A former Secretary of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), and Andy Owusu, an aide to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, have been granted bail in the sum of GH₵200,000 each by the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra.

The two appeared before the court on Tuesday, May 6, over their alleged involvement in 15 criminal charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), where their respective pleas were formally taken.

Following brief proceedings, the court admitted them to bail, setting the bond at GH₵200,000 apiece, with two sureties each, one of whom is required to be justified.

The matter has been adjourned to 29th May, 2025 for a Case Management Conference (CMC), a procedural step designed to streamline the trial process by clarifying issues, disclosing evidence, and setting timelines.

Legal representatives declined to comment after the session.

The charges were filed at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra on April 28, alleging that between January and February 2019, Mr Bissue, while serving as IMCIM Secretary, corruptly accepted bribes totaling GH₵35,000 from one Benjamin Adjapong, directly and through Owusu, to fast-track the renewal of an expired mining licence for a mining company, ORR Resources Enterprise without proper documentation.

Read also: OSP files criminal charges against Charles Bissue over alleged IMCIM corruption scandal

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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Serwaa Akoto, who was at the protest in Accra, says the judiciary is under attack

Hundreds of opposition protesters dressed in red and black have condemned a decision by Ghana’s president to suspend the country’s chief justice, and are demanding that she be reinstated with immediate effect.

They accuse President John Mahama of violating the constitution by failing to follow due process, and say he is interfering in the independence of the judiciary.

Gertrude Torkornoo was removed from her post last week pending investigations into her conduct – the first time a chief justice has been suspended in Ghana’s history.

Action was taken after the president said three people had sent petitions to him containing undisclosed allegations against Chief Justice Torkornoo.

Monday’s demonstration in Accra was led by the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who were in power when Chief Justice Torkornoo was appointed by then-president Nana Akufo-Addo two years ago.

The NPP’s national organiser Nana Boakye Yiadom told the BBC her treatment was politically motivated and an attack on democracy.

Also taking part in the protests were three smaller opposition groups.

The opposition’s demands echo those made by the Ghana Bar Association last week. The grouping of top legal professionals said suspending the chief justice was unconstitutional and President Mahama must reverse it.

But that view is not shared by all.

A number of lawyers in the country argue it is within the president’s power to act when there is evidence of misconduct by a public officer, no matter the position. This view is also backed by the president’s supporters.

By law, chief justices in Ghana enjoy security of tenure, which means that they remain in office until retirement.

Yet Ghana’s constitution does empower the president to appoint, suspend or even fire the chief justice where there is evidence of wrongdoing, including incompetence and misbehaviour. However some Ghanaians argue due process has not been followed in this instance.

One protester, Serwaa Akoto, told the BBC: “The judiciary is under attack and we want the right thing to be done. Why is he suspending the chief justice?”

Also at the protest was Charles Oteng, who told the BBC: “We want to send a strong signal to the president. Yes, indeed, he has all the powers as a president, but the way he is attacking our judiciary is very alarming – and we the youth will not sit for him to do whatever he wants to do.”

Chief Justice Torkornoo is the third woman to hold the position in Ghana. Since winning power, Mahama’s National Democratic Congress has stepped up accusations of bias in her rulings of high profile political cases, which she denies.

She is expected to be summoned to answer questions in person in front of a committee investigating the allegations against her.

Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters

The Bank of Ghana has raised GH¢3.42 billion through the issuance of 56-day bills in its latest Open Market Operation, reinforcing its liquidity management stance amid elevated inflation and efforts to stabilise short-term rates.

The auction conducted on Monday, May 5, 2025 priced the bills at a yield of 27.9 percent just below the benchmark monetary policy rate of 28 percent.

While the central bank did not disclose either the size of bids received or the auction target, market analysts view the issuance as successful, citing sustained demand for high-yielding cedi assets in a tightening monetary environment.

This latest intervention aligns with the BoG’s broader strategy to absorb excess liquidity from the banking sector and anchor inflation expectations.

The short-term securities also serve as a key instrument for influencing interbank rates and guiding money market pricing.

The success of the 56-day bill issuance reflects investor confidence in short-term sovereign credit despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

It also illustrates the BoG’s delicate balancing act of supporting fiscal operations while maintaining its inflation-targeting framework.

Proceeds from BoG bills are often deployed toward the short-term financing needs of the government suggesting ongoing coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.

SP/MA

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By Stanley Senya

 Accra, May 06, GNA-Prof. Ransford E. V. Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Monday held talks with air freight stakeholders at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) towards reducing the cost of doing business in the commercial shipping sector.

The engagement included a meeting with the management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the Agency mandated to plan, develop, manage, and maintain all airports in Ghana, including KIA.

The interaction follows similar engagements with stakeholders in the sea and land freight sectors.

In addition to the engagement with GACL, the CEO, in the company of top management members, paid a working visit to the offices of two major ground handling and cargo companies — Aviance Ghana and Swissport Ghana.

The GSA delegation also held a separate meeting with freight forwarders operating at the Kotoka International Airport to deepen stakeholder collaboration and address operational concerns.

A statement from the GSA said the Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, welcomed the GSA team and congratulated Prof. Gyampo on his appointment.

It said she reaffirmed GACL’s commitment to working collaboratively with state institutions to ensure smooth and mutually beneficial operations.

“We are always ready to support GSA’s operations, and as we have collaborated in the past, we will continue to engage with you to improve the sector,” she said.

Prof. Gyampo recounted his visits to key sea freight stakeholders such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Meridian Port Services (MPS), and various shipping lines.

He also referenced engagements with land freight stakeholders, including the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Immigration Service at Aflao, Kpoglu, and Akanu-Noepe borders, as well as freight forwarders operating in those areas.

He said the visits were aimed at collecting first-hand information and encouraging all stakeholders to work towards achieving President John Mahama’s vision of boosting economic growth by reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana.

He added that with the enactment of the GSA Act 2024 (Act 1122), all shippers and shipping service providers were expected to adhere to a reasonable level of standards to improve their operations and ensure greater predictability for businesses.

“Our role is to protect the interests of shippers — whether by sea, land, or air — while also recognising the concerns of shipping service providers. We will incorporate operating standards into our Legislative Instrument (LI) to ensure that all sector players perform their duties diligently,” Prof. Gyampo said.

The statement said at Aviance Ghana, the Managing Director, Mr. Mark Kamis, expressed appreciation for the longstanding collaboration with GSA and looked forward to enhanced engagement.

He congratulated Prof. Gyampo on his appointment and reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s global visibility.

“We are doing well. We want to continue contributing our quota to making Ghana visible globally through our work,” he said.

Prof. Gyampo emphasised that a key objective of the visit was to identify and address air freight issues that impacted the cost of doing business.

“We are here to listen and collaborate with you. Let’s create a win-win situation. The GSA exists to safeguard the interests of all players in the commercial shipping sector — both shippers and service providers — to ensure that your investments in Ghana continue to thrive,” he stated.

The Managing Director of Swissport Ghana, Mr. Gerald Suckling, lamented the unstable performance of the sector in recent years, and noted that the decline in the production of perishable and non-perishable goods in the country had caused some cargo airlines to halt operations in the country, negatively affecting Swissport’s business.

He also pointed out that despite being the largest and most patronised cargo handler over the years, Swissport was currently seeing a drop in exports.

He cited the delayed clearance of goods, largely due to importers’ poor preparation and funding issues, as another key challenge.
 

Mrs. Monica Josiah, Head of Operations at the GSA, commended Swissport for the positive feedback it received in the GSA’s Service Level Survey.

During a meeting with executives of Freight Forwarder Associations operating at KIA, several concerns were raised regarding operational challenges negatively affecting shippers.

Key amongst them was the frequent breakdown of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), which plays a crucial role in the clearance process.

The freight forwarders complained that outages of the ICUMS system sometimes lasted more than a day, leading to delays and increased costs, which were ultimately passed on to shippers.

They also criticised the slow responsiveness of some state agencies involved in the clearance process.

“One agency advertises 24-hour permit issuance, but in reality, it takes two or more days. Without their permit, we cannot proceed, and this causes delays,” one freight forwarder explained.

Another added, “Due to weight discrepancies, we cannot use the pre-clearance option in ICUMS. Often, the declared weight differs from the actual weight upon arrival, forcing us to restart the process. That’s why we prefer to begin clearance only after the consignment arrives.”

Mrs. Josiah urged freight forwarders to report such issues to the Shipper Support Unit at KIA with adequate evidence.

The GSA, she assured, would investigate and demand refunds or redress where applicable.
GNA

The visit provided committee members with a firsthand look at the project’s current status

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing has called on the government to expedite the completion of the Affordable Housing Project at Pokuase-Mayera in Accra.

During a working visit to the project site on Monday, May 5, 2025, the Committee Chairman, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, emphasised the urgent need for government action.

The visit provided committee members with a firsthand look at the project’s current status and possible strategies for its completion.

“If we don’t act now, encroachment will worsen, putting infrastructure and human lives at risk,” he warned.

He stressed the importance of the Ministry of Finance releasing the necessary funds without further delay to facilitate the project’s completion.

According to Oppong Asamoah, the housing project, which was originally scheduled for completion in 2024, remains far from finished due to delayed disbursement of funds.

“With regard to the road infrastructure, the contractor has indicated that he wasn’t even paid mobilization fees. We need to urgently address these outstanding issues, which the government must resolve,” he stated.

Expressing deep concern over the delay, he described the project as a key government initiative hindered primarily by a lack of timely funding.

“According to the work plan, this should have been completed in 2024, but as you can see, there’s no visible structure. We’re also facing interference from encroachers, local residents, and landguards. None of us is satisfied with the current state of affairs, and it’s clear the government has not fulfilled its part of the contract,” he lamented.

He compared the stalled project to the Saglemi Housing Project, saying, “These are critical housing interventions, and the lack of financial support is jeopardising their success.”

The situation is further complicated by the activities of encroachers and landguards, who are hindering progress, with some reportedly attempting to disrupt the committee’s visit.

In light of this, Oppong Asamoah emphasized the need to address the security risks posed by these groups, warning that further delays could embolden illegal occupants and endanger construction workers.

“Considering the location of this project, it’s a prime area in Accra. Many would be proud to live here. Unfortunately, encroachers and landguards have become a major nuisance. The government must intervene and take this project seriously,” he noted.

He stressed the urgency of completing the project before further encroachment occurs.

“It’s good that we came here, and we’ll follow up. We’ll engage the Minister of Finance to explore funding options to ensure the project’s full implementation. Since it falls under the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Minister must prioritize it,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Oppong Asamoah expressed optimism about the project’s future.

“Once completed, this will be a beautiful residential community. In fact, I’d be happy to live here myself. The area is peaceful, well-located, and has great potential for families looking for a decent place to call home,” he added.

SP/MA

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The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has inaugurated an 84-unit residential facility and a Centre of Excellence in Accra as part of efforts to boost training capacity, improve officer welfare and strengthen national security operations.

The residential facility comprises 42 two-bedroom and 42 three-bedroom apartments, while the training facility features lecture halls, an ICT lab, an e-learning area, administration, cafeteria and executive hostels.

The edifice also has a clinic, convenient shop, cafe, executive lounge and eateries among others, all designed to enhance the operational efficiency and morale of GIS officers.

The inauguration, which took place yesterday, was graced by former Comptroller Generals of the Service, senior government officials and officers of the GIS. 
Significance

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support and unwavering commitment to addressing the accommodation needs of the security services, highlighting the government’s recognition of the GIS as a critical pillar of national security and economic stability.

He explained that the centre would be a strategic hub for advanced post-entry training — not only for GIS officers but also for external institutions that may require the Service’s expertise.

He said the facility was expected to enhance the professional development of officers by equipping them with modern skills and knowledge in migration management, ultimately enabling them to address complex migration issues while safeguarding national security and promoting the dignity of migrants.

On the residential front, he stressed that the provision of quality accommodation reflected a deliberate investment in the welfare of personnel, which he believed would uplift morale and drive productivity.

Mr Amadu, therefore, issued a firm reminder to occupants to adhere strictly to the laid-down occupancy conditions, noting that regular inspections would be conducted and non-compliant residents risked eviction. 

Government support

The Minister for the Interior,  Mubarak-Mohammed Munkaka, lauded the initiative and described it as a testament to the country’s commitment to securing its borders and improving the well-being of the security personnel.

He said the government was aware of the GIS’s infrastructure deficit and how it was grappling with regional office space and residential accommodation across the country, which impacted adversely on their performance such as easy mobilisation and quick deployment of personnel for operational duties among others.

“We are committed to bridging this gap to ensure that personnel of the security services have the necessary infrastructure and logistics to perform their duties effectively,” he added.

He commended the brilliant initiative of the GIS to enter a public-private partnership to address its pressing infrastructure needs and further encouraged the service to replicate such projects beyond Accra.

“I think these are some of the things that we need to encourage the other services to do.

Partnerships help because they bring their money forward to be able to provide a service, while the service takes its time to repay,” he said.

The banking sector in Ghana has witnessed a concerning surge in fraud cases, with a total of 155 staff members dismissed last year out of 365 found to have engaged in fraudulent activities.

This development is attributed to the rising cases of fraud in banks and Special Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs), which increased from 15,865 in 2023 to 16,733 in 2024, indicating a five per cent rise.

The total value of risk in the sector has also escalated, rising to approximately GH¢99 million in 2024, compared to GH¢88 million in 2023, representing a 13 per cent increase. 

According to the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) 2024 Fraud Report, the rate of recovery of potential losses has become a significant challenge for banks due to prolonged legal proceedings that often lead institutions to discontinue pursuing cases.

The Banks, Special Deposit Institutions and Payment Service Providers 2024 Fraud Report of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), show that the rate of recovery of potential losses has become a challenge for banks due to prolonged legal proceedings that eventually lead these institutions to stop pursuing the cases.

“This is an indication that other staff implicated in fraud activities are either exonerated or given lesser punishments,” the report stated.

However, the Bank of Ghana report warned that banks were required to strengthen disciplinary policies and foster a culture of zero tolerance for fraud.

In 2024, banks reported a total count of 716 fraud cases, which indicated a 26 per cent drop from the count of 969 cases in 2023. 

The downward trend in fraud cases is attributed to the improvement of internal controls within the banking sector.

Fraud types

The report indicated that the top five fraud types recorded in 2024 in terms of value at risk were: forgery and manipulation of documents, identity theft/impersonation, ATM/POS/Card, e-money and remittance fraud.

The Microfinance and Savings and Loans sub-sectors have also seen a significant increase in the number of cash theft fraud cases reported. 

This alarming phenomenon is of grave concern to BoG, and as such, SDIs are required to enhance their internal controls to minimise cash theft. 

The BoG has indicated its concern to the banks about the consistent and steady increase in regulated financial institution’s staff involvement in fraudulent activities in the banking sector.

“Consequently, Banks and SDIs are required to strengthen their internal controls, enhance staff due diligence mechanisms during recruitment, as well as reinforce continuous in-house staff training on professional conduct,” the BoG fraud report stated.

“Banks and SDIs should also ensure the prosecution of culprits to serve as a deterrent,” the report stated.

Electronics

In 2024, the number of electronic fraud incidents recorded was 15,673, representing a seven per cent rise as compared to 14,655 cases recorded in 2023.

This indicates that despite security enhancements, fraudsters can identify and exploit vulnerabilities in digital payment products.

In terms of the value at risk, the SDI sector recorded the following as the topmost fraud cases: cash theft/ cash suppression, credit fraud, burglary and e-money fraud.

Cash theft recorded the highest value at risk of Gh¢1.6 million, a slight reduction from the GH¢1.9 million recorded in 2023.

The value at risk recorded for credit fraud saw a substantial rise in 2024, compared to 2023. The values at risk were GH¢1.2 million and GH¢0.03 million for 2024 and 2023 respectively.

Burglary also emerged as part of the top fraudulent activities in the SDI sector. The year 2024 recorded a value at risk of GH¢0.73 million as compared to GH¢0.04.

Ghana Stock Exchange opens first trading week of May on a bullish note

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) opened the first trading week of May on a bullish footing, with the benchmark GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) climbing 74.65 points to close at 6,288.99 points.

The gain extends the index’s Year-to-Date (YTD) return to an impressive 28.65%.

Market capitalisation surged by GH¢919.05 million, settling at GH¢138.69 billion, bolstered largely by price gains in telecom giant MTN Ghana (MTNGH).

The telco’s stock advanced by 7 pesewas to GH¢3.19, contributing significantly to the market’s positive trajectory.

In contrast, the Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) closed unchanged at 3,129.19 points, preserving a robust YTD return of 31.43%.

Despite the upbeat index performance, market activity cooled, with total volume traded falling by 5.61% to 1,262,596 shares.

However, trade value spiked 78.65% to GH¢14.78 million, reflecting high-value transactions in select equities.

MTNGH dominated trading volumes with over 1 million shares changing hands, valued at GH3.2 million.

Other actively traded counters included Fan Milk Limited (FML), Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), and Gold ETF (GLD).

Despite appearing in the top traded list, GLD slipped GH¢2.58 to GH¢438.50, registering as the session’s top decliner.

SP/AE

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 The Minister for the Inte­rior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s border and migration security, describing it as a national priority in the face of evolving security challenges.

He underscored the critical role of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and assured that the Minis­try of the Interior would continue to prioritise the allocation of resources to enhance operational

 readiness.

The Minister made these remarks in Accra yesterday at the inaugura­tion of the GIS Centre of Excel­lence and an 84-unit residential complex for its officers.

The residential project comprises 42 two-bedroom and 42 three-bed­room apartments, constructed to provide decent housing for GIS personnel.

The Centre of Excellence includes executive lecture halls, a cafeteria, executive hostels, a clinic, and other critical infrastructure to support advanced post-entry training and skills development in

 migration management.

According to Mr Muntaka Mubarak, the new facility would serve as a hub for innovation and capacity building, empowering immigration personnel to respond effectively to emerging migration and security challenges.

“We are committed to bridging the infrastructure gap to ensure that personnel of the security services have the necessary logistics to perform their duties effectively,”he stated, noting that longstanding accommodation and office space deficits have hampered the service’s performance, particularly in rapid mobilisation and deployment.

Moreover, the Minister used the opportunity to caution against poor maintenance of the newly constructed residential units and pledged full support to the Comp­troller-General to evict any officer who failed to care for the property properly.

He also encouraged the Immigra­tion Service to adopt a comprehen­sive maintenance plan and promote good community living practices, including regular cleaning routines to preserve the facility’s condition and reputation.

Addressing the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of the service, Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed gratitude to the government of Ghana for their unwavering sup­port to the service, noting that the completion of the project reflects the government’s recognition of the GIS’s essential role in national security and economic develop­ment.

The Comptroller-General also stated that the Centre of Excellence would serve not only GIS officers but also institutions requiring immi­gration-related training, saying that, “The Centre would enhance our ability to ensure the safety and dig­nity of migrants while promoting national security and development.”

Mr Amadu further emphasised that the new accommodation would boost officer morale and produc­tivity by improving their living con­ditions. “As we commission these facilities, we reaffirm our commit­ment to excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation,”he added.

He concluded with a firm reminder that beneficiaries of the accommodation must adhere to occupancy conditions. “I will per­sonally take interest to ensure that inspections are done properly, and if you are found not to be keeping your place properly, we will eject you,”he cautioned.

 BY STEPHANIE BIRIKO­RANG

The Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, has underscored the pivotal role of youth and traditional leaders in advancing Ghana’s agricultural sustainability agenda, calling for structural investments to harness their potential.

Delivering a presentation at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, Madam Akosa said Ghana’s food security can only be secured through decentralised, locally informed, and inclusive approaches that leverage the energy of young people and the authority of traditional leaders.

“We see the youth who keep demonstrating beyond reasonable doubts that if given the platform, mentored, and if they have the right mindset and education on agriculture and its opportunities, they should be able to contribute to the future of food,” she stated.

The breakfast meeting, themed “Future of Food: The Critical Place of Sustainable Practices,” brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to explore actionable paths to agricultural resilience in Ghana.

According to Madam Akosa, the presence of traditional rulers at the forum was crucial, given their control over communal lands and their influence at the grassroots level.

“Our traditional leaders… are also part of governance. They are basically the heads or leaders within the community. How are governments or partners working with them to ensure there is some level of sustainability?” she asked.

Highlighting the challenge of under-utilised regional potential, she called for a regional value chain development strategy where each area focuses on what it can produce best.

“If we look at each region and what can be produced, then we can look at how we can industrialise it and create jobs,” she said.

She further pointed to education as a missing link in the food security value chain, stressing the need for practical agricultural training and innovation hubs in schools.

“Most schools are not having any demonstration centres… even the land meant for laboratories have been turned into dormitories,” she lamented.

Madam Akosa warned of the dangers of short-term thinking, especially in the context of illegal mining. “All of our farmers are even trading their lands for galamsey… because it gives them immediate returns,” she said, describing it as a major threat to long-term food production.

She criticised the inconsistency in implementing agricultural policies, noting that many programmes collapse with changes in government.
“A government comes with a sound policy… the minute they go, another one comes to abolish it. So there’s no continuity,” she said.

Madam Akosa concluded by urging stronger advocacy, mindset transformation, and leadership discipline to drive lasting solutions in agriculture.
“The issue of sustainability and the future of food is safe in our hands, but what practices, what approaches, what are we doing now, and how can we really advance it?” she asked.

The event, organised by Graphic Communications Group Ltd in partnership with Stanbic Bank Ghana, is part of a quarterly platform to examine pressing issues affecting the economy, particularly in agriculture, finance and development.

Professor Francis Atsu, an expert in Sustainable Food Systems and Supply Chains, has issued a firm caution against the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture, citing a multitude of adverse impacts on both the environment and human health.

Speaking at the Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting held in Accra on Tuesday, May 6, Professor Atsu emphasised that the continued reliance on synthetic inputs in farming practices is unsustainable and poses long-term risks to food security and ecosystem integrity.

“Stop the idea of these synthetic chemicals, it will not help you. thinking that my land is no longer fertile and I am going to pump in fertilisers and other chemicals to boost fertility, you know what? Some of these chemicals have a life of about five years residual in the land, you apply fertiliser today and it will take about five years for that residual to wipe off,” he said.

Outlining the dangers associated with chemical-based agriculture, Professor Atsu noted that prolonged use of agrochemicals depletes soil fertility, contaminates water bodies, and disrupts natural pollination processes.

He also warned of the rising health concerns linked to chemical residues in food, including potential links to chronic illnesses and hormone disruption in humans.

The breakfast meeting, a collaborative platform hosted by Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank, brought together stakeholders from the agricultural, financial, and policy sectors to discuss innovative approaches to food production in Ghana’s rapidly changing climate.

The event was held on the theme “Future of food, the critical place of sustainable practices”

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.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.

In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢13.64 and a selling price of GH¢13.65 to a dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢18.11 and sold at GH¢18.13, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢15.42 and a selling price of GH¢15.44.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on May 6, 2025, at 08:20 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢14.90 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢19.70 at some major forex bureaus across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢17.00 on the retail market.

To curb the cedi’s depreciation, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.

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Stack of newspapers | File photo

Below are some of today’s major news headlines:

DAILY GUIDE

Protesters want CJ’s suspension reversed

Failure to meet asset declaration deadline: Govt appointees lose 3 months’ salaries

Ghana throws away GHC 762.32 billion annually

THE GHANAIAN TIMES

Asset declaration: Pres to dismiss non-compliant appointees

Coalition of political parties demo: Demands reversed CJ’s suspension

THE CHRONICLE

Judiciary is being intimidated!

Tsopoli Lands: 7 suspected land guards granted bail

DAILY GUIDE

Opposition parties hit streets over CJ’s removal

Declare assets tomorrow or dismissal – Mahama to appointees

Otumfuo clocks 75 today

The Train-the-Trainers format of the workshop is designed to multiply impact

Ghana is hosting the second regional Train-the-Trainers Workshop under the Arms Trade Treaty Implementation Support Project (ATT-ISP), with the goal of enhancing national and regional capacities to combat the illicit flow of arms across West Africa.

The workshop, taking place from May 5 to 9, 2025, in Accra, brings together security experts, policymakers, and representatives from several African countries to deepen their understanding of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and strengthen implementation efforts at the national level.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, expressed the government’s pride in hosting the event and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the ATT’s core principles of transparency, accountability, and the prevention of human suffering caused by illicit arms flows.

“This workshop is not merely a technical event,” the minister noted.

“It is a demonstration of our shared responsibility to uphold peace, security, and responsible arms control across the region.”

He revealed that Ghana is actively working to domesticate the ATT’s provisions, with a Draft Arms Bill and a National Control List currently under review for Cabinet approval.

These efforts aim to modernize and align Ghana’s arms legislation with global best practices.

The Train-the-Trainers format of the workshop is designed to multiply impact by equipping regional participants with not only technical knowledge but also soft skills such as communication and training delivery.

Participants will go on to train others in their respective countries, thereby strengthening national systems of arms control.

Dr Adam Bonaa, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), emphasized the urgency of regulating firearms in Ghana.

“About 9 out of 10 violent crimes in Ghana today involve illicit firearms—many of which are unregistered and smuggled into the country,” he said.

“We must pass the Arms Bill to protect our citizens and prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands.”

Dr Bonaa stressed that the workshop’s significance lies in its long-term impact.

“You can’t train everyone at once, so we train trainers who will go on to multiply knowledge and build regional resilience,” he stated.

Carina Solmirano, Head of the ATT Secretariat, assured participants of the training’s relevance and effectiveness.

She underscored the importance of international cooperation and local ownership in achieving the treaty’s objectives.

The workshop is supported by the European Union, which has been a major partner in global efforts to improve arms control and promote peace and security through the ATT framework.

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AM/GA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028