Accra, April 16, GNA – The Accra Ubuntu Lions Club, as part of its High Impact Hunger Project, has handed over two projects to the Nutrition and Rehabilitation Center (NRC) of the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital to enhance service delivery.
The projects include the construction of a Skills Training Shed to empower mothers and the Renovation of the Corn Milling Room to help serve the nutritional needs of the hospital.
The Club, in November 2024, also donated items and refurbished the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre of the hospital to help improve the well-being of children with malnutrition.
Lion Edwina Judith Safee-Boafo, the Club President, speaking at the event, said the successful completion of Phases 2 and 3 of the projects highlighted the power of collective action and the profound impact of dedicated service.
She expressed gratitude to all volunteers, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the High Impact Hunger Project.
“We are incredibly grateful to you all for joining us this morning and supporting this High Impact Hunger Project. As we hand over these two projects, we remember the Lions International motto ‘we serve”.
“Together, we have opened new possibilities and brought hope to many. Let us continue this journey with renewed vigor, knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the lives of the children we serve,” she added.
Lion Dr. Seth Tele Hassan, Chairperson of the Project, giving an overview of the project, said until the tenure of the current executives ends in June 2025, they would continue with their Adopt-a-Child initiative.
The Adopt-a-Child initiative aims to provide nutritious food, both ready-to-use therapeutic feed and other nutritious food, for the children to help rehabilitate the malnourished ones.
Dr Hassan said the Club, in consultation with the hospital, revealed that it would cost about Ghc100.00 to feed a child, saying, “So we are collecting funds through our usual channels to be able to gather enough to buy the feed for the children.”
The Project Chairperson said even though the project had ended, the relationship between the hospital and the Club was a solid one, and as such, they would visit the place when the need arose to support them.
He called on people who were motivated, talented, had time, and could apply their funds to support others to join them on this journey.
“Accra-Ubuntu Lions Club is just one out of many Lions Clubs. So wherever you are, there’s a Lions Club. Reach out to them and assist in any way you can.”
“It might not be you personally who benefits from it, but you never know who close to you might benefit. And at the end of the day, we’ll have a healthy, wealthy country,” Dr Hassan stated.
Lion Dr Helena Asamoah-Hassan, the District Governor, commended the Club for the initiative and for ensuring that they saw to the successful completion of the project.
She said what the Club had done satisfied six of their global conducts, which include humanitarian, youth, environment, vision, reducing childhood cancer as well as hunger, and urged the hospital to put the facilities to good use while ensuring proper maintenance.
Dr Asamoah-Hassan urged the Club to always embark on impactful projects to help humanity.
Dr Margaret Neizer, the Acting Medical Superintendent of the hospital, on behalf of the staff and management, expressed gratitude to the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club for the gesture, adding that this goes beyond the nutritional needs of the hospital.
Dr. Louisa Ademki Matey, the Accra Metropolitan Director of Health Service, said the gesture met the vision of the Ghana Health Service to address the Sustainable Development Goals 1,2, and 3.
SDG 1 talks about No Poverty, 2- Zero Hunger, and 3-Good Health and Well-being.
The High Impact Hunger Project, a flagship initiative in the Club’s 2024/2025 service year, seeks to promote the health and well-being of children battling malnutrition.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana have jointly pledged to intensify efforts in the fight against the smuggling of Coca-Cola products into the country, as both institutions raise alarm over the detrimental impact of illicit trade on local industry and revenue generation.
This renewed commitment was announced during a high-level courtesy visit paid today by the Managing Director of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana, Mr. Felix Gomis, to the Commissioner of the Customs Division, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, and the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong.
During the visit, it was revealed that over $700,000 worth of Coca-Cola products—approximately 150,000 crates—are smuggled from Nigeria into Ghana every month. This, officials say, significantly undermines the competitiveness of local production, threatens jobs, and erodes national tax revenue.
Addressing the issue, Brigadier General Annan emphasized the importance of Coca-Cola as a multinational manufacturer and development partner in Ghana’s economy. He acknowledged the damaging effects of smuggling on legitimate businesses and assured the beverage company of GRA’s readiness to respond.
“We understand the adverse impacts smuggling has on business, undermining fair competition and also affecting sales and revenue,” Brigadier General Annan stated. “But I wish to assure you that the Customs Division views this concern with the utmost seriousness. We are committed to working with you and other stakeholders to devise effective strategies to tackle smuggling… Through collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement strategies, we can significantly reduce this menace.”
Mr. Gomis expressed appreciation for the GRA’s openness to collaboration, describing the visit as an important step in strengthening partnerships that benefit the nation’s economy.
“It is indeed a pleasure to have been received here in such a big audience… Coca-Cola has been in this country for the past 30 years… We continue to believe in investing heavily in the country so that we can sustain employment,” he noted.
He highlighted recent investments including local production of canned beverages that were previously imported. However, he lamented the challenges posed by the smuggling of foreign Coca-Cola products into Ghana and called for immediate action.
“We have no doubt that with the close collaboration that we have had with GRA… this is a big opportunity for us to reinforce our collaboration for the mutual benefit of the country,” Gomis said.
The Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong also reaffirmed the GRA’s commitment to protecting legitimate businesses, emphasizing that Ghana’s broader economic recovery depends heavily on empowering local industries and generating domestic revenue.
“At the end of the day… it is your business growing, your business flourishing, that will generate the necessary taxes… For every revenue that is lost, we are denying a child somewhere in this country an opportunity to go to school, or access good healthcare,” Mr. Sarpong remarked.
He praised Coca-Cola for its longstanding contribution to Ghana’s industrial landscape and encouraged continued collaboration.
“See this visit as the beginning of a collaborative effort… We are committed to work with you, as well as the entire private sector, to make sure that these areas that hinder your goods and businesses are minimized so you can freely perform your business activities in the right way,” he concluded.
Western Regional Forestry Manager of Forestry Commission, Nana Kwabena Poku Bosompim
The Western Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Nana Kwabena Poku Bosompim, has stated that the illegal mining menace, popularly referred to as galamsey, has turned Ghana into a safe haven for human trafficking.
According to him, if illegal mining is not brought under control, it will continue to attract more people into the country, promoting other illicit activities.
“In fact, it appears, and it’s becoming clear to us, that the illegal mining menace in Ghana is making our country a probable safe haven for human trafficking of women and young girls,” he stated.
In a JoyNews video posted on X, he revealed that the Subri River Forest Reserve in the Western Region, which was raided by an anti-illegal mining task force on April 15, 2025, uncovered a sprawling community of about 10,000 residents.
These included nationals from nearly every country in the West African sub-region.
According to him, the settlement was a well-orchestrated operation run by an organized gang.
“This was a complete plan. It was being run by a gang. We saw evidence of human trafficking, narcotic trade, cocaine, weed, tramadol, and for the first time, I saw this red substance. A lot of it. You open a box and it just keeps dropping. That is the situation within that community,” Nana Bosompim explained.
He described the illegal settlement as a “mini ECOWAS,” due to the presence of many nationals from across the West African sub-region.
“We saw people from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, all engaged in the illegal mining menace. We saw many young girls, aged between 14 and 18, who had been trafficked, most of them from Nigeria. I spoke to one lady who told me she had been in the camp for seven months, working as a prostitute for her madam who lives in Asikuma,” he disclosed.
MRA/MA
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Ghana has adopted comprehensive e-waste regulations and standardised
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has successfully concluded a two-day regional training aimed at strengthening the oversight capabilities of Operational Focal Points (OFPs) across West Africa.
Held from April 10–11 in Accra, Ghana, the training brought together 23 OFPs and their staff from 13 countries, marking a significant milestone in GEF’s efforts to enhance project accountability and impact in the region.
The initiative is part of GEF’s broader “Financial and Training Support to GEF OFPs in Africa on Project Oversight” program, under its Country Engagement Strategy for the GEF-8 Replenishment Period.
It is being implemented with support from the Tropical Biology Association (TBA), which is working with OFPs in 25 African countries, 14 in West Africa and 11 in Southern Africa, between January 2025 and April 2026.
Designed to increase national ownership of GEF-funded environmental projects, the training equipped participants with knowledge and tools to effectively plan, manage, and oversee their respective GEF portfolios.
“GEF is currently revising its co-financing policies to reflect national priorities, making the fund more relevant and impactful,” Omid Pahizkar, Operations Officer at the Global Environment Facility said during one of the sessions.
To reinforce the theory with practical exposure, participants visited an e-waste separation site at Agbogbloshie in Accra, part of the Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Program (AEHPMP).
The site provided valuable insights into how Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the project’s lead agency, is implementing GEF-funded initiatives on the ground.
“This visit is part of a broader effort to transfer skills and ensure GEF OFPs take greater ownership of their project portfolios,” Director of the Tropical Biology Association Dr Rosie Trevelyan said.
The AEHPMP, a GEF-supported regional initiative operating in Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya, seeks to reduce environmental health risks associated with pollutants, particularly in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and electronic waste (e-waste).
In Ghana, the program has already collected over 800 tons of e-waste through a network of 7,000 local vendors, contributing significantly to improved air quality in areas like Agbogbloshie.
According to Ghana’s EPA, the country has adopted comprehensive e-waste regulations and standardized operating procedures for all collected items, including batteries, turbo plastics, and cables.
The site visit left a strong impression on participants, many of whom expressed a desire to replicate Ghana’s regulatory and operational models in their home countries. Several also called on Ghana’s EPA to share its expertise more widely across West Africa.
Beyond environmental benefits, participants praised the program for creating local employment while promoting sustainable practices.
The training was co-hosted by Ghana’s GEF Operational Focal Point Office and is expected to foster deeper collaboration between the GEF and its country partners, ensuring more effective delivery and oversight of environmental projects in the region.
A Primary Four pupil struggles to read four-letter words during a learning assessment
Many primary pupils in mostly rural public schools in northern Uganda are unable to read or recognize basic words, an education assessment has found, raising alarm over the country’s foundational learning crisis.
At Alem Primary School in Kole District, many Primary Four (P4) learners could not identify simple letters such as U, T, I, N, or read four-letter words like “hunt,” “nest,” and “road” – except for one: “food”.
The findings came during a recent learning outcomes and gender-inclusiveness assessment conducted in 32 schools across Kole, Oyam, Arua, and Alebtong districts by FICH-Uwezo Uganda from April 10 to 13.
“Some learners kept counting fingers and toes, but still got the answers wrong,” one assessor said, after observing Primary Three pupils fail basic arithmetic like 13+25 and 4×7.
Mr Moses Okello, Executive Director of Growth Care-Uganda, said the crisis goes beyond literacy.
Overcrowded classrooms, with some teachers handling up to 300 learners, are undermining any chance at quality education, he noted.
“These teachers are overstretched. Parents, too, are not doing enough to support their children’s learning,” Okello told Daily Monitor on Tuesday.
At Ocini Primary School in Oyam District, Dr Sara Ruto of Echidna Giving, a US-based philanthropic organisation, observed how local teachers struggle to deliver lessons.
“Some children grasped the math concept. Others didn’t. But what gave me hope is that the teacher knew how to simplify the lesson,” she said after watching a Primary Three class on place values.
Still, Dr Ruto acknowledged the systemic challenges: “Public school systems across East Africa face similar problems. Either the curriculum is overambitious, or we’re failing learners too early.”
She argued that early literacy and numeracy are matters of social justice.
“If a child cannot read or do math, they’re shut out of opportunity. Ensuring every child learns is not charity – it’s their right,” she added.
Ms Molly Grace Akello, deputy head teacher at Ocini, said hunger is a major obstacle.
“Pupils leave home at 6am and return at 5pm without a meal. By 2pm, they’re dozing,” she said.
Some parents, however, resist the idea of contributing food for school meals.
“When we called a meeting, they said, ‘We studied without food. Why are you forcing us to bring food?’ Ms Akello recalled.
Echidna Giving, through its partnership with the Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH), is supporting a three-year initiative to improve foundational literacy and numeracy for 24,000 learners across the four districts.
FICH executive director Mr Emmy Zoomlamai Okello said the project also trains teachers to deliver lessons at the right level, helping children “learn with fun.”
Government’s plan
The Ministry of Education and Sports announced a national lunch programme in 2024, expected to roll out in the 2026/2027 financial year. Education Minister Janet Museveni described the plan as “central to improving learning outcomes” under the NRM’s 2021–2026 manifesto.
For now, however, the growing gap between enrollment and attendance paints a grim picture for children in northern Uganda.
Political scientist and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, has called on former President Nana Akufo-Addo to take full responsibility for the party’s crushing defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, April 16, Dr. Amoako Baah laid the blame squarely at the feet of the former President, accusing him of wielding excessive control over the party’s operations and contributing to its downfall.
He called on Akufo-Addo to accept the blame and apologise.
“Every step of the way, Nana Addo controls the party. This is a colossal defeat. So he should take responsibility—no shenanigans, no excuses—and beg his party members to forgive him,” he stated.
His remarks were made shortly after a 12-member committee tasked with investigating the electoral loss submitted its report to the party’s national leadership on Wednesday, April 16.
Dr. Amoako Baah advised the former President to step back from the political frontline and allow the party to regroup without his dominant influence.
He expressed disbelief over Akufo-Addo’s continued influence in party affairs despite growing unpopularity.
“He should go and sit at the back for a while. If you’ve become this unpopular, your presence alone upsets people—and that reflects badly on the party. Doesn’t he see that?”
Meanwhile, the party says it will not publicly disclose the findings of its internal review into the reasons behind its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
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Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has trained 44 selected mechanics living in its catchment areas under the Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) project, in some additional employable skills.
The 44 WATSAN members were selected from the Gold Fields’ host communities in Tarkwa and the Damang mine.
The three-day training programme was organised in collaboration with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) in Takoradi.
The programme focused on the maintenance and installation of water pump systems, with the aim of improving access to clean and reliable water supply in the host communities.
The primary objective of the training was to equip participants with the technical expertise required to maintain water infrastructure, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of water systems installed by the Foundation.
The training modules covered key areas including basic hydraulics and principles of water flow, installation and maintenance of water pumps, water treatment and water quality management and sustainability.
Project Coordinator – Water and Sanitation, Health and Enterprise Development of the foundation Ayishetu Mohammed, said by enhancing local capacity, the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on external technicians, resulting in both cost and time savings.
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to investing in capacity-building initiatives that strengthen local skills, promote employment opportunities, and enhance the overall well-being of its host communities.
After completion, all the participants were given certificates of participation and WATSAN handbook.
The Ursula Foundation, has come to the aid of Labone Senior High School following a fire outbreak that ravaged the girls’ dormitory, leaving dozens of students displaced and essential supplies destroyed.
In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity and support, the former MP and Minister’s foundation donated a wide range of essential relief items to the school. The donation included 100 pieces of 25kg bags of rice, 100 plastic chairs, 20 bags of mattresses, 50 bags of 50kg maize, 3 bags of 100kg gari, and 4 bags of 100kg beans, the supplies is aimed at alleviating the immediate challenges faced by the school.
The items were presented on behalf of the foundation by some of its leading members namely, William Adu, Faustina Kisse and Rita Appiah, during a brief ceremony held on the school’s campus. Accompanying the foundation executives, were other members of the 1982 year group school’s alumni association which the founder of the Ursula Foundation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu happens to be part.
Presenting the items to the school, Mr. William Adu, conveyed the heartfelt sentiments of members of the foundation and expressed deep sorrow upon hearing of the fire incident and the foundation’s unwavering commitment to support the school in any way possible.
“The foundation was devastated by the news of the fire and immediately resolved to extend help. This school helped shaped our founder, and in times like this, we believes it is our responsibility to stand with the institution that helped shaped the founder to become who she is today,” Mr. Adu said.
The donation was warmly received by the school’s headmistress, Madam Rejoice Acolor, who expressed immense gratitude on behalf of the school’s management, staff, and students. She described the gesture as not just timely, but deeply inspiring.
“This donation could not have come at a better time. We were struggling to reorganize resources after the incident, and this support brings hope, comfort, and a sense of renewal to the students who were most affected,” she said.
The president of the 1982 year group, Mr. Gabriel Annor, also commended the foundation and Mrs. Ursula Owusu for their generosity and strong sense of community. He called on other alumni and stakeholders to emulate her example.
This act of compassion speaks volumes about the values instilled in us here. As a year group, we are encouraged and will continue to explore ways to support the school during this difficult time,” he stated.
The school community, still reeling from the aftermath of the fire, welcomed the donation with cheers and heartfelt appreciation, as students and teachers alike gathered to witness the presentation.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, Akosua Manu, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to sack the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, over threats of physical assault on traders, which he made as part of plans of an ongoing decongestion exercise.
In an interview on ChannelOne News and monitored by GhanaWeb on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the 2024 NPP Parliamentary Candiate for Adentan Constituency stated that physical assault must be condemned, as it departs from acceptable standards of governance.
“What I do not understand is that somebody put into a leadership role can’t stand in front of people to warn or to threaten them of physical assault.
“He assumed a position in two weeks, truth be told, he should have been the shortest serving appointee in this government. Upon hearing that he had repeated physical assault as a likely punishment to deter hawkers, the president should have called the Chief of Staff to withdraw him immediately,” she noted.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Mayor announced that any trader found selling on restricted pavements or in the middle of roads at the Central Business District (CBD) will be subjected to instant corporal punishment.
“If anyone is caught trading in the middle of the road, they will be flogged publicly. We won’t waste time involving the police. I’ve adopted my own democratic-military style. When we say leave and you don’t, and my boys are with me there, we will beat you,” he stated.
JKB/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
Political scientist and prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah, has stated that if he were the party’s chairman, he would have expelled former President Akufo-Addo from the NPP.
According to Dr. Amoako Baah, Akufo-Addo cannot be absolved of responsibility for the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election.
He claimed that although the truth is widely known within the party, many members are afraid to speak up.
“They are still afraid to speak up. They want to talk about the president, but they are not able to because he is the one who caused the whole defeat. It should be put on his head. He is the person behind this whole thing. He became very unpopular. He became arrogant, you know, and did whatever he wanted — even threatened his own party members, the MPs. Some of them, he actually campaigned against. How does that happen? If I were the chairman, I would have thrown him out of the party,” he said.
Dr. Baah also criticised NPP Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, for allowing Akufo-Addo to act unchecked, alleging that the former president even went as far as threatening Members of Parliament.
Dr Amoako Baah
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based TV3, the former head of the Political Science Department at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) alleged that Akufo-Addo still seeks to control the party, despite the defeat.
“No president should be given the power to do such a thing — to campaign against your own party members. Does the party belong to him? But of course, he held all the cards, so he thought he could do whatever he wanted, and this is what brought us to this point.
He hijacked the whole party. After bringing us to this disastrous end, he should have kept quiet, walked away into the sunset, and sat somewhere quietly. But he still wants to control the party,” Dr. Baah fumed.
He further vowed that any attempts by Akufo-Addo to influence the NPP’s future will be fiercely resisted.
“We are not going to agree to that. The party is not his. He still wants to have a say in who becomes the next president. Even when the results came out, Info Analytics made it clear. That alone should have told him to be quiet and leave the party alone.
If you want your party to do well, this is an indication that you have become very unpopular and should step aside. But no, they still want to control everything. It doesn’t work that way. If you were popular, it wouldn’t work that way — and now that you are colossally a failure, we will not agree,” he added.
Dr. Baah also pointed to Akufo-Addo’s refusal to reshuffle his appointees despite public outcry as one of the major factors that contributed to the NPP’s humiliating defeat at the polls.
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.
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed excitement in the record of 90,000 applicants for the One Million Coders Programme, within 48 hours of opening applications.
According to him, the turn out demonstrates the need and the demand for digital skills among the Ghanaian youth and the world.
“This overwhelming response highlights the hunger for opportunity and the importance of this initiative,” he said.
Speaking at the official launch of the programme in Accra, President Mahama stated that the programme will be localized , as well as made available nationwide with the inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, which is a commitment to bridge inequality and promote regional inclusivity.
“The first cohort of 560 trainees launching today in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga reflects our commitment to gender balance and regional inclusivity, this decentralised approach ensures that no matter where you live, in the city or in a remote village, you will have access to the One Million Coders Programme,” he noted.
President Mahama further outlined plans to expand the programme adding that, community training centres will be established across all districts, municipalities, and metropolitan areas.
He again called on the youth to seize the opportunity 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 said.
He urged the youth to use the opportunity as a bridge between their dreams and the digital age in order to meet global relevance.
“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 stated.
The contestants for Big Chef Junior Season 4 will be unveiled on Sunday April 27, 2025.
This season’s journey kicked off with a call for audition with over two hundred basic school pupil across the nation sending in their videos to be a part of the most talked about young culinary show.
After an intense selection process, 12 outstanding contestants made it through the heat, earning the golden apron to represent their schools and their communities in this year’s competition.
These young culinary prodigies are bubbling with excitement and energy, ready to dazzle the judges and viewers with their skills in the kitchen.
The launch and unveiling of the 12 contestants of the season 4 of Big Chef Junior 2025 will be live on Joy Prime and streamed on all Joy Prime social media platforms, giving fans a front-row seat.
Adding flavor to the launch, viewers will be treated to live performances from some of Ghana’s favorite artists making it a feast of entertainment you simply cannot afford to miss.
Brace yourselves for a thrilling season of creativity, competition, and culinary magic for Big Chef Junior Season 4 2025 is ready to serve!
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 2024 Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has taken a playful swipe at comedian OB Amponsah over jokes made about him during a recent comedy show.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the NPP’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, he jokingly stated that he would instruct his lawyers to write to the comedian so they could share the revenue from the show.
“Someone who is a comedian is using my name, I’m very, very happy. I thank him because he’s putting my name out there for free. But I’ll let my lawyers write to him so we can share the revenue,” he said with a smile.
During a performance at the Bukom Boxing Arena, the comedian referenced some remarks NAPO made during the run-up to the 2024 elections.
Watch the video below:
NAPO urges unity within NPP, dismisses 2028 presidential rumors, says he is at peace with OB Amponsah’s recent public ridicule of him.#JoyNewspic.twitter.com/6j2oeMfwcY
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has announced plans to bring Kumawood stars into senior high schools to engage students during entertainment hours.
In a video shared by GHOne on its X account on April 16, 2025, Dr Amoakohene revealed that the initiative aims to promote local content and foster collaboration between the entertainment industry and the education sector.
He hinted at involving popular Kumawood actors, including LilWin and Kwaku Manu, during the entertainment periods in SHS schools across the region.
“We’ve observed that schools usually hold entertainment programs on Saturdays. We’re looking at inviting Kumawood stars like Kwaku Manu, Dr. Likee, and LilWin to join you during those sessions,” he shared.
The Minister emphasised that this move is part of a broader strategy to integrate sectors such as health, creative arts, fashion, and entertainment to support youth development.
“The fashion industry is vibrant, and we can merge it with Kumawood to train students, while also using Kumawood to promote their creations,” he added.
Dr Amoakohene explained that the initiative is intended to nurture students’ appreciation for local content, stating, “You are the future of the region and the country. If we support you to love local content now, it will be easier to promote it in the future.”
The 2024 Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has taken a playful swipe at comedian OB Amponsah over jokes made about him during a recent comedy show.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the NPP’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, he jokingly stated that he would instruct his lawyers to write to the comedian so they could share the revenue from the show.
“Someone who is a comedian is using my name, I’m very, very happy. I thank him because he’s putting my name out there for free. But I’ll let my lawyers write to him so we can share the revenue,” he said with a smile.
During a performance at the Bukom Boxing Arena, the comedian referenced some remarks NAPO made during the run-up to the 2024 elections.
Watch the video below:
NAPO urges unity within NPP, dismisses 2028 presidential rumors, says he is at peace with OB Amponsah’s recent public ridicule of him.#JoyNewspic.twitter.com/6j2oeMfwcY
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has joined the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate cross-border payments among African countries and strengthen regional trade and financial integration.
Through this partnership with PAPSS, businesses and individuals can now send money instantly across African countries such as Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
This service is now available at all ADB branches, and it is seamless, real-time, and cost-effective.
In his remarks on the service expansion, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong emphasised the Bank’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for national and regional economic growth.
He indicated that initiatives like PAPSS have the potential to transform Intra-African trade in line with the agenda of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
“We are dedicated to providing our customers with cutting-edge financial solutions that promote economic growth. Our partnership with PAPSS is a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey, ensuring that businesses and individuals can send and receive payments across Africa with speed, security, and efficiency,” the MD said.
Ato Sarpong noted that through this collaboration, ADB PLC aims to leverage PAPSS’s advanced payment infrastructure to drive financial inclusion, promote seamless transactions cross-borders, and support Africa’s economic growth.
He added that the days of convoluted currency conversions and exorbitant transaction fees are a thing of the past and urged businesses and individuals to take advantage of PAPSS to transact business directly across Africa in local currencies to foster regional trade and development.
Ato Sarpong indicated that ADB’s extensive branch network across Ghana positions the Bank as the ideal partner to facilitate the settlement of cross-border transactions for businesses seeking to leverage the benefits of PAPSS.
How PAPSS works
PAPSS offers a seamless and efficient solution for cross-border payments. The platform enables real-time transactions using local currencies, thus eliminating currency conversions and reducing transaction fees and exchange rate risk.
Businesses can make direct payments to suppliers, partners, or customers in other African countries through the PAPSS online platform.
Veteran Ghanaian coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has advised the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to prioritise projects that discover talents in rural areas, which could aid in the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
He stated that his tour of some rural areas made him realise there are numerous brilliant sports talents waiting to be tapped due to a lack of opportunities.
The coach urged the government to prioritise unearthing talents in rural areas through school competitions, which could help mitigate the menace of illegal mining activities.
“I believe there are talents out there. In the Upper East and northern sectors of the country, I’m not surprised that we can find top talents. They’re hiding there, and someone needs to guide them to come forward.
“Some of them end up as farmers or diggers, which is why many turn to galamsey. It’s a fact that these people want to survive. If the authorities can focus on that side, galamsey will stop,” he said during Sports Check on GhanaWeb TV.
Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has vowed to enhance school sports activities at the basic level to identify more talents.
Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
The al-Shabab armed group has claimed to have seized control of Adan Yabaal, a town in central Somalia and a logistical hub for the government forces, about 220 kilometres (130 miles) north of the capital, Mogadishu.
The fighters launched the raids before dawn on Wednesday, forcing the army to retreat after fierce battles, according to a security officer quoted by the Anadolu news agency.
However, the report was disputed by the army. Captain Hussein Olow, a military officer in Adan Yabaal, told the Reuters news agency that government troops had pushed the group back.
“The terrorist militants launched a desperate attack on the Somali army positions in the Adan Yabaal district this morning,” Somali captain Mohamed Ali told the AFP news agency from a nearby town. “There was heavy fighting still going on in some parts of the town,” he said.
There were no reports of casualties.
Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for more than 16 years and frequently targets government officials and military personnel.
Adan Yabaal has strategic military significance and serves as a critical logistical hub connecting Hirshabelle state to the neighbouring central state of Galmudug. It was recaptured from al-Shabab in 2022.
“After early morning prayers, we heard a deafening explosion, then gunfire,” Fatuma Nur, a mother of four, told Reuters by phone from Adan Yabaal. “Al-Shabab attacked us from two directions,” she added.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is from the area, visited the town in March to meet with military commanders there.
A new African Union peacekeeping mission replaced a larger force at the start of the year, but its funding is uncertain, with the United States opposed to a plan to transition to a United Nations financing model.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketia has revealed that there was intense pressure on president John Dramani Mahama to appoint more than 60 Ministers.
President John Dramani Mahama while in opposition criticized the Akufo-Addo government for appointing over 120 Ministers and promised to do better hence the promise to appoint only 60 Ministers.
Ankara fabric, also known as African wax print, has firmly established itself in the global fashion scene as a symbol of bold, vibrant style and cultural pride. With its intricate patterns and rich history, Ankara is now more than ever the centerpiece of modern fashion. From runway shows to street style, designers and fashionistas are consistently finding fresh ways to incorporate this timeless fabric into both traditional and contemporary outfits.
One of the top trending Ankara styles this season is the use of statement dresses. These dresses, often designed with voluminous skirts, peplum details, or wrap-around silhouettes, create a bold yet graceful look. Bright floral patterns or geometric designs are particularly popular, as they give the fabric a modern twist while maintaining its traditional roots. Designers are experimenting with asymmetrical cuts and unique sleeve styles, like puffed or cold-shoulder designs, to make these dresses stand out.
Another trend gaining momentum is Ankara mixed with other fabrics. The juxtaposition of Ankara with denim, leather, or lace is creating a fusion that appeals to both contemporary and traditional tastes. For example, a tailored Ankara jacket paired with a sleek pair of jeans offers a chic yet casual look, while an Ankara blouse can be dressed up with a leather skirt for a more edgy vibe.
For those who want to keep things minimalist yet stylish, Ankara accessories are the way to go. From headscarves to bags, belts, and shoes, Ankara is being used to make fashion statements without overwhelming the outfit. A simple Ankara clutch or a scarf can instantly elevate a plain outfit, making it vibrant and eye-catching.
The versatility of Ankara is truly unmatched. Whether you’re opting for a full-on Ankara ensemble or incorporating subtle pieces into your wardrobe, this fabric continues to inspire designers and fashion lovers worldwide, blending cultural significance with cutting-edge trends. With each new season, Ankara style becomes a more exciting canvas for self-expression, making it a top choice for fashionistas everywhere.
Accra, April 16, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday launched the Government’s One Million Coders Initiative in Accra, urging the youth to own it.
“To the youth of Ghana, I say this programme is for you. Take it and own it.
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,” President Mahama stated.
“You are not just participants in this initiative, you are the architects of Ghana’s digital future.”
The Initiative, being implemented by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, is taking effect within the Government’s 120-Day Social Contract Period, seeks to empower Ghanaians with the skills of the future – coding and digital skills.
Courses being offered include Certify Cybersecurity Professional, Certified Network Support Technician (CNST), Data Analyst Associate, Certified Data Protection Supervisor, Certified Data Protection Practitioner (CDPP) and Certified Data Protection Officer.
The training is taking place at Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT learning centres in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani and Bolgatanga, which will soon be scaled up to other regions of the country.
The programme launch covers the first cohort of 560 trainees, which are in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, reflecting the Government’s commitment to gender balance and regional inclusivity.
President Mahama in his remarks said: “Today marks a defining moment in our national journey. We’re not merely launching a programme, but we’re laying a foundation for a new economy. We’re declaring with boldness and purpose that Ghana is ready to lead in the digital age.”
“We’re saying to our youth, to our communities, to the continent, and to the world that the future is here and we’ll be part of shaping it.”
The President said the One Million Coders programme was not just a fulfilled campaign promise; stating that it was a strategic pillar of their Reset Ghana agenda, designed to empower Ghanaians with digital skills, critical for 21st century life and work.
“It is an intentional move towards building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. One where our greatest resource, our people, are equipped to create solutions, generate jobs, and be able to compete globally,” President Mahama said.
“At the heart of this initiative is our belief in Ghanaian youth. We believe in your creativity, your resilience, and your boundless potential.”
He said the programme was an investment in the nation’s youth, an investment in their future as coders, as analysts, as entrepreneurs, and as tech pioneers.
“When I asked for your mandate to serve once more as President, I made a promise that our national recovery will be people-centered, innovation-led, and future-focused.”
Adding that that recovery begins by breaking down the barriers that hold Ghanaians back – Social, economic, and digital.
“Today, we begin breaking down those barriers. Over the next four years, the One Million Coders programme will train one million Ghanaians in essential digital skills; from coding and cybersecurity to data analytics and networking”.
President Mahama said these were not just technical abilities; stating that they were economic passports, pathways to decent jobs, entrepreneurship, and long-term social, economic inclusion.
“We do not walk this path alone. Across the globe, nations that recognize the power of coding early have positioned themselves for extraordinary progress,” he said.
Citing Estonia, President Mahama said in 2012, Estonia became one of the first countries in the world to introduce coding as a compulsory subject, as low as primary schools.
“Today, Estonia is a global leader in digital governance and innovation, with one of the world’s most digitally integrated societies.”
He said in the United Kingdom, since 2014, children as young as five had been learning basic programming.
The President said this initiative had helped build a new generation of problem solvers and digital creators.
Other countries the President cited for their advancement in coders’ programing including Finland, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, India and the Philippines.
The President said within just 48 hours of opening applications for the Government’s Coders’ Initiative, over 50,000 young Ghanaians registered their interest, stating that the Communications Minister had updated that figure to 90,000.
He reiterated that this overwhelming response was a powerful reminder of the hunger for opportunity and the urgency of the task ahead of the Government.
Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, described the Government’s Coders’ Initiative as a bold and transformative initiative that marked a new chapter in Ghana’s digital journey.
SWEDRU ALL Blacks solidified their position at the top of the Zone Two table with a commanding 3-1 victory over Asekem FC at the Swedru Sports Stadium. Star striker Rudolf Mensah delivered a standout performance, netting a hat-trick to increase his season tally to an impressive 22 goals in 23 games.
Mensah found the net in the 17th, 51st, and 88th minutes, while Kwadwo Antwi scored a lone consolation goal for Asekem in the 58th minute. The win puts All Blacks four points clear at the summit with 54 points after 23 matches.
Title challengers Sekondi Rospak FC suffered a setback in their campaign after falling 1-0 to New Edubiase United at the Len Clay Stadium. Abdallah Suleman’s decisive goal handed Edubiase a surprise win and left Rospak on 50 points, still holding second place.
Elsewhere, Pac Academy’s title hopes took another hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed UCC Youngsters at the Mohammed Kamil Arena. Emmanuel Addy gave Pac an early advantage in the 8th minute, but Charles Oppong equalised shortly after the break in the 51st minute, earning a valuable point for the struggling visitors.
The latest results further tighten the race for promotion, with only a handful of matches left in the Division One League season.
Former Asante Kotoko winger Douglas Nkrumah has revealed that he turned down Hearts of Oak to join Kotoko after receiving a lucrative offer from the Reds.
According to him, he initially agreed to terms with the Phobians but switched to Kotoko after the Accra-based side delayed finalising the deal.
Although he did not disclose the exact amount, Nkrumah stated that Kotoko offered him double what Hearts of Oak had proposed, adding that he bought a land with his earnings from the deal.
“Hearts of Oak’s offer was for three years, but Kotoko’s, which was higher, was for two years. The money was good, and I bought some land.
“Hearts and I had agreed on salary, signing-on fees, and bonuses, but I hadn’t signed yet. I played in the Top Four and the Confederation Cup for them, but they were dragging their feet,” he explained on the Gajio Podcast.
Despite not signing for the 21-time league champions at the start of his career, he eventually joined them in the 2007/2008 season after leaving Kotoko.
Reports claim that Kotoko refused to extend his contract due to his demand for a GH¢200 signing-on fee.
Douglas Nkrumah remains one of the Ghana Premier League’s cult heroes, having left his mark with both Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. He was known for his set-piece prowess and quick feet.
He is also one of the few players to have scored directly from a corner in the GPL, following his goal for Hearts of Oak in a 2-0 win over Sporting Mirren in 2008.
EE/BB
Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
Ranking Member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has criticised the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, for threatening to publicly flog traders who refuse to vacate unauthorised trading spaces within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, signed by the Ranking Member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, they described the comments as dangerous, undemocratic, and unbecoming of a public officer.
The statement said that while it fully acknowledges that the Local Governance Act (Act 936) empowers Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as the highest planning authorities within their jurisdictions, and it is indeed their lawful duty to enforce bylaws and ensure public order, including preventing trading on pedestrian walkways, this mandate must be carried out within the confines of the law and with full respect for human rights.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours. The remarks made by the mayor are not only reckless, but also risk undermining public confidence in local authorities and may expose the Assembly to potential human rights violations,” the statement said.
The Minority called on the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to intervene as a matter of urgency and impress upon the Kumasi Mayor on the need to retract his comments and adopt a more lawful, respectful, and humane approach to enforcement.
The Minority urged the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to engage meaningfully with the affected traders, and work with all relevant stakeholders to identify and provide suitable alternative trading spaces.
They added that the goal of decongestion must not be pursued at the cost of livelihoods, and that traders are not adversaries but citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions.
“We call on the minister to step in urgently and impress upon the Mayor the need to retract his statement and adopt a lawful, respectful, and humane approach to enforcement,” the caucus added.
The Kumasi Mayor’s remarks, made ahead of a planned two-week decongestion exercise, have drawn widespread condemnations, with calls from the public for him to retract his statement and offer an apology.
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Despite the backlash, the mayor has stood by his comments, arguing that the threat of flogging is necessary to restore discipline and cleanliness in Kumasi.
“I don’t believe in using the police for decongestion because I will spend so much on them, and after that, we will get back to the status quo,” he stated.
Boadi said Kumasi is engulfed with filth, and there is a need to deal with it head-on, stating that it is unacceptable for people to cook and sell food in the middle of the road.
MRA/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
In a strategic move to strengthen Ghana’s tourism sector, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Madam Naomi Borley Alabi as the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Finance and Administration at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC).
Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President in a letter addressed to Madam Alabi congratulated her on her new appointment.
Madam Alabi’s appointment marks a powerful step toward innovation-driven leadership, ethical governance, and operational excellence in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.
She brings to the fore a wealth of experience in administrative leadership.
Her appointment is expected to enhance GTDC’s capacity to mobilize resources effectively for investment in tourist undertakings and services, aligning with the company’s mandate to promote sustainable quality tourism in Ghana.
The GTDC, established in 1972, operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and serves as the investment wing of the Ministry, playing a pivotal role in attracting both foreign and local investments in the tourism industry.
The company’s core functions include promoting and mobilizing resources for investment in tourist undertakings, seeking equity participation in joint ventures, and providing financial and technical assistance for small businesses in the tourism sector.
Madam Alabi will serve under the leadership of Professor Kobby Mensah, the newly appointed CEO of GTDC.
Prof Mensah, a renowned marketing strategist and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School, is widely recognized for his expertise in political and destination marketing.
His innovative contributions, such as the development of the Destination Legon Tourism Marketing Exhibition, have significantly advanced digital tourism initiatives in Ghana.
A dual-qualified lawyer, Madam Alabi is qualified to practise in both England and Wales and Ghana.
She holds an LLB from the University of Portsmouth, an LLM and Legal Practice Course (LPC) from the University of Law (UK), and a Post-Call Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law, having been formally called to the Ghana Bar.
She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).
During her time at the University of Portsmouth, she served as President of Amnesty International, leading student campaigns for human rights-an early indication of her enduring commitment to justice, equity, and ethical leadership.
Madam Alabi’s leadership experience includes Executive Secretary of the Consumer Advocacy Centre, Board Member of Best Assurance Company Ltd, Chief Legal Consultant at Moorgate Lane Solicitors and Lecturer at Accra Metropolitan University, where she continues to contribute to legal education and professional training.
Madam Alabi has also led and contributed to pioneering European Union-backed initiatives, including the DigiGrad Africa Project and the Next Level Skills for Student Leaders (NELS) under the Erasmus Programme.
The initiatives have become models for advancing digital education and youth leadership across Africa.
A pan-African thought leader, Madam Alabi is a published author and seasoned conference speaker, widely respected for her insights on corporate governance, digital innovation, and education reform.
Political Scientist Dr. Richard Amoako Baah has publicly declared that he is no longer a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), delivering a scathing criticism of the party’s leadership and failure to connect with ordinary supporters.
In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, April 16, the former NPP member made it clear that his departure was final.
“I am not a member of the NPP, even after today, I’ll quit. I don’t think I want to join it anymore,” he announced.
His resignation comes after a 12-member committee, chaired by Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, tasked with investigating the causes of the party’s electoral defeat, submitted its report.
While the contents of the report remain under wraps, Dr. Baah expressed deep frustration with the party’s inability to read the mood of the electorate and its overreliance on political elites.
“The people you need to listen to are the supporters who stayed away, not the big shots you keep parading,” he said. “The party is making the same mistakes and refusing to learn. That’s why I’ve decided to walk away.”
He mocked the party’s “Breaking the Eight” slogan, which he said was completely detached from the realities on the ground. “You were chanting ‘breaking the eight’ like it was a done deal. But this is the worst showing yet. How do you explain that? It tells you clearly—they didn’t even see it coming.”
Dr. Amoako Baah accused the party of arrogance and complacency, saying its leaders were blind to public anger and were unwilling to reform.
“They didn’t change a thing because they didn’t know a tsunami was coming. That’s the problem. They’re still stuck in their ways, thinking the so-called big men can win elections. But how many are they?” he questioned.
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.
BOURNEMOUTH ENDED a six-game winless league run with a 1-0 home victory over Fulham as Antoine Semenyo’s goal inside the opening minute reignited their hopes of European qualification.
Semenyo capitalised on Antonee Robinson’s mistake to arrow a low finish into the bottom corner after just 53 seconds at the Vitality Stadium.
It proved to be the difference between the two European-chasing sides as Bournemouth leapfrogged Fulham into eighth on goal difference, with the top eight likely to be enough to qualify for Europe unless Crystal Palace win the FA Cup.
Following the victory, match-winner Semenyo revealed Cherries boss Andoni Iraola had billed the game as “make-or-break” for their season.
“The win was definitely vital for us. The manager has been saying all week that it is a make-or-break game for us.
“We came into the game wanting to give our all and you could see at the end in the celebrations that it meant a lot. It has been a tough couple of weeks, but it is good to be back on the board.”
Bournemouth’s lightning-quick start nearly rewarded them with two goals as Evanilson struck the bar from close range in the 17th minute. It was the 21st time the south coast side have struck the woodwork in the Premier League this season, more than any other side.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said he was “very pleased with the performance. I think we needed this performance, to defend our own box well, the clearances, the blocks, the basics, the set plays.”
“To finish with a clean sheet is so valuable because normally offensively when we create chances we score goals, defensively where we have lacked something in recent games, and today we were very good defensively,” he added.
The Director of Communications for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagba, has stated that the party will not make public the findings of the 12-member committee that investigated its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to JoyNews after the party’s leadership received the report from the committee, chaired by Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Ahiagba explained that the report is intended for internal use only.
“It is an internal document that will guide the party’s reform process and help position us for victory in 2028. So, while it may not have been explicitly stated, it is clearly implied that the document is not meant for public consumption,” he said.
He added, “There are ways our supporters will be made aware of the key issues without the report being officially released to the public.”
Mr Ahiagbah stressed that the recommendations outlined in the findings will play a critical role in shaping the party’s actions and strategies leading up to the next election.
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 UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), a member-based trade association that promotes trade between the UK and Ghana, has concluded its Grand Challenge Programme workshops in Kumasi, where policymakers were urged to introduce urgent reforms to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana.
The event was held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with the aim to develop and propose technological, social, or financial solutions to address key challenges in Ghana’s agriculture and energy sectors.
The workshop brought together innovators and key figures from the agriculture and energy sectors to discuss strategies for creating a more conducive business environment.
The industry experts included Mawuli Kobla Amedofu, Supply Chain Lead at DEXT Technologies; Prof. Joseph Oppong Akowuah from the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering; Dr. Gifty Boakye Appiah from KNUST’s Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Extension; Franklin Eshun from Ghana TVET Service; and Dr. Makafui John Bedzra, Innovation Manager, KNUST College of Engineering.
The workshop also featured a live pitch session where over 15 participants received constructive feedback on their ideas, and masterclasses on Intellectual Property, Investor Readiness, and Commercialisation facilitated by Nuna Attipoe – Koranteng & Koranteng; Kingsley Agyekum – Fidelity Bank; and Mawuli Ocloo of SalesRev, respectively.
Urgency in pursuing innovation
The session, themed “Policy as an Enabler for Creating an Innovation-Friendly Environment,” focused on addressing barriers to entrepreneurship and promoting systemic changes to encourage business growth.
Franklin Eshun of Ghana TVET Service observed that young people in Ghana often lack urgency in pursuing innovation, largely due to a relatively comfortable environment where basic needs are met.
“If you find yourself in a situation where you are close to extinction, you are close to being taken off the surface of the earth completely, you would be pushed to do things for yourself. And that is what I think is affecting us because most of the time, whatever we want to use, we find. And once you are finding them, you find them readily. You are not so hungry to do something for yourself. And that is what is affecting what we do here,” he said.
For Dr Gifty Boakye Appiah, getting young people to pursue innovation begins with challenging themselves to think differently to bring about the change society seeks.
She, therefore, urged young innovators present to seek out similar events such as the Grand Challenge Workshop, where opportunities abound for innovative thinking and funding avenues.
“The idea starts with you and thankfully, there are a lot of hubs and accelerators you can leverage on, where you will be guided on how to bring your idea to fruition, help you streamline it, and give you all the support you require.
“Even if they don’t have direct funding, the hubs and accelerators know where to direct you to acquire the funding you need to enable you contribute to the change we are looking for”, she remarked.
Representatives from government agencies shared details of ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting startups and small businesses.
Among them is the Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS), introduced by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
This three-stage licensing system helps small businesses improve product safety and quality while ensuring compliance with public health regulations.
Additionally, the HAPPY Project, implemented by the Ghana Enterprises Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Co. Ltd, aims to empower 15,000 young entrepreneurs.
The initiative focuses on post-production activities within key agricultural value chains such as rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry.
The UKGCC Grand Challenge Programme
The UKGCC’s Head of External Relations, Worlase Afatsiawo, shared during her opening remarks that the Grand Challenge Programme seeks to encourage and support innovation that addresses pressing national and sectoral challenges, and foster collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the private sector.
She added that the programme further seeks to provide capacity-building and funding opportunities to innovators to refine and scale their solutions, as well as create a sustainable pipeline of investable, commercially viable, and impactful projects.
“In addition to the mentorship and guidance received from industry leaders at the workshop, shortlisted applicants will also receive the opportunity to pitch for spots in a United Kingdom roadshow—offering international exposure and investment opportunities,” she concluded.
According to Mrs Afatsiawo, the workshops, held in both Accra and Kumasi, will be followed by a public invitation for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to submit proposals.
She urged aspiring contestants to look forward to the announcement on the UKGCC’s social media platforms.
The UKGCC Grand Challenge falls under the Sankore Programme, a United Kingdom Government-backed initiative under the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH).
Sankore focuses on strengthening West African innovation systems and scaling impactful solutions in West Africa and beyond.
Ghanaian rapper Kojo Cue has revealed that the overwhelming nature of personal challenges he faced compelled him to step away from his music career.
In an interview with Zionfelix on April 16, 2025, Kojo Cue explained that his struggles with mental health were so severe that he was eventually forced to sell his studio equipment.
“In 2020, I was having issues with my personal life. It didn’t go the way I wanted to deal with it so it took my mind off music. I was having a mental problem.
“I went off for almost two years without doing music. The plan was to stop music totally, I even gifted my studio equipment to people,” he said.
Kojo Cue added that, due to the severity of his struggles, he also deleted all his social media accounts.
“It got to a time when I deleted all my social media accounts. I needed to interact with people because the narrative on social media is different when you speak to people,” he added.
At the peak of a promising career, thriving alongside colleagues like E.L, Joey B, Lil Shaker, and others, Kojo Cue abruptly fell off the music radar and went into hibernation.
He has since been focusing on family and other lowkey businesses outside of social media.
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
The Attorney General (AG), Dr Dominic Ayine, has slammed the comments of his predecessor, Godfred Dame, on their absence from court at the last sitting of the case on the processes for the removal of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
Describing it as ‘unacceptable,’ the AG said that their absence was on the basis of a training for state attorneys, which required their presence – an equally important part of their work, and that the date for that training was fixed before the court’s adjoining date.
“State Attorneys were attending a training to effectively represent the interests of the state at the ECOWAS Court and our presence was important, so it’s unacceptable for former AG to make such comments,” he said.
The application filed by the Member of Parliament (MP) of Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the processes of removal of Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has for the second time been adjourned to May 6, 2025.
Presiding judge, Prof Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, explained that one of the panel was unavoidably absent, hence the adjournment.
Speaking to the media after the adjournment, Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, accepted the reasons of the adjournment, emphasising on the unavoidable absence of one panel judge.
He acknowledged that President John Dramani Mahama has a constitutional duty to perform and he would do just that without any interferences because the law is clear that no one can enjoin the performance of a constitutional duty.
“The president has a constitutional duty to perform and nothing can enjoin the performance of a constitutional duty, so, I do not see the point Assafuah is making that the president must hold on to the process of consultation,” he stated.
Responding to former AG and lawyer for the petitioner, Godfred Dame’s earlier comments, Dr Ayine said it was unacceptable for his predecessor to assume that their absence at the last hearing was meant to delay the process.
Details of the case
In the application filed through his legal team, Dame and Partners Unlimited, Assafuah argues that based on a proper interpretation of the 1992 Constitution by the apex court, the Chief Justice must be furnished with copies of the petitions submitted to the president for her removal before any consultation with the Council of State can occur.
Assafuah maintains that Article 146 of the constitution mandates the president to notify the Chief Justice of the petition seeking her removal and to obtain her response before initiating the consultation process with the Council of State.
He is, therefore, asking the court to declare that President Mahama’s failure to comply with this constitutional requirement, and his decision to forward the petitions to the Council of State for further action is null, void, and of no effect.
The MP made this known on his social media platforms, sharing a copy of the writ filed at the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
His suit follows the president’s announcement, made through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, that three petitions demanding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo would be referred to the Council of State for consultation.
Assafuah’s reliefs before the court:
(i) A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), 23, 57(3) and 296 of the Constitution, the President is mandated to notify the Chief Justice about a petition for her removal and obtain her comments and responses before referring the petition to the Council of State or commencing the consultation process.
(ii) A declaration that failure by the President to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before triggering the consultation process constitutes a violation of Article 146(6), and infringes on the constitutional protection of the Chief Justice’s security of tenure, as stipulated in Article 146(1).
(iii) A declaration that such failure amounts to unjustified interference with the independence of the judiciary, in breach of Articles 127(1) and (2).
(iv) A declaration that the failure to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her response constitutes a violation of the right to a fair hearing, under Articles 23 and 296, and renders the consultation process initiated by the President null, void, and of no effect.
(v) Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem appropriate.
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus has earned high praise from Liverpool manager Arne Slot following his standout performance against Liverpool on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
After Arsenal’s slip-up against Brentford the previous day, the Reds had a golden opportunity to close in on the Premier League title.
However, it wasn’t an easy task, as they were pushed all the way, requiring a late winner from captain Virgil van Dijk to secure the three points.
Although Liverpool eventually won the game, the Dutchman admitted after the match that West Ham’s resurgence in the second half caused them problems.
He acknowledged Kudus’ impact, revealing that the Ghanaian could easily fit into Liverpool’s squad based on his quality.
“They are 16th or 17th in the league, but I can name one or two players who could have easily played with us today in terms of quality. They used these two quality players more in the second half. I think Paqueta and Kudus were outstanding today, especially in the second half,” he said.
Despite Slot’s confidence in Kudus, the 24-year-old has endured a relatively challenging second season at West Ham.
He has recorded just three goals and two assists in 26 Premier League appearances so far.
Tanzania faces a prolonged delay in achieving universal birth registration, with the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) warning that full coverage on the Mainland may not be realized until 2051, unless urgent interventions are implemented.
In the Annual General Report on Performance Audit released on April 16, 2025, the CAG revealed that as of December 2024, only 29 percent of the population in Mainland Tanzania had been registered and issued with birth certificates a figure that presents significant challenges to national planning and access to essential services.
The audit, which assessed the performance of the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA), highlighted critical inefficiencies in the civil registration process, including delays in certificate issuance and a heavy backlog of unprocessed records.
“Despite the implementation of the Civil Registration System (CRS) in 2017 and earlier initiatives such as U5BRI, RITA has not been able to meet the five-day target for issuing birth and death certificates,” the report stated.
The report attributed the slow pace of registration to several key factors, including demand-driven applications, rather than a proactive or automated system, manual data entry processes, which slow down operations.
As a result there is a backlog of 13.7 million unregistered records, including over 12 million births and approximately 1.6 million deaths.
These inefficiencies, the CAG warned, are not only limiting citizens’ access to services such as National IDs, education, and health, but are also hindering the country’s progress toward meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to legal identity and vital statistics.
While the audit acknowledged efforts by RITA to improve the system, including the development of a Death Notification Module to enhance real-time registration of deaths, the challenges remain substantial.
“The delays are affecting demographic tracking and data accuracy, which are essential for effective public policy, social services, and emergency response,” the report noted.
The CAG says the current system relies on a hybrid approach records are manually filled and later uploaded to the central system. This creates bottlenecks and increases the risk of data errors, further complicating the process of achieving universal registration.
Recommendations
In response to these challenges, the CAG has issued a series of recommendations to accelerate progress.
These include conducting a comprehensive baseline survey to assess the actual workload and scope of unregistered populations, rolling out targeted public awareness campaigns to increase registration demand and knowledge
The CAG also recommend the digitizing all remaining manual records for better accuracy and accessibility, plus integrating the Civil Registration System (CRS) with other government databases to streamline access and cross-verification of vital statistics
“RITA needs to adopt a more proactive and data-driven approach if the country is to achieve universal civil registration and meet national and global development targets,” the report concluded.
“More Scandalized’ – Kwesi Pratt Slams Kumasi Mayor Over Unconstitutional Remarks
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Kwesi Pratt, the renowned journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has voiced strong concerns over the controversial comments made by Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, the new Kumasi Mayor as per reports from Ghana Web.
Pratt expressed disbelief at the Mayor’s pronouncements, which he described as unconstitutional and deeply troubling.
He further emphasized that he would be “more scandalized” if the Mayor remained in office the following day, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Pratt’s remarks came in response to a press conference held by Agyemang Boadi, where the Mayor issued a two-week ultimatum to traders occupying pavements in Kumasi’s central business district.
The Mayor threatened to forcibly remove those who refused to comply, referring to his approach as a “democratic military style.”
He also criticized the involvement of the police, claiming that offenders often returned to the streets shortly after being arrested.
During an interview on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt questioned the reasoning behind the appointment of someone with such views to lead Kumasi.
He expressed his shock at the “extreme lawlessness” displayed by the Mayor and asked how such a person could be entrusted with leadership in a major city.
Pratt’s comments shows growing concerns about the Mayor’s leadership style and his approach to public order.
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has reacted vehemently to the recent hike in utility tariffs.
The reasons adduced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for the hike, GUTA stated in a release signed by the Secretary General Alpha Shaban, ‘do not hold water.’
While appreciating the fact that life is not static and that changes are inevitable, GUTA was quick to add that such changes should not be done at the whim of any particular body.
‘It is an open secret that there are a lot of wastages in the management of electricity and water, which every well-meaning Ghanaian will attest to,” GUTA stated pointing out that some of these are the inflation of cost of purchases and other charges for individual benefits to the detriment of the state.
“Ineffective system of collection of bills from defaulters, especially from the state institutions, resulting in outstanding debts, which are eventually and unfairly passed on to other consumers, of the Utilities, thereby surcharging domestic and commercial consumers in the country for these inefficiencies is another factor,” GUTA said.
GUTA pointed at the issue of illegal connections and the failure by the utility service providers to tackle these criminal acts with the seriousness it deserves as another factor.
PURC according to GUTA is also unable to effectively monitor, evaluate and scrutinize the operations and management of the service providers to ensure value for money and protect the public purse against corruption and other related means of siphoning of state funds into individual pockets at the expense of the state.
“A clear case in point is the ongoing brouhaha and furor about the over 1000 missing ECG containers some of which were intercepted in the Central Region and some found in the premises of a manufacturing company in Tema. This is to only mention a few,” GUTA stated.
It appears the public sector is now being turned into a gold mine, where every public and/or civil servant takes advantage of, to enrich him/her self within a short period of time, GUTA noted adding that, “this does not augur well for this country and must cease immediately if we really want to develop economically.”
“We, therefore appeal to the government to focus much attention on this negative attitude to public service, identify all those who steal, divert, misappropriate, misapply and/or loot state funds or property and deal with them decisively to recover all stolen properties of the state,” GUTA stated.
The program provides digital tools and strategic support to boost growth and competitiveness, reinforcing MTN’s commitment to SME development in Ghana.
MTN Ghana has launched SME Accelerate, a new initiative aimed at helping small businesses operate smarter, faster, and better. The program provides digital tools and strategic support to boost growth and competitiveness, reinforcing MTN’s commitment to SME development in Ghana.
The initiative reflects MTN’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in Ghana, ensuring that small businesses are not only connected but are also equipped to move ahead confidently in an increasingly digital world.
The Deputy Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the United Kingdom (UK), Dr. Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu, is calling on the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to urgently implement constitutional reforms that will grant external branches fair and equal delegate representation.
According to Dr. Ahenkora-Duodu, branches outside Ghana such as NPP-UK, NPP-USA, and NPP-Germany play a critical role in the party’s political success, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making processes.
He argued that this imbalance contradicts the democratic ideals the NPP stands for.
“External branches are not just support groups. They are highly organised, politically active units, each with more than 20 functioning chapters—comparable to constituencies in Ghana,” he said.
Dr. Ahenkora-Duodu said while each Ghanaian constituency is granted 17 delegates during internal elections, external branches receive only 12.
For him, this discrepancy creates a significant gap in representation, pointing out that youth and women organisers in external branches have limited voting rights, with no representation for chapter executives in the election of national wing leaders.
“This marginalisation of grassroots leaders who do the everyday work of the party is a missed opportunity for real, bottom-up participation,” he said.
To correct this, Dr. Ahenkora-Duodu is proposing that external branches be officially recognised as full regional bodies in the NPP’s constitution. He is also advocating for the recognition of each chapter as a constituency, with appropriate voting rights and resources.
Among other proposals, he recommended the creation of a nine-member Council of Elders per external branch with delegate status, and expanded voting rights for youth and women wing executives across chapters.
Backing his case with economic data, Dr. Ahenkora-Duodu highlighted that Ghana’s diaspora remitted $4.7 billion in 2023, a significant portion of which came from NPP members abroad who actively support the party through campaign funding, outreach, and policy input.
“The truth is that the external branches are already functioning as full partners in the party’s progress. It’s time the constitution reflects that reality,” Dr. Ahenkora-Duodu concluded.
Keta (VR) April 16, GNA – Mr Wisdom Seade, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta, in the Volta Region, has engaged various government institutions in the area to introduce himself and discuss issues that would foster development.
The institutions visited include the Ghana Police Service, Ambulance Service, Municipal Hospital, National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE), Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Ghana Education Service and others within the Municipality.
Mr Seade, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the experience within the first-two days at work was encouraging and said the collaboration from workers would help the assembly to progress.
“My first day at work as MCE was very interesting one. l used the opportunity to have meeting with the Coordinating Director, Human Resource Management Department, Municipal Finance Department, and others for the way forward,” he said.
He said the visit to the various heads of institutions was to learn at first hand succeses and challenges for immediate resetting actions for the development of the municipality.
“My brother, you know previously l was here as an assembly member, but now am here as the new Municipal Chief Executive, so l deem it necessary to have proper details of the personnels l am coming to work together with and the offices as well, we will do that before leaving for the Easter break.”
He said that serious administrative works would commence after the Easter breaks and urged all heads of institutions, individuals and workers to get ready for action to restructure the assembly to meet the resetting agenda of the ruling government.
The MCE said the assembly was committed to addressing the numerous challenges identified in collaboration with Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, the Member of Parliament of Keta, the Presiding Member (MP) Mr Christopher Mensah, assembly members and other stakeholders and urged the public to also provide the necessary support to achieve the targeted goals.
He said the assembly would outline plans to improve infrastructure, education, economic development, sports, agriculture, health, among others for the assembly to create a better and enabling living environment for residents and promote economic growth and development.
Mr Seade commended the Keta Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Innocent Gawuah, heads of institutions and all other individual assembly workers for their support to previous MCEs over the years and demanded for same collaboration to work hard to fix challenges and make Keta a favourite destination for all.
Some heads of institutions GNA engaged during the meeting expressed satisfaction about the MCE’s visit and pledged to work together with him for the progress and development of the Keta municipality.
They described the MCE’s engagement as a move that demonstrated the assembly’s commitment to work hand in hand with other government institutions within the area to reshape the structures of the assembly for effective solutions and answers.
Ghanaian artiste, David Oscar Dogbe, has served fans with a ‘gospel’ track dubbed ‘Thank You Jah’ to mark his birthday.
The opening lines of the song released on Wednesday, April 16, offer appreciation to God captured as ‘Jah’ in this reggae composition.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on April 16, David Oscar Dogbe revealed that the song is a prayer to God for his life and career so far.
“I am excited about this ode to God, primarily, because I’m alive today and have come this far in my creative arts career.
“The journey has been tough, long, and meandering, but since I’m still exploring my God-given talent to the benefit of mankind, I cannot be more grateful,” he said.
Oscar disclosed that ‘Thank You Jah’ was inspired by Stonebwoy after he bumped into him during the dancehall artiste’s tour in Germany in March.
He hinted that his fans should keep their fingers crossed for a collaboration with the award-winning musician.
David Oscar has many hit tracks, including ‘Onyame Wo Mu’, ‘Ribidibi’, ‘Why Do We Vote’, as well as collaborations with Epixode, Afriyie Wutah, and Shasha Marley.
Be among the first to listen to David Oscar Dogbe’s ‘Thank You Jah’ in the video below.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marks exactly 100 days since President John Dramani Mahama, together with his vice, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, we sworn into office after winning the 2024 presidential election.
President Mahama was so confident he was going to win the election that he signed a contract dubbed, “Mahama’s First 120 Days Social Contract with the People of Ghana,” which had a list of things he intended to achieve within the first 120 days of his government.
Aside from the contract, Mahama made a number of promises to the good people of Ghana, which were outlined in his party’s “Resetting Ghana for Jobs, Accountability and Prosperity” manifesto of 2024.
This article looks at some of the key achievements of the Mahama government in its first 100 days, as well as the promises yet to be fulfilled, particularly those captured in the 120-day social contract.
Promises fulfilled in 120-Day Social Contract:
1. President Mahama has achieved his promise to nominate, within the first 14 days, the complete list of cabinet ministers for parliamentary approval.
The president, within the 14 days, nominated a total of 42 ministerial nominees, which included cabinet, non-cabinet and regional ministers.
All of these nominees were vetted and approved in less than a month, which in itself is unprecedented.
2. Mahama also achieved his promise to hold a National Economic Dialogue to discuss the true state of the economy and prepare a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme to guide the budget.
He established a seven-member National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee led by renowned economist, Dr Ishmael Yamson, which organised the forum from March 3, 2025, to March 4, 2025.
3. Mahama has also fulfilled his promise to convene a national consultative conference on education to build consensus on needed improvements to the sector.
The president established an eight-member committee to oversee the National Education Forum, which will review the educational sector.
The forum was held from February 18, 2025, to February 28, 2025.
4. Mahama also promised to reopen investigations into major unresolved criminal cases, including the 2020 Election killings, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, the murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, and Silas Wulochamey.
He has so far ordered the Inspector General of Police to open investigations into electoral killings that were experienced in the 2020 and 2024 elections.
5. Mahama promised, “Within my first 90 days in office, [I will] scrap the following draconian taxes to alleviate hardships and ease the high cost of doing business: E-Levy, COVID Levy, 10% Levy on Bet Winnings, and Emissions Levy.”
This promise was achieved after the passage of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
6. Mahama has also achieved his promise to implement the ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions — universities, colleges of education, nursing training institutions, etc.
7. He has also fulfilled his promise to introduce the following social interventions: Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities and the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares) Fund.
8. Mahama has also achieved his promise to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
This was done through the announcement of a certain amount of money to purchase sanitary products, made by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
9. He has allocated seed money for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, as promised.
10. He has also launched the following priority job creation programmes: the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme, the ‘National Apprenticeship Programme’, and the ‘One Million Coders Programme’.
11. As promised, Mahama has allocated monies to compensate the flood victims, including those in the Oti, Bono East, and Savanna regions.
Other achievements not listed in the social contract:
1. The president has commenced discussions with key stakeholders to restore peace to Bawku. His first task as president was to travel to Bawku and Nalerigu to meet the chiefs of the two factions in the longstanding chieftaincy dispute.
The government has also started a mediation process on the conflict, which is being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
2. Mahama has also constituted a committee to set up the Gold Board, whose responsibility would be to formalise the country’s gold trade in order to maximise the benefits the country gets from the trade.
Parliament has passed a bill establishing the board, which has made it the only agency to deal in the trading of gold in the country.
3. He has also set up a tripartite committee to negotiate and determine the minimum wage and base pay of public sector workers.
4. Through the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, the Mahama government has reduced UG residential facility fees from GH¢3,000 to GH¢2,500.
5. The president has further halted the sale of state lands and ordered the Lands Commission to submit a detailed report on state land purchases.
6. The government has also reduced Hajj fares from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000 per person.
7. The government has also instituted the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Service, which would be on every 1st July, which is also Ghana’s Republic Day.
8. The president averted a looming food crisis in the country’s secondary schools by ensuring that food stored at warehouses at Tema was released to various Senior High Schools.
9. He has also halted the use of public funds for the National Cathedral project and dissolved the Board of Trustees of the cathedral.
10. His government also tightened surveillance at markets and gave directives to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to locate and work on fire tenders closer to all markets in the country.
11. The president, according to Edudzi Tameklo and Beatrice Annan, two close persons to the presidency, has united the chiefs of the Western Region after five years of a divided House of Chiefs.
They made this known through posts they each shared on social media.
12. John Dramani Mahama has also constituted the Constitution Review Committee to review the 1992 Constitution.
13. Mahama also formed the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) preparatory committee to gather evidence on state resources that have been stolen by corrupt public officials for further action.
The report of the committee has been presented to the Attorney General, and so far, about 70 people have either been arrested or interrogated for their involvements in the 280 cases of corruption the committee gathered.
Social contract promises that have been missed or are yet to be fulfilled
1. The president promised to constitute the “Leanest and Most Efficient” government under the 4th Republic in his first 90 days in office. This promise is likely to have been missed.
Even though President Mahama is on course to achieve his promise of the leanest government in the history of the 4th Republic of 60 ministers and deputy ministers, his promise to achieve this within 90 days has not been achieved.
There is no indication from the presidency on whether Mahama is no longer going to make ministerial appointments.
Within 30 days of his government, he appointed 56 ministerial and deputy ministerial nominees (23 ministers, 16 regional ministers, 13 deputy ministers and 4 ministers of state).
46 of the nominees have so far been sworn into office, which means that Mahama is only 4 ministers short of achieving his promise of working with a total of 60 ministers and deputy ministers.
2. He also promised to commence drafting needed legal amendments and prepare for implementing the 24-Hour Economy Policy under the Office of the President.
This promise is yet to be achieved, even though President Mahama has appointed former presidential hopeful, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, as the Presidential Advisor for the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development.
3. He also promised to ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves, and roll out the ‘Tree for Life’ and Blue Water Initiative to heal and sustainably harness the environment by turning areas and water bodies degraded by illegal mining into economic and ecological recovery hubs.
This promise has been partially achieved because, even though the president issued a directive, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the immediate halt of illegal mining activities in forests and water bodies and launched the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative, he has not repealed the law on mining in forest reserves, which will completely outlaw the practice that was allowed by the previous government.
4. President Mahama is also yet to fulfil his promise to establish a robust “Code of Conduct and Standards” for all government officials.
5. The president has also failed to “Within my first 90 days in office, review taxes and levies on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes.”
6. Mahama has also not achieved his promise to establish an Accelerated Export Development Council (AEDC) to promote exports as part of a broader strategy for economic transformation.
7. The president is also yet to institute inquiries and/or forensic audits into the following matters of public interest: the collapse of indigenous Ghanaian banks and financial institutions at a supposed cost of GH¢25 billion, illegal printing of money, the US$58 million National Cathedral scandal, illegal and inflated single-sourced contracts, COVID-19 expenditure scandal, PDS, Agyapa, SML, ambulance spare parts deal, 13th African Games, Sky Train, Pwalugu Dam, maths sets, galamsey fraud, missing excavators and tricycles, Sputnik-V, BOST scandal, and others, as he promised.
8. He has also not instituted a government policy banning political appointees from purchasing state assets.
9. He also has not commenced the review of the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 to scrap the law banning the importation of salvaged vehicles to rescue the local automotive industry at Suame Magazine, Kokompe, Abossey Okai, among others.
10. Mahama has also not laid before Parliament a new bill to streamline government scholarship administration, prohibit political appointees from accessing government scholarships, and eliminate political patronage, cronyism, nepotism, and corruption in awarding government scholarships.
11. He has not launched ‘The Black Star Experience’ initiative as Ghana’s flagship culture, arts, and tourism brand to transform Ghana into a preferred tourism destination.
12. His promise to commence investigative processes to purge state security agencies of all militia and vigilante elements is also yet to be fulfilled.
13. He has also not initiated a probe into the man-made disaster caused by the VRA’s spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams that displaced and destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of citizens in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions.
14. The promise to carry out a shake-up of all loss-making SOEs and realign them to break even and transition into profit-making is also yet to be achieved.
BAI/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The domestic maritime sector is set to receive a significant boost with a US$140million investment in the Takoradi Floating Dock project – a new ship repair facility expected to generate more than US$40million in annual revenue and create 450 direct skilled jobs.
Maria Ogbugo, a maritime consultant, disclosed this while speaking to the Eye on Port programme.
“This project as a game-changer for Ghana’s ship repair and maritime infrastructure landscape. Once it is on stream, it will be generating upward of US$40million in revenue per year and supplying some 450 direct skilled jobs. So, you can see the potential impact it will have on the economy,” Ms. Ogbugo stated.
The project is being done through a partnership between Prime Meridian Dock Ghana Limited and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
Despite its promise, she noted that the Takoradi Floating Dock Project faced major challenges – especially with raising capital and limited understanding of the maritime sector among funders.
“At the early stages, we needed to conduct studies – environmental impact, concept design, traffic analysis – but the funds to support that were hard to come by. It was a major challenge,” she said.
According to Ogbugo, lack of support from the public sector was another setback. However, she credited the involvement of a few key government figures, including former President Nana Akufo-Addo, for helping secure the financing.
She stressed the need for government intervention to reduce the risk of such infrastructure investments through enforceable laws, well-defined policies and creation of a maritime development fund.
“If, for example, there was a fund managed by GMA, early-stage funding could be provided to projects aligned with Ghana’s maritime vision,” she proposed.
Furthermore, she highlighted critical gaps in the country’s maritime sector such as the low number of vessels – only about 54 registered ships and inadequate infrastructure to support short-sea shipping, cruise activities and inland waterway cargo movement.
She called for investments in Volta Lake barges and passenger terminals at Takoradi to meet growing demand.
On decarbonisation, she acknowledged that the shipping industry’s transition to zero net emissions by 2050 poses significant cost burdens for the country and other African nations.
“Cleaner fuels, like hydrogen, are nearly four times more expensive than conventional diesel, a difference that threatens to increase freight costs unfairly for African economies.
In spite of this, she sees opportunity. According to her, the country’s abundant solar resources place it in a strong position to support the global green transition.
“We can adopt battery storage and shore-power solutions at our ports to make Ghana an attractive stop for eco-conscious vessels,” she said.
She also pointed to the imminent global shortage of 90,000 seafarers by 2026 as an opportunity for the country.
“Ghana is on the IMO white list, meaning our seafarers are well trained. We have a young population and the Regional Maritime University so we can train more seafarers to meet the global demand,” she explained.
Moreover, she urged government and the private sector to work together more closely to support such infrastructure projects. “For example, a Maritime Development Fund could be set up to provide early funding for important shipping projects,” she elaborated.
With the right policies and financial support, she said, the country can become a strong player in the global maritime industry and benefit more from the shipping value chain.
Aduana Stars will host Accra Hearts of Oak at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the Ghana Premier League, as both teams aim to regain momentum with the season drawing to a close.
Aduana Stars come into the game eager to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Karela United; a result that stalled their recent progress and left them mid-table.
Despite their dip in form, Aduana can take confidence from their strong home record against Hearts of Oak, having had the upper hand in recent encounters.
Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, have been inconsistent in recent weeks, struggling to deliver positive results.
Their latest draw has done little to alleviate concerns, with their top-four ambitions hanging in the balance.
However, their away performances this season have been one of the few bright spots.
With history favoring Aduana Stars at home and both sides desperate for a turnaround, this matchup could prove pivotal in shaping their final league standings.
Ghana’s Parliament has been blamed for the growing accusations of bias against the courts.
Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, explained that since 2013, cases before the Supreme Court have become increasingly politicized, especially due to election petitions.
Accra, April 16, GNA – Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has said that the Government’s One Million Coders Programme is a bold step towards Ghana’s digital future.
“This is a bold and transformative initiative that marks a new chapter in Ghana’s digital journey,” Mr George stated in his welcome remarks at the launch of the Government’s
One Million Coders Programme in Accra by President John Dramani Mahama.
“This is not just a programme, it is a promise to our youth, to our future, and to the idea that no Ghanian should be left behind in a digital age.”
The Coders Initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, which is taking effect within the Government’s 120-Day Social Contract Period, seeks to empower Ghanaians with the skills of the future – coding and digital skills.
Courses being offered include Certify Cybersecurity Professional, Certified Network Support Technician (CNST), Data Analyst Associate, Certified Data Protection Supervisor, Certified Data Protection Practitioner (CDPP) and Certified Data Protection Officer.
The training is taking place at Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT learning centres in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, which will soon be scaled up to other regions of the country.
The programme launch covers the first cohort of 560 trainees, which are in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, reflecting the Government’s commitment to gender balance and regional inclusivity.
Mr George said the One Million Coders Programme was a flagship initiative of the Government, driven by a simple but powerful objective, to equip the nation’s young people with the digital skills they needed not just to survive, but to lead in the 21st century economy.
He explained that it was about preparing a generation of thinkers, builders, and problem solvers, who would shape the future of this nation with code in their hands and opportunity in their sights.
He recalled that President Mahama made a pre-election promise to launch the One Million Coders Programme, which had been touted as a bold initiative by their international partners to train one million Ghanaians in coding and digital skills; there by, empowering them to thrive in the rapidly growing business process outsourcing and knowledge process outsourcing ecosystems.
“We have quickly moved to turn this vision into action to equip our youth for the future of work through the One Million Coders Programme,” Mr George said.
He reiterated that this was happening within the 120-day social contract period, which shows how committed and focused the President was.
“This is a bold step towards resetting and building the Ghana we want together, the Ghana of opportunities, innovation, and prosperity for all,” Mr George said.
“I firmly believe we are at a defining point in Ghana’s digital journey, a moment where resetting Ghana is not just necessary, but urgent.”
Mr George reiterated that this was a call to action, to transform Ghana’s economy, create sustainable jobs, and invest boldly in their people.
“We must harness science, technology, and innovation, not as buzzwords, but as tools for inclusive growth,” he said.
He said the One Million Coders Programme was designed to do exactly that, bridge the gap between what was taught in classrooms and what the job market demands, to boost digital literacy nationwide, and equip the youth to compete and thrive on the global stage.
The new Sunyani MCE, Antwi Adjei being sworn into office by a Sunyani High Court judge
CONTROVERSIAL ASSEMBLY member of Sunyani Municipal Assembly, Raphael Cubage of Abonsuam Estate Electoral Area stirred drama when members attempted to bend the standing orders of the assembly to confirm the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) nominee, Antwi Adjei.
The Sunyani Assembly, for the past year, has failed to function as a result of the absence of a Presiding Member to oversee decision-making and the development of the municipality.
The 51 members of the assembly, during the confirmation of the MCE nominee, needed to elect a Presiding Member to preside over the confirmation of the position of Municipal Chief Executive.
The Electoral Commission (EC), therefore, announced the sole candidate, Abdul Razack Abdulai, for the position of Presiding Member for voting, but Raphael Cubage jumped to a point of order and said the EC had failed to open the nomination for candidates to file to contest, saying it is against the standing orders of the assembly.
“You have not opened nominations for members to file to contest for the position. Per standing orders, you are supposed to open nominations. So please open nominations as per the law.
“I am an honourable member of the house and an interested party,” he said to the shock of all members, including invited guests and Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, who is a lawyer.
The Bono Regional Director of the EC, Asirifi Young Guggisberg, replied, “We do the same thing everywhere we go”. After going back and forth, the EC opened nominations for candidates to pick forms for the election of a Presiding Member (PM). “Now, let’s open nominations; it is not too late. Anybody who wants to stand can pick a nomination form,” the EC stated.
Raphael then picked a nomination form and started filling it, but later went out. The EC director then gave a warning, “by the count of 10, if he doesn’t come, we shall close the nomination.”
After the PM voting, Abdul Razack Abdulai polled 44 out of 45, garnering 86.27% of the votes to become the Presiding Member to preside over the confirmation of the MCE nominee, in accordance with the Local Government Act.
They then proceeded to confirm the MCE nominee, Antwi Adjei, who polled 49 out of 49 votes, thereby getting the hundred percent confirmation of members present during voting.
In his acceptance speech, the new MCE thanked President Mahama for the opportunity to serve the Sunyani Municipality and pledged to work hard to develop the municipality to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The Bono Regional Minister advised the new MCE to humble himself as he seeks the support of Nananom and assembly members in developing the municipality.
EXCITEMENT IS building as Ghana prepares to host the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals from 23–26 April 2025 in Accra. Ahead of the competition, CAF has confirmed that Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan and Côte d’Ivoire’s Clementine Toure will assist with the official draw on Monday, 21 April.
The two legends will be joined by other African greats, including Abedi Pele and Adjoa Bayor (Ghana), Robert Kidiaba (DR Congo), and Amanda Dlamini (South Africa), who will support the participating teams throughout the tournament.
Now in its third edition, the CAF African Schools Football Championship is Africa’s largest football competition for school-aged players, featuring boys’ and girls’ teams under 15 from eight regions across the continent.
Host nation Ghana will be joined by countries including Morocco, South Africa, DR Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania — the reigning Boys’ champions. South Africa, who lifted the Girls’ title last year in Tanzania, return as defending champions.
In addition to the action on the pitch, CAF will run a series of capacity building programmes during the four-day event, designed to empower young African leaders with skills both in sport and beyond.
The winners of the Boys’ and Girls’ tournaments will each receive $300,000 in prize money, with $200,000 and $150,000 awarded to the second- and third-placed teams respectively.
These funds are to be used for development projects within participating schools, as part of the broader vision supported by the Motsepe Foundation’s $10 million contribution to youth football.
The Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has announced the expansion of the country’s jury selection process to include all eligible citizens, as part of efforts to improve the speed and quality of criminal justice delivery.
The announcement was made during the official opening of the 2025 session of the Criminal Assizes by the Judicial Service on Tuesday, April 16, 2025. The move marks a significant step towards addressing delays in the adjudication of criminal cases across the country.
“As we open assizes today, we have expanded the jury list to include all citizens qualified by law, including many individuals in the private sector,” Chief Justice Torkornoo stated.
“Over time, steps will be taken to further the pool from which juries will be selected. It is our expectation that the time citizens engage in jury meeting, not being insufficient will change.”
The Chief Justice emphasised that this initiative is the result of a broader reform agenda aimed at making the judiciary more efficient and results-oriented.
She commended the efforts of a dedicated team that developed and promoted the reforms through media and stakeholder engagements across national and regional platforms.
“A team assisted me in proposing solutions and reforms in making the judiciary system more efficient and result-oriented. To get the buy-in of all stakeholders, the team went on to do media and stakeholder engagement on national and regional platforms,” she said.
Judges have also been reminded to strictly enforce Sections 222 to 224 of the Criminal Procedure and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30), which outline penalties for jurors who fail to attend court without valid justification. Chief Justice Torkornoo noted that any absence by an empanelled juror would be considered a day of no work, affecting the eligibility for allowances.
“In this regard, foremen are respectfully requested to notify all jurors on a panel regarding attendance, well ahead of the court’s sitting,” she added.
Calling on all players within the justice sector, the Chief Justice appealed for collective support in driving reforms that would enhance the integrity and efficiency of the judiciary.
“I pray stakeholders to hold the hand of the judiciary to effect reforms that will enhance legality, ethics, due process, assets and resources in the justice delivery of the judiciary,” she said.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past year, she expressed gratitude for the contributions of her colleagues, staff, and partners in the judicial sector.
“I am so glad that a year on, by the grace of God and the unrelenting help from colleague judges, citizens, stakeholders, staff and management of the judicial service, we have counted many significant milestones,” Chief Justice Torkornoo concluded.
The expanded jury system is expected to improve transparency, public participation, and timely adjudication in Ghana’s criminal justice system.
Core Planning team for the opening of the criminal assizes
HL Mensah Homiah, JA Asare Botwe, JA Lydia Osei Marfo JA HL Frederick Tetteh J HL Dorothy Ayodele Kingsley-Nyinah J HH Sussana Eduful, HW Mensima Ackoh, HW Derrick Annan Mr. Noble Nutifafa (Director ICT), Mr. Ampong Fosu (Director of Communication) Mr. Charles Baidoo (Director of Court Services)
A youth group identified as supporters of the National Democratic Party has forcibly locked up the Western Regional office of the National Service Secretariat.
Their action stems from dissatisfaction with the transfer of a new Regional Coordinator, Daniel Dawusu, to the area.
The group argued that the appointment does not reflect the interest of the region, insisting that the Coordinator should be someone from the Western Region.
According to them, the decision to bring in an outsider undermines local representation in the region.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, April 16, the NDC Constituency Youth Organiser, Kwabena Afriyie, justified the action, stating that the group is prepared to keep the office shut until their concerns are addressed.
“We have locked up the office, and we have been given the chance again. We’ll lock it up till our demands are met,” he said.
He further emphasised the group’s position, urging the authorities to withdraw the current appointee and rather assign the candidate they have recommended.
“All we are saying is, they should withdraw those they have brought to the region and assign the name that we have presented to the office for the job, because he is also qualified to do the job. There will be peace in the region if they meet our demand,” he stated.
