The launch of the One Million Coders Program is currently underway at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, Accra.
The program aims to provide participants with essential skills in coding, data science, and digital entrepreneurship.
According to the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to digital transformation, youth empowerment, and job creation within the tech sector.
The pilot phase of the program will be rolled out in four key regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, and Upper East. It targets a diverse group of learners and lays the foundation for nationwide expansion.
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to grace the occasion.
Media personality and socialite, Efia Odo, has shared her thoughts on the ongoing conversation about body enhancement among women, emphasising that true self-worth cannot be found through plastic surgery.
In a post on X, Efia Odo encouraged her followers to seek inner validation through Christ instead of relying on external changes to boost confidence.
“Plastic surgery doesn’t fix insecurities. You must be self-validated within. Nothing outside of you can save you apart from being in Christ, because that’s your true self. Christ is not a religion; it’s one’s true self,” she wrote.
Her comments come after Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, had said she would giving birth to more babies than going under the knife for cosmetic procedures.
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of an injunction application challenging the procedure initiated by President John Dramani Mahama that could lead to the potential removal of Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
The court’s decision to push the hearing to May 6 follows an application filed by legal representatives seeking to block the ongoing process.
Member of Parliament for Tafo in the Ashanti region, Vincent Ekow Assafuah on March 27, 2025, sued the Attorney General over what he describes as constitutional breaches committed by the president when he referred three separate petitions asking for the removal of the Chief Justice from office to the Council of State without notifying the Chief Justice.
Wednesday’s session saw a number of high-profile legal figures present at the court, including the Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine and former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
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.
The Paramount Chief of Kwahu Traditional Area, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, has called on the public, especially investors visiting the area during the Easter festivities to utilise and harness the numerous investment opportunities in the area.
According to him, apart from the variety of activities including paragliding, hiking, carnivals, street jams among others that are held for revellers, investors could harness the vast ecotourism opportunities in the area.
“I don’t believe ‘Kwahu ooo, Kwahu’ should end when Easter festivities end. Many people across the globe including Ghanaians fly to Dubai throughout the year to experience paragliding”
“All the beautiful things in Kwahu aside from the paragliding cannot be experienced only once a year. Entrepreneurs should utilise the economic opportunities that abound in Kwahu,” he added.
The paramount chief further stated that the location and resources available makes the town an ideal place for tourists, however, an area such as paragliding could be held throughout the year.
Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, also expressed the Paramountcy’s readiness to provide the necessary support for the government to ensure that the 24-hour economy also thrives well in the tourism sector particular at Kwahu with immense tourism potential.
He indicated that to achieve the objective of making Kwahu a number one tourism destination for people across the globe, his office has engaged the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to properly outline the tourism investment opportunities in the area to appeal to investors.
“I have engaged the GTA to support my agenda to showcase the beauty, health benefits, and historic sites of our environment among others to the world,” he added.
Once known for its calm and close-knit atmosphere, the Haatso Atomic Gate community in Accra has watched its peace slowly fade. In 2017, the arrival of Transitions Funeral Home brought with it growing unease—one that would soon become daily distress.
For years, residents say they’ve lived with the unbearable: foul smells, constant noise, and what they suspect to be environmental contamination.
While Ghana is considered a polarised nations, many of the personalities in the political space may not have always been on the side of the divide they currently are from the very onset.
And for various reasons, for instance, some political watchers were perplexed by the move by NPP stalwart, Alan Kyerematen, in 2023, with the support of others like Hopeson Adorye, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, and others, to defect.
Yet, that trend did not start with them, and it surely may not be stopping there.
Speaking in a recent interview on Metro TV on April 14, 2025, popular NPP member, Prof Amoako Baah, declared his intention to break away from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with some other members.
He disclosed that with those members, they hope to constitute a new party called the New Patriotic Front (NPF).
The political lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) cited incompetence and selfishness as the cause of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) abysmal performance in the 2024 Election.
With this latest development, it begs the question about the endless list of politicians who have broken away from parties to either form new political movements, or to join other opposition parties.
Worth noting, some of these people too eventually returned to where it all started for them.
It is on the back this recent development that GhanaWeb has compiled a list of politicians who made the news with unexpected moves from their political parties in recent years.
Below are some of these politicians who defected to other political parties:
Alan Kyerematen
The most recent account of major political breakaways occurred on September 25, 2023, when Alan Kyerematen, then flagbearer candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 Election, declared his intentions to run as an independent candidate.
This move marked the second time he left the NPP.
In 2008, the popular politician resigned from the NPP after losing the flagbearer race to former President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo.
He, however, rejoined the NPP after a meeting with the leadership of the party a few months after his resignation.
He bounced back strongly under the campaign name ‘Alan Cash,’ but, unfortunately, when he made the attempt again in 2023, he came in third in the first round of polls to select the final five people to contest the New Patriotic Primary to elect a flagbearer.
Alan Kyerematen was a pivotal member of the NPP, serving in various capacities including the Minister of Trade and Industry, before he resigned from the role on September 25, 2023.
Following his exit from the party in 2023, he run as an independent candidate under the Movement for Change, a political group he founded himself, in the 2024 Election.
Charles Wereko Brobbey
Charles Wereko Brobbey, otherwise known as ‘Tarzan,’ was a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He, however, resigned after losing out on the flagbearer position to John Agyekum Kufuor in 1996.
He went on to form the United Ghana Movement (UGM), and ran for president in 1996, but was unsuccessful.
He later returned to the NPP in 2012, but was later suspended from the party for being too critical.
Hassan Ayariga
Hassan Ayariga was elected the flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC) in 2012.
In 2016, he lost out as the presidential candidate and subsequently left the PNC to form his own party called the All People’s Congress (APC).
Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom
Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, a staunch member of the Convention People Party (CPP), became its flagbearer during the 2008 Election.
He too later resigned from the CPP and formed a new political party – the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), which he led to the 2012 polls.
Papa Kwesi Nduom contested again in 2016 on the ticket of his party but was unsuccessful.
Augustus Goosie Oboadum Tanoh
Augustus Goosie Tanoh left the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after losing his bid to become the party’s flagbearer in the 1996 Election.
Though Goosie Tanoh became a presidential candidate of the National Reform Party (NRP), a break away party from the NDC in the 2000 Election, it did not win him the election.
He rejoined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the late John Evans Atta Mills in 2007 and contested the presidential primary of the party in 2018, but again lost.
Dr Obed Asamoah
Dr Obed Asamoah was a key player in the founding of the NDC.
He was accused of some impropriety which led to his resignation from the party in 2006.
He consequently formed a new political party called the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) but rejoined the NDC in 2018.
Bede Anwataazumo Ziedeng
Bede Ziedeng is one of the notable politicians who left the NDC to join the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) founded by Dr Obed Asamoah in 2006.
In 2008, Bede Ziedeng contested the Lawra-Nandom parliamentary election on the ticket of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), but lost to Ambrose Dery of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He served as the General Secretary of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) in 2006.
He later contested in the 2016 parliamentary election and lost again.
Bede Ziedeng returned to the NDC and contested in 2020 and won his parliamentary seat to become the MP for Lawra Constituency and has since held the position.
Former Vice President Ekow Nkensen Arkaah
Late former Vice President Ekow Nkensen Arkaah, originally from the National Convention Party (NCP), formed an alliance with the NDC in 1992.
Arkaah, who was then the presidential candidate of the NCP, became the vice president under Jerry John Rawlings in 1993.
He, however, left the NDC after some misunderstanding.
Ahead of the 1996 general elections, his former party NCP was renamed the People’s Convention Party (PCP).
He subsequently joined the New Patriotic Party (NPP), becoming the running mate to John Agyekum Kufuor.
Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings
Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, founded the National Democratic Party (NDP).
Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings was very instrumental in her leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement group; a women empowerment wing of the NDC.
She contested the then president, the late John Evans Atta Mills, in 2011 for the flagbearer position but lost.
She then left the party to form the NDP in 2012.
She contested on the ticket of the NDP in the 2016 and 2020 elections, but was unsuccessful in either of them.
Frederick Worsemao Armah Blay
The former National Chairman of the NPP, Freddie Blay, switched camps from the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Freddie Blay was the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle constituency in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th parliaments of the 4th republic of Ghana, on the ticket of the Convention Peoples’ Party (CPP).
He lost his seat in the general elections held on December 7, 2008, to Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
He resigned from the CPP to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after being criticised by some CPP stalwarts for not campaigning for the then flagbearer, Paa Kwesi Nduom, but instead endorsed Nana Akufo-Addo, who was then the NPP presidential candidate.
Freddie Blay stood for the post of Vice Chairman of the NPP after his defection from the CPP in April 2014.
After the party expelled its National Chairman, Paul Afoko, the NPP engaged him in the interim as the acting chairman of the party.
Freddie Blay was later elected as the substantive chairman of the party at a national conference at Koforidua in July 2018.
Freddie Blay held this position of NPP National Chairman until he was succeeded by Stephen Ntim in 2022.
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
My husband’s mother has been sick for over a year now.
She is suffering from an illness which requires surgery, and the doctors are demanding for GH₵450,000.
We are supposed to pay all the money before the surgery can be done.
My husband has two other siblings, but he is the only one doing well for himself so he is solely responsible for his mother’s medical expenses.
He doesn’t even have up to the amount needed. He said he has about GH₵300,000 and I can add up to it for the surgery but I feel it would be waste of money.
His mother is 71 years old.
He can spend this huge money on her and she will still die tomorrow, nobody knows.
Aside that, he is solely handling all the expenses which I’m not happy because his brothers can at least bring something. They’re in their late 20s so why can’t they?
I have been thinking and discouraging my husband not to spend all his savings on his mother.
We are likely to come to nothing if he wastes all the money on her. What would happen if she dies after?
We would be needing money for her funeral. I’ve decided not to give him the rest of the money to add but he is asking me to give him as loan.
We were hoping to travel with this money and we wanted to give ourselves a good life.
Investing all that into an old woman is a bad investment, in my opinion.
I suggested that, he should keep managing his mother until she passes on. My husband thinks I’m saying this because his mother isn’t mine but I will do same if it was my mother.
Imagine working so hard and saving so much just to spend on someone who would likely not be alive in the next 5 years, even if the surgery should be successful.
We have a whole future ahead of us. I’m not yet 30 and my husband is 37. Am I being unreasonable here? He wants to get a loan elsewhere and invest in his sick mother.
This is getting me worried, we’re always having issues because of this situation. We were so happy together until this came up.
He doesn’t want to accept the fact I’m telling him the truth. How would I convince him better? What should I do now?
Two people have been arrested at Ghana’s border with Togo at Aflao, attempting to traffic ammunition to Lomé through an unapproved route.
According to a post shared on Facebook by the Small Arms Commission on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the suspects were attempting to smuggle 29 packs of AAA Redstar shotgun cartridges from Aflao to Lomé.
The commission indicated that it intercepted the ammunition in a joint operation with the Ghana Police Service, the Customs Division of the GRA, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Defence Intelligence of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
It stated that the ammunition was acquired by the suspects in Accra from a dealer who sold the ammunition beyond the legally mandated level.
“Investigations revealed that the ammunition, concealed in sacks alongside clothing, was purchased from a licensed arms and ammunition dealer based in Accra, who was found to be non-compliant with regulatory guidelines and had sold quantities exceeding the legally permitted limit,” the commission wrote on Facebook.
It added, “The suspects have since been remanded by the Denu-Torkor Circuit Court, and further investigations are ongoing.”
It went on to caution dealers against the sale of guns and ammunition beyond the legally permitted levels.
“The Small Arms Commission calls on all licensed arms and ammunition dealers to strictly comply with the regulations governing their operations, as adherence to these regulations is critical in preventing the diversion of arms and ammunition, which could fuel organised crime and conflicts.
“Our efforts depend on the valuable information provided by the public. If you witness anything suspicious or have any information regarding arms, speak up and help protect our nation,” they added.
Read the post below:
BAI/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
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¢15.51 and a selling price of GH¢15.52 to a dollar.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢20.52 and sold at GH¢20.54, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢17.54 and a selling price of GH¢17.56.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business on April 16, 2025, at 08:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢16.05 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢21.10 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.
Kofi Adams is the Minister of Sports and Recreation
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has established that the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) executives are not the root cause of the huge challenges facing the organisation.
He explained that after identifying the real problems, he will collaborate with GFA officials to resolve them.
However, if those involved fail to show commitment, he will take them on.
The Member of Parliament for Buem constituency stated that he will do his best to fix GFA’s problems but cannot dismiss the officials since they have already been elected to office.
“Being antagonistic should be the last thing. You must adapt as a leader. I see problems, but I don’t see human beings as the problems. The first thing I’d do is identify the problem and make it clear that we must solve it.
“But if you become an obstacle to solving the problem, then you become a problem. In that case, we can deal with you as a problem. I don’t see the federation as the issue, especially since I didn’t elect them and can’t change them. They have their constitution and processes for electing leaders,” Kofi Adams stated on Channel One TV.
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to ensure the GFA’s transparency in dealings, particularly in monetary terms.
Watch Kofi Adams’ remarks below:
‘Being antagonistic should be the last thing you must adapt as a leader. I see problems, but I don’t see the human beings as the problem. But where you continue to become an obstacle to solving the problem, then I will deal with you as the problem!’
US pastor Josh Sullivan has been found unharmed following a dramatic rescue
An American pastor who was kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa last week has been rescued following a “high-intensity shoot-out” that left three people dead, police say.
Josh Sullivan was found unharmed in the township in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday evening – the area where the 45-year-old was snatched from last Thursday.
There were no immediate details on the kidnappers who are suspected of having been familiar with the family’s movements.
Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in kidnappings for ransom in South Africa.
Mr Sullivan’s kidnappers had made a ransom demand, prompting the intervention of South Africa’s elite police unit, known as the Hawks.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the Hawks said that Sullivan had been rescued following “verified intelligence wherein a coordinated team… moved swiftly to the identified location”.
Hawks spokesperson Avele Fumba said that as the officers approached the house, the suspects attempted to flee inside a vehicle, while opening fire.
“The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded,” Mr Fumba said.
Mr Sullivan’s family and friends had made impassioned pleas for his safe return since his abduction.
Jeremy Hall, the Sullivan family’s spokesman, told local newspaper TimesLIVE that he was at the church with his wife and their children when he was kidnapped.
“They knew his name,” he said at the time.
Mr Sullivan describes himself as “a church planting missionary” on his personal website.
On it, he says he moved to South Africa with his wife and children in 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking people.
The Timeless Allure of Straight Gowns for Married Women
News Hub Creator34min
Straight gowns have remained a staple in the wardrobes of married women for generations because their simplicity exudes effortless elegance. The clean, vertical lines of these gowns create a flattering silhouette that enhances the natural grace of the wearer, making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Since they lack excessive embellishments, straight gowns emphasize sophistication without overwhelming the senses, allowing the wearer’s personality to shine through. Their versatility ensures they can be styled in countless ways, whether paired with delicate jewelry for a refined look or layered with a statement jacket for added drama. The timeless nature of straight gowns means they never go out of fashion, offering married women a reliable option for events where poise and maturity are desired.
The understated design also makes them adaptable to various fabrics, from flowing chiffon to structured satin, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style. Many married women appreciate the ease of movement these gowns provide, as they allow for both confidence and comfort during long gatherings. The neutral color palettes often associated with straight gowns make them easy to accessorize, enabling seamless transitions from daytime functions to evening affairs. Unlike more elaborate designs, straight gowns require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for women balancing multiple responsibilities. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to convey dignity and refinement without demanding attention, aligning perfectly with the poised demeanor many married women embody. As fashion trends evolve, the straight gown remains a steadfast favorite, proving that true elegance is timeless.
The rift within the famous Okoye family of the P-Square music group has escalated, as Peter Okoye has testified against his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, in an ongoing ₦1.38 billion fraud trial.
Appearing before Justice A. Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Peter, through his lawyer Afolabi I., accused Jude and his company, Northside Limited of mismanaging group finances and withholding crucial information regarding revenue generated by the group.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Jude is facing a seven-count charge of money laundering and fraud. One charge alleges the unlawful acquisition of property worth ₦850 million in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, believed to be funded through illicit means. Jude pleaded not guilty upon arraignment in February 2025.
Testifying in court, Peter recounted how Jude was the sole signatory to P-Square’s bank accounts and often withheld financial information, especially during the group’s split in 2017. He explained that issues began when Jude stopped funding his building project without explanation, leading him to seek legal advice.
Peter also testified that Jude allegedly refused to provide backend access to music royalties and financial statements, prompting him to investigate further. He later discovered that Jude and his wife owned a separate company, Northside Limited, which was handling P-Square’s royalties without his knowledge.
Despite efforts to resolve the matter privately, Peter said he received little cooperation from Jude or their brother Paul. This prompted him to file a formal complaint with the EFCC.
The case continues, as the court is expected to hear more testimonies and examine financial records in the coming weeks.
Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku addressing the media at Miklin Hotel
The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in Parliament has described the government’s refusal to increase the producer price of cocoa as a stab in the back of cocoa farmers and in sharp contrast to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) manifesto promise.
They also called on the government to put an end to the excuses and increase the producer price of cocoa to benefit cocoa farmers.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), in a recent statement, attributed the inability to adjust the cocoa price to the absence of a Board of Directors and a Producer Price Review Committee.
During a press conference in Kumasi, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, the Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, expressed disappointment with the government for not adjusting the price for the 2024/2025 season.
On page 43 of the NDC’s 2024 campaign promise, it stated that, “the NDC government will ensure regular price increments depending in line with world market trends.”
According to the Minority, cocoa farmers believed in the promises made by the NDC and voted overwhelmingly to bring them into power, hence called on the government to stop the numerous excuses and honour its promise to increase the producer price.
Addressing the media in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital on Monday, April 14, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, Member of Parliament (MP) for Offinso South, urged the government to immediately honour its pledge and pay farmers the promised 70% of the world market price.
The Offinso South legislator stated that the recent price hike in Cote d’Ivoire has created a significant disparity that threatens to exacerbate cocoa smuggling across the border.
He added that the Ivorian government’s decision to increase cocoa prices from 1,800 CFA to 2,200 CFA per kilo, representing a substantial 22.24% rise, has widened the price gap between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
“At the current exchange rate, Ivorian farmers are now receiving the equivalent of GH¢3,635 per 64kg of cocoa, a staggering GH¢535 more than Ghana. This stark difference presents an irresistible incentive for smugglers to divert Ghanaian cocoa across the border, potentially leading to a mass exodus of our prized light crop beans from the border regions, particularly Western South, Western North and Brong Ahafo,” he stated.
The Minority Caucus also admonished the government not to hide behind COCOBOD debt and deny farmers their legitimate share of the FOB for their toil, pointing out that COCOBOD has the economic size and the financial capacity to pay whatever debt it owes.
Dr. Opoku disclosed that, as at February 2025, cocoa purchased and taken over by COCOBOD was more than 560,000 tonnes. This, he added, is close to $3.0 billion (GH¢45.0 billion) based on the achieved average FOB price and cashflow in just five months within the 2024/25 crop year beginning from October 2024.
He added that the new financing model introduced by the erstwhile NPP administration has further strengthened the financial capability of COCOBOD. “For the first time in 32 years, COCOBOD did not go for the annual syndication loan to finance the 2024/25 crop. No borrowing at all,” he reiterated.
The Minority Caucus said the NPP administration demonstrated the foresight and flexibility to adjust cocoa prices promptly when faced with significant disparities between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
This proactive approach, they believe, maintained the integrity of the cocoa industry and protected farmer’s interests, noting that the current administration’s failure to act swiftly in the face of this growing crisis is both baffling and deeply concerning.
The Offinso South MP urged the government to safeguard the cocoa industry, protect farmer’s livelihoods and maintain Ghana’s position in the industry.
Failure to do so, he opined, will result in irreparable damage to the economy and a betrayal of the hardworking farmers who form the backbone of the nation’s agricultural sector.
Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has described the controversial SIM card registration exercise under the previous administration as a “sham” and a “hoax” that misled millions of Ghanaians and wasted millions of cedis.
Speaking on Joy News’ , the Ningo Prampram MP revealed that he has submitted evidence to the Attorney General and will continue to send more as investigations build.
“It is not re-registration. It is a registration,” he insisted. “You would be doing a re-registration if there were a registration in the first place. There was a sham. There was a hoax. There was a hoodwinking of Ghanaians—an unfortunate episode in the history of our country.”
He accused the previous leadership of misleading the public while violating critical data protection and security protocols. “It was irresponsible public governance, to put it lightly,” he said. “Ghanaians were told they were registered. Meanwhile, no registration was happening.”
The minister emphasised that the consequences of such deception must not be brushed aside. “We spent resources—both private and public. MNOs probably spent over ¢25 million on this. Government definitely would have had skin in the game.”
Asked why no one has been held accountable yet, Sam George replied that it is early days, but the wheels of justice are turning. “The Attorney General is responsible for holding everyone who holds public office accountable.”
Pressed further on whether any steps had already been taken, he revealed, “We have sent some information to him, and we’re still building further evidence and sending it to the Attorney General.”
Sam George said his actions are driven by a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to future generations. “I sit in this chair today mindful of the fact that tomorrow I won’t be here, and my actions and inactions will be held accountable.”
He criticised the conduct of those behind the previous registration campaign. “When you look at the brazen nature of their reckless actions, it leaves you asking yourself—do these people love this country to start with?”
He questioned the integrity and patriotism of those who managed the process. “Do they understand what it means to be Ghanaian? Do they understand the weight of responsibility that sits on your shoulder when you hold the high office of Minister of State?”
For Sam George, the SIM registration saga was not only a policy failure, it was a betrayal of public trust. “I cannot, for the life of me, imagine how, today, vested with this responsibility, I would act in such a reckless manner.”
He said the prior administration misled the public for two years, “claiming that you were doing registration, taking the biometrics of citizens and not cross-managing them well, in flagrant disregard of our data protection laws and our service security laws.”
Concluding his passionate rebuke, Sam George said, “People must have a certain modicum of respect for Ghanaians.”
According to Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, reclaiming just 3,000 hectares of land destroyed by illegal mining could cost Ghana around $120 million.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, April 16 2925, Mr Ashigbey said the country cannot afford the cost of reversing the damage caused by galamsey, which he described as a worsening national crisis involving foreign mercenaries, powerful local actors, and weak enforcement.
He explained that it would take an average of $40,000 to restore a single hectare of degraded land. “If 3,000 hectares have been destroyed, that’s a minimum of $120 million needed, money Ghana simply doesn’t have right now,” he said.
Mr Ashigbey questioned how the country would fund such an exercise at a time when the government is already struggling to meet basic obligations.
“State-owned enterprises have been stretched to stabilise the economy. Where will Ghana find $120 million just to restore forests, not to mention the other costs involved in tackling galamsey?” he asked.
He also raised concerns about the security threats linked to illegal mining, saying many sites are protected by heavily armed groups made up of foreign operatives. These groups, sometimes referred to as “committees”, are said to operate with better firepower than state agencies and often intimidate forestry officials while collecting illegal revenues.
“These are not ordinary Ghanaians,” Mr Ashigbey said. “They are foreign combatants working with politically exposed persons. If the state cannot match their weapons, how can we win this fight?”
He called on President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in illegal mining areas and to militarise forest protection.
“We need rangers trained and armed like those in the US able to outgun these groups. Deporting foreigners isn’t enough. We must prosecute them under Act 995 and dismantle the entire network.”
Mr Ashigbey criticised the current approach to enforcement, pointing out that illegal miners often return shortly after military operations end. “When the task force left ‘Jerusalem’, a galamsey hotspo,t miners were back the next morning, rebuilding their structures,” he said.
He accused authorities of allowing foreign kingpins to re-enter the country after deportation and called for full enforcement of existing laws. “Why is Act 995 not being applied? We need stronger political will,” he said.
The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court has ruled that transgender women who possess a gender recognition certificate cannot legally be considered “women” under the country’s Equality Act 2010.
This landmark judgment follows a legal challenge brought by For Women Scotland, a campaign group that questioned the Scottish government’s decision to allow transgender women to be included in a law aimed at improving female representation on public boards.
The group argued that expanding the legal definition of “women” to include transgender individuals could undermine efforts to protect women’s rights, especially in areas like public leadership, gender-based policies, and single-sex spaces such as women’s shelters and bathrooms.
In delivering the ruling, Lord Hodge — the Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court — stated that under the law, the term “woman” refers specifically to biological women, and that redefining it would cause confusion in the legal system and affect the clarity of protections based on sex.
“We are well aware of the strength of feeling on all sides,” Lord Hodge said, noting the delicate balance between advancing women’s rights and protecting transgender individuals from discrimination.
However, he clarified that while transgender individuals may not fall under the legal category of “women” in this specific context, their rights remain protected under other provisions of the law, particularly those covering gender reassignment and protection from discrimination.
The court’s decision is seen by many women’s rights advocates as a victory in the ongoing debate over how sex and gender should be recognised in law and policy. However, it has also sparked concern among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who fear it could lead to further marginalisation of the transgender community.
In Ghana, where discussions around gender identity are still evolving and often controversial, this ruling adds to the ongoing global debate about how societies and legal systems should navigate the complex intersection of gender, biology, and human rights.
As issues of gender equity and identity increasingly make their way into national discourse, such international rulings may influence how local laws and policies are shaped in the future.
The military in collaboration with the Forestry Commission (FC) has raided a community near the Subri Forest Reserve which has been a hub for criminals, including some foreign nationals.
The team stormed Abrewa Nni Nkran in a joint dawn operation in the forest reserve to bring sanity to the place.
Before storming the site, the team expected to find around 2,000 illegal miners, also called galamseyers, in the community.
Instead, the team uncovered a thriving criminal hub with all kinds of people, including foreign nationals from Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in the community.
It was revealed that the sprawling illegal mining settlement has become home to the over 10,000 people.
According to information gathered, what began as a small village had grown into a lawless illegal mining enclave.
The joint team therefore burnt majority of the illegal structures in the community, particularly, those used by the illegal miners.
Some of the residents pointed out that it appears the community is a representative of ECOWAS.
“This is because of the large number of people from some other West African countries staying in the community,” one resident said.
The residents who were happy with the move by the military and the Forestry Commission highlighted some of the social vices in the community.
They cited child prostitution, drug abuse, counterfeit operations, and human trafficking as some of the activities that take place in the community.
They also disclosed that the foreign nationals mine illegally in the forest reserve, and had established makeshift brothels in the area.
Ghanaian actor Bernard Aduse Poku has revealed how a mysterious leg injury abruptly halted his rising career at its peak.
The accident occurred during a student trip to Kintampo Falls, leaving him in a cast for seven months and off the screen for years.
Speaking on The Delay Show, Bernard said the injury struck just as he was gaining fame and had decided to pursue further education.
“At a point when I became very popular, I decided to further my education because, while shooting, I was just a Senior Secondary School graduate,” Bernard said. “I was working as both a production manager and an actor, and juggling the two was taking a toll on me.”
He said he was advised by Samuel Nyamekye, famed movie producer widely known as Miracle Films, to focus on acting and drop his behind-the-scenes responsibilities. But shortly after he began university and embarked on an academic field trip, tragedy struck.
“I went to Techiman for urban study as part of my course requirements. We went to Kintampo Falls on a normal day trip and I broke my leg,” he recalled. “Till now, I don’t know how it happened. I was in POP for about seven months.”
Bernard described the incident as bizarre and still unexplained. The injury forced him to take a break from acting and step away from the limelight for a long period.
His journey in film began shortly after secondary school. He gained recognition through Kumawood’s vibrant film scene, standing out for his powerful screen presence. His breakout role came in Asem, where he played the villainous ‘Koo Musuo’—a chilling performance that earned him nationwide attention, amplified by radio presenter Andy Dosty, who frequently referred to him by the character’s name on air.
Meanwhile, in 2000, he returned and starred in the biopic Tetteh Quarshie, a role that won him several awards.
Now more reflective and selective, Bernard says he only returns to set when passion, not money, drives him.
“At this stage, if I shoot, it’s not for money—it’s just a feeling for it. So now, if I don’t have that feeling, I won’t shoot a film.”
GSE composite index remains unchanged at 6,025.40 points
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) closed on a flat note on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with its benchmark Composite Index (GSE-CI) unchanged at 6,025.40 points.
This left the index’s Year-to-Date (YTD) return at 23.26%, reflecting investors’ sustained confidence in equities despite the absence of price movements across the board.
The GSE Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) also ended unchanged at 3,061.43 points, preserving its YTD return of 28.59%.
These stable readings came against a backdrop of heightened market activities, suggesting that the market’s current momentum remains unchanged by increased investor participation.
Market turnover rose sharply with trading volume nearly tripling by 196.94% to 930,793 shares.
The total value of transactions surged to GH¢2.65 million, a 195.67% increase from the previous session’s GH¢895,020.08.
Telecoms giant MTN Ghana (MTNGH) dominated the trading charts accounting for 641,448 shares worth GH¢1.92 million, more than 70% of the day’s total trade value.
Other actively traded counters included Fan Milk Limited (FML), Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), CAL Bank (CAL), and Société Générale Ghana (SOGEGH), underscoring a continued investor tilt toward high-liquidity stocks.
Despite the intensified trading, no equities registered price gains or losses, reinforcing the sense of consolidation in the market.
SP/AE
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Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has called on the public to lessen their criticism of Black Stars players regarding their earnings from playing for the national team.
According to him, the players’ weekly or monthly salaries at their respective clubs far exceed what they earn when playing for the national team.
He noted that, considering the time players spend representing the national team, the public should understand the winning bonuses and allowances they receive rather than subjecting them to criticism.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Kofi Adams admonished Ghanaians to avoid making statements that negatively portray Black Stars players concerning financial benefits.
“We shouldn’t make it look like they [Black Stars players] are playing for the money. Truth be told, some of them earn in a week what we can’t pay them in a month.
“Maybe it would take us two or three months to pay what they earn in a week. We can’t compare what they earn in their clubs to what they earn for appearing for the nation and winning.”
Meanwhile, the minister has yet to announce the budget for the Black Stars’ two games against Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, despite numerous calls from Ghanaians.
Watch Kofi Adams’ comment below:
‘We have psyched the players, and they know what they are up to! We shouldn’t make it look like they are playing for the money because truth be told, we can’t really pay them’
– @KofiAdamsgh urges Ghanaians to support the Black Stars.
US-based Ghanaian commentator Twene Jonas has joined the conversation surrounding Kofi Adoma Nwanwani’s recent video.
He wished the journalist a speedy recovery from the severe eye injuries he suffered during a shooting incident in Dormaa.
The video reflects ongoing public interest in Kofi Adoma’s health and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
US-based Ghanaian social commentator Twene Jonas, known for his controversial views, has weighed in on the discussions sparked by renowned journalist Kofi Adoma Nwanwani’s recent viral video.
In a recent video, Twene Jonas expressed well wishes for Kofi Adoma Nwanwani, hoping for his swift recovery as he continues to deal with serious eye injuries sustained during a shooting incident at a festival in Dormaa a few months ago. Twene Jonas also commended the journalist’s wife, Miracle Adoma, for supporting her husband and not abandoning him in his time of need.
According to him, many women would have left their husbands if they were in a similar situation, and that she stays solidly behind her husband speaks volumes about the type of woman she is.
”Every man in this world who is not married should pray they will get a wife like Kofi Adoma’s wife. If it were any another Ghanaian lady, she would have left Kofi Adoma and followed another man. With most women, even when you are fully abled, they still leave you, so Kofi Adoma is truly blessed that even in his situation, his wife is still by his side supporting him back to full health,” he said.
In the video, Twene Jonas goes on to tell Kofi Adoma that when he is finally in full health, he should preach the good news of urging the government to equip hospitals in the country with the necessary infrastructure to aid those who may find themselves in similar situations but may not have the funds to travel abroad for help.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Sam Nartey George has dismissed claims that President John Mahama should resolve the country’s illegal mining problem within a mere 96 days of assuming office.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, April 14, Mr. George argued that expecting a complete solution to a decade-old issue is unrealistic. He pointed out that while efforts are already underway to curb the menace, the challenge of eradicating galamsey is deeply rooted and complex. He noted that the previous administration, led by Nana Akufo-Addo, had nearly eight years in office yet failed to deliver lasting results.
Addressing criticism of his earlier remarks made during Akufo-Addo’s presidency, Mr. George clarified that his comments were issued three months before the end of that term. “When I made those comments about President Akufo-Addo, he had the opportunity, a full grasp of the state machinery, and had expended taxpayers’ money in Operation Vanguard,” he explained.
His remarks underscored his view that it would be unfair to expect President Mahama to resolve a problem that spans years in a matter of weeks. He further cited recent progress under Mahama’s leadership, noting that seven forest reserves have already been recovered from illegal miners in just two months.
Mr. George stressed that while increased measures will undoubtedly continue, the fight against galamsey must be seen as a long-term and non-partisan effort. Illegal mining, he asserted, is a serious offense and a crime against humanity that demands a collective approach irrespective of which political party is in government.
His comments suggest a need to manage public expectations while acknowledging the limits of what a single administration can achieve in a short period. The minister’s remarks offer a reminder that deep-rooted issues require sustainable policy interventions and coordinated efforts over an extended period rather than snap solutions.
These reflections resonate with the broader discourse on environmental governance and economic exploitation.
The persistence of galamsey in Ghana has long been a source of controversy, and the challenge extends beyond political leadership to encompass issues of regulatory oversight, community engagement, and the management of natural resources. By emphasizing that one administration cannot clean up the legacy of eight years of neglect, Mr. George invites stakeholders to consider more systematic, multi-party strategies to tackle the scourge of illegal mining.
His call for a united, non-partisan effort highlights the need for transparency and resilience in governance—a perspective that is essential for ensuring that progress is both durable and equitable for all segments of the nation.
When it comes to fashion, few combinations are as timeless and versatile as the pairing of a white skirt and blouse. This chic duo offers endless possibilities for different occasions, from casual outings to formal events, and is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, polished look or something more relaxed and playful, a white skirt and blouse can be styled to suit your taste. Here are some tremendous styles to consider for your next outfit.
An A-line white skirt paired with a simple button-down blouse exudes classic sophistication. This combination is perfect for a day at the office or a brunch date. You can tuck in the blouse for a more structured look or leave it untucked for a laid-back vibe. To add extra style, pair this ensemble with a statement belt or a pair of heels.
A pleated white skirt creates movement and flow, giving a sense of grace and elegance. When paired with a fitted blouse, such as a tucked-in turtleneck or a cropped top, the outfit becomes effortlessly chic. This style can be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual settings.
For a modern, feminine look, a high-waisted white skirt paired with an off-shoulder blouse is the perfect combination. The high waistline elongates the legs, while the off-shoulder blouse adds a touch of sensuality. This look works beautifully for outdoor events, date nights, or summer gatherings. Accessorize with statement earrings or a clutch to complete the ensemble.
If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated and polished appearance, a white pencil skirt and a luxurious silk blouse is a must-try. The sleek pencil skirt highlights your curves, while the soft silk blouse adds elegance. This ensemble is ideal for professional settings, evening events, or any occasion where you want to make a lasting impression.
For a more laid-back yet stylish look, a flowy white skirt paired with a loose, boho-style blouse is perfect. Think of a tiered skirt with a billowy, embroidered blouse. This look is ideal for casual gatherings, music festivals, or vacations. Pair with sandals or ankle boots and accessorize with layered jewelry for a free-spirited touch.
Conclusion: White skirts and blouses are incredibly versatile and timeless, making them an essential addition to any wardrobe. Whether you prefer the elegance of a pencil skirt, the breeziness of a pleated style, or the modern touch of an off-shoulder blouse, there’s a combination for every occasion. Experiment with different cuts, fabrics, and accessories to create a look that reflects your personal style. With these tremendous styles, you’ll always be ready to step out looking effortlessly chic and fashionable.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, over his plan to publicly flog traders who defy orders to vacate unauthorized trading zones within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
The Mayor’s controversial comments, made ahead of a planned two-week decongestion exercise, have triggered widespread public outrage, with many calling on him to retract his statement and issue an unqualified apology.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 16, the ranking member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, described the mayor’s comments as reckless and a threat to democratic governance.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours. The remarks made by the Mayor are not only reckless, but also risk undermining public confidence in local authorities and may expose the Assembly to potential human rights violations,” part of the statement read.
The Minority Caucus has therefore called on the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, to intervene immediately.
“We therefore call on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene as a matter of urgency and impress upon the Mayor the need to retract his comments and adopt a more lawful, respectful, and humane approach to enforcement.”
Meanwhile, the mayor insists that his threat to flog defiant traders is a necessary step to restore order and enforce discipline.
“I don’t believe in using the police for decongestion because I will spend so much on them, and after that, we will get back to the status quo,” he said.
“Those in the middle of the road, some of them are cooking, selling all manner of food, it’s not attractive, I want to deal with it head-on.
“Kumasi is engulfed with so much filth, and I want to deal with it head-on.”
He, however, refused to mention if his decision was sanctioned by President John Dramani Mahama.
“We won’t get to that point, let the focus be on the end product.”
He argued that traditional enforcement methods, including relying on the police, have proven ineffective over the years, and his direct approach would be more cost-effective and impactful.
Editor of Newscenta newspaper, Elvis Darko, has advised the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, to adopt a lawful and economically viable approach to dealing with hawkers operating on pavements in the city, rather than threatening them with physical assault.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, Elvis Darko reiterated that instead of proposing corporal punishment to deter traders from selling along pavements, the Mayor should focus on deploying effective strategies that both enforce the law and generate revenue for the city.
“Monetising indiscipline brings you so much money, so if he wants to do something now, what he should be thinking about is, how well can I monetise indiscipline? He can spend that money to deploy security there, and anyone who breaches the directive by selling on the pavement pays a fine,” he suggested.
Elvis explained that this system, if well-managed, could sustain itself through the fines collected, which would be used to pay security personnel responsible for enforcement.
He noted that such a model would serve as a long-term deterrent and help restore order more civilly and sustainably.
“He will make too much money to maintain the security personnel, so nobody will come there to sell. He should deploy police officers there and send offenders to court for speedy trials. The revenue is what he can use to finance the security people every day to make sure people do not sell on the pavement,” he added.
His comments come in response to the controversial two-week ultimatum issued by the Kumasi Mayor to traders operating on pavements within the city’s central business district.
Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi warned that starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) would begin a decongestion exercise to evict all unauthorised traders, threatening that those who fail to comply could be lashed.
The Mayor’s remarks have sparked widespread public backlash, with many stakeholders, including political figures and civil society actors, calling for more humane, legal, and structured methods to address the persistent issue of street trading in urban centres.
The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), a member-based trade association that promotes trade between the UK and Ghana, has concluded its Grand Challenge Programme workshops in Kumasi, where policymakers were urged to introduce urgent reforms to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana.
The event was held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with the aim to develop and propose technological, social, or financial solutions to address key challenges in Ghana’s agriculture and energy sectors.
The workshop brought together innovators and key figures from the agriculture and energy sectors to discuss strategies for creating a more conducive business environment. The industry experts included Mawuli Kobla Amedofu, Supply Chain Lead at DEXT Technologies; Prof. Joseph Oppong Akowuah from the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering; Dr. Gifty Boakye Appiah from KNUST’s Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Extension; Franklin Eshun from Ghana TVET Service; and Dr. Makafui John Bedzra, Innovation Manager, KNUST College of Engineering.
The workshop also featured a live pitch session where over 15 participants received constructive feedback on their ideas, and masterclasses on Intellectual Property, Investor Readiness, and Commercialisation facilitated by Nuna Attipoe – Korqanteng & Koranteng; Kingsley Agyekum – Fidelity Bank; and Mawuli Ocloo of SalesRev, respectively .
Urgency in Pursuing Innovation
The session, themed “Policy as an Enabler for Creating an Innovation-Friendly Environment,” focused on addressing barriers to entrepreneurship and promoting systemic changes to encourage business growth.
Franklin Eshun of Ghana TVET Service observed that young people in Ghana often lack urgency in pursuing innovation, largely due to a relatively comfortable environment where basic needs are met.
“If you find yourself in a situation where you are close to extinction, you are close to being taken off the surface of the earth completely, you would be pushed to do things for yourself. And that is what I think is affecting us because most of the time, whatever we want to use, we find. And once you are finding them, you find them readily. You are not so hungry to do something for yourself. And that is what is affecting what we do here,” he said.
For Dr. Gifty Boakye Appiah, getting young people to pursue innovation begins with challenging themselves to think differently to bring about the change society seeks. She, therefore, urged young innovators present to seek out similar events such as the Grand Challenge Workshop, where opportunities abound for innovative thinking and funding avenues.
“The idea starts with you and thankfully, there are a lot of hubs and accelerators you can leverage on, where you will be guided on how to bring your idea to fruition, help you streamline it, and give you all the support you require.
Even if they don’t have direct funding, the hubs and accelerators know where to direct you to acquire the funding you need to enable you contribute to the change we are looking for”, she remarked.
Representatives from government agencies shared details of ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting startups and small businesses. Among them is the Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS), introduced by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). This three-stage licensing system helps small businesses improve product safety and quality while ensuring compliance with public health regulations.
Additionally, the HAPPY Project, implemented by the Ghana Enterprises Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Co. Ltd, aims to empower 15,000 young entrepreneurs. The initiative focuses on post-production activities within key agricultural value chains such as rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry.
The UKGCC Grand Challenge Programme
The UKGCC’s Head of External Relations, Worlase Afatsiawo, shared during her opening remarks that the Grand Challenge Programme seeks to encourage and support innovation that addresses pressing national and sectoral challenges, and foster collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the private sector.
She added that the programme further seeks to provide capacity-building and funding opportunities to innovators to refine and scale their solutions, as well as create a sustainable pipeline of investable, commercially viable, and impactful projects.
“In addition to the mentorship and guidance received from industry leaders at the workshop, shortlisted applicants will also receive the opportunity to pitch for spots in a United Kingdom roadshow—offering international exposure and investment opportunities,” she concluded.
According to Mrs. Afatsiawo, the workshops held in both Accra and Kumasi, will be followed by a public invitation for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to submit proposals.
She urged aspiring contestants to look forward to the announcement on the UKGCC’s social media platforms.
The UKGCC Grand Challenge falls under the Sankore Programme, a United Kingdom Government-backed initiative under the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH). Sankore focuses on strengthening West African innovation systems and scaling impactful solutions in West Africa and beyond.
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 Parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Adentan, Akosua Manu, has strongly condemned the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, over his threat to physically assault traders operating along pavements, describing the Mayor’s actions as a recipe for chaos and lawlessness.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 16, Akosua Manu called for the immediate dismissal of the Mayor, saying his comments and posture were unbefitting of any public officeholder and should not be tolerated under a democratic system.
“What I do not understand is that somebody put into a leadership role can stand in front of people to warn or threaten that physical assault will be a given. And I am shocked to hear that when he was called, he reiterated the position,” she said.
In her view, the Mayor should not only be reprimanded but completely removed from office for reiterating a position that supports physical violence as a method of enforcement.
She argued that such a stance undermines democratic governance and sends a dangerous message to other leaders across the country.
“He should have been the shortest-serving appointee in this government. Upon hearing that he had repeated physical assault as a likely punishment to deter hawkers, as soon as he said that, the President should have called the Chief of Staff to remove him from office. In no way in our governance should that be tolerated, from anybody,” she declared.
Akosua Manu insisted that reiterating such a position is indefensible, especially in a government that has consistently promoted the rule of law and nonviolence.
“For reiterating that point, I am saying by now if it was Nana Akufo Addo’s government, KMA Mayor would have been withdrawn, and a new person will be appointed. There is no justification for reiterating,” she said.
She also warned that allowing the Kumasi Mayor’s actions to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent, potentially inspiring other city leaders to adopt similar methods and would only lead to disorder and the erosion of civil enforcement standards across the country.
“He is creating an avenue for chaos. This template let’s say, he does it, Accra Mayor will also follow, then Tamale. If his boys will do the work, he should bear in mind that it has to be in a very civil way; it should be in a very humane way. Nobody should beat anyone,” she cautioned.
Julius Debrah: Most SMEs fail because they lack appropriate guidance
The controversial ‘is back in Parliament, and it’s not coming from the executive. It’s being reintroduced as a private member’s bill by Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, along with several colleagues.
The Communications Minister, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday night, made it clear: he is keeping his promise to the Ghanaian people—and to his chiefs.
Following the military raid on an illegal settlement at Abrewa Ne Nkran in the Takoradi Forest Reserve district of the Western region over the weekend, some illegal miners have reportedly returned to the destroyed settlement to rebuild their structures.
According to JoyNews’ Western Region correspondent, Ina-Thalia Quansah, the military was unable to completely dismantle the settlement due to a shortage of fuel. As a result, they left the scene and returned on Tuesday, April 15, to continue the operation.
She reported that upon the military’s return on Tuesday, it was observed that some individuals had returned to the area and began reconstructing the illegal settlement.
“In the process of demolishing the structures, the operation team ran out of fuel at one point, so they had to leave some of the wooden structures standing. When they returned yesterday to continue the destruction, it was evident that some people had already started rebuilding. I am inclined to believe that, as soon as the team left, the illegal miners returned to the site,” she reported on Wednesday, April 16.
She added that food vendors, whose items had been destroyed during the operation, have also returned to the site to resume their illegal trade.
Nana Kwabena Bosompim, the Western Region Manager of the Forestry Commission, who is overseeing the operation, confirmed on the show that the illegal miners have indeed started rebuilding the structures.
He stated that the settlement is “completely illegal” and “not a community,” adding that it is managed by “a gang, a mafia system,” with no elders or community leaders involved.
Nana Bosompim also revealed that there are more illegal settlements in virgin forests, with ongoing illegal activities.
“This morning, we have identified another settlement, and my officers are on their way to assess the situation and determine what action to take,” he explained.
He assured the public that the operation would continue to ensure that the illegal miners are removed from the forest.
The Abrewa Ne Nkran illegal settlement is known to be a hub for several illicit activities, including commercial sex, drug abuse, tax evasion, and child abuse, with illegal mining being the main illegal activity.
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.
Hopeson Adorye, husband of gospel musician Empress Gifty, has expressed displeasure over allegations of infidelity levelled against his wife by a netizen.
In a video circulating on social media, a netizen alleged that Empress Gifty was caught having an extramarital affair, and that Hopeson Adorye physically assaulted her as a result.
The individual further claimed that the matter was reported to the Ghana Police Service.
“Yesterday, Hopeson Adorye caught Empress Gifty having an extramarital affair with an individual named Kofi Owusu on their matrimonial bed… When Hopeson caught them, he slapped Gifty, and now the issue is before the Tesano Police,” the anonymous source claimed.
Reacting to this in a video posted on Instagram on April 14, 2025, Hopeson Adorye labelled the claims as false, describing them as a malicious attempt to tarnish their reputation.
“You people can’t bring me down. You think you can hide on the internet and misbehave? Even the people you’re fighting for are pleading with me to return to the party,” he said.
Addressing the individual directly, he warned: “I’m warning you, call your mother and tell her you will die very soon. How can you fabricate such harmful lies about a fellow woman and seek to destroy her hard-earned reputation? Don’t you know she has children, and she’s a brand ambassador for multiple products? That’s her livelihood.”
Adorye went on to reveal that he had taken steps to pursue legal action.
“I just came from the Immigration Service, and I have all your details. Don’t you know I can sue you in the country where you live? Don’t joke with me,” he warned.
Watch the video below:
Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
Nana Amoasi VII, Technical Advisor at Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) sharing insights as
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) is set to prioritise local content in a sweeping infrastructure expansion drive aimed at strengthening the nation’s downstream petroleum sector and positioning the country as a regional hub for fuel logistics.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Accra investor briefing session of ‘Invest in African Energy’ roadshow, Nana Amoasi VII, a Technical Advisor at BOST, outlined a pipeline of projects designed to modernise aging infrastructure, improve efficiency in product transportation, and enhance the country’s capacity to hold strategic fuel reserves. “BOST is set up to build pipeline and storage infrastructure or transportation and storage infrastructure. It is also mandated to hold strategic fuel stock for the country and also efficiently utilise this infrastructure,” he explained.
Nana Amoasi VII noted that over the past decade, no significant investments have been made to expand or improve BOST’s transportation and storage facilities. This stagnation, he said, has become untenable, especially in light of growing fuel demand and renewed interest from neighbouring countries in leveraging Ghana’s infrastructure. “We have received indications that other countries like Mali, Burkina Faso want to use the BOST infrastructure as a backbone to move products from the south all the way to the north or to the Sahelian markets,” he disclosed.
To meet this demand, BOST is rolling out a series of projects over the next few years. These include the doubling of its barge fleet operating on the Volta Lake between Akosombo and Buipe, expansion of the country’s aging pipeline network, and construction of a new storage terminal in Takoradi to serve the western corridor and beyond.
This includes the Buipe to Bolgatanga Petroleum Products Pipeline (B2P3), which Nana Amoasi VII described as central to BOST’s regional logistics ambitions. The 261-kilometre, 8-inch pipeline has a capacity of 8,800 cubic meters and will play a crucial role in delivering products to the Upper East and to the Sahelian region. “The fleet of barges or the vessels that run on the Volta Lake from Akosombo to Buipe must be doubled so that we can have a quick turnaround of movement of products,” Nana Amoasi VII said.
Currently, Ghana operates a single six-inch pipeline from Tema to Akosombo, installed in 1995. With the expected lifespan of such infrastructure ranging between 25 and 40 years, BOST is moving to both upgrade and expand capacity. The Tema-Akosombo Petroleum Pipeline (TAPP)—a 98.59-kilometre multi-product line carrying gasoline, gasoil, and kerosene currently has a capacity of 1,872.8 cubic meters. “We must also double the size of this pipeline. There are already some existing pipelines ready for construction which will also be laid in the next few years,” he noted.
Major local participation
A key focus of BOST’s strategy is to deepen local participation in the execution of these projects. Nana Amoasi VII said Ghanaian firms will be awarded exclusive contracts in several major areas, including pipeline construction and technical diagnostics. “The laying of the pipeline, the 12-inch pipeline from Tema to Akosombo will be dedicated solely to a Ghanaian company. A pigging of the line or intelligent testing of these lines will be dedicated partly to a Ghanaian company and a foreign company,” he added.
The energy expert said it forms part of broader national efforts to ensure that indigenous businesses benefit from large-scale public infrastructure investments. BOST is also inviting local private sector actors to invest in its growing logistics portfolio. “BOST owns some of the barges and wants to buy more and is ready to partner with private companies to also buy or procure these barges and operate,” Nana Amoasi VII stated.
Another component of the plan is the establishment of a dedicated strategic fuel stock facility capable of storing up to six weeks of national supply. This move is intended to shield the country from import disruptions and ensure energy security during supply chain crises.
“To keep the strategic fuel stock, we must have dedicated tanks for that, different from your normal market tanks,” Nana Amoasi VII explained. “Either the ‘Mami Water’ depot or a new depot has to be created so that it can keep almost six weeks of national supply in case of any damage to our receiving facility or any hiccups in the importation of products,” he further stated.
BOST’s proposed terminal in Takoradi will take advantage of the port’s deep-water jetty, offering a more efficient route for fuel imports and positioning Ghana to serve the Ivory Coast-Liberia corridor. “The facility in Takoradi will also allow us to bring in fuel for the country and supply Ivory Coast and Liberia,” he said.
While these initiatives will require significant investment, Nana Amoasi VII maintains that there is a clear opportunity for Ghanaian firms to take ownership of the country’s energy logistics value chain. “Ghanaian companies must be given the opportunity to also have a bite of every investment that we have in the petroleum downstream and also upstream,” he said.
Police in Homa Bay County, Kenya are investigating an incident in which a clergyman was assaulted by residents and his car burnt after being mistaken for a livestock thief while he was having fun with a woman in a thicket.
The clergyman, who belongs to a local Christian church, lost the car in Jwelu village, Kakumu Sub-location, Ramula Location, within Rachuonyo East Sub-county.
Former Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim , Dr Prince Hamid Armah has stated that it must never be easy to remove the President, the Speaker, or the Chief Justice in a serious democracy, who are the symbolic heads of the three coequal arms of government.
He explained that these roles demand reverence and insulation, not only because of the individuals who occupy them, but because of the institutions they represent.
Some Nigerians abroad have sparked reactions online after a video of them jamming to Eedris Abdulkarem’s Tell Your Papa which was banned by NBC.
Recall that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) officially banned Nigerian radio and television stations from airing the trending song “Tell Your Papa” by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, citing violations of broadcast decency standards.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the country’s health budget currently allows for the employment of 127,000 health workers in state-owned health facilities.
He said that, according to the Health Labour Market analysis, the figure is projected to rise to 147,000 by 2030 if no changes are made. Adding that, it is less than half of what the country needed.
“To meet Ghana’s health needs and achieve at least 80 per cent coverage under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), we will need over 367,000 health workers — and that number could rise to nearly half a million by 2030,” he said.
Mr Akandoh added that, “Health Labour Market analysis estimates that it would take around $9.8 billion between now and 2030 to meet our workforce targets through both employment and training”.
The minister was speaking at the National Policy Dialogue on the Health Workforce in Ghana organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Accra last Wednesday.
The event, which was attended by directors and officials in the health sector, was on the theme “Transforming Ghana’s Health Workforce for UHC: Align, Invest, and Sustain”.
Crisis
Mr Akandoh asserted that although the country had made progress over the years in training and expanding the health workforce, the numbers paint a sobering picture and a complex market crisis that demands bold, practical and coordinated action.
He stated that there was a clear mismatch between the number of people the country was training and the jobs available, adding that even where jobs exist, the country was struggling to retain talent, especially in the face of international migration and better wages elsewhere.
The minister affirmed that, “between 2013 and 2022, the density of health workers in the public sector has nearly tripled – moving from 16.56 to 41.92 per 10,000 population”.
He added that with the inclusion of both employed and unemployed professionals, the total density of doctors, nurses and midwives reaches 82.75 per 10,000 — far exceeding the total benchmark of 22.8 required to ensure 80 per cent skilled birth attendance.
Migration
Mr Akandoh said the government had commenced the process of leading a partnership with other countries in need of health workers to facilitate their migration to work in those countries.
He said data showed that nearly two out of three health workers were considering leaving the country due to better economic opportunities that came with the average wage abroad standing at GH?10,000 compared to Ghana’s GH?2,813.
He explained that, “between 2020 and 2022, the number of nurses seeking verification to migrate increased by 232 per cent; while in just the first half of 2023, over 5,000 nurses sought to do the same”.
Investment
For his part, the Country Representative of the WHO, Dr Frank Lule, urged the government and policy makers to invest in the health workforce as it was critical to achieving UHC and improving health outcomes.
He affirmed that “investing in the health workforce was not a choice but a need if Ghana would achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UHC goals.
We must see spending on the health workforce as an investment to be nurtured and not a cost to be contained”.
Ghanaian actor Bernard Aduse Poku has credited seasoned broadcaster and DJ, Andy Dosty, for playing a pivotal role in launching his career in entertainment.
In an appearance on The Delay Show, Bernard recounted how a chance encounter with Andy during his post-secondary school days opened the door to radio and national recognition.
“There’s a movie called Asem where I played the role of ‘Koo Musuo’—that was what made me popular, and that’s because Andy Dosty always referred to me by that name on radio,” Bernard said. “That movie was really huge. It had Santo, Judas, and other greats.”
In Asem, Bernard played the villainous character ‘Koo Musuo’—a cruel and evil figure that left a lasting impression on audiences. According to him, it was Andy Dosty’s constant mention of the name on his radio shows that helped elevate the character and, by extension, Bernard’s public profile.
Beyond just name recognition, Bernard revealed that Andy Dosty offered him his first opportunity on radio during the veteran DJ’s days at Otec FM in Kumasi.
“I was done with Senior Secondary School and was waiting two years before entering tertiary, as was the system back then. Andy picked me like a younger brother. He told me to come on radio anytime I was free, and that’s how I became a pundit on his show.”
Hailing from Ashtown just like Andy, Bernard praised the radio icon for his rare ability to discover and nurture talent. “There is something about him—maybe he hasn’t even realized it—his ability to spot potential in people,” Bernard added.
Interestingly, Andy Dosty’s knack for discovering fresh faces isn’t limited to actors or radio pundits. Years ago, the revered Hitz FM presenter shared a story of how he introduced renowned media personality Deloris Frimpong Manso, widely known as Delay, to DJing in a nightclub.
According to Andy, he met Delay through a mutual friend at a nightspot where he was spinning records. Without hesitation, he invited her into the DJ booth and handed her the decks. “I quickly dragged her into the DJ’s booth and handed the CD decks to her—and she drove revelers crazy,” he shared in a Facebook post.
This blend of stories paints a clear picture of Andy Dosty not just as a household name in radio and entertainment, but as a hidden force behind some of Ghana’s beloved media talents.
From the radio waves of Kumasi to the bright lights of Accra’s entertainment scene, Andy Dosty continues to leave an indelible mark—not just with his voice, but with his vision.
Watch Bernard’s interview on The Delay Show below:
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has strongly criticised the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over recent utility tariff hikes, describing the Commission’s justification as unconvincing and tone-deaf to the current economic hardship facing businesses and ordinary Ghanaians.
This follows PURC’s announcement of a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% rise in water charges, effective May 3, 2025.
PURC went on to explain that the upward adjustments were necessitated by several economic and operational indicators, including the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation projections, fuel costs (particularly natural gas), and the current hydro-thermal generation mix.
However, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Alpha A. Shaban, GUTA rejected the rationale provided for the increases, stating that the reasons “do not hold water.”
“We appreciate the fact that life is not static, and changes are inevitable when necessary — but not at the whim of any particular body,” the statement read.
GUTA argued that instead of transferring the burden to consumers, PURC should focus on eliminating inefficiencies and waste in the management of electricity and water services, which it identified as the real drivers of rising operational costs at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Limited.
The group went further to criticise the broader public sector, claiming it has become a “gold mine” for personal enrichment among public and civil servants.
“It appears the public sector is now being turned into a gold mine, where every public or civil servant takes advantage to enrich themselves within a short period of time,” the statement alleged.
GUTA is therefore calling on the government to clamp down on misappropriation and corruption within state institutions.
“We appeal to the government to focus more attention on this negative attitude to public service, identify all the theft, diversion, misappropriation, or misapplication of state funds or property, and deal with them decisively to recover all the stolen assets,” the statement concluded.
Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a strong warning to Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) and mobile network operators (MNOs) ahead of the introduction of a new central SIM registration system.
The upcoming system, he said, will give the National Communications Authority (NCA) the power to block fraudsters across all telecom networks.
African leaders have been accused of trampling on the human rights of hundreds of marginalised people, mostly elderly women, who have faced accusations of “witchcraft.”
In a new scathing report, Amnesty International zooms in on parts of Ghana, underscoring harrowing accounts of ritual attacks and social ostracisation that have driven vulnerable people out of their homes and communities for fear of their lives.
Information on the “Branded for Life” Report
The report titled “Branded for Life” finds that some Ghanaians are still thought to be witches, particularly in the north and north-eastern regions of the country. The allegations are sometimes based on little or no evidence or simply because of social problems.
“The accusations, which can lead to threats, physical attacks or even death, usually start within the family or among community members following a tragic event such as an illness or a death,” Amnesty said.
The organisation further stated, “Older women living in poverty, with health conditions or disabilities are at greater risk, as well as women who do not conform to stereotypical gender roles. In some cases, accusers even base their claims on having had a bad dream about a person.”
The victims, almost all of them elderly women, have no one else to turn to after being discarded by their families and communities. Those accused of witchcraft are forced to seek refuge in camps run by traditional priests. They remain trapped in these encampments until they die or another community accepts them.
Horrific conditions in “witch camps”
Though these camps offer some protection from actual physical attacks, they are also said to be places of bad living conditions and lack of resources, and serve to further segregate and ostracize the accused.
“The presence of these camps is a damning indictment of the state’s failure to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of all its people, regardless of their age or sex,” said Amnesty International.
Criticism of Law Enforcement and Cultural Beliefs
Amnesty said that Ghana had not done enough to protect victims and to raise awareness among people in high risk communities.
It also said that the government had failed to “ensure access to adequate food, safe housing and clean water” for victims in these camps.”
The international organization’s findings indicate issues at multiple levels. Law enforcement is criticized for not adequately preventing such attacks and being sluggish in launching an investigation and prosecuting someone who engages in one.
Finally, the report further explains that deeply ingrained traditional and cultural beliefs should not be reinforced by public education and awareness campaigns, and the need to eradicate harmful superstitions and cultivate acceptance is not being met.
Recommendations of Amnesty International
Amnesty International urges the Ghanaian government to end this human rights crisis by ending impunity, and hatred – as it did when it accepted the human right of sexual orientation in 2011. They recommend strengthening legal frameworks to protect those accused of witchcrafts. The rights group is calling on policymakers to shut down “witch camps” and offer safe, dignified avenues for residents to go home. They also demand that their national campaigns challenge harmful beliefs and include promoting respect for the rights and dignity of all people.
The Human Rights Body is also calling on the international community to step in to support Ghana in the face of the threat and to hold accountable for the violations that are being committed daily.
“Ghana has a duty to uphold its international human rights responsibilities and guarantee the safety and security of all people, including the most marginalised and at-risk groups of people in society,” the report said.
New Accusations, Government Silence
Amnesty International on its part put out a damning report, one of their latest on the Ghanaian government’s will towards its people and a breach of the rights of persons accused of witchcraft. But the government did not immediately address the new specific allegations regarding the many human rights violations of people accused of witchcraft.
The silence echoes how elected officials in the past have responded to claims of human rights abuse: they have not openly denied them but they are keen to emphasise that they are acting within the confines of their own narrow interpretation of the law.
Previous Government’s Position and Actions
Ghanaian government officials had previously acknowledged the concerns raised by Amnesty but said the authorities were committed to upholding the human rights of all citizens.
They are still struggling with witchcraft accusations and the security of vulnerable populations in the existing legal and social systems.
According to policymakers, these harmful traditional beliefs “do not reflect the general society” in Ghana. In this regard, the government is engaging with our communities and traditional leaders to end the acts, and provide support to survivors.
They have also acknowledged the challenge of balancing long-held cultural traditions with the exercise of individual rights, while also insisting they would investigate allegations of abuses and strengthen social safety nets for marginalized groups.
In 2023, the parliament of Ghana enacted a law criminalizing the declaration, accusation, naming or labeling of an individual as a witch but the bill is still awaiting signature.
Widespread Belief and Deadly Consequences Throughout Africa
Attacks like these happen elsewhere in Africa.
Last year, an accusation of witchcraft in Guinea Bissau led to the deaths of two sick boys after a group of eight women was forced to drink poison.
That same year, two women in their sixties found guilty of witchcraft were publicly stoned to death before their bodies were burnt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were charged with the deaths of multiple victims.
Accusations of witchcraft are common in some communities along the west African coast, including Ghana and other parts of Africa. Earlier this year two men in Zambia were arrested on witchcraft charges for possession of charms that they intended to use to harm the country’s president.
In parts of rural Angola, witchcraft is tolerated despite strong objections from the Catholic Church in the former Portuguese colony. Last year, about 50 people died after authorities allegedly forced them to drink an herbal potion in what was described as a test to clear evidence that they weren’t sorcerers.
Pope Benedict XVI said on a visit to Angola in 2009 that Catholics should refuse witchcraft and sorcery.
Africa’s Human Rights Crisis: The Curse of “Witchcraft” Accusations
The Amnesty International report on Ghana, along with other organizations, sadly underscores the continuing crisis of witchcraft accusations and human rights violations taking place in certain parts of Africa.
Africans must face this problem as a matter of immediate concern grounded in international human rights law. Authorities are accused of not protecting these people — “older women in particular” — from violence, discrimination and displacement.
These allegations amount to a direct breach of the fundamental human rights to life, security of person, dignity and equality before the law, articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which are both universal instruments binding on all countries, including those in Africa.
Moreover, the reported conditions of “witch camps”, and where their living conditions are described as deplorable, a failure to provide food, accommodation and water highlight serious concern in respect of a failure to uphold economic and social rights as contained in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Although specifically, this report focuses on Ghana; the significant driven violence and neglect are not limited to Ghana and has been noted in similar patterns in other African nations, which are deep-rooted and demand a unified response based on rights of the people, particularly the vulnerable communities and groups.
SOURCE: Links to Amnesty International report
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/04/ghana-witchcraft-accusations/ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2025/04/ghana-branded-for-life/ links to the international human rights instruments mentioned:
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR):
Nana Karikari, Senior International Affairs and Political Analyst
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During an April 9 appearance on Hot 97, Jamaican dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel expressed remorse over bleaching his skin, declaring that he won’t do it again.
The ‘She Holding On’ singer, born Adidja Azim Palmer, initially expressed his pride over bleaching his skin and even had a skin-lightening brand, Complex reported.
But the 49-year-old in the interview has stated that he is now “fully melanated.”
“I mean, in hindsight, it definitely had to do with self-love, but on the other hand, while I was doing it, my mind wasn’t telling me that,” Vybz stated. “My mind was telling me, ‘I am doing this to show my tattoos.’ I’ve got a lot of tattoos.”
He added: “But looking back, it was just as a Black man, sometimes we have those issues, but I would never bleach again though.”
During the interview, Vybz was also asked why Black people have issues with how they look. “That Eurocentric look…Black people have always wanted to look like that,” he explained. “I guess it has to do with slavery.”
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Vybz Kartel was released from prison in 2024 after being locked up for 13 years. In an interview with The Guardian after his release, he said that though he had made “so much money” after gaining his freedom, he couldn’t get back the time he spent in prison.
Vybz also offered a word of advice when he was talking about his upbringing and how his parents tried to steer him toward the right path.
“My mom was a housewife, an amazing woman. She always tried to embed certain principles in us as children … I wish I had listened to them more,” the 49-year-old, who has been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, said.
He continued, “I’ve always said this, even before I got arrested, stay in school. As much as possible, get an education because not everyone can pay for a college education, but try to get an education as far as it can take you and stay away from bad energy, from bad people, from gangsterism, because, bro, it’s not worth it.
“It may look glamorous, especially if you were raised a certain way and you grew up in the ghetto, but it will cost you, and it cost me, you know what I mean?
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has criticised the recent protests by some residents and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asante Mampong over an alleged nomination of Esther Dwomoh as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during a meeting with leaders of major Christian religious institutions in Accra as part of broader consultations for the National Sanitation Day initiative, the minister questioned the rationale behind the demonstrations, noting that official announcements for many MMDCE positions had not even been made.
“I don’t see chaos as we are saying it. People are agitating… Thankfully, it is not from where the news announcement has been made.
“It is where people’s suspicion is being on suspense, and I could hear of only Manpong, Ashanti Region, we’ve not mentioned the MMDCEs from Ashanti Region. It’s only the Kumasi Mayor that has been mentioned. So, if you are in Asante Mampong, and you are demonstrating, what are you demonstrating for?” he questioned.
He added, “It’s like you’re going for exams and you know you couldn’t write and you are crying that the examiner will fail you… Wait till the examiner brings the results.”
He emphasized that the final decision on MMDCE appointments lies with the President, and that his own role in the process was already complete.
Instead of engaging in protests, he urged party supporters to commend President Mahama for quickly forming his cabinet and appointing MMDCEs across the country.
A viral video captured on April 10, 2025, and widely circulated online, shows angry NDC supporters vandalising the party’s office in the municipality, destroying property and setting office items ablaze in protest of Dwomoh’s alleged nomination.
In the video, the aggrieved supporters accuse the party leadership of sidelining their preferred candidates.
According to them, the local party executives had submitted three names for the President’s consideration, none of whom was selected.
They expressed anger over the alleged inclusion of Esther Dwomoh due to her ethnicity, accusing the party of favouritism.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
Government has reached a staff-level agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the fourth review of the country’s three-year economic programme under its Extended Credit Facility (ECG), paving the way for a potential disbursement of about US$370million once the IMF Executive Board gives its approval in early July.
The agreement follows two weeks of discussions in Accra between IMF staff led by Mission Chief Stéphane Roudet and Ghanaian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Finance. The successful review is a further step in government’s efforts to restore macroeconomic stability after fiscal slippages and reform delays marred the final quarter of 2024.
Although growth was higher than expected last year – driven largely by a strong performance in the mining and construction sectors – programme implementation faltered in the run-up to December’s elections. Key challenges included a buildup of unpaid obligations, inflation overshooting its target and postponed reforms in critical sectors such as energy and finance.
Since assuming office in January, the new administration has implemented what IMF officials described as “bold measures” to realign the programme with its original objectives. Authorities have enacted a stronger fiscal framework, hiked electricity tariffs and tightened monetary policy to curb inflation and enhance macroeconomic discipline.
“The new authorities have taken bold measures to address policy slippages. This includes adopting a 2025 budget targetting a 1.5 percent of GDP primary surplus and launching audits of payables,” Mr. Roudet said in a statement.
According to preliminary IMF assessments, primary fiscal balance posted a deficit of 3.25 percent of GDP at end-2024 – well off the programmed surplus of 0.5 percent. The fiscal deterioration stemmed largely from unbudgeted expenditures, prompting government to initiate an audit of the payables using both the Auditor General and two international firms. The audit is expected to conclude within eight weeks.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson described the review process as “the most difficult” yet under the current programme, but expressed optimism about the outcome.
“What started like the most difficult review of the programme has ended successfully,” the minister said during a joint briefing with the IMF. He reiterated government’s commitment to staying the course on fiscal consolidation and structural reforms, despite the challenges.
To strengthen fiscal governance, Ghana has amended its Public Financial Management (PFM) Act to include a fiscal rule targetting a debt-to-GDP ratio of 45 percent by 2035, along with a mandatory annual primary surplus of 1.5 percent of GDP on a commitment basis. Additionally, an independent fiscal council will be established to monitor adherence to these targets.
New procurement rules have also been introduced. Henceforth, all central government procurement must receive prior authorisation from the Finance Minister. Authorities have also announced plans to publish a ‘PFM Commitment Control Compliance League Table’, ranking ministries, departments and agencies by their fiscal discipline.
On the monetary policy front, the Bank of Ghana has raised its benchmark interest rate and is reassessing its liquidity operations in an effort to rein-in inflation. These moves, coupled with fiscal tightening, are expected to drive inflation back within programme bounds in the months ahead.
Despite these recent advances, structural risks persist – particularly in the energy sector.
The minister acknowledged the fiscal burden posed by the sector, but said government has taken steps to address the problem. The resumption of quarterly tariff adjustments and implementation of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, designed to ensure timely payments to Independent Power Producers, are among the steps being taken.
Other reform milestones include the migration of 549 spending units to the GIFMIS platform ahead of schedule and publication of revenue audit reports by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). He said these achievements demonstrate the administration’s willingness to exceed programme targets.
Ghana’s external position has also strengthened. Strong gold exports, a rebound in oil and rising remittances have contributed to a significant buildup in foreign reserves, far exceeding programme benchmarks. However, programme success will ultimately depend on government’s ability to complete its debt restructuring.
The IMF noted that all parties have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding under the G20 Common Framework and Ghana is working to finalie bilateral agreements with official creditors. Negotiations with commercial creditors are ongoing.
“Ghana remains committed to completing its comprehensive public debt restructuring,” the IMF said, stressing the need for comparability of treatment across creditor groups.
Once the Executive Board approves the review, Ghana will unlock the fifth disbursement under the programme, bringing total receipts from the IMF to US$2.3billion. Forson vowed to personally oversee implementation of all reform commitments needed to secure board approval.
“This marks great progress toward building the Ghana we want,” he said.
The current programme, approved in May 2023, aims to restore debt sustainability, support economic recovery and protect the vulnerable through targetted social spending.
Dancegod Lloyd Goes Wild After Receiving Brand-New Toyota Land Cruiser as a Gift
News Hub Creator35min
Ghanaian dancer Laud Anoo Konadu, widely recognised as Dancegod Lloyd, has received an expensive car as a surprise gift
Dancegod Lloyd stated in the viral video that he was always taking public transport to work and official meetings
Some social media have blasted Ghanaian entrepreneur John Kofi Boateng for gifting Dancegod Lloyd an expensive gift without considering how much he would spend on fuel
Ghanaian professional dancer Laud Anoo Konadu, widely recognised as Dancegod Lloyd, has received a significant honour in the form of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser.
This recognition comes as a result of his efforts to inspire youth to pursue careers in dancing. The former member of DWP Academy expressed his astonishment when John Kofi Boateng, the CEO of Any Car GH, presented him with the keys to the vehicle.
In an emotional moment, Dancegod Lloyd celebrated this achievement among friends and fellow influencers who shared in his joy.
He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to John Kofi Boateng for helping to elevate his status from a dancer to a proud owner of a V8 vehicle.
”Thank you so much, brother. Thanks to him, I am a car owner. This is no ordinary car. I really appreciate you. No more Uber and no more trotro. We dey pull up in a Land Cruiser. God bless you.”
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketia has told the grassroots of his political party that cleaning up the system does not equate to removing all members of the New Patriotic Party from their offices and replacing them with NDC members.
According to him, the NDC under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama represents the interest of the Ghanaian people and will not just remove people from office just because they belong to the NPP.
Dr. Isaac Adebesah has officially assumed office as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS), marking the beginning of a new chapter for the institution dedicated to promoting industrial innovation and appropriate technology.
The appointment was formalised at a brief ceremony held on Monday, April 14, 2025. Minister for Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, swore Dr. Adebesah into office and charged him with the task of revitalising the organisation to meet modern industrial demands.
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister underscored the pivotal role of GRATIS in national development, stressing the need for enhanced performance, innovation, and the promotion of appropriate technologies tailored to Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Adebesah expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to lead with integrity and purpose, focusing on efficiency, innovation, and service delivery.
“I am committed to ensuring that GRATIS reaches greater heights by focusing on innovation, efficiency, and impactful service delivery,” he noted.
Cubana Chief Priest, Davido, has expressed admiration on Instagram, capturing the hearts of fans with his touching and heartfelt message.
The nightlife mogul expressed admiration for his longtime friend Davido, describing him as a treasure and a source of inspiration.
Popular nightlife entrepreneur, Cubana Chief Priest, has once again expressed his admiration for Afrobeats star Davido, calling him a treasure and source of endless inspiration.
Controversial Ghanaian prophet Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Kumchacha, has responded to social commentator Appiah Stadium over his recent remarks about him.
In a fresh TikTok video, Kumchacha claimed Appiah Stadium sent him a video he recorded.
He also accused him of conspiring with some individuals who have insulted him on several occasions on social media.
Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that it was not easy to agree with the United States on the key parts of a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine and that Russia would never again allow itself to depend economically on the West.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, has repeatedly said he wants to end the “bloodbath” of the three-year war in Ukraine, though a deal has yet to be agreed.
“It is not easy to agree the key components of a settlement. They are being discussed,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper when asked if Moscow and Washington had agreement on some aspects of a possible peace deal.
“We are well aware of what a mutually beneficial deal looks like, which we have never rejected, and what a deal looks like that could lead us into another trap,” Lavrov said in the interview published in Tuesday’s edition.
The Kremlin on Sunday said that it was too early to expect results from the restoration of more normal relations with Washington.
Lavrov said that Russia’s position had been set out clearly by President Vladimir Putin in June 2024, when Putin demanded Ukraine must officially drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the entirety of the territory of four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia.
“We’re talking about the rights of the people who live on these lands. That is why these lands are dear to us. And we cannot give them up, allowing people to be kicked out of there,” Lavrov said.
Russia currently controls a little under one fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and parts of four other regions Moscow now claims are part of Russia – a claim not recognised by most countries.
Lavrov praised Trump’s “common sense” and for saying that previous U.S. support of Ukraine’s bid to join the NATO military alliance was a major cause of the war in Ukraine.
But Russia’s political elite, he said, would not countenance any moves that led Russia back towards economic, military, technological or agricultural dependence on the West.
The globalisation of the world economy, Lavrov said, had been destroyed by sanctions imposed on Russia, China and Iran by the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden.
Biden, Western European leaders and Ukraine describe Russia’s 2022 invasion as an imperial-style land grab, and repeatedly vowed to defeat Russian forces.
Putin casts the war in Ukraine as part of a battle with a declining West, which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by enlarging the NATO military alliance and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence. —Reuter
President John Dramani Mahama
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