The IMF Mission Chief for Ghana, Stéphane Roudet, says Ghana’s economic programme is on track and should end successfully, achieving the targets and structural reforms outlined for the country.

“Another thing that has given us some assurance is that necessary laws have been instituted to enhance fiscal discipline going forward,” Roudet stated during a media interaction with Ghanaian journalists at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

He emphasised that these legal frameworks will help control budget overruns and address debt vulnerabilities.

“What we have been pushing for has already been put in place regarding the laws, and that should act as a check on government spending going forward,” he added.

However, Roudet cautioned that sustaining the programme’s success would heavily depend on Ghana’s commitment to adhering to the programme’s targets and reforms.

“This is not just about today but also about preparations for next year and the 2026 budget, which will be very important,” he stressed.

According to Roudet, so far, things are progressing according to plan under the IMF programme, with no disruptions anticipated—provided the government remains committed to the programme conditions.

“Based on the way things are progressing, we are hopeful that the end-programme targets will be achieved,” he noted.

Background: Rising Concerns About Programme Stability

Despite the IMF’s optimism, some civil society groups and economists have raised concerns about Ghana’s programme possibly veering off track, which could have serious consequences for the economy.

Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Ghana, warned on PM Express on April 24, that Ghana risks missing key targets, especially the crucial revenue-to-GDP ratio and achieving a 55 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio by 2028.

“Already, the current data shows that things might not look good when the programme ends in May 2026,” Simons cautioned.

Some analysts have even suggested that Ghana might need a new programme or request an extension to make up for missed targets and delayed reforms.

Programme Extension Rumours

Addressing these concerns, Roudet firmly dismissed reports that Ghana had started discussions with the IMF for a possible programme extension.

“Programme extension has never been on the table. This is something that we have not been discussing during the Fourth Review mission visit,” he clarified.

“Our focus has been on what should be done to bring the programme back on track,” he added.

Fourth Programme Review and Staff Level Agreement

Roudet explained that the recently completed Fourth Review was based on 2024 targets and the government’s commitments for 2025.

He responded to concerns that the Staff Level Agreement was based solely on 2024 progress, clarifying that both past performance and the government’s pledged corrective measures for 2025 were considered.

“We factored in what happened in 2024 and the commitment by the government to implement measures addressing challenges realised in previous months,” Roudet concluded.

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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is set to resume mediation efforts between the two factions involved in the ongoing Bawku conflict on Monday, April 28.

This follows assurance by President John Mahama that the peace process led by the Asantehene would continue as part of national efforts to restore calm in the troubled region.

In a statement issued on April 15, the Asantehene confirmed that the mediation sessions will take place from April 28 to May 1 at his palace in Kumasi to resolve the Bawku disturbances.

Security Analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired) has called for enhanced support of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation efforts in the protracted Bawku conflict by adopting multi-track diplomacy.​

In an opinion piece released on Monday, Colonel Aboagye emphasized the importance of incorporating various societal actors into the peace process.

He suggested the inclusion of diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks to foster a more comprehensive and enduring resolution.​

“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

Every March, Ghana celebrates its independence and cultural heritage during Ghana Month. The country comes alive with vibrant displays of Kente cloth, handwoven Fugu, and the intricate patterns of Adinkra and Tie-dye. But behind this colourful celebration lies a crisis threatening the very fabric of the nation. Ghana faces growing challenges associated with textile waste.

While the trade in second-hand clothing began with good intentions, the trade has evolved into a dynamic but complex system, raising concerns about environmental degradation, economic strain, and public health. While the global fashion industry thrives, Ghana shoulders the hidden cost of its waste with overflowing landfills, choked waterways, worsening floods, poisoned air, and a broken circular economy.

This is not a new problem. For over a decade, researchers, NGOs, and both local and international partners have sounded the alarm through studies, reports, and pilot projects. However, despite all these warnings, conversations, and projects that have been done on textile waste, implementation has lagged.

The Rise of Obroni Wawu and the Collapse of Local Sustainability.

Ghana’s relationship with used clothing, locally known as obroni wawu (“dead white man’s clothes”), dates back to the 1960s. Initially, these imported garments arrived as charity, filling clothing gaps in communities in need. Over time, the trade evolved into a lucrative industry. Today, second-hand clothes have become a staple of the local fashion economy. In 2023 alone, Ghana imported over $93 million worth of used garments, mainly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China (UN Comtrade, 2023).

Markets like Kantamanto in Accra and Kejetia in Kumasi are now bustling hubs where thousands of traders, many of them women, make a living through repairing, reselling, and repurposing used clothing. Yet, beneath this entrepreneurial spirit lies a brutal economic and environmental reality; the majority of these clothes are not wearable.

The OR Foundation, a non-profit working closely with Kantamanto traders, estimates that around 40% of clothing imports become immediate waste, much of which ends up in informal dumpsites or is burned, posing health risks and contributing to air pollution. In contrast, the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUDCA) disputes these figures, suggesting that only 5% of imports become waste. This stark contrast underscores the need for transparent, data-driven analysis and accountability.

Every week, approximately 15 million garments, primarily secondhand clothing, arrive at Ghana’s ports, predominantly from the Global North. While this trade supports thousands of livelihoods in places like Accra’s Kantamanto Market, it also generates an overwhelming amount of textile waste.

The impact is visible and devastating. Take the Korle Lagoon in Accra, once a thriving water body, now a dumping ground for textile waste. Or the flooded streets of Accra, where choked drainage systems filled with discarded clothing worsen every rainy season.

In 2023, the World Bank approved $150 million under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project to manage flood risks partly caused by textile and plastic waste blocking drains.

Most of these textile waste contains synthetic polyester, nylon, and acrylic, and will take hundreds of years to decompose. They also leach microplastics into rivers and oceans, contaminate food chain systems, and contribute to air and water pollution.

Burning unsellable clothes, a common disposal method, releases hazardous toxins like dioxins and furans. These contribute to rising respiratory illnesses among traders and residents in nearby communities. Landfills such as Kpone are overflowing, with clothing waste spilling into informal settlements and local streams.

Though the second-hand trade supports livelihoods and provides affordable clothing, the cost of managing this waste far exceeds the benefits. The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources estimates that millions of cedis are spent annually clearing textile waste from drains and dumpsites.

Meanwhile, Ghana is missing out on the economic potential of a circular textile economy. Globally, less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new clothing. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2022), Ghana could generate over $100 million annually by investing in textile recycling infrastructure, creating green jobs and boosting local industry.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Action

One idea gaining traction is the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which require fashion brands to manage post-consumer waste. Though Ghana currently lacks mandatory EPR laws for textiles, conversations are gaining momentum. In 2022, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation flagged Ghana as a critical country for EPR adoption. Other organisations like Landfills2Landmarks have also hosted events highlighting the game-changing potential of such policies.

Scale up successful recycling models. Initiatives like Upcycle Ghana have shown the potential of transforming textile waste into insulation, household goods, and fashion accessories. However, these projects remain small-scale due to limited funding. If investment can go into recycling plants, incentivising upcycling startups, and partnering with academic institutions to refine technology, Ghana can turn waste into wealth.

Empower the Kantamanto community. Kantamanto’s traders are not just victims, they’re innovators. They’ve developed Pre-shipment quality control proposals, Waste collection cooperatives, and upcycled fashion microenterprises. Their ideas, documented in studies by WIEGO and the OR Foundation (2020–2023), remain overlooked by policymakers. Empowering trader-led initiatives like the Kantamanto Resilience Fund could provide microgrants, training, and leadership in waste reduction.

Launch a national awareness campaign. In order to change behaviour, Ghana must invest in public education about fashion waste, sustainable consumption, and local textile pride. Campaigns celebrating Ghana-made garments and discouraging disposable fashion could reduce demand for fast fashion imports and revive support for local artisans.

Invest in Local Research and Data Synthesis. Several organisations have conducted research on Ghana’s textile waste crisis, but the findings often vary and lack coherence. There is an urgent need for the government and key stakeholders to invest in comprehensive, nationally representative research to establish accurate data. Synthesising existing research and aligning recommendations can serve as a solid foundation for informed policymaking and practical solutions.

The Pathforward

The European Union is already taking bold steps to solve the textile waste crisis through its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and mandatory EPR laws require brands to ensure garments are durable, recyclable, and responsibly discarded. By 2030, textiles sold in the EU must meet strict environmental criteria.

I believe we in Ghana cannot afford to wait for change abroad to trickle down. We must develop homegrown policies to protect our people, our environment, and our cultural identity.

Our ancestors wore garments that were handmade, meaningful, and enduring. Today, that legacy is under threat due to pollution, inaction, and exploitation.

The issue of textile waste in Ghana raises more questions than answers.

• Who should bear the cost of disposing of second-hand fashion waste?
• Can upcycling create meaningful, long-term jobs?
• Should we regulate the volume or quality of second-hand imports?
• How can Ghana’s young innovators help shape a circular future?

With growing interest in projects like Landfills2Landmarks, Worn Again Ghana, and the rise of EPR advocacy, the question remains: How might Ghana and its partners shape a future where culture, commerce, and sustainability coexist?” Will Ghana continue as a dumping ground or rise as a global leader in circular fashion innovation?

The next time you see a pile of burning clothes in Kantamanto or a flooded street in Accra, remember that the problem is not inevitable. It may be a consequence of policy choices, consumer habits, or global inequality.

It’s time to start that conversation.

What are your thoughts? Should Ghana develop its fashion waste regulations or adapt existing global models? How can we empower local innovators to lead the way?

Join the dialogue. Share your views. The path to a circular fashion future begins with bold questions and even bolder collaborations.

*****

The writer is a Development Communicator and SDG Advocate. She can be reached via email at hildaakuasiedu@gmail.com

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At least 155 staff of banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions (SDIs) were dismissed in 2024 for their involvement in fraudulent activities, the latest annual fraud report from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has revealed.

Of these, 83 dismissals — representing 54 per cent — were linked specifically to cash theft and suppression, the dominant form of internal financial misconduct.

The report, which covers banks, SDIs, and payment service providers (PSPs), paints a concerning picture of rising insider threats within the financial sector. Staff involvement in fraud jumped by 33 per cent in 2024, with 365 employees implicated in various offences, up from 274 in the previous year.

“Cash theft/suppression remains the most prevalent staff-related fraud, accounting for 75% of reported internal cases,” the report stated. It also noted that despite the scale of offences, only 43% of staff involved were actually dismissed — a trend blamed on protracted legal procedures that discourage institutions from fully pursuing justice.

The Bank of Ghana expressed deep concern about the “consistent and steady increase in regulated financial institutions’ staff involvement in fraudulent activities,” and called for immediate improvements in internal control systems. It urged banks and SDIs to intensify recruitment background checks, reinforce professional training, and ensure diligent prosecution of offenders to deter future breaches.

The BoG’s 2024 report also documented a broader increase in fraudulent activity across the financial ecosystem. A total of 16,733 fraud cases were recorded last year, up from 15,865 in 2023 — representing a five per cent increase. While fraud cases in traditional banks decreased slightly, those within the SDI and PSP sectors saw noticeable rises.

The most dramatic spike was seen in forgery and document manipulation, with the value at risk ballooning to GH¢53.5 million — nearly eight times the GH¢6.9 million recorded in 2023. This category alone accounted for 67 per cent of the total fraud value risk recorded by banks and SDIs. The surge was primarily driven by one major outlier case involving GH¢53 million.

Similarly, identity theft saw significant growth, with losses increasing from GH¢0.6 million in 2023 to GH¢5.7 million in 2024. The report attributed this spike to weak due diligence practices and poor verification processes using Ghana Cards.

In total, the value at risk from fraud across banks, SDIs, and PSPs reached approximately GH¢99 million in 2024, up 13 per cent from GH¢88 million the previous year. Of this, about GH¢75 million related to risks faced by banks alone.

Despite these high figures, only GH¢3 million — representing four per cent of the total at risk — was recovered. The BoG acknowledged that prolonged legal battles remain a major obstacle to recovering stolen funds and restoring public confidence.

The Payment Service Provider (PSP) sector alone recorded 15,673 fraud cases with a value at risk of GH¢19 million, representing increases of seven per cent and 18 per cent, respectively.

The BoG urged continued collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to create a “zero tolerance culture” toward fraud. It said it will continue publishing the annual fraud report to promote transparency and safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s financial sector.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that he will l lead the country by example.

Speaking at the maiden Four-Day Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme Retreat at Ada in the Greater Accra Region, President Mahama reaffirmed his own commitment to work hard to transform Ghana’s economy.

“I’ll lead by example. I will stay true to the values I am asking of you. Discipline, transparency, and accountability,” the President told the Ministers.

“And please remember, when any of us fall short, I will not hesitate to act. Ghana deserves nothing less. Let us leave here with renewed determination. Let us work not for applause but for results. Let us leave with honour.”

“And let us remember always that the true measure of our success will be the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.”

President Mahama said the retreat with its theme Re-Imagining Leadership in a Reset Ghana”, was more than symbolic.

“It is a call to action. We are not here simply to orient Ministers. We’re here to shape a collective mindset, a shared vision for leadership that is people-centered, that is innovative, transparent, and that is transformational.”

The President reminded the Ministers that the destiny of their Party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their future success depends on the legacy that this current administration would establish.

“And so, we must give it our all. We must work together to make our party’s future successful,” he stated.

The President said his Administration would pursue bold reforms through initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy and the Big Push.

He noted that these would create jobs, expand infrastructure, boost productivity, and position Ghana as a leader not only in West Africa but in Africa.

He reiterated that to do this, they must attract investment, both local and international.

“We must build trust. We must be a government that investors believe in, that the private sector can partner with, and that the Ghanaian people can count on,” President Mahama said.

He said they must leverage their comparative advantages to build prosperity for their people.

“And this is why this retreat includes critical conversations not just amongst ourselves as ministers but also with the private sector and development partners because we cannot walk this journey alone,” President Mahama said.

He said development today requires strong collaboration, innovative financing, and shared responsibility; saying, “we must also be clear-eyed about the broader context”.

President Mahama said the world was changing rapidly and that global power dynamics were shifting; as well as climate change, which was threatening livelihoods.

The President said terrorism was creeping into the West Africa sub-region and that Aid was also declining, whereas the multilateral system was under pressure.

He said in all these, Ministers and Government appointees must work to make their dear nation Ghana rise.

“We must play our part in defending multilateralism, promoting peace, and advancing the African agenda,” President Mahama said.

“We must take our place not as passive recipients of charity but as co-creators of a more equitable global order.

“And this is why we must train and nurture leaders within and beyond government who understand the stakes and can rise to the moment.”

Commenting on the structure of the ministerial retreat, President Mahama said the session on Cabinet and Government orientation were essential; declaring that they would guide them in understanding not only how to execute their mandates but how to work as a team.

“Government is a collective enterprise. Success depends on not just individual performance but on how we align our efforts across the sectors,” the President said.

“I want each of you to leave this retreat with a clarity of purpose and with the humility to keep learning. This job is not about knowing it all. It is about listening. It is about engaging. It is about adapting. And eventually, it’s about delivering.”

President Mahama thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued partnership with Ghana and for its instrumental role in making Ministerial Retreat possible.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was the guest speaker at the event urged President Mahama to invest more in Ghana’s educational sector as part of efforts to accelerate the nation’s socioeconomic development.

“If we must move Africa forward, then Ghana must move forward.”

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Apr – 27 – 2025 , 23:59

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Burkina Faso has granted an industrial mining licence to Russian miner Nordgold for a gold project, the military-led West African government said, aiming to capitalise on record-high gold prices to strengthen an economy hit by insecurity.

The move signals deepening economic ties between Russia and Burkina Faso, as the junta that seized power in 2022 continues its pivot away from traditional Western allies towards Moscow.

The Niou gold deposit, located in the Kourweogo province of Burkina’s Plateau-Central region, covers 52.8 square kilometres (20.4 square miles) within the exploration licence area held by Jilbey Burkina, which is now owned by Nordgold. Nordgold already operates the Bissa and Bouly mines.

The council of ministers said late Thursday that the Niou mine was expected to yield approximately 20.22 metric tons of gold over its eight-year lifetime.

Jilbey Burkina will retain an 85% stake in the project, while the Burkinabe government will hold the remaining 15% without financial contribution, in accordance with the country’s new mining regulations.

The project will contribute 51.5 billion CFA francs ($89 million) to the state’s budget over its lifespan and 7.06 billion CFA francs to the state’s mineral wealth fund, the council of ministers said.

Gold prices have risen by over 25% this year, fuelled by geopolitical instability and U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

Burkina Faso, which has been fighting Islamist militants since 2015, is a major gold producer. According to non-governmental organisation Swissaid, which analyses mining, the country produced over 57 tons in 2023.

Mining companies operating there include Canada’s IAMGOLD and Endeavour Mining and Australia’s West African Resources Ltd.

“The cooperation with Nordgold and other industrial mines is important (for Burkina’s government) as the country faces a budget crunch,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

However, the Niou project will be located in a large artisanal mining area and might deprive the people working as artisanal miners of key income, he said.

The government said the mine could generate 204 jobs, while also helping sustain employment at the nearby Bissa Gold SA mine.

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Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited (ofi), one of the leading ingredients companies in the country and exporter of cocoa and cashew, has paid a courtesy visit to the new leadership of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) at their East Legon Office in Accra to strengthen ties, drive innovation and explore new opportunities to advance Ghana’s cashew sector.

The delegation, led by Mr. Raphael Yussif Amankwa, General Manager of the cashew business, met with key figures at the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to congratulate them on their appointment and initiate a collaborative engagement.

Officials who met the delegation from Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited included the Ag Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Deputy CEO (Operations), Mr Rich Kofi Kofituo, former Deputy CEO (Finance), Mr Yaw Oteng, and a Cashew Value Chain Specialist, Mr. Boabeng Adams.

Receiving the delegation from ofi, Dr Andy Osei Okrah commended the team for the visit and discussed the Authority’s plans for the immediate future. He indicated that the Tree Crops Development Authority had renewed plans to strengthen institutional structures and boost local cashew processing.

On his part, Mr Amankwa emphasized the company’s commitment to the shared values. He said,

“At ofi, our focus is beyond procurement; we invest in the farmer’s wellbeing. We aim to build resilient farming communities by distributing quality cashew seedlings, training on Good Agricultural Practices, and supporting additional livelihood ventures like beekeeping. This visit to TCDA marks a key step in strengthening collaboration between the Authority and private sector actors like ofi as we work together to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s cashew sector.”

The visit reaffirmed ofi’s commitment to working closely with regulatory bodies to drive innovation and sustainability within the sector. With aligned visions and open dialogue, both ofi and TCDA are poised to build a strong foundation for impactful partnerships that will benefit Ghana’s farmers, processors, and the broader agricultural landscape.

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Coach Abdul-Karim Zito made a dream start to his tenure at Asante Kotoko, guiding the Porcupine Warriors to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium yesterday.

Kwame Poku’s decisive 26th-minute strike secured all three points for Kotoko, reviving their title ambitions with just five matches remaining in the season. 

The win moves Kotoko to within three points of leaders Bibiani Gold Stars, though they remain in fourth place.
Aduana FC, meanwhile, continue to struggle, sitting 11th with 38 points from 29 matches.

Gold Stars lose

Elsewhere, at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex, league leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars, stumbled with a 2-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Vision FC. Edward Agyemang’s 55th-minute effort and Edmond Asante’s 86th-minute goal secured a crucial victory for Vision, lifting them to 14th, four points above the drop zone.

Despite the loss, Gold Stars cling to the top spot with 53 points. Second-placed Nations FC failed to capitalise on Gold Stars’ slip, when they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Berekum Chelsea.

A 29th-minute penalty converted by Stephen Amankona gave Chelsea the edge, propelling them to eighth on the standings while Nations FC remain just two points off the top.

Defending champions, FC Samartex 1996, continued their strong end to the season with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Basake Holy Stars at the Nsenkyire Arena. 

Baba Musah Hamadu opened the scoring early before Emmanuel Mammah added a brace to seal an emphatic win. Samartex now sit fifth with 45 points, while Holy Stars are dangerously close to the relegation zone in 12th.

Lions devour Legon Cities

Legon Cities’ relegation fears deepened after a 1-0 home defeat to title hopefuls Kpando Heart of Lions. Christian Agyenim Boateng’s first-half strike condemned Legon Cities to their 18th defeat of the season, leaving them firmly rooted in the relegation zone with 25 points.

Heart of Lions, tied on points with Kotoko, sit third, just three points off the summit.

At the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Karela United’s struggles continued with a 2-1 home loss to Dreams FC.

Early strikes from Abdul Razak Salifu and Joseph Esso gave Dreams a comfortable lead before Malik Abubakar’s late effort for Karela. 

However, it was too little too late, leaving Karela deep in the relegation scrap while Dreams secure a solid mid-table standing.

Gabon’s Constitutional Court on Friday confirmed Brice Oligui Nguema won the Central African nation’s April 12 presidential election, official results showed.

Nguema is set to be inaugurated on May 3, marking the beginning of his seven-year term.

He secured victory against seven other candidates, garnering 58,074 votes, which accounts for 94.85% of the total, according to the court.

In August 2023, Nguema led a coup that ended 56 years of rule by former President Ali Bongo and his family. He has pledged to boost agriculture, industry, and tourism while diversifying the economy of the oil-rich nation.

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Residents of Dzelukope, a suburb of Keta in the Volta Region, are in a state of shock and panic after a man believed to be in his early 60s was found dead in a stagnant water in the area. 

The tragic incident was suspected to have occurred during the midnight of Monday, April 21, during this year’s Easter picnic. 

Mr Gideon Foli Ashiagbor, a unit committee member of the area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the incident happened in the water between Togbi Dzelu’s road and the seashore in the community.  

“I received a call on Tuesday, April 22, that a lifeless body of a man who is believed to be around 60 years old was floating on the water, which sparked fear among the residents,” he said. 

He said that the body of the deceased was later retrieved from the water and was identified by families as Mr Atileto Edo.  

Mr Ashiagbor said further information gathered revealed that the deceased was energetic, healthy and with a sound mind without complaints of sickness before his death, with the sudden demise raising speculations and suspicions. 

“An examination of the body of the deceased showed signs of bruises on the forehead and blood oozing from the nose, raising suspicions of foul play.” 

He said the incident has been reported to the Keta Police, who conveyed the body to the Keta Municipal hospital morgue for further examination and autopsy. 

Mr Ashiagbor urged the residents to remain calm and assist the police in their investigations to unravel the perpetrators of the heinous crime and to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic death. 

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The Nalerigu District Court in the North East Region has remanded into police custody a man who allegedly robbed a mobile money vendor of GH¢300,000 at Bunkpurugu. 

Waliu Fazazi, with other accomplices at large, allegedly committed the crime on April 23, 2025. 

Police, in briefing the Court, said investigations established that Fazazi approached the mobile money vendor under the pretext of withdrawing GH¢15,000.

Fazazi claimed the money was being sent by his brother but was delayed due to network challenges.  

During the process, two masked men, one of whom was armed, emerged and demanded the vendor’s bag containing the day’s proceeds.  

They subsequently fired warning shots and fled the scene with the money on a motorbike, the court heard. 

The accused was arraigned on Friday, April 25, and remanded into Police custody. 

He is to reappear on May 9, 2025. 

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Presiding Bishop of Victory Bible Church International, Bishop Nii Appiakai Tackie-Yarboi

The Presiding Bishop of Victory Bible Church International, Bishop Nii Appiakai Tackie-Yarboi, has called on Christians to cease unnecessary competition within the church.

“The church is endowed with different kinds of gifts, so much so that there should be no competition if everybody exercises their gifts,” he explained.

He made these remarks while preaching on the topic of “Diversities of Gifts” at the Holy Ghost Sanctuary of the Victory Bible Church International in New York, USA.

Bishop Tackie-Yarboi highlighted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ signifies that God has bestowed various gifts upon people.

He referenced Ephesians 4:7-8, which states: “Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift.

Therefore, it says, ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and He bestowed gifts on men.”

He admonished senior pastors to provide opportunities for younger individuals, stressing that leaders will not remain in their positions forever.

“It should be every leader’s wish to train people to do better than themselves rather than to compete with the gifted ones. Doesn’t every parent wish for their child to do better and accomplish more?” he asked.

“Using the example of passing a baton in a relay race, he explained that the one behind must hand it over properly to avoid being disqualified or losing the race. Unfortunately, “he noted.

He pointed out that competition in the church often stems from individuals refusing to utilize their gifts and talents, leading to envy among congregants.

“The sky is too big for two birds to collide. Christians must complement each other rather than compete with one another,” he added.

Bishop Tackie-Yarboi concluded his sermon by quoting Romans 12:6: “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed.”

He encouraged parents to help their children discover their unique talents and gifts.

KA

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

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The Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) has held a forum for its members to sensitise them about the implications of the 2025 Budget on their businesses.

Dubbed the “2025 Budget in Perspective”, the event brought together members of the chamber.

Two famous public speakers, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School and Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, shared insightful perspectives on how the private sector can navigate challenges that the national budget poses to the private sector.

Professor Bokpin, who spoke on the “2025 Budget Statement and the Future of the IMF-Support Programme”, urged the private sector to hold the government accountable all the time since they contribute taxes and levies to the State

He expressed worry about the challenging business environment in Ghana, describing the high inflation of 22% and lending rates of an average of 32% as too high, creating uncertainty and affecting business planning.

 “Ghana’s inflation of 22% is too high and creates uncertainty and affects business planning. For Ghana to have an enabling business environment, we should have an interest rate of 8% or lower and repayment period of 15 years.”

He added that the growth rate of 4% is insufficient, saying the Gross Domestic Product growth that would make Ghanaians happy is 7% consistently year-on-year.

Ghana’s Biggest Challenge is Repayment of Loans – Joe Jackson

Mr. Jackson, for his part, said the biggest challenge facing the country is the repayment of huge loans.

Speaking on the “Implication of the Budget on the Private Sector”, he noted that “The biggest risk lies with our huge debt. In the next three years, the government will pay 150 billion cedis as interest on domestic debt, about 11.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

“Our woes were triggered by over-borrowing. It was sad for the government to spend 47% of its tax revenue on servicing debt. The public debt was GH¢ 291 billion in 2020, approximately 76.1% of GDP, interest to interest-to-revenue ratio was 47%. That was how bad the situation was. It got worse with time, he added.

He continued that Ghana’s exchange rate problems are due to the large interest payments to external investors and, to some extent, the repatriation of dividends to foreign investors.

Show More Interest in Economy – Linda Vasnani to Members

President of CANCHAM, Linda Vasnani, urged businesses to show more interest in the performance of the economy to enable them to plan well and navigate the challenges.

She expressed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting its members to grow.

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The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old taxi driver suspected of being involved in the murder of a young woman at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality. 

Robert Kwabena Boamah, 34, was arrested from his hideout at Namong, near Offinso, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, upon a tip-off. 

A statement signed by DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, and issued in Kumasi, said the suspect, after the arrest, was found to be very weak.

Upon interrogation, he confessed to drinking a bottle of weedicide in an attempt to take his own life after killing the lady, identified as Dorothy Owusu Annor. 

According to the statement, on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Police received a distress call from the Tanoso Electoral area in the Kwadaso Municipality, reporting that the body of a young woman had been found near the Mighty Jesus Educational Complex, at Dominase, near Abuakwa. 

A team of police officers were dispatched to the scene, where the deceased was identified by family members as Dorothy Owusu Annor, also known as Maa Abena, aged 23. 

The body was carefully examined and found to have multiple stab wounds.  

Preliminary investigations also uncovered an abandoned Opel Astra taxicab with registration number AS8575-Y, with its ignition key at the scene.

Further investigation established that the abandoned vehicle belonged to the suspect, Robert Kwabena Boamah, who was later tracked down and arrested. 

Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to committing the crime. 

According to the statement, after his arrest, the suspect appeared weak and, upon further questioning, he confessed to attempting to take his own life by drinking a bottle of weedicide. 

He was immediately taken to the Abuakwa Polyclinic, where he received treatment and was subsequently discharged. 

The statement said efforts were currently underway to arraign the suspect before the court to face justice. 

The Ashanti Regional Police command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to pursue justice for victims of violent crime, the statement concluded. 

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April 27, 2025April 27, 2025

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