The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report back to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
This follows his initial visit to the CID, where he was questioned over allegations related to illegal mining activities. Chairman Wontumi reported to the CID headquarters in Accra at midday on May 26, 2025, following an official invitation by the Director-General of the CID. He was accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General, Godfred Dame.
In a press release issued by the Ghana Police Service and signed by Superintendent of Police Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the CID, Mr. Antwi-Boasiako was cautioned on three specific allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without proper authorization.
The police noted that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako cooperated fully during the investigation, provided a statement, and was subsequently granted bail with instructions to return for further engagements.
His appearance and the ongoing probe come at a time when the issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, continues to raise serious environmental and legal concerns across the country. The case has drawn significant public interest due to Chairman Wontumi’s high-profile political standing.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that further developments will be communicated in due course.
President Mahama being received at the airport by Ivorian officials
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Cote d’Ivoire for the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Annual Meetings aboard a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, branded “Dzata.”
The arrival, captured in a video shared by GHOne TV, occurs amidst recent controversy over Ghana’s presidential jet, which has been deemed unfit for use due to safety concerns.
The video shows the jet landing and President Mahama disembarking, greeted by officials and a red carpet.
This trip marks Mahama’s participation in the annual meetings, scheduled from May 26 to 30, 2025, in Abidjan.
The use of the private jet has reignited debate about the state of Ghana’s presidential fleet, which includes a Falcon 900EX acquired during former President John Kufuor’s tenure and criticized for its age and safety.
The president has recently been criticized for using his brother’s Dzata jet; however, this has been defended by government officials as cost-saving and timely for the state.
While the previous government had hinted at plans to acquire a new presidential jet, the John Mahama government, which took office in January 2025, is yet to make any such plans public.
Renowned playwright Latif Abubakar debuted his highly anticipated theatre production, “Ghana Must Go – The Promised Land”, which showcased Ghana’s enormous tourism potential.
Globe Productions, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, staged the “Ghana Must Go” play as part of a global campaign under “The Big Push Ghana Project” and “The Black Star Experience.”
Audiences were ecstatic during the two-day showing of the theatrical masterpiece, which featured a powerful and intensely patriotic journey of several characters.
The performance, starring popular actor Adjetey Anang, amplified the campaign to project Ghana as a leading destination for tourism, investment, and cultural excellence.
From showcasing the traditional dances of various ethnic groups to promoting the country’s stunning tourism destinations and attractions, the play was a thrilling experience that captivated audiences.
It depicted how young travellers were so enthralled by Ghana’s tourism offerings that they were reluctant to return abroad.
The theatrical performance also wowed audiences with dazzling music and dance moves, delivered flawlessly by the talented cast.
The “Ghana Must Go” stage play is expected to embark on a worldwide tour in the coming months as part of efforts to position Ghana as a premier destination for tourism.
This production marks the 20th stage play by Globe Productions in their 15-year history, solidifying their reputation as one of the most renowned producers of theatre in Ghana.
The NDC leadership has been called upon to intervene in the matter
The Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Amenfi East, Nana Kofi Atokyi, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he describes as secret, unjust, and unauthorised appointments made in the constituency without the knowledge or consultation of key party executives.
The statement, addressed to the Western Regional Minister, Regional Executives of the NDC, and copied to the media, expressed deep frustration over the appointments of a Municipal representative to the Regional Lands Commission Board and the Municipal Director for the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), which he claims were done in total disregard for party structures and protocols.
According to Mr. Atokyi, the appointments were made without informing or involving the core nine constituency executives, including himself, the Constituency Secretary, Women’s Organizer, Youth Organizer, Treasurer, Organizer, Communications Officer, and the Zongo Caucus Coordinator—an act he described as a “complete disrespect” to party hierarchy.
The first issue raised in the statement was the appointment of one McLean as the Amenfi East representative on the Regional Lands Commission Board. Mr. Atokyi disclosed that upon hearing of the development, he contacted the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Raymond Nana Ebbah, who admitted to making the nomination, claiming it was his personal slot.
However, the Regional Minister reportedly disagreed with the MCE’s actions, stating that such appointments ought to be made in consultation with the party’s leadership, including constituency executives and the Member of Parliament.
The second matter concerned the recent appointment of Mr. Alidu Dramani as Municipal Director of YEA. Mr. Atokyi described the move as “highly surprising and disheartening,” revealing that regional party authorities had earlier instructed that no one be appointed to that position until broader consultations were concluded.
Despite this directive, Mr. Dramani is alleged to have assumed office without official clearance, reportedly on the orders of the MCE.
The Chairman added that several attempts to alert the Regional Minister and Regional Chairman led to both authorities instructing that the appointment be suspended until further notice—a directive that Mr. Dramani allegedly defied.
The statement also highlighted growing tensions in the constituency, particularly among youth groups who have expressed their anger over what they describe as “malicious appointments” and have threatened to embark on demonstrations.
Mr. Atokyi further alleged that known affiliates of the MCE have resorted to insulting and threatening constituency executives via social media platforms, notably one dubbed the “Asikuma platform.” He cited a recent incident in which the MCE allegedly insulted the Women’s Organizer of the party, further worsening the strained relationship between the MCE and party executives.
Mr. Atokyi concluded his statement by calling on the Regional Minister, Regional and National Executives of the NDC, and all relevant stakeholders—including the President—to urgently intervene to restore order and respect for party protocols in the Amenfi East Constituency.
“I know with the kind of threats coming to me, this press release may worsen the situation, but I am doing this for the good of the party,” he stated.
The Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee (PDSRC) has recommended the immediate scrapping of the premix fuel subsidy, citing entrenched mismanagement and corruption.
In a report sighted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the committee stated that the subsidy had failed to achieve its intended purpose of supporting artisanal fishers, and had instead become a conduit for diversion and illicit sales.
The committee proposed that savings from abolishing the subsidy be redirected towards the development of fishing communities to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive tangible support.
The report described the premix fuel sector as “marred” by systemic diversion and mis-selling of subsidized fuel at the pump.
It emphasized that governance issues surrounding the distribution and use of premix fuel had undermined its core objectives: stabilizing petroleum prices and supporting fisherfolk.
A regional breakdown of consumption from 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 revealed troubling trends, according to the report.
The Northern and former Bono regions—areas with minimal legitimate use for premix fuel—recorded dramatic consumption spikes of 322 percent and 190 percent, respectively.
In contrast, traditional coastal fishing regions such as Western (-4 percent), Central (21 percent), and Greater Accra (13 percent) recorded far lower increases, suggesting large-scale smuggling and diversion.
The report stated: “Almost all of the GHS 680 million in annual revenues accrued from the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy (PSRL) is siphoned through the premix fuel subsidy by cronies, without direct benefits to fisherfolk.”
The PSRL, introduced in 2015 under the Energy Sector Levies Act (Act 899), was designed to stabilize fuel prices, subsidize premix and residual fuel oil, and cushion petroleum-related shocks. Since its inception, Ghanaians have contributed over GHS 3 billion to the fund.
However, the committee noted that only a fraction of this amount has been used for its intended purposes. Notably, the levy has never been applied to stabilize the prices of other fuel types.
The committee’s recommendation adds to growing demands from civil society organizations and energy policy think tanks for reform.
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has long advocated for the elimination of the premix subsidy, citing inefficiency, endemic corruption, and the burden of growing national debt.
Similarly, the Environment and Natural Resource Research Initiative (NRRI) has argued that ending the subsidy is necessary to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has appealed to the Supreme Court to intervene and stop what she describes as a coordinated and degrading campaign to oust her from office.
She warned that the very foundation of judicial independence in Ghana is under attack.
In a supplementary affidavit in support of her motion for an interlocutory injunction, Justice Torkornoo lays bare a string of events she believes demonstrate “a complete desecration of [her] basic constitutional rights,” including the right to a fair hearing, dignity, and protection from inhuman treatment.
“This Honourable Court is the only shield between me and an unconstitutional assault on the office I hold and the independence it symbolises,” she wrote.
“Only you can stop this assault on judicial independence.”
She contends that the inquiry process initiated against her and the conduct of the committee set up by the President, have been marked by blatant violations of due process and personal indignity.
“I have been treated in a manner not meted out even to persons on trial for treason,” she stated in the affidavit, calling the treatment degrading and mentally torturous.
Justice Torkornoo’s grievance stems not only from the substance of the allegations against her—details of which she says have never been properly communicated—but from the process itself.
She revealed that she has not been informed of the legal basis on which a prima facie case was determined, nor of the specific allegations she is required to answer.
“How can I defend myself when I don’t even know what I’m defending against?” she asked.
She described how her lawyers were sidelined during a crucial committee sitting on May 15th, despite receiving formal notice of the hearing.
“The committee simply refused to recognise my counsel because I was not physically present,” she noted incredulously.
When she eventually appeared before the committee on May 22nd with her legal team, they informed the members about her Supreme Court suit.
The committee adjourned for a day and requested copies of the legal filings. But by May 23rd, Justice Torkornoo says, the committee “shockingly” announced its intention to proceed regardless—even though the injunction application was now before the highest court of the land.
What makes matters worse, she said, is the committee’s decision to allow petitioners to call external witnesses rather than appear and testify themselves.
“This is not just irregular. It is offensive to the basic rules of inquiry,” she argued. “Petitioners must be subject to cross-examination. That’s what justice demands.”
The Chief Justice also paints a disturbing picture of the treatment she has been subjected to at the hearings, held not at the Judicial Service’s Court Complex like previous Article 146 processes, but at the Castle, Osu, a high-security zone.
There, she says, her husband and children were barred from entry, she and her lawyers were denied access to phones and laptops, and she was personally searched.
Meanwhile, she alleges, the petitioners’ counsel moved freely with phones and other devices.
“These actions are not merely procedural irregularities,” she said. “They are deliberate tactics designed to mentally break me and tarnish the dignity of my office.”
Justice Torkornoo argues that all previous removal proceedings against judges under Article 146 have taken place at the Courts Complex—a venue she describes as the appropriate judicial setting. The move to the Castle, she insists, “boggles the mind” and signals an effort to intimidate.
Calling the entire process a “mockery of justice” and “a ruse to unjustifiably remove me from office,” she prays that the Supreme Court immediately halt the process by granting an interlocutory injunction.
“This is bigger than me,” she warns. “What is at stake is the security of tenure for every justice of the Superior Courts of Judicature. What is under threat is the very soul of our Constitution.”
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Thomas Partey will not partake in upcoming Unity Cup fixture against Nigeria in London.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has explained Thomas Partey’s exclusion from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming Unity Cup fixture against Nigeria in London.
According to the GFA, the Arsenal midfielder has been granted permission to rest following a physically demanding season in which he played a vital role for his club. Partey helped Arsenal reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and finish second in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old was instrumental for Mikel Arteta’s side with consistent performances in midfield during Arsenal’s run-in, earning praise for his experience and composure under pressure.
In a statement, the GFA noted that Partey remains an important part of coach Otto Addo’s plans but has been excused from the Unity Cup squad to allow full recovery ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
The Black Stars will face Nigeria on May 28 at the GTech Community Stadium in West London. The winner of the tie will progress to the final of the Unity Cup, where they will face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.
Fermented cocoa beans are dried by villagers on a table in Ghana. Photo: Christina Peters via Getty Images
Ghana’s cocoa industry, hit by unfavourable weather conditions and increased smuggling, is likely to miss its output target of 650,000 metric tonnes this season, data from regulator Cocobod showed.
The world’s second-largest cocoa producer has seen output fall in the two previous seasons due to reasons including diseases and illegal gold mining, which destroys cocoa plantations and reduces yields.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has praised NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketia for instilling values that have shaped his political career.
He described Asiedu-Nketia as his “political godfather,” saying the NDC stalwart groomed and guided him for nearly two decades, helping him rise through the ranks as a Member of Parliament, a parliamentary leader, and now, a Minister of State.
Ahmed Ibrahim made these remarks during a thanksgiving service at the Church of Pentecost, Sakumono District, Sophia Cudjoe Temple.
The event marked his re-election to Parliament and his appointment as a minister.
The Banda MP, who entered Parliament in 2009 and is now serving his fifth term, recounted how Asiedu-Nketia encouraged him to contest the seat when he was still a political novice.
“He taught me to be truthful, and that has been my guiding principle,” he said.
“General Mosquito [Asiedu-Nketia] eschews lies because it brings one’s spirit down. He urged me to be hardworking, compassionate, respectful, and to live by Christian values.”
The Minister also acknowledged Asiedu-Nketia’s selfless mentorship and willingness to share his experience as a former minister and three-term MP.
He said such generosity was an example for younger politicians who must avoid chasing short-term glory in public life.
Mr. Ibrahim recalled the struggles he faced as an opposition MP, including attempts by the state machinery to unseat him during elections.
“In all the years of battles and struggles, General Mosquito stood firmly behind me,” he noted, describing Asiedu-Nketia as a leader worthy of emulation.
“I am eternally grateful to General and ask for God’s blessings upon him,” he added.
Ahmed Ibrahim, who was officially sworn in as Minister on January 24, 2025, confirmed the upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Service scheduled for July 1, 2025.
The event will be decentralised and observed across all districts.
He said the service is expected to uplift Ghana spiritually and economically, and that its impact would be evident under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
“The Thanksgiving will help Ghana progress, including stabilising the cedi and realising other aspects of the reset agenda by President Mahama,” he declared.
In his sermon, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyemang, Teshie Nungua Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, called on Christians to pray for the nation’s leaders so they can make decisions that positively impact citizens.
He emphasised the need for transformational leadership that achieves extraordinary results, breaks new ground, and sets new records.
“Ghana needs leaders who achieve outstanding successes with overwhelming impacts and go beyond the ordinary in commanding the affairs of life,” he said.
He also urged the Minister and other public officials to make “godly adjustments” in their spiritual and personal lives, stressing that such transformation attracts divine blessings that benefit the people they serve.
The Thanksgiving service was attended by top NDC leaders led by Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, Bono Regional Chairman Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Members of Parliament, government appointees, friends, family, and the wife of Ahmed Ibrahim.
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Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has filed a suit challenging the ongoing processes for her removal
The general public is yet to hear directly from suspended Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, as the processes on three petitions for her removal continue.
Former Attorney General Godfred Dame, who is the lawyer for Justice Torkornoo, has now shared some details of her state of mind as she continues to make news headlines whenever there is a twist in the ongoing processes.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on May 25, 2025, Godfred Dame disclosed that his client remains upbeat despite the bastardisation she has suffered over the past few weeks.
He indicated that the suspended Chief Justice, as a “very strong believer in the word of God”, is taking inspiration from the scriptures.
He said that Justice Torkornoo has told him that she is confident that, just like the “biblical David”, she will surmount the Goliath before her, and that she wants the people of Ghana to see this in a public hearing of the petitions against her.
“Well, she’s a very strong woman. She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever seen. And indeed she said two things. She said, ‘As I was reflecting on the word of God,’ then she remembered that, yes, David was even able to defeat a Goliath. David was able to just use a very supposedly innocuous object to defeat a Goliath, and so there’s always hope. She finds confidence and trust in the word of God, and she knows that the truth will come out.
“That is why she wants light to be shed on the proceedings. That is why she wants a public hearing, so the public can hear her case. She has kept quiet so far, never made any comment at all whilst people disparage her and damnify her and all that. She’s waiting for the day to speak, and it must be, as is usually the case under the Constitution, a public hearing,” he said.
The former Attorney General also said that Justice Torkornoo told him that she is drawing inspiration from former US President Bill Clinton, who went through an impeachment process after sex abuse allegations were made against him.
He asserted that the Chief Justice believes that, at the end of the day, she will emerge victorious.
“Two, she also said that she remembered, in the times of her reflection on the word of God, she actually remembered that even the most powerful man in the free world, Bill Clinton, at that time had an impeachment trial.
“Bill Clinton went through an impeachment trial, and that was the person who was supposedly the President of the United States of America, the most powerful person, leader of the free world and all that. And at the end of the day, she will also have her day and all that,” he said.
Dame added, “So she’s very calm, reflecting on the word of God, and she knows that the truth will surely come out, except when they seek to suppress the truth in darkness, which is what she resists.”
Carlos Alcaraz said he “expected a worse level” from himself after beginning his French Open title defence with a straight-set victory.
Spain’s four-time major winner recorded an efficient 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in just one hour and 56 minutes.
The 22-year-old is aiming to become the first man since compatriot Rafael Nadal in 2020 to retain the Roland Garros title.
But despite winning 27 of his 29 matches on clay since May last year, Alcaraz said he did not expect such a smooth start to his campaign.
“I expected a worse level for me, honestly,” world number two Alcaraz said.
“The first round for every tournament is never easy to adapt your game to the conditions and get used to it.
“I’m just really proud about it. It is great to have these feelings in the first round.”
Alcaraz won titles in Monte Carlo and Rome in the build-up to the French Open and finished runner-up to Holger Rune in Barcelona – his only loss in 16 clay-court matches in 2025.
But those performances followed a surprise opening loss to David Goffin at the Miami Open in March, with victory at the Rotterdam Open his only success on hard courts this year.
Discussing his form this season, Alcaraz said: “We all know the rollercoaster that has so far been this year for me – making really good results, then losing the first round.
“But right now I think I found a really good path again. I think I’m just starting to get it, feeling more comfortable approaching the matches.
“Once I start the matches, I think I’m just keeping the high level in the whole match and during the whole tournament. “
Alcaraz, who now holds a 19-3 record at the French Open, plays Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
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.
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Global Entrepreneurship Network-Ghana and Voazok Agritours-Canada have announced that the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, will be attending the upcoming Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit as the Guest of Honor.
The summit is scheduled to take place from July 14-15, 2025, at Innovation Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
This groundbreaking summit aims to create a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development within the agribusiness sectors of Canada and Ghana.
It will bring together leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and explore cutting-edge opportunities that drive economic transformation and food security.
The Summit will feature a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, networking sessions, and business matchmaking activities. The summit will be organized over a period of 2 days, with each day focusing on specific themes or topics relevant to the agribusiness sector.
Objectives
Facilitate collaboration: Bring together stakeholders from Canada and Ghana to explore opportunities for collaboration, partnership development, and investment in the agribusiness sector.
Share knowledge and best practices: Provide a platform for knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices, innovations, and success stories in agricultural production, processing, marketing, and technology adoption.
Promote investment opportunities: Showcase investment opportunities in agribusiness value chains, including crop production, livestock farming, agro-processing, agri-tech, and agricultural infrastructure development.
Support capacity building: Offer workshops, seminars, and training sessions to build capacity among farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural professionals in Ghana, focusing on skills development, technology transfer, and market access.
Foster networking and partnerships: Facilitate networking sessions, B2B meetings, and matchmaking opportunities to connect stakeholders, promote collaboration, and facilitate business partnerships between Canadian and Ghanaian organizations.
Drive innovation and sustainability: Highlight innovative solutions, technologies, and practices that promote sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and resilience to climate change in both Canada and Ghana.
Themes for the Summit
a) Agricultural value chain development: Enhancing efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across agribusiness value chains, from farm to fork.
b) Agro-processing and value addition: Promoting value addition, processing, and packaging of agricultural products to create higher value and expand market opportunities.
c) Agri-tech and innovation: Harnessing technology and innovation to drive efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in agricultural production, processing, and distribution.
d) Market access and trade facilitation: Exploring opportunities for export-oriented agriculture, market access, trade facilitation, and international partnerships to enhance global competitiveness.
e) Sustainable agriculture and climate resilience: Addressing challenges related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management in agricultural production systems.
The summit aims to foster deeper collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business partnerships between key agribusiness stakeholders in Canada and Ghana.
The Minister’s participation underscores Ghana’s strong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and agribusiness development through international cooperation and investment. During the summit, the Minister will engage with Canadian policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors, and development organizations to explore strategic opportunities in technology transfer, agricultural trade, investment, and innovation.
The Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit will bring together participants from across both countries’ agricultural value chains. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, B2B matchmaking sessions, and exhibitions focused on climate-smart agriculture, agri-tech, food security, and cross-border agribusiness investment.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr Eric Opoku noted: “This summit presents a timely opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s partnership with Canada in promoting modern and inclusive agribusiness. Our participation marks a significant step towards realizing the government’s vision for agricultural transformation, which aims to create sustainable jobs and drive economic growth in Ghana. By leveraging the potential of agribusiness, we can stimulate economic growth, enhance food security, and alleviate poverty, ultimately fostering a more prosperous future for both our nations through enhanced trade and collaboration in the agriculture sector .The Ministry welcomes this platform as a continuation of its commitment to building global partnerships that support innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in agriculture.”
Ghana’s delegation will include officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, private sector agribusiness leaders, investors, and agri-tech entrepreneurs. The summit also provides an opportunity for Ghanaian businesses to showcase their products and explore market entry and partnerships in the Canadian agriculture sector.
Abraham Amaliba, the Acting Director General of the (NRSA)
The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Abraham Amaliba, has expressed disappointment in South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over his visit to the Oval Office to meet US President Donald Trump concerning the controversial genocide issue in South Africa.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on May 26, 2025, marking African Union Day, celebrated on May 25, Amaliba described the situation as “embarrassing and sad.”
The politician and legal practitioner noted that he is unconvinced African leaders have done enough to realise the vision of the AU’s founding fathers.
“I’m not sure that our transition from the OAU to AU has changed anything significantly. We don’t have Africans acting independently in dealings with foreign partners such as the Bretton Woods institutions and countries from the Global North,” he said.
Amaliba lamented what he sees as a departure from the principles laid down by the AU’s forebears.
“I think that if we had adhered to what our forefathers said, particularly Julius Nyerere and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to speak with one voice, the world would have taken Africa more seriously. As we speak, I’m afraid I am not convinced that African leaders are making meaningful progress toward African unity,” he said.
He cited the appeal of figures like Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré and South Africa’s Julius Malema among African youth as indicative of dissatisfaction with the current crop of leaders.
“The reason why you see the youth of Africa gravitating towards leaders like Ibrahim Traoré and Julius Malema is because they tend to speak in a way the youth expect our leaders to speak. It was sad to see Ramaphosa in the Oval Office being virtually scolded by Trump, I was sad as an African,” he added.
Amaliba stressed the need for African leaders to take bold and decisive steps toward the continent’s development.
“We need to do more as Africans and as African politicians,” he emphasised.
His comments follow a speech by President John Mahama on AU Day. President Mahama, who currently serves as the AU’s Champion for Reparations, reaffirmed his commitment to working with African leaders and stakeholders to achieve lasting progress.
In his Africa Day 2025 message, President Mahama stated, “The AU has declared 2025 as the Year for Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations. As the AU Champion for this critical cause, I am deeply committed to working with you all to achieve this objective.”
The African Union has designated 2025 as the Year of ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations’, a theme aimed at generating momentum across the continent for reparations, driving AU-wide engagement, and supporting the implementation of reparations for historical injustices, including transatlantic slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.
VPO/MA
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
A member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Yaw Boamah-Nyarko, has called on government to urgently focus on building strong foreign reserves to consolidate the recent stability of the cedi.
Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews on Monday, May 26, he said the country must not bask in temporary currency gains but rather plan for long-term resilience.
“We are quick to take praise when these things are happening, but we are unable to plan well and unable to put in the necessary mechanisms which is more sustainable,” the Effia MP said.
He revealed that Parliament is scheduled to summon the Finance Minister to explain the government’s clear strategy for consolidating the currency’s performance.
“We’re going back to Parliament tomorrow to ask the Minister of Finance to give us information as to government strategy and plan to consolidate this gain and also ensure that we build the buffers that will be able to stand the days of adversity,” he noted.
Mr. Boamah-Nyarko questioned the country’s gold reserve management and expressed worry over the pace at which reserves are being depleted without significant replacement.
“As at the end of December, our gold reserve stood at 30 tons. And then we come five months down the line, we’re selling almost 20 tons of gold, and yet our add-on to our gold reserve is just less than 1 ton,” he lamented.
He said Ghana’s economic vulnerabilities were exposed during the COVID-19 crisis, and warned that the current global commodity boom won’t last forever.
“We are not going to get this gold price going on like this forever. We are not going to get a cocoa price rise like this forever,” he cautioned.
The MP called on the Vice President, who heads the Economic Management Team, to provide firm assurance to Ghanaians on how government intends to sustain the cedi’s current strength and ensure prudent reserve accumulation.
“We would want the Vice President… to assure us as a country, the kind of arrangement they are putting in place to make sure that all of these things are not just a nine-day wonder,” he stressed.
Mr. Boamah-Nyarko also pointed to stronger reserve examples elsewhere.
“The US is having over 8000 tonnes and the UK has over 2000 tonnes,” he said, highlighting the scale of Ghana’s shortfall.
He warned that failure to act now could leave the country exposed once global prices begin to fall.
“If you go by this trajectory by the end of the year, how much reserve would you have built into your system?” he asked.
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Burgundy is one of the most prestigious wine regions in France, and the US is its biggest export market. But now, Donald Trump’s tariffs are threatening to price European wine out of the American marketplace.
Crouched in cold mud under a thin Spring rain, vineyard employee Élodie Bonet snaps off unwanted vine shoots with her fingers and pruning clippers.
“We want the vine to put all its energy into the shoots that have the flowers where the grapes are going to grow,” she explains.
I leave Élodie working her way down the rows of vines, and walk up to the house and winery in the Burgundy village of Morey-Saint-Denis, where I meet owner and winemaker Cécile Tremblay.
She takes me down to her cellar to taste some of her prized red wines, standing among the oak barrels and old bottles with labels weathered by mould and age.
They have names on them that make wine lovers go weak at the knees – Nuits-Saint-Georges, Echezeaux, Vosne-Romanée, Clos-Vougeot, and Chapelle-Chambertin.
Ms Tremblay sells over half of her wine abroad, under the name Domaine Cecile Tremblay.
“For the United States, it’s around 10% of the production; it’s a big production for me!” she says.
After threatening a 200% mark-up on alcohol from Europe, Donald Trump imposed a 20% tariff on practically all European Union products on 5 April.
Four days later, he lowered this to 10%, with the threat that he’d hike it back up again to 20% in July, depending on how trade negotiations pan out. And now Trump is threatening a future tariff of 50% on all goods from the EU.
I ask Ms Tremblay if she’s worried. “Yes, sure,” she says, “As everybody is.”
But that is all she will say on the matter. French winemakers are walking on eggshells at the moment, fearful of saying anything that might aggravate the situation.
Perhaps their representatives will be more forthcoming? I get in my car and drive over to one of her neighbours – François Labet. He is the president of the Burgundy Wine Board, which represents this region’s 3,500 winemakers.
“The US is the largest export market for the whole region. Definitely,” he tells me. “They are the biggest in volume and the biggest in value.”
And, until Donald Trump’s re-election, the US market was booming. While French wines and spirits’ global exports fell 4% last year overall, sales of Burgundy wines to the US rose sharply.
In volume terms, there were up 16% from 2024, to 20.9 million bottles. This was worth €370m ($415m; £312m) in revenues, 26.2% higher than in 2023.
Mr Labet says the US accounted for about a quarter of Burgundy’s wine exports last year.
Burgundy’s reputation abroad is mainly for its red wines, which are made from the celebrated pinot noir grape. Indeed, in the English-speaking world, burgundy is not so much a wine as a colour.
The French word for the same colour is bordeaux; showing they know more about their wine, because while Bordeaux wines are mostly red, two-thirds of Burgundy is actually white.
These are predominantly made from the Chardonnay grape. Chablis, one of the best-known examples, is extremely popular in the US.
Burgundy also produces an increasingly successful sparkling wine, called Crémant de Bourgogne, and a small amount of rosé.
All of which is good for Burgundy because while general red wine consumption just keeps going down, white is holding firm, and sparkling is going up.
Also, the reds that come out of Burgundy are, according to Mr Labet, the kind consumers increasingly want, as they are typically lighter than New World reds.
“What is interesting to see is that there is a strong de-consumption of what we call the big reds, made in the US. Wines with a lot of alcohol, aged in new wood.”
Less sun and lower temperatures in Burgundy, even with climate change, means less sugar in the grapes and lower alcohol content.
At the higher end, Burgundy produces some of the world’s most expensive wines
Mr Labet remembers when, for 18 months of his first presidency, Donald Trump hit European wine with a 25% import tariff during a dispute over airlines.
“We were hostages of that situation, and it really did affect our sales to the US. We had a drop of about 50% of our exports to the US.”
Regarding the current 10% Trump tariff, he predicts that French wine producers and US merchants will split the cost of the new import duty between them in order to maintain sales.
But what will be the impact if, in July, Trump decides to increase the tariff on all European Union exports to 20%, as he has threatened to do? “We will go back to the 2019 situation where the market was almost stopped,” says Mr Labet.
For French wines in general, things could be even worse.
“When President Trump raised import duties by 25% for one-and-a-half years of his first mandate, we lost about $600m [£450m] very quickly,” says Jerome Bauer, president of the French National Wines and Spirits Confederation.
“But back then Champagne wasn’t included, and neither were wines stronger than 14 degrees of alcohol. So you can see the scale of the threat today.”
The solution Mr Bauer is backing is free trade. No tariffs. But you’d expect him to say that, given that France and Europe run a big trade surplus with the US when it comes to wines and spirits.
US wineries have seen sales to Canada grind to a halt due to a boycott of American products
More surprising, perhaps, is the opinion of his American competitors in California and Oregon who, you might think, would be cracking open something a bit special to celebrate.
“This looks horrible from our perspective. We don’t like it one bit,” says Rex Stoltz, vice-president of industry relations at Napa Valley Vintners, which represents 540 wineries in the sunny slopes of California’s most famous wine region.
“Wine is an international product. Even here in the Napa Valley, our wineries primarily get their corks from Portugal, and their oak barrels, a key component in winemaking, from France.
Mr Stoltz adds: “They’re already expensive and the potential is that they will get more expensive.”
Also, trade wars cut both ways. He says the tariffs announced against Canada are having a devastating impact on US wine exports.
“Canada is the most important export market for California wines, and one of the top export markets for Napa Valley wines. Right now, there are zero Napa Valley wines on the shelves of stores in Canada.
“They’ve removed all American alcohol beverage products from their store shelves!”
Mr Stoltz adds: “We just want to compete on an even playing field with our friends and neighbours all over the world. That’s our ask and that’s our hope.”
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.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation
Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has accused the committee investigating petitions against her of subjecting her to mental torture and degrading treatment.
As detailed in a supplementary affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Chief Justice outlined specific actions by the committee that she claims violate her fundamental rights.
“Other developments, like the denial of access into the hearing room for my husband and children, searches on my body, denial of access to telephones and laptops for myself and my lawyers (even though counsel for petitioners have access to their phones and laptops), and the conduct of the hearing itself in a high-security zone at the premises of the Castle, Osu, show a deliberate effort to subject me to mental torture and degrading treatment in violation of my fundamental rights,” she stated.
She further criticized the unusual venue of the hearings, noting, “All Article 146 proceedings, with the exception of the one I am being subjected to, had hitherto been held in a judicial facility, specifically the Courts Complex. The location of proceedings affecting me to a cordoned high-security facility boggles the mind.”
The affidavit is in support of her earlier application for an interlocutory injunction to halt the committee’s proceedings, which she described as a “mockery of justice and a ruse to unjustifiably remove me from office as the Chief Justice.”
The committee, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and including Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, was set up by the President to probe three petitions against her.
Chief Justice Torkornoo also alleged procedural irregularities, stating, “On 23rd May, 2025, notwithstanding receipt of the processes filed in the Supreme Court, including the application for interlocutory injunction, the members of the committee indicated their resolve to proceed with the conduct of the inquiry.”
She added that she has not been informed of the specific allegations or the basis for the prima facie case against her, hindering her ability to prepare a defense.
The Chief Justice is seeking the court’s intervention to stop what she calls an “assault on judicial independence and protect the security of tenure of the Chief Justice and Justices of the Superior Courts of Judicature at play in the instant case.”
Read the full affidavit by the Chief Justice below:
If a name is destiny, Niklas Bildstein Zaar has more than lived up to his. It could belong to a scion of House Harkonnen, an impression that is consolidated by his ascetic appearance — ghostly pale, shaven-headed, invariably swathed in voluminous black — and doubly underscored by the work his Berlin-based architecture and design studio Sub produces.
Outgoing United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has clarified that recent deportations of Ghanaian nationals from the U.S. involve only individuals who have violated immigration laws or committed criminal offenses.
Her remarks come amid growing public attention following the deportation of several Ghanaians, with others reportedly awaiting removal from the U.S.
Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Ambassador Palmer emphasized that the deportations are not widespread and are based strictly on legal grounds.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs Okudzeto Ablakwa and I have had a good conversation about that [deportations]. We had promised to inform the Ministry of Interior if there’s anybody with criminal records, who is getting deported, so that the Ghanaian authorities will be ready to receive them,” Ambassador Palmer said.
She underscored that the number of deportees remains low and that each case involves a breach of U.S. law.
“But it hasn’t been nasty deportations. About a dozen Ghanaians have been deported, it’s a very low number. They are being deported because they have broken the law in the United States or overstayed,” she stated.
The Ambassador’s clarification comes as both governments continue to work together to manage immigration matters and ensure that deportation procedures comply with due process.
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Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has condemned the Justice Pwamang Committee’s proceedings investigating petitions for her removal, calling them a “mockery of justice” and a “ruse” to unjustly remove her from office.
In a supplementary affidavit filed with the Supreme Court as part of her legal challenge, Justice Torkornoo alleges violations of her dignity and fundamental rights, describing the treatment she has endured as inhumane and degrading, and accusing the process of desecrating her constitutional protections.
She also criticized the choice of venue for the hearings, which are being held in a high-security zone, unlike previous similar inquiries conducted at the Judicial Service’s Court Complex.
She described the current setting as inappropriate and intimidating.
Justice Torkornoo further raised concerns about the committee’s failure to provide the legal basis or criteria for establishing a prima facie case against her, arguing that this lack of transparency hinders her ability to understand her rights and prepare an adequate defence.
Despite notifying the committee of her Supreme Court challenge, she alleges that hearing dates were set without her knowledge or the involvement of her counsel, who was unavailable on the specified day.
The affidavit also disputes the committee’s decision to allow petitioners to present evidence through witnesses rather than appear in person.
Additionally, Justice Torkornoo claims she has been subjected to mental distress by the committee’s actions, including denial of access to her mobile phones, invasive body searches, and refusal to admit her husband and children into the hearing room.
In contrast, she asserts that petitioners’ counsel and clients were allowed mobile phone access and received preferential treatment.
She argues that these measures, coupled with the choice of Osu Castle as the hearing venue, constitute a deliberate attempt to apply psychological pressure on her.
Read also…
I engage in responsible mining, not galamsey – Wontumi
Ex-convict narrates how kindness to strange woman landed him in jail for 15 years [Video]
A 63-year-old ex-convict has shared a deeply moving account of how a seemingly kind gesture led to his 15-year imprisonment—a chapter of his life that continues to haunt him.
According to the man, whose name remains undisclosed, he previously served as an elder in the Church of Christ.
In an interview with Angel TV, which has since been widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), he narrated the chain of events that unfolded after what he believed was a selfless act of compassion.
I was heading home from Accra late at night when I spotted a woman walking home. I thought she was a church member, but upon our journey after boarding my private car, I noticed she wasn’t the one I thought she was.
I then stopped the car for her to stop, but she insisted she take the journey with me because she’d been standing for long.
After dropping the woman off at her destination, the former church elder returned home, hoping to get some rest.
However, just a few hours later, his life would take an unexpected and devastating turn.
Two hours later, I heard a knock at my door and decided to open it. A small boy notified me that a woman was looking for me.
I then realised that it was the same woman I picked, and she asked for help. She humbly requests that I give her a place to sleep so she wakes and continues her journey.
I did it out of a good heart and gave her a place to sleep. Early in the morning, she knocked at my door and everything; I decided to drop her where she’d get a car.
According to the man, he worked as a refrigerator repair technician. When he was later invited to the police station, he assumed it was for a routine job.
What followed, however, would change his life forever.
On Sunday morning, I was invited by the police to the station. I thought I was going to repair their fridge for them only to be accused by the lady that I have raped her.
I thought it was one of these jokes, but before I could realise it, I was sent from Ajumaku to Cape Coast.
Because I didn’t get a good lawyer, I was jailed for 15 years. I spent 1 and a half years at remand before I was jailed for 15 years where Ataayi was.
I made an arrangement for appeal, but the lawyer I hired spent my money. I spent three and a half years at Nsawam, but upon noticing things were hard there, I opted to go back to Cape Coast prison. That’s where I spent the rest of my jail term.
The man also revealed that after serving his sentence, he faced further accusations, compounding his misfortunes.
Find out more in the video below:
A 63-year old ex convict has recounted how a single act of kindness towards a stranger landed him in prison with a 15-years sentence on rape charges. pic.twitter.com/hAmhUQkWew
His story has triggered discussions online about the consequences of unverified allegations, the vulnerability of individuals without legal support, and the risks associated with doing good for strangers.
What does the law say about rape?
Under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse with a woman who is not the offender’s wife.
It is a first-degree felony, punishable by a minimum sentence of five years and up to 25 years’ imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
The law also recognises the need for clear and voluntary consent.
In cases where an accused is convicted, the severity of punishment often depends on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and the quality of legal defence the accused receives.
Legal aid is available, but many underprivileged individuals still face significant challenges accessing effective representation.
Xabi Alonso declared the start of a new era during his official unveiling as the new manager of Real Madrid.
Alonso, 43, was appointed manager of his former club on a three-year deal on Sunday, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who will take charge of the Brazil men’s national team.
Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, surrendering their La Liga title to Barcelona, losing to their arch-rivals in the finals of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa, and crashing out of the Champions League to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
But during a speech at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday, Alonso said: “It’s the start of an era.”
He added: “The Real Madrid fans are excited to begin this new era, to grow, and to make the history of this club even greater.
“It’s a special day. It’s a day I will have marked in my calendar for life. I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home.”
Alonso, who won a league and cup double with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24, explained his decision to return to Madrid 11 years after he left the club as a player.
“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential, [capable of] a very good present and a very good future,” he said.
“That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team.
“[I have] the conviction that we can achieve big things, worthy of Real Madrid, worthy of all these European Cups, of all these accomplishments made over so many years.
“I want a team that transmits emotion, energy, ambitious play and connects with the fans.”
Alonso paid tribute to Ancelotti, who won three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and two La Liga titles across two spells with Los Blancos – and also managed Alonso at both Real and Bayern Munich.
“Carlo was my coach, a great person and a huge influence. Without his mastery, I probably wouldn’t be here,” he said.
“I take over and carry on his legacy with great honour and pride.”
Alonso will begin his tenure on 1 June, before the Fifa Club World Cup next month.
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All five were convicted at the Kwabenya Circuit Court in Accra
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested, prosecuted, and convicted all five members of a robbery gang linked to two major incidents in the region.
According to a statement released by the Service on May 26, 2025, the gang was responsible for robberies at Jos Bakery in Dome and ACP Junction near Kwabenya.
The statement indicated that on May 11, 2025, two armed suspects, Isaac Agbezudor (20) and Justice Akwasi Sarfo Oppong (19), attacked staff at Jos Bakery, firing a locally made pistol and stealing a smartphone and personal items.
Police investigations led to their arrests, with Oppong also linked to a February 5 robbery at ACP Junction involving three accomplices.
“The Regional Police command launched investigations into the incident, which led to the arrest of Isaac Agbezudor on 14th May 2025 through a covert operation.
“After vigorous interrogation, Isaac Agbezudor’s confession led to the retrieval of key exhibits, including the motorbike and clothing used in the operation, and the identification of his accomplice.
“On 22nd May 2025, following intelligence operations, Gariba Manta was arrested at a mining site between Osino and Saaman. He subsequently led police to a hideout at Sonitra, Amasaman, where the pistol and live ammunition used in the robbery were retrieved,” the statement read.
Oppong was also linked to a February 5 robbery at ACP Junction involving three accomplices: Bright Alikor (21), Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey (23), and Prince Owusu (19). The latter trio had robbed a female victim of an iPhone, a tablet, and cash, injuring her with a knife.
All five were convicted at the Kwabenya Circuit Court. Agbezudor received a 10-year sentence, while the others were each jailed for 15 years.
“Following a trial at the Kwabenya Circuit Court, Bright Alikor, Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey, and Prince Owusu were each convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
“In a related development, Police are pursuing a suspect in Koforidua who allegedly purchased the stolen iPhone 11 Pro Max,” the statement added.
The Regional Command praised its teams for their swift action and urged the public to continue providing tips, assuring confidentiality.
Outgoing United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has commended Ghana’s democratic strength and its influential role in promoting regional security, social cohesion, and inclusive development.
In an interview on The Point of View on Channel One TV with Bernard Avle, Ambassador Palmer described Ghana as a “beacon of democracy” in West Africa, attributing its stability to several key national values and policies.
“Ghana has become a beacon of democracy for a number of reasons. Democracy is number one—people feel like it affects the changes they want to effect. The second is the government of Ghana’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and social cohesion,” she noted.
Ambassador Palmer praised the government’s efforts to ensure equitable access to social services, especially in the northern regions and border communities.
“The government of Ghana is paying attention to make sure social services are delivered in the North, which is poorer than the South generally. And the vulnerable ethnicity at the border receives services to which they are entitled,” she said.
On regional security, she highlighted Ghana’s contribution to peacekeeping and intelligence cooperation.
“You are an exporter of security. You cooperate with your neighbours and share intelligence to defeat the common enemy. You support UN peacekeeping, and that makes you [Ghana] more stable,” she stated.
Ambassador Palmer also emphasized the importance of religious and ethnic harmony in maintaining Ghana’s peace.
“The other factor in Ghana, which I think is important, is Ghana’s tolerance—your religious tolerance and your ethnic [tolerance] commonly, those are things I deeply admire,” she added.
As her diplomatic tenure draws to a close, Ambassador Palmer’s reflections underscore Ghana’s reputation as a pillar of democracy and stability on the African continent.
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Adu-Boahene has not requested a plea bargain agreement – Atta Akyea
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Lead counsel for former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has denied reports suggesting that his client is seeking a plea bargain with the Attorney-General’s Department.
Speaking to the media after court proceedings on Monday, May 26, Samuel Atta Akyea dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that neither his client nor the latter’s wife, Angela Adjei Boateng—also standing trial—had initiated any discussions about a plea deal.
“We have not made any overtures. There is nothing on the table for us to plea bargain. There has been no request—formal or informal—for any plea bargaining from my clients,” Atta Akyea stated. “These rumours are not only misleading but also intended to tarnish the reputation of a man who insists on his innocence and is prepared to clear his name through the judicial process.”
He added that his clients remained confident in their defence and committed to contesting the charges in open court. He also cautioned against what he described as “trial by media,” urging the public to allow the legal process to unfold without interference or speculation.
Mr Atta Akyea further clarified that the court had made no ruling on a plea bargain, but merely acknowledged that it could be a consideration for the defence once disclosures are served. The case has been adjourned to June 11.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has directed the defence not to engage in any plea bargain negotiations until the prosecution files and serves full disclosures. The order follows a request by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, who asked for more time to meet the disclosure deadline due to the unavailability of a key investigator.
Dr Srem-Sai explained, “We couldn’t comply with the deadline because one of our key investigators was indisposed, thus unavailable to sign the relevant documentation. Our failure to comply with the orders was never deliberate or intentional. We pray you grant us a week’s adjournment. The investigator will be back on Friday.”
Presiding judge, Justice John Nyadu Nyante, granted the request and ordered that all disclosures be filed by June 2. He further directed that no plea bargain requests should be considered until the accused have received and reviewed the relevant prosecution documents.
Several residents in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have been displaced after tidal waves destroyed homes in communities including Agavedzi, Salakope, and Amutinu.
Citi News confirms the waves, which surged earlier, have since receded.
The high tides swept away homes and submerged parts of the main road under seawater and sand up to 12 centimetres deep.
Social amenities, including school buildings, now face the risk of collapse as the sea continues eroding the coastline.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, broadcast journalist Sylvia Esi Awuye reported that the tidal wave began three days ago, forcing many residents to sleep outdoors due to the destruction of their homes.
She added that the affected communities are urgently appealing to the government to fulfill its promise to complete the Sea Defence Project to protect the vulnerable coastline and prevent further displacement.
“The waves this evening have receded and are very calm at this moment. The homes that we visited are no longer here on the shores. Currently, some of them (residents) are sleeping in the open and in churches. Most of them are calling on the government to, as a matter of urgency, construct the sea defence project for them,” she said.
I engage in responsible mining, not galamsey – Wontumi
The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has emphasized that improving Ghana’s business environment is essential both for local enterprises and for attracting increased American investment.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Ambassador Palmer praised recent policy signals from President John Dramani Mahama, particularly his commitment to making business climate reform a top national priority.
“Improvement to the business climate in general helps Ghanaian exporters, Ghanaian companies that are here and help encourage US investment in Ghana, and I have been talking with the government of Ghana about that my entire tenure, and I am very pleased to see President Mahama make that his number one priority, I think.
“He talked [about it] in his inaugural address about improving the business climate as being essential to Ghana’s economic recovery,” she said.
Ambassador Palmer highlighted specific areas needing attention, including reforms at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), improved access to credit, contract enforcement, and clearing of government arrears.
She stressed these are key barriers that must be addressed for Ghana to remain competitive in attracting international investors.
“So there are some things that can happen with the GRA, with access to credit, with a number of things like contracts signed and payment of government arrears. It will help make this much more attractive to invest for American companies and Ghanaian companies, and I will also say that if Ghanaian small companies are paid on time, they will strive, and if they are not paid on time, they won’t survive,” Ambassador Palmer said.
General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Kofi Oduro
The General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has strongly criticised traders who continue to conduct business on pavements despite the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s ongoing decongestion exercise.
In a video shared on X on May 25, 2025, Prophet Oduro, while ministering to his congregation, called for strict adherence to the AMA’s directives and urged traders to vacate unauthorised spaces.
He emphasised that the justifications given by traders for defying the directive are baseless and unacceptable.
“Because their brains aren’t working, they’re driven off in the morning, and by evening, they’re back conducting business. Such people need to stop misbehaving.
“If this were happening in developed countries, would you still want to travel there? I’m speaking to all traders: leave the streets. Stop making lame excuses,” he stated.
Prophet Oduro also expressed concern over the rampant noise pollution in the country, particularly blaming commercial drivers.
“There’s a place in the United Kingdom where if you blow your horn, you could be arrested. But here in Ghana, drivers use horns to call passengers. Let’s stop this nonsense,” he added.
One would recall that the AMA recently launched a city-wide decongestion operation targeting areas such as the Kaneshie footbridges, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and other high-traffic locations.
The initiative aims to reclaim public spaces, improve sanitation, and prevent the unlawful occupation of key infrastructure.
Watch the video below:
Prophet Dr. Kofi Oduro takes a swipe at traders who are crying out over their eviction from the streets of Accra, as part of decongestion efforts by the A.M.A. pic.twitter.com/XvcyrYrca1
Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Alhaji Abass Imoro, has refuted reports that commercial drivers are refusing to implement the 15% reduction in transport fares recently announced by the union.
His response follows a Channel One News visit to several transport terminals in the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions, where many drivers were still charging the old fares. While only a few had complied with the new directive, others indicated they would begin implementing the fare cut from Monday, May 26.
Despite the mixed levels of compliance, Alhaji Imoro insisted that many drivers have already responded positively to the directive. He blamed a small number of non-compliant drivers for the public’s perception of widespread defiance.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, May 26, he explained that although some passengers had yet to experience reduced fares, others had already benefited.
“The drivers are not defying the directive. I heard some of the people have been saying they have experienced a reduction, and some say they have not experienced the reduction yet. But that does not mean that they have defied the directive,” he stated.
He acknowledged the presence of a few uncooperative drivers, stressing that their refusal to comply was not justified.
“There are a few recalcitrants who have decided not to. But then, are they doing the right thing? The answer is no. Each time they increase lorry fare, they immediately embrace it, and it is the same law which backs us to reduce it when it is necessary,” he said.
Alhaji Imoro urged all drivers to respect the union’s decision and uphold the law, noting that failure to comply could have consequences.
“We will just plead with them to rescind their decision. I won’t pray that the law catches up with them, but the law must take its course,” he concluded.
The 15% fare reduction was introduced in response to the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi and a drop in fuel prices, as part of efforts by the GPRTU to ease the financial burden on commuters.
Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has condemned the government’s public manner of shutting down Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C., following a visa fraud scandal.
He insisted the issue could have been handled discreetly to avoid international embarrassment.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, May 26, Nana Asafo-Adjei criticised the approach taken by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, arguing that the entire scandal could have been resolved internally without damaging Ghana’s global reputation.
“You do not shut down the entire country because there is a visa problem; that is the point I am making to you. Deal with the matter, but do not shut down the entire country. The embassy over there is an embodiment of the country out there. You cannot shut down the whole country because you have discovered fraudulent matters within the consulate part of your embassy,” he argued.
While commending the government’s efforts to clean up the system, he warned that the public nature of the disclosure is harmful.
“We are not against the decision to clean the system and make sure that things are right and Ghanaians are served well, but what we are saying is that in doing so, do not give us bad publicity. Today, everybody across the country is discussing Ghana. Why? We have shut down our embassy because of visa fraud.
“You think that the Americans will trust us? Or will other countries be comfortable dealing with us?” he questioned.
He further suggested that those involved could have been quietly investigated, apprehended, and brought to Ghana for prosecution, without exposing the entire mission to such scrutiny.
His comments follow Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s announcement of the embassy’s closure, describing it as necessary to complete restructuring and root out long-standing fraudulent practices.
A 40-year-old woman has been murdered at Awutu Beraku in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region.
The deceased, Afia Koowah, “left home in the afternoon of Sunday, May 25, 2025, to fetch firewood from a developing area of the community”, according to her husband, Kofi Opare.
However, she failed to return home, causing his husband to become worried.
On the morning of Monday, May 26, a passerby heard the cry of her four-month-old baby and drew near only to uncover the motionless body of Afia.
A formal complaint was lodged at the Awutu Beraku District Police Command, and officers were subsequently dispatched to the scene.
Remains of the deceased have been conveyed to the Police Hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Husband of the deceased, Kofi Opare, in an interview with Citi News, called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his wife’s death.
Matheus Cunha’s transfer to Manchester United is at an advanced stage as the Wolves forward nears a £62.5m move to Old Trafford.
BBC Sport understands United will be required to pay the full fee for the Brazil attacker in three instalments, during a two-year period.
The two parties are closing in on a total agreement over personal terms, with sources indicating a deal over the forward’s package is now a formality.
Wolves are yet to receive a formal approach, but that is expected in the coming days.
Cunha’s release clause is worth £62.5m, meaning there is no requirement for lengthy club-to-club negotiations – provided United meet the specific terms of the buy-out.
Well-placed sources have indicated that they will be required to pay the full amount by the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
The first £20.8m will be paid upon purchase and the second instalment at the end of next season, with the final amount due in the summer of 2027.
Cunha has made 92 appearances since arriving at Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in January 2023, scoring 33 goals for the club.
The 25-year-old almost certainly played his last game for Wolves in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford and has since taken to social media to post a message to supporters.
He wrote: “Individually, it was the best season of my life. All of this was only possible because of all the dedication and love I have for this club.
“I became the Brazilian with the most goals in a Premier League season, along with Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli.
“I made mistakes and got things right, but always because I lived in this club so much. All I ever wanted was to do the impossible for Wolves. Another one is over. And thank you for all the affection.”
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.
I’ve been in a relationship with my boyfriend for over four years now. In the beginning, he was loving, sweet, and attentive. He made me feel cherished, and I truly believed he was the one.
I prayed for him daily, supported him emotionally and financially, and hoped we would settle down and build a life together.
But over time, everything changed. He’s become distant and cold. He barely calls or texts anymore, and when he does, it feels forced.
He’s always “busy” and only sees me occasionally. It feels like I’m the only one trying to keep the relationship alive. Talking to him now leaves me feeling drained and heartbroken.
I spend more time crying and worrying than feeling loved or valued.
I’m 29 and he’s 34. At this point, we should be talking about marriage, but he avoids any serious conversations.
He used to care deeply about my life and well-being, but for over a year now, he’s been emotionally absent.
He doesn’t contribute anything financially, but I haven’t been bothered because I have a job. In fact, I often support him, even paying for things he should be handling himself.
We saved and bought land together. I contributed GH₵80,000, and he added some more to purchase and wall the land. He also owes me an additional GH₵20,000 which I gave him recently for something urgent.
Unfortunately, the land is registered in his name alone, and now I have nothing left in my account.
These investments and sacrifices make it hard for me to walk away, even when I feel unloved and disrespected.
I still love him and wish he would take us seriously, but I feel used and taken for granted. I’ve gone through so much for him, including four abortions, and I’m left wondering what I got in return.
Every time I try to end things, he makes grand promises that he’s working hard for our future, asking me to be patient. But I no longer know what to believe. I’m exhausted emotionally and financially.
Please, what should I do? Should I leave this man who won’t officially end things but clearly doesn’t value me anymore? How do I begin to rebuild my life after giving him so much?
And most importantly, how can I retrieve my share of the land and the money when everything is in his name?
I feel like I’ve lost myself in this relationship, and I don’t know how to find my way out.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Onasis Kobby
Onasis Kobby, a Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), has commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for its decisive intervention at Ghana’s embassy in Washington, United States, while calling for similar actions at other diplomatic missions.
In response to an announcement by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding the temporary closure of the Washington embassy due to suspected corruption and fraud by some staff members, Onasis Kobby stated that the action was a step in the right direction.
He urged Minister Ablakwa to extend similar interventions to other Ghanaian embassies, noting that such reprehensible acts are not uncommon in some of the country’s diplomatic missions.
“Great! Kindly extend to other missions,” he wrote on Facebook in response to the minister’s disclosure.
Fred Kwarteng sacked as Ghana’s Embassy in Washington shuts down
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, announced that a staff member of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, USA, has been dismissed and is under investigation following a probe into suspected corrupt activities.
The minister revealed that investigations uncovered that Fred Kwarteng, a local embassy staff member, had created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website. This link redirected visa and passport applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where he charged additional fees for services without the ministry’s knowledge and kept the proceeds in his private account.
“His unauthorized fees, which were not approved by the ministry or Parliament as required under the Fees and Charges Act, ranged from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant. Investigations indicate that Kwarteng and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least five years,” Ablakwa stated.
The minister further disclosed that the matter has been referred to the Attorney General for further action, with Kwarteng and his suspected accomplices likely facing prosecution.
“This conduct has been reported to the Attorney General for possible prosecution and the recovery of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes,” part of his statement read.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has firmly denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking after his interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Chairman Wontumi stated that he had presented his mining licence to authorities to prove that he operates legally.
“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey. I presented my licence to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining or galamsey. They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he said.
He further explained that while he had previously applied for a license to operate in a forest area, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission had informed him that the land was designated for protection. “So, if anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it,” he added.
Chairman Wontumi also strongly denied reports suggesting he received a payment of GHS50 million from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) during the final days of the Akufo-Addo administration.
This followed allegations that his company, Hallmark Engineering, was paid a large sum by COCOBOD despite a directive from then-incoming Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to halt contract payments during the transition period.
Team Ghana outclassed a determined Vietnam side in a high-energy contest that ended 8-7
Team Ghana wrapped up their participation in the 2025 Heritage Cup with a thrilling win over Vietnam, securing their second victory of the tournament in what has been a spirited debut campaign.
The match, which took place on Monday, May 26, 2025, was the fifth and final fixture for Ghana’s men’s team at the competition, held in the suburbs of Massachusetts, USA. Ghana showcased flair, teamwork, and growing confidence throughout the game, ultimately outclassing a determined Vietnam side in a high-energy contest that ended 8-7 in Ghana’s favor.
Following the win, the team shared an uplifting message on social media: “Our final game at the Heritage Cup ends in a thrilling win over Vietnam. Great sportsmanship, exciting moments, promising talents for lacrosse across the globe. We come back next year to raise the flag of Ghana. Let’s gooo!” The post reflects not only the joy of victory but also the team’s appreciation for the camaraderie, talent, and international exposure that the Heritage Cup offers.
This year’s tournament brought together 112 teams from 36 countries across various divisions, including Men’s, Women’s, U-19 Boys, U-15 Boys, U-13 Boys, and U-15 Girls. For Ghana, it served a dual purpose: offering competitive experience and acting as a platform to scout talents for the upcoming U20 Men’s Championship in Korea from August 15 to 24, 2025, and other national team assignments.
Despite a rough start—narrow losses to Argentina and Chile—Team Ghana bounced back impressively with a dramatic victory over China following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. They capped off the day with their win over Vietnam, finishing the tournament on a positive note with two victories in their five games.
Featuring a diverse roster with players like Jayden Davenport, David Collingwoode Williams, Greg Peterson, and Kevin A-Mensah, Ghana’s men’s lacrosse team demonstrated grit, growth, and national pride on an international stage.
As they look ahead to future competitions, the 2025 Heritage Cup will be remembered as a foundational moment in Ghana’s lacrosse journey.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has denied claims that he received a GH₵50 million payment from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) during the final days of the Akufo-Addo administration.
Recent media reports alleged that Wontumi’s company, Hallmark Engineering, was paid a substantial sum by COCOBOD despite a directive from the then-incoming Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to suspend contract payments during the transition period. But Wontumi has dismissed the allegations as completely false and misleading.
“It is absolutely untrue that I collected money from COCOBOD,” Wontumi told journalists in Accra on Monday, May 26, shortly after being granted bail in a separate case involving alleged illegal mining.
He explained that contractors do not receive advance payments from government agencies and must instead pre-finance their projects.
“If you are constructing a road, the government doesn’t give you the money upfront—you use your own funds,” he stated.
According to Wontumi, his company completed the project using internal resources and, like all government contractors, was only eligible for reimbursement once the work was done and properly assessed.
“The contractor is reimbursed only after the road is completed,” he explained. “At that point, engineers from the Ghana Highways Authority and COCOBOD assess the project and value it based on the agreed rates.”
He added that the contract specified payment within 28 days of project completion. However, he claimed that COCOBOD took nearly three years to fulfill its financial obligation.
“So COCOBOD cannot claim they do not owe me,” he said.
Several Mecca residents are said to have tried to bring more than 40 pilgrims to the Muslim holy sites, the state news agency SPA reported on Monday.
The authorities imposed fines of up to $25,000 per person and 10-year entry bans to Saudi Arabia on those involved.
Some pilgrims enter the country as tourists and then visit the holy sites during the Hajj without the required permit because the cost of a pilgrimage from abroad can be $5,000 or significantly more.
The Hajj, which begins at different times each year, is expected to take place from June 4-9 this year. Last year, around 1.8 million people took part.
The so-called great pilgrimage to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina is one of the most important religious experiences in the lives of many Muslims worldwide. It is also one of the five basic duties of Islam. Believers from other countries often wait years for the opportunity to take part.
The Hajj Ministry confirmed the severity of the penalties, which also apply to those who attempt to transport, accommodate or otherwise assist pilgrims without a permit.
The Saudi ministry urged its citizens to comply with the regulations to ensure a “safe Hajj for all.”
A new agreement between Ghana and Jamaica will see Ghanaian-trained nurses and teachers deployed to the Caribbean island for employment, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced over the weekend.
The bilateral arrangement, first disclosed after a meeting with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith at the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Summit in Brussels, is expected to provide new job opportunities for Ghanaian professionals who have been unemployed since completing national service. The partnership will also address shortages in Jamaica’s healthcare and education sectors.
Ghana and Jamaica have signed a bilateral agreement to deploy Ghanaian nurses and teachers to Jamaica, aiming to address staffing shortages in Jamaica’s health and education sectors. This collaboration is part of Ghana’s strategy to provide employment opportunities for its…
— Information Services Department – Ghana (@ISDGhana) May 26, 2025
“Jamaica is ready to receive nurses and teachers from Ghana under a special bilateral partnership,” Ablakwa said.
The minister emphasized that the move would not only ease unemployment in Ghana but also expose the professionals to better working conditions abroad. He noted that the cooperation stems from the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, and that both governments have agreed to expand collaboration in several other areas.
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“Ghana and Jamaica are also expected to hold high-level political consultations to deepen our cooperation in trade, education, agribusiness, tourism, cultural and sports exchange,” Ablakwa said.
While the recent agreement is being positioned as a win-win for both countries, concerns about Jamaica’s growing reliance on overseas teachers have been raised in the past. In 2024, then Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President Leighton Johnson voiced strong concerns about the country’s plan to recruit foreign educators. He acknowledged that while bringing in overseas teachers may help address the current shortage, it also highlights deeper issues within Jamaica’s education system.
“It is a sad day for the country when we must once again resort to foreign teachers to fill roles that our own qualified and capable educators should occupy,” Johnson said earlier this year. He cited teacher migration and low morale as symptoms of systemic challenges, calling for urgent reforms in salaries, working conditions, and incentives to retain local talent.
Despite the criticism, both Ghana and Jamaica appear committed to moving forward with the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and unlock mutual economic opportunities.
The deployment timeline and number of professionals to be sent are yet to be formally announced.
Ok Joseph is the Lead Content Creator at Oneplay Africa
Lead Content Creator at Oneplay Africa and Ottobi Entertainment, Ok Joseph, has raised concerns about the possible shutdown of Boomplay’s Ghana office, saying it could badly affect the Ghanaian music industry.
Speaking in an interview on AsaasePa, Ok Joseph said Ghanaian musicians may be left without proper support if Boomplay, the only major music streaming platform with a physical office in the country, decides to pull out.
“If Boomplay pulls out, we will suffer, because they are the only streaming platform with an office in Ghana,” he said.
He pointed out that while a local alternative, GMX, was once introduced to help promote Ghanaian music, it did not succeed due to poor investment and a lack of consistency.
“GMX came with promise, but it was not sustained. That is why Boomplay’s presence became even more essential,” he explained.
According to Ok Joseph, Boomplay has done more than just provide streaming services. The platform helps create playlists, supports upcoming artistes, and gives Ghanaian musicians a chance to be seen through its editorial features.
Rumours of Boomplay’s possible exit from Ghana have been tied to financial struggles and unpaid royalties.
“This is more than just a streaming service. It is a creative partner. If we lose Boomplay, the effect on Ghanaian artistes will be serious,” he added.
AK/EB
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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has issued a statement confirming that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, honoured an invitation for questioning over allegations of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, earlier today.
In a press release dated May 26, 2025, the CID stated, “Following an invitation by the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, reported at the CID Headquarters today Monday 26th May 2025 at Mid-day to assist with investigation.”
Wontumi according to the police, was accompanied by a team of lawyers led by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
The statement outlined the allegations against Wontumi, which include “undertaking mining operations without a license, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without authorization.”
The CID further noted that “Mr. Antwi-Boasiako cooperated very well with the police during the course of the investigation, after which he gave his statement to the Police and was granted bail to report to Police at 3pm tomorrow Tuesday 27th May 2025.”
Wontumi, a leading NPP figure and businessman, has previously faced scrutiny over alleged involvement in galamsey but has denied the claims.
Speaking to journalists after his interrogation on Monday, Chairman Wontumi denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
He stated that he had provided the police with his mining license as evidence that he is engaged in legal, authorised mining operations.
“I showed them my license to prove that I am not involved in galamsey. They also claimed that I have been mining in forest reserves, but I refuted the allegation and challenged them to provide evidence. I have been granted bail with two sureties,” he said.
This development follows a failed attempt to arrest him at his residence on Friday, May 23, 2025, by a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers.
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has taken a strong swipe at former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, whom he refers to as “Telephone Man,” over comments suggesting that proceedings regarding the petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo should be held publicly.
In a sharply worded open letter, Amidu criticized Dame’s suggestion as “unethical and dishonourable,” accusing him of attempting to politicize a process that is clearly outlined by Ghana’s Constitution.
London (PA Media/dpa) – British King Charles III and Queen Camilla were welcomed to Canada by its prime minister, as they began a trip widely seen as a show of support for the country which has found itself in conflict with US President Donald Trump.
Charles and Camilla shook hands with Mark Carney, who has been engaged in a war of words with the US leader and has described the role the king will play at the state opening of the Canadian parliament as a “historic honour” that “matches the weight of our times.”
The king will give the address to open the parliament on Tuesday, and set the Canadian government’s administration legislative programme.
Carney said it would “define a new economic and security relationship with the United States.”
He greeted the king and queen as they disembarked the Royal Canadian Air Force plane that flew them from RAF Brize Norton in the United Kingdom to the capital, Ottawa.
In a statement ahead of their arrival, Carney said: “The royal visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown, one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories and grounded in common values.”
“A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity and confidence of our people.”
“Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the speech from the throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s sovereign first opened Parliament,” he added.
“This historic honour matches the weight of our times.”
“It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify,” Carney said.
“Canada’s strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French and Indigenous roots, the union of peoples that forms our bedrock.”
“Canada in the 21st century is a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, committed to reconciliation and truly multicultural,” he said.
“To that end, the speech from the throne will outline the government’s ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe,” Carney continued.
Among the dignitaries taking part in the ceremonial welcome were Canada’s first indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, the king’s representative in Canada, and a number of senior figures from Canada’s indigenous peoples, including Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Charles is king of Canada and its head of state, and among the party was his Canadian Secretary Donald Booth, two Mounties – Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers – and on parade nearby was a 25-strong Honour Guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, of which Charles is colonel-in-chief.
Camilla was presented with a bouquet of flowers by schoolgirl Lila Graham, and the couple were warmly welcomed by school groups from Ontario and Quebec.
During their two-day trip, Charles will become only the second monarch, after Queen Elizabeth Il, to attend the state opening of Canada’s parliament and deliver the speech setting out the government’s legislative agenda.
Charles will be delivering the words of the Canadian government, similar to a UK state opening of parliament, but commentators will be looking for any veiled references to Trump.
The trip comes less than a month after former Bank of England governor Carney’s Liberal Party election victory, fuelled in part by its opposition to Trump.
Carney’s rival, populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, was in the lead until Trump took aim at Canada with a trade war and threats to annex the country as the 51st state, comments denounced by Carney.
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has accused the government of weaponising state institutions to target political opponents under the guise of fighting illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, May 26, Mr Ahiagbah criticised the government’s handling of the recent arrest and investigation of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Read also: Chairman Wontumi granted bail after CID interrogation
Chairman Wontumi was arrested and questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. He was later released on bail after submitting documents reportedly proving that his mining operations are legal.
According to Mr Ahiagbah, the government’s actions were not grounded in evidence but were instead politically motivated.
“This government is just targeting its political opponents to victimise and silence people,” he said. “If you don’t have any evidence, why send NIB officers to someone’s house at dawn, freeze his accounts, and cause embarrassment to their families?”
He explained that during his interrogation, Wontumi was asked two key questions—whether he was a galamseyer, and whether he mined in a forest reserve. Wontumi responded that he is a licensed small-scale miner and does not operate in forest areas. He presented official documentation to support his claims.
In light of this, Mr Ahiagbah argued that the absence of incriminating evidence proves the case was never about justice, but rather an attempt to destroy Chairman Wontumi’s reputation and intimidate other political figures.
“This is classic political witch hunt because it is Wontumi, we will target him and single him out, because he his a NPP member, we will target him and single him out for treatment. This is not right. This is not how this government should be fighting the galamsey,” he noted.
He further questioned whether the government’s broader fight against illegal mining is being carried out with diligence and fairness, or merely being used as a tool for political persecution.
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.
As of May 2025, Ghana finds itself basking in a rare economic summertime. The Ghana cedi has appreciated by nearly 25% against the US dollar—its strongest performance in years. Inflation is on a downward path. Gross international reserves have climbed above USD 10 billion. Commodity exports, especially our gold and cocoa, are flourishing. Confidence is expectedly returning to the economy.
A moment worth celebrating, but with cautious optimism
Unsurprisingly, the new government, which assumed office in January this year, is taking much of the credit. Yet, in a candid moment, the President himself acknowledged that the previous administration left behind nearly USD 9 billion in international reserves. That admission should count for something.
But perhaps, and with a sober reflection, the more important debate is not about who deserves applause. It should be about what do we do next.
We’ve Been Here Several Times
Every Ghanaian government since 1992 has experienced this sweet economic breeze before. For example, President John Agyekum Kufuor enjoyed favourable external conditions at some point:
Kufuor made the case and received HIPC relief and some generous donor flows. But by the time he left office in 2008, fiscal slippages and inflation had returned, contributing to the NPP’s electoral defeat.
Mills and Mahama ushered Ghana into the league of oil-producing nations following the commercial discovery and the production foundation laid by the previous government. The economic outlook which followed was buoyant. But by 2015, a collapse in oil prices and fiscal overruns led to a sharp reversal in fortunes.
Our own administration was shaped by an era of ultra-low global interest rates. We took advantage to borrow cheaply and invested heavily in infrastructure and social programs. Then, unfortunately, came COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and a global tightening cycle that exposed the cracks. We survived a possible collapse of our economy, but for a Gold4Oil initiative which saved the near dried reserves situation.
Today, this 5-7Year economic cycle repeats: strong commodity prices (gold and cocoa), softening global financial conditions, and improving investor sentiment have provided another window of relief to us.
But here’s the sobering truth: we’ve never been good at using these favourable windows to build durable or lasting resilience. The challenge isn’t achieving macro stability. That’s easier. It’s about sustaining it, I think.
What Will We Do With This Moment?
Ghana’s economy today stands at a crossroads—again. The decisions made in the next 12 to 24 months will shape the trajectory of the next decade. The opportunities are significant. The risks are familiar.
This economic summertime, like those before it, will not last forever.
Four Priorities To Help Break the Cycle
Institutionalise Discipline Let us not wait for the IMF or external partners to enforce accountability. We need legally binding fiscal rules, empowered and independent oversight bodies, and a political culture that sees budget discipline not as austerity, but as patriotism.
Invest, Don’t Indulge
The windfalls from higher cocoa and gold revenues must go into buffers and productivity—not electioneering spending. Stabilisation funds, targeted infrastructure for economic growth, and debt reduction are the only way to turn cyclical gains into structural progress and resilience.
Diversify Seriously
This time, we cannot continue to live and die by the world market price of gold and cocoa. Non-traditional exports, industrialisation policy, and a decisive move into value addition are no longer optional—they are imperative.
Let a Strong Cedi Work for the People
Currency strength must translate into cheaper fuel, food, and medicines, not just favourable graphs. If macro gains don’t ease daily burdens, public support for reform will collapse when the next storm hits.
Conclusion:
Don’t Waste the Economic Breeze.
Ghana has never lacked potential. But we have too often lacked staying power. We soar in good weather, then fall when the winds shift.
Let us use this summer differently. Let us build institutions, not tents. Let us act—not to win the moment, but to shape the future and be part of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
This is because when the sun inevitably sets, the question won’t be “who took the credit?” It will be: who used the moment to make Ghana stronger?
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President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s openness to international trade and investment, emphasising the country’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial business partnerships with the global community.
Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit and Expo held in Accra on Monday, 26th May, President Mahama extended a renewed invitation to the international business community, urging them to explore the vast investment opportunities Ghana has to offer.
He said, “As I said in my inauguration, Ghana is open for business again,” he said, adding, “The time has come for us to lift the gloom to restore confidence and to build again.”
This marks the second time the President has made such a call since assuming office. During his inauguration on 7th January, President Mahama underscored his administration’s intention to build an economy anchored on transparency, innovation, and robust partnerships, laying the groundwork for foreign and local investors to thrive.
“Ghana is open for business again,” Mahama declared on Tuesday, January 7.
Addressing top business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at the summit, the president reiterated the importance of positioning Ghana as a competitive and investor-friendly destination and called for collaborations between the state and the private sector.
“Let this summit mark the beginning of a new compact between the public and private sectors,” he said.
The summit, which brings together key players from across the private and public sectors, is designed to shape dialogue around economic transformation, digital innovation, and industrial competitiveness in Ghana and the wider West African region.
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.
Ghanaian rapper Tulenkey has shed light on the inspiration behind his latest single, “B33ma,” revealing that it was influenced by the tragic suicide of a first-year student at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The incident, which occurred in April 2025, involved a Level 100 student who allegedly took his own life after discovering that his girlfriend had been unfaithful with another individual on the UEW campus.
The student’s death sparked widespread discussions about mental health awareness, particularly among young men in Ghana.
In an interview on Accra-based Pluzz FM, Tulenkey expressed concern over the emotional struggles many men face, often in silence.
He stated that societal expectations discourage men from expressing vulnerability, which leads them to suppress their emotions until they become overwhelming.
“I realised that guys hoard things inside until they can’t take it anymore.
And I’m sure that guy… If it was regarded as normal for boys to voice out their feelings, someone would have noticed what he was going through.
But because people would say things like, ‘Ah, this guy is soft,’ and so on, he kept it all inside until he couldn’t take it anymore,” he said.
The rapper explained that the song seeks to address the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and to encourage open conversations about emotional well-being.
Tulenkey’s message aligns with ongoing advocacy from mental health experts and community members calling for greater support systems and educational initiatives to help young men navigate emotional challenges.
ID/MA
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Former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul has urged Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to resign, accusing him of breaking a promise he made regarding the government’s use of private jets for presidential travel.
This comes amid similar calls from NDC members for the Minister to leave office following reports that Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang returned to Ghana aboard a private jet.
Speaking on Top Story on Joy News, Mr. Nitiwul recalled Mr Ablakwa’s firm stance against the use of private jets while in opposition.
Mr. Ablakwa frequently criticised such travel arrangements as wasteful and unnecessary and pledged publicly that he would resign if the government continued to rent private jets.
“I think that excuse is laughable,” Mr. Nitiwul stated.
“Nobody asked Honourable Ablakwa to make that promise to the people of Ghana. He didn’t say it would depend on circumstances. He simply said that if they rented a private jet, he would resign.”
He continued, “If I were him, I would resign. I wouldn’t even wait for the President to say anything. I would just honourably go, because he claims to be a man of principle. So we are waiting. He made a promise—it wasn’t me.”
Mr. Nitiwul stressed that the promise was unconditional and clear.
“He never said, ‘If this happens’ or ‘If that doesn’t happen.’ He was direct. He said that if they rented a jet, he would resign. It’s not up to us—it’s up to him to respond. And if he doesn’t, the people of Ghana will judge him accordingly.”
He concluded by dismissing any attempt to justify a reversal based on circumstances. “Trying to say that circumstances have changed won’t work at all.”
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Accra, May 26, GNA – Professor Elijah Yendaw, the Director General, Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), a sub-vented agency under the Ministry of Employment, has advised Ghanaian workers to prepare adequately for retirement by investing towards their pensions.
He said prioritising investment and retirement planning at an early stage helped the worker to build a strong foundation for financial independence.
Prof Yendaw gave the advice during a three-day pre-retirement and pension planning training for staff of the Bui Power Authority in Accra on Monday.
The programme was organised and facilitated by the MDPI, in collaboration with the Authority, to ensure that retired staff lived dignified lives.
He said investment was very important in addressing critical needs of a retiree and the training would help the staff to adjust favourably to life during retirement.
The training would empower them to plan their finances, health issues and social life in order not to become disillusioned after pension.
“Life expectancy globally is increasing; the Ghana Statistical Service reveals that people can now live as old as 80 years. Longevity has improved, and if you really want to live a decent life after your working life, it is important to save something towards your retirement,” he said.
Prof Yendaw urged workers to explore investing in treasury bills, bonds, and other viable schemes for better returns.
He said even though economic challenges may affect the gains of investment, there was the need to invest prudently with the help of financial consultants.
He implored workers to check their lifestyle and eat well to avoid contracting illnesses that could result in huge medical bills during retirement.
The participants were taken through; Preparation and Managing Retirement, the New Pension Scheme, Managing Social Life and Health, and Preparing and Managing a Will, among other topics.
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