Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General has fingered the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) Kwabena Adu-Boahene for allegedly diverting over $7m into private accounts.
According to the Attorney General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene was arrested for financial misconduct relating to a $7 million cyber defence system contract.
By Francis Ntow, GNA
Accra, March 25, GNA – The International Finance Corporation (IMF) says it will invest US$450 million in Ghana’s private sector this year to boost productivity and create jobs.
Mr Kyle Kelhofer, the Senior Manager for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, IFC, World Bank Group, said such support to businesses was part of efforts to reduce poverty and improve development around the world.
He said this in an interview on the sidelines of a field trip to some Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies in the country by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, in Accra, over the weekend.
“Last year, we did over US$450m of investment here in Ghana, supporting the private sector. This year, we’re targeting a similar amount. So, we’re continuing to support companies on commercial basis to create more and better jobs.” Mr Kelhofer said.
He described the minister’s visit to the companies to ascertain their challenges and help solve them as a right step towards attracting and sustaining foreign businesses in the country to propel economic growth.
“The Government can continue these efforts to improve the investment climate, allow companies to expand and to grow and attract further companies like B5Plus to bring more and better jobs here in Ghana, and ensure more value addition here,” he said.
He was confident that more local production would help the country with a reduction in imports, and the cost for other industries’ development, and called for the creation of more avenues for the utilisation of local materials and human resources.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the Government through the Ministry would work towards the challenges of land litigation, using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and concerns of taxes to make companies thrive in the country.
She encouraged foreign companies to deal with their staff with dignity, saying, “your workers are your lifeline – treat them well and pay them well and work happily together.”
GNA
SOF
Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine (L) and Osei Assibey Antwi
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that the former Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA) Osei Assibey Antwi, paid a Member of Parliament (MP) to prevent media coverage of the ghost names scandal.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, he explained that eight other suspects who are linked to the NSA had been questioned.
“These matters are still under investigation; I can confirm that the investigation will conclude in the National Service and the Sky Train Scandal by the middle of April for the prosecution to begin.
“With the National Service Scandal, eight suspects have been interrogated and a good number of them have started singing. We now have evidence of payments that were made into the accounts of the top executives of the National Service by private vendors of the scheme. We also have evidence that in November 2024, the CEO of the NSS and others paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament to kill the story in the media and to defend them,” he stated.
The National Intelligence Bureau launched its investigations following an exposé by The Fourth Estate, which uncovered widespread irregularities within the scheme.
The NIB investigated allegations that thousands of ghost names were used to defraud the state of millions of cedis in allowances.
JKB/AE
Meanwhile, watch this captivating story of the Ghana’s 100-year-old World War II veteran whose name is widely known in the Buckingham Palace, below:
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson
As the dust settles on the 2025 national budget, citizens and policymakers alike are faced with the challenge of deciphering what these figures mean for Ghana’s future. The budget introduces a range of new policies aimed at economic recovery, revenue mobilisation, and social intervention. While some of these policies offer promises of relief, others have raised concerns regarding their feasibility and the potential impact on the average Ghanaian.
Every year, the government’s budgetary decisions influence everything from the cost of living to the nation’s long-term economic health. In 2025, the debate in Parliament has been particularly intense as members grapple with how to balance fiscal responsibility with the pressing needs of the population.
Government Expenditure
The new budget sets total national spending at GH¢290.97 billion, against a projected revenue mobilisation and grants figure of GH¢223.8 billion. This revenue figure represents 17.2 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an increase from last year’s GH¢186.5 billion, which accounted for 17.4 percent of GDP. However, these projections result in a cash shortfall of GH¢56.9 billion.
According to Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, this gap will be addressed through cost-cutting measures and the issuance of treasury bills amounting to GH¢36.9 billion, alongside foreign financing of GH¢21.4 billion derived from disbursements under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and World Bank Development Policy Operation funding.
A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to major capital projects such as road construction, housing, and energy infrastructure. Although the previous year’s commitments for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) reached around GH¢194 billion, the allocations for 2025 are expected to continue driving improvements in transport and public works. In the social sector, the government has shown support for education through initiatives like Free Senior High School (Free SHS) and various educational reforms. Despite initial estimates indicating a need of GH¢1.3 billion for these programmes, the final allocation has been closer to GH¢800 million, which has raised concerns regarding the full implementation of these initiatives. In healthcare, the Agenda 111 project—designed to build 111 district hospitals—has been allocated funding between $1.4 billion and $1.7 billion. Discrepancies in these funding figures have led to calls for clearer budgeting to ensure improved access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, even as critics question whether these allocations will translate into tangible improvements or if delays and mismanagement might lead to cost overruns.
The budget’s expenditures are broadly categorised across major sectors, with detailed breakdowns provided in the appendices. The Administration sector includes allocations intended to enhance public sector management and improve the efficiency of government operations and public financial management. In the Economic sector, the focus is on agriculture, industry, and services. Investments in agriculture aim to boost crop production and livestock development, although reduced funding for cocoa—a key export—raises concerns about the sustainability of production in this area.
In the Industry sector, funds are allocated to support mining, manufacturing, and construction, even though a decline in oil and gas production is projected, potentially impacting overall revenue. The Services sector, which remains the largest contributor to GDP, receives funding intended to enhance trade, information and communication, financial services, education, and healthcare.
Regarding revenue and fiscal policy, the budget builds on previous fiscal outturns and emphasises a strategy to boost domestic revenue to reduce reliance on external borrowing. The government has set an ambitious target to increase tax revenue to approximately GH¢200 billion in 2025, a significant rise from the GH¢152.9 billion recorded in 2024. This goal is to be achieved partly by removing certain levies, such as the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy), and introducing new revenue measures. However, critics warn that while the removal of the E-Levy is expected to ease financial transactions, new taxes on sectors such as mining, telecommunications, financial services, and real estate could ultimately shift the burden onto consumers.
Debt Management
Debt management is another critical focus of the budget, with around GH¢46.7 billion allocated for interest payments. Detailed schedules for domestic and external debt service obligations indicate that heavy repayment burdens are expected in 2027 and 2028. Although the government aims to reduce the overall debt-to-GDP ratio from 78 percent to around 72 percent, upcoming obligations remain a significant fiscal concern. The budget also outlines measures to renegotiate debt terms, including domestic debt exchange programmes, yet there are warnings that current financing arrangements, especially those related to Treasury bill rollovers, could strain cash flow.
In the energy sector, despite substantial spending in 2024—amounting to approximately US$1.5 billion or GH¢20.8 billion for addressing legacy issues—the forecast for 2025 indicates a Business-as-Usual shortfall of over US$2.2 billion. This shortfall is attributed to various inefficiencies, including collection shortfalls, high system losses, and tariffs that do not reflect actual costs. Additionally, significant unpaid obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and other energy sector arrears continue to pose fiscal risks.
The budget introduces the 24-Hour Economy policy as a key initiative aimed at stimulating continuous economic activity and job creation, with the associated funding intended to catalyze growth in both urban and rural areas.
Sector-specific reforms also play a central role in the budget, with proposed legislative reviews and amendments targeting areas such as Petroleum Revenue Management, Energy Sector Levies, and Public Procurement. These reforms are intended to streamline revenue collection and expenditure, improve service delivery, and ensure greater fiscal discipline.
In conclusion, the 2025 Budget presents a blend of ambitious policies and potential challenges. While the government positions the budget as a decisive step toward economic recovery and fiscal stability, critics argue that inconsistencies in allocations, revenue-generation strategies, and debt management may undermine its effectiveness. As Parliament continues to debate and potentially amend the proposed measures, the coming months will reveal whether these policies provide a viable pathway to economic transformation or exacerbate the nation’s fiscal challenges. Ghanaians will be closely watching to see how the government balances economic growth with social responsibility in the years ahead.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliamentary Correspondent
The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has been accused of abusing his office by ordering raids, and arrests, and conducting investigations into former government appointees.
The Minority in Parliament levelled this accusation on the Attorney General.
The caucus says the Attorney General’s role is to provide legal advice to investigative agencies and assist the court in dispensing justice.
Ghana last played against Madagascar on November 17, 2023, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. As the first match of their qualifying campaign, securing a strong start was crucial for the Black Stars.
Despite Ghana’s dominance in possession, Madagascar proved to be a difficult opponent. The visitors’ well-structured defensive setup frustrated the Black Stars, making it difficult to create clear-cut chances.
At the same time, Madagascar remained a threat on the break, launching a few dangerous counterattacks that tested Ghana’s defense.
With the game seemingly heading for a disappointing draw, Iñaki Williams stepped up in the 96th minute, rising to meet a Gideon Mensah cross and heading home the winner. The goal was significant for the Athletic Bilbao forward, as it marked his first goal for Ghana since switching allegiance from Spain.
Key Takeaways
Head-to-Head RecordBefore this, Ghana and Madagascar last met on June 1, 2022, in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where Ghana won 3-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium with goals from Mohammed Kudus, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Osman Bukari. However, in the return leg, Madagascar held Ghana to a goalless draw, marking their best result yet against the Black Stars.
Statistically, Ghana has two wins and one draw in their last three meetings with Madagascar, scoring four goals and conceding none. In 270 minutes of football, Madagascar is yet to score against the Black Stars.
Current Standings
Ahead of their return leg today in Morocco, both teams enter the match in strong form—
Madagascar defeated the Central African Republic 4-1, while Ghana thrashed Chad 5-0. The win moved the Black Stars top of the group with 12 points, two points ahead of Madagascar, who sit in second place with 10 points.
With both teams eager for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tonight’s fixture in Morocco promises to be a fiercely contested battle, but a more determined Black Stars could edge out their opponents.
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.
Ghanaian musician, Chief One
Ghanaian musician, Chief One, has boldly declared that he is the first artiste in the country to release an Amapiano song.
Chief One made this claim while refuting assertions by sound engineer Appietus that he invented the genre in Ghana with his song ‘Muje Baya.’
He argued that Appietus’ track does not meet the full criteria of an Amapiano sound.
“I am the first Ghanaian artiste to release an Amapiano song in Ghana. In March 2021, I was the only one to have released an Amapiano track. While Appietus claims to have dropped a song in that genre before, I believe it does not truly qualify as an Amapiano song,” he stated on the ‘Daybreak Hitz’ show.
He added that ‘Muje Baya’ lacks the signature heavy kicks that define the Amapiano sound, making it more of a fusion than a pure representation of the genre.
Chief One further emphasised his impact on up-and-coming musicians, especially in the Volta Region.
Stating that his influence goes beyond simply being the first Amapiano artiste in Ghana, he said he gets satisfaction in influencing the sound of other up-and-coming musicians in his home region.
“I have positively influenced many artists in the Volta Region, and many of them are now following in my footsteps,” he added.
AK/EB
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Meanwhile, watch some videos from the 40th birthday bash of Richard Nii-Armah Quaye below:
The man of the moment!#RNAQ40 pic.twitter.com/bb7dgOY7hh
— Dziedzorm💚 (@SSDziedzorm) March 22, 2025
Ghanaian media personality, Ambassador Osei Kwadwo
Ghanaian media personality Godfred Osei, popularly known as Ambassador Osei Kwadwo, has shared a traumatic experience from his early life where he nearly took his own life.
In an interview with Emelia Brobbey on “Okukuseku the Talk Show” on March 24, 2025, he revealed that during his teenage years, he faced severe economic hardship, to the point where he went without food for five days.
He explained that the dire circumstances led him to a point of contemplating suicide by poisoning himself.
However, he said a song by gospel musician Mama Esther saved him from going through with it.
“After I completed school in 2013, I visited my brother in Kumasi, and he also became sick, so I was left alone. One thing I don’t know how to do is beg for help. I hadn’t eaten for almost five days, and I was in pain. Because of that, I remembered that my brothers had once asked me to keep a pack of rat poison somewhere.
“Just when I was about to drink it, I accidentally sat on a remote control, and the channel changed to a station where they were playing a song by Mama Esther. The song touched my heart, and that was how it prevented me from drinking the poison,” he shared.
Ambassador Osei Kwadwo also opened up on the struggles his mother faced after her divorce.
He disclosed that she was forced to sell their house to pay off her bank loan and, at one point, had to sleep in the bushes.
“Because my parents divorced, my mother had to borrow from the banks and even sell her house. It got to a point where she had to sleep in the bushes so that she wouldn’t be arrested. Sometimes I would wake up early in the morning to see the police in front of our house looking for my mother. I often had to lie, saying that she had travelled,” he said.
Watch the video below:
You can also watch videos from the unveiling of the 2025 TGMA nominees on GhanaWeb TV below:
JHM/EB
Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe
The Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has asked the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, to focus on clearing overcrowded markets in the Ashanti Region instead of blaming fire officers.
This came after a recent online disagreement between Dr Amoakohene and Alex King Nartey, a Ghana National Fire Service spokesperson, following the fire at the Adum Central Market in Kumasi.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Dr Amoakohene shared an old Facebook post from April 1, 2015, allegedly made by Alex King Nartey.
The post included jokes and wishes, including a vote of no confidence in President John Dramani Mahama and calls for an end to the power cuts known as “dumsor.”
Upon seeing the post, Dr Amoakohene harshly criticised Alex King Nartey, accusing him of being more of a politician than a serviceman, referencing the content of the purported post.
He wrote “Bro talked about social media without knowing the power of it. He’s a politician, not a serviceman.”
However, Franklin Cudjoe believes that instead of attacking fire officers, the minister should focus on solving problems like overcrowding in markets, which make such fires worse.
“Must everyone belong to a party before they express their views? Was his comment in 2015 responsible for the fire outbreaks we have had? The regional minister should focus on helping decongest these markets instead of calling out a fire officer doing his work with a 2015 social media post
“What is this?” he quizzed.
VKB/AE
You can also watch a compilation of the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:
Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has outlined a series of measures he believes can help reduce Ghana’s $3.5 billion food import bill.
Ghana’s agricultural sector holds vast potential, yet the country continues to spend billions of dollars annually on food imports. In 2023 alone, Ghana’s food import bill exceeded $3.5 billion, according to Statista, a Germany-based data portal.
In an analysis of the country’s food security situation as sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Alhaji Seidu Agongo noted that this heavy reliance on imports drains the nation’s foreign exchange and stifles local farmers.
He also highlighted Ghana’s failure to produce enough food to meet local demand, despite having arable land and a youthful population.
Agongo pointed out that Ghana imports nearly every food item, including rice and poultry, as local agricultural production struggles due to weak policies and unsustainable interventions.
“Ghana has a growing youth population, with nearly 40% of its citizens aged between 15 and 35, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. However, unemployment remains a major issue, with a 2020 World Bank report indicating that 12% of the youth are unemployed, while over 50% are underemployed,” he noted.
He further questioned why, despite these statistics, the agriculture sector has not become a major employer for young people.
“As the population grows, Ghana has failed to produce adequate food for its people, leading to food insufficiency that is almost a national security challenge, if not for growing imports,” he warned.
Despite acknowledging efforts to boost agricultural production dating back to the 1970s, Agongo noted that many of these programs did not survive beyond the Acheampong era.
“More recently, the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, introduced in 2017, aimed to support farmers and improve food production. While the program had multiple phases, reports from farmer-based organizations and civil society groups suggest it faced several challenges that limited its success,” he added.
According to Agongo, nearly GH¢3 billion was invested in the first phase of PFJ between 2017 and 2023, yet food imports continued to rise.
“If these programs had succeeded, we wouldn’t still be grappling with rising food prices and a high import bill,” he argued.
See his full analysis below:
How to boost agriculture and cut Ghana’s over $3.5bn food import bill
Ghana is home to some of the world’s best arable lands, yet it is the country with one of the biggest food import bills.
Food imports cost the country over $3.5 billion in 2023, according to Statista, a German-based online data portal – draining Ghana’s already strained foreign exchange and further straggling local farmers.
As a nation, we import almost everything edible – from rice to offal, locally called ‘yemuadie,’ as local production continues to suffer largely due to limited policy interventions that can stand the test of time.
These are even though the country has a bubbling young population and worsening unemployment rate. The 2021 Population and Housing Census showed that nearly 40 percent of Ghanaians are aged 15-35 years, the age bracket considered golden, youthful, energetic and smart for national development.
Sadly a 2020 World Bank report shows that 12 percent of the youth are unemployed and more than 50 percent are underemployed.
With many youths idling after fruitless searches for jobs, one would have thought that farming and food production would have become the ‘go to’ or at least ‘makeshift’ occupation or jobs for these youngsters to make ends meet while hoping to land their dreams jobs to build careers.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. As the population increases, Ghana has failed to produce adequate food for its people, creating food insufficiency that is almost a national security challenge, if not for the growing imports.
Past efforts
This is not a new problem. Since independence, Ghana has struggled to produce enough food for its citizens, resulting in various interventions by previous governments to address the bottlenecks, soar up domestic food production and cut down on imports for the economy to breath.
Perhaps, the most popular of them is Colonel (rtd) I.K. Acheampong’s Operation Feed Yourself launched barely a month after he captured power in 1972.
The program aimed to encourage more Ghanaians into farming while energizing traditional farmers to increase production.
To achieve this, the government supported the program with subsidized farm inputs, access to credit facilities and duty-free importation of agricultural machinery. It also recruited extension officers to support farmers apply good agronomy practices to help increase production.
There were also sustained public sensitizations, drawing enthusiasm from Ghanaians for the program and resulting in broad-based participation by the populace.
The results were largely satisfactorily though the fruits could not be sustained beyond the Acheampong regime.
Subsequently, various governments embarked on similar programs with similar intentions.
Planting for Food and Jobs
The most recent government intervention to address the food security challenge is the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. Introduced in 2017, the program was spearheaded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture aimed at supporting farmers and other citizens to produce food.
It took different shades, with people interested in raring also supported to increase livestock production. A phase two was also launched in 2023.
Though a great initiative, reports from farmer-based organization, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) showed that the PFJ faced several challenges, leading to limited successes.
Indeed, the country’s sustained and worsening food import bill shows that none of these agricultural programs succeeded as expected. And if they did succeed, today’s food challenges show that the successes and/or the programs have not been sustainable.
This is despite the fact that millions, if not billions of Ghana cedis, from state and donor funds have been poured into these interventions.
In the case of the PFJ for instance, reports showed that almost GHS3 billion have been poured into the phase one (between 2017 and 2023). Additional spending was done on the phase in 2023 and 2024.
Tracking the mistakes
With the scarce national resources being used to fund these programs, everything must be done to ensure that we get adequate and sustainable results from such interventions.
This begs the question what did we get wrong in the previous programs? This is critical given that efforts are underway for the government to intervene in similar fashions to help encourage food production and reduce the import bill.
Key among these is the need to leave agriculture and professionals and experienced people.
Like all professions, agriculture is a specialized area, requiring one with adequate expertise and experience to succeed in it. Policy interventions and programming must, therefore be initiated and led by professionals.
The tendency to allow politics lead the way is dangerous as has been seen in the most recent past.
There are also low hanging fruits that the country must aim to plunk.
I list them below in no order.
1. Rice production
Rice remains a staple food in Ghana, yet domestic production covers only 40 percent of the demand.
By increasing investment in irrigation, mechanized farming, and improved seed varieties, Ghana can significantly boost local rice production.
The National Rice Development Strategy is a step in the right direction, but additional government and private-sector partnerships are needed to enhance processing and reduce post-harvest losses.
2. Poultry business
Ghana imports nearly 95 percent of its poultry meat, amounting to a market value of approximately $400 million every year.
With the right investment in modern poultry farms, feed production, and processing facilities, local production can be scaled up to meet domestic consumption needs.
Encouraging smallholder poultry farmers and providing them with access to financing and technical training will be crucial.
3. Livestock and meat processing
With meat and edible meat offal imports surpassing $210 million in 2023, there is a strong case for expanding the local livestock industry.
Investments in cattle, sheep, and pig farming, along with the development of meat processing plants, will help Ghana reduce its reliance on imported meat.
4. Value-added food processing
Ghana’s food processing industry remains underdeveloped, leading to increased importation of processed foods.
Investing in agro-processing infrastructure can help add value to locally produced crops such as cassava, maize, and soybeans. Supporting food entrepreneurs through incentives and financing will enable them to produce high-quality consumer-oriented food products, reducing imports.
5. Irrigation and water management
One of the major constraints to increased agricultural productivity in Ghana is the lack of irrigation infrastructure. With only 11,000 hectares under irrigation, expanding water management projects will enable farmers to produce crops throughout the year.
Implementing modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and solar-powered water pumps can significantly boost agricultural output.
6. Leveraging youthful population
With 67% of Ghana’s population between 15 and 64 years old, there is a large workforce available for agricultural activities. Encouraging youth participation in agribusiness through training programs, financial support, and modern technology can enhance food production. Youth-led agritech startups can also contribute by introducing innovative farming solutions.
Conclusion
Ghana has the potential to transform its agricultural sector by utilizing its vast arable lands, water resources, and youthful workforce.
Reducing agricultural imports will not only save foreign exchange but also create jobs and ensure food security.
As the International Trade Administration said in 2023, by investing in irrigation, mechanization, livestock farming, and agro-processing, Ghana can position itself as a food self-sufficient nation, reducing its reliance on costly imports while boosting economic growth.
MA
President John Mahama and Kojo Addae Mensah
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Databank, Kojo Addae Mensah, has called on the government to sponsor some Ghanaian fans to Morocco to support the Black Stars in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.
According to him, he was impressed by President John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, and the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, for visiting the squad before their game against Chad.
However, the sports analyst believes the government needs to do more for the team by sponsoring some supporters to Morocco, as the match against Madagascar will play a crucial role in Ghana’s qualification for the intercontinental tournament.
Speaking on Joy FM, Addae Mensah urged President Mahama to act on his plea if he is committed to the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“This is a very controversial statement. It’s a qualifier, but with the commitment I saw from the president, the sports minister, and the NSA boss, they should take fans to Morocco for this match.
“I’m saying this because the World Cup is that important. If President [John Mahama] can take time off his busy schedule to visit the team during their training session in preparation for a game against the 176th-ranked team in the world, then what’s the big deal? We have to take people to support the team,” he stated.
The Black Stars will face Madagascar at the 12,000-capacity Mimoun Al Arsi Stadium in Morocco on March 24, 2025.
Ghana lead Group I with 12 points, followed by Madagascar with 10 points.
Watch kojo Addae Mensah’s remarks in the video below:
“With the commitment and enthusiasm I saw from the President, Minister, NSA boss, etc., they should take the fans to Morocco to support the boys on Monday.”
– Kojo Addae-Mensah#JoySports #SportsLink pic.twitter.com/98Rp181AtE
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) March 22, 2025
Meanwhile, watch as Otto Addo explains decision to start Benjamin Asare in Black Stars’ win over Chad
SB/EK
On March 3, Tucker Carlson, an American political commentator popular among MAGA conservatives and the global far right, held an odd and disturbing interview with South African right-wing activist and deputy CEO of Afriforum, Ernst Roets. Afriforum is a right-wing South African NGO dedicated to advancing the interests of Afrikaners – descendants of mainly Dutch colonial settlers who formalised the segregationist system of apartheid in 1948.
The discussion, titled “Man charged with treason for speaking to Tucker about the killing of whites in South Africa,” lasted more than an hour and featured a dangerous mix of conspiratorial perspectives, inaccuracies, half-truths and blatant lies.
Carlson, ever the debauched provocateur, commenced the lengthy conversation with the ludicrous claim that South Africa “appears to be collapsing and that the government is essentially genocidally racist”.
The idea that South Africa’s government is racist and committing a “genocide” against the country’s white minority is of course not new. For many years, white activists, including US President Donald Trump’s billionaire special adviser Elon Musk, have alleged that South Africa’s government is trying to rid the country of its white minorities, and that the murders of white farmers there – which make up no more than 1 percent of all murders in the country every year – amount to “genocide”.
Trump also promotes this narrative and announced his decision to cut off aid to South Africa and offer refugee status to Afrikaners over such concerns on February 7. A month later, he upgraded this offer and opened up an expedited path to citizenship for this allegedly persecuted and threatened minority.
Of course, not only crime statistics but also many white South Africans themselves, all respected international and local NGOs, and experts on genocide laugh in the face of this “white genocide” myth. On February 25, a South African court ruled that the claims of a white genocide in the country are “clearly imagined” and “not real”.
None of this was explained in the conversation between Tucker and Roets. Instead, South Africa being a failed country and a seething mass of genocidal violence was accepted as fact and casually presented as proof of African primitivity. Throughout the conversation, Roets made clear that he believes Africans are inherently unable to establish a robust, inclusive, and progressive democracy and will always need white control, pressure and guidance to run a functioning country. He faced no pushback.
Of course, Roets’ portrayal of his homeland and the majority of South African people as primitive, violent and genocidal is not based on any reality. South Africa is not in a state of disarray or committing genocide against a racial minority. Sure, the country has its problems and struggles like any other. But it is in possession of one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, as well as a strong and independent judiciary. The South African state also stands up for human rights on the international stage, as it recently demonstrated by taking Israel to the ICJ over its conduct in Gaza.
Just 30 years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa undoubtedly still grapples with its legacy. Big sociopolitical gains have since been made, but the legacy of racism and segregation is still starkly visible across the country.
Unequal access to education, unequal pay, segregated communities and huge economic disparities persist. But almost every day South Africa takes essential steps towards true equality and complete racial integration. For example, the governing African National Congress (ANC) party has recently passed several significant affirmative action policies.
These policies include the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela) and the Expropriation Act. The former is designed to reform education and dismantle a system of language oppression dating back to the apartheid era that favours Afrikaans, the language spoken by Afrikaners. Meanwhile, the Expropriation Act details the processes through which government entities may seize land without compensation for various public interest objectives.
South Africa today, as it fights for human rights in the international arena and works to end corruption and discrimination at home, stands as a shining example of what the end of white supremacy could and should look like everywhere. It may not be perfect, but it is certainly doing much better than the US, which has not achieved racial integration 165 years after the end of slavery, and 60 years since the passing of the Civil Rights Act that supposedly ended segregation.
South Africa today, as it fights for human rights in the international arena and works to end corruption and discrimination at home, stands as a shining example of what the end of white supremacy could and should look like everywhere. It may not be perfect, but it is certainly doing much better than the US, which has not achieved racial integration 165 years after the end of slavery, and 60 years since the passing of the Civil Rights Act that supposedly ended segregation.
South Africa today demonstrates not only what can be achieved a short time after apartheid, but also how badly the US is doing when it comes to racial integration and equality.
Indeed, it is clear the US has not made much more progress in racial integration, equality and inclusion since the 1964 Civil Rights Act than South Africa did since the 1994 elections.
A study published in March 2024, for example, revealed surprising similarities in the trends of the racial wealth gap between the US and South Africa. In South Africa, the study found, the typical Black household owns 5 percent of the wealth held by the typical white household.
In the US, meanwhile, the typical Black household owns 6 percent of the wealth held by the typical white household. The researchers noted that the racial wealth gap in the US is almost equal to that of a country that has only recently moved past apartheid rule is a “sobering indictment” of the world’s richest nation.
In South Africa, AfriForum and other organisations like it are trying to stop the ongoing progress by resisting affirmative action policies and lobbying the like-minded Trump administration. In the US, the alleged “white genocide” in South Africa is being presented to the white-majority Republican base as a horror story while diversity, equity and inclusion programmes are being slashed.
There is undoubtedly a rising white supremacist backlash against the gains that have been made by Black communities towards true equality, both in South Africa and the US. The conversation between Tucker and Roets was part of a wider effort to malign South Africa, hinder its progress and while doing so strengthen forces against racial equality in the US.
It seems a dangerous brotherhood has been formed between the US and South African far right based on a shared false narrative of white victimhood and Black overreach. Those who are fighting for equality and inclusive democracy in either country should be aware of this trend and remain ready to counter it.
Former Deputy General of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Obiri Boahen, has urged Ghanaians to give President John Dramani Mahama a break over his security appointments.
The private legal practitioner says the president has the authority to appoint and unappoint people.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he posited that those who have slammed the President, including his party, desist from that and allow the President to exercise his constitutional powers.
Dominic Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has sent shockwaves through the country with his latest announcement, hinting at a series of corruption cases that will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 24, Ayine said Ghanaians should brace themselves for startling revelations regarding financial misconduct, abuse of power, and illicit transactions within key government institutions perpetuated by former appointees.
The Attorney-General’s remarks follow the arrest of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General, Kwabena Adu Boahene, who has been accused of diverting $7 million meant for the procurement of a cyber defense system into private accounts.
Ayine hinted that the Adu-Boahene case is only the beginning, stating that the government’s ongoing investigations will expose even more shocking misconduct in the coming days.
“We are working diligently on several dossiers that will shock the conscience of the nation. If what suspect Adu-Boahene and his wife have done is like a Thrilla in Manila, please brace yourself for a Ramble in the Jungle in the next few weeks.”
Investigations revealed that in January 2020, Adu-Boahene signed a contract on behalf of the Ghanaian government with RLC Holdings Limited, an Israeli company, for the purchase of a cyber defense system software valued at $7 million.
Instead of executing the contract as required, Adu-Boahene allegedly transferred GH¢27.1 million from the National Signals Bureau’s Fidelity Bank account to a private BNC account at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB).
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Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, has accused the founder of Light Nation Church, Apostle Femi Lazarus, of charging students $150 to attend his ministry school, which provides teachings on Christianity.
Naija News reports that trouble started between the duo over their opposing stances on whether gospel singers should charge fees for performing at church events and programmes.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that investigations into the National Service and SkyTrain scandals are expected to conclude by mid-April, paving the way for prosecutions to commence.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Dr. Ayine revealed that in the National Service scandal, eight suspects have been interrogated, with some already cooperating with investigators.
Featured
Mohammed Ali
1 minute read
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested a 56-year-old Nigerian, Uchechukwu Chima, in an intelligence-led operation at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, led to the discovery of 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin at the suspect’s hideout.
Field tests confirmed the substances as narcotics, with an estimated street value of $2.1 million.
According to NACOC, Chima had been under surveillance for some time and is believed to be linked to several past drug-related seizures and arrests in Ghana.
“NACOC, through this seizure, has removed a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation, preventing countless lives from being ruined by drug abuse,” the commission said in a statement signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
NACOC has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring Ghana’s security.
Ghana is home to some of the world’s best arable lands, yet it is the country with one of the biggest food import bills.
Food imports cost the country over $3.5 billion in 2023, according to Statista, a German-based online data portal – draining Ghana’s already strained foreign exchange and further straggling local farmers.
As a nation, we import almost everything edible – from rice to offal, locally called ‘yemuadie,’ as local production continues to suffer largely due to limited policy interventions that can stand the test of time.
These are even though the country has a bubbling young population and worsening unemployment rate. The 2021 Population and Housing Census showed that nearly 40 percent of Ghanaians are aged 15-35 years, the age bracket considered golden, youthful, energetic and smart for national development.
Sadly a 2020 World Bank report shows that 12 percent of the youth are unemployed and more than 50 percent are underemployed.
With many youths idling after fruitless searches for jobs, one would have thought that farming and food production would have become the ‘go to’ or at least ‘makeshift’ occupation or jobs for these youngsters to make ends meet while hoping to land their dreams jobs to build careers.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. As the population increases, Ghana has failed to produce adequate food for its people, creating food insufficiency that is almost a national security challenge, if not for the growing imports.
Past efforts
This is not a new problem. Since independence, Ghana has struggled to produce enough food for its citizens, resulting in various interventions by previous governments to address the bottlenecks, soar up domestic food production and cut down on imports for the economy to breath.
Perhaps, the most popular of them is Colonel (rtd) I.K. Acheampong’s Operation Feed Yourself launched barely a month after he captured power in 1972.
The program aimed to encourage more Ghanaians into farming while energizing traditional farmers to increase production.
To achieve this, the government supported the program with subsidized farm inputs, access to credit facilities and duty-free importation of agricultural machinery. It also recruited extension officers to support farmers apply good agronomy practices to help increase production.
There were also sustained public sensitizations, drawing enthusiasm from Ghanaians for the program and resulting in broad-based participation by the populace.
The results were largely satisfactorily though the fruits could not be sustained beyond the Acheampong regime.
Subsequently, various governments embarked on similar programs with similar intentions.
Planting for Food and Jobs
The most recent government intervention to address the food security challenge is the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. Introduced in 2017, the program was spearheaded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture aimed at supporting farmers and other citizens to produce food.
It took different shades, with people interested in raring also supported to increase livestock production. A phase two was also launched in 2023.
Though a great initiative, reports from farmer-based organization, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) showed that the PFJ faced several challenges, leading to limited successes.
Indeed, the country’s sustained and worsening food import bill shows that none of these agricultural programs succeeded as expected. And if they did succeed, today’s food challenges show that the successes and/or the programs have not been sustainable.
This is despite the fact that millions, if not billions of Ghana cedis, from state and donor funds have been poured into these interventions.
In the case of the PFJ for instance, reports showed that almost GHS3 billion have been poured into the phase one (between 2017 and 2023). Additional spending was done on the phase in 2023 and 2024.
Tracking the mistakes
With the scarce national resources being used to fund these programs, everything must be done to ensure that we get adequate and sustainable results from such interventions.
This begs the question what did we get wrong in the previous programs? This is critical given that efforts are underway for the government to intervene in similar fashions to help encourage food production and reduce the import bill.
Key among these is the need to leave agriculture and professionals and experienced people.
Like all professions, agriculture is a specialized area, requiring one with adequate expertise and experience to succeed in it. Policy interventions and programming must, therefore be initiated and led by professionals.
The tendency to allow politics lead the way is dangerous as has been seen in the most recent past.
There are also low hanging fruits that the country must aim to plunk.
I list them below in no order.
Rice remains a staple food in Ghana, yet domestic production covers only 40 percent of the demand.
By increasing investment in irrigation, mechanized farming, and improved seed varieties, Ghana can significantly boost local rice production.
The National Rice Development Strategy is a step in the right direction, but additional government and private-sector partnerships are needed to enhance processing and reduce post-harvest losses.
Ghana imports nearly 95 percent of its poultry meat, amounting to a market value of approximately $400 million every year.
With the right investment in modern poultry farms, feed production, and processing facilities, local production can be scaled up to meet domestic consumption needs.
Encouraging smallholder poultry farmers and providing them with access to financing and technical training will be crucial.
With meat and edible meat offal imports surpassing $210 million in 2023, there is a strong case for expanding the local livestock industry.
Investments in cattle, sheep, and pig farming, along with the development of meat processing plants, will help Ghana reduce its reliance on imported meat.
Ghana’s food processing industry remains underdeveloped, leading to increased importation of processed foods.
Investing in agro-processing infrastructure can help add value to locally produced crops such as cassava, maize, and soybeans. Supporting food entrepreneurs through incentives and financing will enable them to produce high-quality consumer-oriented food products, reducing imports.
One of the major constraints to increased agricultural productivity in Ghana is the lack of irrigation infrastructure. With only 11,000 hectares under irrigation, expanding water management projects will enable farmers to produce crops throughout the year. Implementing modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and solar-powered water pumps can significantly boost agricultural output.
With 67% of Ghana’s population between 15 and 64 years old, there is a large workforce available for agricultural activities. Encouraging youth participation in agribusiness through training programs, financial support, and modern technology can enhance food production. Youth-led agritech startups can also contribute by introducing innovative farming solutions.
Conclusion
Ghana has the potential to transform its agricultural sector by utilizing its vast arable lands, water resources, and youthful workforce.
Reducing agricultural imports will not only save foreign exchange but also create jobs and ensure food security.
As the International Trade Administration said in 2023, by investing in irrigation, mechanization, livestock farming, and agro-processing, Ghana can position itself as a food self-sufficient nation, reducing its reliance on costly imports while boosting economic growth.
The writer is businessman and philanthropist who founded the collapsed Heritage Bank Limited
By Alhaji Seidu Agongo, a businessman
By Iddi Yire
Accra, March 24, GNA – Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has become the first female Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council.
The Council as stipulated in the 1992 Constitution is chaired by the Vice President and will advise the President on matters of policy relating to defence and strategy including the role of the Armed Forces, military budgeting and finance, administration and the promotion of officers above the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel or its equivalent.
The inaugural ceremony of the Council was conducted on Monday by President John Dramani Mahama at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
Other Members of the Council include Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Minister and Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Minister for the Interior.
The rest are Mr Daniel Addo, Mr Fuseini Iddrisu and Madam Nancy Dankwa Ampofo.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in her acceptance speech expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the honour done to them and assured the President that as Members of Council they would rise to the responsibility and ensure that his confidence was not misplaced.
“I think this is very important. As a Council we accept to serve diligently, loyally, with patriotic zeal to reset the Ghana and reset the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that we have peace, we have stability for our beloved nation,” Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said.
She reiterated that the Council would ensure the Ghana Armed Forces retained, sustained and even extended this reputation established globally.
“We are very proud of our Armed Forces, and we know that they have even further to go,” she said
“Congratulations and this are also the time to remember those who’ve come before us and all the roles they have played, and our pledge is to ensure that we strengthen and even add on to what they have established which is very admirable and which we celebrate.”
The Vice President said the Council, which was an advisory one was very separate from management, which they need to take note of, so that they don’t mix their roles.
She said therefore they would ensure that they gave sound advice on matters of policy; those that relate to defence, to strategy including military budgeting and finance, administration and promotion of officers above the rank of lieutenant-colonel or its equivalent.
She noted that they were aware that the country was facing some challenges in terms of security, its borders, even internal challenges and therefore they need to pay attention to all these even as they pay attention to their bilateral and multilateral relations in relation to security, which were all very important.
“There are times when we can’t go alone. We must follow an ECOWAS, we must call on the AU and we must negotiate well to ensure that our people, the men and the women, return peacefully, return with all the knowledge that they have acquired in the process,” she said.
She said Ghana was saddled with challenges such as illegal mining, illegal logging, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing piracies, threats of violent extremism and terrorism and chieftaincy disputes and reminded them that as a Council, there was a lot of work ahead.
“As a council we pledge to play a role, and we want to invite everybody to come along.
Security, as they say, is everybody’s business. “We also know that we are facing an economic crisis, that’s what it is, and this has saddled the Ministry of Defence with a debt of GH¢3.7 billion, including a GH¢275 million indebtedness to food suppliers. We need to improve infrastructure, including housing, we have a huge deficit,” she said.
Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said there was so much capability of the nation’s military forces, and that they were aware of the roles they could play towards advancing the nation’s 24-hour economy.
“The military doesn’t lack talent or skill in any of our disciplines, so we call on you to support us.”
On industrialization, the Vice President said the Defence Industrial Holding Company (DIHOC) of the military required private sector participation for food production and for infrastructural development, noting that it would not be too much to expect that in the manufacturing sector, even vehicle assembling, the pharmaceutical production, whatever, Ghanaians see in the Ghana Armed Forces participating and participating effectively in all these areas.
“So, we invite all of us, especially our Armed Forces, to champion the 24-hour economy through what they also do,” she said.
She assured the President that the Ghana Armed Forces would continue to use the methods that were humane, the methods that were effective in the air, including modern technology in whatever form, to enhance operational efficiency of the forces.
She assured President Mahama that the Council would carry the mandate he had imposed on them, and that they would continue to dialogue with the President whenever necessary.
The Vice President also joined President Mahama to commend the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs for their dedicated service to the nation.
“We want to commend them highly for what they have done for this country, and we know that sometimes when you leave, your knowledge, your examples don’t leave”.
The outgoing Military High Command include General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of Defence Staff,
Lieutenant General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Frederick Asare Bekoe, Chief of Air Staff.
GNA
GRB
Ghana’s fastest-growing bank, OmniBSIC Bank Ghana Limited, has posted impressive results in 2024, with a two-fold rise in profit and a robust balance sheet, consolidating its ability to support the economy and businesses to expand.
The bank’s financial statements showed that profit rose by 109 percent in the year under review to GH¢314 million, boosted by strong growth in operating income and well-controlled costs.
The 2024 results also indicated that OmniBSIC Bank enjoyed robust growth in total assets to end the year very liquid and well-capitalised, making it a preferred partner for businesses and individuals aiming to grow.
Growing customer trust
The fully indigenous lender has emerged as one of the most successful merger stories in the financial services industry, having delivered endearing products and services, leading to consistent strong financial performance.
OmniBSIC Bank has reinforced its corporate governance structures and invested in its infrastructure to align with Bank of Ghana’s (BOG’s) Corporate Governance and other regulatory standards. The Bank is dedicated to maintaining the highest level of transparency and accountability in all operations, thereby creating a reliable framework for customers to carry out their banking activities with convenience and confidence.
Headquartered in Accra’s Airport City, OmniBSIC Bank serves its customers through a network of 40 branches across Ghana. The Bank also offers a comprehensive suite of products, services, and digital solutions tailored to corporate, SME, and individual needs while actively supporting the communities within which it operates.
To deliver exceptional banking experiences daily, OmniBSIC Bank prioritises investment in technology and employee development. This commitment is reflected in its rigorous staff selection process and comprehensive capacity-building programs.
OmniBSIC Bank has undergone a comprehensive transformation, showing improvements across all parameters—including financial performance.
It achieved numerous successes and received multiple recognitions including, the Most Customer-Centric Bank (CIMG, 2022), the Fastest-Growing Corporate Bank in Ghana (Global Banking and Finance Awards, 2023), The Best Bank in Ghana (Ghana Business Awards, 2023), Bank of the year (Ghana Business Standard Awards, 2024), SME Bank of the Year (Ghana Credit Excellence Awards, 2024), Best Ghanaian Owned Emerging Band (Made-In –Ghana Awards, 2024) as well as Best Corporate Bank, Ghana (Global Banking and Finance Awards, 2024). The Bank is currently ranked as the 29th best company by GIPC’s Ghana Club 100.
The bank’s Managing Director, Daniel Asiedu, an astute banker with deep footprints across the banking sector noted that the strong growth in 2024 was the result of God’s grace, hard work, and growing trust in the brand.
According to him, “We are a young bank, but we deliver on our promise and that is earning us growing trust from customers. The aim is to maintain and grow that trust by offering superior products and services that will help our customers and the economy to grow”.
Liquidity and Capital
OmniBSIC Bank’s 2024 financial statements showed that interest income rose by 49 percent to GH¢1.24 billion while operating income grew by 39.7% to GH¢746.1 million in the year under review. The growth in operating income was a result of a significant increase in earning assets portfolio from GH¢3.83 billion to GH¢5.99 billion, representing 56% growth as well as the non-funded income growing by 83% from GH¢109 million to GH¢200 million over the same period.
The bank’s total assets also rose by nearly 65 percent to GH¢9.4 billion last year, buoyed mainly by strong growth in deposits, loans, and advances as well as investments. The financial statements showed that deposits from customers grew by 70 percent from GH¢4.8 in 2023 to GH¢8.2 billion in 2024, and loans and advances rose from GH¢579 million in 2023 to GH¢1.03 billion in 2024, indicating a 77.5% growth within the period and a testament of its strong drive to support businesses expand.
Cash and balances with other banks also rose by 80 percent to GH¢2.7 billion in 2024, bolstering the bank’s liquidity.
Looking Ahead
OmniBSIC Bank’s Managing Director said the future looked bright and efforts were underway to sustain the growth and expand its support to customers.
Asiedu, a reverend minister and Chairman of the International Presbytery of Fountain Gate Chapel (FGC) said the board and management were committed to introducing innovative products and services to support businesses grow.
The former Managing Director of Zenith Bank Ghana and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) said management had developed a clear strategy to position OmniBSIC Bank as a top-tier lender in the medium term and so far, evidence showed that the bank is on track.
“As part of our transformation agenda, we are positioning the Bank as the brand of choice through continuous innovation. To achieve this, we have refreshed our brand, made significant investments in cutting-edge technology, and enhanced staff capacity amongst others, to meet the evolving demands of customers in the banking industry.
“These strategic initiatives place us ahead of the curve, fostering an environment where our customers can confidently entrust us with their financial needs, thereby allowing us to consistently exceed their expectations” he said.
Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has raised concerns over the massive amount of water lost before reaching consumers, disclosing that only 48 percent of treated water is successfully delivered.
The company attributes the remaining 52 percent of losses to factors such as pipeline leaks, unauthorized connections, and inefficiencies within the distribution network.
By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), Mar. 23, GNA – The Ketu North Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and Transport Unions, has begun a massive decongestion exercise to clear traders from the main roads in Dzodze on market days.
The initiative, which started on Friday, March 21, is aimed at positioning Dzodze as one of the ten cities earmarked for the Smart SDG Cities project.
It is also in line with the government’s Resetting Ghana Agenda, which seeks to improve urban management and infrastructure.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Jasper Adenyo, the Coordinating Director of the Assembly, emphasised that the move was necessary to modernize Dzodze and bring order to the town’s layout.
“Even though this town has been built for many years, we can still modernize it. In a smart city, you cannot have roads meant for vehicles and pedestrians taken over by traders on market days. People arrange their goods onto the main roads, making traffic management very difficult.”
He further stressed that Dzodze serves as the starting point of the Trans-ECOWAS Highway, a critical route for heavy-duty trucks from Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
The presence of traders on the roads poses a serious safety risk, as a brake failure from one of these trucks could lead to disaster.
“We cannot sit and allow such a dangerous situation to persist. It is our responsibility to act now before lives are lost.”
Mr Adenyo explained that the decongestion exercise aligns with the government’s vision for urban transformation.
Despite the absence of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the Assembly is determined to proceed with the plan.
“We don’t have to wait for our MMDCEs to be appointed before implementing necessary reforms. Today, people will be amazed to see that on a Dzodze market day, the main road is so clear that vehicles can move. Previously, due to congestion, drivers could barely go 20 km/h.”
He added that empty spaces are available in the market, and traders have no reason to occupy the roads instead.
“We have asked all traders to relocate inside the market. Some are complying, but others are stubborn. For them, we have deployed our DRIP machines to remove their stalls. These machines also prevent vehicles from parking illegally.”
He assured that the exercise will not be a one-day event, but a continuous effort until the vision of a well-organized, smart city is fully realized.
To ensure full compliance, Mr Adenyo noted that meetings have been scheduled with motorbike riders to educate them on the new traffic rules.
“Motorcycle riders must also adhere to the new rules. We will engage them to ensure everyone plays their part in creating a safer Dzodze.”
Mr. Edward Seke, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, also backed the initiative, emphasizing that hawkers risk their lives by selling on the streets.
“We are not wishing for disaster but imagine what would happen if a moving vehicle’s brakes failed. Hundreds of people could lose their lives.”
He highlighted another challenge—some local traders occupy market spaces they no longer use, preventing newcomers from setting up their businesses.
“Some traders inherited their market spaces from their great-grandmothers, yet they no longer sell. Meanwhile, traders from Denu, Sogakope, and Aflao come here on market days only to struggle for space. This move will bring relief to everyone.”
Mr. Seke also appealed to local market women to allow visiting traders to sell, as diverse businesses contribute to economic growth.
“Every town that develops does so with the help of strangers. If we restrict business opportunities to only locals, our town will not grow. I plead with our women to allow their fellow traders to sell.”
He acknowledged that change is often difficult at first, but urged traders to comply, assuring them that the outcome will benefit all.
“The beginning of every reform is tough, but in the end, we will all smile. Let us work together to make this a success.”
Some traders expressed support for the initiative, saying it has improved safety and traffic flow.
“The roads were so congested that crossing them was dangerous. Sometimes, we had to wait for 10 minutes just to find a safe spot to cross, or risk being knocked down by a motorbike,” one trader told GNA.
Another trader added: “I really like this initiative. I wish it would stay this way forever.”
The exercise is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with strict enforcement to ensure traders and transport operators comply with the new regulations.
GNA
MA/AD
The spokesperson (R) says Ahmed Hussein-Suale knew secrets about Tiger Eye that could shake Ghana
A spokesperson of suspect Daniel Owusu Koranteng, also known as Amakye Hussien, in the murder of late investigative journalist, Ahmed Hussien-Suale, has said that Ghana would have been shaken if the journalist had revealed secrets behind Tiger Eye Investigations.
She indicated that these details were captured in some text messages at their disposal from the deceased.
The spokesperson added that in those text messages, Suale stated that the exposure by the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, on Tiger Eye’s operations titled, “Who Watches the Watchman,” would have hit in the country substantially.
“In one of the messages, he says if he was to talk, Agyapong’s expose of ‘Who watches the watchman’ will be small on the operations of Tiger Eye, adding that you will do all this and will not be appreciated,” she said.
Speaking on Good Evening Ghana, the spokesperson noted that the narrative that Ahmed Hussein-Suale’s killing relates to images of him circulating is baseless and that everyone he engages knows him because he is not an undercover journalist.
She added that Ahmed was first seen in a Tiger Eye documentary on the school feeding programme and that if it was about his image, he has a Facebook account with pictures of his wife and children all over social media.
“Suale has a Facebook page with his photographs everywhere with wife and children so it is strange why his death is related to leaks of his pictures.
“Someone is behind bars because of speculation, allegation of releasing pictures, such a high crime” she said.
She stated that Amakye has been around on his usual duties assisting the police over the last six years on the killing of Ahmed and that it is surprising he is being tagged a fugitive of the justice.
“He is been in the country every time doing his usual things of supporting family, assisting the vulnerable and is not hiding,” she added.
The legal team member added that conversations and messages from Ahmed Hussein-Suale showed that he fell out with his boss at Tiger Eye, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, before his death and that there are a lot of complaints against him in the messages.
She alleged that the baby mama of Amakye, who has also fallen out with him, was in touch with Anas.
She indicated that this baby mama told her that Anas said, “He will deal with Ahmed that he thinks he has forgotten about him”
The suspect, Amakye, has been remanded in custody by the Madina Magistrates Court in the murder of undercover journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.
He faces a provisional charge of murder in connection with the assassination that has remained unresolved for years, raising significant concerns about the safety of journalists in Ghana.
Koranteng is the first individual to be arrested in relation to Hussein-Suale’s death and could play a key role in uncovering the identities of those behind the cold-blooded killing.
Ahmed Hussein-Suale was shot and killed by armed men near his family home at Madina on January 16, 2019.
A member of the Tiger Eye PI group, he had collaborated with the BBC on an investigative report that exposed corruption in African football, which is believed to have made him a target.
His murder drew widespread international attention, highlighting the risks faced by investigative journalists in Ghana.
Koranteng’s arrest follows an extensive investigation led by the FBI in the United States, in collaboration with local law enforcement.
Meanwhile, watch this captivating story of the Ghana’s 100-year-old World War II veteran whose name is widely known in the Buckingham Palace, below:
VA/AE
Edem has shared his side of the story after a video depicting him being shoved by Sarkodie’s bodyguard at an event trended online.
In the viral video, Sarkodie and his entourage, while performing at the 40th birthday bash of businessman Richard Nii-Armah Quaye on March 22, 2025, were seen making their way through the crowd to the stage.
Edem was spotted getting on the path of Sarkodie and was immediately shoved aside by a bodyguard.
However, in an interview with 3Music TV on March 24, 2025, Edem explained the incident, claiming that he wasn’t attempting to reach out to Sarkodie as people on social media suggested.
According to him, he was pushed from behind into the path, and the bodyguard was just doing his job to ensure that Sarkodie wasn’t interrupted.
“This was a walkway where everybody was. So, I think they pushed a couple of people. They were going to perform, and I had a glass of champagne in my hand, but somebody pushed me from the back, so I moved a little.
“And his security guys also did the right thing by trying to make sure that they go and do their work. It’s as simple as that,” he stated.
He continued, “I don’t know who pushed me, but there was a lot going on. I don’t have to come and explain because this is nothing. He (Sarkodie) was on the way to work. I would also do the same thing. It’s not anything crazy like that.”
Edem further stated that he isn’t bothered by the comments, adding that he has no issue with Sarkodie or anyone else.
“Agenda boys have to eat. You know, it’s irrelevant things we like in this town. I’m the one there. I’m the one holding the champagne. How can I be bothered? I can’t be bothered.
“Sakordie even walked up to me when he was done performing on stage. It doesn’t matter. We can’t worry about opinions now. We worry about facts,” he said.
Watch the video below:
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭🎶🗣️: Ghanaian rapper @iamedem has, for the first time, addressed the viral video that appeared to show a snub from @sarkodie during his walk to the stage at the #RNAQ40 event.
— Ölele | Building OSN (@OleleSalvador) March 24, 2025
ID/EB
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Meanwhile, watch some videos from the 40th birthday bash of Richard Nii-Armah Quaye below:
The man of the moment!#RNAQ40 pic.twitter.com/bb7dgOY7hh
— Dziedzorm💚 (@SSDziedzorm) March 22, 2025
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Legal expert and senior lecturer at UPSA Law School, Ishaq Ibrahim Esq., has advised Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, to be more mindful of how he presents himself in public, particularly when handling sensitive issues.
Speaking on GHOne TV with Joshua Kodjo Mensah, Ishaq Ibrahim Esq. commented on the Minister’s recent public confrontation with personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The minister reportedly expressed frustration over what he perceived as dishonesty from fire officers regarding the availability of water in a fire tanker during an emergency response.
“The minister says they were not truthful to him. So that’s what got him angry because the tanker was empty, and they were not telling him the real case on the ground,” Ishaq Ibrahim Esq. explained.
He continued: “But I think the minister, as much as he might be frustrated, ought to be careful in the way he presents himself to the public. Maybe there was a better way he could have handled it.”
The legal expert suggested that instead of public reprimands, officials should explore private discussions to resolve such disputes. He emphasized that this situation should serve as a learning curve for the minister, urging him to engage with fire service personnel to understand what went wrong and how to prevent similar issues in the future.
“But if there is a fire and we encounter similar situations again, then we are doing madness,” he cautioned.
New Zealand national team
Oceania giants New Zealand have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after emerging as champions of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Nations Cup.
New Zealand secured their spot by defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final, becoming the second team to qualify for the tournament after Japan.
Goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah Just sealed a dominant victory for the All-Whites.
This marks New Zealand’s first World Cup qualification since 2010, having missed the last two editions.
New Zealand now joins Japan and host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada as the confirmed participants for the prestigious global tournament.
The 2026 World Cup will introduce an expanded format, featuring 48 teams for the first time in history.
The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 32.
EE/EK
Meanwhile, watch highlights of all five goals Black Stars scored against Chad
Ghanaian businessman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye allegedly spent north of $3.5m on his lavish birthday party, according to reports.
GhPage claims to have come into information on the breakdown of the expenses, which is mind-blowing.
According to their report, the CEO of Bills MicroCredit spent over $2m on settling invited guests and musicians alone. As earlier reports indicated, the billed musicians including Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Sarkodie and Stonebwoy, received amounts ranging between $500,000 and $200,000 each.
GhPage alleges that the money spent on Food, Decor, Drinks, Invitation and Venue cost over a million dollars, while Photography set him back by about $30,000. Consultants and Planners, Security and Logistics allegedly cost $15,000, $20,000, and $10,000 each, respectively.
The alleged figures come after the massively extravagant #RMAQ40, which saw celebrities from all across Ghana and Nigeria mostly in attendance.
Celebs who turned up include Diamond Platnumz, Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Enioluwa, Benedicta Gafah, Joselyn Dumas, Van Vicker, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Sarkodie, Efya, Stonebwoy, Davido, and more!!
The majority leader in parliament Mahama Ayariga has jabbed the minority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on the floor of parliament yet again.
According to Mahama Ayariga, he now knows that all that the minority leader has been doing in the last few weeks is for social media.
His comments come after Afenyo Markin questioned him over his attempt to respond to social media remarks.
Prudential Bank team with the award
Prudential Bank has been adjudged the best bank in Customer Experience at the 18th Connected Banking West Africa Innovation and Excellence Awards 2025. The award, according to the organisers – the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), is in recognition of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to putting customers and clients first as well as delivering exceptional experiences across all their touchpoints.
Commenting on the feat, Managing Director of the Bank, Bernard Gyebi said the award is yet another testament of the Bank’s continuous strive to ensure customer and noncustomers who interact with the brand leave with an everlasting positive impression. “This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and passion of our staff to ensure we put smiles on the face of customers and all who interact with us and with our platforms. As a bank playing a leading role in supporting the economy, we are deliberate in ensuring that customers and the public are well off in their financial and advisory dealings with us,” he said.
The 18th Connected Banking West Africa Summit, is a platform where Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) industry’s most influential decision-makers, innovators, and policymakers gather to shape the future of banking.
With 19 successful editions across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, it has established itself as a premier platform for driving strategic conversations, high-value partnerships, and business growth. Hosted by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), the summit features cutting-edge discussions, exclusive networking opportunities, and the prestigious Innovation & Excellence Awards, recognizing those pioneering the next wave of BFSI transformation.
Former Chief Justice and Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Justice Sophia Akuffo, is advocating for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s mining agreements to ensure the country derives greater economic benefits from its natural resources.
She argues that the existing agreements mirror colonial-era arrangements, allowing foreign companies to reap substantial profits while Ghana earns relatively minimal returns.
Speaking at a press conference on Maximizing the Benefits of Ghana’s Natural Resources, Justice Sophia Akuffo emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to enhance local value creation and drive economic transformation.
“There is a need to set up a small committee of about five experienced Ghanaian experts in the natural resources sector to review and recommend necessary amendments to all natural resource laws in Ghana to optimize the benefits of natural resources to the country,” the former CJ urged.
She added that the “Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) should contain a provision that moves the management of some mineral resources to local governments such that District Assemblies are directly involved in the management of these resources.”
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Over the years, the National Security apparatus has earned an unenviable notoriety.
The mention of this agency of state evokes thoughts about abuse of power, trampling of the human rights of citizens and even extra-judicial activities.
Such thoughts for some who have lived through the turbulent political history of Ghana, the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) in particular, evoke fear and panic.
Such persons witnessed at first-hand the abuse of human rights of individuals, some of them simply because they were successful businessmen and women.
Such successful businessmen and women had their business empires destroyed through deliberate state puncture of these private ventures, using the National Security apparatus in some instances.
With the return to democracy, many heaved sighs of relief because having witnessed the atrocities of the National Security apparatus by the military juntas, they thought the dark chapter in our history was closed, never to be opened again.
Enter the second coming of President John Mahama and the traits of the PNDC are creeping in boldly.
PNDC actors have been incorporated into the Mahama-led government so to speak, hence the palpable human rights abuses and disrespect for the rule of law.
Some cynics think ‘we ain’t seen anything yet and the worst is yet to come.’
If this is true, then Ghanaians must brace themselves for turbulent times.
The National Security raids, now a feature of the incumbent government, has received copious commentaries since they began, but there is no over-flogging a subject which is about human rights and the rule of law or even good governance.
Following the backlash from the raid on the residence of the former Bank of Ghana Governor last week, the National Security Secretariat has been compelled to react to the theft allegation levelled against them.
Thankfully, the reaction does not deny that a raid did take place with Richard Jakpa leading the gang.
An amount of GH¢10,000 and some jewelry were allegedly stolen by the operatives, allegations the National Security apparatus have denied.
They may have to craft another rejoinder because the one made public is far from convincing. Maybe we have to wait for the other details they claim they would release in due course.
They claim to have found empty vault, of course after opening them. What made them think that a Bank of Ghana Governor would make his private residence an extension of the apex bank and, therefore, keep cash there?
The procedures for executing court warrants, which order they claim to have obtained are standard, but which clearly the raid did not adhere to.
The PNDC National Security operation template has no place in a civilised society underpinned by rule of law.
Resetting the country to the dark days of abductions and murders will not be tolerated. Those advising the President to okay this trend are doing a disservice to him and the country. Such trends are as unproductive as they are short-lived, as history has rightly showed over the years and even in different geopolitical spaces across the world.
Richard Jakpa should tread carefully even as he carries the orders of his employer, because dictatorship and tyranny do not last.
The Roman dictum, Tempora Mutantur, Time Changes should guide him and those at the helm, so they do not get carried away by the glitters of power.
The post Still A Messy Affair appeared first on .
Heart Coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo says his team would do everything possible to beat the Barea of Madagascar at the Grand Al Hoceima Stadium in Aït Kamra, Morocco today to maintain the top spot on the Group I table of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars, currently lead the group with 12 points from five games. They will play as guests of the island country at 7pm.
Separated by just two points, a defeat today will see the Black Stars lose the top spot, but he assured that the position at the top would be jealously guarded.
He said, after the 5-0 victory over Les Sao of Chad on Friday, focus has quickly shifted to today’s game which he envisages would be a difficult one.
“It would be a very different game unlike the one against Chad, a much more difficult game, but we’re ready for it.”
According to him, Madagascar has a good team, adding that the big victory against Comoros (4-1) will give them a huge motivation for today’s game.
“I am happy we are in the first position, and it is a position we have to defend now. The win against Chad gives us much more positivity, and we have to build upon that and secure the results in the next game.”
The East African nation is playing catch-up and would need all three points to climb above the Black Stars.
Coach Otto Addo is unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers, winning all three games against Mali, Central African Republic, and Chad.
The Black Stars defeated the Barea 1-0 on match day one of the ongoing qualifiers at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium in November 2023 with a goal from Iñaki Williams, under former Head Coach, Chris Hughton.
Former Ghana international Stephen Appiah has expressed his admiration for the Black Stars’ dedication and commitment during their 5-0 thrashing of Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Friday’s victory marked a turning point for the team, ending a six-game winless streak and moving them to the top of Group I.
Appiah, who witnessed the team’s training sessions leading up to the match, was impressed by their dedication and commitment.
“What impressed me was the dedication and commitment towards the game that week,” he said. “I was at the training ground on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and it was fantastic.”
However, Appiah cautioned that the team’s upcoming match against Madagascar would be a different challenge.
“The game we played against Chad will be different from the game we are going to play because they have a different style of play and they will come with a different strength.”
Appiah is part of the contingent that has traveled with the team to Morocco for the match against Madagascar, alongside former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan.
Ghana will face Madagascar on Monday, looking to extend their lead at the top of Group I. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.
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.
Media personality, Kwadwo Sheldon, musician Shatta Wale, and Zionfelix
Dancehall musician, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has been the center of discussions after his presence was not felt at business mogul, Richard Nii Armah-Quaye’s birthday celebration party over the weekend.
The businessman’s birthday party took place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, and has remained the most talked about party in Accra, in celebration of his 40th year on earth.
The event witnessed influential people of all walks of life, including Ghanaian billionaire, Osei Kwame Despite, musicians such as Stonebwoy, King Promise, Sarkodie, and also some Nigerian personalities in the creative arts industry.
Meanwhile, Shatta Wale, before the much-anticipated celebration, took to his Facebook page on March 14, 2025, to inquire about details of the birthday party, noting that he would like to attend the event.
“Big motivation bro, when is the birthday party? The background song has always been your favorite song of mine, I salute you, sir,” he shared on Facebook.
The “Ayoo” hitmaker further went on to post on his X page a day before the event, indicating that he would charge $600,000 for performing at any event during the weekend.
While the social media post had no connection with Richard Nii Armah’s birthday party, some netizens have linked it to the birthday event.
Also, a video of the dancehall musician has resurfaced on social media after he did not show up at the party, using abusive words on Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Osei Kwame Despite.
He is heard saying that he doesn’t need the services of the entrepreneur.
“Kwasi Aboagye I am saying that you, including Despite, are less sensible individuals. I don’t want Despite’s money because when I was sleeping at Circle, who knew about me,” he said.
Now, some industry players and netizens have linked Shatta Wale’s absence at the event to a past feud between him and Despite.
In a post shared on X on March 23, 2025, media personality, Kwadwo Sheldon, noted that Shatta Wale was prevented from performing because of a past feud with Despite.
“Hear me out… Since he had previously insulted Despite, bringing them together in the same room wasn’t ideal for the occasion. So, your man was given the choice between Despite and Nii, and he chose Despite. The decision not to invite Nii had nothing to do with monetary compensation,” he said.
Media personality, Zionfelix, has, however, debunked the speculations on social media indicating that Richard Nii Armah-Quaye did not invite the business mogul because of Shatta Wale’s disrespect.
According to him, reports he gathered close to the birthday celebrant suggest that Shatta Wale has a personal relationship with Richard Nii Armah-Quaye.
He added that the musician was also not billed to perform on the night of the event because of the $600,000 performance fee speculated on social media.
“What I have gathered is that Wale wasn’t booked as part of the artistes but he is very close to Richard Nii. According to my informant, he heard Wale was going to come because he was invited by Richard.
“Richard was not the one responsible for booking artistes. Also, it is not because Wale had disrespected Despite in the past that is why he was not invited. As to why Wale did not show up, my informant said he would inquire more about it,” he said.
So, on the question of whether Shatta Wale was snubbed at the party, the experts have spoken, although it cannot be sufficiently said to be a full representation of the facts.
Read the post below:
Ah Shatta Wale make i shy ooo🤦🏾♂️ so after all this dem no invite my man😂 Jetlife😂😭 pic.twitter.com/NwgVujWZIn
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) March 23, 2025
Anywhere you see me this weekend say ade perform no say $600k enter account 💪 #NiiRoyce
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) March 20, 2025
Hear me out… Since he had previously insulted Despite, bringing them together in the same room wasn’t ideal for the occasion. So, your man was given the choice between Despite and Knee, and he chose Despite. The decision not to invite Knee had nothing to do with monetary…
— Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) March 23, 2025
You can also watch videos from the unveiling of the 2025 TGMA nominees on GhanaWeb TV below:
JHM/AE
Kwabena Adu-Boahene is a former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that the immediate past Director of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, allegedly diverted and embezzled up to GH¢39 million from the agency.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, the Attorney General outlined the findings of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities at the NSB.
“GH¢39,462,480 went into Adu-Boahene and his wife’s pockets from one transaction,” the Attorney General said.
“We are still tracking suspect Adu-Boahene, his wife, and their assets. In the coming days, we will file the necessary charges against them,” he stated.
According to the Attorney General, Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) has since been arrested in connection with the alleged diversion of public funds meant for a cybersecurity defense system.
“In his capacity as Director of the National Signals Bureau, Mr. Adu-Boahene on January 30, 2020, signed a contract on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the National Security on one hand and on the other hand, an Israeli company named RLC Holdings Limited. The contract was for the purchase of a cyber defense system software at a price of $7 million,” the Attorney General said.
Providing further details, Dr. Ayine disclosed that just days after signing the agreement, Adu Boahene initiated a suspicious transaction.
“On February 6, 2020, he then transferred an initial amount of GH¢27,100,000 from the National Signals Bureau account at Fidelity Bank to a private BNC account at UMB. Official documentation on the transfer reveals that the amount was for the payment of cyber defense system software. He transferred the money to his private company,” he told the media.
According to Dr. Ayine, investigations further uncovered that the former NSB boss allegedly funneled the funds not only into his personal account but also into accounts belonging to his wife.
The Attorney General, however, assured the public that legal proceedings would follow in due course.
MA
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Some football supporters fighting each other during a Ghana Premier league match
Some football fans were engaged in an altercation during Vision FC’s goalless draw against Nations FC in the Ghana Premier League on March 23, 2025.
The game saw some disgruntled fans trading blows and inflicting injuries on each other.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the enraged supporters were punching each other at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex.
An elderly man and other fans present at the scene had to intervene to separate those involved in the brawl.
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at match venues, following the death of staunch Asante Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong well known as Pooley at Nsoatre during Kotoko’s match against Nsoatreman on February 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, the draw means Vision FC occupy the 13th position on the league standings with 25 points. Nations, on the other hand, are sixth with 36 points, six points behind league-leaders Asante Kotoko.
Vision will host defending champions Samartex in their next league game, while Nations FC take on Accra Hearts of Oak.
Watch the chaotic incident below:
😔 This reportedly happened in Tema today during the Ghana Premier League match between Vision FC and Nations FC.
It hasn’t even been two months since the Nana Pooley incident in Nsoatre.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/KGvnz2uMDh
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) March 23, 2025
Watch Otto Addo’s full post-match press conference after Black Stars’ win over Chad
SB/EK
Renowned Ghanaian preacher Prophet Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Prophet Kumchacha, has made yet another bold and controversial statement about the modern-day church. According to the outspoken man of God, pastors who collect offerings and claim that the money is for God are deceiving their congregations.
His remarks have stirred heated debates within religious circles, with many people either supporting his blunt honesty or criticizing him for challenging traditional church practices.
Speaking in an interview, Prophet Kumchacha did not mince words, stating that many pastors use the name of God to exploit their followers financially.
“Let’s be real. Any pastor who takes offerings and claims it is for God is a liar. God does not spend money. The offerings go into the pockets of pastors and for church expenses. People must open their eyes!” he declared.
He explained that while church offerings serve a purpose in running ministries, pastors must be honest about where the money goes, instead of misleading their members into thinking God directly benefits from their financial contributions.
Mixed Reactions from Ghanaians
As expected, Prophet Kumchacha’s statement has divided opinions, with some praising him for speaking the truth, while others believe he is disrespecting the church.
“This man is bold. We have been brainwashed for too long! Church money is for pastors, period!” – A social media user.
“Tithes and offerings are part of God’s work. Why is he talking like this? Without offerings, how will churches grow?” – A concerned Christian.
“Kumchacha always says it as it is. Some pastors are billionaires while their members suffer in poverty. He is right!” – Another commenter.
While some pastors have refused to engage in the discussion, others have subtly responded, emphasizing that giving offerings is a biblical principle that Christians should uphold.
Kumchacha’s statement raises an important question—do pastors owe their congregations transparency about church finances? While churches need funds to operate, critics argue that some men of God misuse these funds, living lavish lifestyles while their members struggle.
On the other hand, supporters of traditional church teachings believe giving offerings is an act of faith, and the responsibility of using the money wisely rests on church leaders.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with Prophet Kumchacha, his statement has sparked an important conversation about church accountability, financial transparency, and the role of offerings in Christianity.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain—Kumchacha is not afraid to challenge the status quo, and his words will continue to provoke discussions in religious circles.
Source
The immediate past Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo, has thrown her support behind the newly appointed Administrator, Michael Harry Yamson, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed.
Speaking to the press in Parliament after attending Mr. Yamson’s vetting, Naa Torshie stated that she is optimistic he will receive the necessary support to effectively carry out his responsibilities.
News Hub Creator32min
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The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that Solomon Asamoah, the former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and a key suspect in the Sky Train Scandal, is currently hiding in Senegal to evade prosecution.
Speaking on the status of the investigation, Dr. Ayine disclosed that $2 million was paid for the controversial Sky Train Project at the request of Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, then Chairman of the GIIF Board of Directors, and Solomon Asamoah.
According to the Attorney General, authorities first tracked Asamoah to South Africa after he left Ghana on February 2.
However, he later relocated to Senegal, where he has refused to return to Ghana for questioning.
“In respect of SkyTrain, we can confirm that the $2 million was paid at the request of the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Infrastructure Fund (GIIF), Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, and then CEO, Solomon Asamoah who is currently hiding in Senegal. We tracked him first and noticed that he was in South Africa. So, he left Ghana on February 2, to South Africa.
“We were monitoring him there, and then he left, and he is now in Senegal. When we contacted him, he told us that he would not come to Ghana until three months from now.
“So we are patiently waiting for him. If he wants to be tried in absentia, that is his choice to make. But we have the prosecutorial authority to prosecute him in absentia. The person who acted with him to transfer that money, Prof Akumfi is in the country. So, if there is going to be a delay, we will start the prosecution with him being a suspect who is being tried in absentia,” he stated.
The Sky Train Project, initiated under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, was meant to revolutionize Ghana’s transport system but has now become embroiled in a major financial scandal.
Popular Ghanaian lawyer, Maurice Ampaw, has sparked controversy after sending a word of caution to renowned business mogul Richard Nii-Armah Quaye. In a viral video, the outspoken legal practitioner hinted that he knows how the millionaire made his money, stirring curiosity and speculation among Ghanaians.
The phrase “PHD” (Pull Him Down) is often used in Ghana to describe the tendency of people to criticize or undermine successful individuals. By referencing it, Ampaw’s comments have fueled debate about whether he is exposing a secret or simply adding to the culture of tearing down wealthy figures.
In the video, Ampaw did not hold back. While he stopped short of making direct accusations, his tone suggested that he had inside knowledge about Richard Nii-Armah Quaye’s financial success.
“I know how he made his money. Some people think they can just rise to riches and expect everyone to accept it without question. Ghana is watching,” he declared.
Although he did not provide evidence, his cryptic remarks have led to widespread speculation about what exactly he meant.
For those unfamiliar with the name, Richard Nii-Armah Quaye is one of Ghana’s fastest-rising entrepreneurs, known for his success in various business ventures, particularly in finance, investments, and technology. He is the founder and CEO of Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit Limited, a financial institution that has gained national recognition.
Many view him as a self-made business mogul, while others, like Ampaw, seem to suggest there is more to his wealth than meets the eye.
Public Reactions: Is This Just Another “Pull Him Down” Attempt?
Ampaw’s comments have triggered mixed reactions. While some believe he may be shedding light on hidden truths, others see it as an attempt to discredit a hardworking businessman.
A social media user wrote: “Why can’t Ghanaians celebrate success? If the man made his money legally, what’s the problem?”
Another countered: “We need transparency. If there’s something we don’t know, Maurice Ampaw should tell us everything.”
Many believe that successful individuals in Ghana often face unnecessary scrutiny, with people quick to assume that their wealth is questionable.
So far, Richard Nii-Armah Quaye has not responded to the allegations. However, sources close to him suggest that he remains unbothered by the claims, as he has always maintained that his business empire was built through hard work, smart investments, and dedication.
Given Maurice Ampaw’s history of making bold public statements, many are wondering whether he will provide evidence to back his claims or if this was just another attention-grabbing statement.
One thing is certain: Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds. Will this be another case of “PHD” at work, or is there a bigger story behind Richard Nii-Armah Quaye’s rise to wealth? Only time will tell!
Source
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, says plea bargaining remains a lawful option in ongoing criminal cases, provided the accused persons meet the legal conditions set out under Ghana’s Plea Bargaining Act.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, 24 March 2025, Dr Ayine explained that plea bargaining introduced into Ghana’s legal system in 2022 offers an alternative to full trials in suitable cases and is grounded in established legal procedures.
“We have not ruled out the possibility of plea bargaining in any matter,” Dr Ayine said. “Where an accused person shows genuine willingness to cooperate with prosecutors, make restitution, and help recover public funds, we are open to engaging within the law.”
He explained that such arrangements could help speed up judicial processes, reduce court delays, and allow the state to retrieve misappropriated assets more quickly than through lengthy trials.
Dr Ayine was quick to add, though, that plea deals would not be available to every suspect.
“This is not a blanket offer,” he stressed. “The seriousness of the offence, the behaviour of the accused, and the value or extent of restitution will all be taken into account.”
He disclosed that his office is currently in talks with lawyers representing some individuals under investigation, though no agreements have yet been concluded.
Responding to questions about whether the use of plea bargaining could allow influential individuals to avoid proper punishment, Dr Ayine insisted that every agreement must go through the courts.
“No plea deal becomes valid unless it is approved by a judge,” he said. “The court must be satisfied that the agreement is voluntary, lawful, and serves the public interest.”
He encouraged the public to see plea bargaining as a lawful and practical tool within the justice system—one that, when used appropriately, can support efforts to recover public funds and bring closure to certain cases without compromising due process.
Among those present at the press conference was Mr Charles Bissue, who is part of the Attorney-General’s delegation. Discussions at the briefing also touched on wider concerns about delays in high-profile investigations and the balance between public expectations and the rule of law.
Dr Ayine maintained that while the state is determined to pursue credible cases of wrongdoing, all actions must remain within the bounds of the law.
By Kingsley Mamore,
Dambai (O/R), March 24, GNA – In a bid to strengthen relationships and promote development, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister, has undertaken a familiarization tour of the Region.
The tour aims to foster strong ties with Assembly workers, inspect ongoing development projects, and explore opportunities for growth.
During the tour, the Minister interacted with Assembly workers, listening to their concerns and ideas for improving the region’s development.
This move is seen as a significant step towards building a collaborative and inclusive approach to governance.
The Minister’s tour also focused on inspecting ongoing development projects, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives.
This hands-on approach demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that development projects are on track and meeting the needs of the local community.
The Minister commended the Krachi East Municipality for its exceptional record keeping and work approach, describing it as the best in the region.
In addition, he pledged to invite other districts to learn from their experiences.
He emphasized his commitment to open-door communication, encouraging stakeholders to engage with him freely.
However, he also issued a stern warning, stating that any unauthorized absence exceeding three consecutive days would be met with severe consequences.
This proactive approach is expected to yield positive results, improving the lives of citizens, and driving economic progress.
GNA
MA/KOA
Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine has confirmed the arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), who is facing charges related to embezzlement, fraud, and illicit financial transactions.
Adu-Boahene, who served as the head of the NSB from 2017 until his departure in February 2025, is accused of diverting millions of Ghanaian cedis of state funds into personal accounts.
The arrest follows a complex investigation by the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO), which began after Adu-Boahene allegedly attempted to evade authorities by flying out of the country.
Full Breakdown
On February 25th, 2025, EOCO received intelligence that Adu-Boahene had left Ghana for the UK aboard British Airways flight BA078. However, further information suggested that he had continued his travel to Dubai, where he had booked a return flight to Ghana on Emirates Flight EK187 for March 21st, 2025. On March 20th, it was revealed that Adu-Boahene had canceled his flight and rescheduled his return for April 8th.
In response, EOCO expanded its surveillance operations, considering the possibility that Adu-Boahene might have returned to London to avoid detection. The operation took a crucial turn when authorities discovered a name similar to that of Adu-Boahene on a British Airways flight, suggesting that he had altered his name in official documents. On March 21st, 2025, Adu-Boahene was intercepted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Kotoka International Airport as he attempted to use the Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, Dr Ayine said Adu-Boahene is believed to hold multiple passports, including two service passports and potentially a foreign passport, which raises suspicions of him holding dual or multiple nationalities.
EOCO also revealed that his wife holds a British passport. The investigation into his financial dealings has uncovered significant evidence of illicit activity.
During his tenure as Director of the NSB, Adu-Boahene was responsible for overseeing critical national security infrastructure, including contracts with foreign companies. In 2020, he signed a deal with an Israeli company, ISC Holdings Limited, to purchase cyber defense software for $7 million.
However, an audit of the National Signals Bureau’s finances revealed that substantial amounts of money were transferred from the Bureau’s account to Adu-Boahene’s private company, BNC Communications Bureau Limited, which he co-owns with his wife.
In total, Adu-Boahene is alleged to have transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from the NSB’s funds into his personal accounts, falsely justifying these transactions as payments for the cyber defense systems.
While an initial payment of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was transferred to ISC Holdings, no further payments were made to the company. Instead, subsequent funds were diverted for personal use, including investments and transfers to unknown parties.
Dr. Ayine confirmed that EOCO is continuing its investigation into Adu-Boahene’s financial dealings and has identified several individuals who may have received transfers from his private accounts.
The Attorney General’s office vowed to hold all those involved in this scheme accountable and ensure that justice is served.
Read also…
Adu-Boahene arrested for diverting $7m into private accounts – Ayine
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that the former Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament (MP) to suppress media coverage of the ghost names scandal.
Providing an update on the investigations conducted by the Office of the Attorney General and the ORAL team, Dr. Ayine confirmed that significant progress had been made in uncovering corruption within the scheme.
Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight suspects linked to the National Service Scheme scandal had been interrogated, with several providing incriminating evidence.
“Because these matters are still under investigation, I can confirm that the investigation will conclude in the National Service and the Sky Train Scandal by the middle of April for the prosecution to begin.
“With the National Service Scandal, eight suspects have been interrogated and a good number of them have started singing. We now have evidence of payments that were made into the accounts of the top executives of the National Service by private vendors of the scheme.
“We also have evidence that in November 2024, the CEO of the NSS and others paid a Ghanaian Member of Parliament to kill the story in the media and to defend them,” he stated.
By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), Marchh 24, GNA – The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) is embarking on an ambitious reorganization process aimed at revitalizing the country’s agricultural sector.
As the largest trade union for farmers and fishermen, GNAFF’s primary objective is to advocate the welfare of its members, recognizing the intricate link between their well-being and Ghana’s agricultural development.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an engagement with Mr. Francis Opai Tetteh, the Country Director for the World Conference of Mayor, Ghana revealed that the organization has embarked on a comprehensive re-organisation, rebranding, and repositioning effort.
He said a consultant has been appointed to spearhead the initiative, which includes mobilising farmers and fishermen at the grassroots level.
He told GNA that the move was expected to strengthen GNAFF’s presence and influence across the country.
GNAFF’s efforts are focused on becoming a more effective advocate farmers and fishermen, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
By revitalizing its structures and processes, GNAFF aims to improve the livelihoods of its members and drive agricultural development nationwide.
With its reorganization efforts underway, GNAFF is poised to play a more significant role in promoting the welfare of farmers and fishermen in Ghana, ultimately contributing to the country’s agricultural development.
GNA
MA/GRB
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has officially launched Ghana’s first-ever certificate course in sports psychology, with a call for more focus on the critical role of mental preparedness in athletic performance.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, March 24, 2025, the Minister stressed that Ghana’s sports sector must embrace psychology as a core element in training, coaching, and management.
“Sports cannot develop without looking at all the components. In the past, we cared less about the mental conditioning of athletes, but psychology contributes hugely to their success,” he stated.
He pointed out that psychological resilience is what enables para-athletes and other physically challenged sportsmen to excel despite their limitations. He also noted that psychological barriers could impact otherwise talented athletes, saying:
“That is why you can have an athlete who performs exceptionally well during training but fails in competition—because we did not factor in psychology during training. Some athletes struggle with stage fright, while others feel intimidated by international competitors. If our trainers understand this and incorporate psychology into their work, our athletes will be better prepared to perform at the highest level.”
The Minister also called on the media to play a constructive role in shaping the psyche of athletes, urging journalists to focus on positive narratives that encourage and motivate Ghanaian sportsmen and women.
Course
The five-day course, jointly organised by the National Sports College (NSC) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), is the first of its kind in Ghana. It aims to bridge the gap in psychological training within the sports sector.
Acting Director General of the National Sports College, Fuseini Bawa, highlighted the importance of the course, explaining that while sports psychology is typically studied at the PhD level, this programme provides an accessible professional certificate course.
“In Ghana, we have never lacked talent, strategy, or competition. What we have always lacked is the psychological aspect of sports,” he noted.
Bawa revealed that the programme had been oversubscribed, with 70 registered participants and an additional 20 observers. Due to high demand, he assured stakeholders that similar courses would be organised soon, with plans to expand to diploma and degree levels in the future.
He also urged sports federations and clubs to utilise the trained professionals from the programme.
“If you sponsor people to come for this course and don’t use them, what is the point? We want to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired here are put to effective use,” he emphasised.
Calls for long-term investment in Sports Psychology
One of the course facilitators, Dr Elvis Hagan Jnr., underscored the global importance of sports psychology and called for sustained investment in the field in Ghana.
“Many nations are giving huge scientific support for sports psychology, but in Ghana, we have paid lip service to this for too long. This initiative is a crucial step in the right direction,” he remarked.
Dr Hagan suggested that the course be institutionalised as an annual or biennial programme to ensure continuity and increase the scientific capacity of local coaches and PE teachers.
NSA pledges support for sports psychology
The Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, also lauded the initiative, describing it as historic.
“We know how important psychology is, not just in sports but in everyday life. This is a groundbreaking moment, and I am honoured to be part of it,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the course would yield long-term benefits for Ghana’s sporting community and pledged the NSA’s support for future training initiatives in sports psychology.
The five-day certificate programme is being facilitated by Dr Elvis Hagan Jnr. from Germany and Dr Medina Srem-Sai from the University of Education, Winneba.
Participants will receive a professional certificate from the National Sports College, the only accredited institution in Ghana authorised to issue such qualifications.
Ghanaian hiplife artiste, Mzbel
Veteran Ghanaian hiplife artiste, Mzbel, has opened up on her two-decade-long career, disclosing that she has never received an award despite her contributions to the Ghanaian music industry.
“I have been in the industry for 20 years, yet I have never received an award,” She stated on Joy FM’s ‘Showbiz A-Z
Mzbel was once among the top female artistes who gained popularity beyond the borders of Ghana, particularly in Nigeria, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Kenya.
But speaking on her achievements and contributions to the industry, she noted that while she has been appreciated in other African countries, Ghana has yet to officially recognise her with an award.
Speaking further on this situation, Mzbel reflected on what she would do differently if she were starting her music career in today’s world.
She also acknowledged that her approach at that time was not well-structured, which may have impacted her recognition in the industry.
“I am not blaming anyone. I think it comes down to branding. If I were starting today, I would be more intentional about it. Back then, I didn’t put much thought into branding. I would go on the radio and say anything, wear whatever I felt like, and attend events without careful consideration,” she explained.
AK/EB
Meanwhile, watch how the former NSS director general was picked up by the NIB
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Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has issued a strong warning to three commercial banks alleged to be facilitating large-scale financial transactions linked to former NSB boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene, who is at the center of controversial financial dealings.
Providing an update on the ORAL investigations on March 24, 2025, Dr. Ayine specifically cautioned Stanbic, UMB, and Fidelity Bank, which are believed to be assisting in these questionable financial activities.
He stated that the government is closely monitoring these transactions and is prepared to hold the institutions accountable if they are found complicit.
“All banks are warned, if we detect any wire transfers, cash withdrawals, or any financial activity involving accounts belonging to Adu-Boahene and his companies, any bank managers and employees involved in these transactions will also be arrested,” he declared.
He further warned employees of Kwabena Adu-Boahene against moving his assets, emphasising that they risk being reprimanded.
The ORAL team presented its final report to the president at the seat of government in Accra on Monday, February 10, 2025.
SP/MA
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