
Faustina Opoku Agyemang was elected Women’s Commissioner with 244 votes, beating Dora Ofori Agyemang, who obtained 104 votes.
Justice Appiah Kubi also triumphed in the Financial Secretary contest with 308 votes, ahead of Daniel Tano’s 36.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) following the declaration of results, Mr. Agyei highlighted the urgent need to address the welfare concerns of service personnel across the country.
He cited unemployment, inappropriate placements, and challenges faced by physically challenged personnel as key issues confronting NASPA members before, during, and after their service year.
Mr. Agyei noted that despite gaining valuable skills and experience during national service, many graduates remained unemployed after the one-year period.
He criticised the practice of assigning graduates to institutions unrelated to their field of study such as business graduates being posted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) which, he said, undermined their professional development and limited future job opportunities.
He also expressed concern over the placement of physically challenged personnel in environments that were inaccessible or unsuitable, such as institutions requiring long walks, stair climbing, or other physically demanding tasks.
Mr. Agyei pledged to collaborate with other NASPA leaders to advocate for policies that address these challenges and improve the overall service experience for all personnel.
Treasury bill faces third consecutive undersubscription
Treasury Bills popularly known as T-Bills has for three weeks now experience major undersubscription prompting many investors to reassess their strategies.
While T-bills have long been regarded as one of the safest and most accessible investment options in Ghana, the recent downturn in returns is raising key questions: Is it still safe to buy T-bills in Ghana? And is it still worth it?
This GhanaWeb Business article highlights the current state of Ghana’s treasury market, the risks and opportunities it presents, and what investors should consider moving forward.
Why are T-bills falling?
According to data and reports from the Bank of Ghana, treasury yields have declined steadily in recent weeks, with the average 91-day and 182-day bill rates falling to around 24% and 26% as of mid-May 2025.
This marks a significant drop from earlier this year when yields hovered closer to 30%.
The main drivers of the decline include
High Investor Demand: Investors are rushing to T-bills for safety and relatively high returns pushing prices up and yields down. When demand is high, the government can offer lower interest rates.
Government Financing Strategy: The government is under less pressure to borrow at high costs due to improved cash flow from domestic revenue and support from the IMF program. This gives it room to lower interest costs.
What are the risks associated?
While treasury bills are among the safest investments available in Ghana, they are not entirely risk-free.
Investors especially those looking to preserve and grow their capital should be aware of the following key risks and considerations;
1. Decline in Yields: One of the most immediate concerns for investors is the steady decline in interest rates. As yields fall, the income potential from T-bills diminishes, particularly for short-term investors who frequently reinvest their matured bills.
2. Currency Depreciation (for Foreign Investors): For non-resident investors or Ghanaians holding wealth in foreign currency, exchange rate fluctuations are a critical factor. If the Ghana cedi depreciates significantly during the investment period, returns may be wiped out when converted back to dollars, euros, or pounds.
While the cedi has shown signs of stabilization in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, it remains vulnerable to external shocks, import pressures, and global interest rate changes making forex risk an important consideration for offshore investors.
What should investors do?
As treasury bill yields continue to trend downwards, investors are advised to protect returns and manage risk amid evolving market conditions.
With that, investors can lock in higher yields if they believe rates will continue to fall.
Also investors must ladder their investment by spreading across different maturities to manage reinvestment risk.
There is a need to diversify yields with low-risk instruments like fixed deposits or money market funds for more flexibility.
Conclusion
Despite falling yields treasury bills remain a safe and stable investment option in Ghana, especially for risk-averse investors looking to preserve capital and earn predictable returns.
Treasury bills continue to offer competitive yields with minimal risk as the 30 percent returns maybe lagging behind.
SP/MA
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Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
King Pee is the manager of late Ghanaian highlife musician Dada KD
The manager of late Ghanaian highlife musician, Dada KD, has revealed that the singer was rushed to three different hospitals before his death, but none of them had doctors available to attend to him.
Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime TV, the artiste’s manager, King Pee, shared the sad events that led up to the passing of Dada KD, whose death was of announced on the night of May 16, 2025.
According to King Pee, time was wasted as they moved from one hospital to another, hoping to get medical attention for the musician, but they were turned away each time due to the absence of doctors.
“Dada KD was rushed to three different hospitals, yet no doctors were available,” he said.
When asked if he could mention the names of the hospitals, King Pee refused, saying he preferred not to.
“I do not want to mention the names of the hospitals, I’m sorry,” he replied.
He further explained that because of the lack of doctors at the initial hospitals, they had to eventually take the artiste to a private hospital in Gbawe, a suburb of Accra.
“These hospitals had no doctors, and that’s how come we ended up at a private hospital in Gbawe,” he added.
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs
In response to the severe flooding that has overwhelmed parts of Accra, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has mobilised its emergency search and rescue teams.
The heavy downpours that struck on Sunday, May 18, left many communities grappling with the aftermath, with NADMO stepping up to provide crucial support.
The disaster management body has said that it is dedicating teams on high alert, ready to assist those in need and mitigate the impacts of this natural disaster.
According to a report by citinewsroom.com, Mohammed Jafaro, Chief Disaster Control Officer at NADMO, explained the urgency of their mission.
“We have activated our emergency search and rescue teams. As I am talking to you now, we have a team at Ashiyie in Adenta,” he said.
Jafaro also detailed the comprehensive approach being taken to address the crisis.
He added that local leaders are spearheading rescue operations, with regional directors actively coordinating efforts in Adenta’s Fulani area.
Another team, he said, has been dispatched to assist the communities of Nana Kurom.
Meanwhile, some key officials, including the Deputy Director General for Operations and the Deputy Director General for Technical Matters at NADMO, have also gotten involved in the field operations.
“The Director General himself is active and monitoring the situation from headquarters,” Jafaro added, emphasising the agency’s hands-on approach during this challenging time.
NADMO has, therefore, urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and exercise caution.
NAD/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Robert Klah given reasons why Charterhouse delayed TGMAs red carpet
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Finance Committee has noted that the presence of its Chairman, Isaac Adongo, on the Bank of Ghana board represents a conflict of interest.
According to them, Standing Order 228(2) of Parliament stipulates that the Finance Committee is mandated to monitor the central bank’s foreign exchange receipts and payments and report to Parliament every six months.
Therefore, its chairman’s presence on the board as well as the committee raises legal and ethical concerns.
“The law provides that the Bank of Ghana must report to the Finance Committee. How can a board member of the same BoG chair that committee?” the statement questioned, referencing a potential breach of the principle of natural justice, nemo judex in causa sua, which means no one should be a judge in their cause,” a statement dated May 16, 2025 was quoted by citinewsroom.com.
The statement, said to have been signed by the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, mentioned Article 184(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which assigns oversight of foreign exchange transactions to the Finance Committee.
They noted that Adongo’s dual role compromises the committee’s independence and constitutes a structural conflict of interest.
Recently, Adongo remarked that the Central Bank was banning Over-The-Counter forex withdrawals, which the bank debunked.
The minority stressed that his current role as a non-executive board member limits his scope of authority.
“Even if the statement is financially prudent, his prescribed responsibility as a non-executive board member is being overstepped,” the statement said.
SSD/MA
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Opposition leader Tundu Lissu appears in court after treason arrest
Tanzania’s main opposition leader Tundu Lissu has appeared in court for the first time since his arrest on treason charges last month, telling his supporters not to fear.
He raised his fist in a gesture of defiance and told his supporters: “You will be fine. You should not fear.”
Tension was high in the country’s biggest city, Dar es Salaam, in the morning, with security officers heavily deployed at the trial magistrate’s court and elsewhere.
But that did not deter his supporters, many of whom gathered outside the court.
The court had previously attempted to conduct hearings virtually, but he and his legal team opposed this, citing the need for transparency and due process.
The Chadema party leader was arrested on 9 April following his rallying call for “no reforms, no election” – telling supporters that the general elections due in October should not go ahead unless there are electoral reforms.
He has since been charged with treason and publishing false information online, which allegedly incited rebellion and accused police of electoral misconduct.
Popular saly mama, Serwaa Broni has resurfaced following the untimely demise of Highlife singer Dada Kwakye Duah, aka Dada KD.
Serwaa Broni has dropped her two cents on the account following the death of Dada KD.
The top slay queen has taken a swipe at legendary musician Daddy Lumba for strangely being certain conversations that have to do with certain individuals who have died – allegedly.
The Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has inaugurated a 13-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBoD), describing the body as a strategic vehicle for achieving effective currency management and bolstering the country’s economic resilience.
Swearing in the members at a brief ceremony, Dr. Forson congratulated the newly constituted board on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on the Board’s mandate.
Nkawie (Ash), May 19, GNA – Mr. Wisdom Osei Boamah, the newly confirmed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya South in the Ashanti Region, has pledged to work closely with community members to advance the development agenda of the Municipality.
Speaking at Nkawie after receiving unanimous confirmation from all 31 Assembly Members, Mr. Boamah emphasised the need for inclusive and community-driven governance.
He called on residents to prepare for broad stakeholder engagement under his leadership aimed at addressing local development needs.
“Let us work together to write a new chapter of progress, peace, and prosperity for our people,” he said.
While acknowledging the poor road network as a major challenge in the Municipality, the MCE noted that other sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture also required urgent intervention.
He stressed the importance of a collective approach, involving chiefs, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders, to find sustainable solutions.
Mr. Boamah expressed gratitude to the Assembly Members and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people in the Municipality.
In a related development, Mr. John Nyamekye, Assembly Member for the Amanchia Electoral Area, was elected as the Presiding Member (PM) of the Assembly, securing 93.7 percent of the votes.
His election comes after two previous unsuccessful attempts.
Mr. Nyamekye thanked the Assembly Members for their support and promised to foster unity among members to drive development across the electoral areas.
Representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Baah Acheamfour, lauded the Assembly Members for their overwhelming endorsement of the two leaders.
He described their confirmation as a sign of respect and support for President John Dramani Mahama and his administration.
Mr. Acheamfour urged continued unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding within the Assembly to ensure effective governance and accelerated development in the Municipality.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has disclosed that approximately 3,000 residents in the Odawna area of Accra were affected by floods following a torrential downpour on Sunday, May 18.
Odawna remains one of the hardest-hit communities, with significant water levels submerging homes, displacing residents, and destroying property.
During an assessment visit to Odawna-Sahara on Monday, May 19, by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Nii Adjei Tawiah, NADMO’s Municipal Coordinator, Hendrick Noble Kinah, confirmed the extent of the damage and emphasised that a full report has been compiled to guide the next steps.
“About 3,000 households have been affected in the Odawna community. We started the assessment yesterday, we went through all the flooded municipal and everything is fine except Odawna, which is flooded and there are problems.
“This time around, we are going to fix it, so we have gathered a report to be taken to the administration and the administration will take it and make sure they deal with it.”
The MCE, addressing the media after the visit, acknowledged the long-standing nature of the issue and stressed the Assembly’s commitment to a permanent solution.
He hinted at exploring the use of internally generated funds to help expand the area’s earth drain and prevent future disasters.
“We have had this challenge over the years. As an Assembly, what we are looking at is to try and fix the challenge and not for us to walk in here every time and sympathise with people, collect refuse and then give them something. It is time for us to look at what we need to do about it, and we have decided to fix this once and for all.”
The “NAM1 court case” refers to the legal proceedings against Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, and his companies, Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Ghana Limited. NAM1, the founder of the defunct gold trading firm Menzgold, faces 39 charges, including selling gold without a license, operating a deposit-taking business, and defrauding by false pretenses.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has clarified that no sector minister has the authority to reduce or remove tariffs on data prices without the involvement of the Minister for Finance and parliamentary approval.
His response came after an X user, @tech_twi, raised concerns about the high cost of mobile data in Ghana, urging government officials to prioritise reducing tariffs, which the user claimed make up over 39% of every data purchase.
“Eyes fixed on the prize is great, but the real prize is affordable data. By your own words, there’s over 39% in tariffs on every data purchase — tariffs that were never passed through Parliament under the previous government. Removing those tariffs will cut data prices before pushing further. But right now, that 39% goes straight into your account using your own words. So the longer you delay, the more you profit. There’s no prize in promising — The true victory lies in eliminating that 39% and still pushing to make data more affordable to the public.”
Responding directly on X, Sam George acknowledged the concern but emphasised the legal and institutional limitations of his office.
“I am impressed with the enthusiasm in your advocacy, but facts remain facts,” he wrote. “No Minister, except the Minister for Finance, through an instrument laid before Parliament, can REMOVE any tax or tariff handle as it affects government revenue.”
He added that tagging him repeatedly on social media would not change the legal reality, stating, “Until we get the Minister for Finance to approve the removal or reduction of sector-specific tariffs, it is all enthusiasm and not facts.”
Despite these constraints, the MP reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to address the cost of data.
He said discussions are underway with the Ministers for Finance and Energy to explore medium-term solutions, while the regulator is expected to roll out short-term policies to provide some immediate relief.
Ghana’s non-traditional exports hit $3.8bn in 2024 despite slight dip
VIVO ENERGY Ghana in commemoration of Safety Day 2025 awarded some hardworking staff, contractors and transporters who over the period have prioritised safety in their operations, contributing to the company’s attainment of the 5,249 Goal Zero days without any significant incident or damage to the environment.
The awards ceremony which was held as part of the launch of this year’s Safety Day programme under the theme, “Growth Mindset: Competent and Committed” witnessed the likes of J.K Horgle Transport and Company Limited winning the coveted Best Haulier of the year 2024.
Ernest Ofoe (SOFT), Swaley Aminu (JKHT), and Micheal Malik Opoku (JKAT) won overall Best Bulk Vehicle Operators, Abubakar Haruna (JKHT), and Osman Adams (JKHT) won the Best Bitumen Bulk Vehicle Operators, while Kaarim Osman (JKHT) won the Best Aviation Bulk Vehicle Operator, and Moses Banor (JKHT), and Richard Nyarko (JKLHT) took the Best Residual Fuel Bulk Vehicle Operators prize.
Frank Quartey (JKHT), Future Faruk Salah (JKAT), and David Owiredu Ampey (SOFT) won Best Back-Office support Staff. Awardees received a certificate of excellence and refrigerators.
For the contractors, the likes of Azmon, BAFA, Foreen, Eureka, Echelon, Flowtech, 2k Construction, and GPS were awarded for attaining green status in the Vivo Energy Ghana (VEGH) contractor greenbanding audits in the past year.
Universal Engineering was awarded for their contribution to VEGH Safety Culture by reporting the most Potential Incident in 2024.
In the staff category, Michael Oppong was honoured for his contribution to VEGH Safety Culture by reporting the most Potential Incident in 2024, Raphael Oduro, and Prince Frimpong took the second and third places respectively for VEGH Safety Culture by reporting the most Potential Incident 2024.
Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Christian Li, emphasised that despite significant investments in safety technologies, human error remains a major contributor to workplace incidents.
Speaking on the company’s efforts to enhance road transport and workplace safety, Mr. Li noted that 80-90% of incidents are attributed to human error, whether due to lack of knowledge or willingness to follow safety protocols.
“We have deployed IVMS (In-Vehicle Monitoring System) in-cab cameras anti-rollover systems, and several other interventions. We have introduced crossover prevention engineering controls; all aimed at making road transport and workplace environments safer,” he mentioned.
Mr. Li, highlighted the significance of a growth mindset in ensuring workplace safety, saying, “this year’s Safety Day theme underscores the importance of having people who are not only competent in their work but also committed to safety protocols.”
He urged employees to recognise the importance of a growth mindset in bridging the gap between having safety systems and being safe.
He indicated that, “by adopting a mindset of continuous learning, growth, and responsible action, employees can contribute to a safer work environment.”
Health, Safety, Security, Environmental and Quality (HSSEQ) manager, Obline Asare also outlined the company’s lineup of implementation and learning schedules in the coming months geared towards enhancing their workers’ knowledge on safety.
He mentioned that from the month of April to December the learning will focus on areas such as Process Safety, Contractors Management, Environmental Management, Road Transport, Retail Security, High Risk Work and CBP’s, Occupation Health, Quality and Product Stewardship.
Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed a firm confidence in the party’s chances of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.
Addressing members of the NPP in London during a meeting with the party’s diaspora branch, Dr Bawumia stated that historical trends in Ghana’s political landscape favour opposition parties.
According to him, it has often been challenging for political parties in Ghana to win national elections with a fresh candidate after a sitting president has served two terms. He cited this pattern as a key factor behind his optimism.
“Our political history suggests that it is very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana… so there is a sense that in 2028 NDC is going to bring a candidate for a first time, I believe we will have an advantage all things being equal over that new candidate coming in 2028,” he said.
He also explained that another key reason he believes the NPP will return to power is that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) may be unable to fulfil the numerous promises it made to Ghanaians before winning the 2024 election.
“In opposition, they made so many promises and told a lot of stories about what they were going to do, and now that they have come into government, they said that when they come, they will reduce the cost of living… prices are rather going up….,” Dr Bawumia noted.
The former Vice President also apologised to members of the party for the NPP’s disappointing performance in the last general elections.
“The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf and on behalf of the party, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the figures right,” he said.
Despite the setback, Dr Bawumia expressed optimism about the future, stating: “I believe that, by the grace of God, if we are given another opportunity, we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons that will guide us forward.”
Following the party’s landslide defeat in the 2024 elections, a 12-member committee led by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, conducted a probe into the causes of the defeat and has presented its findings to the party’s leadership.
However, the party has declined to disclose the contents of the report, arguing that it is not intended for public consumption.
In the elections, the NPP suffered significant losses in the presidential and parliamentary contests.
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.
AGLOW’s activities suggest a movement that goes beyond spiritual fellowship
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership and the current government seem to view AGLOW Movement as harmless, not considering it a significant threat.
However, a closer examination of the movement’s activities, mission, and history reveals a more complex agenda that aligns with the interests of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
It’s time for the NDC to reassess its stance and recognize AGLOW Movement for what it truly is – a movement with significant political implications.
Unpacking AGLOW’s True Nature
AGLOW International’s mission statement and activities suggest a movement that goes beyond spiritual fellowship. With a presence in over 300 fellowships across Ghana, the movement’s goals include:
– Mobilizing millions into a company of warriors and champions
– Establishing powerful Kingdom Communities founded on the fullness of Christ
– Empowering people to develop resources
– Forming apostolic teams that demonstrate the power of Heaven
– Cultivating a worldwide presence that creates an atmosphere of celebration, impartation, and restoration
Evidence of Politicization
Further investigation reveals troubling evidence:
– *Leadership Appointments*: Key leaders of AGLOW Movement have been appointed to various positions under erstwhile Kufuor and Akufo-Addo administrations.
– *Political Ambitions*: These leaders have allegedly used AGLOW as a platform to climb the political ladder, securing appointments and advancing their personal interests.
– *Exploitation of Members*: Gullible individuals, often poor and novice to politics, are being used to further the leaders’ agendas, generating income and securing their own financial futures.
The Politicization of AGLOW: A Concerning Trend
The leadership of AGLOW, particularly Gifty Afenyi Dadzie, has been associated with various positions during Nana Addo’s 8-year administration. This has sparked concerns about the movement’s alleged ties to the NPP and its potential impact on Ghana’s political landscape.
Perceived Connections
The perceived connection between AGLOW’s leadership and the NPP has raised questions about the movement’s true nature and its role in promoting political agendas. Critics argue that AGLOW’s activities and affiliations suggest a calculated effort to influence Ghana’s political landscape in favor of the NPP.
Implications and Concerns
The alleged politicization of AGLOW has significant implications for Ghana’s democracy and the role of spiritual organizations in politics. It raises concerns about:
– The potential exploitation of spiritual organizations for political gain
– The blurring of lines between spiritual and political agendas
– The impact on Ghana’s democratic processes and institutions
– The potential for spiritual organizations to be used as vehicles for political mobilization and manipulation
Lack of Accountability
Furthermore, there are concerns about the lack of accountability within AGLOW, with some questioning the movement’s financial dealings and decision-making processes. The fact that members seem reluctant to hold their leaders accountable for their actions has raised suspicions about the movement’s true intentions.
NPP’s Agenda
It appears that the NPP’s strategy involves forming groups that spread misinformation, utilizing graphic design and messaging to propagate negative narratives. Members and pastors are enlisted to do the dirty work through undisclosed channels. This strategy has been used in the past and is now being employed through social media messaging.
The Need for Action
It’s imperative that we stop this trend before it gains momentum and destroys the minds of people. If action is to be taken, it must be done now. We cannot allow the NPP to exploit spiritual organizations for their political gain, undermining the integrity of our democracy.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
In light of these concerns, it’s essential to promote transparency and accountability in spiritual organizations and their interactions with political entities. This can help ensure that these organizations operate with integrity and in the best interests of their members and the broader community.
Conclusion
The politicization of AGLOW is a concerning trend that warrants closer scrutiny. As Ghanaians, it’s crucial that we demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, whether spiritual or political. By doing so, we can promote a more balanced and equitable political environment that serves the interests of all citizens. It is high time we as members of NDC and Government in power come to a conclusion that AGLOW is Political Movement and not a Fellowship. Ban them or see them as vigilante Group.
Recommendations
To address these concerns, it’s recommended that:
– AGLOW’s leadership provides clarity on their political affiliations and intentions
– The movement’s financial dealings and decision-making processes are made transparent
– Members of AGLOW demand accountability from their leaders
– Ghanaians remain vigilant and critically evaluate the activities of spiritual organizations
By taking these steps, we can ensure that spiritual organizations operate with integrity and serve the best interests of Ghanaians.
General Overseer of Heaven Way Chapel, Evangelist Patricia Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agraada, has made a bold statement of how she commands money from anyone she wants.
In a video making waves on X, shared on May 18, 2025, Agraada who was seen delivering a sermon to her congregation noted that she is blessed with a spiritual oil and soap that gives her the authority to take money from people.
“I have always told you people I have power and grace. God has blessed us with lucky oil, spiritual soap, and cream which I use some. If you use it you have the power to tell anyone you want money from. You can command someone to empty her bank account for you,” she said.
Citing herself as an example, Nana Agraada, said she was able to command money from Sammy Gyamfi due to the spiritual soap and oil she possesses.
“If a pastor tells you she can give you money, let that pastor set an example for you to follow. God I has used Sammy Gyamfi as an example for everyone to know that there is power in this ministry.
“If you are watching me right now and your husband has refused to give you money, come to Heaven Way Chapel and God will use the anointing I possess to bless you,” she added.
Watch the video below:
Evangelist Dr. Patricia Asiamah aka Nana Agraada testified before her congregation, sharing how God has blessed her with a spiritual gift that allows her to command money from anyone she chooses.
According to her, she commands favor through her ‘lucky oil, which is the reason… pic.twitter.com/Qp5KxBp5Nh
Chief Executive Officer of KMA, Richard Ofori Agyemang
The Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori Agyemang, popularly known as King Zuba, has attributed the failure of past decongestion exercises in the Ashanti regional capital to unsustainable enforcement strategies.
In an interview on Joy FM and monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, May 19, 2025, he indicated that the reliance on heavy police deployment could not be maintained over time, as it places a significant financial burden on the assembly.
“Previous decongestion exercises were not sustainable because of the approaches. Now, if we are to deploy about 300 police officers in and get everybody off the pavements, it will come at the cost to the assembly beyond three months when the financing assemblies no longer can accommodate the 300 policemen, so I thought of having a much more sustainable approach,” he noted.
Richard Ofori Agyemang explained that the KMA will deploy a combined team of urban guards, National Security operatives to patrol the cleared areas to ensure free flow of traffic.
“When I took over, there were about six great ladies and officers who were supporting us by leading our urban guards to manage security within the metropolis. I put them together with a team of about two National Security operatives and some city guards. We are patrolling the areas that we have asked the people to leave just so we can have free flow of traffic in the central business districts.
“Those are the ways that we tend to do this decongestion without it biting too much on people who do informal trading activity within the commercial metropolis, and I think we are getting good results,” he added.
The KMA announced a decongestion exercise on Monday, May 5, 2025.
The exercise will involve the demolition of unauthorised structures, and the seizure of goods and items displayed on pavements.
Speaking recently to journalists in Kumasi, the Kumasi Mayor emphasised that the exercise will focus on key areas such as the Kejetia Roundabout, also known as the Otumfuo Roundabout, and the Adehyeman area near the Kumasi Zoo.
“We will ensure that everyone occupying those spaces is removed. Any metallic object placed on the street will be cleared,” he stated.
File photo of Ghanaian economist, Prof Godfred Alufar Bokpin.
Ghanaian economist, Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin, has questioned the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) capacity for the much touted 24-Hour Economy promise to Ghanaians, arguing that it is unrealistic given the ongoing energy sector struggles.
Prof Bokpin noted that the country is already grappling with sustaining a reliable eight-hour energy cycle, making an expansion to a 24-Hour Economy impractical under current conditions.
“You are not even getting power for your eight-hour economy cycle that we are running, and you are talking about a 24-Hour Economy,” he remarked.
According to a report by adomonline.com on May 19, 2025, he identified Ghana’s energy sector as a significant threat to economic stability, pointing to systemic inefficiencies within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), including distribution losses of nearly 40% – a figure that he said is almost three times the global average.
“That is not sustainable. Even at 15%, losses are excessively high. With such inefficiencies, realistic pricing becomes nearly impossible,” he explained.
Prof Bokpin also highlighted collection losses estimated at approximately 15% and criticised the failure of some government ministries, departments, and agencies to pay for electricity usage. He described these technical and financial inefficiencies as major obstacles to progress in the power sector.
He also highlighted public concerns over questionable electricity usage by certain state institutions, stressing the need for greater accountability.
Despite these challenges, political promises continue, often disregarding the structural weaknesses within the sector.
“That’s why I don’t understand the upbeat tone from the government. Here you have a government talking about a 24-Hour Economy, yet we are struggling to run an eight-hour one,” he added.
Prof Bokpin called for private sector involvement in ECG’s distribution and billing processes—not through full privatisation, but by injecting capital and operational efficiency.
“The government can remain the sole shareholder, but we should allow the private sector to participate in power distribution and revenue collection,” he suggested.
He noted that these reforms align with Ghana’s ongoing IMF-supported program, which includes structural targets the government must meet. A cabinet decision on ECG’s future is expected soon.
Prof Bokpin warned that unless the government tackles the underlying challenges in the energy sector, ambitious policy slogans like the 24-hour economy will remain mere rhetoric, lacking practical foundation.
MRA/VPO
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below: