Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that it was not easy to agree with the United States on the key parts of a possible peace deal to end the war in Ukraine and that Russia would never again allow itself to depend economically on the West.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, has repeatedly said he wants to end the “bloodbath” of the three-year war in Ukraine, though a deal has yet to be agreed.

“It is not easy to agree the key com­ponents of a settlement. They are being discussed,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper when asked if Moscow and Washington had agree­ment on some aspects of a possible peace deal.

“We are well aware of what a mutually beneficial deal looks like, which we have never rejected, and what a deal looks like that could lead us into another trap,” Lavrov said in the interview published in Tuesday’s edition.

The Kremlin on Sunday said that it was too early to expect results from the restoration of more normal relations with Washington.

Lavrov said that Russia’s position had been set out clearly by President Vladimir Putin in June 2024, when Putin demanded Ukraine must officially drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the entirety of the territory of four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia.

“We’re talking about the rights of the people who live on these lands. That is why these lands are dear to us. And we cannot give them up, allowing people to be kicked out of there,” Lavrov said.

Russia currently controls a little under one fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and parts of four other regions Moscow now claims are part of Russia – a claim not recognised by most countries.

Lavrov praised Trump’s “common sense” and for saying that previous U.S. support of Ukraine’s bid to join the NATO military alliance was a major cause of the war in Ukraine.

But Russia’s political elite, he said, would not countenance any moves that led Russia back towards economic, military, technological or agricultural dependence on the West.

The globalisation of the world econo­my, Lavrov said, had been destroyed by sanctions imposed on Russia, China and Iran by the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden.

Biden, Western European leaders and Ukraine describe Russia’s 2022 invasion as an imperial-style land grab, and re­peatedly vowed to defeat Russian forces.

Putin casts the war in Ukraine as part of a battle with a declining West, which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by enlarging the NATO military alliance and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence. —Reuter

The communication team of Ebi Bright, former Parliamentary Candidate for Tema Central, has firmly responded to growing calls from some youth groups in the area demanding that President John Dramani Mahama appoint a native of Tema as the next Metropolitan Chief Executive.

The calls, which elements of the Tema Traditional Council have echoed, have sparked public demonstrations — including the burning of tyres at the premises of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly — as part of a campaign to ensure that only an “indigenous” candidate is nominated for the role.

The youth argue that only a native of Tema can fully understand and effectively address the community’s unique concerns while also preserving its cultural heritage.

In a statement released by Ebi Bright’s communications team, the group refuted claims that she lacks indigenous ties to the area.

The statement emphasised her deep-rooted cultural and familial connections to both the Ga-Adangbe people and the broader Tema community.

“It has come to our attention that some have gone as far as to falsely claim that she is not Ghanaian. We, as supporters of Ebi Bright would like to state the facts. Ebi Bright is not only Ghanaian by birth, but also by heritage on both maternal and paternal lines: Her mother is Ga-Adangbe, and her paternal grandmother is also Ga-Adangbe, firmly rooting her in the ethnic and cultural heritage of Greater Accra. Her patrilineal lineage is of a renowned Anlo-Ewe family from Anyako in the Volta Region,” part of the statement read.

The team further stressed that Ebi Bright’s upbringing and lived experiences in Tema have shaped her deep understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations.

“Ebi Bright is a proud Ga-Adangbe woman by lineage, birth, and heritage. Her cultural roots are deeply connected to the values and identity of the Tema community, and her upbringing in Tema reflects a deep understanding of the traditions and aspirations of the people. Any attempt to erase or question her identity is not only unjust but an insult to generations of authentic Ghanaian heritage,” the statement added.

We don’t want Ebi Bright as mayor – Tema Youth to Mahama

Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

Ghana’s existing agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will not be extended or renegotiated, according to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the IMF in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, Dr. Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing the program in order to restore macroeconomic stability and promote sustainable growth.

“Renegotiating presupposes that you don’t believe in the programme and therefore want to revisit its parameters. That is not the government’s position. We are committed to the implementation of the programme to achieve its purpose,” he said.

While acknowledging that several quantitative targets and structural benchmarks had been missed before the current administration took office, he emphasized the government’s dedication to realizing the goals of the program.

To that end, Dr. Forson outlined several measures aimed at increasing budget credibility, eliminating the buildup of arrears, strengthening expenditure controls, and enhancing debt and fiscal sustainability.

“We have commissioned the Auditor-General, along with two international audit firms, to audit the outstanding payables and commitments, in order to validate their legitimacy and amounts, and to provide recommendations for corrective action. The audit is expected to be completed within eight weeks,” he revealed.

KA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

Some 203 senior officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have graduated from the Customs Academy in Kpetoe in the Volta Region.

This follows about nine months of training in customs law and paramilitary exercises.

These officers are expected to be deployed to various GRA offices to support operations and help with revenue mobilization, which has been the key task of the authority.

In a speech on behalf of the Vice President, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia tasked the officers to pursue their mandate with diligence as the state relies on them for domestic revenue to undertake national development.

The Vice President also tasks the new officers to support the transformation of the customs division to be a model of excellence.

“I challenge you to be the generation that will transform Ghana’s Customs Division into a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.  The journey ahead will test you, but it will also reward you with the knowledge that your work directly strengthens the foundation of our nation. Ghana’s self-reliance begins with public servants who understand that every official action has consequences for national development”, she urged.

The Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, congratulated the graduates for the good spirit exhibited during the entire period of the training and assured them of government support in achieving their mandates as Customs Officers.

The Commissioner of the Customs Division, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, in his goodwill message, congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the high integrity of the Ghana Revenue Authority as they are been deployed.

“As you step into your new roles as customs officers, three essential attributes must guide you throughout your career. These are discipline, loyalty and professionalism. Discipline will enable you to execute your duties diligently, uphold the integrity of the Customs Division and remain committed to the principles that govern our profession”, he added.

“Equally, loyalty fosters dedication to the mission of the Customs Division and the broader objectives of the Ghana Revenue Authority”, he charged them.

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Dr Isaac Adebesah, new CEO of GRATIS

Dr Isaac Adebesah has officially assumed office as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology Industrial Service (GRATIS).

The appointment was formalized during a ceremony held on Monday, April 14, 2025, where the Minister for Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, swore him into office.

During the ceremony, the minister charged Dr Adebesah with the responsibility of uplifting the standards and performance of GRATIS, emphasizing the institution’s critical role in driving industrial innovation and promoting appropriate technology for national development.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Adebesah expressed deep gratitude to the Minister and His Excellency the President for entrusting him with the leadership of the institution. He pledged to work diligently to transform GRATIS into a beacon of technological advancement and industrial growth.

“I am committed to ensuring that GRATIS reaches greater heights by focusing on innovation, efficiency, and impactful service delivery,” he stated.

Dr Adebesah’s appointment has been met with optimism, as stakeholders look forward to a new era of growth and revitalization within the organization.

MA

Former Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Samuel Pyne

The former Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Samuel Pyne, promised in November 2023 to find a suitable location for traders selling on pavements.

He stated that these traders would be relocated to the Kejetia market upon the completion of the phase two project.

Read the full story originally published on November 8, 2023 by rainbowradioonline.com.

Samuel Pyne, Mayor of KMA, stated in the meeting that it is illegal for anyone to sell on the street pavements anywhere in the country, but they will find a lasting solution to the problem by relocating the traders to get them off the street.

He assured them of a place in the Kejetia market phase 2 project, which, according to him, is currently on hold due to some debt restructuring by the government.

“I’m happy that they have realised that where they sit to sell their products is not a marketplace, and they have promised to help us manage the situation. We all agree that where they sit is a big problem, but what we can do at the moment is manage the situation for them to leave to ease the traffic on the road,” he said.

“The market phase 2 project has been halted but it is not intentional. This is because of the government’s debt-restructuring programme, but I know soon we will resume work, and when we are done, everyone will get a place so that we will move them from the street,” Samuel Payne said as aired on Rainbow Radio Accra.

The Chairman of the United Petty Traders Association, Emmanuel Amoah, also urged authorities to speed up work on various markets and move them to a convenient place, as trading on streets and pavements does not help them in their business.

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Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Villa Park

Image source, Getty Images

Unai Emery has enjoyed too much success in Europe to listen to talk of glorious failure but, if there is such a thing, Aston Villa delivered it on a night of pure theatre at Villa Park.

Villa’s Champions League odyssey ended with defeat by Paris St-Germain, but the manner in which they unnerved arguably the most impressive side in this season’s competition demonstrated that they belonged in this elite company.

It has been 43 years since they were last in this competition, then as holders. It will not be as long again if they continue the progress under expert European operator Emery, who almost engineered yet another glory night to add to his stellar managerial CV.

It is probably just as long since the grand old stadium rocked like this in such an electric atmosphere, as Villa looked down and out when PSG struck twice early on to extend their 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Paris.

At 5-1 down on aggregate, it had all the makings of a long and painful night for Spanish boss Emery and his players as they were punished by this brutally brilliant PSG.

But they launched a stunning series of counter-punches that left PSG on the ropes, and Villa just one goal away from forcing extra time.

Villa Park is a stadium built for the Champions League – although there was a mis-step before kick-off when the Europa League theme was played.

It is something they will not want to hear next season.

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Ministers of Rwanda, the Maldives and Venezuela on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.

He described the meeting as “mutually beneficial”.

Discussions focused on deepening cooperation, trade, energy, climate, tourism and UN reforms.

“Grateful to Excellencies Olivier J. P. Nduhungirehe of Rwanda, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel of the Maldives and Yvan Gil Pinto of Venezuela for the exceptionally fruitful talks.

“Ghana will continue to abide by its long-held foreign policy creed of being friends of all and enemies to none,” he wrote on X.

In a separate post, Mr Ablakwa, said that Ghana and Singapore have agreed to continue to maintain the Visa Waiver Agreement.

He says they have also agreed to deepen the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trade, skills education and IT.

He said this on his X page after meeting with the High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, His Excellency Hawazi Daipi.

“Indeed a great honour meeting with the High Commissioner of Singapore to Ghana, His Excellency Hawazi Daipi,” his post said.

He added “It’s refreshing that Ghana and Singapore will continue to maintain our Visa Waiver Agreement. We have also agreed to deepen our cooperation, particularly in trade, skills education and IT.”

He further thanked the High Commissioner on behalf of President Mahama and the people of Ghana for the special invitation from Singapore President, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam to President John Mahama to pay a state visit to Singapore.

“Best times for Ghana 🇬🇭 Singapore 🇸🇬 relations,” Mr Ablakwa stressed.

Under the waiver, citizens from both countries do not need a tourist visa when visiting each other.

Applicants are required to be present when applying for the Singapore Visa.

This tourist visa typically allows a short-term stay.

The Singapore tourist visa remains valid for 1 month. A total of 3 documents are required to apply for the Singapore Visa for free.

The agreement came into force in 2018.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called for a change in citizens’ attitudes towards cleanliness and proper sanitation practices.

According to the Minister, many Ghanaians have not been adhering to appropriate waste disposal measures, which has long-term consequences for the nation and even affects the quality of food consumed.

He noted that fishermen venturing into the sea are now catching more rubbish than fish due to pollution caused by household waste.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during a meeting with leaders of major Christian religious institutions in Accra, the Minister emphasized the importance of sanitation and announced the upcoming launch of the National Sanitation Day initiative.

He called for collaboration from churches and all sectors of society to support efforts to keep the country clean.

He stressed that the Christian community plays a vital role in society and that their involvement in sanitation efforts would be highly beneficial.

“The tour we are undertaking is all about preaching the sanitation message ahead of the upcoming National Sanitation Day. On the first Saturday of every month, the day will be dedicated to ensuring cleanliness across the country. On that day, no one should go to work or engage in any other activities except cleaning their environment,” he stated.

“If you observe our seas today, when fishermen go fishing, they catch more rubbish than fish. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone complies with the directives of the National Sanitation Day,” he added.

As part of the sanitation campaign, the Minister visited the National Peace Council, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church to solicit their support in promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

The Bono Region has, over the years, witnessed a string of high-profile and gruesome murder cases—many of which remain unresolved.

From the chilling Abesim killings to recent murders in Dormaa West and Sunyani West, grieving families are still waiting for justice.

The region has become the backdrop for some of Ghana’s most disturbing homicide cases in recent memory.

Among the most notorious is the Abesim case, which stunned the nation in August 2021. Richard Appiah, a 28-year-old footballer, is accused of murdering his stepbrother, Louis Agyemang, and 15-year-old Stephen Sarpong. Shockingly, he allegedly stored their mutilated remains in a refrigerator at Alaska Junction in Abesim.

Appiah was quickly arrested by the Bono Regional Police, and then Acting Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, visited the community to offer condolences. The case was later moved to the Accra High Court, but nearly four years on, there has been little progress—leaving families frustrated.

“The case was here, but it was transferred to Accra, and I don’t have anybody to transport me to and from Accra. I even thought the police would transport me to and from Accra so that my cost would come down, but since then, nobody has given me the data for the case. I don’t even have the data for the case now,” Yeboah Asuama, father of one of the victims, told Channel One News.

He is calling for the trial to be relocated to Sunyani to speed up the process.

“I am appealing to the State Prosecutor to transfer the case from Accra to the Sunyani High Court. I believe justice will prevail,” he added.

The region has since recorded other chilling incidents. In February this year, mobile money vendor Japhat Yeboah was killed at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District. Six suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations. The victim’s family has, for now, declined to speak publicly.

Another grisly case in 2024 shook the community of Ahyiayem in the Sunyani West Municipality. A 60-year-old woman, Ama Banawa, and her daughter, Mercy Yeribu, were found brutally murdered in their home. Police say investigations are still ongoing.

These recurring crimes—and the slow pace of justice—have heightened public anxiety and left affected families in prolonged distress.

There are growing calls for authorities to prioritise these cases and ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done.

The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has declared that the government possesses the necessary political will to confront and defeat illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

Dr Omane Boamah’s remarks follow a significant military operation in the Western Region, where the Ghana Armed Forces discovered and dismantled a hidden galamsey settlement accommodating over 10,000 individuals.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 16 April, Dr Boamah stressed that the fight against illegal mining will no longer be dominated by rhetoric but by decisive action.

“We’ll talk less and let action and outcomes guide us,” he wrote, signalling a shift towards a results-driven approach to tackling the environmental crisis posed by galamsey activities.

The Minister made a heartfelt appeal to illegal miners, urging them to vacate Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies for the sake of their lives and the environment.

“Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he pleaded, underscoring the devastating impact of illegal mining on the country’s natural resources.

Dr Boamah assured the public that the Ghana Armed Forces have been fully equipped and empowered to deal with the situation.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has been empowered. We have the needed political will,” he affirmed, adding that the military would continue to act decisively in support of national efforts to safeguard the environment.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Ministry of Finance has initiated an eight-week forensic audit into GH¢4.4 billion in outstanding government payables, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced during a press conference on April 15, 2025.

The press briefing, held jointly with officials from the Bank of Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), outlined the scope of the audit, which will be conducted by the Auditor-General’s office in collaboration with two international accounting firms.

The primary aim of the exercise is to verify the authenticity and actual amounts of unpaid government obligations that have accumulated over time.

Dr. Forson emphasized that the audit is part of corrective actions under Ghana’s IMF programme, supported by the Extended Credit Facility. He stated, “These steps are meant to strengthen our public expenditure controls and stop the continued build-up of arrears.”

The audit team will also provide recommendations for addressing any irregularities discovered during the process.

This move follows the government’s failure to meet several targets under the IMF programme, including missing the 2024 primary surplus target. The Ministry attributes this to a “large buildup of payables.”

The audit is part of a broader fiscal reform effort by the government, which includes recent amendments to the Public Financial Management Act. The revised law introduces a debt ceiling of 45% of GDP to be achieved by 2035, mandates annual primary budget surpluses of no less than 1.5% of GDP, and establishes an independent Fiscal Council to oversee public spending.

The audit is expected to conclude in June, ahead of the IMF Executive Board’s review of Ghana’s next tranche disbursement of $370 million. If approved, this will bring the country’s total receipts under the current programme to $2.3 billion.

Dr. Forson’s announcement followed the conclusion of a two-week IMF review mission, which ended with a Staff-Level Agreement between the Fund and the government. The Minister described the agreement as a positive step toward restoring macroeconomic stability and putting public debt on a more sustainable path.

Meanwhile, arrears in the energy sector, which have long been a challenge for the national budget, will be addressed through new payment systems. These include the Cash Waterfall Mechanism and a Single Treasury Account structure designed to regularize payments to Independent Power Producers.

In related measures, the Ministry of Finance will begin publishing quarterly rankings of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies based on their compliance with new spending rules.

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Former Kumasi Mayor Sam Pyne

Former Kumasi Mayor Sam Pyne has described the decongestion of the central business district of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, as a difficult task.

He made the comment in response to a threat by the new Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, who warned that he would unleash his team on vendors operating on sidewalks in the city’s core commercial center.

During a press conference on Monday, April 14, the Mayor outlined a new approach, which he described as a blend of democratic ideals and military-style enforcement to deter street vending.

“I have my own military-democratic style which I will be implementing. When we say leave the space and you don’t leave the space, and I get there and you’re still there with my boys — right there and then, we will beat you.

In the middle of Adum, if I’m alone, you’ll be lucky. But if I’m with my ten boys, in their pick-up with their whips — trust me, we will beat you. If you don’t want to experience that, do what is right and lawful.

This is Otumfuo’s city, the Garden City of West Africa, and we have to preserve it. If you want to make my job difficult, I will make your body feel the difficulty you’re causing me,” he warned.

In an interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Sam Pyne criticised his successor’s threat to use force against traders operating on pavements in the city’s central business area, calling the approach “undemocratic” and potentially counterproductive.

Although he acknowledged that addressing congestion and street trading in Kumasi is a complex task, he stressed that flogging non-compliant traders is not the solution.

“It’s a difficult task dealing with the people of Kumasi, which I must admit. But as for the approach — you see, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, like all other metropolitan municipalities, has by-laws. We have our by-laws that are fixed, and they deal with all offenses and infractions.

So, going ahead with this ‘democratic terrorism’ is not the way to go,” he said.

He cautioned that such a hardline stance might unnecessarily provoke public discontent and resistance.

Mr. Pyne emphasized the importance of long-term infrastructure development and targeted enforcement over the use of force. He pointed to initiatives his administration had undertaken to relocate traders and decongest the central business district, including scheduled market development projects.

“One key solution is the completion of the Central Market Phase Two. That facility, when finished, will include a massive terminal on the ground floor, which will take vehicles off the streets and significantly reduce congestion. Traders naturally follow the flow of passengers — once we remove the vehicles from the roadsides, the traders will follow suit.”

KA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

Government has firmly stated its commitment to the existing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, dispelling any notions of renegotiation or extension.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking at a joint press conference with the IMF in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, emphasized the government’s resolve to fully implement the programme aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and fostering sustainable growth.

“Renegotiating pre-supposes that you don’t believe in the programme and so you want to open up the conversation to look at other parameters of the programme. That isn’t the position of the government. The government is committed to the implementation to achieve the objectives of the IMF programme,” Dr. Forson asserted.

Acknowledging that certain structural benchmarks and quantitative targets were missed prior to the current administration’s tenure, the Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to achieving the programme’s outlined objectives.

To address these challenges, Dr. Forson outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening expenditure controls, eliminating the accumulation of arrears, improving budget credibility, and enhancing fiscal and debt sustainability.

A key initiative involves a comprehensive audit of payables and commitments, commissioned to the Auditor-General and two international audit firms.

Read Also: IMF agreement vindicates NPP’s economic record – Minority challenges gov’t’s fiscal claims

“We have commissioned the Auditor-General, together with two (2) international audit firms, to audit the pay ables and commitments to validate their legitimacy and values, and provide recommendations for corrective measures. The audit is expected to be completed within eight weeks ,” he disclosed.

Furthermore, the government has amended the Procurement Act to tighten control over central government procurements.

“We have passed an amendment to the Procurement Act to ensure that the issuance of commitment authorisation (e.g., commencement certificate) by the Minister for Finance is a prerequisite for all central government procurements under the Authority or the Central Tender Review Committee,” Dr. Forson stated.

Ghanaians living in the United States—whether students, workers, or visitors—are being urged to comply with a new U.S. immigration rule that requires all foreign nationals to register with authorities and carry proof of their legal status at all times.

This follows a new directive under an executive order by former President Donald Trump, which is now being enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The rule took effect last Friday and applies to all non-U.S. citizens aged 18 and above, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and other African nationals.

According to the USCIS, everyone considered a “foreign national” (or “alien” under U.S. law) must have proof of their legal status—such as a Green Card, visa documents, or the I-94 entry record—with them at all times.

Who Needs to Register?

• All non-citizens aged 18 and above

• Visitors, students, workers, Green Card holders

• Canadians staying more than 30 days

• Parents of children under 14 must register them too

Children under 14 must be registered by their parents or guardians. Once they turn 14, they are required to re-register and undergo biometric processing (fingerprinting) within 30 days.

Even those who have previously registered are being advised to update their information using the new online system. A new form, G-325R, must be completed, and biometric data will be collected unless exempted.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to comply with the rule could lead to:

The law now allows even local law enforcement, such as traffic police, to ask foreign nationals for proof of registration or legal status.

Legal Experts Urge Ghanaians to Take Action

Immigration lawyers in the U.S. are warning that this is not a rule to take lightly.

“For Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals in particular, this is not a rule to ignore,” said an immigration attorney in New York. “If you’ve been in the U.S. for more than 30 days and don’t have your papers in order, you could face serious consequences.”

Steps You Must Take

1. Register Online – Fill out Form G-325R on the USCIS website.

2. Get Biometric Screening – Attend fingerprinting if required.

3. Carry Your Papers – Always have your Green Card, visa, or I-94 with you.

4. Register Your Children – Do this before they turn 14, and re-register them once they do.

Ghanaians in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to consult immigration experts, stay updated on legal requirements, and take immediate steps to comply with the new rules

The Government of Ghana is to provide between eight and 12 per cent interest rates loans to small-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially to agribusinesses to expand for export.

The SMEs On-lending facility would be jointly managed by the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat under the Office of the President and the Bank of Ghana, Development Bank of Ghana and some private financial institutions.

The facility part 24-hour Economy Policy electioneering promise by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) ii the run-up to the 2024 general elections.

Dr Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Head of Innovative Finance, Markets and Partnership at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, announced the proposed facility during the media launch of the 2025 Horticulture Expo in Accra, on Tuesday.

Dr Dodoo said the unique financing model for agribusinesses and exporters was designed by government to enable those enterprises to deal with forex fluctuations and be competitive on the international market.

For agri-enterprises to access the SMEs On-lending facility, one has to belong to a recognisable association such as the Federation of Association of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) to de-risk investment payments to ensure loan recovery and sustainability of the facility.

The facility would also include provision of seed capital, extension services and technical capacity-building opportunities for agribusiness farmers to expand and add value to their products and services.

“This is not politics but a citizen-led initiative to grow agricultural-based businesses to take charge of our economy,” Dr Dodoo stated.

The 24-Hour Economy Policy, he explained, was about ensuring partnership with the private sector to unlock financial investments for agribusinesses, promoting food sufficiency and accelerating job creation opportunities for the Ghanaian youths.

Dr Dodoo said: “So, the 24-hour Economy Policy intends to increase our outputs, add value to our raw materials and ensure robust productivity.

“Ghanaians must take control of the US$77 billion GDP of our economy and that required us to deal with structural deformities in the economy and ensure strategic value chain.

“For instance, we need to take charge of the US$1.2 billion textile industry and ensure supply chain efficiency.”

Mr. Davis Narh Korboe, President of Federation of Association of Ghanaian Exporters, in his welcome remarks, expressed the Association’s determination to exceed five-billion-dollar export of non-traditional exports.

The second edition of the Horticulture Expo will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) from June 11 to 13, this year.

The expo is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors and 5,000 participants both locally and internationally, to engage in business-to-business meetings, networking and seminars.

It is to aid Ghanaian exporters to connect to the international markets and forge partnerships for expansion of their businesses.

It would also enable exporters to be competitive on the global markets, adopt innovative approaches in doing business and adding value to their products.

Some of the key commodities that would be promoted and highlighted during the expo include coconut products, mango, pineapples, sweet potatoes, onions and growing of chilies.

Source: GNA