Convener of the Kwahu Forum for Truth Mr. Kofi Boahen Dankwa

The convener of the Kwahu Forum for Truth, Kofi Boahen Dankwa, has warned that Ghana’s chieftaincy institution is at risk of descending into chaos if the ongoing traditional coup d’état in Kwahu is not halted immediately.

According to the Kwahu Forum for Truth, the purported destoolment of the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, and the subsequent installation of a rival chief without following customary and lawful procedures is an affront to the chieftaincy institution.

This action could lead to mayhem if left unchecked.

“This customary coup d’état must not stand. It threatens to erode the sanctity of chieftaincy across Ghana. If such unlawful actions are tolerated, no traditional area will be safe from similar desecration. We must all rise, in dignity and unity, to reject this daylight robbery of our heritage,” the convener of the Kwahu Forum for Truth stated in a press release.

The press statement, signed by Kofi Boahen Dankwa, called on the state and the people of Kwahu to uphold the dignity of their ancestors by defending the truth and shielding the sacred stool from the stains of corruption.

“This illegal occupation is not merely an affront to Daasebre; it is a sacrilegious assault on Kwahu tradition itself. No charges have been filed against the Omanhene before the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, which is the only legally sanctioned body that can rule on chieftaincy matters. There has been no customary destoolment, no hearings, no summons, nothing.

“Yet, through misinformation campaigns on social media and calculated public deception, this imposter seeks to convince the world that Daasebre has been deposed. The truth, however, is unshakable: Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II remains the only legally and customarily recognized Omanhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area,” the statement reads.

Boahen Dankwa also highlighted that the self-styled new Omanhene, who lacks a legitimate claim, ancestral entitlement, and customary endorsement, has unlawfully taken over the Esono Gyimah Mampong Agyei Palace in Abene.

He has surrounded himself with armed guards, causing fear, confusion, and division in a land that has always stood united.

He commended Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II for his leadership, maturity, and decision to choose the path of peace rather than violence amid the extreme provocation, betrayal, and brazen lawlessness in Kwahu.

“He has refused to engage in violence or retaliation. Instead, he has placed his trust in the rule of law, opting to let the judiciary address the illegality. This decision has not been easy. The occupation of his palace, the sacred seat of Kwahu—cuts really deep. The people of Abene are anxious, dejected, and unsettled. But Daasebre has remained calm, patient, and resolute. He has heard the cries of his people and has initiated the necessary legal proceedings to challenge the imposter’s actions,” Kofi Boahen Dankwa noted.

The convener of the Kwahu Forum for Truth emphasised that the patience of the Kwahu people is not weakness, but strength and a commitment to justice, not vengeance. It is a commitment to tradition, not thuggery.

Ghana has officially barred all foreign nationals from participating in its local gold trading market from April 30, 2025.

This follows the enactment of a new law earlier this month that grants exclusive authority of gold mining to a new state body, the Ghana Gold Board.

In a statement, the Board’s spokesperson, Prince Kwame Minkah said all foreigners are hereby notified to exit the local gold trading market, not later than 30th April, 2025.

The decision comes on the heels of a new mining law enacted earlier this month, which grants exclusive regulatory authority over the gold sector to a newly-established state agency, the Ghana Gold Board, known as GoldBod.

Prince Kwame Minkah, GoldBod spokesperson, in a statement, said during this period, gold transactions would only be carried out in Ghanaian cedis, the local currency, and priced based on the Bank of Ghana rates.

“‘All foreigners are hereby notified to exit the local gold trading market not later than April 30, 2025,” Prince Minkah said in a statement issued on Monday.

Also, GoldBod warned that “it shall constitute a punishable offence for a person to purchase or deal in gold in the country without a licence issued by the new board.”

Similarly, the government has allocated $279 million (£212) to the new body to purchase and export at least three tonnes of gold per week.

The Ghana Gold Board is expected to be fully operational by May 2025, with plans to digitize gold transactions, formalize small-scale mining, and regulate gold exports.

Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer and the sixth largest in the world, but it is struggling to address widespread illegal gold mining.

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has described the newly launched One Million Coders Program, introduced on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as a key initiative for transforming Ghana’s digital economy.

According to the President, the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, will position Ghana as a leader in the global tech space.

Speaking at the launch, President Mahama highlighted the importance of the program, which aims to train one million Ghanaians in essential digital and coding skills over the coming years.

He emphasised that the program, a core part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s 2024 campaign promise, is not merely political rhetoric but a strategic effort toward economic development.

President Mahama stated that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader blueprint to reset the economy through technology and innovation.

“We are not just launching a program, we are laying the foundation for a blue economy. We are declaring, with bold purpose, that Ghana is ready to lead in the digital age. We are telling our youth, our communities, our continent, and the world that the future is here, and we will be part of shaping it. This is not just a fulfilled promise; it is a strategic pillar in our Reset Ghana agenda, designed to equip Ghanaians with critical digital skills for 21st-century life and work,” he said.

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Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Rashid Pelpuo

The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, officially dispatched the first batch of Ghanaian youth selected under the Work Abroad Program to South Korea.

The initiative, originally arranged before Dr Pelpuo assumed office, aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth in the shipping industry abroad.

As minister, Dr Pelpuo oversaw the final phases of the deployment process, including the issuance of relevant licenses and authorisations needed to facilitate the beneficiaries’ travel and employment.

In his address to the departing recruits, Dr Pelpuo reassured them of the Government of Ghana’s ongoing support and protection throughout their employment journey in Korea. He urged them to seize the opportunity not only to build careers and earn competitive salaries but also to plan towards investments back home, such as housing and small businesses.

The beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation to the minister and the government for making their dream a reality. Excitement and hope marked the occasion as they prepared to embark on a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

This effort aligns with the broader employment vision of President John Dramani Mahama, whose leadership continues to prioritise youth empowerment, job creation, and international labour partnerships.

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has dismissed calls for President John Dramani Mahama to suspend ongoing proceedings related to the determination of a prima facie case on petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.

His comments followed yet another adjournment by the Supreme Court in a case seeking to halt the President and the Council of State from moving forward with the process.

The adjournment was due to the absence of one of the five Justices presiding over the case, His Lordship Samuel Asiedu. Explaining the situation, Presiding Judge Her Ladyship Henrietta Mensah Bonsu said the Court had encountered “problems and for unavoidable reasons have to adjourn.”

The injunction application—filed by lawyer and plaintiff Godfred Yeboah Dame—aims to prevent the President from continuing with the petition review until the Supreme Court rules on the matter.

Speaking to the media after the adjournment, Dr. Ayine argued that the President is constitutionally bound to proceed with the process, regardless of the pending court application.

“He has applied to the court, and the court is yet to make an order. So, if he is saying that the court must hold on? Is he saying that the court has already granted an order in respect of which the president must not continue the process?” Dr. Ayine questioned.

He further emphasised that no legal basis exists to stop the President from performing his constitutional duties.

“He must understand that it is the constitutional duty, and the law is very clear that you cannot enjoin the performance or conduct of a public communication,” he added.

AIDEC Digital, a subsidiary of the AIDEC Group of Companies, has officially launched its state-of-the-art Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) center in Accra, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation journey and solidifying the country’s position as an emerging hub for global digital outsourcing services.The launch event was held under the theme – ‘Global Competitiveness and Strategic Partnerships: Positioning Ghana as a top digital outsourcing hub through strategic collaborations and job creation’.

It was attended by industry leaders, government representatives, and technology stakeholders, showcased AIDEC’s comprehensive suite of outsourcing solutions designed to serve both local and international clients while creating substantial employment opportunities for the nation’s increasingly tech-savvy population.

“This launch marks yet another milestone after several others by AIDEC in the digital landscape,” Sir Ambrose Yennah, Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDEC Group of Companies said at the launch event. “Our vision is to tap into the market potential by positioning Ghana as a hub for digital outsourcing, taking advantage of our growing digital ecosystem, skilled youth, and strategic location in Africa,” he added.

The new BPO facility positions Ghana to capture a larger share of the global BPO industry, currently valued at US$321 billion and projected to reach US$525 billion by 2030. Africa currently accounts for just 2 percent of this market, with South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco dominating the continent’s share at 87 percent.

Nonetheless, a combination of factors, including a young, upwardly-mobile, english-speaking and political stability, are adding to Ghana’s appeal. “Ghana has all the attributes of a favorable destination for BPO services—political stability, English as the first language, a high percentage of university graduates, and a strategic location in Africa. AIDEC’s investment in this sector demonstrates confidence in our ability to compete globally,” David Gowu, CEO of Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana (BOSAG) explained.

The AIDEC Digital Hub offers a diverse range of services including inbound and outbound call center operations and customer support; data entry, processing, and analytics; AI and business intelligence solutions as well as E-learning, IT training, and ISO certification. Others include IT and software development support; digital marketing and content management.

Emmanuel Gbeve, Chief Technology Officer of AIDEC, highlighted the center’s technical capabilities and regulatory compliance, stating: “We have secured authorisation from the Cyber Security Authority and implemented robust security measures to ensure we meet international standards for data protection and service delivery.”

A central focus of the AIDEC Digital Hub is addressing youth unemployment through job creation and skills development. The facility will provide employment opportunities for graduates and IT professionals while offering specialised training programmes in digital customer relations, IT support, and digital marketing. “BOSAGhave an ambitious five-year target of creating one million jobs in the BPO sector and companies like AIDEC will be leading this initiative to provide meaningful employment for young people,” Mr. Gowu stated. 

The BPO center represents the latest development in AIDEC’s evolution since 2020, which has included establishing Ghana’s first AI Center of Excellence. Since 2021, AIDEC Digital has steadily expanded its footprint in Ghana’s tech ecosystem, beginning with the Africa Digital Forum and Tech Engineers Roundtable in Accra. In 2022, it sponsored the Technovate Awards and Fair to honor tech innovators across Africa.

The following year, it launched Africoursity (MOOC) and AIDECIA (ERP), both SaaS-based platforms, alongside a 30-seater Tech Lab for IT training and Ghana’s first AI Centre of Excellence for research. In 2024, AIDEC Academy was established to enhance IT education, followed by Tech NewsGlobal for technology updates. The stakeholders agreed that the success of Ghana’s BPO sector hinges on collaboration across the technology ecosystem. The establishment of BOSAG in November 2024 represents a strategic move to position Ghana as Africa’s premier BPO destination.

“This is not about competition; it is about collaboration. We need to work together to push this conversation forward and help businesses understand the potential of the BPO industry,” Kafui Amanfu, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) noted.

Isaac Newton Acquah, National Project Coordinator for Ghana’s Tech Sector at the International Trade Centre, added: “It is going to be centers with excellence and experience, with BOSAG and IIPGH coming together as a community, that will allow us to lobby government locally and internationally to move the IT/BPO sector forward.”

About AIDEC Digital

AIDEC Digital has been at the forefront of digital innovation in Ghana since 2020, offering comprehensive IT training, education, advocacy, and pioneering solutions that drive efficiency, enhance service delivery, and create new opportunities for businesses, institutions, and individuals.

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Business strategist and financial analyst, Dr Daniel Armateye Anim

Business strategist and financial analyst, Dr Daniel Armateye Anim, has backed the government’s decision to prioritise agriculture in the 2025 budget, emphasizing its potential to reset the economy.

Commenting on the expected US$370 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr Anim stated that directing these funds into agricultural projects could be a game changer.

Ghana and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a review of the country’s progress on key policy reforms and economic targets.

This agreement paves the way for the release of a US$370 million tranche.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, following the agreement, revealed that the funds would be directed toward resetting the economy in line with President Mahama’s economic vision.

In an interview with GhanaWeb Business, Dr Anim highlighted the importance of this strategic move in stabilising the economy.

He advised the government to prioritise the country’s agricultural sector using the incoming funds to improve living standards, boost food sustainability, and create jobs along the agribusiness value chain.

“The 2025 budget aims to reset the economy with agriculture as a key driver. If that is the case, then allocating the expected $370 million from the IMF to agricultural projects could significantly enhance food sustainability, create business opportunities, and generate employment along the agribusiness value chain,” he said.

He added, “This strategic move can help stabilize the economy and significantly improve the living standards of the youth.”

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President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Frank Serebour

The President of the Ghana Medical Association, (GMA) Dr Frank Serebour, has disclosed that medical doctors working at Bawku are grappling with extreme emotional stress, fear of being attacked and stress leading to widespread absenteeism.

Speaking in a recent interview on JoyNews, he noted that the situation had drastically affected healthcare delivery in the area.

“The doctors work under extreme emotional stress and fear. If you speak to them, you realise that most of them are not themselves and they will tell you that their output has really gone down. So, what is happening is that for some of them, even going to work is a problem.

“Absenteeism is something that is very much rife and a few of them have decided to leave. So, we have some who have left, and they are currently in Accra, in Kumasi and they are refusing to go back. What is also happening is that there are some of them who are in administrative positions, and they are unable to enforce any discipline,” he remarked.

Dr Serebour cited instances where some hospital administrators seeking to enforce discipline were targeted.

“If a worker doesn’t come to work and you decide that you even want to take this priority action against the worker, the next day, your photograph is plastered all over and you are threatened that if you don’t take care, you’ll be the next target. We’ve had doctors whose homes have been raided and riddled with bullets and so they have to seek police protection.

“In the past, Bawku used to be one of the places where regardless of even the issues doctors were accepting postings, but recently nobody’s agreeing to accept any postings,” he remarked.

The president of GMA further disclosed that some medical doctors had fled the town due to the ongoing conflict.

“As of last month, we have two doctors who have left, one is now in Accra. At the moment he is jobless because we’ve not been able to secure posting for him at the moment.

“Some have decided to move their families away whilst they are still there delivering service,” he added.

The protracted conflict in the area has claimed several lives, threatening socio-economic development in the Upper East Region.

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Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr Steve Manteaw

The Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr Steve Manteaw, has revealed that despite the ongoing brouhaha between the government and Gold Fields over the Damang Mine, there is a surge in investor interest in gold mining in the area.

He attributes this to the precious metal’s growing status as a store of value.

According to him, investor interest varies depending on the commodity in question.

He noted that gold has increasingly become a safe haven for investors, regardless of a mine’s geographical location.

Earlier this week, the government rejected the renewal of the Damang Mining Lease for Gold Fields Ghana Limited, citing the mine’s failure to meet the necessary requirements for the lease to be extended upon its April 18, 2025 expiration.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business, Dr Manteaw stated that the ongoing disagreement between the government and Gold Fields is unlikely to have any significant impact on the market.

“There is a mad rush for gold, and so, even as the discussions are ongoing and the decision has been made not to renew the lease, I wouldn’t be surprised if other investors have already lined up to take over that mine. Gold is the commodity of the moment.

“Investors now understand that interest depends on the commodity involved, and gold, as I’ve indicated, is in extremely high demand. It has become a reliable store of value in recent times,” he added.

His comments come at a time when Ghana’s mining sector is experiencing shifts in ownership and regulatory changes, driven largely by fluctuating commodity prices and global market trends.

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President John Dramani Mahama has urged the youth of Ghana to embrace the One Million Coders initiative as a gateway to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global relevance.

Speaking at the national launch event for the programme on April 16, Mr Mahama called on the youth to seize ownership of the initiative, which aims to equip one million Ghanaians with coding and digital skills.

“To the youth of Ghana, I say this programme is for you. Take it and own it,” he urged.

“Let this be your launchpad into innovation, entrepreneurship and global relevance. Let this be the bridge between your dreams and the opportunities of the digital age,” he said.

Framing the youth not merely as beneficiaries but as leaders in the transformation ahead, Mr Mahama emphasised their central role in shaping Ghana’s digital landscape.

“You are not just participants in this initiative, you are the architects of Ghana’s digital future,” he declared.

Designed to be accessible across the country, Mr Mahama revealed that training centres will be established in community information centres across the country.

“In the next phase, we will activate training centres at community information centres across all metropolitan municipal and district assemblies,” he noted.

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.