An overview of the Pentagon hostel

Ghana Hostels Limited has come under heavy backlash following the release of its hostel fees for the 2025/2026 academic year for its facilities on the University of Ghana campus.

The price list for its halls, popularly known as the Pentagon Hostels, shows a sharp increase of almost 90% compared to the 2023/2024 academic year.

Despite facing public criticism over similar fee hikes in 2023, the management has once again raised prices for the upcoming academic year.

The document, titled “Approved Hostel Rates for 2025/2026 Academic Year – UG-Legon Facility,” revealed that a 1-in-a-room with air conditioning at New Pent now costs GH¢40,329, up from GH¢24,362 in 2024.

A 1-in-a-room without air conditioning at New Pent has risen to GH¢24,835, from GH¢21,820 in 2024.

The cheapest option listed is a 4-in-a-room at Old Pent, now costing GH¢7,492, up from GH¢4,928 in 2024.

Social media users have widely criticised the hostel management for the steep increases, especially given what many describe as favourable economic conditions.

See the hostel fees for national students below in Ghana cedis

ROOM TYPE APPROVED RATES PER BED(GH¢)

1 IN A ROOM WITH AC = 40,329.00

1 IN A ROOM WITHOUT AC = 24,835.00

2 IN 1 ROOM WITH AC = 21,426.00

2 IN 1 ROOM WITHOUT AC = 17,247.00

4 IN 1 ROOM = 8,976.00

2 IN 1 ROOM WITHOUT AC = 14,363.00

4 IN 1 ROOM = 7,492.00

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📍📍ATTENTION PUBLIC📍📍

The approved rates for residency in the African Union Hall (Pent) for the 2025/2026 academic year have been released.

Stay tuned.✅ pic.twitter.com/rbq5bjfnhe

— 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧 (@Voice_of_Legon) July 17, 2025

40k can rent you a single room self contained at 1K a month for two years,get you an AC and still have some cash left to buy prepaid

— Zizi (@abzyxxyz) July 18, 2025

I wonder why students are charge this much, is it even included tuition fees.

This is extortion and the government isn’t looking at it @samgeorgegh @JDMahama @johndumelo

— khontrol 🇬🇭 (@khontrol_gh) July 18, 2025

On what basis do they increase the price?

Or it’s automatic that the price should increase each year

— JOSHUA ÀTŌM (@JOSHUAATOMGH) July 17, 2025

High prices but poor room condition. This is one of the main problems students are facing and the government need to work on it. @johndumelo @samgeorgegh

— Joewan 1 🇮🇹🇺🇸🇬🇭🇳🇬 (@joewanofficial) July 17, 2025

It’s too much for average Ghanaians, it’s not the well to people children only will get admissions there

— The talkative 🤫🤫👂 (@tahirubonvi) July 18, 2025

SSD/MA

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The 3rd accused, Mildred Donkor, was the director of a company of the Adu Boahenes (pictured)

Mildred Donkor, the third accused in the ongoing GH¢49m National Security trial involving former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu Boahene, has reportedly fired the former Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, from representing her in the case.

According to a report by GHOne, Donkor, who, together with Adu Boahene and two other accused, has been slapped with 11 charges over the alleged transfer of GH¢49 million (approximately $7 million) from the bureau’s account to the former NSB chief’s personal account, said Atta Akyea, who was the lawyer for all the accused persons, should no longer represent her.

She reportedly told court during proceedings on Friday, July 18, 2025, that she wished for a “separate lawyer.”

“I wish to take a separate lawyer!”, the third accused is quoted to have said.

The Office of the Attorney General filed 11 corruption-related charges against Adu Boahene and three other accused persons, the wife of Adu Boahene, Angela Adjei-Boateng; his company, Advantage Solutions Limited; and a banker, Mildred Donkor.

Mildred Donkor is a former UMB Bank relationship officer for the couple and their company, BNC.

Court filings show she also served as a director for Advantage Solutions Limited, which was allegedly used as a holding company to launder the stolen funds.

“The monies which A1 and A2 moved from the National BNC bank account into the Private BNC’s bank account were paid through a complex web of companies, ultimately owned by A4 (Advantage Solutions),” the AG’s court filing states.

Investigations further revealed that the stolen funds were used to acquire properties in Accra, Kumasi, and London, luxury vehicles, and to fund the couple’s lavish lifestyle.

Despite her denials, Donkor was found to be a director in all companies used in the scheme and actively participated in the day-to-day operations.

Mildred Donkor was charged with several counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering.

I wish to take a separate lawyer!… – Mildred Donkor (third accused in Adu-Boahene/NSB trial fires Samuel Atta Akyea in open court)#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork#GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/Y9vRnIPsVs

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) July 18, 2025

BAI/MA

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A youth group, identified itself with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akwatia constituency of the Eastern region, known as the Gallant Patriots, has cautioned the party’s leadership against imposing a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

Addressing a press conference in Akyem Boadua, the group’s convenor, Akonoba Nana Boadu, stressed that any attempt to sidestep an open and democratic selection process could deepen existing cracks within the party. He maintained that such a move could prove detrimental to the NPP’s chances of retaining the seat.

He urged the NPP leadership to allow all eligible and competent members in the Akwatia constituency to contest freely, stating that this approach would not only foster party unity but also enhance their chances of victory.

Boadu warned that if the national executives fail to heed their call and proceed with imposing a candidate, the party risks losing the seat due to widespread discontent and voter apathy among the grassroots.

The Akwatia by-election follows the death of the Member of Parliament for the area, Ernest Kumi, which has rendered the seat vacant, necessitating a fresh contest to elect a new representative.

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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.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA)

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has declared its support for Esports, an online gaming competition in which amateur and professional gamers participate individually or as teams through organised leagues, often with monetary prizes on the line.

The first cited instance of an esports competition was in 1972, when players convened at Sandford University’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, for the intergalactic spacewar Olympics in which they competed for a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.

In light of this, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced its unwavering support for the Ghana Esports Federation (GESF) as the nation’s top esports athletes prepare to compete in the World Phygital Community Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Phygital games combine physical and digital elements, blending real-world activities with digital or virtual components to create hybrid gaming experiences.

The term “phygital” (physical + digital) reflects the integration of tangible, physical interactions with technology-driven gameplay, often leveraging tools like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), sensors, or mobile devices.

The pledge was formally announced during a ceremony on July 16, 2025, where GESF led by President Igor Boumekpo, officially presented the national team to NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

The World Phygital Community Qualifiers, a precursor to the Games of the Future 2025 set for December in Dubai, will feature Ghanaian athletes competing in phygital football and phygital basketball.

These innovative disciplines blend digital gaming with physical sports, showcasing a unique fusion of athleticism and esports expertise.

The qualifiers mark a significant opportunity for Ghana to shine on the global stage, with the national team, including champions After6 FC from the recent Phygital Football Tournament, vying for a spot in the prestigious international event.

During the presentation, Boumekpo expressed gratitude for the NSA’s backing, emphasising the importance of collaboration in elevating Ghana’s esports ecosystem.

“We can’t do without the National Sports Authority’s support,” he stated, highlighting the federation’s commitment to fostering competitive gaming and nurturing young talent.

Director-General Ankrah offered words of encouragement to the athletes, affirming the NSA’s dedication to supporting the growth of esports as a legitimate and impactful sport in Ghana.

The NSA’s pledge includes logistical and strategic support to ensure the team is well-prepared for the international competition.

The GESF, recognised by the NSA in March 2024 as the sole governing body for esports in Ghana, has been making strides in promoting phygital sports.

The federation’s successful organisation of the maiden Phygital Football Tournament in January 2025, which saw After6 FC qualify for the world stage, further highlights Ghana’s growing influence in global esports.

As Ghana prepares for the qualifiers, the NSA’s support signals a broader commitment to integrating esports into the national sports framework.

With a population of over 13 million gamers, Ghana is positioning itself as a potential hub for esports in West Africa, aligning with the GESF’s mission to drive innovation and engagement in the sector.

The upcoming qualifiers in Abu Dhabi represent a pivotal moment for Ghanaian esports, as the nation aims to make its mark in the dynamic world of phygital sports.

ALL/VPO

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President John Dramani Mahama at the AU Congress

President John Dramani Mahama has made a powerful declaration when he presented a progress report in Malabo on the AU’s 2025 Theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”.

He said, “Africa’s call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper, it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity and our unwavering commitment to dignity. As we implement the 2025 theme of the year on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations”, we reaffirm our shared resolve to correct historical wrongs and injustices through restitution, healing and holistic systemic transformation.”

Addressing the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, President Mahama stated that notable progress has been achieved by the AU Commission and member states in implementing the theme.

He expressed particular satisfaction with the recent decision by the Executive Council to extend the focus on reparations for a decade, covering the period from 2026 to 2036.

“This undoubtedly affords us, as a Union, the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realisation of this noble cause, as well as map out well-thought-out strategies to mobilise adequate resources to champion implementation of the theme domestically,” President Mahama stated.

Reparations must shift from public discourse to state policy. Every African government must prioritise reparations as a national project, integrating them into diplomatic agendas and legal frameworks. Collective action through the African Union and other regional bodies will strengthen negotiations, ensuring unified demands.

President Mahama issued a call for global partnership, saying, “We call upon all nations, within and beyond Africa, to partner with us in shaping a more just and equitable world for the sons and daughters of the motherland.”

The Ghanaian President noted the deep connection between reparations and African identity and dignity.

“Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity,” he stated, adding that the movement aims “to speak of history on African terms, of healing deep civilizational wounds and of restoring to African peoples our rightful agency in shaping our past, present and future.”

He underscored the necessity of reparations for African progress and unity, arguing, “We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage.”

Africa’s true independence hinges on securing reparations. Only through reparations can African nations rebuild their economies to a modern, competitive level. These funds would correct centuries of exploitation, enabling sustainable development, infrastructure modernisation, and investment in education and healthcare, key pillars of sovereignty.

The struggle for reparations is arduous, as none of the former colonial powers will willingly agree to pay these substantial sums. Historical injustices have been systematically ignored, and the political will to rectify them remains lacking. Overcoming this resistance requires persistent advocacy and international pressure.

President Mahama stressed the importance of a unified African narrative on the global stage and encouraged robust partnerships, particularly with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Looking ahead, he announced that Ghana and Togo will co-sponsor a high-level event in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025 “to further bolster efforts at achieving the justice and closure which has eluded us for centuries.”

“As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul,” assuring the Union of Ghana’s continued support for this agenda towards “The Africa We Want.”

This is not a request, it is the rightful demand of African nations. We reject handouts and empty humanitarian gestures. What we insist upon is full and comprehensive restitution for centuries of theft, including:

• Financial compensation for generations of forced labour, systemic violence, and stolen resources.

• Technology transfer to bridge industrialisation gaps and empower self-sufficient economies.

• Reparations funds, managed transparently, to allocate resources for reparative justice, including education, cultural restoration, and economic empowerment.

SSD/MA

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Athletes representing Ghana in the CAA U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championship

Some Ghanaian athletes have proceeded to the next stage in their events at the CAA U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championship while others failed.

Moses Mbila, Kwasi Arthur and others made the nation proud by progressing to the next level in the categories.

Men’s Under-18 110m Hurdles

The event was initially scheduled as a straight final, but due to the large number of participants, it was changed to a heat format.

Fortunately, Ghana’s Arthur Mahalaleel Kwasi won his heat with a time of 13.86 seconds and qualified for the final.

Men’s U-20 100m

Moses Mbilla qualified for the men’s U-20 final with a significantly improved time of 10.61 seconds, compared to his heat time of 10.72 seconds.

Unfortunately, Moses missed the podium after finishing 7th with a time of 10.83 seconds.

Women’s U-18 High Jump Final

Janet Dapaah Konadu also missed the podium after placing 6th with a height of 1.70m.

Women’s U-18 100m Final

Darkoah Janet Kwarteng was scheduled to compete in the women’s U-18 final but was unable to participate due to an injury.

Watch as Ghanaians speak out on Thomas Partey’s rape charge, suggest fresh start in Saudi Arabia

SB/VPO

Some of the overgrown weeds in the median of Sofoline to Abuakwa road

THE MEDIAN separating vehicles coming from opposing directions on the Sofoline to Abuakwa road in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, has been overgrown with weeds lately.

The weeds have grown so tall to the extent that some of it are now covering parts of the busy road, a sad development that poses great threat to all road users.

When DAILY GUIDE visited the place last week, it was clearly detected that the weeds, which are meant to help beautify the place, have not been attended to for a long time.

Sadly, instead of helping to make the place look beautiful and send a positive image of the city to the public, the unkempt weeds have rather given a negative image about the city.

Some drivers and pedestrians who were interviewed by the paper, expressed disappointment about how the weeds have been left unattended to.

They particularly lambasted authorities at the Kwadaso and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Assemblies, where the busy road is located, for not working and sleeping on their jobs.

“This is a clear indication that those who are managing the city, especially both the Kwadaso and Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Assemblies are not delivering as expected.

“They have left the weeds in the median to overgrow and dent the image of the city, and this is very unfortunate,” Opanin Yaw Frimpong, a commercial driver, lamented.

Madam Gifty Owusu, a resident of Tanoso in Kumasi, also said the unkempt weeds have the potential of blocking the view of drivers and resulting in a gory vehicle accident.

In this regard, she charged authorities in the two assemblies to wake up and do the right thing in order to prevent a possible road crash, saying “the weeds are an eyesore.”

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi

The Bank of Ghana has stated that confidence in Ghana’s economy is returning as inflation expectations are anchored, and external buffers have strengthened.

This comes after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana held an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, to review recent economic developments ahead of the scheduled 125th MPC meeting later this month.

In a statement issued on Friday, 18th July,  it, however, cautioned that the global economic outlook remains uncertain, with global growth projected to slow to 2.8% in 2025, from 3.3% in 2024, amid tight financial conditions.

According to the MPC, key economic indicators have shown significant progress with headline inflation falling for the sixth consecutive month to 13.7% in June 2025, down sharply from 23.8% in December 2024, reflecting strong disinflation momentum.

It also noted real GDP growth reached 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, with non-oil GDP growth even higher at 6.8%, driven by robust performance in the agriculture and services sectors.

The trade surplus stood at US$5.6 billion and the current account surplus at US$3.4 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to US$1.4 billion and US$283 million in the same period last year

It further noted that Gross international reserves rose to US$11.1 billion, providing 4.8 months of import cover, up from US$8.98 billion at end-2024 and the Ghana cedi has gained 42.6% year-to-date against the US dollar, supported by strong foreign exchange inflows from gold and cocoa exports, remittances, and improved investor sentiment.

The MPC reiterated its commitment to supporting the recovery process without compromising the gains made so far. The next regular MPC meeting will take place from July 28 to 30, 2025, when the official policy rate decision will be announced.

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Beatrice Laryea

Jul – 18 – 2025 , 11:42

1 minute read

The exercise targets both residential and commercial consumers

Correspondence from Bono Region

The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) in the Bono Region has begun a rigorous 12-day revenue mobilisation exercise aimed at recovering an amount of GH¢330 million of unpaid electricity bills from its customers.

The exercise, which targets both residential and commercial consumers, forms part of a broader effort by the company to improve its financial standing, ensure operational sustainability, and maintain a reliable power supply in the region.

The initiative involves disconnections of defaulting customers, on-site bill verification, and public sensitisation on the importance of prompt payment for electricity consumed.

During day one of the exercise in the Dormaa Central Municipality, NEDCo officials disconnected the power supply to the offices of the National Ambulance Service at the Dormaa Ahenkro Bus Terminal, the Ghana National Fire Service facilities at both the terminal and the central location, as well as multiple individual consumers for failing to settle their bills to a tune of GH¢20,337,140.

Ing Eugene Odoi Addo, the Sunyani Area Manager of NEDCo, emphasised the critical importance of the ongoing operation, describing it as a necessary step towards securing the long-term sustainability of the company since the continuous accumulation of unpaid electricity bills poses a serious threat to NEDCo’s ability to operate efficiently.

“We have realised that customers on their own do not want to pay their bills unless they are chased. Occasionally, we do this operation to beef up our collections so we can pay our debtors. In the Sunyani area, our report indicates that our customers owe a total of about GH¢330 million, and this includes governmental and non-governmental agencies.”

The revenue mobilisation exercise is expected to be conducted across all 12 administrative districts within the Bono Region, a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring that no area is left out in the company’s quest to retrieve all outstanding debts.

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By Edward Acquah

Accra, July 18, GNA- Dr Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, has expressed delight over the quality of innovations by Junior High School (JHS) students at the 2025 Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP).

The Minister was particularly excited about the invention of gas leakage detectors by one of the teams that exhibited ingenuity at the GSTEP Exhibition and Awards in Accra.

Dr Apaak said such innovations could be deployed to the market immediately to save lives by reducing fires associated with gas leakage.

The GSTEP encourages and supports JHS students (11-16 years) and teachers to develop practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills and products that benefit local communities.

The competition, which covered Greater Accra, Ashanti said Eastern regions, received 1,500 applications from young innovators, out of which 50 made it to the finals.

Among the innovations were the use of solar to preserve food and dry crops, smart stick and other digital tools designed to ease movement of persons with disability, traffic management system, transformation of waste into power and generation of fertiliser and manure, and gas leakage detector.

The young innovators were tasked to identify problems in their communities and develop solutions to address them sustainably.

Dr Apaak expressed gratitude to the GSTEP for whipping up interest in STEM among students and supporting them to create real life solutions.

He said STEM education was not a luxury but a necessity and appealed to the organisers to extend the programme to the northern sector to discover and train more innovators.

The Technocrats_Innowear were crowned winners of the 2025 GSTEP competition.

TheTechnocrats_SafetySense Engineering won the Best Pitch while the ReadEase won the Most Innovative Idea award.

The Pacesetters won the Best in Applied Sciences and SCI-G emerged the First Runner-Up, followed by Eco-Fuel Agenda who clinched the Second Runner-Up position.

The Outstanding Personalities awards were presented to Queendela Norvisi Djorkoto (Most Outstanding YSG), Michael Mensah (Footprint), Foster Dushie (Most Outstanding Teacher), Frimpong Kwame Manso (Outstanding Business Mentor), and Daniel Etrue (Outstanding Technical Coach).

Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director General, Ghana Education Service, described the innovations as “amazing”, emphasising that STEM education was a critical tool to drive quality education.

“The creativity you have demonstrated shows that age is no barrier to making positive impact,” he said.

Madam Constance Agyemang, Founder of GSTEP, said she was humbled by the potential she saw in the young innovators who had demonstrated the desire to create solutions to address problems in their communities.

She encouraged them to be proud of themselves for their ingenuity and urged those who did not win awards not to be disappointed but endeavour to excel in their endeavours.

GNA

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe

Dr Johnson Asiama is the Governor of the Bank of Ghana

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, says the Emergency Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on July 17, 2025, will not result in any changes to the current policy rate.

Speaking at the ABSA-UPSA Quarterly Banking Roundtable in Accra, he explained that the session was primarily convened to assess current economic conditions ahead of the Committee’s scheduled meeting in the coming days.

“We will rather review some developments in the market ahead of the actual meeting in the next 10 days. Many people thought that we were going to make a policy statement, that will not happen,” he said.

The Bank of Ghana had earlier confirmed that the MPC would convene on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in response to recent economic developments.

The official policy decision is now expected to be announced on Friday, July 18, 2025.

There had been earlier speculation that the Central Bank might cut rates during the emergency session.

However, the Governor’s clarification confirms that no such decision will be made at this stage.‎

‎DR/MA

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