Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters

The Bank of Ghana report has disclosed that in 2024, banks reported a total count of 716 fraud cases.

This indicates a 26% drop from the count of 969 cases in 2023.

According to the report, the downward trend in fraud cases can be attributed to the improvement of internal controls within the banking sector.

The report stated that fraud prevention and detection remain a key element of BoG’s effort in maintaining financial integrity, adding that it is, therefore, mandatory for all banks to report fraud cases to the BoG as and when they occur.

The data obtained from the industry showed improvement within the bank and SDI sectors.

The report also said although banks and SDIs showed a decline in the number of cases reported in 2024, as compared to 2023, the count of fraud in the Payment Service Providers (PSP) sector increased in 2024.

The data also shows a decline in the value at risk of the Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDI) sector in 2024 as compared to 2023.

Overall, the aggregate data collated from the three sub-sectors indicate that the count of fraud cases increased to 16,733 in 2024 from 15,865 in 2023, reflecting a 5% rise.

These cases correspond to a total value at risk of approximately GH¢99 million in 2024 as compared to GH¢88 million in 2023, indicating an increase of 13%.

Analysis of the 2024 data showed notable increases in forgery and manipulation of documents, and impersonation/identity theft.

The data, however, suggested significant decreases in cyber/e-mail fraud, fraudulent withdrawals and cash theft/suppression.

SP/AE

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

Published:
Thursday, 24 April 2025

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) (CAF) and SuperSport have reached an agreement that will see SuperSport broadcasting the CAF African Schools Football Championship, Ghana 2025 Continental Finals that are to be played from 23-26 April, 2025.

Following the finalisation of the agreement, the games will be broadcast in high definition on SuperSport on DStv, the SuperSport Schools App, SABC+ App and CAF’s YouTube channel, CAF TV.

A total of 16 teams – eight each in the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-15 category – will compete for the coveted trophy in the third edition of the competition that was launched in 2022 by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and boosted by a USD 10-million donation from the Motsepe Foundation.

Hosts Ghana will have to navigate their way past Uganda, South Africa and Algeria in Group A of the Boys’ competition, while Group B headlined by defending champions Tanzania, who will face strong competition from Senegal, debutants Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo.

In the Girls’ competition, hosts Ghana headline Group A where they will be against Morocco, Benin and Malawi. Champions South Africa begin their title defence in Group B where they face Uganda, DR Congo and The Gambia.

There is a first prize of USD 300,000 for the continental champions in both the Boys and Girls competitions, while the runners-up receive USD 200,000 and third-place USD 150,000. This prize money is used for legacy projects in schools, including renovations, building libraries, infrastructure development and other community-related developments.

Former Banyana Banyana captain and SuperSport analyst Amanda Dlamini joins the event as one of the ambassadors and mentors. Other ambassadors and mentors include Abedi Pele (Ghana), Robert Kadiaba (DRC), Kareem Haggui (Tunisia), Adjoa Bayor (Ghana) and Clementine Toure (Cote d’Ivoire).

The CAF African Schools Football Championship is a development project founded on the need to create and sustain a continentally competitive schools football competition that encourages young Africans to stay in school and play football.

Since its inception three years ago, almost 2-million Boys and Girls from across the continent have played in the competition at either national, zonal or continental level.

For more on the CAF African Schools Football Championship, visit www.cafonline.com.

Further Enquiries: 

[email protected]

CAF | Communication Department

By Gifty Amofa  

Accra, April 24, GNA – The Police has arrested a suspect for allegedly stealing a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number GS 1845-23, owned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Tarkwa in the Western Region.    

The suspect, Salifu Gariba, was apprehended by officers of the Northern Regional Police Command on April 16, 2025, at Kukobila, along the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway, and the stolen vehicle was recovered.    

A statement from the Public Affairs Directorate, shared with the Ghana News Agency, reported that initial investigations revealed the vehicle was taken on April 15, 2025, from an EPA employee’s residence in Budo City, Tarkwa.  

The statement noted that Gariba was still in police custody and would undergo the necessary legal proceedings. 

GNA 

KAS 

Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

The Ministry of Finance 2024 Annual Report on the Management of Energy Sector Levies and Accounts has revealed that collections under the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) fell short of the revised target by GH¢553.92 million, representing a 6% decline.

According to the report, despite it being an improvement over the 11% shortfall recorded in 2023, the 2024 performance continues a pattern of underperformance, with an 8% gap also recorded in 2022.

The ministry attributed the persistent underperformance to prevailing commercial and technical losses within the energy sector, alongside mounting unpaid invoices by consumers of petroleum and electricity.

These systemic issues, the report noted, continue to undermine the effectiveness of the levy.

In the report, an amount of GH¢9.59 billion was initially projected for collection in 2024.

However, this was revised downward to GH¢9.23 billion in the mid-year review of the budget following a downward adjustment of the non-oil nominal GDP, which in turn affected projections for the Road and Energy Fund Levies.

Despite the underperformance relative to the 2024 revised target, collections still marked a 12.1% increase over the 2023 target of GH¢8.23 billion.

Additionally, actual collections for 2024 closed at GH¢8.67 billion, underscoring the scale of the shortfall and the continuing challenges in the efficient collection and management of energy-related levies.

The report further disclosed that actual lodgments into ESLA accounts lagged behind collections by GH¢ 600.78 million, representing a 7% shortfall of the GHS 8.67 billion target.

Nonetheless the amount lodged exceeded that of 2023 by 17.4%.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson responding to the findings stated that the ESLA performance figures are indicative of deep-seated challenges in the energy sector, which if unaddressed, pose broader macroeconomic risks.

“The updates on ESLA performance in the 2024 report are only a symptom of widespread malaise in the energy sector and the attendant risks it poses to the entire economy. What I know is that we can work harder and together to enable ESLA to fully achieve its purpose and advance energy security,” he said.

SP/AE

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

By Gifty Amofa  

Accra, April 24, GNA – The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has refuted viral media reports claiming police officers were detained for allegedly arresting a judge over a traffic offence.    

“The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has sighted some media reports falsely claiming that some Police officers were detained for arresting a judge for a traffic offence.  

“We wish to categorically state that the claim is not just false but is baseless and without merit,” a statement issued by the CID said.  

The CID explained that on April 7, 2025, it received a petition from a Circuit Court Judge alleging that four officers from the Adenta Divisional Police Command, led by Inspector Godwin Dey, harassed her, assaulted her court clerk, and wrongfully towed her vehicle from the Adenta Court Complex to the Adenta Police Station.    

“She further noted that though a formal complaint was lodged at the Adenta Divisional Command she had not yet received a response.”    

The statement said the CID launched an investigation and invited Inspector Dey, Inspector Francis Adjei, General Sergeant Dasebre Oti Boateng, and General Corporal Jonah Ajubulisa to headquarters to provide their accounts.    

It clarified that the officers left immediately after their statements were taken.    

“At no point were the officers detained as has been falsely reported,” it stated.    

“We therefore urge the public to disregard the publication and treat it as false and without any basis.”    

The Police Administration assured that investigations would continue in line with established procedures.    

“We would like to assure the general public that, whereas the Police Administration will stand-by its officers who follow the rules in the discharge of their lawful duties, any reported incidents of misconduct by officers towards members of the public will be promptly investigated and the necessary actions taken.” 

GNA 

KAS 

The Member of Parliament for Offinso North Constituency, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, has delivered on a key promise to his constituents with the commissioning of a new FIFA-standard Astro Turf at Akumadan, which hosted the 2025 edition of the annual Anidaso Easter gala.

The four-day football tournament, which took place from Good Friday to Easter Monday, saw enthusiastic participation from fourteen male and five female teams drawn from five zones within the constituency—Akumadan, Afrancho, Nkenkensu, Daaso-Nkwaakwaa, and Nsenu.

This year’s event marked a significant improvement over previous editions, having moved from the rough terrain of Lions Park to the newly constructed Akumadan Lions Astro Turf. The facility, equipped with floodlights, VAR technology, and other modern features, allowed matches to continue into the night and was lauded for its professional standard.

Addressing a large crowd at the opening of the gala, Dr. Asamoah said the initiative was aimed at driving development and youth empowerment through sports.

He emphasised the constituency’s potential to produce football talent and expressed optimism about the new facility’s role in nurturing athletes who can compete on both local and international stages.

“In the next five years, we must produce quality footballers who can compete well in both local and international leagues. Our new Astro Turf could also host international competitions,” the MP stated.

Akumadan Faith Young Boys and Akumadan Ladies emerged as champions in the male and female categories, respectively. The winning teams received cash prizes, trophies, and medals, with other outstanding teams and individual players also rewarded for their performance.

The 2025 Anidaso Easter Gala was widely praised for its organization, competitive spirit, and its role in uniting communities across the Offinso North Constituency.

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.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem

Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on ECOWAS member states to renew their commitment to the regional bloc’s founding vision as the organisation marks its 50th anniversary.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the opening of the special ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Accra on Monday, Ampem, who represented the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, underscored the critical need for collective action to tackle the pressing economic challenges facing West Africa.

“As we celebrate 50 years of ECOWAS, we must look ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and unity,” he said.

“Ghana remains firmly committed to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and shared development,” he added.

The two-day meeting, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, marks the official launch of a series of events celebrating ECOWAS’ five decades of fostering cooperation and driving progress across the region.

Ampem lauded the organization’s resilience and leadership over the years, noting its pivotal role in fostering economic and political stability.

He urged member countries to build on this legacy and intensify efforts to meet the aspirations of the region’s people.

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

Ghana is set to begin issuing chip-embedded passports from Monday, 28th April 2025, as part of major reforms in the country’s passport administration, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Originally launched on 2nd December 2024, the upgraded e-passports feature advanced biometric capabilities and are aimed at strengthening travel document security.

Each passport contains a microchip that securely stores the bearer’s biometric and photographic details, alongside multiple anti-fraud safeguards, both visible and concealed.

These new electronic passports will replace the existing biometric ones and are designed to align with international standards.

However, they also celebrate Ghana’s heritage by incorporating traditional Adinkra symbols, including Fawohodie (symbolising freedom and independence) and Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (representing democracy and cooperation).

Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, 23rd April, Mr Ablakwa stated: “The new passports are part of our wider reform strategy to boost security, end the era of middlemen, and enhance transparency throughout the application process.”

As part of a broader 2025 reform package, the Ministry will also introduce round-the-clock passport processing, home delivery services, an electronic tracking system, and a 30% reduction in application fees.

“We are committed to providing a seamless, citizen-centred passport service that is free from third-party interference,” Mr Ablakwa affirmed.

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.

File photo of a Ghanaian passport

Ghana is to introduce chip-embedded passports in the second quarter of 2024, and gradually phase out the current biometric passport.

The chip-embedded passports are to be linked to the national identification. The biometric information on the chip can be used to authenticate the identity of the passport holder.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, who revealed the timelines noted that the planned shift from the current biometric to chip-embedded passports is a key requirement of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the UN agency in-charge of civil aviation.

“We are at the moment using biometric but we want to upgrade to chip-embedded. Moving from the biometric to the chip-embedded is a requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. It is asking all countries who are on biometric to upgrade to the chip-embedded passport,” Ampratwum-Sarpong said.

Security wise, he indicated that the chip-embedded passport will make it nearly impossible for non-Ghanaian and fraudsters to acquire the document.

“Since a passport is a serious security document that needs not be tampered with or abused, moving from biometric to chip embedded is for our security and to also make life easier and better for all of us. We are modernized, we are moving digitalization. Chip-embedded is an upgrade on digitalization so we have to get there and be one of the leading lights,” he added.

This article was first published on February 23, 2024 by aviationghana.com

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability in Bawku, following the resurgence of violence in the area.

During a working visit, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, issued a strong statement condemning recent attacks, including those that have targeted security personnel deployed in the conflict zone.

Over the past few months, the conflict in Bawku has escalated and begun to spread into surrounding areas, resulting in a series of indiscriminate killings and increased insecurity. The GAF described these acts as “cowardly” and vowed to respond with full force against those responsible.

“The Ghana Armed Forces will leave no stone unturned in coming after armed elements destabilizing Bawku,” Major General Gbetanu warned.

He emphasized that any attacks on civilians or security forces would be treated as acts of extremism and met with decisive military action.

The GAF announced that it is working closely with other security agencies to intensify operations in the municipality. These efforts include enforcement of the existing curfew, routine and special patrols, the protection of strategic installations, and targeted operations, which have already led to arrests and the seizure of illegal weapons and ammunition.

“The underlying issues fueling the conflict in Bawku are deep-rooted and complex, but violence is not the answer,” Major General Gbetanu said. “We continue to engage key community leaders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect as the only sustainable path to peace.”

He further issued a stern warning to individuals inciting violence in the area, stating that their actions will not go unpunished.

“We will not relent in our efforts to create an environment conducive to peace and security. Let me, however, serve a word of caution to all—especially those fomenting the trouble in Bawku—that their days are numbered,” he declared.

He concluded with a powerful message: “The future does not lie in bloodshed, but in building, learning, and growing your country. Choose unity over division, and peace over destruction.”

Major General Gbetanu also commended the bravery and professionalism of the security personnel serving in Bawku under extremely challenging conditions. He assured them of continued logistical support from the Armed Forces to bolster their peacekeeping efforts.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.34 and a selling price of GH¢15.35 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢20.34 and sold at GH¢20.36, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢17.41 and a selling price of GH¢17.42.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 24, 2025, at 08:30 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.95 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢21.20 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

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

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below:

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah 

Accra, April 23, GNÀ–Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party, has called for unity within the Party as he embarks on a nationwide ‘Thank You’ tour on Saturday, April 26. 

The tour will start from the Western Region and end in the Central Region to thank the electorate for their support during the last general elections. 

He said despite the Party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, it was important to thank God because whatever happened had good purpose for humanity. 

Former Vice President Bawumia, on Wednesday, April 23, engaged party officers and staff at the NPP headquarters at Asylum Down, Accra, to thank them for smoothly running the day-to-day activities of the party. 

“Unity is key in everything we do. We must build a strong party machinery that can win the next general elections. If you win the party primary and fail the general elections, it is nothing. United we stand, divided we fall, so, let us unite the rank and file of the party to take up the mantle of leadership of the country in 2028,” Dr Bawumia stated. 

In that regard, Dr Bawumia had invited former presidential aspirants of the NPP to join him in the nationwide thank you tour as a sign of unity. 

Dr Bawumia also debunked claims that he lost the 2024 general elections because of his religious faith as a Muslim, noting that all the research conducted to ascertain his loss ruled out religion and tribe as factors that caused his defeat. 

“No religion or tribe is a factor for my defeat those saying I lost because am a Muslim is just propaganda,” Dr Bawumia emphasised. 

He believed the party lost the 2024 polls because the Party supporters did not vote. 

“Statistics showed that 2.1 million of our supporters did not come out to vote for us while John Mahama increased his votes by 150,000,”he explained. 

“So, our defeat is internal and re-building the party we need unity to win the next general elections,” he added. 

Mr Justin Koduah Frimpong, the General Secretary of NPP, on behalf of the Party executives, apologised to the rank and file of the party for its defeat in the 2024 polls. 

“We’re sorry for disappointing you,” he said, and promised to implement all the recommendations in Professor Mike Oquaye’s Fact-Finding Report to ensure victory in the next general elections. 

Mr Stephen Ayensu Ntim, the National Chairperson, NPP, urged the rank and file of the party to develop a “never say die” attitude and remain resolute to re-capture power in 2028. 

“Let’s encourage ourselves and behave as if nothing happened and fight hard to take up the mantle of leadership of the country in 2028,” he assured the party supporters. 

GNA 

KOA 

The newly appointed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Builsa North in the Upper East region, Mr. Solomon Akogti Ansoabayie, officially assumed office on 23rd April 2025.

In his inaugural address to the assembly’s staff, Mr. Ansoabayie pledged to work collaboratively with them to foster development within the municipality.

He emphasised the importance of teamwork, stating that collective efforts would be crucial in achieving the assembly’s goals.

Mr. Ansoabayie also thanked President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the municipality.

The MCE stressed the need for unity among workers to accomplish the assembly’s objectives. He reaffirmed his commitment to driving development in key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Additionally,

Mr. Ansoabayie assured the workers of his administration’s dedication to improving service delivery, ensuring that the assembly’s services effectively meet the local community’s needs.

In his welcome address, the Coordinating Director of the Assembly, Mr. Godfred Bamba, assured the MCE of the assembly’s full support and cooperation.

He also highlighted both the strengths and challenges of the assembly, offering valuable insights into areas that require attention.

Mr. Ansoabayie’s assumption of office comes at a time when the municipality is eager to address its development needs.

As the MCE settles into his new role, residents are hopeful for improvements in living standards and enhanced local governance.

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.

Stack of newspapers | File photo

Below are some of today’s major news headlines:

DAILY GRPAHIC

At IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings: Africa calls for debt restructuring

GJA demands reconstitution of NMC board

Government Gold Fields reach an agreement

THE GHANAIN TIMES

Newborns to receive hepatitis B vaccination

13 perish, others injured in gory accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway

Researchers, policymakers discuss strengthening health systems in Africa

DAILY GUIDE

I didn’t lose over Muslim faith – Bawumia

Mahama sacks TTH CEO, Dr Abdulai Acting

New MMDCEs list out

THE NEW CRUSADING GUIDE

Govt initiates exit plan with Goldfields

Bawumia endorses Prof Ocquaye’s report

CJ rejects misconduct allegations