File photo of Afia Schwarzenegger and Apostle Isaac Owusu Bempah
Social media critic, Afia Schwarzenegger has descended into the gutters with popular religious leader, Apostle Isaac Owusu Bempah.
It could be recalled that prior to the December 7, 2024 general elections, Apostle Owusu Bempah was very vehement about the New Patriotic Party losing the elections.
He predicted an abysmal result for the party which was then in power and post-election, the vociferous General Overseer of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International has not ceased making further commentaries about the party.
His recent comments have suggested that the New Patriotic Party should elect Kennedy Agyapong, a former Assin Central lawmaker and NPP presidential aspirant in 2024, to lead the party into the 2028 elections.
Owusu Bempah also hopes for the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, to extend his tenure or appoint a successor who he asserted he will give his spiritual backing to him (the successor) to win the next presidential election.
Following Owusu Bempah’s constant comments which are usually made in front of his congregation, Afia Schwarzenegger has expressed her utter displeasure with the renowned prophet’s incessant attacks on the New Patriotic Party.
In an episode on her TikTok show, Afia slammed Owusu Bempah stating he should channel his energy on finding a woman to marry after his unsuccessful attempts.
It is a known fact that Owusu Bempah has not been lucky with settling down with a woman as his wife and to Afia, the religious leader should leave the NPP alone and pray to get married.
“Prophesy to yourself to get married. I am warning you, Owusu Bempah. Focus on getting married; stop your attacks on the NPP,” she exclaimed.
She further queried Owusu Bempah, asking “what confusion has been set in your life that is making it difficult for you to settle down with a woman?”
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Deputy Communications Director, Jennifer Oforiwa Queen, has taken a swipe at Energy Minister John Jinapor, accusing him of indirectly assisting criminal activity through his constant commentary on Ghana’s electricity challenges.
According to her, the minister’s repeated public statements about power outages—commonly known as dumsor—are not just political jabs, but serve as advance notice for armed robbers to plan their attacks.
In a moment of grace and celebration, Nigeria marks the 94th birthday of a national icon and trailblazer—Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, the very first Miss Nigeria. Her life is a testament to elegance, ambition, and service, setting a standard for generations of women across the country.
Chief Oyelude was crowned Miss Nigeria in 1957, a time when the concept of pageantry was still new to Nigeria. Her remarkable poise and intellect won the hearts of many, making her the face of beauty and womanhood in a rapidly evolving society. But beyond the crown and sash, she charted a path that would impact many more lives beyond the spotlight.
A former employee of the United Africa Company (UAC), Chief Oyelude used the prize money from her pageant win to pursue her dreams abroad. She traveled to the United Kingdom, where she studied nursing and midwifery. Upon qualifying, she returned to Nigeria and devoted her life to healthcare and public service.
Her distinguished career as a registered nurse and midwife stands as a beacon of service and excellence. Chief Oyelude worked across various regions of Nigeria, touching lives and mentoring many in the medical profession. Her life reflects not only physical beauty but also the inner beauty of compassion, intelligence, and resilience.
Nollywood actress Rita Dominic took to social media to honor the icon, writing:
“Happy 94th birthday to the trailblazing Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, the 1st Miss Nigeria. Celebrating her legacy that set the standards for beauty and grace in Nigeria. Her timeless beauty has inspired generations and continues to shine bright.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we also acknowledge the path she paved for Nigerian women to shine on both local and international stages. Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude is not just the first Miss Nigeria—she is a national treasure whose legacy continues to inspire.
Happy Birthday, Chief Grace Oyelude. May your days be filled with joy and continued honor.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEK Ghana (EWG), organised by Blacvolta Multimedia, Party Extra, and Q Bespoke, is an initiative that aims to promote the creative industry in Ghana, focusing on entertainment, music, film, and other related sectors.
The event targets innovative investment in the entertainment industry, seeking to attract investors, partners, and stakeholders to support the growth and development of the sector.
Speaking at the EWG brunch held last Sunday, Creative Architect Q Bespoke Africa, Kwamina Quansah, mentioned that the primary aim of the initiative is to drive growth, creativity, and innovation in the entertainment industry, ultimately contributing to Ghana’s economic and cultural development.
“This initiative we are championing is not only to have fun and enjoy ourselves but it is also tailored to attract the investor community to support creatives, which can contribute to Ghana’s economic growth and development. It is also aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals, alongside promoting Ghanaian culture, music, and film, both locally and internationally,” he mentioned.
Founder and Creative Director of Blacvolta, Joseph Adjei, on his part mentioned that the central part of the initiative has to do with the global entertainment summit which has the likes of Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, Bola Ray, Mr. Eazi, Debbtaa Boateng among others as proposed speakers for the panel discussion.
He also added that an award scheme, ‘The Novas” has been instituted to honour some 15 deserving entertainers who over the years have contributed immensely to the development of the sector. Some of the categories include Creative Entrepreneur, Fashion and Style Icon, and Visual Story Teller among others.
Co-founder of Entertainment Week Ghana, De Graft Oppong, also mentioned that a section of the initiative dubbed the “Deal Room,” will be an exclusive forum where venture capital firms and tech-driven entrepreneurs can connect. This initiative aims to spur investment and foster strategic partnerships by enabling selected innovators to present their ideas to a panel of investors and industry leaders.
He also mentioned other activities such as the Airwaves, Fashion Showcase, Creator Mixer and Sound System, which is the closing event to climax the Entertainment week with electrifying live performances from top disc jockeys.
The initiative is strongly backed by the Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment as well as Diaspora Affairs Ghana among other media partners.
Our lead story yesterday was headlined “Ato Forson Hails GoldBod For Cedi Stabilisation”.
The story captured the sentiment of the Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson while inaugurating the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
The Finance Minister attributed the current somewhat stability of the Cedi to the establishment of the GoldBod.
Many questioned how within a few months of the creation of a GoldBod and much later, a board could impact on the strength of the Cedi.
Economic policies take time to fruit. For a new government which is yet to find its feet at the throttles, no new policy could have yielded fruits so soon. Such ‘Alice in Wonderland’ stories should not feature in our public discourse because they have the tendency to insult the intelligence of right-thinking citizens of this country, and in fact foreigners who observe the developments in the country. After all, we belong to a global village whose international financial institutions we turn to when we are distressed, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank representatives here in Ghana monitoring every economic policy move that we take.
One of the innovations of the previous regime was the use of the country’s gold reserve in the vault of the apex bank to shore the Cedi and to protect it from the vagaries of the international currency market.
The Governor of the apex bank was right when he attributed the positive outcome to the hard work of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Governance being a continuum, we must as a people, both the government and the governed, give credit where this is due.
Such credits encourage our compatriots when they take their turn to serve in government to do even more.
No government can complete the task of development. We undertake our part and let others continue.
There is no doubt that the impact of whatever policy interventions the current government is undertaking will not bear fruits immediately. This presupposes that the fruits being observed now are the results of work undertaken by the previous government, and this must be acknowledged.
Some appointees of the current government must be congratulated for recognising the work done by their predecessors.
The obnoxious practice of running down our predecessors and creating the impression that they did nothing to advance the cause of the nation is wrong and unethical.
The positive impact of the Gold-For-Oil policy, which the former Vice President originated, is what has accounted for some of the economic dividends being felt in the country today. This has expectedly attracted the attention of countries like Namibia, which seeks to replicate it.
We recall the recent visit to the medical drone system by some government appointees. It was such a refreshing spectacle to behold when persons who previously derided the project, one of them even claiming it was going to be used to watch naked women in bathrooms, marveled at the innovation. Although this was balderdash and simply ignored by responsible Ghanaians, it testified to how lowly some Ghanaians in the name of partisan politics can think.
It is time to grow and to consider our country first in all that we do, and to remember that one government cannot do everything within the four-year mandate given by the people, the rest waiting to be continued by others.
Child Rights International (CRI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has strongly condemned the recent evacuation operation by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), describing it as a gross violation of child protection standards and a national emergency requiring urgent redress.
The operation, which occurred on May 16, 2025, saw the arrest of over 2,000 street beggars from key urban hotspots including Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle in the Greater Accra Region.
Residents in North East Region have been urged to remain vigilant to report immediately suspected cholera symptoms to health facilities in the region.
This forms part of proactive steps by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to prevent any potential cholera outbreak in various communities in the region.
The Health Promotion Division Manager of the GHS, Ms Patience Boahen, stated this here in Gambaga at a media engagement.
The purpose of the media engagement was to educate the people on their platforms the need for them to report any symptoms of cholera in their areas for early treatment.
She said it was important for residents to report timely for treatment of diarrhea and its
related symptoms, stating that “Although the North East Region has not recorded any cholera cases yet but we cannot also wait for it to strike before we start any actions.”
Ms Boahen noted that the rains had just started and one of the things that spreads the disease was an open defecation.
She added that the faeces were going to be washed with the rain and some of them would end up in their river bodies where members of the community would fetch the water to drink, and that could be a potential source of cholera
She further mentioned that her outfit was encouraging the residents to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration.
Ms Boahen indicated that they believed in working together as a team to prevent any outbreak in the region.
“Our outfit is doing all this education as a preventive measure against any possible outbreak in the region to prevent residents from getting the cholera disease,” she emphasised.
This, she stressed, was important for the media to help them educate the residents to be aware of the symptoms of the disease, and for early detection and report to the health facility for immediate actions
The economist indicated that the majority of goods sold in Ghana are imported
Ghanaian economist, Mr Emmanuel Amoah, has revealed that the cost of many goods sold in Ghana remains unchanged despite the cedi’s strength due to long shipping times.
“There are certain goods that take time to buy and time to sell. Cars, for instance, unlike consumables like tomatoes, will take some time before the change reflects in their pricing,” he stated.
Speaking in an interview on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy Morning Show, the economist indicated that the majority of goods sold in Ghana are imported and purchased at high prices.
“The turnaround time that traders observe is highly important because it is also a factor that contributes to the pricing of goods,” he explained.
Mr Amoah encouraged traders to set prices that correlate with the strength of the cedi against the dollar, as other sectors implement changes.
“Once the cedi has been strengthened, you should do the right thing by also allowing the changes to reflect in the pricing of your goods,” he urged.
On Saturday, May 24, Polo Beach Club will transform into a multisensory haven of heritage and elegance as it hosts Grains of Empire, a special cultural experience curated by LAFA, La Foundation for Arts.
The event will blend gastronomy, music, poetry, and African history into a compelling evening along Accra’s iconic coastline.
Designed as an intimate celebration of Africa’s culinary and cultural legacy, Grains of Empire invites guests to explore the continent’s deep-rooted stories through a carefully curated 3-course dinner, live orchestral performance, spoken word interludes, and textile storytelling—all set against the stunning backdrop of Polo Beach Club at sunset.
Beyond its artistic offering, the evening also champions a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting children with diverse needs through art therapy, reaffirming the organisers’ commitment to using culture as a vehicle for healing and social good.
“Grains of Empire is a reminder that our stories are powerful tools of healing, memory, and connection. We are proud to use this platform to not only honour African history but to give back to children whose voices need to be seen and heard through art,” a Polo Beach Club representative said.
The event is open to the public with limited seating, and guests are encouraged to make reservations early and be on time.
Attendees can expect an elegant yet soulful experience rooted in Africa’s rich culinary and creative traditions.
The Minerals Commission has officially begun the deployment of 453 Blue Water Guards across seven Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Western Region. This initiative aims to protect the region’s water bodies from pollution caused by illegal small-scale mining activities.
These 453 personnel form part of a larger national plan to train and deploy 2,000 Blue Water Guards. They completed their training under the Ghana Navy on April 14, 2025, and are now set to operate in collaboration with both the Navy and the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, May 21, during the deployment of 213 guards to the Ellembelle District, the Western Regional Director of the Minerals Commission, Francis Annobil, announced that a total of 326 guards have already been deployed across the selected MMDAs.
He emphasised that the deployment exercise is ongoing and will continue until all trained personnel are stationed. Mr. Annobil urged beneficiary communities to welcome the guards and offer their support, stressing the importance of community collaboration in achieving the program’s goals.
“These individuals have completed their training, and it is now time for them to go into the field and begin the work they were trained for,” he explained. “We thought it wise to present them to you, so that if you see them in the community, you will know they are on official duty.”
He further clarified that the guards will not be operating independently but in close coordination with the police.
“When they see anyone engaging in mining activities in the forest or water bodies, they will report the case to the police for appropriate action,” he added.
Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced plans to provide trading space for hawkers operating in unauthorised areas of the Central Business District (CBD) within the next two months.
This assurance comes on the heels of an ongoing decongestion exercise aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing sanitation across the capital. The operation, dubbed “Red Line,” involves demarcated zones for pedestrian movement and regulated trading.
Speaking to Citi News on Wednesday, May 21, during a site inspection of the demarcation process, the Mayor reiterated his commitment to sustaining the exercise until its intended goals are fully realised.
“Because things are in a rush, we have to make a hasty decision. I know this will help things in the meantime. Within a month or two, I will try and get a place for them.”
“I didn’t ask the traders to sell on the street, and again, they know better that where they are is not the right place to sell. They should come to the market,” he stated.
A former Ambassador to Germany, Gina Blay, has praised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing him as one of the most hardworking presidents the country has ever had.
Speaking in an interview with GH One TV on May 20,2025, the diplomat refuted claims that former President Akufo-Addo did not apply himself fully to the governance of the country during his tenure.
She indicated that she had a close working relationship with the former president and seized the moment to share her firsthand experience with him.
“I served under his government, and I’ll say that former President Akufo-Addo was one of the hardworking presidents that I know. At least I knew him because he was president, and he visited Germany a number of times. He wasn’t lazy at all,” she said.
Blay noted that while no administration is without challenges, Akufo-Addo’s efforts to improve Ghana should not be dismissed.
“If someone says he was lazy, it’s not true. He worked hard. Just like I’ve just said about President Mahama, he also wanted to give his best for Ghana. Along the way, there will be shortfalls, problems and challenges – which many people talk about these days,” she stated.
She added that Germany was one of the countries the former president visited most during his time in office, emphasising his role in strengthening Ghana’s international ties with the European country.
“In my view, having worked closely with him, I think he tried his best. So, we should accord him that credit,” she said.
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MRA/VPO
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:
play videoBlogger Kwadwo Sheldon (L) and Ghanaian dancehall musician, Shatta Wale (R)
Dancehall musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has escalated his ongoing feud with blogger Kwadwo Sheldon by releasing a diss track aimed at him.
The conflict began after Kwadwo Sheldon posted a video showing his apartment flooded due to the heavy downpour on May 18, 2025.
Following the post, Shatta Wale expressed sympathy in a series of posts, stating that he is willing to offer any assistance Sheldon might need.
Although Shatta Wale’s message appeared to be a harmless gesture, Sheldon responded via X, expressing displeasure and stating that he does not need any help from the musician.
This exchange triggered a back-and-forth between the two, with the situation escalating into a trade of words, particularly from Shatta Wale, who labelled Sheldon a “stubborn, proud man” for refusing his help.
In the latest development, Shatta Wale has released a diss track titled “Fame”, in which he has launched a fresh round of insults at Kwadwo Sheldon.
In the song, Shatta lambasted Sheldon and labelled him as an attention seeker.
The song has since sparked mixed reactions online. Scores of netizens have labelled it as irrelevant, questioning why Shatta Wale is dedicating so much energy to a back-and-forth with Sheldon.
Others have criticised Sheldon for reacting harshly to what they see as a well-intentioned offer of help.
Listen to the song below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile watch as Robert Klah given reasons why Charterhouse delayed TGMAs red carpet
The students are under investigation for openly displaying weapons
Students of the Winneba Technical Institute who were seen in a viral video brandishing weapons are currently under investigation by the school authorities.
According to the Assistant Administrator of the institution, Stephen Yaw Asare, the students, numbering about eight, who appeared in the video have been identified, while efforts are ongoing to uncover the identities of others who may have been connected to the incident.
Yaw Asare explained that, based on their interrogation of some of the students, it came to light that the act was intended to be playful, with no malicious intent.
However, he acknowledged that the video has triggered widespread backlash and outrage, which he said has tarnished the reputation of the school.
He assured that the necessary disciplinary actions will be taken to address the issue and serve as a deterrent to others.
“We assembled the students and were able to identify (sic) some of the students. We took them to the principal’s office to interrogate them further. After the interrogation, we realised they were doing something just for fun but unfortunately, looking at the nature of the video, we have to take action,” he said in an interview with Channel One on May 20, 2025.
Yaw Asare expressed shock at how the students were able to obtain such weapons, emphasising that the school neither permits nor requires students to bring such items to the campus.
“And nobody has ever told them to bring such things because it’s something we do not allow. Even mobile phones are not allowed and we forbid our students from using (sic) it while on campus. However, you look at it, it is our students, and regardless of the circumstances, our name has gone viral in line with the negativity they portrayed. So, we still have to apply our rules to mete out the punishment they deserve,” he added.
This update comes after a video surfaced on social media showing students of the Winneba Technical Institute openly displaying a variety of weapons.
The footage captured a group of students parading and brandishing what appeared to be knives and other objects within the school premises, sparking widespread condemnation from the public.
MAG/VPO
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:
The Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), Ben Nsiah, has cautioned the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, against what he described as repeated public lamentations over the financial challenges in the energy sector.
Speaking in an interview on Class 91.3 FM’s morning show hosted by Kwame Dwumoh Agyemang on Wednesday, Nsiah warned that the minister’s approach to disclosing liabilities in the energy generation sector could discourage potential investors.
“The manner in which the minister continues to speak about the sector’s liabilities could send the wrong signal to investors.
It creates an impression that any capital injected into the sector may not be recoverable,” he said.
Nsiah argued that while transparency is important, sensitive financial information should be handled with discretion, particularly in a sector as critical as energy.
He suggested that such issues be addressed through diplomatic engagements with key stakeholders such as Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Ministry of Finance, rather than through the media.
“Investors are listening. If the minister continues to lament publicly, it could create despair and further weaken confidence in the sector,” he warned.
“This behaviour, going forward, will not help in attracting the investment and capital injection the energy sector urgently needs.”
He urged the Minister to be more strategic in his communication, stressing the need to focus on policy solutions and attracting new investments instead of emphasising the sector’s financial distress.
Nsiah also called on the government to urgently develop and implement a clear action plan to rescue the energy sector from a potential crisis.
He recalled that in 2019, the Energy Sector Reform Programme, supported by the World Bank, aimed to bring lasting reforms to the sector.
However, he noted that since then, no comprehensive action plan has emerged to sustain those efforts.
“It’s time for the government to prioritise the energy sector.
Without a proper roadmap and responsible leadership communication, we risk losing investor confidence and plunging the country back into a power crisis,” Nsiah concluded.
What started as a lively build-up to the Europa League final turned ugly on the streets of San Sebastian as rival Manchester United and Tottenham fans clashed in a violent street fight.
While the majority of the estimated 70,000 fans in Bilbao enjoyed the sun and beer-filled celebrations, tensions spilled over in a nearby city on Monday night.
Disturbing footage shared online shows groups of supporters trading punches and launching bottles, bins, and even furniture during a chaotic confrontation on Fermín Calbetón Street.
Locals called the police around 9:20 pm after witnessing the violent scenes. Witnesses say the trouble began when fans from both clubs exchanged insults, which quickly escalated into physical violence.
One supporter was seen flipping a terrace table and using it as a weapon. Others grabbed whatever was in reach, turning the street into a battlefield that endangered nearby businesses and pedestrians.
Police patrols arrived swiftly and brought the situation under control. While several people were treated by medical staff at the scene, no one required hospitalisation, and no arrests have been confirmed.
The incident adds a sour note to what has otherwise been a festive atmosphere in the Basque region ahead of the final on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
The civil war in Sudan has led to widespread destruction in Sudan’s capital city Khartoum
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group, which has been engaged in a two-year war with Sudan’s army, has been entirely pushed out of Khartoum state, says the military.
“Khartoum State is completely free of rebels”, the army said in a statement published by Sudan’s News Agency.
The announcement comes nearly two months after the military recaptured Khartoum city – including the presidential palace – from its rivals in a major victory.
Earlier on Tuesday, fighting had broken out between the warring groups in the city of Omdurman – which is also in Khartoum state and part of the capital region.
The army said on Monday that it had started a “large-scale offensive” in Omdurman, according to the AFP news agency.
The RSF has not yet commented on the army’s latest claim.
Khartoum had once been at the heart of Sudan’s government, but the country’s military leaders were forced to move east to Port Sudan after their rivals took control of the area.
Until recently Port Sudan had been viewed as relatively safe, however it was at the centre of escalating fighting when it came under drone attack earlier this month, which the army blamed on the RSF.
The attacks hit key infrastructure and led to water shortages and worsening blackouts.
The war has also had diplomatic reverberations, with relations souring between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Sudan accused the Gulf nation of supporting the RSF, which it denies.
Those accusations continued on Tuesday, with Sudan saying the UAE was responsible for an attack on Port Sudan earlier this month, Reuters news agency reported.
The UAE has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as “unfounded allegations”.
Since the civil war erupted more than two years ago, thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced from their homes, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Both the army and the RSF have been accused of war crimes, which they deny.
Dennis Amfo Sefa, President of the Chamber of Freight and Trade, has weighed in on ongoing concerns about high import prices despite the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi against the US Dollar.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Amfo Sefa addressed mounting public pressure on importers — particularly the Spare Parts Dealers Association — to reduce prices of goods.
He explained that traders are reluctant to lower prices because their current stock was acquired when the exchange rate was significantly higher, making it unfeasible to sell at reduced prices now.
The issue is further compounded by reported inconsistencies in exchange rate applications at the ports. Some importers claim that while the Bank of Ghana (BoG) pegs the Cedi at around GHC13 to $1, Customs officers at the ports use an exchange rate of GHC15 to $1.
However, Amfo Sefa clarified that Customs adheres to the Bank of Ghana’s official rates.
“No one can say Customs is using a different rate. If you check the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) system, you’ll find rates consistent with what BoG has published — around GHC12.1 or GHC13, never above it,” he explained.
The real issue, according to him, lies with private operators at the ports — particularly shipping lines — that apply their own rates for calculating demurrage and other charges.
“The shipping lines are not under any obligation to use the BoG rate. Some use interbank rates from their own banks. Others lock in a rate and review it monthly. This lack of uniformity creates serious challenges for importers,” he said.
He criticised the Ghana Shippers Authority for failing to rein in these practices, saying, “We’ve complained for years, but the Ghana Shippers Authority isn’t doing enough. Shipping lines are left to do whatever they want, and it’s hurting business.”
We can’t reduce prices now – Abossey Okai spare parts dealers
Ghanaian musician Ayisi, born Emmanuel Kwadwo Oware, has shared the reason why it took a long time for him to be massively recognised in the music industry after a decade.
He said he kept putting in effort to produce songs but realized that not everybody is made for fame — some are made for purpose.
According to him, even though he was not recognized, he continued creating songs with optimism that things would eventually turn around for him.
The musician spoke in a recent interview following his win at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he clinched the Record of the Year award.
“I took a break because I wasn’t going for interviews and was handling some personal stuff too. But I was always going back to the studio to record and getting ready for the right moment when everything had settled cus I’m not the type of person that will wait for everything to cool down before I’ll take actions. I was still recording and going to the studio, doing what I should be doing and when the right moment came I’m out here again.” he told Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime’s ‘Changes.’
Regardless of the fact that his work was not widely known, he never stopped creating, so he could showcase his worth whenever he was asked to provide evidence of his efforts.
Responding to a question about whether he felt pressured, given how other artists such as KiDi and Kuami Eugene rose to fame even though he broke out before them, Ayisi said “now I’ve realized that some people are not made for the fame and all of the other stuff; some people are made for purpose.”
Therefore, it is incumbent upon individuals to identify what they are made for, align with their purpose, and continue doing their best.
At one point, he was worried, but it did not discourage him, as he realized he could not compare himself to others—only to himself.
Ayisi, formerly known as A.I., caught the attention of music lovers with his song ‘Grind’ in 2016. Although he continued recording, his subsequent songs did not gain widespread recognition. In 2022, he released a new track titled ‘Can I Live,’ but it didn’t gain traction until 2024, when it eventually earned him a nomination at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he won Record of the Year.
With this recognition, the artiste confidently concludes that this is his time to shine.
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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 recent appreciation of the Ghana Cedi has sparked a sharp debate between former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and current President John Dramani Mahama, with both leaders crediting different policies and approaches for the currency’s performance and broader economic recovery.
No NDC Policy Caused Cedi Gains – Bawumia
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, dismissed claims that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government deserves credit for the cedi’s recent gains.
Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in London, Dr. Bawumia challenged the NDC to point to any policy they have implemented that directly influenced the currency’s recent strength.
“If you are to ask the NDC to point out exactly what policy they have implemented that has resulted in the appreciation of the cedi, they cannot tell you one that has actually been implemented,” he said emphatically, adding, “Not something that has been promised or talked about—something real. There is no such policy.”
Dr. Bawumia explained that the NDC administration only passed its 2025 budget in March and has yet to begin significant spending or launch initiatives that could impact the currency. “They’ve not even issued any contracts or made any payments of note. So you cannot ascribe what is happening to the cedi to any policy they’ve implemented,” he added.
Instead, Dr. Bawumia attributed the cedi’s gains to policies enacted under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration of which he was part of, with particular focus on the gold purchase programme launched in 2022. He recalled how Ghana’s gold reserves were a mere 8.7 tons before the programme but grew to 30 tons in just two years, equating to $5 billion in reserves accumulated through domestic acquisition.
“Ghana, as Africa’s largest gold producer, had just 8.7 tons of gold reserves. Meanwhile, countries like the US have over 8,000 tons. That reserve strength gives confidence in a currency,” Bawumia said and continued, “You don’t need to export to earn gold. You just dig it up or buy it with cedis. It was a faster and easier way to shore up reserves.”
He argued that this build-up of gold reserves, alongside the gold-for-oil programme, shielded the economy from collapse and created a foundation for the currency’s stability.
Dr. Bawumia also pointed to global factors and the NDC’s limited spending as contributing to the cedi’s current position.
“The US dollar is on a downward trend globally, which is strengthening other currencies. In Zambia, for instance, the Kwacha has gained because of the same global trend,” he noted.
He further claimed that the NDC’s failure to pay Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and contractors is temporarily reducing demand for foreign exchange, artificially easing pressure on the cedi.
“I believe what we put in place will help maintain stability in the cedi. But we’ll see how the NDC manages it going forward,” he concluded.
In response, President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the recent cedi stabilisation and signs of economic recovery to his government’s decisive and robust policy measures since taking office in early 2025. Speaking at the Ghana-European Union Business Forum in Accra, President Mahama painted a picture of an economy that was under severe fiscal distress upon his administration’s arrival.
“We had to take urgent steps with the presentation of a budget to Parliament that made a steep adjustment in the primary balance—from negative 3.9% of GDP to a projected positive 1.5% by the end of this year,” Mahama said.
“These bold and targeted interventions are now beginning to show early signs of economic recovery and renewed momentum,” he intimated.
He pointed out that Ghana’s 2024 GDP growth of 5.7%, largely driven by mining, construction, and services sectors, and pointed to data from the Bank of Ghana showing a sustained pickup in real economic activity early in 2025.
According to him, inflation, which peaked at 23.8% at the end of 2024, has started to ease, dropping to 21.2% by April.
President Mahama explained that the Ghana Cedi, after depreciating by 19.2% in 2024, has appreciated by 3.9% against the US dollar by the end of April 2025. This, he said, is supported by strong foreign exchange inflows, improved trade balances, and growing investor confidence.
“Our gross international reserves have also improved significantly—from $8.98 billion in December 2024 to $10.6 billion by April 2025—equivalent to nearly five months of import cover,” the President disclosed.
This increase reflects enhanced export earnings, particularly from gold and non-traditional exports, along with timely disbursements from multilateral partners, President Mahama said.
He added that fiscal discipline is a key factor, with the fiscal deficit dropping from 7.5% of GDP in 2024 to 6.4% in the first half of 2025, on track to meet an end-year target of 3.1%.
The President also emphasised his government’s efforts at expenditure rationalisation, improved domestic revenue mobilisation, and strong anti-corruption measures as critical to the recovery.
“The figures, though early in the year, indicate a disciplined and inclusive economic recovery,” he said, stressing the global shift from multilateral to more transactional economic relationships.
Touching on Ghana’s trade ties with the European Union, the President noted that total exports reached $20.4 billion in 2024, with a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion. Gold, mineral fuels, and cocoa accounted for over 82% of total exports.
He reaffirmed the EU’s role as a key development and trade partner, pointing to the Business Forum as a sign of commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The Winneba Technical Institute is investigating eight of its students following a viral video of the students openly brandishing weapons.
In a viral video shared on X, the students dressed in their uniform were captured brandishing knives, pairs of scissors, and others.
The video has drawn widespread outrage particularly because of the ongoing case of the unfortunate incident involving SDA student, Suzzy Pinamang, who is still recovering from the tragedy of another student bringing a weapon to school.
Ghana wants to optimize the benefits from its largely anarchical artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
For this reason, Africa’s largest gold producer—and the sixth largest in the world—is ushering in a “new order” for gold trading.
As of April 30, no foreign company may purchase and export ASM gold. The move follows the annulment of all licenses held by foreign trading firms. The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), a state entity created in March, will now oversee all buying, selling, and export of ASM gold.
“Goldbod will give us better control over our gold exports and help shore up our foreign exchange reserves,” said Ghana Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson.
The West African nation has long wanted to restructure and streamline ASM mining, which accounts for one-third of its gold production, generating $5 billion in 2024. The subsector employs 1 million people and supports 4.5 million indirectly. Cumulatively, Ghana raked in $11.6 billion in gold exports last year.
Despite its importance, chaos reigns. Illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” thrives on child labor and is responsible for rapid land degradation, deforestation, and health risks.
By centralizing trading, Ghana hopes to end a mindbogglingly large culture of smuggling. In 2022 alone, 60 tons of gold worth an estimated $1.2 billion was smuggled out of the country.
Suppressing illegal trade is expected to result in increased revenues, with the ripple effect boosting reserves and stabilizing the local currency, the cedi.
The timing appears perfect. Global dynamics, including disruptions owing to last month’s US tariff announcements, are driving demand for gold; prices have soared 29% this year, to $3,500 per ounce in April. Some analysts expect prices to cross the $4,000-per-ounce threshold by the second quarter of 2026.
Ghana’s new gold order is a shock to foreign firms, however, which purchase most ASM gold and export it to international trading or refining companies based in Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, India, and elsewhere.
To continue operating, these firms will have to source gold through GoldBod. This adds another layer of complication, since the new law sets a 14- to 21-day approval period for gold acquisitions, which threatens to disrupt supply chains and reduce earnings.
The Bank of Ghana’s gold coin continues to see a drop in its prices for its investment, following the appreciation of the cedi against the dollar.
The Central Bank introduced the coin as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of the US dollar.
As of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Bank reported the following updated prices:
– The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢,10,855.38 down from GH¢10,866.20 on May 21, 2025.
– The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢20,935.80, down from GH¢21,953.15.
– The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢41,145.99, down from GH¢41,176.92.
According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market and help strengthen the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies.
The Ghana Gold Coin is available in three denominations: one ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and is being sold through commercial banks.
SP/MA
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Evangelist Patricia Asiedu and Gospel musician Empress Gifty
In light of Empress Gifty’s lawsuit against Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, here are the events that led to the development.
Nana Agradaa labelled Empress Gifty a prostitute and made damning claims about her
Nana Agradaa described Empress Gifty as a loose woman, accusing her of being sexually involved with even dogs. According to Agradaa, that is how Empress earns money to support her husband.
“You even respect your promiscuous wife, you respect even that wife of yours who is a prostitute, your wife flirts with dogs, dogs lick your wife’s vagina, that is how she makes money to cater for you,” Nana Agradaa stated.
Agradaa claimed that pastors sleep with Empress Gifty before she sings in church
Nana Agradaa accused Empress Gifty of having sex with pastors who invite her to church for programs.
“Pastors who invite your wife to sing have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before she mounts the pulpit to sing,” the fetish priestess turned evangelist said.
Agradaa lashed out at Empress Gifty’s husband
Nana Agradaa repeated her claim that Empress Gifty is a prostitute and accused her husband, Hopeson Adorye, of blindly supporting her wrongdoings.
At one point, she directed her attacks at Hopeson Adorye, calling him a weak man. She even stated that his wife’s infidelity is due to his erectile dysfunction.
More derogatory statements
Agradaa claimed that Empress Gifty’s private parts are used by multiple pastors, describing the gospel singer as a ‘plaything’ for them.
Gospel musician Empress Gifty has taken legal action against Nana Agradaa following a viral live video on social media in which Agradaa made defamatory and insulting claims about the gospel singer.
According to a court document (the writ), on May 13, 2025, Nana Agradaa not only targeted Empress Gifty during the live session but also directed attacks at her husband, Hopeson Adorye.
The situation escalated over several days, drawing massive attention from netizens.
Also watch as Robert Klah addresses Felicia Osei’s ticket incident at TGMAs
Sources say the deadly attack may be connected to an internal Fulani-related dispute File/photo
Three persons have been confirmed dead following a gruesome shooting incident at Nkawkaw, the Kwahu West Municipality in the Eastern Region on Tuesday evening.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims, believed to be members of the Fulani community, were ambushed while resting at their usual gathering spot.
Unknown assailants opened fire on them instantly, claiming the lives of the three.
Sources close to the incident believe the deadly attack may be connected to an internal Fulani-related dispute, though the exact motive behind the incident remains unclear.
The Nkawkaw Police Command has since conveyed the bodies to the morgue for preservation and further examination.
An additional victim, who sustained injuries during the attack, is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident and are appealing to the public for calm and cooperation as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, begin its 124th meeting to review recent macroeconomic developments and assess the country’s economic outlook.
This meeting is significant as it comes on the back of recent gains by the Ghana Cedi against the US dollar and ongoing efforts to tame inflation.
At its last meeting, the MPC increased the monetary policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent.
According to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, the move was necessary to “re-anchor the inflation-moderating process,” and ensure that inflation continues on a downward path.
Already, some market watchers expect the BoG to maintain the policy rate at 28%, with any potential cuts dependent on continued disinflation.
The MPC’s decision on the policy rate will have implications for lending costs, investor confidence, and overall economic activity.
The meeting will conclude with a press briefing on Friday, May 23, 2025 to provide further clarity on the central bank’s monetary stance and the measures it intends to take in sustaining economic stability.
SP/MA
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Antony Taylor will officiate Chelsea’s crucial game against Nottingham Forest
Some supporters of Chelsea have vented their frustration at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) for appointing Anthony Taylor to officiate their decisive game against Nottingham Forest on May 25, 2025.
The Blues will take on Forest in the final game of the 2024/2025 Premier League season, with the winner likely to place fifth and secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The game, which will define Chelsea’s season despite the poor results in the Premier League, has dominated conversations in the football world.
The fans of the Blues have expressed their displeasure at the PGMOL for appointing Taylor, who has been at the center of controversies during Chelsea’s games he has handled.
Some have accused the refereeing body of wanting to thwart Chelsea’s chances of winning with biased officiating that would hurt the club in the end.
Others have questioned why the controversial referee was officiating their first game of the season and also taking charge of their last game, taking into consideration his record with the club.
Taylor has been one of the most controversial referees in world football, having had confrontations with coaches and players on several occasions.
Despite the controversies, he continues to officiate high-profile games, both in the Premier League and elite European competitions.
Read some of the comments below:
The most important match of Chelsea’s season, they give us a fraud
Augustin Matata Ponyo was DRC’s Prime Minister from 2012 to 2016
A former prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been sentenced to a decade’s forced labour for corruption.
Augustin Matata Ponyo was found guilty of embezzling about $245m (£182m) of public funds by the Congolese Constitutional Court on Tuesday, alongside Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the DR Congo’s central bank.
Matata’s lawyer told Reuters news agency that the ruling was unfair and politically motivated.
Part of the funds were taken from a major agricultural development intended to tackle the country’s chronic food shortages.
Matata served as prime minister of the DRC from 2012 to 2016 and now heads the country’s Leadership and Governance for Development party (LGD).
Prior to his premiership, he was finance minister and received praise from the International Monetary Fund at the time for stabilising the country’s economy.
Deogratias Mutombo, the central bank’s former governor, has also been sentenced to five years of forced labour in the same case and has not commented publicly on the ruling.
Forced labour is legal in DR Congo when mandated by a court for a criminal penalty, according to the US State Department.
Both men have been barred from public service for five years from the end of their terms of forced labour, the AFP news agency reports.
Matata, who campaigned against DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in the 2023 vote before dropping out, has consistently denied the charges.
The case has stretched over almost four years since the country’s Inspectorate General of Finance reported the theft from the Bukanga-Lonzo Agro-Industrial Park in 2020.
The park was one of Africa’s largest ever agricultural investments according to the Reuters news agency and the African Development Bank Group had expected to provide 22,000 jobs.
It was intended to provide reprieve to the 28 million people who currently face acute food insecurity in DR Congo, which has been plagued by conflict for more than 30 years, since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has strongly responded to accusations from the Minority in Parliament, saying they are trying to set him up and wrongly blame him for causing public panic over the country’s energy situation.
This heated exchange started after the minister, during a workshop organised by Parliament’s Energy Committee, revealed that Ghana had only 2.6 days’ worth of liquid fuel left to power its thermal plants.
The erstwhile Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, who has been charged for his alleged role in the non-existent Accra Skytrain project, is said to have been rushed to an emergency ward on the dawn of the day he was expected to appear in court.
A High Court in Accra had adjourned the case to yesterday to take his plea on three offences, after he missed the first court sitting on health grounds.
Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi has been charged alongside the former Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Solomon Asamoah, for their alleged involvement in the dissipation of state funds.
The two have each been charged with three offences, including one count of conspiracy to commit crime, causing financial loss to the state, and intentional dissipation of public fund.
Mr. Asamoah pleaded not guilty to the charges when he made his first appearance on May 13, 2025, and was granted a bail of GH¢15 million with two sureties who must be justified with landed property located in the Greater Accra Region.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to yesterday to take the plea of Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi since he was said to have undergone a medical procedure at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
However, he was absent at yesterday’s sitting. His lawyer, Duke Aaron Sasu told the court that they had been informed at dawn yesterday that the accused had been rushed to the emergency ward of the hospital.
Justice Comfort Tasiame, the presiding judge, who was unimpressed, observed that it appeared Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi always had a medical condition on the mornings of the days he is supposed to appear in court.
His lawyer subtly disagreed, informing the court that “we were informed this dawn that he was rushed to the ward. I’m trying to get the report for the court. We’ve been told that by Friday he should be available for his plea to be taken.”
Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, said that the court was right in observing that the accused appears to be taken ill each time he was expected in court.
“We do not want to impute anything, except to say that Friday is not far. But when Friday comes, we will make a prayer to my Lady on how the prosecution intends to move forward with the second accused person (Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi),” he added.
The trial judge indicated she doesn’t like giving short dates and, therefore, adjourned the case to May 26, 2025.
Trial
Court documents indicate that the two individuals approved the transfer of $2 million from the account of GIIF into the bank account of Africa Investor Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in South Africa, without board approval.
The documents further indicate that the two caused the transfer of the money into the accounts of the company in the name of acquiring shares in Africa Investor Holdings Limited on February 25, 2019, and nothing has since been heard, said or done by the GIIF or its governing board concerning the alleged share acquisition.
The brief facts indicate that the Accra Skytrain project was to be constructed on a Design, Build, Finance, and Operate basis.
“In the memorandum of understanding, GIIF was to be the anchor equity investor and local project development partner to the Africa Investor Holdings (Proprietary) Limited. It was further agreed in the memorandum of understanding that GIIF would conduct due diligence and develop a bankable feasibility study on the project,” it added.
A shareholder agreement was subsequently signed on January 9, 2019 between GIIF and Africa Investor Holdings Ltd. where the latter was to transfer 10% of its alleged 100% shares in a company styled as ‘Ai Skytrain Consortium Holdings,’ a limited liability company registered in Mauritius.
Upon their arrest, Solomon Asamoah is said to have indicated in his cautioned statement that he obtained approval of GIIF board in respect of the payment, while Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi told investigators he signed the funds transfer on the recommendation of Mr. Asamoah.
The fact added that neither of the accused persons have been able to account for the $2 million.
THE MINISTRY of Interior, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency under the Ministry of Youth Development and Employment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Police Service to recruit 12,000 youths to provide support services for two years.
The MoU was signed by the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, Malik Basintale, on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Ministry of Interior.
According to the terms of the MoU, there is a possibility that some of the recruits may be permanently enlisted upon the expiration of their contracts.
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), earlier this year signed a one-year agreement with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to recruit 5,000 young people as Fire Assistants across the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and boost fire safety operations nationwide.
In a press statement, the YEA said the initiative aims to support job creation while partnering with state institutions to enhance public safety.
Under the agreement, the Ghana National Fire Service will handle the training and supervision of the recruits, who are expected to be deployed to various regions upon completion of their training.
The recruitment process, including eligibility requirements and timelines, has not yet been announced.
The Chief Executive Officer of YEA, Malik Basintale, signed the agreement on behalf of the agency.
The Minister for the Interior and the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment were also present at the ceremony to affirm government’s support for the programme.
Ghanaian gospel musician Gifty Oppong Adorye, known in showbiz as Empress Gifty, has sued Evangelist Patricia Asiedu (Nana Agradaa) of Heavens Way Church for making defamatory statements about her.
In a writ of summons sighted by myjoyonline.com, Empress Gifty is demanding 20 million cedis from the traditional priest-turned-pastor in damages.
According to the writ, the Plaintiff (Empress Gifty) says that on 13th May 2025, the Defendant (Nana Agradaa), who seems to have a disagreement with the Plaintiff’s husband (Hopeson Adorye), took to her social media handles (Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube) and in a live broadcast attacked the Plaintiff’s husband.
She further spoke the following words defamatory of the Plaintiff in Twi language, with its respective English translation stated below:
Twi: “wo tuutuuni yere no mpo wo bu no, wo yere odwamanfoo no mpo wo bu no, nkraman ne wo yere da tafri wo yere twe mu di sika bre wo.”
English: “You even respect your promiscuous wife, you respect even that wife of yours who is a prostitute, your wife flirts with dogs, dogs lick your wife’s vagina, that is how she makes money to cater for you.”
Twi: “osofoo biara a, obeto nsa afro wo yere ako alter, ne no da wo Office ha ansa na w’aba abeto dwom wo asenka agua so.”
English: “Pastors who invite your wife to sing have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before she mounts the pulpit to sing.”
Twi: “Woyere no, oyefo sene obiara, adwaman nti Asofoo ne no de da. wo agyae no, rebetaetae me.”
English: “You left your cheap prostitute wife that has sexual intercourse with pastors to attack me.”
Twi: “Wo nkwaseasem no a, wode lea wo yere kwasea no so no, Me nnye toy te se wo yere no, me nnyi me hwene te se wo yere, Wo yere no a, ne twe adane asofoo no bi chop bar bowl.”
English: “I’m not a toy like your wife, I have not repositioned my nose like your wife. Do not extend the foolish things you do to her to me. Your wife’s vagina has become a common eating bowl for some pastors.”
The writ further indicates that “in their natural and ordinary meaning, the words complained of in paragraph 9 were understood to mean that:
a) The Plaintiff is promiscuous and a prostitute.
b) The Plaintiff is a zoophile, who flirts with dogs to earn her money to cater for her husband.
c) The Plaintiff is an adulterous or an unchaste wife who has extramarital affairs with other men, and that most of her paramours are pastors.
d) Pastors who invite the Plaintiff to their programs have sexual intercourse with her in their offices before Plaintiff mounts the pulpit to sing.
e) The Plaintiff is an imbecile.
Empress Gifty (the Plaintiff) also avers that the live broadcast made by the Defendant afforded other social media bloggers the opportunity to take the feed to their followers contemporaneously.”
The ‘Watch Me’ singer says the defamatory words spoken and published by Nana Agradaa about her are on the internet worldwide and are being widely circulated on various news portals and social media platforms, in which the Plaintiff continues to be on the receiving end of severe and disdainful backlash.
She further indicates that the widespread effect of the Defendant’s words on the Plaintiff is that she has become the subject of discussion on media outlets locally and internationally, and this has affected her children, who are taunted and ridiculed by their mates in school.
The lawyers say, as a result of Nana Agradaa’s actions, the credit and reputation of Empress Gifty—both personal and public—have seriously been damaged and have brought same into public ridicule, scandal, odium, and contempt.
They also highlight that the Plaintiff, who is a brand ambassador to numerous companies, has suffered collateral damage.
Consequently, Empress’s lawyers aver that her international programme slated for August 2025 has been affected due to the words uttered by Nana Agradaa about her.
As a result of this, Empress Gifty is claiming against the Defendant the sum of Twenty Million Ghana Cedis (GHS20,000,000.00) for damages for slander and libel of Plaintiff by the Defendant.
She is also requesting an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the Defendant, her servants, agents, privies, assigns, howsoever, from publication of such words or any of them or similar words to that effect.
The gospel singer also wants an order for the Defendant to pull down all the videos, audios in which she spoke the words defamatory of the Plaintiff from all her social media handles.
Former Director-General, Brigadier-General Eric Aggrey-Quashie
The Department of Public Relations (DPR) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has officially bid farewell to its Director-General, Brigadier-General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, in a symbolic ceremony held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the department’s headquarters.
The event marked a significant transition in leadership, as Brig-Gen Aggrey-Quashie formally handed over command to Captain (GN) Veronica Adzo Arhin.
The occasion signified not only the end of an impactful era but also the beginning of a new chapter for the department.
The farewell ceremony served as a tribute to Brig.-Gen. Aggrey-Quashie’s years of dedicated service to both the Ghana Armed Forces and the DPR.
Under his leadership, the department achieved several milestones in strategic communication and public engagement.
In his parting remarks, the outgoing Director-General expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DPR team for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and discipline.
He encouraged continued dedication to excellence under the new leadership.
Captain (GN) Arhin, now at the helm of the DPR, brings with her a wealth of experience and a strong background in military communication.
Her appointment has been welcomed as a progressive step in advancing the department’s mandate.
The ceremony also recognised the long and distinguished service of two retiring officers: Ex-SWOII Acquaye Eric Joseph, the first Senior Warrant Officer of the department, and WOI Akpabi Kwesi Brown, the department’s senior-most military reporter.
Both are proceeding on retirement after an exemplary 30 years of service with the colours.
The occasion concluded with commendations for the outgoing leadership and well-wishes for the new command as the department charts a fresh course forward.
Director of Communications for the Bawumia 2024 campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised Ghana’s limited commitment to full decentralisation, arguing that many of the country’s development challenges—including streetism, encroachment, and illegal structures—are rooted in an overdependence on central government.
Speaking on Channel One TV’sBreakfast Daily on Wednesday, May 21, Aboagye emphasized that meaningful national development can only be achieved if Ghana fully embraces decentralisation.
“Until we go full decentralised, we are not going to get to where we are staging to go. Each of the countries that we aspire to be like is fully decentralised. Their development is not anchored on the central government, but it is anchored on municipalities,” he stressed.
He noted that although Ghana’s democratic architecture was designed to support strong local governance, successive governments—regardless of political party—have failed to empower district assemblies with the autonomy and resources they need.
“You do not expect that issues like streetism, building on waterways, and encroachment should be handled or even guided by the central government. It will never work. We are being hypocritical about our decentralisation.
“It has nothing to do with the NDC or the NPP. The central government never wants the district assemblies to be fully functional. It is only when they are there that they want them to function.”
Aboagye’s remarks come amid heightened national discussions on urban management, local governance, and enforcement of bylaws—especially following the recent decongestion exercises in Accra.
His comments underscore a growing concern that the centralisation of power continues to obstruct local development and undermines the responsiveness of district assemblies to issues within their jurisdictions.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has formally demanded a retraction and apology from New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist P.K. Sarpong, over what he describes as false and defamatory claims.
He is contesting allegations that he received a luxury Lexus vehicle, as a gift from a businessman, in violation of President John Dramani Mahama’s newly introduced Code of Conduct for government appointees.
Takoradi, May 21, GNA – Some traders at the Jubilee Park, in Takoradi, in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, have called on the government to pay attention to their needs ahead of the rainy season.
They made the call when the Ghana News Agency (GNA), visited the market centre to gather their views on the challenges they faced as the rains approached.
Madam Salomey Owusu, pepper and onion seller, said most of their goods got damaged whenever it rained as the whole place mostly overflowed with water after a downpour.
“We do not have tents or proper stalls to keep our commodities, therefore when it rained it becomes difficult for us to secure our items from getting destroyed by the rain,” she lamented.
She therefore appealed to the government to lay pavement bricks at the marketplace to prevent the place from getting muddy and flooded whenever it rained.
Madam Felicia Essilfie, egg and yam seller, also shared the same sentiment about the state of the market whenever it rained and called for immediate attention by the government.
She also pleaded with the government to hasten the completion of the Takoradi Market Circle project, so they could return as their businesses thrived when they used to occupy that market space.
Mr Kwame Antwi-Gyan, a head potter at the market said movement was a major problem for sellers, customers and vehicles whenever it rained.
He also explained that most of the traders run at loss as most of their items got damaged due to lack of storehouses called on authorities to intervene.
Others complained about unsanitary conditions at the market and feared for an outbreak of any form of water borne diseases.
play videoFormer MP for Subin Constituency, Eugene Boakye Antwi
Former Subin lawmaker, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has slammed the Mahama administration over their inability to curb illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Referencing the Mahama government, then in opposition, pressing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency and repeal L.I. 2462, which permits mining activities within forest reserves, Eugene Boakye Antwi questioned why it is now difficult for the government to do exactly what they demanded of the previous administration.
He noted on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” panel discussion show that the National Democratic Congress, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is currently in power and has every opportunity to stop the galamsey menace, and thus called on the sector Minister to take action.
“You are in government today. What is preventing the NDC from repealing the so-called obnoxious L.I. 2462? What is preventing them? This is not an entrenched provision requiring a referendum. Today, you have the numbers in Parliament to see to its repeal. Why haven’t they done it yet?”
L.I. 2462, formally known as the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022, is a Ghanaian legal instrument that permits mining activities within forest reserves.
It was enacted in November 2022 under the former Akufo-Addo administration.
The former Member of Parliament and NPP stalwart further stated that one reason galamsey continues to be an albatross around the government’s neck is that some appointees have a vested interest in illegal mining.
“Looking at President Mahama’s appointments, it has made me fear people. In fact, humans are dangerous, but when you look at some people who stood against the NPP government, and today all of them have appointments, it means whatever they did was all about personal interest. They were all lying,” he concluded.
Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil has strongly criticized what he describes as the unlawful invasion of churches by traditionalists enforcing a ban on noisemaking in Accra, warning that such actions could lead to tragedy if not addressed by authorities.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Kofi Bentil condemned the practice, emphasizing that Ghana operates under the rule of law, not tribal or religious traditions.
“We will soon have a tragedy on our hands if the authorities don’t stop traditionalists from lawlessly invading churches in the name of enforcing a ban of noise making!!!
“We are a nation under law, not tribal religious traditions!” he fumed.
Kofi Bentil recounted a personal experience at his church, where a group of traditionalists attempted to enter the church compound to enforce the ban, despite no noise being made.
According to him, he confronted the group’s leader, who claimed he was there to issue a warning.
Bentil challenged the trespasser’s authority, noting that the individual tried to dismiss his security personnel. After a tense exchange, the group left without incident.
He highlighted that such groups often demand money during these confrontations, exploiting the restraint of church members.
“I have encountered many many of these marauding youth attacking churches, many times; most of the time, all they want is money, but they come with force, expecting that church people will not react.
“I assure you the church people are very capable but they restrain themselves, which is why I made the post that one day we could have a problem if the attacks and invasion don’t stop,” he warned.
Drawing from his past experiences, including his time at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kofi Bentil who is also a private legal practitioner, argued that lawful enforcement, such as issuing warnings with police presence, is sufficient to ensure compliance without resorting to vigilantism.
“If someone breaks the law, deal with it lawfully, but first know if the law has been broken,” he stated.
He acknowledged the cultural significance of the ban for some traditionalists, citing a measured response from some committed traditionalists who have also condemned the invasions.
He called for reasoned discourse to find solutions, dismissing insults from detractors as unproductive.
“Anger and insults don’t solve any problem!! We have to think and work our way out of this before anything worse occurs,” he wrote.
The annual ban on noisemaking, typically enforced by Ga traditional authorities in Accra ahead of the Homowo festival, has long been a source of tension between traditionalists and religious groups, particularly churches.
Recent attempts by some youth and Ga traditional leaders to enforce the ban in various churches has witnessed scenes of stiff standoff with some church members. Some churches have also had their instruments impounded for allegedly defying the ban.
Goil proposes final dividend of GH¢0.056 per share for 2024
Ghana Oil Company PLC (GOIL) has proposed a final dividend of GH¢0.056 per share for the 2024 financial year, subject to shareholder approval at its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The dividend declaration underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to shareholder returns amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the board of directors confirmed that only shareholders on the register at the close of business day on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, will be eligible for the dividend.
Consequently, GOIL’s register of shareholders will be closed from Wednesday, June 18 to Thursday, June 19, 2025, to facilitate the processing of the final dividend.
The ex-dividend date has been scheduled for Friday, June 13, 2025.
Investors who purchase GOIL shares before this date will qualify for the dividend, while those buying on or after the date will be excluded.
Payment of the GH¢0.056 per share dividend is expected to take effect on Friday, September 12, 2025.
GOIL remains one of the largest indigenous oil marketing companies in Ghana, and continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
SP/VPO
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Ghanaian music executive and former manager of Stonebwoy, Blakk Cedi, has shared his personal accomplishment of graduating from the university after 15 years and three attempts.
In a post on his official Facebook page on May 20, 2025, Blakk Cedi revealed that he has completed the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and has finally submitted his final paper.
President John Dramani Mahama has credited the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi to increased foreign exchange inflows and targeted policy interventions aimed at stabilising the economy.
Speaking at the Ghana–EU Business Forum in Accra on Tuesday, May 20, the President revealed that Ghana’s gross international reserves have risen significantly from $8.9 billion in December 2024 to $10.6 billion in April 2025.
As the warm embrace of summer fades away and the crisp air of fall takes its place, it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that blend elegance and comfort. One such versatile and timeless piece is the modest laced dress. With its delicate, intricate designs and flattering silhouette, a laced dress offers a stylish yet modest way to embrace the changing season.
Lace has always been synonymous with femininity and sophistication, and for fall, it adds a unique texture to your outfit that feels both light and cozy. The beauty of a laced dress lies in its versatility. Whether you’re attending a fall wedding, a casual day out, or a cozy dinner, a lace dress can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Pair it with a cardigan or light jacket to keep warm on chilly days, or layer it with tights and ankle boots for a more layered, seasonal look.
Moreover, the modest laced dress can easily transition between different fall activities. The soft, earthy tones typical of fall—think deep burgundies, soft greys, and burnt oranges—complement the intricate lace patterns, creating a harmonious balance between nature’s colors and elegant fashion. Whether you opt for a full lace design or subtle lace detailing, the piece will elevate your fall wardrobe with its charm and grace.
This fall, embrace both style and modesty with a laced dress that speaks to your personal style and celebrates the beauty of the season. Perfect for any occasion, it promises to keep you feeling comfortable and fashionable all season long.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has rebutted recent claims by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia that the current appreciation of the Cedi cannot be attributed to any deliberate policy by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
Dr. Bawumia, speaking at a recent event, dismissed suggestions that the NDC administration deserved credit for the cedi’s recent gains, arguing that the government had not implemented any clear policy interventions to influence the currency’s performance.
In a sharp response, Sammy Gyamfi has outlined three major policy measures undertaken by the NDC government that he says have significantly contributed to the 16.7% appreciation of the cedi between January and May 2025.
1. Monetary Policy Tightening
Gyamfi cited the strategic monetary policy decision by the Bank of Ghana in March 2025 to increase the Monetary Policy Rate from 27% to 28%, combined with aggressive liquidity sterilisation through Open Market Operations. This, he said, was a deliberate measure to tame inflation and stabilise the currency.
2. Fiscal Consolidation
He also pointed to enhanced fiscal discipline and prudent public finance management by the Ministry of Finance, which, in his view, has helped restore investor confidence in the economy. This confidence, Gyamfi argued, is critical to stabilising the macroeconomic environment and strengthening the local currency.
3. Robust Forex Inflows through Gold and Cocoa
According to Gyamfi, Ghana has recorded unprecedented gold purchases and exports through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and GoldBod, leading to improved foreign exchange liquidity. He also highlighted enhanced forex inflows from cocoa exports and remittances as key contributors to the cedi’s strong performance.
“These policy interventions, alongside a favourable global context — particularly the weakening of the US dollar amid international uncertainties — have combined to significantly strengthen the Ghana cedi,” Gyamfi stated.
He further challenged Dr. Bawumia to address what he described as a fundamental question:
“What is more important: accumulating physical gold reserves with a dollar-to-cedi exchange rate of GHS16, or accumulating adequate forex liquidity through gold exports with an exchange rate of GHS12.2?”
Sammy Gyamfi maintained that the cedi’s appreciation is not accidental but the result of coordinated efforts and decisive policy action by the NDC administration, led by President John Mahama.
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 Alliance for Drivers Ghana has distanced itself from the proposed 15 per cent reduction in transport fares, citing exclusion from consultations by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union.
According to Mr Kweku Boateng, National Public Relations Officer for the Association, the directive is deemed illegal due to the lack of involvement in the decision-making process.
Aiyinasi (W/R), May 21, GNA – The Friends of the Nation ( FoN), an environmental NGO, together with the Ellembelle District Assembly, have engaged the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) Limited on their operations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The engagement was aimed at bridging the communication gap between the Company and the communities to streamline the CRS roles of Ghana Gas to foster industrial peace and harmony.
Mr William Augustine -Denkyi,a Project Officer with FoN, made this known during a stakeholder engagement meeting at Aiyinasi in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
It was attended by officials from the Ghana Gas, the Ellembelle District Assembly, National Disaster Managment Organisation (NADMO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), community members and the media.
The engagement afforded the Ghana Gas and stakeholders, especially host communities to discuss their operations and how issues affecting the communities could be addressed.
It was also a platform to foster partnership and good human relations between Ghana Gas and community members.
Mr Augustine-Denkyi appealed to Ghana Gas officials to organize town hall meetings and sensitizations to bring activities of the Company to the doorsteps of the communities.
Mr John Quarshie, Officer in Charge of CSR at Ghana Gas, outlined of projects, services and activities embarked upon by Ghana Gas in the area.
He said Ghana Gas was more committed to managing community impact organizing community as well as designing complaints and grievance management procedure.
He said the Company had made payments in the form of compensation to people in the affected communities, embarking on sensitization exercise on their operations as well as media engagements with community members.
Mr Quarshie said in education, scholarship packages had been disbursed to uncountable number of students pursuing tertiary education among other community intervention projects.
Mr Theophilus Tamatey-Agbo, Planning Officer of the District said the Assembly would collaborate with Ghana Gas on their medium-term development plan to enable Ghana Gas to pitch the necessary projects in the respective communities within the enclave.
He lauded Ghana Gas for bringing development to the district with some major social interventions to better the life of the people.
Director of Communications for the Bawumia 2024 campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has praised the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Ministry of the Interior for their recent operation leading to the arrest and repatriation of undocumented migrants in Accra.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, May 21, Aboagye urged the GIS to continue such efforts, describing them as critical to safeguarding national security and public order.
“The Immigration Service should keep up with this. For the district assemblies, before we can get there, we need to look at the structures first, because the assemblies do not have the capacity.
“So, it is about resources, structures, and ensuring these systems are in place first. Then the local government system can support. But for now, I do not think they can support that,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the rising number of street beggars and their possible involvement in criminal activities.
“A lot of these beggars on the street are involved in the crime that we are facing in the country. Kudos to the Immigration Service and the Interior Ministry,” Aboagye added.
His comments followed a GIS operation in Accra on Friday, May 16, 2025, which led to the arrest and repatriation of 925 undocumented migrants, most of whom were engaged in street begging. The repatriation began the following day, Saturday, May 17.
In a statement released on Monday, May 19, the GIS confirmed that 819 of the repatriated individuals were Nigerians and 106 were Nigeriens.
The operation has sparked calls for greater enforcement at the local level. Political analyst Michael Kosi Dedey also weighed in, emphasizing that while border control is essential, district assemblies must do more to manage public spaces.
“It is impossible to ensure 100% border security. The assemblies must ensure that people do not loiter on our streets and turn them into begging spots,” Dedey stated.
Residents of East Legon are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a looming environmental disaster, following construction works by a Chinese company, Top International, which they claim is obstructing a major waterway in the area.
Their concerns follow the aftermath of last Sunday’s heavy downpour, which flooded several homes and left many residents in distress.
Community members say the flooding was exacerbated by construction activities carried out by the Chinese firm, which they accuse of diverting the natural water flow away from their property and into surrounding residential compounds.
According to the residents, Top International has allegedly blocked a key drainage path to prevent water from flowing through their compound, a move that disrupted the natural course of the water.
They noted that in previous years, rainwater safely flowed through a designated gutter system, but this has now been altered.
“Last Sunday’s rainfall broke the barrier between our building and theirs,” one resident said. “Now, these Chinese nationals want to construct a retaining wall to protect their property. But if that wall goes up, the water will have nowhere to go except into our homes. That will be a disaster waiting to happen.”
Fearing the worst, the residents have issued an urgent appeal to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and other relevant authorities to intervene before the situation worsens.
“We are not against development, but this must not be done at the expense of our safety,” another resident added. “If this retaining wall is built, it will bring untold hardship to the entire community every time it rains.”
They warned that failure by the authorities to act swiftly could result in irreparable damage to properties and potentially endanger lives.
The residents are urging city engineers and environmental officers to assess the situation and halt any further construction that would block the natural water channels.
“We need the support of NADMO and the AMA, not just to stop this illegal construction, but to help develop a proper drainage solution for our community,” the residents stressed.
This appeal comes amid increasing complaints across Accra over unregulated construction activities and poor drainage infrastructure, which have been blamed for recurrent flooding in several urban neighborhoods.
Renowned healthcare advocate and the founder of the Ghana Foundation for Sickle Cell Action, Victoria Awo Twumasi, has been honoured with the Inspirational Leadership Award of the Year at the maiden edition of the Ghana Executive Awards, 2025.
The remarkable honour underscores her exceptional leadership in championing early intervention for Sickle Cell Disease, while mentoring women and youth in health and socio-economic initiatives. The award also signifies her stunning dedication to patient advocacy for warriors with Sickle Cell Disease, disabled communities and also for being an extremely respected personality advocating for the best healthcare practices in the country.
The event was held at Ghana’s premium Five-Star Hotel, Labadi Beach Hotel, and was organised by Globe Productions. It is a prestigious initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of functional and department heads, along with their team, across various industries in Ghana. The award scheme aims to highlight excellence in leadership, innovation, teamwork, and organisational impact, fostering a culture of collaboration, improvement and health competition among businesses in the country. In an interview, Victoria Awo Twumasi expressed her profound gratitude to God Almighty for His guidance and favour. “My mentor, the late Prof Kwaku Ohene-Frempong and his family, fellow patient advocacy groups for our collective efforts, and all our warriors in the Sickle Cell Community, as we continue to work towards effective healthcare remedies for a better quality of Life for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease”.
According to her, the trophy signifies renewed dedication and motivation to work harder for a brighter future. ” I am extremely excited for this win. I am deeply honoured by this great achievement. My team and I started from a humble beginning, looking to build on the foundation of work that was started by my mentor, the late Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, but now, we are so overwhelmed with this stunning achievement over the years.
“I dedicate this award to everyone in the Sickle Cell Disease community that is making a positive impact, my team, and my supportive board members of the Ghana Foundation for Sickle Gene Action, our Advisory Board, warriors and our partners across the globe,” she said.
Renowned US-based Ghanaian lawyer and scholar, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, has bemoaned the huge salaries and benefits paid to top public office holders in Ghana.
In a write-up shared on social media on May 20, 2025, Kwaku Azar questioned why a country with so many problems would be giving huge sums of money in benefits to “elite office holders — especially those at the pinnacle of our judiciary.”
The academic cited the remuneration of a Justice of the Court of Appeal as an example of the “gilded benefits” of elite public office holders that must be re-examined.
He said that Court of Appeal judges currently earn GH¢62,000 per month as salaries, aside from the other monthly benefits they enjoy.
“Take the case of a Justice of the Court of Appeal. Under current arrangements, a justice who retires after 25 years of service on the Superior Court of Judicature receives a retirement package that is nothing short of extraordinary.
“Let’s do the mathematics. The current monthly salary for a Justice of the Court of Appeal is GH¢62,202.53,” he wrote.
Kwaku Azar also said that in addition to the fact that Superior Court justices retire on their salaries, they are given ex gratia of over GH¢6 million.
“Upon retirement, the justice continues to receive this amount every month for life — and that amount is automatically adjusted upwards any time the salary of sitting justices is increased. In effect, the pension is indexed not to inflation, but to salary growth, which is even more generous.
“On top of this, the justice receives a gratuity (aka ex gratia) equivalent to four months’ salary for every year served. If they served for 25 years (a not uncommon scenario), the maths is staggering: 4 x 25 x ₵62,202.53 = ₵6,220,253. Yes, over six million cedis — paid as a lump sum upon retirement. This is in addition to a lifetime pension that starts at over ₵746,000 annually, with built-in upward adjustments,” he added.
He pointed out that these hefty amounts paid as benefit is drains the public purse.
Read his full post below:
In a country grappling with perennial flooding, debt restructuring, unpaid contractors, IMF conditions, and chronic underinvestment in health and education, it is worth asking whether we can continue to afford the gilded benefits of elite officeholders—especially those at the pinnacle of our judiciary.
Take the case of a Justice of the Court of Appeal. Under current arrangements, a justice who retires after 25 years of service on the Superior Court of Judicature receives a retirement package that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Let’s do the math.
The current monthly salary for a Justice of the Court of Appeal is ₵62,202.53.
Upon retirement, the justice continues to receive this amount every month for life—and that amount is automatically adjusted upward any time the salary of sitting justices is increased. In effect, the pension is indexed not to inflation, but to salary growth, which is even more generous.
On top of this, the justice receives a gratuity (aka ex gratia) equivalent to four months’ salary for every year served. If they served for 25 years (a not uncommon scenario), the math is staggering:
4 x 25 x ₵62,202.53 = ₵6,220,253
Yes, over six million cedis—paid as a lump sum upon retirement. This is in addition to a lifetime pension that starts at over ₵746,000 annually, with built-in upward adjustments.
For the individual judge, this is a spectacular reward.
But for the public purse? The cost is deeply concerning.
If even ten justices retire in a given year under these terms, the state will shell out over ₵62 million in gratuities alone, and nearly ₵8 million per year in pension payments, escalating over time.
And this does not include healthcare, security, drivers, housing, or other post-retirement benefits that may attach to the office.
In the abstract, it is easy to justify generous judicial compensation. Judges should be above corruption, financially secure, and motivated to protect the rule of law without fear or favour. Robust retirement benefits are often part of that architecture of independence.
But in practice, there is a point at which such benefits risk becoming unjust, unsustainable, and detached from the economic reality faced by the rest of the population.
The reality is:
• National service personnel earn less than ₵1,000 per month;
• Medical doctors and other health professionals are underpaid and under-resourced.
•Many public workers face arrears and delayed salary adjustments;
•Citizens were forced to accept “haircuts” on government bonds and pensions;
•Hospitals and schools routinely lack essential supplies due to budget shortfalls;
• Accra floods when it rains.
In such a context, can we honestly defend paying millions of cedis to a single individual in retirement while basic public services remain underfunded?
If the test of policy is whether it is fair, effective, and sustainable, then this current judicial retirement scheme fails on all three counts.
It is fair only to the few.
It is effective only in enriching a select class.
And it is sustainable only if the rest of society agrees to permanent austerity.
Reforming judicial pay should not mean undermining judicial independence. But judicial privilege must not become judicial exceptionalism. If we are all in this republic together, then burdens and benefits alike must be shared more equitably.
The “Professor this, Professor that” Emoluments Committee appears more committed to academic abstraction than fiscal responsibility—crafting golden parachutes in an economy begging for lifeboats.
The time has come to ask: Is it justice to give justices a golden parachute while the rest of society is asked to tighten their belts and take haircuts?
Da Yie!
BAI/VPO
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Mr. Annobil urged beneficiary communities to welcome the guards and offer their support, stressing the importance of community collaboration in achieving the program’s goals.
