Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, Former Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West

A former Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West, Benjamin Kofi Ayeh, has stated that the rule of law must be upheld in the looming impeachment process of the Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Torkornoo.

Speaking on a wide range of issues during an interview with GhanaWeb on April 16, 2025, he indicated that he has no misgivings over President John Mahama’s consultations with the Council of State regarding petitions calling for the removal of the Chief Justice from office.

“This country is governed by the constitution and hence the rule of law must be respected in the process. So, if some citizens have made a case against the Chief Justice, let’s allow the president and the Council of State to work together to determine if there is a prima facie case.

“Now, if after this consultation, the committee set up by law to look into the matter presents their recommendations. The President shall act in accordance with the recommendations of the committee. So if indeed, she must go, then she must go. Otherwise, she must be allowed to continue her work. Essentially, let’s allow the laws of the country to work,” Benjamin Ayeh stated.

In the meantime, a suit aimed at halting the prima facie determination, filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah in the Chief Justice’s impending impeachment process, has been adjourned again to May 6.

Presiding judge, Henrietta Mensah Brew, cited an unavoidable absence of a panel member as the reason for the adjournment.

VPO/AE

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The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 35 suspected human traffickers in a major operation targeting a syndicate accused of luring and exploiting over 200 individuals.

The victims, mostly foreigners and from vulnerable backgrounds, were reportedly housed in Oyarifa in Accra under false promises of a better life and employment opportunities in Ghana. 

Acting Executive Director of EOCO, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, said the suspects operated a well-coordinated trafficking network that preyed on victims from various regions, including neighbouring West African countries.

He said the victims were allegedly deceived with offers of well-paying jobs, education, and improved living conditions.

However, upon arrival, they were confined in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with many subjected to forced labour and exploitation. 

“The operation was successful, and 219 people were arrested at Oyarifa. The victims were lured into the country by the suspects, ostensibly to give them lucrative jobs in Ghana. Unfortunately, when they came to Ghana, there were no lucrative jobs existing. Then they took them hostage, and then they confined them at the Oyarifa estates, and then they were forced to go into cyber crimes and cyber crime-related activities,” he stated.

He added that the recovered items from the location were numerous laptops, internet routers, food items, and other personal effects believed to be tools used in the cyber crime operations.

According to him, EOCO has commenced a detailed screening process to distinguish between victims, suspects, adults, and juveniles.

“The essence of the screening is to separate victims from suspects, and also identify the types of criminal activities they may have been involved in,” he added.

The Nigerian High Commission has since visited EOCO and engaged with both victims and suspects, encouraging them to cooperate fully with the authorities.

The screening process is ongoing, but EOCO anticipates concluding it within the next 24 hours. Arrangements are underway to repatriate victims, especially those from Nigeria, and reunite them with their families.

Mr Bashiru also disclosed that similar operations are being conducted elsewhere, with plans to consolidate efforts and resources for sustained impact. “This is only the beginning,” he noted. “EOCO and the CID are committed to working more closely to dismantle these criminal networks and protect vulnerable populations.”

One of the victims, who hails from neighbouring Nigeria, said he had been confined at their Oyarifa residence for more than a year, and was offered just one meal a day.

“I came to Ghana because of the difficult conditions back home. I wasn’t clearly informed about what I would be doing here, just that I would be staying with my boss. But after arriving, I discovered that my boss was involved in fraud. I didn’t have any other options, especially since we weren’t allowed to go outside and were kept indoors all the time. I’ve been in Ghana for a year now,” he narrated.

“I always pray to God to come to our rescue. An opportunity like this is what I have been praying for,” he said.

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Sandra Opoku served as Director of the Tema Port

Reports indicate that President John Dramani Mahama has terminated the appointment of Sandra Opoku as Director of Tema Port.

According to 3news.com, the termination, which took effect on April 16, 2025, was confirmed by sources within the government.

However, the reasons behind the decision have not yet been disclosed, as further details are expected from the Presidency.

Opoku was appointed in 2019 by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, becoming the first female Director of the Tema Port.

Prior to that, she served as the General Manager of the Legal Division at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

SSD/MA

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Kwadwo Asamoah (L) and Asamoah Gyan (R) during their Black Stars days

Legendary Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan has identified his former teammate Kwadwo Asamoah as the most underrated player of his generation, praising his consistency, intelligence, and understated influence on the pitch.

Gyan and Asamoah shared nearly a decade of footballing experience with the Black Stars, playing pivotal roles in some of Ghana’s most significant victories during that period.

One notable moment was Asamoah’s assist to Gyan in the Black Stars’ crucial group stage match against Portugal during the 2014 World Cup.

In an interview with TV3, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, Asamoah Gyan, was asked to name the most underappreciated teammate from his era.

He responded by showering praise on Kwadwo Asamoah, emphasising that his remarkable talent was often overlooked.

“Kwadwo had a great career. Look at his clubs, he played for Juventus, Inter Milan, and started at Udinese. He had an excellent Black Stars career, and while we accomplished what we set out to do, I think it’s Kwadwo Asamoah,” Gyan remarked.

Kwadwo Asamoah’s illustrious career included stints with top European clubs such as Juventus and Inter Milan.

He won six Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies, and three Italian Super Cups.

FKA/MA

Meanwhile, watch football fans’ reactions after Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from 24/25 UEFA Champions League

 By Kodjo Adams

Accra, April 17, GNA – The Most Reverend John Kobina Louis, an auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Accra, says Easter is a call to higher moral standards, turning away from sinful behaviours and embracing a life of virtue and holiness. 

“Easter is not merely a time for festivities but a sacred period that honours the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died because of our sins,” he said. 

He urged Christians to use the season of Easter to seek forgiveness, strive for personal transformation, and align their lives with the teachings of Christ.   

The Most Rev Louis, in his Easter message on Wednesday, said the season was a time of profound spiritual significance, a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice and the promise of eternal life. 

“By embracing the true essence of Easter, Christians can find renewed hope, strength, and purpose in their faith journey,” he said. 

“1 Corinthians 15:12-14,17-20 states that; No Resurrection, No Christianty! and No Easter, No (Christian) Feast! 

“For Christians today, Easter should signify hope, renewal, forgiveness, holiness and unwavering faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of Christian belief,” he said. 

“In today’s world, the resurrection of Jesus carries immense spiritual significance of serving as a beacon of hope amid suffering and uncertainty.” 

“The resurrection assures believers that death is not the end and that through faith, there is the promise of eternal life.” 

“It encourages Christians to live a life of purpose, resilience, and unwavering faith, knowing that they are part of a greater divine plan.” 

The Bishop stressed that the resurrection brought unity because through the cross God created, from all the races of the world, one common race and one family for Himself.   

He encouraged the people to make themselves ambassadors of peace in the world. 

“All should endeavour to fight against evil in our lives. Let’s endeavour to become better Christians and renewed citizens who will ensure that the peace of the risen Christ will be in our hearts…,” he said. 

GNA 

ABD 

Augustus ‘Goosie’ Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development

The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Augustus “Goosie” Tanoh, has urged Ghanaian exporters to prepare for international markets by meeting required standards.

Speaking at the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) Forum held at CalBank PLC’s Head Office on the theme “Ghana’s Proposed 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Policies,” Tanoh noted:

“The international market is becoming more constricted by the day. There is a net benefit for Ghana, and we can take advantage of that, but how long that window of opportunity will remain open is uncertain.”

He pointed to growing uncertainty in global trade, casting doubt on the continued applicability of agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. law enacted in 2000 that offers preferential access to the U.S. market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries, which may not remain in force beyond 2026.

Tanoh also highlighted the increasing engagement of the European Union and the United Kingdom with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), a South American trading bloc, as a potential challenge to Ghana’s sustained export access to those markets.

He stressed that Ghanaian exporters must be proactive in capitalising on the opportunities presented by these global uncertainties and avoid associated pitfalls through the 24-Hour Economy programme.

“If we are going to be export competitive, then we must be price competitive. Part of the technology adaptation programme for industry embedded in the 24-Hour Economy value chains is aimed at improving precision and quality, making us not only volume-ready but also quality-ready. That way, regardless of trade barriers, we will be prepared to penetrate the market.”

He encouraged exporters to focus on goods in which Ghana has a natural competitive advantage, saying:

“Those are the things we need to pursue, perfect, and incentivise.”

The forum was organised by the UKGCC in response to findings from its 2024 Business Environment and Competitiveness Survey Report, conducted with support from the UK government’s Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme and the Palladium Group.

Eugene Sangmortey, Team Leader of the Ghana JET Programme, stated that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the Ghana Standards Authority, is working to address key constraints within Ghana’s business environment to stimulate growth.

“Our mission is to improve the prospects for better livelihoods among Ghanaians by supporting economic transformation and the creation of quality jobs across five strategic manufacturing sectors: textiles and garments, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and light manufacturing. JET aims to spur £120 million in investments, drive innovation within these sectors, and create at least 7,000 jobs,” Sangmortey said.

By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah

Tema, April 17, GNA – Data Link Institute of Business and Technology has extended support to Remar Tema Children’s Home at Tema Community Eleven with an unspecified amount of money to show solidarity and compassion towards the inmates. 

The donation forms part of the institution’s broader efforts to contribute to social development and child welfare in Ghana. 

Professor Stanley Saamoah Moffat, the President of the Institute, presenting the money, stated that the donation was not only to assist the underprivileged children but also to commend the management and staff of the orphanage for their tireless efforts in providing a safe and nurturing environment for the young ones. 

Professor Moffat said the gesture was part of the institution’s continuous commitment to giving back to society and its moral commitment to supporting vulnerable children. 

“We, as a body, feel that it is an obligation and, in fact, a moral responsibility in our small way to acknowledge the management and staff for what they are doing. They work with so much compassion, dedication, and hard work to provide a home, love, hope and opportunities for the children, he stated. 

He further emphasised the need for more individuals, institutions, and private organisations to extend support to orphans and vulnerable children across the country, citing the United States as a good example of how to view charity work, particularly towards children, as a societal norm and part of nation-building. 

Professor Moffat also referenced Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who he said had a clear national policy focused on supporting orphans and vulnerable children in the 1960s and lamented the apparent decline in structured national efforts towards the welfare of orphans. 

He mentioned that a UNICEF report highlighted the devastating number of orphans around the world and emphasised the urgent need to support these vulnerable children to prevent them from becoming a burden to society. 

Mr. Philip Gebu, Chaplain of Data Link, stated that the gesture was an annual event held during the Easter season to appreciate God’s care and protection over the children, community, and the country at large. 

Mr. Dodzi Agbo, the head caretaker of Remar Tema Children’s Home, thanked Data Link Institute for the timely support in a time when they critically needed funds to settle their bills. 

He noted that there were 25 children at the orphanage, noting that some of the inmates had completed senior high schools and were working, indicating that such donations help in catering for the children. 

He appealed to other institutions to emulate the gesture and contribute towards building a better future for the children. 

GNA 

LS/KOA 

For far too long, Ghanaians have neglected the pressing issue of substance abuse among the youth—those in the formative years of adolescence and young adulthood, typically ranging from 15 to 24 according to the UN, leading to unprecedented levels of addiction. Contrary to popular belief, both globally and in Ghana, addiction is not simply a choice or something that can just be switched off.

It is a neurobiological condition that requires rehabilitation-focused treatment and empathy for effective recovery. Normally, activities that bring pleasure trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical. However, when someone repeatedly uses addictive substances, the brain becomes increasingly dependent on them because they release an extremely high amount of dopamine very quickly. This causes the dopamine receptors of the brain to decrease due to the dopamine overload, making it harder to experience pleasure from everyday activities that would otherwise have been sufficient. This rewiring of the brain leads to intense cravings and a cycle of use that’s very hard to break. To address the issue, we must adopt community-based approaches to fight this at a grassroots level.

Peer education presents a crucial first step in doing this, given the social dynamics that lead to substance abuse in the Ghanaian youth. Negative peer pressure has led to a lot of substance use, leading to abuse. A 2014 study from the University of Cape Coast reveals that nearly half of  SHS students who use substances do so out of curiosity, with over 27% obtaining alcohol from friends and choosing to drink in social settings. These statistics paint a clear picture: peer influence plays a pivotal role in both initiating and maintaining substance use patterns. However, this unfortunate reality can be transformed into a powerful tool for preventing and helping young people break free from the chains of substance abuse.

The implementation of peer education programs should take inspiration from the proven method of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but be adapted to address the full spectrum of substance abuse facing the Ghanaian youth, both in SHS and University. Picture this: after-school meetings in a private classroom led by student facilitators where everyone is discussing their struggles with or concerns about substance abuse. That’s what this model provides, along with confidentiality, everyone involved would be required to sign a binding agreement that “what’s shared here stays here”. Schools should allocate time and space for this, to enable students to have enough contact hours and feel safe. Students who then benefit from these meetings could embark on public speaking journeys at educational institutions and churches to share their stories and offer mentorship.

Beyond this, tackling youth substance abuse requires active parental support and intervention. Hospitals and other healthcare-related organisations should organise workshops to teach parents about behaviours that are associated with substance use so that it can be identified early. Ghanaian parents need to understand the need to express empathy and provide emotional support instead of lashing out and exacerbating the problem. Parents can be accessed for workshops through schools, churches and the workplace. These workshops should be focused on teaching parents how to detect warning signs, communicate effectively and be a safe space for their young ones who may feel isolated or misunderstood. This would go a long way in helping young people recover from substance abuse.

In addition to peer education and parental involvement, local governments—Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs)—should provide funding for community-based rehabilitation programs where rehabilitation and skills training centres are set up to help recovering addicts through mentorship, counselling, and vocational training. This would allow young addicts to re-integrate themselves into society with valuable skills that they can use to get employed or start businesses. MMDAs should also partner with businesses to secure actual job opportunities for their youth, ensuring that there’s truly a productive way forward. For SHS students, counselling should be centred around highlighting the importance of school and providing advice for the next steps in their academic journey to enable them to choose fulfilling careers where they can truly make an impact in society.

If we truly want to secure a prosperous future for our youth and the country as a whole, we must treat youth substance abuse as a collective issue. By setting up peer education programs, equipping parents with the right tools and through local government support, we can empower the youth and heal our communities.

******

The writer was recently announced the winner of the 2nd Edition of the Youth Advocacy Challenge by the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA).

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Ghanaians pay high data prices

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has confirmed that the government is on track to expand discussions on reducing data prices in Ghana.

According to George, the committee responsible for this initiative has already submitted a roadmap to guide the process.

He also addressed claims that he promised to reduce data prices within 14 days. “People said I promised prices would drop in 14 days. No. I said I would get a roadmap in 14 days, and in 13 days, the committee submitted it,” he clarified, as quoted by myjoyonline.com.

George acknowledged that, in the short term, the government is not yet in a position to reduce prices across the board.

“So we’ve focused on specific demographics,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of the National Communications Authority (NCA), the sector’s regulator, in facilitating progress.

“The effort has received full support from telcos. I met all three CEOs, and they all agreed that we needed to do something about data prices,” he revealed.

The minister cited taxation and the cost of power as significant factors contributing to the high data prices.

“Taxation is a big part of it,” he said. “And the cost build-up in terms of power.”

“This is not just talk,” he emphasized. “We’re putting in the work.”

SSD/MA

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Christian Rogg has been appointed new British High Commissioner to Ghana

The United Kingdom has announced the appointment of Christian Rogg as its new British High Commissioner to Ghana.

He is expected to assume office in July 2025, succeeding Harriet Thompson, who will be taking up a new assignment within the UK’s Diplomatic Service.

The announcement was made on April 17, 2025, by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Profile of Christian Rogg/B>

Christian Rogg is a seasoned development economist and diplomat, with extensive experience in international development and foreign service, including prior postings in Ghana and across Africa.

From 2006 to 2009, he served in Accra as Head of the Governance and Growth Team at the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

He currently holds the position of Director for Development and Open Societies at the FCDO, a role he has occupied since 2023.

Prior to this, between 2021 and 2023, he served as Director for Development, Parliament, Coordination and Capability.

His diplomatic career includes senior roles in Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom.

JKB/MA

The PURC had announced a 14.75% increment in electricity and 4.02% in water tariffs

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has vowed to sue the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over its decision to adjust tariffs, describing the move as illegal.

According to the CPA, they will head to court to stop PURC if their calls to halt the tariff adjustments fall on deaf ears.

The Director in Charge of Mediation and Arbitration at the CPA, Nana Prempeh Okogyeabur, revealed that the committees legally mandated to review tariffs at PURC, including the Technical Committee and the External Committee, have yet to be constituted after the change in government.

Speaking on OTEC 102.9 FM’s Dwabrem show on Wednesday, hosted by Dr. Cash, Nana Prempeh emphasized that allowing the tariff adjustment would cripple not only businesses but also ordinary Ghanaians.

The PURC had announced a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs, effective May 2, 2025. The adjustments were attributed to factors such as exchange rates, inflation projections, fuel costs, and the current hydro-thermal generation mix. However, the CPA questions the legitimacy of this decision, arguing that the PURC did not conduct sufficient consultations and failed to adequately represent consumer interests.

Nana Prempeh noted that the CPA will do everything possible to halt the tariff adjustment, stressing that the agency’s primary concern is to protect consumers from unfair practices.

The CPA believes that without the reconstitution of the Technical and External Committees, PURC’s decision lacks legitimacy and fails to meet the standards of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

The agency has urged the PURC to suspend the proposed tariff adjustments until broad-based consultations are conducted and consumer interests are properly represented.

The CPA also expressed concern over the quality of service delivery by utility providers, pointing to unresolved complaints consistently raised by consumers.

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Ted News Ghana Blog of Thursday, 17 April 2025

Source: TEDDY VAVA GAWUGA

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), in collaboration with the Engineering Council, has announced a decisive move to rid the industry of unlicensed engineering practitioners by July 2025.

The initiative is aimed at sanitising the profession and reinforcing public trust in the engineering sector.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Joy Business, President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Ludwig Annan Hesse, emphasised that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to uphold professional standards and ensure that only qualified and certified individuals are allowed to operate within the field.

“This exercise is not meant to be punitive, but rather to protect the integrity of the profession. We want to ensure that engineering in Ghana is practiced by licensed professionals who are accountable and competent,” Ing. Hesse stated.

The regulatory action is expected to target individuals and firms operating without valid licenses issued by the Engineering Council — the statutory body responsible for regulating engineering practice in Ghana.

Ing. Hesse noted that the presence of unlicensed practitioners not only undermines the credibility of the profession but also poses significant risks to public safety, especially in critical sectors such as construction, energy, and infrastructure.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to educate and inform the public, as well as practitioners, on the importance of licensing. Those who are not regularised by July 2025 will face sanctions, including the possibility of being barred from practice,” he warned.

The Ghana Institution of Engineering is also urging all engineering professionals to regularise their status and renew their licenses if necessary. The Council has already begun stakeholder consultations and public education campaigns to facilitate a smooth transition.

This move comes at a time when Ghana is witnessing increased infrastructure development and technological advancement — a period where professional engineering oversight is more critical than ever. Industry experts have praised the decision, saying it will help streamline operations, reduce substandard work, and enhance safety and compliance.

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