More than 50,000 people have queued in the last 24 hoursto pay their respects to Pope Francis at St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican has said.

On Thursday morning, the queue to see the Pope, who is in an open coffin, stretched out of St Peter’s Square and down the street – the longest the line had become since his body was moved to lie in state on Wednesday.

Entry to the church in Vatican City had been due to stop at midnight local time (22:00 GMT), but opening hours were extended to accommodate large crowds.

The pontiff died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. He had spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year with double pneumonia.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and held the role for 12 years.

Red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests escorted the Pope’s coffin from his residence to the basilica on Wednesday.

Bells tolled during the 40-minute procession, while the crowd broke into applause – a traditional Italian sign of respect.

Swiss Guards, who are responsible for the Pope’s safety, escorted his coffin to the church’s altar.

Public viewing began at 11:00 local time on Wednesday. By mid-afternoon, tens of thousands of people lined the square.

The church was supposed to close at midnight, but police told the BBC that it would stay open all night so that crowds gathered on the square could file past the coffin.

“I think the Pope was an amazing man, so I wanted to see him,” 13-year-old Edoardo, waiting after midnight with his parents, told the BBC. “I am really sorry. But I think maybe he will enjoy heaven.”

Viewing continued until 05:30 on Thursday, then closed for an hour and a half, before reopening at 07:00. The crowd became so large that some turned away.

“It looks like five or six hours, so we’ll come back later,” Catherine, from Birmingham, said.

The Pope’s body will lie in state in the church until Friday evening, when his coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite at 20:00, the Vatican said.

The ceremony will be overseen by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is the Pope’s “camerlengo”, or chamberlain, and runs the Vatican until a new Pope is chosen.

Luis and Macarena, from Mexico, had come to Rome for their honeymoon and hoped to see the Pope for a special blessing. Luis said seeing the Pope’s final resting place would help them to feel a connection.

“Pope Francis is a saint, and he will bless us from heaven,” Luis said.

Mary Ellen, an American who lives in Italy, said she had come to the Vatican on an overnight train to “say goodbye”.

“I love Papa Francesco,” she said. “He’s humble, kind, and he loves immigrants. I know he’s put up with a lot of difficult things in the Vatican. He’s fought against power and the power of the Vatican to be a true Christian, true Catholic.”

Inside St Peter’s on Wednesday, the atmosphere was quiet and solemn as some people kneeled and prayed, before slowly moving on.

Many lingered to admire the staggering beauty of the basilica.

Two women who had waited for five hours to see the Pope said it was important to them to say goodbye to the pontiff.

“All these years I followed all he did and it’s as if I travelled all over the world with him, even if I was just at home. He liked going everywhere and prioritises the poor,” one woman said.

Fredrik, who is from Ghana but travelled from Poland, said the Pope had “done his best” and “it is left to us to continue the good works”.

Eva Asensio, a Mexican on holiday in Italy, said she felt an affinity for the Pope.

“We saw him as a good Pope – someone who supported everyone, no matter your sexual orientation, no matter where you came from. He united us,” she said with tears in her eyes.

Margaux, who is French and lives in Rome, said it was “powerful to live this”.

To her, Pope Francis meant “hope”, and his more progressive social views were “very important”.

“I hope the next Pope will follow his path,” she said.

Dignitaries from all over the world, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prince William, will attend the funeral on Saturday.

Pope Francis left clear instructions that he wanted a smaller ceremony in keeping with his simpler tastes as pontiff. He had arranged for a benefactor to pay for it all.

Unlike the vast majority of his predecessors, he will not be buried in St Peter’s, but in a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in central Rome, beneath a tombstone inscribed only with his name.

Before being moved to St Peter’s, Pope Francis had been lying in an open coffin in the chapel of his home, flanked by Swiss Guards and cardinals in prayer.

His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, during which he delivered brief remarks to the masses gathered in St Peter’s Square from a wheelchair.

He then greeted worshippers and blessed babies as he was driven in a car through the crowds.

His Papal apartments have been sealed, marking the start of the period known as the Sede Vacante – or empty seat – which continues until a new head of the church is elected.

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Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has emphasised that Africa and the United States have significant opportunities to foster mutually beneficial economic partnerships. 

He pointed out that the evolving landscape of global alliances and the rise in economic nationalism make it imperative for Africa-US relations to move beyond access and aid towards “strategy, equity, and co-creation.” 

Speaking at the African Leaders and Partners Forum at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, US, Dr. Asiama advocated for transforming isolated transactions into long-term frameworks and shifting extractive exports toward value-added integration.  

“Let us shape a future where Africa and the US are not just trading partners – but co-creators of prosperity. Where American innovation meets African ingenuity. Where partnership is not extractive, but transformational,” h emphasised.  

“If Kosmos could help launch Ghana’s oil era, and Niche Cocoa could move from Accra to Wisconsin, imagine what the next chapter of US-Africa trade could look like with the right policies in place,” he noted.  

Dr. Asiama recommended four priorities for this relationship: pursuing macroeconomic credibility and strategic autonomy, fostering financial system resilience and risk mitigation, strengthening trade integration and financing, and driving inclusive digital transformation.   

“But none of this will scale without financing. That’s why we continue to call for the establishment of US-Africa Trade Finance Hubs, co-created with institutions like EXIM Bank, Afreximbank, and the private sector,” he said.   

Dr. Asiama urged intentional actions to de-risk transactions for SMEs and new exporters, offer blended capital instruments, and attract investment into high-potential areas.   

“Africa is not short on opportunity,” Dr. Asiama said, calling on African governments to match ambition with mechanisms to unlock opportunities with the US. 

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California’s economy has overtaken that of the country of Japan, making the US state the fourth largest global economic force.

Governor Gavin Newsom touted new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis showing California’s growth.

The data shows California’s gross domestic product (GDP) hit $4.10 trillion (£3.08 trillion) in 2024, surpassing Japan, which was marked at $4.01 trillion. The state now only trails Germany, China and the US as a whole.

“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world – we’re setting the pace,” Newsom said.

The new figures come as Newsom has spoken out against President Donald Trump’s tariffs and voiced concern about the future of the state’s economy.

California has the largest share of manufacturing and agricultural production in the US. It is also home to leading technological innovation, the centre of the world’s entertainment industry and the country’s two largest seaports.

Newsom, a prominent Democrat and possible presidential candidate in 2028, filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s authority to impose the levies, which have caused disruption to global markets and trade.

Trump has enacted 10% levies on almost all countries importing to the US, after announcing a 90-day pause on higher tariffs.

Another 25% tariff was imposed on Mexico and Canada. The levies on China, however, have led to an all-out trade war with the world’s second largest economy.

Trump imposed import taxes of up to 145% on Chinese goods coming into the US and China hit back with a 125% tax on American products.

His administration said last week that when the new tariffs were added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.

Newsom noted his worries about the future of the state’s economy.

“While we celebrate this success, we recognise that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration,” he said. “California’s economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.”

Trump has argued his trade war is only levelling the playing field after years of the US being taxed.

The tariffs are an effort to encourage factories and jobs to return to the US. It is one major pillar of his economic agenda, as is a cut in interest rates, aimed at reducing the cost of borrowing for Americans.

The new data shows California’s GDP behind the US at $29.18 trillion, China at $18.74 trillion and Germany at $4.65 trillion. It also shows California was the fastest growing among those countries.

Japan’s economy is under pressure because of its decreasing and ageing population, which means its workforce is shrinking and social care costs are ballooning.

This week, the IMF cut its economic growth forecast for Japan and projected that the central bank would raise interest rates more slowly than previously expected because of the impact of higher tariffs.

“The effect of tariffs announced on April 2 and associated uncertainty offset the expected strengthening of private consumption with above-inflation wage growth boosting household disposable income,” its World Economic Outlook report said.

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IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has assured that the Fund is ready to assist Ghana and other countries affected by the ongoing global tariff war.

Speaking during the launch of the Global Policy Agenda at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, Georgieva said the IMF has the tools and resources to respond when requests for support are made.

“We can fall on our policy tools to assist any country, including financial assistance when needed,” she said.

“As always, we will be there for our members by focusing on what we do best—helping them secure economic and financial stability.”

Global Tariff War and Its Impact

Addressing journalists at a press conference, the IMF boss noted that while the direct effects of the tariff war may be minimal for many African countries, she is concerned about the broader consequences.

“I am worried about the indirect impact,” Georgieva said.

“Every country in the region must take steps to build more buffers and press ahead with programs that will help cushion expected shocks.”

Ghana’s Policy Response

Georgieva encouraged Ghana and other African nations to take proactive short-term measures to mitigate potential fallout.

“There is still a lot that can be done on the fiscal side, while building the required buffers for a moment of shock,” she stated. “Continue strengthening Ghana’s fundamentals.”

She also emphasised tax reforms: “Don’t use any excuses. Do more to broaden the tax base by reducing tax evasion and tax avoidance.”

Mixed Outcomes for African Economies

The IMF chief said the tariff war presents both challenges and opportunities, depending on the economic structure of each country.

“For oil producers like Nigeria, falling oil prices create additional pressure on their budgets,” she observed. “On the other hand, for oil importers, this is a breath of fresh air.”

She warned that the trade-offs will be tough for low-income countries but reiterated the importance of domestic resource mobilisation.

“We cannot have countries with a tax-to-GDP ratio below 15 per cent and still expect to sustain the functioning of the state.”

Advice to Central Banks

Georgieva advised central banks across the region to monitor inflation expectations closely while supporting economic growth.

“Watch the data. Watch inflation expectations. Central banks will need to strike a delicate balance between supporting growth and containing inflation,” she said.

She stressed the importance of central bank independence, adding: “Credibility is key. Protect it.”

Call for Greater Intra-African Trade

The IMF Managing Director also called for stronger inter-regional trade on the continent.

“Africa has so much to offer the world. Obviously, they have the minerals, the natural resources, and the young population,” she said.

“A more unified, more collaborative continent can go a long, long way to becoming an economic powerhouse.”

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Ghana’s decision to exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program prematurely is more about optics than impact, according to Bright Simons, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on April 24, he dismissed the move as “a political strategy masquerading as economic management.”

“The IMF will do a victory lap dance, the government will join them. And then we will conclude by 2028, we will not be able to meet those targets,” Bright Simons warned.

“But then by that time, we’re not in the program.”

He believes the government’s early exit undermines any genuine commitment to achieving the fiscal targets set under the program.

“The question then becomes, do we need the program to get to the targets? Because the targets are still relevant,” he said. “I think at that time, the targets will not be relevant. They will not be relevant anymore.”

The IMAN Veep accused both the IMF and the government of prioritising appearance over accountability.

“They’ve elevated the signalling above the facts,” he said. “And the government will take advantage of it.”

He argued that exiting the program strips away the very pressure and support needed to deliver reforms between 2026 and 2028.

“If the IMF itself really wanted us to get to those targets, it should have encouraged the government when the government said we wanted to extend,” Bright Simons noted.

“Because that is when it could have ensured that from 2026 to 2028, there are program levers that deliver those targets.”

Instead, he predicts that Ghana will use its newfound flexibility to seek financing elsewhere.

“They have more flexibility to decide what to do,” he said.

“If they don’t do the IMF program because they think they can get market access, which I think by that time they will get, then the IMF targets, the 70, 55% debt-to-GDP and those things, will not matter.”

Citing examples from across the continent, Bright Simons pointed to Kenya and Nigeria as models the government might be trying to emulate.

“Kenya decided to terminate the program early and go borrow money from the Gulf — they got about $1.5 billion,” he said.

“Nigeria decided not to go for an IMF program at all.”

But Bright Simons questioned whether Ghana’s leadership has the political will or institutional strength to pursue meaningful reforms without external oversight.

“It’s an irrelevant discussion if you’re not serious about hitting the targets. What matters is: are you reforming? And we don’t see that hunger.”

He stressed that despite the program’s limited financing, especially compared to open market borrowing, its value lies in its credibility and discipline.

“The fact that the IMF program doesn’t bring a lot of money is beside the point. It forces governments to make tough choices. That’s where its strength lies.”

Bright Simons concluded with a stark warning: “This is politics over purpose. And we’ve seen how that movie ends before.”

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Documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that over 1,300 companies were cited by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for perpetrating fraud using the Import Declaration Forms (IDF) regime between 2021 and 2024.

To ensure accurate tax calculations, compliance with import regulations, and facilitate the clearance of goods through customs, the Ministry of Trade and Industry issues IDFs to importers.

As a regulatory requirement for customs reconciliation, the document, among other things, indicates the type, quantity, and cost of goods and aids commercial banks in transferring funds on behalf of importers for the purchase of their goods.

However, available details indicate that this regime has become an avenue for tax evasion, under-invoicing, and money laundering by some importers.

As detailed in GRA documents obtained by this portal, the Authority audited 548 companies between 2021 and 2024, with a cumulative total of GH¢355,858,268.71 in collections and GH¢656,206,006.21 in penalties, bringing their total assessed liability to GH¢1,012,064,266.91.

The documents further revealed that the GRA referred 537 importers to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for further investigation into potential tax evasion and money laundering between 2021 and 2023.

However, according to the GRA, 222 importers were deemed not worth auditing because their financial transfers were below the USD 100,000 threshold.

Meanwhile, a list of the companies involved, obtained by GhanaWeb, indicates that several firms, primarily in the private sector, were implicated in this scandal.

Some of the companies include frozen dairy products manufacturer Fan Milk Ghana, Three Hills Ghana Limited, Trust Link Ventures Limited, bus sales and servicing firm Yutong Ghana Limited, top agro-business and manufacturing firm Wilmar Africa, Adonko Bitters Limited and Franko Trading Enterprise

Others are Kantanka Automobile Company Limited, Trassaco Estates Development Company Limited, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer Kasapreko Company Limited and construction firm Kofi Job Company Limited.

While the GRA documents do not specifically state the infractions each listed company may have engaged in, an April 2021 release by the Authority noted that, upon noticing the misuse of IDFs by importing companies, the GRA formed a multi-agency team comprising the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the GRA, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in the first quarter of 2020 to investigate the issue.

According to the GRA, an initial analysis of 2019 data from commercial banks against customs data uncovered approximately 10,000 unreconciled documents from over 2,000 companies, with funds transferred amounting to approximately $1.8 billion.

The report noted that further questioning of importers resulted in startling revelations, including the use of IDFs by some importers to clear goods different from the specific goods for which foreign exchange was obtained.

The report also revealed that companies imported goods valued less than those stated on their IDFs (under-invoicing).

The companies were also cited for single transfers of funds for multiple imports and multiple recipients, as well as transfers made on behalf of importers by forex/informal sector operators.

The GRA also noted that the probe revealed alarming incidents of bank staff engaging in the transfer of funds for clients who were not importers.

Meanwhile, GhanaWeb sources indicate that a post clearance audit by the Ghana Revenue Authority has found some of the companies guilty and imposed penalties on them.

Legal Consequences for Money Laundering, Under-Declaration, and Other IDF-Related Offences

In Ghana, importers involved in under-invoicing, under-declaration, and money laundering through Import Declaration Forms (IDFs) are subject to sanctions under several legal frameworks, primarily the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044).

These laws are enforced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). IDFs, issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), are critical for import approvals and fund transfers, and their misuse is closely monitored.

Under-invoicing, where importers declare a lower value for goods, and under-declaration, involving misrepresentation of goods’ quantity or type, are addressed under the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). Section 87 stipulates that submitting false declarations or undervalued documents, such as IDFs, to evade duties incurs a penalty of up to three times the evaded duty or a fine not exceeding GHS 10,000, or both.

For specific goods like paper products, the GRA may impose a penalty of 300% of the evaded duty, with banned goods subject to seizure. Section 84 permits seizure and forfeiture of goods involved in such offences. Section 88 allows for criminal prosecution for deliberate false declarations, with penalties including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

Money laundering through IDFs, such as using inflated import values to transfer funds abroad, is governed by the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044). Section 3 defines money laundering as converting or concealing proceeds of unlawful activities. Convicted individuals face fines of 100% to 500% of the proceeds, imprisonment for at least seven years, or both, while corporate entities face fines of at least 300% of the proceeds.

Section 23A allows the FIC to freeze accounts or assets linked to suspected money laundering for up to one year. Section 45 permits confiscation of illicit proceeds. Section 30 mandates accountable institutions, such as banks and clearing agents, to report suspicious IDF-related transactions within 24 hours, with non-compliance resulting in fines.

Guilty importers may be banned from obtaining future IDFs or face import restrictions. Banks processing IDF transactions are also mandated to verify import legitimacy, with sanctions under the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930) for non-compliance.

Relevant legal provisions include Sections 84–88 of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) for false declarations and penalties, and Sections 3, 23A, 30, and 45 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044) for money laundering offences, asset freezing, reporting, and confiscation. The Value Added Tax Act, 2013 (Act 870), Sections 35–37, addresses VAT compliance on imports, with penalties for evasion.

GRA Details Measures to Combat IDF Infractions

In a response dated February 28, 2025, to a Right to Information (RTI) request by the Convenor of the Movement for Truth and Accountability, Joseph Bediako, the GRA listed measures it has implemented to address infractions by importers.

The GRA noted that its Post Clearance Audit Department (PCA) has integrated IDF audits into its general audit programme. The Authority also asked the Ministry of Trade and Industry, along with other stakeholders, to ensure that the same IDs used for transferring funds to foreign suppliers are utilized for clearing associated imports.

The GRA also required banks to verify that funds transferred to foreign suppliers are accounted for by submitting corresponding customs clearance documents. Additionally, the Authority noted that Seagull Limited has been contracted to develop a system to consolidate data from all institutions involved in the “IDF 2 Project” to curb abuses of IDF usage by importers.

Penalties and Sanctions Against Culpable Companies

In the response to the RTI, the GRA outlined penalties and sanctions imposed on culpable companies in line with legal provisions.

“Importers who fail to declare acceptable customs values or declare lower customs values for the purposes of valuation and duty assessment commit an offence pursuant to Sections 121(2)(o) and 123(1)(f) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). A pecuniary penalty of 300% of the amount of short collection is imposed and recovered from defaulting importers in accordance with Sections 121(3) and 123(2)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).

“Some affected importers took advantage of the Penalty and Interest Waiver Act, 2021 (Act 1065) and the Penalty and Interest Waiver Act, 2022 (Act 1081), and had their penalties waived during the period. Penalties that fell outside these periods were recovered in line with Sections 121(3) and 123(2)(a) of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891),” the response stated.

MFTA Raises Alarm Over Missing Companies, Discrepancies in GRA Response

Meanwhile, Joseph Bediako and the Movement for Truth and Accountability (MFTA) have raised concerns over what they say is the omission of some companies from the GRA’s list of companies cited for infractions.

According to the group, while the GRA’s April 8, 2021, press release cited over 2,000 companies for infractions involving fund transfers amounting to approximately $1.8 billion, the Authority’s response to MFTA’s 2025 RTI request, demanding details and actions taken to recover revenues lost by the state, provided details for only 1,307 companies, failing to account for approximately 693 companies.

This, according to MFTA, raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the operations of the GRA in relation to the 693 unaccounted companies.

Investigative Agencies’ Corroboration

Meanwhile, further documents obtained by GhanaWeb indicate that the Financial Intelligence Centre, as far back as December 2020, acknowledged its investigation into IDF infractions, including under-invoicing, under-declaration, and money laundering.

“… kindly note that subjects already exist in our database and the matter is receiving the necessary attention,” a response by the FIC to a demand by MFTA for an investigation into alleged issues of money laundering by importers stated.

Similarly, the GRA document referencing the referral of 537 companies to EOCO for investigation indicates that the investigative body is also aware of the issues at hand.

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

A normally bustling border crossing between Tanzania and Malawi was noticeably quieter than usual on Thursday as a result of an escalating regional trade row.

From midnight, Tanzania banned the entry of all agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa in response to what it sees as restrictions on some of its exports.

South Africa has for years prohibited the entry of bananas from Tanzania. Malawi last month blocked imports of flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize from its northern neighbour.

“We are taking this step to protect our business interests… in business, we must all respect each other,” Tanzania’s Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said on Wednesday, confirming the ban.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the trade issues have so far failed but Bashe said fresh talks were ongoing.

The row comes at a time when Africa is supposed to be moving towards greater free trade through the establishment of a continent-wide free-trade area, which began operating four years ago.

South African exports of various fruits, including apples and grapes, to Tanzania will be hit. Meanwhile, landlocked Malawi, which has relied on Tanzanian ports to carry its exports such as tobacco, sugar and soybeans to the rest of the world, will have to reroute its goods.

Malawi’s ban on the import of certain produce, announced in March, was designed as a temporary measure covering goods from all countries to protect local producers, according to the authorities in Lilongwe.

“It is a strategic move to create an environment where local businesses can thrive without the immediate pressure of foreign competition,” Malawi’s Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba said at the time.

Tanzania’s agriculture minister said Malawi’s move had “directly affected” his country’s traders and described the restrictions as “unfair and harmful”.

While confirming the import ban, Bashe assured Tanzanians that it would not threaten their food security.

“No Tanzanian will die from a lack of South African grapes or apples,” he said, adding that, “we are taking these actions to protect Tanzanian interests”.

Neither South Africa nor Malawi have commented on Tanzania’s move.

At the Kasumulu crossing, through which most Tanzania-Malawi trade passes, only a handful of lorries transporting cargo such as fuel were spotted on the Tanzanian side.

On a normal day, more than 15 lorries loaded with agricultural produce would cross the frontier, drivers told BBC.

On the Malawian side, many lorries that should be transporting bananas and tomatoes through Tanzania were parked and empty.

“[The drivers] are now trying to find alternative products to transport. It’s been very difficult for them because they are used to carrying agricultural goods, and now they can’t carry not just bananas and tomatoes, but even maize and potatoes,” Happy Zulu, a business person, told BBC.

Trade flows between Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa – all members of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), a regional political, security and economic body – were already being affected last week.

On Saturday Bashe posted a social media video showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck stranded at the border with Malawi, saying it was hard for Tanzania to tolerate the trend.

Tonnes of tomatoes also spoiled at the border recently after lorries from Tanzania were denied entry into Malawi.

Malawi has become an increasingly important market for Tanzanian goods in recent years, with exports trebling between 2018 and 2023, according to official Tanzanian figures.

But while Tanzania can seek alternative markets such as in Kenya, Namibia and South Sudan, landlocked Malawi may find it harder to get its goods out of the country.

Much of its exports go through the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam, as well as essential imports such as fuel and machinery.

Losing access to Dar es Salaam would likely force Malawi to move shipments through the Mozambican ports of Beira and Nacala – options that may be more expensive.

Bashe argued the ban was not meant to provoke a trade war but to protect Tanzania’s interests.

“Tanzania will not continue to allow unequal market access to persist at the expense of its people,” he said.

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A recent analysis by Ghana’s IMANI Center for Policy & Education underscores the nation’s multifaceted challenges in balancing governance accountability, economic inclusivity, and regional stability.

The report highlights parliamentary whistleblowing as a double-edged sword, informal sector reforms as a poverty alleviation tool, and escalating ethnic conflicts requiring urgent mediation. It also examines Gabon’s transitional elections as a potential model for Sahelian states grappling with political instability.

Public whistleblowing by Members of Parliament, while pivotal for transparency, risks politicization and ethical concerns, according to the report. Instances such as MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s exposure of questionable government expenditures and Rev. John Nitim Fordjour’s allegations about suspicious aircraft landings illustrate how disclosures can expose mismanagement but also fuel misinformation. The IMANI analysis calls for amendments to Ghana’s 2006 Whistleblower Act, including stronger oversight bodies and channeling claims through parliamentary committees to reduce opportunism.

Efforts to formalize informal sectors, such as legalizing okada, or commercial motorcycles, aim to reduce unemployment and multidimensional poverty. By requiring licensing, safety training, and access to social security, the policy seeks to integrate informal workers into the formal economy. The report cites parallels to Asia’s rickshaw modernization, where digital platforms and regulated zones transformed informal transport into sustainable urban services. Success in Ghana, however, hinges on inclusive regulations and partnerships with financial institutions to ensure scalability.

A controversial suspension of post-retirement contracts for public servants has sparked debates over preserving institutional knowledge versus fostering youth inclusion. While exemptions for academics ensure mentorship continuity, IMANI recommends structured consultancy programs to allow retirees to transfer expertise without stifling innovation. This balance, the report argues, is critical for modernizing public service while maintaining operational efficiency.

In Bawku, a longstanding ethno-political conflict has escalated into a national crisis, with over 300 deaths since 2021. Heavy-handed military deployments risk exacerbating tensions, prompting IMANI to advocate for accelerated peace talks led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and a temporary truce backed by local chiefs. Strengthening border security through specialized forces, rather than conventional military interventions, is proposed to prevent external interference and create space for community-led reconciliation.

Regionally, Gabon’s post-coup electoral process marked by high voter turnout and constitutional reforms offers insights for Sahelian states like Burkina Faso and Mali. However, IMANI cautions that replicating such frameworks requires tailoring to local contexts, prioritizing economic stability and public trust to address governance deficits fueling instability.

Ghana’s governance reforms reflect broader West African struggles to harmonize accountability with stability. As the nation navigates these challenges, the interplay of policy innovation and grassroots realities will determine whether these measures foster lasting socioeconomic progress or deepen existing fissures. The IMANI report underscores that effective governance demands not only institutional rigor but also adaptive strategies attuned to the complexities of modern statecraft.

_Criticality_Analysis_of_Governance_Issues_pdf

It’s only the group stage of the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship (ASFC), but one player is already hitting global status.

Ghana’s John Andor has made the headlines in three games he has featured for his country at this year’s tournament being played at the University of Ghana Stadium.

With two goals and one assist to his name, Andor has contributed directly to 50% of the Black Comets’ goals in the competition and has rightfully earned the plaudits of many who have seen him play in the competition.

The youngster says his game is modelled around Brazilian star Neymar.

“I look up to Neymar, but I always watch videos of [Mohammed] Kudus and Lucho (Luiz Diaz),” he told the media after the final group game.

“But I will say I idolise Neymar more.”

The youngster is not buying pressure for himself, but he knows the path he is treading is one that would require dedication, commitment and consistency.

Out of his three appearances, two of them have been starts with one substitute appearance (vs. Algeria).

He will be looking to come to the party once again when Ghana take on defending champions, Tanzania, in the semifinal stage of the competition scheduled for Friday, April 25.

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Ghana have one foot in the semifinal of the ongoing African Schools Football Championship (ASFC) girls’ category after their win over Benin.

The Black Damsels picked up a 2-0 win over their counterparts at the University of Ghana on matchday two, Thursday, April 25.

Goals from Christiana Ashiaku and Belinda Kpentey did the magic for Joyce Boatey-Agyei’s side.

Having led in the first half through Ashiaku, Ghana doubled their lead after Kpentey was played clean through on goal by her teammate, making no mistake and striking the ball past the goalkeeper.

The win sees Ghana move to six points, having also beaten Morocco in their opening game of the tournament on Wednesday.

Ghana face Malawi in their final group game later on Thursday.

Ghana continues its winning start at the CAF African Schools Football Championship after beating South Africa and Benin. @kweku_lawrence reports from the University of Ghana Stadium. pic.twitter.com/weJmssECe0

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) April 24, 2025

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.

Eyewitness accounts state that the military personnel first approached the man

One person has died, and three others have been injured following a clash between residents of Nyinahin and officers of the Ghana Armed Forces over military accoutrements.

According to preliminary police information, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a group of youth from Nyinahin was en route to the cemetery along the Kumasi-Bibiani Highway to bury a friend.

While on the way, a military truck carrying armed personnel stopped upon noticing one of the mourners dressed in military camouflage.

Eyewitness accounts state that the military personnel approached the individual and attempted to forcibly remove the camouflage uniform.

A confrontation ensued, during which a soldier allegedly shot the mourner in the head, killing him instantly. The deceased has been identified as Akwasi Lala, also known as Kushivi.

The incident is reported to have escalated as the mourners reacted to the shooting. In an attempt to prevent retaliation, the military personnel reportedly fired additional gunshots, injuring three other mourners.

“A police investigative team was dispatched to the scene and retrieved spent shell casings as part of ongoing forensic investigations. The body of the deceased has been sent to the Nyinahin Community Mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted,” a police statement on April 25, 2025, said.

AM/KA

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

Ghana’s U-15 girls’ team will be hoping to continue their incredible run in the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship (ASFC) after making the semifinal.

The Black Damsels enjoyed an excellent run in the group stage after picking up nine points from three games against Morocco, Benin, and Malawi.

Ghana beat Morocco on the opening day before 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Benin and Malawi on matchday two and three, respectively.

With six goals in three games, they finished top of Group A ahead of Morocco, who recovered from their opening day loss to secure six points and finish behind Ghana.

Head coach of the side, Joyce Boatey-Agyei, says their group stage performance is a warning to their rivals.

“This is a morale booster for our players, and it’s a great message for the opponents to know that we haven’t come to play,” she said after the final group game.

“The hearts of all Ghanaians are in our hands; we have to make sure that we handle it with care and make them happy.”

Their top-of-the-table finish means they will now face defending champions, South Africa, who finished second in Group B behind Uganda.

In the other semifinal game, Uganda will play last year runners up, Morocco, who are chasing another final appearance.

The semifinal games are scheduled to begin at 14:00 GMT

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By Iddi Yire

Accra, April 24, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday launched the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme for Girls in School in Accra. 

The national launch is in fulfilment of the President’s campaign promise and as part of the Government’s broader commitment to gender equity in education. 

It marks a significant step toward promoting menstrual health and hygiene, as well as improving educational outcomes for adolescent girls across the country. 

President Mahama, in his remarks, noted that he spoke on Wednesday to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who was recuperating in the United Kingdom, and that she was doing very well  and would soon return home.  

“I wish to extend the greetings of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to all of you. I spoke to her yesterday and I told her we were going to miss her at this event because this is a programme that is very dear to her. 

“She said I should say hello to all of you and to say she is recuperating and catching a bit of rest. She is very well and soon she will join us to continue to prosecute the reset agenda.” 

The President lauded Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang, who was the Education Minister during his previous administration,  at that time championed a pilot project to get the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Initiative implemented. 

President Mahama noted that despite their efforts during his previous administration to implement the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) strongly opposed it and made mockery of it at that time, hence it was cancelled. 

“And so that pilot was undertaken, but I remember when we tried to pass it through Parliament, for the first time, it sounded very strange.  

“And for those who were in Parliament at the time, they will remember, our opposition bench called it the pad loan, if you remember,” he stated. 

“And a lot of mockery was made that a government will go to take a loan to supply sanitary pads for girls; because at the time, this challenge was not very well understood, even by members of Parliament. 

“Today, I’m happy that everybody accepts that this is the right thing to do. Because it is a natural process of creation.” 

President Mahama said the menstrual cycle the nation’s daughters go through every month was just their identity as women.  

He said God created women/girls to go through that so that they could exercise their reproductive function of the human race, so that they could reproduce mankind; saying “and that is why every month they have to go through that inconvenience”. 

He said the least society could do was to support them and assist them with what they needed to be able to go through it with dignity and with hygiene.  

“And so I’m happy that today we’ve reached this point. Everybody accepts that we should invest national resources in order that our girl children can have confidence to be able to go to school without fearing that they will become the laughing stock of their friends,” President Mahama said. 

He said the launch of the Free Sanitary Pad distribution initiative would enable girls to go school. 

He said the future was worth every investment that they could make in it. 

The President said the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme was more than just the distribution of sanitary pads; saying “it is a clear declaration that no girl in Ghana should miss school because of a menstrual period”. 

“Far too many of our daughters, our nieces and sisters have missed out on education, not because they lack the academic intelligence and the flair or the will or the ambition, but simply because they lack access to proper sanitary products.” 

President Mahama said research had shown that girls could miss up to five school days each month, amounting to nearly 40 days of schooling a year; adding that “This is not just a statistic”. 

“It represents a young girl failing, falling behind in class, losing her confidence and struggling to catch up because of what is a natural biological process. This reality is unacceptable. In Ghana, where we aim for progress, equity and justice, this must not continue.” 

The President said menstruation should never be a reason for exclusion or shame and that it should not be a barrier to education or self-achievement every year.  

“To our parents, I say, you have carried this burden for too long, having to choose between books, food, fees and sanitary products. Help is here. And help is here to stay. This is not a one-time gesture,” President Mahama said. 

“This is a sustained policy commitment, and we will expand it with your support and your feedback.” 

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, said the launch was to see a terminal end to the unbearable emotional trauma and indignity that young girls go through responding to the natural call. 

This, he said, was to ensure that no girl child in Ghana absented herself from school because of period. 

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to promote menstrual health, improve school attendance, and ultimately enhance the academic performance of school girls. 

The function was chaired by Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse. 

GNA

Ghana’s U-15 girls’ team will be hoping to continue their incredible run in the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship (ASFC) after making the semifinal.

The Black Damsels enjoyed an excellent run in the group stage after picking up nine points from three games against Morocco, Benin, and Malawi.

Ghana beat Morocco on the opening day before 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Benin and Malawi on matchday two and three, respectively.

With six goals in three games, they finished top of Group A ahead of Morocco, who recovered from their opening day loss to secure six points and finish behind Ghana.

Head coach of the side, Joyce Boatey-Agyei, says their group stage performance is a warning to their rivals.

“This is a morale booster for our players, and it’s a great message for the opponents to know that we haven’t come to play,” she said after the final group game.

“The hearts of all Ghanaians are in our hands; we have to make sure that we handle it with care and make them happy.”

Their top-of-the-table finish means they will now face defending champions, South Africa, who finished second in Group B behind Uganda.

In the other semifinal game, Uganda will play last year runners up, Morocco, who are chasing another final appearance.

The semifinal games are scheduled to begin at 14:00 GMT

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Associate Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has painted a sobering picture of Ghana’s fiscal landscape, characterising the nation’s financial troubles not as a state of bankruptcy but as the result of massive systemic losses.

Speaking at a Tackling Tax Revenue Leakages in Ghana Forum organised by his faculty, Prof. Boadi argued strongly that the risks are dire if immediate yet bold actions are not taken to tackle tax revenue leakages in Ghana.

“Ghana is not broke. Ghana is bleeding,” he declared, pointing out that “This is not a political matter. It is not NDC versus NPP. It is Ghana versus corruption.”

According to Prof. Boadi, Ghana loses about GH₵9 billion annually due to a combination of corruption, tax evasion, and systemic smuggling across various sectors of the economy.

He stressed that these are not abstract figures but stark indicators of missed opportunities and human suffering.

“These figures are not just numbers,” he said. “They represent classrooms unbuilt, machines and medicines unavailable, and dreams deferred.”

Sector-by-Sector breakdown of fiscal leakages

Prof. Boadi outlined detailed estimates of losses across several critical sectors, citing credible sources:

• Tax Administration: An estimated GH₵3 billion is lost annually to illicit financial flows, largely through high-net-worth individuals and foreign companies exploiting legal loopholes (GRA estimates).
• Customs and Trade: The World Bank’s 2023 report highlights import-related corruption costing Ghana over GH₵550 million annually due to under-invoicing, especially in machinery and textiles.
• Gold Mining: Losses in 2022 alone were pegged at GH₵2 billion, with about 60% of small-scale mining operations evading taxes entirely.
• Oil and Gas: An estimated GH₵1.5 billion in unaccounted revenues linked to production-sharing agreements, as reported by OPEC.
• Cocoa Smuggling: Approximately GH₵150 million lost annually due to cross-border smuggling activities.
• Forestry: Illegal logging is estimated to cost GH₵250 million annually in unpaid timber royalties (Forestry Commission).
• Public Procurement: The Auditor-General’s reports indicate a loss of over GH₵170 million due to procurement inefficiencies and waste.
• Fertiliser Subsidy Programme: Roughly GH₵100 million is lost yearly to fertiliser smuggling under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
• Port and Harbours: Corruption at Ghana’s ports results in an estimated GH₵250 million loss annually through unpaid import duties.
• Informal Sector: With an estimated 80% of the workforce operating informally, Ghana loses an additional GH₵15.6 million annually in untapped tax revenue.

Root causes and consequences

Prof. Boadi identified four root causes fuelling the leakages: weak enforcement, outdated systems, institutionalised collusion, and lack of transparency.

He warned that if these are not addressed, Ghana risks deeper social and economic consequences, including deteriorating public services, rising youth unemployment, and a worsening debt crisis.

“The loopholes are being exploited, not just by petty criminals, but by powerful corporations and even officials benefiting from a broken system,” he said.

The way forward

In his closing remarks, Prof. Boadi urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, and citizens—to rise to the occasion.

He outlined four urgent interventions:

1. Digitalisation of revenue collection systems – “We cannot tackle 21st-century challenges with 20th-century tools.”
2. Strict sanctions for offenders – “Without consequences, corruption becomes profitable.”
3. Transparency in public finance – “Every Ghanaian must be able to track how every cedi is raised and spent.”
4. Formalisation of the informal sector – “Bringing more economic actors into the tax net is essential for inclusive development.”

He warned: “The data is clear. The victims are real. And the solutions demand courage—from all of us.”

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.

Ghana’s Paralympic athlete Zinabu Issah secured the country’s inaugural gold medal at the 2025 Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Ghanaian para athlete star had a throw of 29.25m breaking her own personal best of 27m in Paris 2024 and 26.6.

Earlier records indicate she achieved 26.66 meters in the 2024 edition and 24.39 meters in the qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Nevertheless, her impressive throw of 29.25 meters at the ongoing WPA 2025 Marrakech Grand Prix, marks a new personal best.

This throw puts Zinabu in the top ranking in World Para Athletics Women’s F57 Discuss Throw and puts her in direct qualification for WPA 2025 world championship and 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

She had claimed a gold medal at the 2024 Grand Prix Marrakech with a throw of 26.66 meters, which positioned her favorably to represent Ghana at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South and former Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Nii Oko Vanderpuije, has defended the series of demolitions carried out during his tenure, stressing they were necessary for safeguarding public health and advancing the national interest.

Responding to criticism during an interview on Channel One’s Newsroom with Eno Safo, Vanderpuije justified the demolitions that occurred across parts of the Greater Accra Region under his leadership, particularly at the height of a public health crisis.

“Every demolition I led in Accra, there was a reason behind it. If you think of the High Streets, the beach side, at the centre of demolition, it was to stop cholera at that time. It was at a high end, people were dying. And medical officers traced it to that community,” he explained.

He described how the outbreak was traced to a specific area where unsanitary conditions posed a severe health threat.

“We went in there we were told to stop what was happening there. People were defecating when we went in there. And people were buying waakye, eating banku, and we had to clear that to eliminate it. The outbreak came down, and for about 4 or 5 years, Accra was okay. Until recently, two or three years ago, it came back again,” Vanderpuije recounted.

He also referenced the demolition at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, emphasizing its urgency due to diplomatic concerns raised by the United States.

“The next demolition I can think of is Circle, and that demolition was very necessary because the US had threatened to make a decision that was going to affect the economy of Ghana due to the human rights abuse there,” he said.

“Why should we sit down and allow a group of people to tarnish our image to the extent that it will cause us economic hardships?” he added.

While acknowledging that such actions may be controversial, Vanderpuije maintained they were ultimately in the best interest of the city and the nation.

Mahama nominates Ebi Bright, Ludwig Totimeh others as MCEs

…..

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The health of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has worsened after intestinal surgery earlier this month, according to his medical team.

The 70-year-old remains in intensive care and will undergo new tests.

Bolsonaro was visited in hospital by a court official on Wednesday, who delivered a summons giving him five days to present his initial defence against coup charges, in preparation for his trial.

Bolsonaro has been ordered to stand trial after charges that he directed an alleged right-wing coup attempt after he lost the 2022 presidential election to the left-wing President Lula da Silva.

In a video of the summons being delivered, Bolsonaro could be seen reacting furiously, saying: “I have five days to present my defence?”

During the alleged coup attempt, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings. Investigations by the police outlined allegations he had personal conversations, including with figures from the armed forces – about the idea of a coup to cling onto power.

His earlier intestinal surgery was in response to ongoing health issues after he was stabbed in 2018 on the campaign trail in the south eastern state of Minas Gerais.

He lost around 40% of his blood and had emergency surgery, with the perpetrator later declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

He has repeatedly denied coup allegations and accused his opponents of a political witch-hunt.

A day before he was delivered the summons in hospital, he recorded a live YouTube broadcast from his hospital bed with three of his sons, despite a doctor’s recommendation not to have visitors.

The Brazilian Supreme Court argued that this showed he was able to be summoned and notified.

Bolsonaro had been hoping to contest the presidential elections again in 2026, despite a current ban on running for office, but he risks a 40-year prison sentence if found guilty.

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.

Prophet Jimmy Alla-Mensah, founder of House of Divine Glory Church

A prophecy made during a church service in February by US-based Ghanaian preacher, Prophet Jimmy Alla-Mensah, has sparked widespread attention following the recent earthquake that struck Turkey on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

The leader of Jimmy Alla-Mensah Global Ministries and founder of House of Divine Glory Church had, during a Facebook and YouTube livestream on Sunday, February 16, declared that an earthquake was imminent in Turkey. Remarkably, he specifically mentioned a magnitude of 6.3, urging prayers for the nation.

“We lift the nation Turkey before the Lord. I see destruction of the land. And I see 6.3. I see destruction on the land and I see 6.3,” Prophet Alla-Mensah declared in the viral broadcast. “We pray against any earthquake in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We pray against earthquake, any fire-causing explosion, marine attack. May the Lord have mercy.”

Just over two months later, Turkey experienced a 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Istanbul, sending tremors across the region and prompting panic.

According to Turkey’s emergency services, the quake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time at a depth of 6.92 km along the coast of the Sea of Marmara, near Silivri, about 80 km west of Istanbul.

While there were no reported fatalities, authorities confirmed 151 injuries, most of them sustained by people jumping from high places in fear. Thankfully, no major structural damage was recorded, and the nation remains on alert amid continued aftershocks.

Residents described the quake as one of the most powerful felt in recent years. Many spent the night outdoors, particularly in areas like Besiktas, where thousands of students and families gathered in city squares.

To followers of Prophet Alla-Mensah, the timing and specificity of the prophecy only deepened faith in the prophetic ministry, with many calling it a clear sign of divine revelation.

Meanwhile, the prophet and his ministry have since called for continued prayers for Turkey and its people, asking Christians worldwide to intercede for nations at risk of natural disasters.

BB

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has opened an investigation into a tragic shooting incident that occurred in Nyinahin on Thursday, April 24, 2025, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to three others.

In a statement, the Police said preliminary reports indicated that the incident happened around 11:00 a.m. when a group of young people from Nyinahin were en route to the cemetery along the Kumasi–Bibiani Highway to bury a friend.

It said during the procession, a military truck carrying personnel reportedly stopped after spotting one of the mourners dressed in military camouflage.

Eyewitnesses say the soldiers approached the mourner and attempted to forcibly remove the camouflage attire. A confrontation ensued, during which a soldier allegedly shot the mourner in the head, killing him instantly.

The deceased has been identified as Akwasi Lala, popularly known as Kushivi.

The police stated that as tensions escalated, the military reportedly fired additional shots in an attempt to disperse the mourners and prevent retaliation, resulting in three more individuals sustaining injuries.

The statement said the three individuals are currently receiving medical treatment and are said to be responding well.

It noted that a police investigative team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, retrieving spent shell casings for forensic analysis.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Nyinahin Community Mortuary, where an autopsy will be performed.

The police further said that the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, visited both the scene of the incident and the hospital where the injured are being treated.

It said he assured the community of a thorough investigation and pledged that all those found culpable would face justice.

The Police Command is also liaising with the Central Military Command to facilitate the release of the soldiers involved to assist with ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the Police are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate fully to ensure justice is served in this matter.

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The purpose of the visit was to familiarize themselves with the company’s operations

On April 23, 2025, a delegation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana (IET-GH), led by its President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, paid a working visit to CBI Ghana Limited.

The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the company’s operations and to tour its newly commissioned Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) production plant and advanced laboratory facility.

During the visit, IET-GH held productive discussions with the management team of CBI Supercem, focusing on the strategic vision behind the company’s $100 million investment in LC3 technology.

CBI Ghana’s Managing Director, Frederick Albrecht, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting that Ghana is currently the largest clinker importer in the sub-region.

He explained how the use of local raw materials in LC3 production not only reduces the carbon footprint but also supports job creation throughout the supply chain.

The discussion included the participation of Peter Dickson (Quality and Process Manager), Kobby Adams (Commercial Director), Remi Touvet (Industrial Director), Frederick Albrecht (Managing Director), Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng (IET-GH President), Engr. Seth Ayim (Executive Director), Engr. Wonder Salami Davor (President-Elect), and Engr. Mark Nyameche.

Engr. Boateng commended CBI Ghana for achieving a significant milestone in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

IET-GH also endorsed Supacem 32.5N, a premium cement product manufactured using LC3 technology.

Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), commonly referred to as “green cement,” is a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. It consists of clinker, calcined clay, limestone, and gypsum. LC3 delivers performance comparable to Ordinary Portland Cement while offering up to a 40% reduction in clinker usage, enhanced durability, and significantly lower CO₂ emissions.

In 2024, Ghana became the first country in the world to establish an LC3 standard, permitting cement products with as little as 35% clinker. This initiative enables potential CO₂ savings of up to 200 kg per tonne of cement. Ghana’s leadership has inspired similar efforts in Togo, Kenya, and across the East African Community, including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan.

CBI’s LC3 project is backed by research from 11 laboratories worldwide, including Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Ghana, and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI), as well as institutions in Germany, Austria, and Australia.

Supacem LC3 was officially launched in Ghana in April 2025, marking a major step forward in the production of sustainable, locally sourced construction materials.

The adoption of LC3 in Ghana offers numerous benefits:

Reduction of CO₂ emissions by up to 360,000 tons annually

Creation of new jobs in Tema and Torgorme

Reduction in clinker imports by 400,000 tonnes

Local sourcing of raw materials to boost the economy

Decrease in cargo ship emissions by 60,000 tonnes annually

Improved cost resilience against currency fluctuations and freight charges

AM/

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

The Government of Ghana has officially taken over the Damang Gold Mine from Gold Fields, effective 18 April 2025, a historic move that signals a bold shift in the country’s natural resource governance strategy.

While the initial decision to decline the lease extension drew mixed reactions, the transition of the asset into Ghanaian hands marks a watershed moment.

This is not merely about ownership, it is about agency, ambition, and the long-awaited opportunity to redefine Ghana’s relationship with its mineral wealth.

Why MIIF Matters

This evolving trajectory of Ghana’s resource strategy is best understood through the establishment of Ghana’s minerals sovereign wealth fund, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).

Created in 2018 by Act 978, MIIF’s core objective is to maximize the value of royalties and dividends from the country’s mineral wealth by increasing the Government of Ghana’s equity interests and deriving optimal value across the entire mining value chain.

It must be emphasized that operating a gold mine requires continuous drilling, exploration, the adoption of new technologies, maximization of recovery, cost management, and high energy consumption. All of this demands significant long-term capital and technical expertise.

A complete nationalization of mineral assets, as some advocate, risks replicating the failures of similar efforts in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Ghana must instead pursue increased stakes through deliberate policies, including international partnerships, capacity building, and the strategic use of MIIF’s financial strength.

MIIF’s Current Blueprint

Investment in Asante Gold Corporation of Canada

Ghana’s interest in Asante Gold Corporation stands at approximately 40%, the highest national stake in an international mining company since the divestiture implementation program of the early 1980s.

Since 2022, MIIF has invested in the Chirano Mine (formerly Kinross), the Mensin Bibiani Mine, and the non-producing Kubi Mine, all owned by Asante Gold Corporation.

In partnership with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and the government’s compulsory Free Carried Interest, Ghana holds around 24% equity in the company.

A 2022 condition imposed by MIIF requiring all investee companies to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange has raised Ghanaian ownership in Asante to approximately 40%. Asante is now listed in Ghana, Germany, and Canada. Its assets, Kubi, Bibiani, and Chirano, are considered among the richest in West Africa.

Investment in Atlantic Lithium

MIIF is now the third-largest shareholder of Atlantic Lithium globally.

MIIF’s 2024 investment in Atlantic Lithium followed the Government of Ghana’s critical minerals policy and green transition agenda.

The Fund’s two-pronged investment strategy included both the Australia-based holding company and its Ghanaian assets, referred to as the Cape Coast Portfolio, with Ewoyaa as the flagship project.

Described by industry figures such as Sir Sam Jonah and policy analyst Dr Steve Manteaw as one of the best-negotiated mining contracts in Ghana, MIIF’s involvement granted it significant global equity and a 19% local stake in the Ewoyaa project.

Atlantic Lithium, listed in Australia and London, also trades on the Ghana Stock Exchange as a condition precedent to MIIF’s investment.

Why Damang Matters

The Damang concession, located in the mineral-rich Western Region, is one of Ghana’s top-performing gold assets. With substantial remaining reserves, advanced infrastructure, and proximity to existing processing facilities, it represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.

This takeover gives Ghana a rare chance to operate a world-class gold mine under majority Ghanaian ownership, not just in principle, but in practice.

A Ghanaian-Led Mining Model

Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, described the Damang decision as a “clarion call” for Ghana to reset its extractive framework. His three-point proposal advocated for:

1.Prioritizing Ghanaian consortiums in future mining leases

2.Imposing a moratorium on foreign lease renewals

3.Establishing a Ghana Minerals Sovereign Fund to reinvest profits into mining communities

Given the existence of MIIF and its proven blueprint, this vision is not only realistic but immediately actionable.

MIIF’s Role in Damang

This is the moment for MIIF to evolve from a passive investor to an active operator or strategic investor in Damang. With a robust capital base, royalty income, and a diversified mining portfolio, MIIF can lead or anchor a Ghanaian consortium to manage the mine effectively.

In 2024, MIIF increased its revenue by 41% year-on-year, reaching GHC 1.3 billion and doubling its profit to GHC 409 million.

The Fund also expanded its total assets under management to over US$1.2 billion in 2024, up from US$195 million in 2021, positioning it among the fastest-growing mineral sovereign wealth funds globally.

The Missed Akyem Opportunity

Damang should serve as a stark reminder of the missed opportunity in the Newmont Akyem sale. The Akyem lease was set to expire in January 2025, presenting a similar opening for Ghana.

The mine accounted for 14% of Ghana’s total gold exports in 2023 and has a projected life beyond 2040.

Despite MIIF’s public support for a Ghanaian-led consortium, including a US$100 million commitment toward a reported US$700 million bid, the asset was ultimately sold to a Chinese firm for approximately US$1 billion.

Ghana’s benefit from this sale will be limited to tax revenue. As former MIIF CEO Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng said in a November 2024 statement, “We lost our opportunity to dance with destiny.”

Conclusion: Damang Must Not Be Another Missed Dance with Destiny

It is imperative that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance, and MIIF collaborate on a clear strategy to ensure Ghana capitalizes on such opportunities.

MIIF’s blueprint, investing across the mining value chain and requiring stock exchange listings, strengthens the financial sector and gives ordinary Ghanaians a stake in national resources.

Damang presents not just a gold mine, but a golden opportunity. Ghana must seize it, with clarity, courage, and commitment.

Rome, Apr. 24, (dpa/GNA) – Extensive security measures will be in place in Rome for Saturday’s funeral service for Pope Francis – to safeguard not just the throngs of faithful in and around the Vatican, but also the influx of world dignitaries.

Above all, the arrival of many world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, will entail an unprecedented deployment of police, military and other security entities.

Further complicating matters, Francis’ coffin will be driven across Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial will take place, following a funeral service in St Peter’s at the Vatican.

The authorities are expecting tens of thousands of people to line this route, which is around 6 kilometres long.

The exact route is still being discussed but could pass such iconic sites as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

“It’s extremely complex,” Rome’s police chief, Roberto Massucci, said in an interview.

According to Fabio Ciciliano of the civil defence service, more than 200,000 people were expected for the funeral service around St Peter’s Square: “But we need to look at these figures again.”

Security precautions around the Vatican have been boosted for days and a no-fly zone is in place, with the Italian special forces also securing St Peter’s Square with drone defence equipment.

All the faithful who want to say goodbye to the pope in person before the funeral in St Peter’s Basilica must first have their bags scanned.

The measures will be stepped up again for the funeral service on Saturday, when Rome is expecting delegations and leaders from around 170 countries.

Snipers, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, special forces on the River Tiber and other units will be deployed to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

The most difficult part will be organizing the simultaneous arrival of the many delegations and their escorts, said police chief Massucci.

There are likely to be extensive roadblocks, particularly because of Trump’s arrival.

According to media reports, the president will be staying at the US ambassador’s residence before travelling to the Vatican for the funeral service.

All of this comes at an already intense time for Rome. Large numbers of tourists are currently in the city because of the Easter celebrations and the 2025 Jubilee, announced by the late pope John Paul II at the end of the 2000 Great Jubilee.

To make matters worse for the police and security authorities, Friday is also a public holiday commemorating the 80th anniversary of Italy’s liberation from fascism and Nazism.

A number of rallies have been announced for the occasion, including some that are specifically anti-war. There have been repeated incidents at such events in Italy in the past.

GNA

PDC

 The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) leveraged technology to drive customer experi­ence at the Kwahu Business Forum held last Saturday at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region.

The high-level business forum brought together financial institutions, private sector leaders, MSMEs, government officials, and global businesses as part of a comprehensive Kwahu Easter Busi­ness Dialogue under the theme “The Fu­ture of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector.”

The Bank’s exhibition booth attracted very high number of foot traffic throughout the forum, largely due to the deployment of a fully digitised customer onboard­ing platform com­bined with profes­sionalism to ensure exceptional customer experience.

Visitors were able to open ac­counts instantly using a simplified, internally developed platform with paperless processes. Each new customer also received a free Visa Prepaid Card, activated on the spot, providing immediate access to the Bank’s wide array of digital services.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, indicated that as part of a new strategic direction, ADB was repositioning itself as an inno­vative Bank, leveraging technol­ogy to provide end-to-end and tailor-made products and services for all. “The Kwahu Business Forum is a strategic platform, and ADB is proud to demonstrate our commitment to inclusive banking by bringing technology closer to the people,” he said.

“The successful rollout of the internally developed digital on­boarding platform at such a major national event signals the Bank’s readiness to be technologically savvy and to lead the transforma­tion of financial service delivery in Ghana,” the MD added.

The Bank is in the process of selecting strategic and potentially viable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that par­ticipated in the Kwahu Business Forum to provide them with tai­lor-made financial services to help them expand and grow.

ADB is a universal bank provid­ing products and service offerings for all segments, including agri­business, asset finance, corporate banking, electronic banking, glob­al remittance service, institutional and public sector banking, and trade services, among others. The Bank has 89 networked locations across the country.