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Ghana must champion democracy in the Sahel – Samuel Jinapor

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Ghana must champion democracy in the Sahel – Samuel Jinapor
Ghana must champion democracy in the Sahel – Samuel Jinapor


Featured


GraphicOnline


Politics



2 minutes read

The Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel A. Jinapor, has emphasized the need for Ghana to take a leading role in advocating democratic governance in the Sahel region. 

He asserts that as a nation built on democratic principles, Ghana must actively promote these values, particularly in its engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which are currently under military rule.

Speaking in Parliament while seconding the motion for the approval of the budget estimate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Jinapor referenced Article 40 of Ghana’s Constitution, which mandates the government to promote democratic governance in its dealings with other nations.

“While we urge the Foreign Ministry to pursue the objective of regional integration, it is vital that we do not overlook the principles of democratic governance. We must work towards restoring democracy in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all of West Africa and Africa at large is governed based on democratic practices,” he stated.

Jinapor cautioned that regional integration must not come at the expense of Ghana’s core democratic values. He underscored that democracy should remain the foundation of governance across the region, just as it is in Ghana.

Calling for proactive leadership, he urged the government to spearhead efforts to restore constitutional rule in the Sahel, ensuring that governance structures reflect the will of the people.

“With these few words, I lend my support to the motion and ask that this House adopts this report, supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that ultimately, Ghana’s flag will fly high in the community of nations,” he concluded.

Prices of Abaya and Jalbab soar ahead of Eid festivities

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Accra, March 29, GNA – Muslims in Ghana preparing for the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the significant surge in the prices of Abaya and Jalbab, traditional garments widely worn for the festive occasion.

In exclusive interviews with the Ghana News Agency, several celebrants voiced their concerns about the escalating cost of these essential Eid outfits, making it difficult for many to afford new attire for the significant religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

Madam Fatima Ali, a resident of Nima, lamented the steep increase in the prices of Abayas.

“Last year, I bought an Abaya for 400 cedis, but this year the same abaya is selling at 800 cedis. It is becoming hard for some of us to buy new clothes for ourselves and relatives for the Eid festivities,” she said.

She told the GNA that similar Abayas with the same features were being sold at lower prices in Togo and Nigeria.

She reiterated that, “Why do we do this to ourselves? We are all Muslims, but the way we cheat one another when it comes to trade and pricing is not fair.”

Another celebrant, Musah Safian, also shared similar sentiments but highlighted the cultural significance of new garments for Eid.

“Wearing new clothes on Eid is a cherished tradition.

It symbolises renewal and joy after the period of fasting. However, the current prices are simply exorbitant and will prevent many from fulfilling this tradition,” he said.

According to Sheikh Yunus Adam, an Islamic Scholar, wearing new garments for Eid festivities is not compulsory but highly recommended and encouraged.

He also advised Muslims to adhere to Prophet Mohammed’s ways of modesty and shun opulence and extravagance.

“If you think you cannot afford the Abaya, then wear your old dress. Just get it ironed and clean for the day,” he said.

Market surveys conducted by the Ghana News Agency in various markets of Accra, including Nima, Makola, and Tudu, confirm a substantial increase in the prices of Abayas and Jalbabs.

The price range for a decent quality Abaya now starts from GHS 600 and can go up to GHS 5,000 or more depending on the fabric, design, and embellishments.

Similarly, the price of Jalbabs has seen a considerable increase, ranging from GHS 300 to GHS 3,000 and above.

Traders attribute the hike in prices to the Cedi’s depreciation, high import duties, and transportation costs.
GNA
SOF

MTN FA Cup Q.F: Asante Kotoko announce strong squad for True Democracy game

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Head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, Prosper Nartey Ogum, has called up 23 players for this evening’s clash against Division One League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Porcupine Warriors, who leads the Ghana Premier League will battle the Tema-based side in the quarter-final stage of the MTN FA Cup.

Coach Ogum and his technical team have a strong squad, with Justice Blay, Samuel Tenedu, Lord Amoah, Saaka Dauda, Emmanuel Antwi, and Captain Frederick Asare all available for selection.

This pulsating game is scheduled for a 7:00 pm kickoff at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

BELOW IS KOTOKO’S 23-MAN SQUAD FOR THE GAME:

GOALKEEPERS
Mohammed Camera
Frederick Asare

DEFENDERS
Lord Amoah
Daniel Adjetey
Patrick Asiedu
Michael Sefah
Henry Ansu
Samba O’Neil
Joseph Ablor

MIDFIELDERS
Samuel Tenadu
Justice Blay
Kyei Dwamena
Andrews Ntim Manu
Emmanuel Antwi
Baba Yahaya

ATTACKERS
Saaka Dauda
Elvis Kyei Baffour
Peter Amidu Acquah
Wisdom
Sampson Eduku
Isaac Mintah
Albert Amoah
Kwame Opoku

‘I am being accused of using Juju’

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Ghanaian actress and media personality, Nana Ama McBrown Ghanaian actress and media personality, Nana Ama McBrown

Ghanaian actress and media personality, Nana Ama McBrown, has disclosed that some individuals in the creative arts industry have linked her success to black charm (juju).

McBrown made these claims in a discussion on ‘Let’s Talk Podcast’ on March 25, 2025, where she addressed the numerous criticisms and unfounded rumours surrounding her career.

She mentioned that despite the false accusations, she has forgiven those responsible for tarnishing her hard-earned reputation.

“Even now people still say some things to me and I look and forgive them. Now they are telling me I work with juju because I am doing well,” she said.

McBrown further noted that she has had a successful career because of the training she received.

She added that she strives for perfection in her work and aims to leave an indelible mark on the creative arts industry before her eventual exit.

“My entering into acting was kind of fast. But they don’t know where I started from… I am a perfectionist because I have to leave my mark. And before I leave the mark will always be there, for people to talk about it. I am very intentional about the things I do,” she stated.

Watch the video below:

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

JHM/EB

Why Veep Naana Jane received medical treatment suddenly at UGMC after work on Friday

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Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was reportedly in the hospital Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was reportedly in the hospital

Official communications from the Office of the President have said that the Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, was in the hospital on Friday, March 28, 2025.

The statement said that she had to receive medical treatment on Saturday.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, it followed a sudden illness of the vice president after work hours on Friday.

“The Vice President, Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Saturday due to a sudden illness that occurred after work on Friday, March 28, 2025,” the statement said.

It added that although she has since been attended to at the UGMC, she will travel for further medical attention.

The statement clarified that this is due to expert opinion.

“Based on expert medical opinion, she will seek further care abroad,” the statement said.

It is, however, unclear when or how soon she will travel for this further medical treatment.

The statement ended with well wishes to the vice president, stating, “We wise the Vice President a speedy recovery.”

GhanaWeb will keep this story open and provide updates as and when they come through.

AE

GoldBod is simply a state monopoly in trading and export of gold

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Acting Managing Director of Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Sammy Gyamfi Acting Managing Director of Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Sammy Gyamfi

The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Sammy Gyamfi, has quashed claims that the structure of the GoldBod, which combines both commercial operations with regulatory functions, could create conflicts of interest.

According to him, GoldBod is neither a regulator nor a commercial competitor but simply a monopoly in the trading and export of gold.

In a post on X sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Sammy Gyamfi explained that the regulatory powers of GoldBod are intended to ensure compliance with its Act and regulations by licensed service providers who trade on behalf of GoldBod.

“The GoldBod is simply a monopoly in the trading and export of gold… The regulatory function of the GoldBod relates only to its own licensed agents and not to competitors,” he stated.

“For emphasis, the GoldBod will not be regulating competitors but rather its own licensed agents. Thus, the issue of conflict of interest does not arise at all,” he added.

Addressing the hoarding of gold, Sammy Gyamfi stated that it is a crime to engage in such practices.

He cited Clause 68(1) of the GoldBod Bill, which stipulates that no person shall, without lawful authority, hoard gold without a license or authorisation issued by the Gold Board, to support his assertion.

The purpose of Clause 68(1) of the GoldBod Bill is to prevent situations where licensed agents, provided with funds to purchase gold for GoldBod, hoard the commodity to cause scarcity, create unfair competition, or manipulate prices, among other concerns.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Parliament passed the Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025 into law.

The Ghana Gold Board is tasked with overseeing, monitoring, and undertaking the buying, selling, and export of gold and other precious minerals.

This law designates GoldBod as the sole exporter of gold from Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, effectively prohibiting licensed traders and bullion dealers from exporting gold directly.

As part of efforts to revitalise the local economy, President John Dramani Mahama initiated the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which falls under the Ministry of Finance.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

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SA/EB

NPP afraid of Richard Jakpa – Kevin Taylor boldly claims

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Kevin Taylor, a US-based vlogger has boldly claimed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is afraid of the director of Special Operations at the National Security Richard Jakpa.

According to Kevin Taylor, the NPP has been ranting about Richard Jakpa out of fear.

He noted that the NPP has been saying Richard Jakpa has been flouting the laws by entering people’s homes and asked the NPP to go to court.

Annie Reverts To Maiden Name As She Breaks Silence On Social Media

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Nigerian actress and estranged wife of singer, 2Face,Annie Idibia, has reverted to her maiden name.

Annie, who has been silent since 2Face announced their separation on his Instagram page, made a return to social media on Thursday March 27 2025, and deleted all posts on her page.

Ghana’s Parliament approves GH₵ 2.8 billion for road maintenance 

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Ghana's Parliament approves GH₵ 2.8 billion for road maintenance 


Featured


GNA



1 minute read

The Ghanaian Parliament has approved a GH₵ 2.8 billion budget for road maintenance this year to improve the transportation of goods and services.

In 2024, 43 percent of the country’s total road network was maintained through reshaping, gravelling, and pothole patching.

Chairman of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah spoke to the media at Parliament House in Accra, explaining that road maintenance is a key part of the government’s reset agenda.

He highlighted that the government inherited a road sector debt of GH₵ 105 billion, along with a GH₵ 109 billion commitment to road contractors.

These arrears relate to both ongoing and stalled road projects, as well as signed contracts.

Mr Adjei Mensah added that efforts are underway to reintroduce road tolls using innovative technology to help boost the government’s revenue mobilization efforts.

As the Member of Parliament for Wassa East in the Western Region, he expressed confidence that the government’s US$10 billion strategic infrastructure plan, known as the “Big Push,” would significantly improve the nation’s roads.

In other news, Parliament passed the Appropriation Bill on the early morning of Saturday, March 29, granting authorization for Ghana’s Finance Minister to allocate public funds for various programs and projects outlined in the budget.

This means the government can now access funds from the Consolidated Fund and other related sources.

Akua Donkor Laid to Rest in Ejuratia

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Ghanaian politician and founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor, has been laid to rest in her hometown, Ejuratia, in the Afigya Kwabre District of the Ashanti Region.

The final funeral rites for the late politician followed a solemn memorial service attended by family, friends, traditional leaders, and political figures, including Hassan Ayariga and her running mate, Roman Fadda.

The ceremony drew a large crowd of mourners who came to pay their last respects to the outspoken politician. The people of Ejuratia, along with well-wishers from across the country, gathered to honor her contributions to Ghanaian politics and her unwavering advocacy for farmers and women. Traditional leaders performed rites to mark her passing, while tributes poured in from her family and loved ones who acknowledged her fearless stance on national issues.

The late Akua Donkor passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2024, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of resilience and fearless leadership. She was a trailblazer in Ghana’s political landscape, making her mark despite the dominance of more established political parties.

Throughout her career, she remained steadfast in her advocacy for rural farmers and the empowerment of women, ensuring that their voices were heard at the highest levels of governance. Many recalled her boldness, humor, and passion for justice, qualities that endeared her to supporters and critics alike.

Akua Donkor’s impact on Ghanaian politics will not be forgotten. Her dedication to the causes she believed in has left a lasting imprint, and her legacy as a fearless advocate will continue to inspire generations to come.

Opoku-Agyemang undergoes treatment at UGMC, set to receive further care abroad

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Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has received medical treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) after suffering a sudden illness on Friday, 28th March 2025.

The Presidency’s Communications Directorate released a statement on Sunday, 30th March 2025, confirmed that she attended UGMC on Saturday following the unexpected health incident.

According to the statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Minister for Government Communications, medical experts have advised that the Vice President seek further treatment abroad to ensure her full recovery.

“We extend our best wishes to the Vice President for a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.

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.

Prof Naana Jane undergoes medical treatment after sudden illness

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Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is reportedly in the hospital Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is reportedly in the hospital

The Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has undergone medical treatment after falling ill on Friday, March 28, 2025.

This was communicated through an official statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications.

According to the statement, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang underwent medical treatment after falling ill on Friday, March 28, 2025.

The statement added that she received treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Saturday.

“The Vice President, Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Saturday due to a sudden illness that occurred after work on Friday, March 28, 2025.

“Based on expert medical opinion, she will seek further care abroad,” the statement said.

More soon…

GoldBod is simply a monopoly in trading and export of gold

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Acting Managing Director of Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Sammy Gyamfi Acting Managing Director of Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Sammy Gyamfi

The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Sammy Gyamfi, has quashed claims that the structure of the GoldBod, which combines both commercial operations with regulatory functions, could create conflicts of interest.

According to him, GoldBod is neither a regulator nor a commercial competitor, but simply a monopoly in the trading and export of gold.

In a post on X, sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Sammy Gyamfi explained that the regulatory powers of GoldBod are intended to ensure compliance with its Act and regulations by licensed service providers who trade on behalf of GoldBod.

“The GoldBod is simply a monopoly in the trading and export of gold… The regulatory function of the GoldBod relates only to its own licensed agents and not to competitors.

“For emphasis, the GoldBod will not be regulating competitors but rather its own licensed agents. Thus, the issue of conflict of interest does not arise at all,” he stated.

Addressing the subject of hoarding of gold, Sammy Gyamfi stated that it is a crime to engage in such practices.

He cited Clause 68(1) of the GoldBod Bill, which stipulates that no person shall, without lawful authority, hoard gold without a license or authorisation issued by the Gold Board, to support his assertion.

The purpose of Clause 68(1) of the GoldBod Bill is to prevent situations where licensed agents, provided with funds to purchase gold for GoldBod, hoard the commodity to cause scarcity, create unfair competition, or manipulate prices, among other concerns.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Parliament passed the Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025 into law.

The Ghana Gold Board is tasked with overseeing, monitoring, and undertaking the buying, selling, and export of gold and other precious minerals.

This law designates GoldBod as the sole exporter of gold from Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, effectively prohibiting licensed traders and bullion dealers from exporting gold directly.

As part of efforts to revitalise the local economy, President John Dramani Mahama initiated the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which falls under the Ministry of Finance.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

SA/AE

Scores pay last respects as Wulomei’s Naa Amanua is buried in mic-shaped coffin [Photos]

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Legendary Ghanaian traditional singer, Naa Amanua Dodoo, widely known as Naa Amanua of the iconic Wulomei band, has been laid to rest.

She was buried in a microphone-shaped coffin.


The solemn ceremony which drew mourners from far and near took place on Saturday, March 28, 2025.


Her mortal remains were laid in state for viewing and filing past at the forecourt of the State House where family, friends, and fans gathered to pay their final respects to the iconic musician.


The sombre occasion was filled with tributes, as people from all walks of life gathered to honour a woman whose life was intricately woven into the fabric of Ghanaian music.


In attendance were traditional authorities, players in the creative artistes industry, members of the Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) , Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe, La Dadekotopon MP, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah among others.



Following the burial on March 29, a thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, March 30, at the Believers Sanctuary International, Jehovah Nissi Church at La.


Naa Amanua passed away on December 17, 2024, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre in Legon, leaving behind a legacy that resonated deeply within Ghana’s vibrant music scene.

She hailed from a family steeped in musical heritage with her father as a talented guitarist, and her mother a prolific dancer and singer.


This rich musical background played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for music from a very young age.

Growing up in an environment where rhythm, melody, and performance were a natural part of life, she nurtured a love for music that would go on to define her career.

Throughout her life, Naa Amanua was not just a performer but a symbol of Ghana’s cultural heritage.


As the lead singer of Wulomei, she helped bring traditional folk percussion music into the spotlight, ensuring its place in both the hearts of Ghanaians and the broader global audience.


Her unique voice and stage presence made her a standout figure in the music scene.


Her contributions were recognized in 2018 when she was honored with the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the nation’s .