The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has expressed concern over what it describes as a growing threat to media freedom in Ghana following a recent court ruling against investigative journalist Innocent Samuel Appiah.

Justice Nana Brew of the Human Rights Court 2 in Accra ruled in favour of businesswoman Cynthia Adjei, who had sued Mr Appiah over his investigation into her business dealings.

The probe examined Mrs Adjei’s business registration, tax obligations, and access to government land—matters of public interest.

However, the judge cited her privacy and suggested that Mr Appiah should have reported his findings to state investigative agencies such as the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The Society, in a press release signed by its interim president Emmanuel K Dogbevi, condemned the ruling, warning that it could reduce journalists to mere informants for law enforcement, rather than independent reporters serving the public.

“Journalism is a public good, and journalists must be free to report on matters of public interest without fear of reprisal and the use of the law courts to intimidate and gag them,” the Society said in a statement.

Mr Dogbevi described the growing trend of frivolous lawsuits aimed at stopping media organisations from publishing stories as worrying for Ghana, a country often cited as a model of multiparty democracy.

“I urge Ghanaian journalists to remain resolute in pursuit of their constitutional obligations in exposing wrongdoing, holding power to account, and informing the people. History will be their best judge,” he added.

WAES also highlighted that the case appears to be an attempt at censorship, noting Mrs Adjei’s connections to a politically exposed person, her husband, a former public figure and head of state enterprises that have done business with her company.

The society is calling on Ghana’s justice system to uphold press freedom and ensure constitutional guarantees for journalists operating within the law and in accordance with professional ethics.

WAES stressed that rulings like this one send the wrong signal, threaten media independence, and could undermine the public’s right to be informed.

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Fire service personnel spraying water into the air at CMB

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were deployed to the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) area in Accra’s Central Business District(CBD) on Monday, following reports of multiple people experiencing acute breathing difficulties because of overcrowding.

The area on Monday was filled with a multitude of people in an attempt to do last-minute shopping for the Christmas festive season.

The incident, which caused alarm among traders, shoppers, and transport operators, saw numerous individuals struggling to breathe, prompting immediate emergency calls.

Fire Service crews arrived swiftly at the scene to assess the situation, provide initial assistance, and conduct atmospheric monitoring to identify any potential hazards by spraying water into the atmosphere.

Initial reports from the scene suggest the cause may have been a suspected chemical release or a concentrated plume of fumes from an unidentified source. However, the stench emanating from the debris collected from the gutters as a result of a clean-up exercise might also have contributed to the situation

Casualty figures are currently unconfirmed, but eyewitnesses reported seeing several people having difficulty breathing.

Officials are working to determine the exact cause of the incident.

It was a scene of artificial rain in Accra’s Central Business District on Monday

The crowded scene led to commercial drivers taking advantage of the situation by doubling their fares.

Commercial drivers were seen charging GHS 5 from Tudu to Kwame Nkrumah Circle and GHS 10 to Lapaz, GHS 10 to Dome and GHS 20 to Nsawam.

Even in the face of the cheating on the part of the commercial drivers, passengers still clamoured for the vehicles with the personnel from the Police MTTD looking on.

The Ghana National Fire Service and other relevant agencies, like the Ambulance Service, are expected to provide further updates as the investigation proceeds.

🚨ICYMI🇬🇭🔥🌡️: Scenes at Accra CMB earlier today as extreme heat & congestion caused several people to struggle to breathe, w/ some reportedly losing consciousness.

The National Fire Service intervened to spray water on the crowd to help cool temperatures & restore calm.

🦅🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/EU17uLIaBh

— Ölele | Building OSN (@OleleSalvador) December 22, 2025

Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey logo

The Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG) has commended the government and the leadership of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) for issuing Ghana’s first Mining Operative Permit under the Responsible Cooperative Mining initiative.

The permit, issued at Anwia in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, has been described by PAJAG as a historic milestone in Ghana’s efforts to curb illegal mining while promoting environmentally responsible and community-focused small-scale mining.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nana Otu Darko, PAJAG praised the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Ing. Frank Pedro Asare, for what it called “visionary leadership” in translating policy commitments into practical action.

According to the group, the development demonstrates that responsible mining in Ghana is no longer a theoretical promise but a concrete policy being implemented on the ground.

PAJAG noted that the rCOMSDEP model integrates structured training, strict regulatory oversight and the use of modern mining technologies to protect host communities and the environment.

The journalists’ advocacy group further observed that the initiative offers small-scale miners a legal and dignified means of livelihood, while helping the state tackle the long-standing challenges associated with galamsey, including land degradation and water pollution.

PAJAG pledged its full support for the nationwide rollout of the programme, indicating it would contribute through investigative journalism, public education and sustained advocacy to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation.

“Responsible mining is possible — and Ghana is leading the way,” the statement concluded.

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme is a key government intervention aimed at formalising small-scale mining, promoting environmental sustainability and creating decent jobs within the mining sector.

The Mayor of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Ebi Bright, has condemned the ongoing encroachment on a designated wetland and major sewage management site in the Tema Heavy Industrial Area, describing the situation as a “crime against the city” that poses a serious threat to urban infrastructure.

Her remarks follow a Channel One News investigation which revealed that the site — a critical water retention basin and sewage management point — has been taken over by concrete structures, raising concerns about flooding and a possible public health emergency.

According to sources, construction activities at the wetland have been ongoing for the past two months.

Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Monday, December 22, Ebi Bright said the scale and implications of the encroachment go beyond routine enforcement challenges.

She warned that if left unchecked, the development could compromise drainage systems in the area and expose residents to serious environmental and health risks.

“The usual method of ‘stop work’ is not going to do it in this case. This is a crime against the city in the worst way possible. This is not just about taking land illegally; it is about destroying the whole infrastructure of the city. Essentially, what this person has done is to turn the whole industrial area into a lagoon,” she said.

She stated that the assembly will pursue legal action to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

Meanwhile, road and building consultant Abdulai-Mahama has called on government to urgently summon the Mayor over the matter and take decisive action against the perpetrators.

In an interview with Citi News, he urged authorities to immediately reclaim the land and sanction those responsible, describing the development as a clear breach of Ghana’s land-use and environmental laws.

AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo

Tottenham Hotspur have ended their interest in Ghana and AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Black Stars forward will become available in the January market, with a release clause of £65 million for any club interested in his services.

Spurs earlier showed interest in Semenyo during the summer window, and were one of the clubs in the race for his signature ahead of next month’s transfer business period.

However, according to reports in England, the Europa League winners have ended their pursuit of the striker and have instead moved on to other targets.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all preparing to make a bid for the forward in January.

Although Semenyo is yet to make a decision over his future, the 25-year-old is believed to be favouring a move to Liverpool.

The Reds lost striker Alexander Isak to injury during the 2-0 victory over Spurs on Saturday while talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

Semenyo has been in blistering form for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, netting 8 goals and delivering 3 assists in 16 matches.

The Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Saboba, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assured that the State Transport Company (STC) and Metro Mass Transit (MMT) will receive new buses by the end of the first quarter of 2026 as part of government efforts to retool the two state-owned transport operators.

Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Monday, December 22, Mr. Nikpe said the government has secured financial backing from the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) to support the acquisition of new buses for STC, with similar arrangements underway for MMT.

“It is a headache to us in the Ministry, and I want to thank the President for his concern,” Mr. Nikpe said. “Just last week, we were able to get the Ghana Commercial Bank, and the President himself sat in a meeting with STC management for us to see how we can get support for STC to acquire almost 300 buses.

“God willing, we should have buses by the end of the first quarter [2026] for all the two states’ companies.”

According to the Minister, the arrangement will allow STC to receive between 250 and 300 buses in the first phase, with additional buses to be procured annually to sustain operations.

“We are on course, and I am very certain that very soon STC will begin to receive new fleets supported by the Ghana Commercial Bank. They will purchase the buses, and the bank will do all the arrangements to support us to have more buses,” he stated.

Mr. Nikpe explained that the bus acquisition programme will be continuous, with plans to bring in more than 150 buses each year to strengthen STC’s operations.

“If they are able to bring in the first phase between 250 to 300 buses, it will be a yearly activity that every time we are going to bring in over 150 buses to support their operations. The same arrangement is being made for Metro Mass Transit Limited that the buses will be supplied in phases every year. We will renew their fleets,” he said.

The Transport Minister noted that before engaging financial institutions, the government implemented internal reforms to improve efficiency and accountability within the transport companies.

“Before the President agreed to talk to any bank, there were some internal arrangements we had to put in place. We have now put them on their toes to manage what they have, and we are seeing improvement in their daily mobilisation of funds,” he said.

He added that despite operating with limited fleets, both companies have begun recording profits, a development he described as encouraging.

“The little buses they have are beginning to make profits. That is a clear indication to us that if we make arrangements for them, they will be able to pay for it,” Mr. Nikpe said.

Electroland Ghana Limited has strengthened its customer-first approach by rewarding more than 10,000 shoppers nationwide through its Akyɛdeɛ Kɛseɛ Christmas Promotion.

The initiative underscores the growing role of experiential marketing in building brand loyalty within Ghana’s competitive consumer electronics retail market.

The promotion climaxed on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Electroland’s Head Office showroom, after weeks of sustained customer engagement nationwide.

Winners were selected through a supervised and transparent draw, with prizes ranging from electronic appliances to household items.

Speaking to Joy Business, Head of Marketing and Media Relations, Adiza Ibrahim, said the promotion goes beyond a seasonal campaign and forms part of Electroland’s long-term brand strategy.

She disclosed that the Akyɛdeɛ Kɛseɛ promotion has been institutionalised and will run until 2029, offering customers continuous opportunities to be rewarded for their loyalty.

“We are proud to say that Akyɛdeɛ Kɛseɛ, our flagship customer loyalty scheme, has come to stay. This is just the beginning. So far, the rewards have gone beyond 10,000 customers, and we are grateful,” she said.

She also commended the National Lottery Authority for its oversight role, noting that its involvement ensured credibility, transparency and accountability throughout the promotion.

“The National Lottery Authority has done very well. They are our backend support and ensured that all entries were properly verified, guaranteeing transparency and accountability in the draw process,” she added.

The overall winner, Miss Shirley Boateng, described the experience as overwhelming and rewarding, and encouraged customers to actively participate in future promotions, stressing that the process was fair and well organised.

“I feel great and blessed. It is overwhelming. I am very grateful to Electroland Ghana Limited for this opportunity. What felt like a dream has now become a reality, and I am very happy,” she said.

As competition intensifies in Ghana’s retail and consumer electronics market, Electroland says it will continue to introduce innovative promotions to deepen customer relationships, grow its market share and strengthen its position as a trusted household brand.

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the alleged murder of 18-year-old Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Ahyia, in Latvia.

During a meeting with the bereaved family, the Minister disclosed that a fact-finding mission from Ghana’s Embassy in Germany, which is also accredited to Latvia, has been dispatched and has since submitted a preliminary report to the Ministry.

Mr. Ablakwa said Latvian authorities have confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Nana Agyei Ahyia’s death are still ongoing.

He further informed the family of his intention to travel to Latvia to engage his Latvian counterpart and officials handling the case, noting that representatives of the victim’s family will be part of the delegation.

The Minister also announced plans for the government to engage independent experts to review all investigative reports, including the final report expected from Latvian authorities, to help determine the appropriate next steps in the pursuit of justice.

Nana Agyei was a first-year Electrical Engineering (Adaptronic) student at Riga Technical University, having enrolled in July 2024.

His life was tragically cut short on June 4, 2025, in what Latvian authorities initially reported as a fall from the sixth floor of his apartment building on Baznicas Street in Riga.

However, the family has strongly disputed this account, citing a disturbing voice note Nana Agyei sent just three days prior to his death—in which he claimed to have been poisoned.

“We received news that he fell from the sixth floor and died. But we said, no, that cannot be true. There’s no way he would commit suicide,” said Sarah Nimli, a family spokesperson.

“I wrote letters to the Foreign Ministry, to the school, and contacted the police. But we realized the police were not responding and appeared to be covering up because the people involved were Latvian nationals.”

Frustrated by the lack of transparency, the family dispatched a relative to Latvia to seek answers. The relative was later joined by a representative from the Ghanaian Embassy in Berlin, which has jurisdiction over Latvian affairs, to engage with local authorities.

ElectroChem Ghana Ltd., Africa’s largest salt mine and a subsidiary of the McDan Group, has appointed Francis Buamah as its new Chief Executive Officer following approval by the company’s Board.

He brings more than 29 years of global leadership experience to the role, with a strong background in enterprise transformation, operational excellence, large-scale programme management, and multi-sector business growth across Europe, the United States, and Africa.

He has held senior leadership positions at KPMG, EY, Capgemini, and Phillips Consulting, and also brings entrepreneurial experience in FMCG, supply chain management, and business operations.

Widely recognised as a business transformation expert, Mr Buamah has led multimillion-dollar projects across manufacturing, energy, banking, finance, government, telecommunications, and development sectors.

His track record includes overseeing a US$130 million supply-chain optimisation programme across multiple continents, designing a US$500 million market expansion strategy for a global manufacturer, delivering governance reforms for public institutions, and leading major digital, ERP, and FinTech transformation initiatives.

In his new role, Mr Buamah will provide strategic leadership to accelerate the transformation of the Songor Salt Project, strengthen operational efficiency, boost international competitiveness, expand export capacity, and ensure sustainable value creation for the Ada community and Ghana.

Board Chairman of ElectroChem Ghana Ltd., Dr Daniel McKorley, said the Board is confident that Mr Buamah’s global experience and execution strength will advance the company’s long-term vision of positioning Ghana as a key player in the global salt and industrial minerals market.

ElectroChem Ghana Ltd. welcomed Mr Buamah and expressed optimism about a new chapter of innovation, growth, and sustainability under his leadership.

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Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has announced the imminent launch of a new marine transport service set to link Ghana to other West African coastal states.

This service offers passengers and cargo a sea-based alternative to congested road travel.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, the Saboba MP revealed that an investor has secured two large vessels to operate along the coast from Ghana through Togo and Benin to Nigeria.

“Currently, I am happy as a Minister to say that we have had an investor who has brought in two ships, bigger vessels that will soon start operations from the coast through to Nigeria,” he said.

“He will now be taking passengers and cargo from Ghana through Togo, Benin, to Nigeria.”

The Minister said the new service is expected to significantly reduce pressure on key road networks, particularly the heavily used Volta corridor linking Ghana to Benin.

“We believe that will ease the congestion on the Volta route to Benin. It is going to take from Accra through Lomé, through Cotonou, and then finally by sea—goods and human beings,” he stated.

Mr Nikpe noted that the coastal marine service would provide a safer and more efficient option for travellers and transporters who endure long and exhausting road journeys across the sub-region.

“If you have your vehicle, you wouldn’t want to spend any time on the roads,” he added.

He disclosed that preparations are well advanced, with commercial operations expected to begin early next year.

“By February 2026, it should start operations because it is far gone,” the Minister said, signalling a major shift in regional transport connectivity along the West African coast.

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In a strategic move to strengthen party cohesion beyond Ghana’s borders, the Deputy National Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Abigail Elom Akwambeah Mensah, paid a working visit to the NDC Canada Chapter in Montreal on December 20.

The engagement came at a crucial time, as some members of the diaspora chapter had expressed concerns about feeling sidelined following the party’s return to power. With humility and clarity, Madam Akwambeah addressed these sentiments, reaffirming the party’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices and consistent support of its members abroad.

She conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s gratitude to the Canada Chapter, stressing that the diaspora remains a vital pillar of the NDC’s strength and international outreach. She further explained that this recognition informed key appointments, including that of Hon. Gyakye Quayson as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Hon. Clement Apaak as Deputy Minister for Education.

According to her, these strategic appointments are expected to advance the broader interests of the party and provide avenues through which the concerns and contributions of the Canada Chapter can be effectively channeled and supported.

Party members in Canada widely described the visit as timely and confidence-boosting, noting that her intervention helped ease tensions, restore trust, and re-energize the base.

From grassroots mobilization in Ghana to diplomatic engagement in the diaspora, Abigail Elom Akwambeah Mensah continues to exemplify leadership anchored in service, inclusiveness, and responsiveness—underscoring that lasting political success lies not only in winning elections, but in sustaining unity and cohesion within the party.

Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe says the absence of dedicated traffic signs and signals for motor riders has been a major gap in the road safety system.

This situation, he said, the government now plans to fix following the legalisation of commercial motorcycle, otherwise known as Okada operations.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, December 22, the Minister said the transport sector requires constant improvement, especially in road safety infrastructure, to reflect changing realities on the roads.

“The transport sector needs improvement on a daily basis. We do not have dedicated traffic signs for motor riders,” Mr Nikpe said.

“But now that we have legalised their operations, going forward, we are going to see some changes, including the kind of traffic lights we will be installing at various points.”

He explained that the planned interventions will include new traffic signs and upgraded traffic lights specifically designed to improve safety for motor riders while protecting other road users.

Mr Nikpe stressed that the introduction of dedicated traffic signals must go hand in hand with stronger enforcement and discipline on the roads.

He pointed to neighbouring Togo as an example, noting that better road safety outcomes there are driven largely by enforcement rather than infrastructure alone.

“The difference is discipline and enforcement,” he said, adding that laws mean little without strict compliance.

The Transport Minister called for closer collaboration among the Ministries of Transport, Local Government, Interior, and Roads and Highways to ensure traffic regulations are enforced effectively.

He indicated that tougher sanctions, including the seizure of vehicles and withdrawal of drivers’ licences, will be applied to offenders as part of efforts to instil discipline.

According to Mr Nikpe, the combined measures, anchored by the introduction of dedicated traffic signs and signals for motor riders, are aimed at reducing accidents and creating a safer road environment as Ghana’s transport sector undergoes reforms.

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Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, has disclosed that 448 conflict‑prone spots have been identified across the country.  

He said the spots, captured in a report received last week, posed varying levels of threat to national security and peace, with the majority being chieftaincy‑related.  

Sharing details of the report at the 58th annual Ashanti Regional Maulid celebration, Alhaji Mubarak noted that the Ashanti Region had 68 spots, while the Central Region recorded 88.   

“The five regions in the north where we think there is a lot of conflict have 122 spots,” he said.  

The Minister observed that while most conflict hotspots were in the southern part of the country, those in the north tended to be more violent, attributing the situation to impatience and a failure to use appropriate dispute-resolution mechanisms.   

“When issues happen, they (Central Region) try to resolve them using the laid-down dispute resolution process,” he noted.  

Alhaji Mubarak, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, urged Muslims to exercise restraint and follow due process in addressing misunderstandings or disagreements to safeguard peace and tranquillity.  

He asked citizens to take advantage of the ongoing gun amnesty, which expires on January 15, 2026, to surrender weapons in their possession or regularise them if eligible.  

“If this period elapses, we will intensify stop and search,” the Minister warned.  

The gathering brought together eminent Islamic clerics, Zongo chiefs, and Muslim scholars, including Mohammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam of Ghana.  

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John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has commended the government led by John Dramani Mahama for achieving notable economic stability, highlighting recent growth indicators as evidence of progress.

According to GUTA, Ghana’s economy recorded a 5.5% growth in the third quarter of 2025, largely driven by the agriculture and services sectors.

The Ghanaian Cedi has also shown stability, while inflation eased to 6.3% in November 2025. The monetary policy rate, currently at 18%, is noted as the lowest in recent years, signaling improved financial conditions.

GUTA in a statement issued on December 22, 2025, praised the government for implementing policies that have contributed to these positive trends, particularly the recent monetary policy adjustments.

The association encouraged the continuation of sustainable policies aimed at addressing challenges such as access to foreign exchange, supporting local businesses, and promoting economic inclusivity.

“GUTA commends the government’s efforts in implementing policies that have contributed to this growth, particularly the monetary policy adjustments. We urge them to continue with sustainable policies that address challenges like forex access, support local businesses, and promote economic inclusivity.

“GUTA also continuously urges traders to pass on the benefits of this economic progress to consumers. Reduce prices to match the economic wins we’ve made. Let’s make Christmas merry for all,” part of the statement said.

In addition, GUTA urged traders to pass on the benefits of this economic progress to consumers, calling for price reductions to reflect the improved economic conditions. “Let’s make Christmas merry for all,” the statement emphasized, appealing for consumer-friendly pricing during the festive season.

The statement was signed by Clement Boateng, President of GUTA, on behalf of the association.

AM

Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025

The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.

Who deserves to be honoured this year?

Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate

A top Amazon executive has said the US technology giant has blocked more than 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents.

North Koreans tried to apply for remote working IT jobs using stolen or fake identities, Amazon’s chief security officer Stephen Schmidt said in a LinkedIn post.

“Their objective is typically straightforward: get hired, get paid, and funnel wages back to fund the regime’s weapons programs,” he said, adding that this trend is likely to be happening at scale across the industry, especially in the US.

Authorities in the US and South Korea have warned about Pyongyang’s operatives carrying out online scams.

Amazon has seen a nearly one-third increase in job applications from North Koreans in the past year, said Mr Schmidt in his post.

He said the operatives typically work with people managing “laptop farms” – referring to computers based in the US that are run remotely from outside of the country.

The firm used a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and verification by its staff to screen job applications, he said.

The strategies used by such fraudsters have become more sophisticated, Mr Schmidt said.

Bad actors are hijacking dormant LinkedIn accounts using leaked credentials to gain verification. They target genuine software engineers to appear credible, he said, urging firms to report suspicious job applications to the authorities.

Mr Schmidt warned employers to look out for indicators of fraudulent North Korean job applications, including incorrectly formatted phone numbers and mismatched education histories.

In June, the US government said it had uncovered 29 “laptop farms” that were being operated illegally across the country by North Korean IT workers.

They used stolen or forged identities of Americans to help North Korean nationals get jobs in the US, said the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It also indicted US brokers who had helped secure jobs for the North Korean operatives.

In July, a woman from Arizona was sentenced to more than eight years in jail for running a laptop farm to help North Korean IT workers secure remote jobs at more than 300 US companies.

The DOJ said the scheme generated more than $17m (£12.6m) in illicit gains for her and Pyongyang.

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Air travel within West Africa is set to become more expensive from February 1, 2026, following Ghana’s decision to introduce a new $9 Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) fee on both arriving and departing passengers.

The total APIS fee per passenger would now be $18 on a return ticket.

This is coming barely a few weeks after Nigeria, through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), introduced such a levy on international passengers arriving or departing the country.

Nigeria had commenced a new regime of $11.5 per passenger on December 1, 2025, totalling $23 for arrival and departure.

This is in addition to the earlier $20 security levy per passenger introduced in 2010 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The new development brings the combined additional APIS-related burden on a return ticket between Nigeria and Ghana to $41 per passenger.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ibom Air, George Uriesi in an interaction with The Guardian, warned that the new levy would push ticket prices higher on one of the region’s busiest short-haul routes, Lagos – Accra.

Before the new fees, the mandatory non-airline charges on a return ticket between the two countries stood at $198, he said.

Uriesi said that with Ghana’s APIS implementation next year, the baseline cost would rise to $216, even before airlines add landing fees, parking, navigational charges, handling, ground services or fuel costs.

He added: “This is the minimum airlines must load into the fare before even considering the cost of operating the aircraft.

“After adding fuel, crew, maintenance reserves, distribution costs and other overheads, airlines still need to set a fare that keeps them competitive while covering operational expenses. It is becoming increasingly difficult.”

Industry stakeholders also said that once all variables are factored in, realistic return fares on the Nigeria-Ghana corridor could rise above current levels, pushing many economy-class round-trip tickets well above the $300 bracket, depending on season and load factor.

Uriesi, however, said that the new $9 levy by Ghana was not retaliatory against Nigeria, but rather an opportunity for the Ghanaian government to introduce new taxes on the travelling passengers.

Aviation stakeholders have long argued that West Africa is one of the world’s most expensive regions for air travel due to excessive taxation and statutory charges.

The new Ghana APIS fee would join a long list of levies, including Passenger Service Charges (PSC), security
charges, airport development fees and other regulatory surcharges.

Uriesi emphasised that Ghana already collects PSC on both arriving and departing passengers, stressing that adding an APIS fee would worsen the cost burden.

He declared that with additional charges, it would be difficult for government in the sub-region to promote regional connectivity.

Also, a 2024 data by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) showed that for international departures, West Africa averages about $109.5 in taxes, fees per passenger, significantly above the continental average.
By comparison, other regions are substantially cheaper than West Africa.

The AFRAA data revealed that Western Africa has $109.5 in taxes, charges and levies per passenger; Central Africa, $106.6; Eastern Africa, $63.3; Southern Africa, $34.5, while Northern Africa stands at $25.3.

For instance, average fees in Eastern Africa are lower, while Northern Africa remains the lowest among the sub-regions.

AFRAA’s rankings of the most expensive countries in 2024 further confirmed that Gabon, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and others are the most expensive for international taxes and levies, all within West Africa.

Ghana has taken another decisive step in the fight against Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (D/SGBV) as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Domestic Violence Secretariat, convened a high-level National Stakeholders’ Meeting to strengthen coordinated national action.

The engagement brought together key government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and frontline service providers whose mandates are central to preventing violence, protecting survivors, and strengthening Ghana’s national response systems. The meeting forms part of sustained efforts to move the country from fragmented responses to a unified, survivor-centred framework that prioritises safety, dignity, and justice.

Opening the meeting, the Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Madam Malonin Asibi, made a compelling call for all actors to place survivors at the heart of every intervention. She stressed that addressing D/SGBV must go beyond policies and statements to tangible actions that protect survivors’ rights, restore dignity, and prevent re-victimisation.

Stakeholders received detailed presentations from the Domestic Violence Secretariat, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These presentations outlined institutional mandates, current interventions, key achievements, and persistent challenges in preventing and responding to D/SGBV across the country.

Regional Directors of Gender, representatives of state agencies, and Civil Society Organisations further shared insights from ongoing regional and community-level interventions. While progress was acknowledged in areas such as awareness creation and survivor support services, participants openly highlighted critical challenges, including inadequate funding, limited human resources, and gaps in coordination that continue to weaken service delivery.

Plenary discussions reinforced a shared understanding that ending Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence requires stronger coordination, improved information sharing, and sustained multi-sectoral collaboration. Participants emphasised that without deliberate investment in survivor-centred systems, many victims—especially women and children—will remain vulnerable and underserved.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call on government, development partners, civil society, and communities to translate commitments into action. Ending D/SGBV in Ghana, stakeholders agreed, is not only a moral obligation but a national development imperative that demands collective responsibility, sustained funding, and unwavering political will.

As Ghana pushes forward, the message from the stakeholders’ meeting is clear: silence enables violence, but coordinated action can end it.

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Tottenham Hotspur have ended their interest in Ghana and AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of the winter transfer window. 

The Black Stars forward will become available in the January market, with a release clause of £65 million for any club interested in his services.

Spurs earlier showed interest in Semenyo during the summer window, and were one of the clubs in the race for his signature ahead of next month’s transfer business period.

However, according to reports in England, the Europa League winners have ended their pursuit of the striker and have instead moved on to other targets.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all preparing to make a bid for the forward in January.

Although Semenyo is yet to make a decision over his future, the 25-year-old is believed to be favouring a move to Liverpool.

The Reds lost striker Alexander Isak to injury during the 2-0 victory over Spurs on Saturday while talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

Semenyo has been in blistering form for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, netting 8 goals and delivering 3 assists in 16 matches.

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to translating diaspora engagement from dialogue into concrete economic action, as stakeholders converged for Day Two of the Diaspora Summit 2025 in Accra on Saturday, December 20.

Speaking at the summit, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said the gathering marked a critical shift from reflection to implementation. Her address was delivered on her behalf by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Sampson Ahi.

According to the Minister, while Day One of the summit focused on history, identity, and shared purpose under the theme “Resetting Ghana: The Diaspora as the 17th Region,” Day Two was dedicated to translating shared aspirations into practical partnerships and measurable development outcomes.

She noted that key discussions at the summit centred on policy frameworks for deepening diaspora engagement, the Sankofa Initiative, the 24-Hour Economy, and targeted diaspora investment tools designed to align skills, capital, and global networks with Ghana’s national development priorities.

Hon. Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a strategic gateway to Africa, stressing that businesses operating from Ghana have access to a market of over 1.4 billion people through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She identified trade, agribusiness, and industry as priority sectors offering significant opportunities for diaspora investors.

The Minister further outlined government efforts to strengthen value chains, support local production, revive key industries, and improve the business environment through clear and predictable policies. She emphasised that Ghana’s development agenda depends on strong public-private partnerships and active diaspora participation.

In a separate address, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Hon. Julius Debrah, disclosed that nearly three million Ghanaians currently live abroad. He stressed that diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances, adding that with the right institutional systems in place, Ghana stands to attract increased investment from Ghanaians living overseas.

He noted that under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, the diaspora remains a central pillar of national development, and called for greater youth involvement as government deepens recognition of the diaspora as Ghana’s 17th Region.

Representing the Asantehene, Nana Dr. S.K.B. Asante, Paramount Chief of the Asokore Traditional Area, called for intensified public education to encourage Ghanaians to brand the country positively, both locally and internationally, in order to project a strong national image.

In a message to the summit, the Global Diasporan Council announced plans to establish a Global Homeland Fund next year in partnership with government, describing the initiative as a potential game changer for investment mobilisation in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Simon Madjie, urged diaspora investors to look beyond Accra, noting that other regions across the country offer equally viable and sustainable investment opportunities.

The Diaspora Summit 2025 continues to serve as a platform for strengthening collaboration between government and Ghanaians abroad, with a renewed focus on leveraging diaspora trade, investment, and expertise for national development.

neoreportgh.com

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By Dennis Peprah
 
Sunyani, (Bono), Dec. 22, GNA – Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), an anti-corruption, human rights and media advocacy non-profit organisation has advised hawkers to shun unhealthy lifestyle in the festive season.  

He reminded the head potters, truck and wheelbarrow pushes that substance abuse, alcoholism, and promiscuous lifestyle could ruin their future or find troubles for them in the Christmas festivities.  

Mr Ahenu gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a community forum for the hawkers in Sunyani, asking them to adopt the habit of savings and avoid unnecessary spending too.  

The GloMeF organised the forum in line with the implementation of its three-year Resilient City for Adolescent (RCA) project that sought to improve the lives of adolescent people in the Sunyani and Sunyani West Municipalities.  ‘

It was attended by mostly truck and wheelbarrow pushes and sought to identify and collect the emerging concerns and challenges confronting the vulnerable people and to be forwarded to the relevant public institutions for the required attention.  

“Many vulnerable adolescent people like you have found themselves in prison because of drug abuse and alcoholism”, Mr Ahenu stated saying “as vulnerable people you must avoid anything that may increase your vulnerabilities”.  

Mr Ahenu told them that the Christmas season was often associated with uncontrolled passion or desire for sex, substance abuse and alcoholism that exposed many young people to acts of lawlessness and indiscipline.  
He reminded them that: “You have left your families back home to struggle for better lives, and you must be guarded and remain focused”, urging them to shun bad peers too.  

Mr Simon Asore, the Executive Director of the Citizens Watch Ghana (CWG), another NGO partnering the implementation of the RCA explained that the implementation of the project had offered employable skills training to 90 vulnerable people in the two municipalities.  

He said the beneficiaries went through training in body make up, bakery and pastries, hairdressing and dressmaking among others, saying some of them were also going through ICT training.  

Mr Asore said the RCA project was being funded by the Fondation Bortnar, through Ecorys, United Kingdom.  

Some of the hawkers who spoke to the GNA expressed concern about lack of shelter and called for the government’s intervention.  
GNA  

Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade

play videoJohn Dramani Mahama is Ghana’s President

President John Dramani Mahama has assured that the report of the Constitution Review Committee will be implemented in a bipartisan manner.

According to him, the implementation will be carried out in a way that brings all Ghanaians together.

He made the assurance when the committee presented its final report to him on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Constitutional Review Committee set to present report to President Mahama

“You were carefully chosen for your integrity, your credibility and we haven’t had the experience of constitutional review committees before and the fact that at the end of it we had been unable to agree how to move the process forward.

“This time we said let’s choose the committee very carefully, so that it’s a committee that Ghanaians have trust in, so that when the report comes it would be nonpartisan, it would not have been influenced by any political interest, so that it would make it easier for all of us to come together and move the process forward,” he noted.

President Mahama said that early next year, a committee will be set up to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.

BREAKING: Constitutional Review Committee proposes five-year Presidential term

“As soon as we resume early next year, we’re moving from the constitutional review process into the implementation process, and so early next year we’ll announce an implementation committee”, he added.

The committee proposed several changes, including a review of the powers of the Attorney-General and a proposal to increase the presidential tenure by five years.

It also recommended transferring some of the Attorney General’s responsibilities to an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, allowing the office to focus on “international arbitration and big constitutional cases.”

The committee was formed by President Mahama to promote the Constitutional Review Process’s implementation.

Watch the video below:

JKB/AM

AG to prosecute Kofi Akpaloo, wife over alleged COCOBOD contract fraud

There were no apologies from Mohamed Salah to his teammates in red on Monday night, with Egypt’s players grateful to Liverpool’s troubled superstar for conjuring a stoppage-time winner.

After failing to capitalise on a dominant start, the seven-times Afcon winners required a stunning equaliser from Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Salah’s late winner to spare their blushes against the aptly named Warriors from Zimbabwe, who have never progressed beyond the group stages.

Salah had sparkled initially before fading as his lack of recent playing time at Liverpool took its toll, but ended up making the decisive contribution as he swivelled in the penalty area to score with a scuffed left-foot half volley.

The sparsely populated bowl of the Grand Stade d’Agadir, which began the game with around 10% of its 45,000 seats occupied before the lowest of its three tiers eventually came close to filling up, is not the grandest of stages on which the so-called Egyptian King usually thrives, but neither is this tournament. For all the adoration he inspires in Egypt and throughout Africa the lack of an Afcon winner’s medal is the one major absence on Salah’s CV.

After losing in two finals in 2017 and 2022, Salah is desperate to fill that gap, all the more so given the possibility that his club career in Europe may be winding down, with several Saudi Pro League clubs ready to pounce on his unhappiness at Anfield.

Salah’s situation in this tournament could not be more different from the previous Afcon in Côte d’Ivoire two years ago when, ironic as it may now seem, he was accused of prioritising club over country. Egypt’s greatest player left that tournament early to return to Liverpool for treatment after a hamstring injury during a group stage game against Ghana, with the country’s most-capped player Ahmed Hassan accusing him of letting the nation down.

Salah appears to have found salvation in being reunited with his countrymen on this occasion, however, with Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassam saying “he regains his strength with the national team”, as he demonstrated by guiding them to a hard-fought win.

It was clear that the start that Salah has the freedom to roam as he wishes in this team, drifting into central areas and dropping deep to pick up possession in his own half as he saw fit. He remains most threatening from the right however, and twice in the space of one first-half minute he came close to conjuring the opening goal. A lofted cross to Trézéguet produced a header that was saved by Washington Arubi before Salah cut in from the right and had a shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked. Salah created another chance in the 12th minute for Eman Ashour, which he slashed wide, his last notable contribution of a truncated evening, which ended in the 34th minute when Hassam replaced him with big striker Mostafa Mohamed in a tactical switch after falling behind. Zimbabwe’s goal stunned Egypt, who should have been cruising at that stage. Instead they were caught on the counterattack, with Emmanuel Jalai crossing from the right to Prince Dube, who produced a wonderful turn and finish from the edge of the area.

Egypt continued to dominate in terms of possession, with Marmoush spurning several chances before delivering a sumptuous equaliser in the 64th minute. He collected the ball with immaculate control on the left flank before racing away from Godknows Murwira and beating Arubi with a powerful finish from a tight angle.

As Egypt pushed for a winner, their substitute Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed spurned two further chances, the latter created by Salah, who inevitably had the final word.

By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA 

Ayease (Ash), Dec. 22, GNA – Mr. William Kofi Adzowu, the Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi East, has cut the sod for the commencement of the construction of a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound with nurses’ quarters at Ayease. 

The project, which seeks to improve access to quality healthcare delivery in the area, is being funded through the District Assemblies’ Common Fund. 

It comprises a fully furnished CHPS compound, a two-bedroom semi-detached nurses’ quarters, and a mechanised borehole fitted with two 500-litre polytanks mounted on concrete stands, among other essential facilities.  

Addressing the chiefs and people of Ayease, Mr. Adzowu noted that the lack of a nearby health facility had, in the past, contributed to the loss of lives, as residents were often forced to travel long distances to access medical care.  

He stressed that the government places high priority on the wellbeing of citizens and remained committed to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the country. 

The MCE assured residents of his firm commitment to ensure that the project was completed on schedule, commissioned, and officially handed over by June 2026. 

Mr. Adzowu further disclosed that the project site had been strategically selected to allow for future expansion into a full clinic and, eventually, a hospital, should the need arise.  

He, therefore appealed to the community to fully cooperate with the contractor to ensure smooth and timely execution of the project. 

Nana Oduro Gyekye, the Odikro of Ayease, commended the MCE for what he described as an impressive performance since assuming office. 

He also urged the contractor to engage local artisans, particularly masons, carpenters, and labourers to create employment opportunities for the youth in the community. 

Additionally, Nana Oduro Gyekye appealed to the MCE to give urgent attention to improving the road network within the municipality, especially the Abusco Junction–Ayease stretch. 

GNA 

Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade 

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has undergone surgery after breaking his leg, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Isak suffered the injury in scoring Liverpool’s opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur when his foot got caught between Micky van de Ven’s legs as the defender dived to block his shot.

“Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday,” Liverpool said. “After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. No time frame (is) yet placed on his return.”

Liverpool smashed the British transfer record to sign the 26-year-old Sweden international for 125 million pounds ($168 million) in September after Isak made it clear he wanted to leave Newcastle United and was frozen out of the squad.

Isak, who scored 54 Premier League goals in 86 games for Newcastle, made his debut against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League after a lack of fitness kept him out of the first league game after his arrival.

He has struggled in a Liverpool side who have failed to replicate last season’s title-winning form and has scored two league goals in 10 appearances.

Isak netted his first goal for the club in a League Cup win over Southampton in September and has failed to find the net in his five Champions League appearances.

Liverpool, fifth in the standings and 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, were already without Mohamed Salah who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.

They will now have to rely heavily on striker Hugo Ekitike, another new signing who has scored eight league goals including five in the last three games, and may need to invest in the January transfer window with Salah’s future at the club in doubt.

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