The government has disbursed GH¢987.96 million to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as the first quarter allocation for 2025, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has told Parliament.

The disbursement, he said, underscored the government’s renewed commitment to fiscal decentralisation and the empowerment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

He stated further that the amount had already been transferred from the Consolidated Fund to the DACF Administrator and would be governed by strict Cabinet-approved guidelines to ensure transparency and alignment with national development goals.

Breakdown

Briefing parliament on the development yesterday, Dr Forson, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, disclosed that Cabinet had approved detailed expenditure categories to guide how the disbursed funds were spent at the local level.

He explained that 25 per cent of the total amount was earmarked for the design and construction of a model market in each district while health infrastructure would receive 10 per cent of the funds, with a minimum of two health compounds to be constructed in rural assemblies.

Dr Forson also said another 10 per cent had been set aside for educational infrastructure, specifically the construction of a kindergarten block, a primary school block and a junior high school block in each district.

“Mr Speaker, again, we have earmarked 10 per cent of the amount that will be sent directly to the Assemblies for the provision of school furniture,” he added.

In the area of water and sanitation, the Finance Minister said 10 per cent was allocated to provide potable water, including at least 10 boreholes in rural assemblies.

Additionally, he said 20 per cent of the released amount was to be used to complete abandoned and uncompleted legacy projects initiated by the former regional development authorities — Middle Belt, Coastal and Northern Development Authorities.

Dr Forson, however, stated that administrative costs, monitoring and evaluation had been capped at five per cent to prevent the misuse of funds. 

Accountability

The Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam legislator stated that under the new directive, the Administrator of the DACF was mandated to ensure that not less than 80 per cent of the amount was transferred directly to the district assemblies without fail.

He added that assemblies were required to submit detailed expenditure returns to the Ministry of Finance before subsequent quarterly disbursements were made.

Dr Forson said the release of funds marked a turning point after years of erratic disbursements that undermined the effectiveness of local governments.

He pointed out that between 2017 and 2024, only 40 per cent to 50 per cent of DACF allocations were actually transferred to the assemblies, leaving MMDAs under-resourced and unable to meet the development needs of their communities.

The current administration, he assured, was determined to reverse that trend.

“We are committed to adequately resourcing MMDAs and ensuring that effective and accountable utilisation of these resources is maintained at all times,” he said.

Revitalising local development

Dr Forson said the total DACF allocation for the year 2025 stood at GH¢7.57 billion, out of which GH¢6.1 billion — representing 80 per cent — would be disbursed directly to the assemblies to spur local economic activities.

“Mr Speaker, in view of that, every District Assembly will receive a minimum of GH¢25 million this year,” he explained.

“Let us work together to strengthen the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and position them as engines of local economic development,” Dr Forson urged his fellow MPs.

He further encouraged MPs to monitor the implementation of the spending guidelines within their constituencies to ensure that the intended development outcomes were achieved.

The CEO of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) has questioned the impact of the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA), after Parliament approved a new GH¢1 levy on petroleum products under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Dr. Riverson Oppong, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express with Evans Mensah on Wednesday, June 4, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and tangible results from the existing levy, warning that simply piling more costs on fuel prices will not resolve Ghana’s power crisis.

“Last year alone, according to our table-top calculations, ESLA raised no less than GH¢9 billion,” he revealed. “And you’re going to ask yourself—where did the money go?”

Dr. Oppong said the electricity sector has long been supported by the downstream petroleum sector through levies like ESLA. But he believes the core issue is poor financial management, not a lack of revenue.

“It is not about increasing the ESLA or adding another GH¢1 to it that might solve the problem,” he stressed. “We need to understand what the exact problem is.”

He drew an analogy to underscore the point: “Building a storey building on a very soft foundation will cause a collapse.”

The new GH¢1 energy levy, approved by Parliament on June 3, is aimed at raising revenue to clear crippling legacy debts in the energy sector and ensure stable power supply.

But critics, including civil society groups and consumer advocates, say it will increase the cost of living without guaranteeing an end to power cuts.

Dr. Oppong did not oppose the principle of supporting the energy sector. However, he argued that such support must be backed by clear outcomes, transparency, and structural reform.

“The Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) was enacted to solve this particular problem,” he noted. “And yet, we still sit here discussing how to avoid what we might face in the near future.”

He also pointed to the human cost of persistent power outages, especially in a country with limited alternatives for households and small businesses.

“If you are an ordinary Ghanaian and you have your power off in the middle of the night when the weather is hot, it’s very painful,” he said.

“Even for the government, when there is ‘dumsor’, I don’t think it’s a sweet thing to have in the middle of the night.”

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In a landmark decision this afternoon, Ghana’s Parliament ratified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, signalling a renewed national commitment to curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

The ratification, championed through a joint memorandum by Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, marks Ghana’s formal endorsement of a global agreement adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022.

The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is designed to eliminate harmful subsidies contributing to overfishing and IUU practices, particularly on the high seas and waters where fish stocks are overexploited or of unknown status. The agreement introduces prohibitions on subsidies for IUU fishing and the exploitation of overfished stocks and grants transition periods to developing countries like Ghana.

Speaking on the decision, Hon. Emelia Arthur noted that, “The ratification of this Agreement aligns with Ghana’s Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026), our national blueprint to restore marine fish stocks, enhance data collection, and improve enforcement. It also supports our broader efforts to build a resilient, equitable fisheries sector.”

Ghana’s fisheries sector remains a critical pillar of the national economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, and foreign exchange earnings. However, it faces severe challenges, including dwindling catches, fleet overcapacity, and environmental degradation.

The decision to ratify the WTO agreement comes at a pivotal time, as the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture prepares to implement the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), a measure aimed at replenishing depleted fish stocks and sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities.

According to the memorandum submitted to Parliament, ratification of the WTO Agreement is not only a requirement under Ghana’s constitutional process for international treaties but also a strategic move to level the playing field for Ghana’s artisanal and semi-industrial fishers, who face stiff competition from heavily subsidised industrial fleets from countries such as China, Japan, and the EU.

The agreement is also a step forward in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which calls for eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies by 2025.

Following today’s parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture will transmit the Assent document to the WTO Secretariat, formalising Ghana’s commitment. The Ministry has also pledged to integrate the Agreement’s provisions into national legislation, with ongoing revisions to the country’s fisheries legal framework.

In the words of Minister Ofosu-Adjare, “This is not just a trade agreement; it is a pact to protect the future of Ghana’s marine resources and the millions who depend on them. Ratifying this Agreement reinforces Ghana’s standing as a responsible coastal and flag state, committed to fairness, sustainability, and international cooperation.”

As implementation begins, the government has assured stakeholders that continuous engagement will be prioritised to ensure broad understanding and practical application of the Agreement’s measures.

This development further positions Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries governance, particularly as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It underscores its dedication to both environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

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The Criminal Division of the High Court has ordered the destruction of over $350 million worth of cocaine seized in Ghana, following confirmatory tests by state authorities.

On Wednesday, more than three tonnes of the suspected narcotics were inspected and tested at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters in Ridge, Accra.

The process was carried out under a court directive issued by Justice Ruby Aryeetey in the ongoing narcotics trial involving Isaac Quarcoo, Kenneth Cobbinah, and Mawuko Kudufia.

State attorneys, defence lawyers, technical experts from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the presiding judge were present as samples were subjected to the Cobalt Thiocyanate field test.

The samples turned blue, indicating a presumptive positive result for cocaine.

Subsequent laboratory analysis by the GSA using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed the substance as cocaine hydrochloride.

The narcotics—approximately 3.3 tonnes—were intercepted in March this year at Pedu Junction in the Central Region. They had been hidden under sand in a tipper truck heading to Accra.

The court has scheduled the destruction of the exhibits for June 20 at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region.

Meanwhile, the NIB has launched a manhunt for three additional suspects: Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan, who remain at large.

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The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has declared three more individuals – Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, and Charles Hagan – wanted in connection with Ghana’s largest drug bust this year.

This follows the testing of over three tonnes of suspected cocaine at the NIB headquarters in Ridge, Accra, in line with a court order issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey.

The substances, intercepted in March at Pedu Junction in the Central Region, were hidden under sand in a tipper truck en route to Accra.

Field testing using the Cobalt Thiocyanate reagent turned blue, indicating a presumptive positive result for cocaine. Subsequent laboratory analyses conducted by the Ghana Standards Authority — including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) — confirmed the substance as cocaine hydrochloride.

With confirmation now out of the way, the NIB can proceed with destroying the narcotic exhibits, as ordered by the court.

During Wednesday’s session, however, an attempt by the State Attorney to tender in the laboratory results from the GSA through a lab technician was challenged.

Lead defence counsel Victor Adawudu objected, arguing that the Case Management Conference (CMC) had not been completed, and therefore, tendering such evidence was premature. The court upheld the objection.

The remaining exhibits, valued at over $350 million, will be destroyed at Bundase in the Greater Accra Region on June 20, 2025.

The case itself has been adjourned to June 24, with additional samples collected in the presence of all parties for trial.

Meanwhile, the NIB says a manhunt is actively underway to locate and arrest the three newly named suspects.

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A U.S. appeals court appeared likely on Wednesday to conclude that President Donald Trump’s executive order curtailing automatic birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, though it may wait for the Supreme Court to first decide whether to narrow judicial orders that have prevented it from taking effect.

During arguments in Seattle, a majority of a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals expressed scepticism about the administration’s claim that the U.S. Constitution does not extend citizenship to nearly all children born in the United States regardless of immigration status.

The Republican president signed the order on January 20, his first day back in office. Trump directed federal agencies to refuse to recognise the citizenship of U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident, also known as a “green card” holder. The directive is part of his hardline approach toward immigration.

The Constitution’s 14th Amendment citizenship clause states that all “persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”

Justice Department lawyer Eric McArthur argued that this language was being wrongly interpreted in a way that encourages “birth tourism” by expectant mothers traveling to the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.

“It forces our immigration law to be at war with itself, prohibiting illegal immigration with one hand while inducing and rewarding it with the other,” McArthur said. “The Constitution does not require those perverse results.”

McArthur argued that when the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, congressional debates made clear that lawmakers were seeking merely to guarantee the citizenship for the freed slaves after the U.S. Civil War and aimed to only cover children born to people “domiciled” in the country who owed allegiance to it.

“I’m looking at the language of the citizenship clause,” responded U.S. Circuit Judge Ronald Gould, an appointee of Democratic former President Bill Clinton. “I don’t see any language in there textually that says they have to be domiciled.”

U.S. Circuit Judge Michael Hawkins, also a Clinton appointee, suggested that the administration’s focus on congressional debates would have earned the scorn of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative luminary who “was widely critical of looking at congressional history.”

The arguments came in the administration’s appeal of a nationwide injunction issued by Seattle-based U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, who called Trump’s order “blatantly unconstitutional.” Federal judges in Massachusetts and Maryland also have issued similar orders blocking the order nationwide.

More than 150,000 newborns would be denied citizenship annually if Trump’s order takes effect nationally, according to the plaintiffs.

Democratic attorneys general from 22 states and immigrant rights advocates in lawsuits challenging Trump’s directive argued that it violates the 14th Amendment.

Coughenour, an appointee of Republican former President Ronald Reagan, has presided over a legal challenge brought by the states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon and several pregnant women.

Washington state Solicitor General Noah Purcell during Wednesday’s arguments called the Trump administration’s position “radical.” Purcell said the U.S. Supreme Court made clear in 1898 in the case called United States v. Wong Kim Ark that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship regardless of the immigration status of a child’s parents.

“The executive order is unconstitutional and un-American,” Purcell said.

U.S. Circuit Judge Patrick Bumatay, a Trump appointee, pushed back, saying that the holding of the 1898 ruling was “limited to children of aliens that are permanently domiciled in the United States.”

The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, heard arguments on May 15 in the administration’s bid to narrow the three injunctions.

Those arguments did not center on the legal merits of Trump’s order, instead focusing on the issue of whether a single judge should be able to issue nationwide injunctions like the ones that have blocked Trump’s directive.

The Supreme Court, which has not yet issued its ruling, could allow the directive to go into effect in large swathes of the country.

Lawyers on both sides of Wednesday’s arguments suggested that the 9th Circuit wait until after the Supreme Court acts and then swiftly issue a decision on the legal merits of the dispute.

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3.3-tonne cocaine haul is said to be the largest bust in Ghana’s history

The High Court in Accra has ordered the destruction of a massive 3,319.66-kilogram (3.3-tonne) haul of cocaine, valued at approximately $350 million, on June 20, 2025. The order follows the interception of the drugs by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in March 2025.

The seizure, confirmed as the largest cocaine bust in Ghana’s history, involved cocaine concealed in a tipper truck and discovered at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast, Central Region, while en route to Accra from the Western Region.

The cocaine, hidden in 143 sacks beneath heaps of sand, was initially seized on March 4, 2025, weighing 2,974 kilograms. Subsequent intelligence-led operations on March 8 led NIB officers to a suspect’s residence, where an additional 13 sacks and one bag—totaling 345.07 kilograms—were recovered.

According to a report by Graphic Online, laboratory tests conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) confirmed the substance as high-purity cocaine, with purity levels ranging from 50% to 70%.

A presumptive cobalt thiocyanate test was conducted on June 4, in the presence of trial judge Justice Ruby Aryeetey, state and defense attorneys, as well as personnel from the NIB and NACOC. The test, which involved random sampling from three of the 2,970 slabs, verified the substance as cocaine.

The court’s order for inspection, testing, and destruction paves the way for the disposal of the seized cocaine, with samples retained for the ongoing trial, which has been adjourned to June 24, 2025.

Three suspects are currently standing trial for allegedly importing drugs without lawful authority and engaging in prohibited narcotic business. They include the tipper truck driver, Isaac Quaicoo (39), his mate, Kenneth Cobbinah (25), a tertiary student, and Mawuku Kudufia.

According to the Graphic Online report, state attorneys attempted to tender laboratory results from the GSA as evidence, but defense counsel Victor Adawudu objected, citing the incomplete Case Management Conference (CMC). The trial judge upheld the objection.

Meanwhile, the NIB has identified additional suspects, including Charles Hagan, who allegedly contracted the driver, as well as Kelian Julien Mensah and Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow, who remain at large. A search of the residence of Francis Awortwi, a close associate of Hagan, uncovered further suspected cocaine.

GA

Coach Otto Addo has expressed satisfaction with the team’s win against Trinidad and Tobago and the spirited performance against Nigeria in the Unity Cup, praising new players’ and noting the challenge of selecting the best players for the World Cup qualifiers in September due to the high level of talent. Otto appreciates opportunities like the Unity Cup for evaluating players but acknowledges scheduling constraints. The former Ghana winger plans to continue monitoring players, including those injured, and preparing for the World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September. He emphasizes the importance of staying humble and working hard to achieve their goals.

Read on for the Transcript:

On win against Trinidad and Tobago

I am very satisfied; we brought in new players, again, who are fresh, and I think we really did well in the first half, to press, to create chances, except this one situation where they had a shot on target which flew in front of the post. Everything went well and I am very, very satisfied that everybody could show himself.

On the players performance in two matches

The challenge is on. A lot of players showed that they can compete at the highest level, and this makes my work hard. But this is how we want it. You can see that in Ghana there is a lot of talent, and I am happy to give them the chance in this tournament. This will make the decisions a little bit more difficult even though we played well in our last World Cup qualifying games.  We really have to think about how to include one, two or three players. I don’t know, let’s see. We will still observe them. We will look at how their season will go, next season. I am happy for them to have holidays now. They should rest to start fresh and surely how they will perform with their clubs will also decide in the end for September.

On getting more games like the Unity Cup

If possible, why not. The calendar is very, very tight for a lot of clubs in Europe especially. That is why I think it would be difficult. But if we could arrange something like this more often, it would be really, really good because it gives me a bigger and brighter picture of all the players. It was a good competition for us, like I said this tournament, despite the results was a big, big win for us because it answered a lot of questions for us.

 On plan from now until September

Surely, I will be visiting players like I always do when the season starts. I will be watching matches and come together with my team to decide who will come for the next game. We are really looking forward to that; we want to start to start with a win in the World Cup qualifiers against Chad. Before that we will start to prepare well. There is also a lot of injured players, we will keep in touch with them and stay connected so that when we come together in September, everybody will be ready to do the job.

On being calm now that results and performance are getting better  

It’s always easier to work when you win. But on the other hand, we have to stay humble. We have to keep on working. If anybody thinks we are already at the World Cup, I can guarantee you, it’s not like that. I have seen too many things in football and we really, really have to work hard to fulfil our aim.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Rev Ntim Fordjour donated 3,400 mathematics sets to all registered BECE candidates in Assin South

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has urged this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in his constituency to stay focused, confident, and committed as they prepare for their final exams.

The former Deputy Education Minister encouraged the candidates to prepare for a brighter future as they advance their educational journey.

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee made the call during a three-day tour of schools in the Assin South Constituency.

As part of the tour, he donated 3,400 mathematics sets to all registered BECE candidates in the constituency to aid them in their upcoming external examination.

The MP was accompanied by the District Director of Education, Mr Opoku Inkoom, during the donation exercise, which forms part of his annual support program for final-year pupils.

The initiative aims to equip candidates with the essential tools necessary for effective exam preparation and performance.

Speaking to the candidates, Rev Ntim Fordjour reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their academic journey.

“Get ready for a bright future. With discipline and diligence, there is no limit to what you can achieve,” he encouraged the students.

He also emphasised the importance of equal access to educational resources, stating that no candidate in the constituency should be disadvantaged due to a lack of basic learning tools.

Teachers and school authorities across the constituency commended the MP for his consistency and dedication to improving education. They described the donation as timely and impactful, especially at this crucial stage of the pupils’ academic journey.

Member of Parliament for Kade, Alexander Agyare

The Member of Parliament for Kade, Alexander Agyare, has stated that the conduct of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Kissi Agyebeng, appears to be a calculated effort to safeguard his job rather than serve the public interest.

According to the MP, the contrasting track record of the OSP during the former Akufo-Addo New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration and the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government raises serious concerns about the office’s impartiality.

Mr. Agyare described the OSP’s approach as “purely hypocritical,” accusing the office of deviating from its core mandate in an attempt to please political paymasters.

“What I am saying is that Kissi Agyebeng wasn’t appointed recently. His behavior is strange and unfamiliar to Ghanaians. Was he engaged in such frequent public addresses under the NPP? How many press conferences or briefings did he hold then, compared to this year alone? You have to understand my point,” he said.

He continued, “Again, compare the cases he handled over the past three to four years in office with what he’s done in just the last five months. It clearly shows he is focused on safeguarding his job. Many people prioritize personal interests in their duties, but the office he holds is crucial to Ghana’s progress. We expect him to deliver, not offer these lamentations.”

The MP further questioned the credibility of the OSP’s current posture: “Is the OSP trying to suggest that, after four years in office, he is only now beginning to work? Are they saying he didn’t discover any corruption cases before?

“I don’t support anyone embezzling state funds because those funds belong to the people. But what I dislike is hypocrisy,” said the Kade MP.

Ghana has recorded its lowest inflation rate in more than three years, as the country’s remarkably strong currency continues to reduce the cost of goods brought in from abroad.

The West African nation’s inflation rate fell to 18.4% in May, down from 21.2% the previous month, marking the fifth consecutive month of declining price rises. Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu announced the figures to reporters in the capital, Accra, on Wednesday, noting that prices rose by just 0.7% during May itself.

Read Also: President Tinubu flags off Afam 2, commends Sahara Power Group for adding 180mw to national grid

Ghana, which produces more gold than any other African country, has benefited enormously from soaring gold prices this year. This surge has driven a spectacular 44% increase in the value of Ghana’s currency, the cedi, making it the world’s best-performing currency by Tuesday’s close.

The cedi’s remarkable performance, combined with falling global oil prices, has helped control inflation that had remained above 20% for the past three years. However, the currency did weaken slightly on Wednesday, dropping 0.1% to 10.25 cedis per US dollar by 10:12 a.m. in Accra.
Despite the overall improvement, certain sectors continue to face significant price pressures. Food costs rose by 22.8% whilst non-food items increased by 14.4%, according to Iddrisu.

The encouraging inflation figures may prompt Ghana’s central bank to reduce interest rates when it meets next month. The bank kept rates unchanged at 28% in May, but economists believe cuts are now inevitable.

The net in front of the Matthew Harding Stand ripples and Liam Delap instantly turns away, ready to receive the next ball. That one is dispatched, too. And another. And another. All the while, photographs are being taken and video is captured.

The technique is second nature to the striker, yet one powerful attempt crashes against the crossbar and bounces away. That miss is what Delap reflects upon after the shoot; it is a window into the uncompromising mindset of a player who struck 12 Premier League goals last season.

It is also a firm indication of the standards Delap sets for himself. He has not arrived at Chelsea by chance, it has taken years of hard work and dedication. The journey has been important.

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‘It’s a lifetime of graft,’ he says. ‘Since I was eight or nine years old, I was focused on football. I never wanted to do anything else, and I’ve given everything I could to make it happen.

‘It’s such a long and hard period and things can be tough for you, but I’ve always enjoyed it. I just love football; I’d be playing with my mates if I wasn’t a professional.

‘Fortunately, I’m alright at it – and I’m delighted that graft has worked out and I’m here now at Chelsea.’

Delap is accompanied throughout the shoot at Stamford Bridge by his mother, Helen, and father, Rory.

Of course, the latter is well known to football supporters given his 20-plus-year playing career, which included 14 seasons in the Premier League with Derby County, Southampton, and Stoke City.

‘Some of my earliest football memories are watching him playing – and launching throw-ins – for Stoke at the Britannia!’ says Liam. ‘We tried to get to as many games as possible, and I had a great upbringing in that I was so close to it all.

‘It gave me that feeling of football early; it was incredible and something I wanted. But I knew it wouldn’t be easy, I had to work hard for it.

‘I owe both mum and dad so much. I’ve got a younger brother and sister, and while dad was playing, my mum was so important to balance us and make sure we got to where we are today.

‘I can’t repay them enough, but I’m sure they are very proud and that is what makes me happy.’

Liam’s football journey started in the academy of Derby County. He spent almost a decade with the club before moving to Manchester City in 2019. There he became a team-mate of Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer, and was coached by Enzo Maresca during the 2020/21 season.

Powered by Delap’s goals – he netted 24 times in 20 matches – City won Premier League 2 for the first time. He also made his senior debut during the campaign, scoring against Bournemouth in the League Cup.

Yet with Sergio Aguero and then Erling Haaland leading the City attack, further senior experience was sought elsewhere, with Delap spending time on loan in the Championship with Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City.

‘I had a few loans and I learned a lot from then,’ he says. ‘You are a mixture of all these different experiences, so I’ve taken little bits from everywhere I’ve been and then built it together as one. I’m always learning and developing.’

An important step was taken in Delap’s career last summer as he left City permanently to join Ipswich Town, then newly promoted to the Premier League. The move provided the young striker with stability and a platform to perform, something he firmly took advantage of.

Six goals were struck in his opening 11 Premier League matches for the Tractor Boys, including a winner away at Tottenham Hotspur. His seventh came in a victory over the Blues at Portman Road before five more were added over the remainder of the campaign.

‘The most important thing for me last summer was going somewhere where I could play a lot of minutes. That was the opportunity I felt I needed, to go and express myself and show the player I am. Ipswich gave me that opportunity, which was so important, and I’m very grateful for that.’

Delap will not be short of further opportunities to prove himself at Chelsea. Next season, the Blues return to the Champions League, a competition we have twice won, and our quest for silverware never stops.

That is something the England Under-21 international is well aware of. He knows his history.

‘Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,’ he says.

‘I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.’

The massive 3319.66 kilogrammes of substance, which had been concealed in sacks, bags, and hidden in heaps of sand in a tipper truck to evade detection while being transported to Accra, have tested positive and confirmed to be cocaine.

The substance was intercepted at Pedu junction in Cape Coast by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in March 2025, with a street value of approximately $350 million.

They were hidden in a tipper truck loaded with sand. The cocaine is currently at the centre of a trial at the High Court in Accra.

A presumptive test from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) on Wednesday [June 4] confirmed it to be cocaine.  

The interception of the substance is the largest cocaine seizure in Ghana’s history.

It was tested by personnel of the GSA by taking samples randomly from three slabs of the 2,970 slabs of substance. 

The cobalt thiocyanate test was conducted in the presence of the trial judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, both state and defence attorneys, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Narcotic Control Commission (NCC) on Wednesday (June 4).

The exercise followed an order for inspection, testing and destruction which was granted by the High Court where three persons are currently standing trial on charges of allegedly importing drugs without lawful authority and engaging in prohibited narcotic business. 

With confirmation out of the way, the NIB can go ahead and destroy the exhibits following the court order.

Following the test, the state attorney had sought to tender the laboratory result covering several samples conducted at the GSA through one of the lab personnel but counsel for the accused persons, Victor Adawudu, objected to the tendering of same.

He argued that since both parties had not completed Case Management Conference (CMC), it was premature for the state to tender that document. 

This argument was upheld by the trial judge.

The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2025 with samples taken in the presence of the parties for trial. 

The remaining exhibit is set to be destroyed on June 20, 2024.

Background 

In March this year, the NIB  intercepted a staggering 3,319.66 kilogrammes (3.3 tonnes) of substances suspected to be cocaine, with a street value of approximately $350 million.

The massive haul was concealed in sacks and bags cleverly hidden in heaps of sand in a tipper truck to evade detection.

However, the vigilant NIB operatives were able to uncover the illicit cargo, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against narcotics

The tipper truck was arrested at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in the Central Region en route to Accra.

The interception of the over 3,300kg of cocaine is a significant achievement, marking about the largest cocaine seizures in the country’s history.

The driver of the tipper truck, 39-year-old Isaac Quaicoo, and his mate, Kenneth Cobbinah, a 25-year-old tertiary level student were arrested for investigation.

Also in the dock with them is Mawuku Kudufia.

Kelian Julien Mensah, Jefflean Kwadjo Ntow and Charles Hagan, who the state consider as prime suspects are still on the run.

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 Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Savannah Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), has launched an operation aimed at enforcing strict compliance with traffic regulations across the region.

The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce road accidents, particularly those caused by the indiscipline of motor riders.

Speaking to Channel One News, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Monica Adzo Ocloo Deh of the MTTD disclosed that the region recently recorded two road accident-related deaths, prompting intensified enforcement action.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users. Motor riders found flouting the law will be processed for court in the coming days,” ASP Ocloo Deh stated.

During the operation, several motor riders were apprehended. Some expressed surprise at the crackdown, while others admitted wrongdoing and pledged to obey traffic laws moving forward.

The queen mother of the area, Memunatu Damba-Wurche, lauded the efforts of the police and the NRSC, describing the initiative as timely and necessary for saving lives in the Savannah Region.

Minority MPs march to Police Headquarters over delay in Ablekuma North election results

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Under the sweltering weather of Ghana’s middle belt of the Bono, Bono East, and parts of the Northern regions, cashew trees stand tall, stretching across the horizon on vast plantations.

Like quiet soldiers in formation, their gnarled branches are ready to yield the nation’s second-highest non-traditional export – cashew nuts, a global delicacy with skyrocketing demand.

The sector is full of economic potential is yet hamstrung by manual labour and primitive farming and processing practices. Like many sectors of the agriculture space, the cashew industry is bedeviled by the lack of mechanised tools to increase productivity and for value addition.

Approximately 200,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts are produced every year, but less than 10% is processed locally. Middle East countries, like Vietnam and India, become the destination for the chunk of the aggregated nuts. They undergo stages of processing and packaging, made into finished products.

Senior Research Scientist at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Clement Oppong Peprah, believes mechanisation is the country’s “golden ticket” to productivity.

“Mechanisation isn’t just an option, it’s our strategic imperative to unlock immense wealth and create better jobs right here at home,” he noted.

The Hand-to-Mouth Sector

Along the value chain, cashew production in Ghana is predominantly manual – from harvesting to shelling, drying, peeling, and grading. Typically, farmers like Agye Sei, who cultivates on a 2-acre cashew plantation in Nkoranza, must shake the branches of the cashew tree or climb the tree to pluck directly from their twigs to fetch baskets of the nuts.

His wife, seated with their two children under the shade of one of the trees, cracked open the shells of the fruit with their bare hands. Spending hours to collect the nut in each fruit, their palms and fingers are bruised by the hard shells and caustic liquid within.

“This is what our fathers and mothers used and taught us. It’s slow work. Sometimes, I can process only 20 kilos in a whole day,” Agya Sei said.

This low productivity is not just a setback; it’s a brake on the sector’s growth. Through the manual production, a significant number of the nuts are crushed, leading to their wastage.

The Mechanisation Barrier

The progress to mechanisation is not simply buying sophisticated tools. The exorbitant cost of machines, the absence of funds, and poor access to rural infrastructure create a real barrier.

“We lack a clear national strategy, and inconsistent government policies, like suddenly reinstating import duties, make machinery prohibitively expensive. Illegal raw cashew exports also starve local processors of supply. Then there’s the financial squeeze: setting up a processing plant can cost millions, and local banks often charge crippling interest rates,” Dr. Oppong Peprah noted.

The country lacks large-scale processing plants with the right capacity and consistent supply of raw materials to attract long-term buyers and investors. Most factories established decades ago for the sector sit in ruins or no longer exist due to the poor raw nut supply and increasing operational costs.

There were organizations seeking to train farmers, support them with basic machinery and link to shared processing centres.

“Machines for cleaning, cooking, shelling, separating, peeling, grading, roasting, and vacuum packaging are crucial; they’re part of integrated plant solutions that ensure our cashews meet stringent global quality standards. We also have to utilize other smart equipment like drones and IA-equipped farm machinery, which can help improve production efficiency and reduce the time of operation,” Dr. Oppong Peprah indicated.

Policy, Partnerships, and the Path Ahead

Successive governments hinted at plans to industrialise the cashew sector. Under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act (Act 1010), cashew has been categorised as a strategic crop together with oil palm, shea, and rubber.

In 2022, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority launched a national cashew development strategy aimed at increasing processing capacity to 35% by 2027.

“While past attempts at agricultural mechanization faced setbacks due to poor management and a lack of trained personnel, today, it’s clear: we need modern machines to boost productivity, reduce back-breaking labour, and stop wasting valuable produce. It’s about breaking free from old cycles and embracing a more efficient future,” Dr. Oppong Peprah further noted.

The future of Ghana’s cashew sector depends not only on exporting raw nuts but in extracting their full value—at home. Mechanisation is the way forward, but it will take coordinated effort, policy discipline, and a cultural shift among producers.

As Agya Sei anticipates, “hand us the tools, the training, and the market—and we’ll do more than just grow the nuts. We’ll grow the economy.”

He, together with many cashew farmers across the country, hope the next chapter of Ghana’s agricultural tale will not just be written with hoes and baskets, but with conveyor belts, shelling machines at the heart of the cashew country.

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.

Four people have been put before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly illegally transporting cocoa beans worth more than GH¢1,000, 000.

Kofi Boateng, a driver; Seth Kwabena Baffour, a driver’s assistant; Joseph Yakubu, a driver and Amonsah Paul, a driver’s assistant are said to have concealed the 350 bags of cocoa beans in a cargo truck and loaded plantain on top of them.

They have pleaded not guilty to three counts of transporting cocoa beans from Tepa to Accra without authority at the court presided over by Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit.

Their pleas were taken on Wednesday [June 4, 2025].
 
Boateng has been admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢500,000 with three sureties one to be justified with two of the sureties being public servants earning not less than GH¢2,000.
 
Baffour has also been admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢650,000 with three sureties one to be justified with two of the sureties being public servants earning not less than GH¢2,000.

Yakubu and Amonsah on the other hand have been admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three sureties with two being public servants. One of the sureties must provide justification.

The accused persons are to deposit their Ghana cards at the court registry.

Prosecution’s facts

Per the facts of the case, the complainant, Patrick Ocansey is a Principal Service Officer of Ghana Cocoabod while Boateng is a driver in charge of cargo truck with registration number GN 8967- 17,

The truck was loaded with 159 bags of cocoa beans.

Baffour, is the driver in charge of the cargo truck with registration number AS 4066-21, which was also loaded with 198 bags of cocoa beans.

Yakubu and Paul are both driver’s assistants.

On May 30, 2025 at about 8:30 am, the complainant had intel that the above-mentioned trucks which were loaded with cocoa beans were packed at the Dome market.

“Complainant with a team of Police men, proceeded to the scene and arrested the accused persons and brought them to the Accra Central Police station. Investigations revealed that the accused persons loaded the cocoa beans from Tepa in the Brong Ahafo Region to be sent to Ashaiman in Greater Accra.

“Accused persons knowing very well that they cannot transport cocoa beans without the authority of Cocobod, and for the fear of being arrested by the Police, loaded plantain to cover the cocoa beans,” Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder told the court.

He added that when the accused persons got to the Dome market, they offloaded all the plantain, leaving the cocoa beans, hence their arrest.

“During interrogation the accused persons in their caution statements told police that the goods belonged to one Kwame but could not lead police to his arrest.”

He told the court that after investigations, the accused persons were charged with the offences stated on the charge sheet and arraigned before the court.