Food and Agriculture Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku

Five ministers have emerged as the top performers in the 2025 Citizens’ Perception Survey conducted by Feedback Africa Limited.

Hon. Eric Opoku (Food and Agriculture), Dr. Ato Forson (Finance), Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (Education), Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor (Energy), and Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka (Interior) took the top spots.

According to Prof. Smart Sarpong, Team Lead of Feedback Africa Limited and lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, the rankings reflect citizens’ real-life experiences and perceptions, rather than internal government assessments.

The survey reveals what Ghanaians see and can readily recall about their ministers’ performance. He said the survey methodology focused on functional visibility, requiring respondents not only to name top-performing ministers but also to identify specific achievements associated with them.

“These ministers emerged at the top because their work resonates with citizens. People could easily recall their names and point to what they have done,” he explained.

He stressed that the exercise captures public perception, noting that some ministers may be working effectively behind the scenes but remain invisible to the public.

Prof. Sarpong urged ministers to place greater emphasis on public engagement and communication, describing visibility as a core element of governance. “It is not enough for a minister to know what they are doing. Citizens must also know. If people cannot recall your achievements, then the impact has not been fully felt,” he said.

He added that this approach ensures accountability and enables citizens to assess government performance through their own lived experiences.

The 2025 survey ranked 25 sector ministries, excluding the Defence and Environment ministries for methodological reasons. These ministries are expected to be incorporated into future assessments. Prof. Sarpong noted that several ministers ranked just below the top five also recorded strong visibility and may feature prominently in future surveys.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, has announced the promotion of 19 senior police officers from the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), along with over 100 other ranks, in recognition of their dedication, sacrifice, and exceptional service to the Ghana Police Service.

The promotions were announced on Wednesday morning at a decoration ceremony attended by senior police officers and members of the media. Addressing the gathering, IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu disclosed that the Service lost 20 personnel in the line of duty within the past year while combating crime nationwide, describing the losses as a painful reminder of the dangers officers face daily in protecting lives and property.

IGP Yohunu stressed the importance of rewarding officers who continue to serve with commitment despite the sacrifices made by their fallen colleagues. He revealed that under the current administration, about 40 police officers who died between 2020 and 2023 have been promoted posthumously, following recommendations approved by the Police Council.

According to him, the Police Administration has also submitted the names of several serving officers for promotion based on outstanding performance in the field, noting that those honoured represent only a fraction of many hardworking officers across the country

The IGP highlighted a special team tasked by the President to investigate incidents related to the 2020 and 2024 election violence, saying the officers worked across the country and produced a comprehensive report submitted through the Minister for the Interior to the Presidency, earning them promotions approved by the Police Council.

The IGP also singled out DSP Odame, who demonstrated remarkable perseverance over seven to eight years while pursuing justice in a case involving the killing of two police officers by armed robbers on the N1 Highway. Despite repeated court appearances, transfers, and other challenges, the officer remained resolute. The case was recently concluded with the conviction and life imprisonment of the perpetrators, leading to his promotion to the rank of Superintendent.

In addition, ACP Bawah Jalil and his team were commended for their outstanding performance during special operations in the Western Region and other areas affected by illegal mining and related criminal activities. The IGP noted that the team began operations on a modest scale but achieved significant results through discipline, teamwork, and determination.

The IGP urged the more than 49,000 police personnel nationwide to draw inspiration from the officers being recognised, emphasizing that hard work, integrity, and selfless service would always be acknowledged.

“Do the work not for recognition, but from your heart,” he said, adding that dedication and professionalism would be rewarded in due time.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Chief Superintendent of Police John Kwaku Lodonu, Deputy Head of the Election Violence Probing Task Force, expressed gratitude to the IGP, the Police Management Board, and the Police Council for the honour and recognition.

He acknowledged the support received from colleagues across the country during investigations and operations and assured the police administration of their continued commitment.

“We will continue to pursue suspects, unravel all cases assigned to us, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.

Another promoted officer recounted the emotional and professional challenges faced while handling a major criminal case, crediting the leadership of the current IGP for instilling discipline, courage, and precision within the Service.

“Despite threats of remand, transfers, and other pressures, I remained focused on my goal. I was never shaken,” he said.

Meanwhile, members of the IGP’s Special Operations Team, currently operating in the Northern Region, also expressed appreciation for their special recommendation promotions. In his acceptance speech, ACP Bawah Jalil recalled violent resistance encountered during operations, including gunfire that left some officers injured. Despite the challenges, the team successfully restored order and seized excavators used for illegal mining.

He noted that traditional leaders, civil society groups, academics, and residents in the Northern Region have since expressed satisfaction with the team’s work, describing the promotions as fulfillment of Ghana Police Service regulations on rewards for outstanding service.

The officers concluded by pledging continued loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to duty, vowing to serve diligently until retirement in order to keep Ghana safe.

Gospel artiste Perez Musik delivered a powerful and spirit-filled performance at the 2025 Citiuation All White Party, transforming the festive atmosphere into a moment of worship and reflection on Christmas Eve.

Taking the stage at Ghud Park in Accra, Perez Musik captivated patrons with heartfelt renditions of his popular worship songs, drawing many in the crowd into a solemn yet uplifting experience.

Dressed in all-white to match the event’s iconic theme, the singer used his music to remind revelers of the deeper meaning of the Christmas season.

As his vocals soared, several patrons lifted their hands in worship, sang along, and paused from dancing to reflect, creating a rare blend of celebration and spirituality at the event.

His performance stood out as a defining moment of the night, offering balance to the high-energy party atmosphere.

Perez Musik’s set reinforced the Citiuation All White Party’s reputation as more than just a music event, showcasing its ability to bring together entertainment, culture, and faith in one unforgettable celebration.

Akwaboah steals hearts with smooth Highlife Set at Citiuation All White Party

The newly transformed modern facility now provides a conducive environment for teaching and learning

A charity-driven organisation, LINAKS Foundation, has renovated and handed over a three-classroom block to Good Shepherd Anglican Basic School at Korle Nkwanta, Koforidua, in the New Juaben South Municipality.

The foundation also donated notebooks, mathematical sets, erasers, sharpeners, and other learning materials to support teaching and learning.

The previous classroom block posed serious risks to pupils and teachers due to its dilapidated state and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

The newly transformed modern facility now provides a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

It is equipped with modern writing boards, desks, a staff common room, and disability-friendly features.

At the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of LINAKS Foundation, Linda Akrasi Kotey, described the facility as a hub for innovation and knowledge.

She noted that it enhances safety, reduces disruptions, and creates a more conducive learning environment.

She urged stakeholders to remain committed to raising educational standards and nurturing future leaders.

“This rehabilitated classroom block is more than just physical infrastructure. It is a space for innovation, focus, and discovery, a place where ideas can grow and theories can turn into practice.

It provides improved safety, reduces disruptions to learning, and creates a cleaner, quieter, and more hygienic environment for our children,” she underscored.

Kotey tasked school authorities and pupils to make good use of the facility, urging teachers to shape young minds with passion and dedication to make the school a beacon of excellence.

She also called on the community to take collective responsibility for maintaining the facility so it can serve future generations.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who commissioned the building, praised the initiative by LINAKS Foundation and encouraged others to give back to society.

“Mrs Kotey once lived in this area, saw the challenges facing the school, and responded accordingly.

This is what government expects from citizens. Let us learn to give back to society,” she appealed.

She further urged the school authorities and the Municipal Director of Education, Haruna Mustapha, to ensure the facility is properly maintained and used for its intended purpose.

The Municipal Director of Education, Haruna Mustapha, expressed gratitude to the foundation and assured that the facility would be put to good use. The Headmistress, Comfort Owusu, also commended Mrs Kotey and the foundation for the impactful donation.

The event attracted high-ranking officials from the corporate sector, security agencies, and leading political parties in the country.

LINAKS Foundation is the charitable arm of the LINAKS Group of Companies.

It aims to give back to society and has, over the years, supported various social causes, particularly in education, healthcare, and the welfare of the aged. The foundation has been in existence for more than 15 years.

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

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

Who deserves to be honoured this year?

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

Photo Credit: The World Bank

Few public policy issues cut as deeply across generations as pensions and social protection. They speak to dignity after work, fairness between generations, fiscal discipline, and the integrity of the social contract between the state and its citizens. Yet, as Ghana undertakes yet another round of constitutional review, one omission stands out sharply. The near-total silence on pensions, social security, and the welfare of the elderly. This silence is not merely theoretical. It comes at a time when credible international institutions are issuing increasingly stark warnings about the sustainability of Ghana’s pension system, particularly the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which remains the backbone of formal old-age income security for millions of Ghanaians.

A recent World Bank study titled, “Social Protection Programme Spending and Household Welfare in Ghana” has drawn attention to a problem that pension analysts and labour groups have long suspected, but which has now been authoritatively confirmed. Persistent government indebtedness to SSNIT has reduced the Trust’s investment earnings and jeopardized its already fragile ability to meet future pension obligations. According to the report, over the past decade, the Government of Ghana failed to remit more than GH¢3 billion in pension contributions owed on behalf of its employees. These arrears, the World Bank notes, have constrained SSNIT’s investment capacity and weakened its long-term financial position.

This assessment echoes earlier warnings from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which has repeatedly flagged delayed remittances, weak enforcement, and governance vulnerabilities as structural risks to Ghana’s contributory pension arrangements. Together, these findings expose a pension system under strain, at precisely the moment when constitutional reform should have offered an opportunity for long-term correction.

Government Arrears and the Erosion of Trust

Pension contributions are not discretionary payments. They are deferred wages, earned by workers and held in trust for their retirement. When government fails to remit these funds on time, it is not merely engaging in administrative delay; it is effectively borrowing from workers’ future incomes, often without transparency, compensation, or consequence. The World Bank report makes a striking observation that extends beyond pensions. It notes that the government has a “pervasive and chronic problem” of accumulating arrears to service providers. SSNIT, it turns out, is only one among many creditors, but the implications here are far more serious. While unpaid contractors may suffer cash-flow problems, unpaid pension contributions threaten the retirement security of an entire generation.

SSNIT itself has acknowledged this risk repeatedly in its annual reports and actuarial reviews, where delayed remittances, particularly from public sector employers, are cited as a major constraint on fund performance. What the World Bank study does is to quantify the scale of the problem and elevate it from a technical concern to a macro-fiscal and social risk. In jurisdictions with stronger pension governance, such arrears would trigger automatic interest penalties, statutory sanctions, or legal action. In Ghana, enforcement remains uneven, especially when the debtor is the state itself.

Not a Partisan Accusation, but a Structural Failure

For the avoidance of doubt, this is not an attempt to assign blame to the current administration led by His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama. The accumulation of government arrears to SSNIT is a legacy problem, spanning several political cycles and reflecting a long-standing culture of weak fiscal discipline rather than the policy failure of any one government. However, the fact that this problem has persisted across administrations is precisely what makes it so dangerous. When harmful practices become normalized, they cease to provoke outrage and instead become embedded in public finance management.

The present government’s promise of a national “reset” therefore raises legitimate expectations. A reset, by definition, implies a break from entrenched habits. Pension arrears, because they involve workers’ deferred wages, are among the most compelling tests of that promise. What is required is not rhetoric, but action. Formal acknowledgment of the debt owed to SSNIT and a clear, transparent, and time-bound plan to retire it in phases, backed by safeguards to prevent recurrence.

A Familiar Pattern: Lessons from the NHIS

The World Bank report situates the SSNIT problem within a broader pattern of social protection financing in Ghana. It draws an instructive comparison with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which faces chronic reimbursement delays. According to the study, the NHIS is so slow in paying healthcare providers that many now refuse to accept NHIS patients or resort to illegal co-payments. The consequences are predictable. Reduced access, declining service quality, and growing public skepticism. The lesson is clear. When the state consistently fails to honour its financial commitments, even well-designed social programmes lose legitimacy. Contributors disengage, providers withdraw, and informal coping mechanisms replace formal systems. For pensions, where trust must be sustained over decades, the damage is even harder to repair.

Limited Coverage and the Informal Sector Challenge

The World Bank study also underscores another long-standing weakness of Ghana’s pension system — limited coverage. Despite recent initiatives to attract informal sector workers who make up the majority of the labour force, participation in SSNIT remains modest. This challenge is not unique to Ghana. Across the developing world, contributory pension schemes struggle to enroll informal workers with irregular incomes and limited confidence in public institutions. What is striking, however, is the report’s blunt conclusion that the government “probably cannot and will not fund a universal pension”.

Any meaningful expansion of coverage, the report argues, would therefore require actuarially fair premium payments from new members, precisely the condition that discourages many informal workers from joining. This creates a policy dilemma. Without subsidies or matching contributions, informal workers stay out. Without broader participation, risk pooling remains weak. And without constitutional or legal guarantees of state support, the system stagnates.

The Constitutional Blind Spot
It is against this backdrop that the omissions of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) become so troubling. Ghana’s 1992 Constitution contains only indirect and largely non-justiciable references to social welfare. There is no explicit constitutional protection for pension funds, no enforceable obligation on the state to safeguard workers’ contributions, and no recognition of old-age income security as a right. This stands in contrast to constitutional developments elsewhere. In South Africa, Kenya, and parts of Latin America, social security is explicitly recognized as a justiciable right, compelling governments to prioritize sustainability, transparency, and coverage. In Ghana, constitutional silence has allowed pension governance to be treated as a technical matter, shielded from broader accountability. The result is a system vulnerable to fiscal encroachment, political expediency, and policy drift.

Oversight without Teeth?
The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) was established to provide oversight across Ghana’s three-tier pension system, and it has made progress in licensing, compliance monitoring, and public education. Yet its authority over government behaviour remains limited. Private employers who fail to remit contributions face penalties. When the state defaults, enforcement becomes politically complex. This asymmetry undermines confidence in the regulatory framework and weakens the principle that the law applies equally to all contributors.

The ILO and the Question of Pension Governance

The ILO has long emphasized that pension sustainability is not merely a technical or actuarial issue, but fundamentally a question of governance and political commitment. In multiple assessments of pension systems in developing economies, the organization has stressed that contributory schemes can only function effectively when remittances are timely, rules are enforced uniformly, and pension assets are insulated from fiscal pressures. In Ghana’s case, the recurring problem is not the absence of laws or institutions, but the weakness of enforcement when those laws constrain the state itself. This creates a moral hazard. If government can delay or withhold pension contributions without consequence, private employers may question why they should comply strictly. Over time, such dynamics corrode the integrity of the entire system.

The ILO has also warned that persistent arrears and governance weaknesses ultimately shift risk onto contributors and retirees. When pension funds underperform due to factors beyond market conditions, such as withheld contributions or politically influenced investment decisions, the burden is borne by those least able to absorb it. Who are they? They are the workers approaching retirement and elderly pensioners living on fixed incomes.

Demographics and the Cost of Delay

Ghana remains a relatively young country, but demographic trends are changing. Life expectancy has increased steadily over the past decades, while fertility rates have declined. As a result, the proportion of elderly citizens is projected to rise, even if slowly by global standards. This demographic transition makes pension reform more urgent, not less. A system that struggles under current conditions will face even greater strain as the dependency ratio shifts. Without deliberate action, old-age poverty risks becoming a major social challenge, one that will place increasing pressure on families, local communities, and public finances.

It is worth recalling that pensions are among the few social policies where policy failures are felt long after the decisions that caused them. Today’s arrears become tomorrow’s benefit shortfalls. Today’s constitutional silence becomes tomorrow’s litigation, protests, or quiet hardship endured by retirees with few alternatives.

Why SSNIT Remains Central
This brings us back to the recurring question from readers of my close to thirty articles: Why the sustained focus on SSNIT pensions? The answer lies in SSNIT’s centrality. SSNIT is not just another public institution; it is the anchor of Ghana’s formal old-age security system. For millions of workers, it represents the only reliable source of income after active employment. When SSNIT’s finances or governance are compromised, the effects ripple outward, to households, to labour markets, and ultimately to social stability. Focusing on SSNIT is therefore not an obsession, nor a narrow technocratic concern. It is a lens through which broader issues of fiscal discipline, governance, and intergenerational fairness can be examined. A state that cannot reliably protect workers’ pension contributions sends a troubling signal about its commitment to long-term responsibility.

Legacy Debt, Present Responsibility

It bears repeating that the debt owed to SSNIT is a legacy debt. It did not arise overnight, nor can it be attributed to a single administration. Successive governments have contributed to its accumulation, often under fiscal stress and competing priorities. But legacy problems do not absolve present responsibility. On the contrary, they heighten it. The longer such debts persist, the more normalized they become, and the harder they are to resolve.

The current administration’s “reset agenda” therefore matters greatly in this context. A reset worthy of the name requires confronting uncomfortable inheritances, not accommodating them. Settling SSNIT arrears need not happen overnight, but it should happen deliberately, through transparent acknowledgment, phased repayment schedules, and legal safeguards that prevent future governments from repeating the same practice.

The Missed Constitutional Moment
This is why the work of the Constitutional Review Committee feels like a missed moment. Constitutional reform is not about solving every policy problem, but about setting boundaries and principles that endure beyond electoral cycles. At a minimum, the review process could have been firm on certain fundamentals. That workers’ pension contributions are inviolable; that SSNIT funds are not a fallback financing option for the state; and that Heritage and future-generation funds are similarly protected from short-term fiscal pressures. Entrenching such principles constitutionally would not eliminate economic shocks or fiscal stress. But it would force governments to confront trade-offs honestly, rather than quietly shifting the burden onto pension funds and, by extension, retirees.

My Thoughts: Silence Has Consequences

The warnings from the World Bank and the ILO should not be read as distant technocratic commentary. They are early signals of structural stress in one of Ghana’s most important social institutions. Ignoring them risks entrenching a dangerous precedent, one in which workers’ deferred wages are treated as expendable and old-age security as negotiable. If Ghana is serious about dignity in retirement, trust in public institutions, and fairness between generations, then pensions — and SSNIT in particular — must move from the margins to the center of constitutional and economic debate. Silence, in this context, is not neutrality. It is exposure to risk. Gargantuan risk!

FUSEINI ABDULAI BRAIMAH
+233208282575 / +233550558008
[email protected]

It’s a rarity, but Chelsea do not have anyone from the current first-team playing at the Africa Cup of Nations. We do have one prominent loanee in action, however, with Nicolas Jackson leading Senegal’s latest bid for continental supremacy. The Lions of Teranga reached back-to-back finals in the 2019 and 2021 (well, 2022) editions of this tournament, winning the latter, but slumped to a Round of 16 exit last time.

(Slightly less prominent loanee Mamadou Sarr is also on the team, as are ex-Chelsea man Édouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.)

Senegal faced Botswana, one of the lowest-ranked nations, in their opening game on Tuesday, winning easily, 3-0 as Jackson found the back of the net in both halves and Cherif Ndiaye added a third late on. That now gives Jackson six goals in his last five starts for the national team. Not bad!

Unfortunately, his success rate has been less impressive for Bayern so far this season, with just five goals in eighteen total appearances (and just six starts). Probably won’t be hitting that conditional buy-option! But I suppose we’ll figure out his future once the summer’s here.

Until then, best of luck to Nico & Co at the Afcon!

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, today inaugurated a Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 24th African Seniors Athletics Championships, slated for Accra in 2026.

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) Conference Room, formalises Ghana’s preparations to host what is anticipated to be one of the continent’s largest sporting events next year—a year the Minister described as a uniquely “busy sporting year” for the nation. The tournament scheduled for the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, will run from May 12-17, 2026.

 Adams, in a wide-ranging address, framed 2026 as a critical period featuring Ghana’s participation in the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. However, he placed particular emphasis on the nation’s duty as host of the African Athletics Championships.

“We are privileged to have the honour of also being the host for the African Seniors Athletics Championship,” Adams stated. He warned the newly sworn-in committee of the scale of the task, noting, “You have a responsibility to plan effectively for participation of athletes numbering more than a thousand. And to plan for such a number logistically is not going to be easy.”

The Minister revealed significant expectations for the event, disclosing, “I am being informed that the World Athletics President, Lord Koh, will be here for the championship. So that means very great personalities. The attention of the world when it comes to athletics would seriously be here.”

He charged the committee, which is chaired by Farihan Alhassan, Managing Director of Ghana Commercial Bank, to not only deliver a successful event but to reignite grassroots passion for athletics. The committee includes Bawah Fuseini of Ghana Athletics; Veronica Comney of the National Sports Authority (NSA); Nathan Kwabena Anokye-Adisi, CEO of EIB Network; and Nii Okyne Adjei, CEO of Thermenergy Services Ltd.

Other members are Wilhelmina Asamoah, Chief Director of the MoSR; Honourable Betty Krobby Mensah, Coordinator for National Recreational at the MoSR; Colonel Tatteh representing National Security; Godwin Arko Gunn; and International Representative Falilatou Tchanile Salifou.

Recalling his schooldays, Adams mused, “Athletics attracted more numbers than football ever did. But maybe the only reason today football is attracting more numbers is because they have organised themselves much better… Athletics also have the opportunity to do the same.”

He linked the championship’s potential legacy to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s focus on school sports, highlighting the appointment of Professor Sarpong as National School Sports Coordinator. “What you do with this championship can begin and not end. And open another door for Ghana’s athletic exploits,” Adams urged.

Responding on behalf of the LOC, Mr. Bawah Fuseini gave a firm commitment. “Honourable Minister, we are guaranteeing that we are not going to disgrace you. We are not going to disgrace Ghana. We are not going to disgrace the President,” Fuseini declared. “For the trust you have imposed on us, we are going to deliver and to make every Ghanaian proud.”

Two British campaigners are among five people denied US visas after the State Department accused them of seeking to “coerce” American tech platforms into suppressing free speech.

Imran Ahmed, an ex-Labour adviser who now heads the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), and Clare Melford, CEO of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), were labelled “radical activists” by the Trump administration and banned from entering the US.

A French ex-EU commissioner and two senior figures at a Germany-based anti-online hate group were also denied visas.

European leaders have condemned the measures, while the UK government said it is “fully committed” to upholding free speech.

“While every country has the right to set its own visa rules, we support the laws and institutions which are working to keep the internet free from the most harmful content,” a UK government spokesperson said.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the travel ban as “intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty” while the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it was “unacceptable and an attempt to challenge our sovereignty”.

The US billed the measures as a response to people and organisations that have campaigned for restrictions on American tech firms, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying they belonged to a “global censorship-industrial complex”.

He said: “President Trump has been clear that his America First foreign policy rejects violations of American sovereignty. Extraterritorial overreach by foreign censors targeting American speech is no exception.”

Ahmed from the CCDH, which says it advocates for government action against hate speech and disinformation online, has links to senior Labour figures. He was previously an aide to Labour minister Hilary Benn, and Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has served as a director of the group he founded.

The US government labelled Ahmed a “collaborator” for the CCDH’s purported past work with the Biden administration. BBC News has contacted the CCDH for comment.

Melford founded the GDI, a non-profit that monitors the spread of disinformation, in 2018.

US Undersecretary of State Sarah B Rogers accused the GDI of using US taxpayer money “to exhort censorship and blacklisting of American speech and press”.

A GDI spokesperson told the BBC that “the visa sanctions announced today are an authoritarian attack on free speech and an egregious act of government censorship”.

“The Trump Administration is, once again, using the full weight of the federal government to intimidate, censor, and silence voices they disagree with. Their actions today are immoral, unlawful, and un-American.”

Also targeted was Thierry Breton, the former top tech regulator at the European Commission, who suggested that a “witch hunt” was taking place.

Breton was described by the State Department as the “mastermind” of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes content moderation on social media firms.

However, it has angered some US conservatives who see it as seeking to censor right-wing opinions. Brussels denies this.

Breton has clashed with Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and owner of X, over obligations to follow EU rules.

The European Commission recently fined X €120m (£105m) over its blue tick badges – the first fine under the DSA. It said the platform’s blue tick system was “deceptive” because the firm was not “meaningfully verifying users”.

In response, Musk’s site blocked the Commission from sharing adverts on its platform.

Reacting to the visa ban, Breton posted on X: “To our American friends: Censorship isn’t where you think it is.”

Also subject to bans were Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of HateAid, a German organisation that the State Department said helped enforce the DSA.

In a statement to the BBC, the two CEOs called it an “act of repression by a government that is increasingly disregarding the rule of law and trying to silence its critics by any means necessary”.

They added: “We will not be intimidated by a government that uses accusations of censorship to silence those who stand up for human rights and freedom of expression.”

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.

-Algeria defeat Sudan 3–0

-Burkina Faso secure a valuable 2–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea

-Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique will meet in an exciting clash, while Gabon face Cameroon

Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 Mozambique

Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a measured 1–0 victory over Mozambique at the Marrakech Stadium on Wednesday night.

Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a measured 1–0 victory over Mozambique at the Marrakech Stadium on Wednesday night.

In a game defined by patience rather than flair, the Elephants had to wait until shortly after the interval to find the breakthrough, with Amad Diallo delivering the decisive moment in Group F.

The Ivorians dominated possession from the outset, probing mainly down the flanks as Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha looked to impose themselves. Clear chances were limited, however, with Kessié’s first-half header saved and Ghislain Konan firing narrowly wide. 

Mozambique, compact and organised, absorbed the pressure well and threatened sporadically on the counter through Geny Catamo.

The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the second half. Kessié rose to meet a delivery and headed the ball into the path of Diallo, who showed composure to steer a low finish past the goalkeeper and into the net.

The goal settled Cote d’Ivoire, who controlled the remainder of the match without extending their lead. 

Vakoun Bayo went close, while Mozambique struggled to fashion a clear opening in reply, rarely testing Yahia Fofana in the Ivorian goal.

The narrow win places Cote ‘Ivoire top of Group F after the opening round. Mozambique depart encouraged by their resistance, but still searching for a first-ever victory at the finals.

REACTIONS:

Amad Diallo – Forward – Côte d’Ivoire

“I am very proud of myself. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Wearing my country’s jersey is an immense pride; it’s a dream come true.”
“We won 1-0. Honestly, I thought we deserved to win by a bigger margin, but we take this success. We will now focus on the next match, because it will be a very tough game for us.”

Chiquinho Conde – Mozambique 

“We expected to face difficulties at the start of the match because of Côte d’Ivoire’s individual quality, and we knew that small details would make the difference.”

“We knew Côte d’Ivoire would start very strongly in the opening minutes, and we tried to manage the details.

 In some transitions, especially when the ball was switched lack of communication and marking inside the box cost us dearly.”

Émerse Faé – Côte d’Ivoire 

“We faced a good team and managed to keep a clean sheet. Once again, we saw the solidarity that has been with us for several months, as well as the players’ effort and mindset, which were already evident during our training camp in Spain.”

“If there is one area we still need to improve, it is decision-making and finishing. Sometimes the cross should be played along the ground but is delivered in the air. These are the details that make the difference at this level.”

Algeria 3–0 Sudan

Algeria made a confident start to their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Sudan on Wednesday evening at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, in their opening Group E fixture.

The Fennecs, champions in 2019, secured their first AFCON finals win since that memorable triumph in Cairo thanks to a brace from captain Riyad Mahrez and a late goal from substitute Ibrahim Maza, underlining their renewed ambition on the continental stage.

Algeria wasted no time in asserting their authority, opening the scoring after just two minutes when Mahrez finished calmly following a well-weighted pass from Hicham Boudaoui, catching Sudan off guard in the early exchanges.

Sudan’s task became even more difficult shortly before the break when Salah El-Din Adel was sent off in the 39th minute after receiving a second yellow card, allowing Algeria to head into half-time with a 1–0 advantage and full control of the contest.

After the restart, Vladimir Petkovic’s side increased the tempo and doubled their lead in the 61st minute through Mahrez once again, this time finishing off a brilliant assist from Mohamed Amine Amoura, before Ibrahim Maza completed the victory in the 85th minute following a pass from Baghdad Bounedjah. 

The result sees Algeria top Group E with three points, level with Burkina Faso, while Sudan and Equatorial Guinea remain without points after the opening round.

REACTIONS:

Riyad Mahrez – TotalEnergies Man of the Match

“Being named Man of the Match is a bonus. The most important thing was the victory — we showed that we have real collective strength. We had a bit of luck, and God willing, may it continue.”

Kwesi Appiah, Sudan

“We were up against a stronger side. This Algerian team has serious quality in every aspect. We will do everything to bounce back in the next game.”

______________________

Burkina Faso 2-1 Equatorial Guinea

Burkina Faso produced one of the most dramatic moments of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 so far, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to stun Equatorial Guinea 2–1 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday.

In a Group E contest that swung wildly in the closing minutes, the Stallions looked set for frustration after conceding late against ten-man opponents, only to respond with remarkable composure and belief to turn the match on its head in the dying seconds.

The result sends Burkina Faso to the top of the group with three points, while Equatorial Guinea remain bottom ahead of the later clash between Algeria and Sudan.

The first half was evenly balanced, with neither team able to carve out a clear opening despite the high tempo and physical duels that defined the contest.

The match shifted early in the second half when Equatorial Guinea were reduced to ten men. Basilo Ndung was shown a straight red card in the 50th minute following a dangerous challenge, forcing coach Juan Micha to reorganise his side and rethink his approach.

Burkina Faso sought to capitalise on their numerical advantage and believed they had taken the lead in the 71st minute when Lassina Traoré found the net. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out, adding to the frustration of the Stallions as Equatorial Guinea held firm.

Against the run of play, it was Equatorial Guinea who struck first. In the 85th minute, substitute Marvin Aniebo made an immediate impact, rising to meet Carlos Akapo’s corner and heading past the goalkeeper to give his side a shock lead just three minutes after coming on.

With defeat looming, Burkina Faso threw numbers forward, refusing to accept the outcome. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the fifth minute of added time when substitute György Menongo pounced to level the score, sparking belief among the Stallions.

Moments later, disbelief swept through the stadium. In the eighth minute of stoppage time, Edmond Tapsoba powered home the winner, completing an extraordinary turnaround and sending Burkina Faso’s players and supporters into raptures.

Post-match Reactions:

TotalEnergies Man of the Match – Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso defender)

“I feel great joy after this victory. We did not give up after going behind; we scored two goals and won the match. I’m happy with what is happening to us in this tournament. We believed we could come back in the game, and it is in our nature not to stop or lose belief when we are trailing or facing defeat. This Man of the Match award is the result of collective work by our entire team, and I dedicate it to all the members of the Burkina Faso national team.”

Juan Micha – Head Coach of Equatorial Guinea

“Congratulations to Burkina Faso on their victory; they were a strong opponent. There was a lack of concentration on our part, and in less than five minutes we lost the match. We couldn’t control everything, and we will try to reorganise ourselves and see how we can improve our shortcomings in the next matches. There were difficulties and we faced a very strong team. Physically we were good, but mentally we were not. The red card affects all the players, and we finished the match with a numerical disadvantage. Our morale dropped in just a few minutes, and I hope we can correct things next time.”

Brama Traoré – Head Coach of Burkina Faso

“This was our first match of the tournament and it was very important for us in order to enter the competition properly. The victory was not easy against a strong opponent in Equatorial Guinea, who caused us some problems. We decided to play in a way that we believed would lead us to victory. After 60 minutes it was not possible to achieve that, so we worked hard to equalise and then pushed with all our strength to secure the win, which we are very happy about.”

BP has struck a $6bn (£4.4bn) deal to sell a majority stake in its motor oil division, Castrol, to a US investment firm.

The oil giant sold a 65% stake in Castrol, which makes lubricants for cars, motorcycles and industrial vehicles, to New York-based Stonepeak.

The deal valued Castrol at $10.1bn (£7.5bn), with BP receiving $6bn in cash, which it will use to pay down debt and focus on its core business.

BP will hold onto a 35% stake in Castrol, which it first took control of in 2000.

The London-based oil major said the sale is a “milestone” in its plans to overhaul its business and strip out costs.

BP in February announced plans to sell off $20bn (£15bn) worth of assets to focus on its core crude oil and gas business and strengthen its balance sheet.

Following today’s deal and previous announcements, the company says it’s over halfway to meeting that target.

It is also shifting its strategy away from investment in green energy and back to oil and gas, following pressure from some investors who were frustrated that its profits and share price had lagged behind rivals.

Rivals Shell and Norwegian company Equinor have also scaled back plans to invest in green energy, and US President Donald Trump’s call to “drill baby drill” has encouraged firms to invest in fossil fuels.

The Castrol sale comes a week after BP unveiled its first female chief executive, Meg O’Neill, who will take the helm in April 2026.

Her surprise appointment came only three months after BP appointed a new chairman, Albert Manifold.

And she was handed the top job less than two years after Murray Auchincloss took over from Bernard Looney as chief executive.

Wednesday’s deal is the latest in a series of sales by the firm, which included offloading its US onshore wind energy business and its Dutch mobility and convenience arm.

Interim chief executive Carol Howle said the sale is a “very good outcome for all stakeholders”.

“We are reducing complexity, focusing the downstream on our leading integrated businesses, and accelerating delivery of our plan,” she added.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the deal was “an early Christmas present” for BP shareholders.

“The significant proceeds from the transaction will allow BP to make a decent dent in its onerous borrowings pile. It also means it is well on the way to achieving its goal of $20 billion worth of divestments by 2027,” he said.

Shares in BP opened higher on Wednesday morning on the news, before giving up most of their gains.

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.

A lone goal by the Manchester United forward is enough for Ivory Coast to successfully begin their AFCON title defence.

Holders Ivory Coast squandered a number of chances, but Amad Diallo’s goal early in the second half was enough to beat Mozambique 1-0 and give them a winning ⁠start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title defence.

In the opening Group F ​game on Wednesday in Morocco, the Ivorians battled to break down their ‍opponents in a competitive first half but took firm control after the break without converting the many chances they created.

Diallo side-footed the ball into the net in the ‍49th minute ⁠to ensure the three-point haul in rainy conditions, but the scoreline would have been a lot more emphatic had the Ivorians been sharper in front of goal.

Wilfried Zaha, playing his first international in more than two years after his surprise recall for the Cup of Nations finals, wasted several chances, and Franck Kessie had two point-blank ​efforts saved by Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan.

Ivorian substitute Vakoun Bayo ‌also had an opportunity with an easy header in front of goal but somehow put it wide, and in the 89th minute, Bayo had an effort cleared off the line ‌with Ernan caught well out of his goal.

Mozambique brought on winger Dominguez as a second-half substitute ‌at the age of 42 years, one month ⁠and six days, making him the oldest outfield player in tournament history behind only former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was 44 when he played in the 2017 final.

Mozambique are ‌still to win a match at the finals, stretching back to their tournament debut in 1986. This is their sixth appearance with a record of ‍four draws and 12 losses.

Ghana is at a crossroads where a constitutional review committee tasked by President John Dramani Mahama has recommended extending the presidential term from four to five years.

The committee cites the need for more time to implement policies and looking to other African countries, presidents usually have more than four years in one term and so Ghana could learn from them.

However, a closer look at Ghana’s democratic history, especially voting patterns in presidential elections shows that extending the term will not benefit the majority of Ghanaians. On the contrary, it risks deepening political dissatisfaction and consolidating power in the presidency at the expense of the people.

Historical Evidence: Voters Dislike Extended Tenures

Ghana’s democratic record under the Fourth Republic demonstrates a clear pattern: incumbent presidents who seek a second term tend to receive a lower percentage of votes than they did in their first election, even when they win.

The popular mandate for leaders diminishes over time which indicates that the longer a president stays in office, the more the electorate seeks change and this is reflected in the voting pattern of Ghanaians as depicted below:

Jerry John Rawlings: In the first presidential election under the Fourth Republic in 1992, he won with about 58.4% of the votes. In his re-election bid in 1996, his vote share fell to 57.4%, a drop, even as he remained victorious.

John Agyekum Kufuor: In the 2000 election run-off, Kufuor won with 56.9%. In the 2004 election, his vote share dropped to about 52.45%. He won but the like Ghanaians had for him diminished.

John Dramani Mahama: When Mahama first won in 2012, he secured 50.7% of the votes. In 2016, running for re-election, he only managed 44.4%.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo: He won the presidency in 2016 with about 53.7% of valid votes cast but saw this decline to approximately 50.4% in 2020 during his second term victory.

This consistent reduction in vote share for incumbents signals a broader trend: Ghanaians tend to grow less enthusiastic about leaders the longer they stay in office even if those leaders are ultimately re-elected.

The electorate, by voting patterns, has shown a desire for accountability and change and not necessarily longer stays in power.

What Longer Terms Mean in Practice

The argument from the constitutional review committee’s chair, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, is that four years is “too short” for policy implementation, as presidents spend significant time settling in and preparing for re-election campaigns.

While at first glance this seems logical, the political reality in Ghana suggests otherwise. Here’s why:

1.More Time in Office Does not Mean More Popularity

As demonstrated above (per the voting pattern since 1992), longer service does not translate to increased public support.

If anything, the opposite is true: the electorate becomes wary of extended power, holding leaders accountable through elections rather than increased vote share.

Extending the term only gives unpopular leaders more time to make decisions that citizens may reject, prolonging dissatisfaction.

2.Political Disillusionment and Accountability

The Fourth Republic has been celebrated for peaceful transfers of power and democratic stability.

Ghanaians express their democratic will at the ballot box even ousting incumbents. This dynamic is vital for accountability.

Longer presidential terms could dampen this accountability, making it harder for citizens to express disapproval and remove leaders more frequently when policies fail.

3.A Bad President Hurts Ghana for Longer

No matter how competent a leader might be, if a presidency delivers abysmal leadership economically, socially or ethically, Ghanaians suffer the consequences but will take a longer for them to remove such abysmal leadership and therefore, four years is a reasonable period to assess performance.

With five years, a bad administration could entrench policy failures for an additional year before voters can intervene.

4.Shrinking Time Horizons Increase Risk of Power Consolidation

Extending term lengths often benefits sitting presidents more than citizens. Longer terms can lead to entrenched leadership, reduced responsiveness to public sentiment, and over time, weaken democratic checks and balances.

While the committee says it does not support a third term, longer terms can still foster a culture where extended leadership is normalized. This is not how responsive democracies function.

Why Ghana Should Look to Progressive Democracies, Not Lower Performing States

The committee referenced other West African nations with five year presidential terms as justification for extending Ghana’s presidential term to five years.

However, these countries rank lower than Ghana in democratic governance, economic development and civil liberties. Emulating them in term length does not inherently improve governance and in fact those West African countries should rather learn from Ghana by reducing their presidential terms.

It is more instructive to look toward advanced democratic systems that Ghana’s leaders often cite as models: For example, the president of the United State serves a four year term, with a constitutional limit of two terms.

This system has been tested for over 200 years and it fosters accountability and regular performance review by voters. Something that has stood over 200 years is worth emulating and not that of West African nations whose main political hallmark is a coup d’état. The second prime example is that of Germany.

While Germany’s Federal President serves five years, the executive leadership (Chancellor) is subject to parliamentary confidence and effectively serves within a four year legislative cycle. German politics emphasize responsiveness to public sentiment and robust institutional checks.

These systems underscore that the length of a term is not what makes governance effective but rather the strength of institutions, checks and balances, and democratic accountability mechanisms.

Four Years Is Enough Time to Govern Effectively

Four years provides ample time for a president to craft and implement key policies:

Economic strategies can be rolled out and assessed.

Legislative agenda can be advanced through Parliament.

International agreements and reforms can be pursued.

In many advanced democracies, leaders achieve significant progress within four year spans. What matters is focus, efficiency, responsiveness and above all, putting in place measures to ensure continuity of projects and policies implemented by past governments and not simply the extension of tenure.

Conclusion

Ghanaians have consistently shown, through their voting patterns that they do not grow more attached to presidents the longer they stay in office. Instead, second term vote percentages tend to drop, reflecting a healthy democratic impulse for change and accountability.

Extending presidential terms from four to five years would benefit sitting presidents, giving them more time between elections but it does not fundamentally improve governance for the average Ghanaian.

Ultimately, democracy thrives when leaders remain closely accountable to the people.

Four year terms strike the right balance between policy implementation and voter oversight. What Ghana needs is not a longer stay in power for its presidents, but stronger institutions, transparent governance and policies that reflect the will and interests of its citizens.

Author: Scott Edward Agyemang, doctoral researcher

Henry Nana Boakye

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), has constituted a joint committee to study the final proposals submitted by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to President John Dramani Mahama and advise the party’s National Council.

The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B who announced this in a Facebook post on Tuesday, said all members of the party should be cautious with their commentary on the CRC as the party awaits the outcome of it’s joint commitee’ s report.

The Constitution Review Committee, on Monday, December 22 presented its final report to President John Dramani Mahama as part of ongoing constitutional Reform process.

The committee, chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), was tasked with reviewing the 1992 Constitution and propose reforms to help strengthen Ghana’s democratic governance.

“Following the submission of the CRC’s final proposals to the President, the General Secretary of the Party has now directed the joint committee to carefully study the proposals and advise the National Council of the Party accordingly”. Parts of the statement read.

According to him, Members of the committee are led by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, and the Chairman of the NPP’s Constitutional and Legal Committee, Frank Davies.

Other Members of the committee include Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hassan Tampuli, former Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, O.B. Amoah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

The rest are Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Director of Legal Affairs of the NPP, Gary Nimako Marfo, Member of Parliament for Tachiman South, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, Former Minister of Information, Fati Abubakar, and a private legal practitioner Hanifa Adjoa Yahaya.

“The position of the Party on the final proposals submitted yesterday will soon be made public,” he added.

By Ebenezer K. Amponsah

Doreen Afriyie Afoakwa, a professional nurse, was crowned Miss Health Ghana 2025

The Miss Health Organization has announced its newly crowned queens, marking another milestone in its growing continental impact.

Founded in 2018 by Lamrock Agency, the Miss Health Organization has emerged as a pioneer in blending pageantry with purposeful health advocacy.

Through its annual pageant, the organization champions physical, mental and social well-being, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health as a complete state of well-being and not merely the absence of disease.

At the centre of this year’s celebration is the crowning of Miss Health Africa 2026, a continental platform that brings together women in the health field from across Africa to advocate for wellness on a broader scale.

The coveted Miss Health Africa 2025 title was awarded to Dr Malegho Chelsie Jomsentut, a medical doctor from Cameroon, whose advocacy focuses on cardiovascular health, particularly the reduction of hypertension across African communities.

On the national front, Doreen Afriyie Afoakwa, a professional nurse, was crowned Miss Health Ghana 2025.

She is a strong advocate for mental health, with special emphasis on providing support for unemployed health workers. Her work highlights the often-overlooked mental health challenges within the healthcare workforce.

The 1st Runner-Up, Miss Health Ghana 2025, is Maud Codjie, a final-year nursing student passionate about hepatitis B awareness.

For years, Maud and her team have actively engaged schools, churches, and prisons to educate communities on prevention, testing, and management of the disease.

Claiming the position of 2nd Runner-Up, Miss Health Ghana 2025, is Mabel Obeng, a realtor and master’s student in philosophy and leadership.

Her advocacy centres on menstrual health education and leadership development, with a strong focus on empowering young women and girls.

These newly crowned queens are expected to spearhead health advocacy initiatives, promote preventive healthcare, and inspire positive behavioural change within communities across Ghana and the African continent.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Executive Director of the Miss Health Organization, Miss Gladys Akyere Rockson, emphasised inclusivity in healthcare.

She noted that achieving healthcare for all requires collective responsibility, regardless of geographical location, gender or tribe.

According to her, the introduction of Miss Health Africa was driven by the need to promote health on a larger, continental scale, adding that the platform “has come to stay.”

With its continued commitment to empowering women and promoting wellness, the Miss Health Organization is positioning itself as a powerful force for health advocacy in Africa.

The organization has called on the public to join in celebrating these trailblazing women as they champion the cause of a healthier Ghana and a healthier Africa.

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

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

Who deserves to be honoured this year?

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

Asante Kotoko claimed a 2-0 win over Eleven Wonders in their Ghana Premier League clash at the University of Ghana Stadium on Wednesday.

The Porcupine Warriors showed their intent from the opening exchanges and were rewarded early when Peter Amidu Acquah broke the deadlock in the 17th minute to put Kotoko ahead.

Kotoko controlled large spells of the game after taking the lead, limiting the hosts to few clear-cut chances while maintaining their attacking threat.

The visitors sealed the result late in the game when Johnson Oppong Owusu struck in the 89th minute to double Kotoko’s advantage.

The victory sees Kotoko climb to third place on the league table with 27 points after 15 matches.

Wonders, meanwhile, remain rooted at the bottom of the standings with just six points, as their struggles continue.

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.

The newly transformed modern facility now provides a conducive environment for teaching and learning

A charity-driven organisation, LINAKS Foundation, has renovated and handed over a three-classroom block to Good Shepherd Anglican Basic School at Korle Nkwanta, Koforidua, in the New Juaben South Municipality.

The foundation also donated notebooks, mathematical sets, erasers, sharpeners, and other learning materials to support teaching and learning.

The previous classroom block posed serious risks to pupils and teachers due to its dilapidated state and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

The newly transformed modern facility now provides a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

It is equipped with modern writing boards, desks, a staff common room, and disability-friendly features.

At the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of LINAKS Foundation, Linda Akrasi Kotey, described the facility as a hub for innovation and knowledge.

She noted that it enhances safety, reduces disruptions, and creates a more conducive learning environment.

She urged stakeholders to remain committed to raising educational standards and nurturing future leaders.

“This rehabilitated classroom block is more than just physical infrastructure. It is a space for innovation, focus, and discovery, a place where ideas can grow and theories can turn into practice.

It provides improved safety, reduces disruptions to learning, and creates a cleaner, quieter, and more hygienic environment for our children,” she underscored.

Kotey tasked school authorities and pupils to make good use of the facility, urging teachers to shape young minds with passion and dedication to make the school a beacon of excellence.

She also called on the community to take collective responsibility for maintaining the facility so it can serve future generations.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who commissioned the building, praised the initiative by LINAKS Foundation and encouraged others to give back to society.

“Mrs Kotey once lived in this area, saw the challenges facing the school, and responded accordingly.

This is what government expects from citizens. Let us learn to give back to society,” she appealed.

She further urged the school authorities and the Municipal Director of Education, Haruna Mustapha, to ensure the facility is properly maintained and used for its intended purpose.

The Municipal Director of Education, Haruna Mustapha, expressed gratitude to the foundation and assured that the facility would be put to good use. The Headmistress, Comfort Owusu, also commended Mrs Kotey and the foundation for the impactful donation.

The event attracted high-ranking officials from the corporate sector, security agencies, and leading political parties in the country.

LINAKS Foundation is the charitable arm of the LINAKS Group of Companies.

It aims to give back to society and has, over the years, supported various social causes, particularly in education, healthcare, and the welfare of the aged. The foundation has been in existence for more than 15 years.

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

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

Who deserves to be honoured this year?

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

(RNS) — Eight U.S. Jewish organizations have written a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to rescind the most recent travel ban, especially its restriction on Palestinians with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

The new ban, which Trump issued on Dec. 16, blocks travel to the U.S. for people from Syria, South Sudan, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, as well as people traveling with Palestinian Authority documents — essentially, most Palestinians in the West Bank.

More than 35 countries are now under U.S. travel restrictions. American Jewish groups committed to an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement are particularly concerned that banning Palestinians from the country might undermine the United States’ role as peacemaker.

“Your administration has publicly asserted an interest in stabilizing the Gaza ceasefire and preventing a return to widespread violence, yet this policy moves in the opposite direction,” the letter says. “By further restricting Palestinian travel and engagement, the proclamation weakens and delegitimizes the Palestinian Authority at a moment when its credibility, capacity, and international support are essential.”

The letter was written by the group New Jewish Narrative and co-signed by Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, J Street, the National Council of Jewish Women, the New York Jewish Agenda, Partners for Progressive Israel, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights and The Workers Circle.

Palestinians living in the West Bank can access Palestinian Authority travel documents, sometimes called passports. Palestinians living in Gaza may also accessed them in the past but now have far tighter restrictions on travel.

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Two displaced Palestinians walk past destroyed buildings in the heavily damaged Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, Oct. 11, 2025, after Israel and Hamas agreed to a pause in their war and the release of the remaining hostages. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

After a two-year relentless assault on Gaza by Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Trump laid out a peace plan to end the conflict. The plan envisioned the Palestinian Authority eventually taking over the governance of the Gaza Strip from Hamas.

A travel ban, the letter argues, further weakens the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank.

“The U.S. is claiming to take this role of peacemaker there in the region, which includes the realization of the obvious need for rebuilding Palestinian institutions there,” said Hadar Susskind, president and CEO of the New Jewish Narrative. “For the U.S. to say, ‘Oh yes, we want to make it better, we want to make peace, we want to rebuild Palestinian institutions,’ and then to take this action … is first and foremost going to have a real impact on people’s lives in terms of their ability to come here. But beyond that, politically speaking, it’s yet another blow to undermine the Palestinian Authority.” 

Trump and his top advisers have argued that the restrictions are necessary to protect national security. But he has also shown disdain for immigrants. After last month’s shooting of two National Guard troops, Trump vowed to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries.”

In August, the Trump administration announced it was pausing approvals of visitor visas for people from Gaza after agitator and activist Laura Loomer called incoming flights a “national security threat” in social media posts. She was referring to flights with injured children who were evacuated from Gaza to the U.S. for medical treatment. Loomer is known for her anti-Islam activism.

The new travel restrictions, which go into effect Jan. 1, would most affect an estimated 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank.

The letter says, “This measure does not target specific individuals who pose a credible threat; instead, it forecloses access for students, medical patients, civil society actors, and family members based solely on the documents available to them. At a moment of profound humanitarian need and regional instability, this policy further restricts already limited avenues for lawful travel and engagement, compounding harm to civilians while doing nothing to advance security.”

The letter from the Jewish groups was dated Dec. 23 and is also addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

RELATED: Israel’s Cabinet approves 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank

By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA   

Tema, Dec. 24, GNA – As the Christmas festivities draw near, heavy traffic congestion has been recorded on the Accra–Tema Motorway, stretching from Lapaz towards Tema, causing delays for commuters.  

The congestion is attributed to the ongoing road construction works involving an extension of sections of the motorway, coupled with increased vehicular movement because of the Christmas festivities.  

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stanley Obeng, the Second-in-Command of the Tema Regional Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), advised motorists to exercise patience and practise defensive driving while caught in traffic.  

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Tema, ASP Obeng urged drivers to maintain safe distances from vehicles ahead, to allow for sudden stops.  

He advised motorists to avoid unnecessary lane switching, explaining that frequent lane changes increased the risk of road crashes.  

“Drivers should remain in their lanes. Weaving through traffic usually saves only a few minutes and is a major cause of collisions,” ASP Obeng said.  

He further cautioned road users to stay focused and avoid distractions, particularly the use of mobile phones while driving.  

GNA  

Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo   

By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA   

Tema, Dec. 24, GNA – As the Christmas festivities draw near, heavy traffic congestion has been recorded on the Accra–Tema Motorway, stretching from Lapaz towards Tema, causing delays for commuters.  

The congestion is attributed to the ongoing road construction works involving an extension of sections of the motorway, coupled with increased vehicular movement because of the Christmas festivities.  

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stanley Obeng, the Second-in-Command of the Tema Regional Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), advised motorists to exercise patience and practise defensive driving while caught in traffic.  

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Tema, ASP Obeng urged drivers to maintain safe distances from vehicles ahead, to allow for sudden stops.  

He advised motorists to avoid unnecessary lane switching, explaining that frequent lane changes increased the risk of road crashes.  

“Drivers should remain in their lanes. Weaving through traffic usually saves only a few minutes and is a major cause of collisions,” ASP Obeng said.  

He further cautioned road users to stay focused and avoid distractions, particularly the use of mobile phones while driving.  

GNA  

Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo   

Osman Abdulai Ayariga, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to inclusive youth development and leadership empowerment, citing landmark initiatives implemented in 2025.

Delivering his year-end address, Mr. Ayariga announced the training of 1,000 young people in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity through expanded digital skills partnerships, equipping Ghanaian youth with competencies relevant to the modern economy.

He further revealed the inauguration of the Ghana Youth Federation, a platform established to enhance youth participation in decision-making processes, in line with the NYA Act 939. Additionally, the Authority initiated the establishment of District and Regional Youth Committees to strengthen youth policy implementation at the local level.

Youth leadership and volunteerism were also deepened through the Youth Leadership Fellowship, which mentored and built the capacity of 261 young change-makers nationwide.

On inclusion, Mr. Ayariga announced the establishment of the Network for Youth with Disabilities, following extensive stakeholder engagements aimed at championing disability inclusion in national youth programming.

“Our vision is to nurture a generation of responsible, skilled, and inclusive young leaders who are actively contributing to national development,” he emphasized.

Ghanaian musician, Stonebwoy

In the entertainment industry, Afro dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has disclosed that he does not really have anyone he can identify as a true friend.

In an interview with Joy Entertainment, when asked if he has anyone he could call a friend besides his wife, Stonebwoy said his wife, Dr Louisa Satekla, is his closest companion. However, within the creative industry, he has a few people he respects.

“My wife is… the wife alone is a graduation of all. There’s my friend in there, my lover, my kid’s mom, my bonafide. But when it comes to the industry, I have a few persons that I respect and relate to,” he said.

Stonebwoy-made-hypeman-culture-in-Ghana-attractive-OgeetheMC-2002598″>Stonebwoy made hypeman culture in Ghana attractive – OgeetheMC

Stonebwoy explained that at this moment, he does not consider himself to have a true friend in the industry, as none of his current relationships meet his understanding of genuine friendship.

“But at this particular moment, if I say friend, I do not really have one. Truth be told, I cannot describe any relationship I have right now as a very true friendship, industry-wise, that is, music to music. Understanding what friendship really is, I can’t claim any relationship I have now as friendship; that would be deceiving somebody,” he stated.

The BHIM Nation President, however, clarified that this does not mean there are no people in the industry he respects and relates to.

“But that doesn’t mean that I do not have people that I respect and can relate to,” he added.

Does @stonebwoy really have friends in the music industry?

In this honest moment with @iambecky23, he explains the line between respect, collaboration, and true friendship — and why he’s not afraid of how it’s interpreted. Stonebwoy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Stonebwoy #BhimFestAt10 #JoyEntertainment #Joy997FM… pic.twitter.com/IwrEgXJWSN

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) December 24, 2025

Meanwhile watch highlights of Black Sherif’s performance at Zaama Disco 2025

AK/EB

GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi described the claims as inaccurate and misleading

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has strongly rejected claims contained in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Fifth Review report under Ghana’s three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) incurred losses of about US$214 million under the Gold-for-Reserve (G4R) program.

In its report, the IMF flagged the alleged losses as a key downside risk to Ghana’s broader macroeconomic stabilisation agenda, attributing them largely to trading losses under the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) doré gold transactions component, as well as what it described as “GoldBod off-takers’ fees.”

However, responding in a detailed statement on his Facebook page on December 24, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, described the claims as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that the institution has made no losses in 2025.

GoldBod exceeds 2025 small-scale gold export target – Sammy Gyamfi

“First and foremost, the Ghana Gold Board has made no losses. Rather, the GoldBod has made significant profit or surplus under its gold trading programs in the year 2025,” he stated.

He added that unaudited financial statements published on GoldBod’s website indicate the entity is “set to declare income surplus of not less than GH¢600 million for the year 2025.”

Gyamfi further clarified that GoldBod’s role in 2025 has been limited to the local purchasing, assaying, and export of gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana, stressing that “the selling or trading of gold purchased by GoldBod to off-takers lies in the exclusive domain of the BoG.”

He also dismissed claims regarding off-taker fees, stating, “For the records, there is nothing like ‘GoldBod off-taker fees’ under the ASM gold trading program. That assertion is incorrect.”

According to him, the only fees charged by GoldBod are a statutory Assay Fee of 0.25 percent and a Service Charge of 0.5 percent, both inherited from a 2023 Gold Purchase Agreement between the Bank of Ghana and the now-defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

The GoldBod CEO further disclosed that the institution generated over US$10 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 alone through ASM gold purchases for the Bank of Ghana, contributing significantly to increased reserves and the stabilisation of the cedi.

He added that GoldBod is scheduled to fully take over the ASM gold trading programme in January 2026, describing the future of the sector as “bright for Ghana.”

Read the full statement below:

FKA/MA