In a heated parliamentary debate over the 2025 Budget, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications debunked claims made by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding budget allocations to the Office of the President.
Addressing the House, the Spokesperson for President Mahama accused the opposition of waging a “campaign of disinformation” aimed at demonizing the budget and misleading the public.
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Timothy Ngnenbe
1 minute read
Seven out of the nine forest reserves that were completely overrun by illegal miners have been successfully reclaimed, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra today, the minister revealed that a joint security task force—comprising the military, police, and the Forestry Commission’s rapid response team—conducted sustained operations over the past month to reclaim the affected reserves.
“The operations led to the confiscation of at least 60 excavators,” he added.
He assured the public that “everything possible” was being done to reclaim the remaining two forest reserves.
“I’m proud to tell you, with the cooperation of the security agencies and the military, we have taken back seven of these nine forests, and we are working very hard to ensure that the remaining two are fully reclaimed,” the minister stated.
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence for their support and called on the public to join efforts to ensure sustainable mining practices that protect the country’s natural resources.
Fixtures for Match Day 25 of the Ghana Premier League have been announced, with all games set to be played on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
As the league heads into the crucial final stretch, teams will be looking to secure vital points in their quest for the title, continental spots, and survival.
One of the standout fixtures of the round will see title contenders Bibiani Goldstars and Hearts of Oak clash in a highly anticipated fierce encounter.
Asante Kotoko will also be in action as they host Basake Holy Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, aiming to maintain their push for the title.
Elsewhere, Accra Lions will face off against Legon Cities, while Karela United battle Bechem United in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Medeama SC, eager to climb up the table, will host Aduana Stars, and Berekum Chelsea will welcome defending champions FC Samartex in a tricky clash.
Newly promoted side Vision FC will square off against Nations FC, while Dreams FC take on Young Apostles in a crucial fixture for both teams. Meanwhile, Nsoatreman FC will host Heart of Lions in another intriguing battle.
With the title race heating up and teams fighting for survival, Match Day 25 promises to deliver thrilling action across all venues.
Edward Obeng-Kenzo is Acting CEO of Volta River Authority
The leadership of the Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have strongly opposed the purported appointment of R.A. Abdul Jalil as the Director of Public Affairs for the VRA.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the staff unions expressed their “profound revulsion and objection” to the reported appointment of Abdul Jalil, who is known as the Savannah Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
They described the move as irregular and a violation of the VRA Act 46, as well as the authority’s recruitment policies and procedures.
The staff unions outlined several reasons for rejecting the appointment, highlighting what they termed as a blatant disregard for established recruitment protocols.
Violation of Recruitment Policies – According to the unions, managerial and directorate positions within the VRA are not subject to political appointments or directives from the Office of the President. They stressed that such positions are filled through a competitive, merit-based process to maintain professional standards.
Breach of Conditions of Service – The statement indicated that the appointment contravenes the Senior Staff Conditions of Service and the Collective Agreement between VRA management and the PSWU of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
Disregard for Experienced Staff – The unions argued that the appointment undermines long-serving VRA professionals who have built expertise and institutional knowledge over the years. They warned that such actions could demotivate staff, lower productivity, and disrupt career progression and succession planning within the organization.
The unions urged the Acting Chief Executive of VRA to resist any pressure to implement the appointment and demanded that Abdul Jalil, if qualified, go through the normal recruitment process and compete fairly when a vacancy arises.
Additionally, they called on the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to intervene and withdraw the appointment to prevent further industrial unrest within the authority.
“The role of Public Affairs or Corporate Communications in an institution like VRA requires expertise, competency, experience, and a deep understanding of the energy sector, not just political communication or a reward for political loyalty,” the statement read.
The SSA and PSWU warned that they would take all legitimate steps to resist what they see as political interference in VRA’s affairs. They vowed to protect the institution’s integrity, ensuring that recruitment remains free from political influence below the level of the governing board.
The unions also appealed to past VRA executives, management staff, and professional associations to support their cause in upholding the authority’s professionalism and independence.
The head of the Security Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Donkor has been appointed as the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
Her appointment is part of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno’s restructuring of the Police Management team.
Her new role at the CID will see her oversee various criminal investigations, including the recent murder of devoted Asante Kotoko fan Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
DCOP Donkor was previously in charge of the GFA’s investigation into the tragic incident, but her findings put her at odds with Asante Kotoko.
She claimed the murder did not happen inside the stadium, contradicting the club’s account.
“This unfortunate incident did not occur inside the stadium; it happened outside. He was later picked up by a tricycle and dropped at a section of the stadium. I must clarify this, as there are comments suggesting the police allowed someone to enter the stadium with a knife. Let me state that the police enforce a strict search regime,” she stated.
She also advised that if the victim had felt threatened, he should have reported it to the police or someone in the area.
In response, the chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), Nana Apinkra, criticized her handling of the case and vowed to report her to then-IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
“We will officially report DCOP Lydia Donkor to the IGP, and we want the GFA to remove her from the case because she was appointed by them,” he stated in an executive meeting streamed live on YouTube.
At present, the prime suspect in the case, identified as Brimah, remains at large.
EE/EK
Meanwhile, watch Minister of Sports Kofi Adams dismisses criticism of Black Stars’ commitment
According to a report from GhanaWeb, Kwame Baffoe, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed concerns for his safety under the current administration.
During an interview on Asaase Radio on March 18, 2025, Baffoe, also known as Abronye, revealed that he feels unsafe due to alleged surveillance by individuals he associates with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He attributed these incidents to his frequent criticisms of the government, suggesting that his vocal stance has made him a target.
Baffoe claimed that these individuals have been following him whenever he leaves his home, attempting to intimidate him into silence.
Despite the threats he has received, he emphasized his commitment to continue speaking out against the government.
“Some NDC guys have been secretly following me around when I step outside. Once I am alive, I will make sure President Mahama will build the project for teachers. They are secretly tailing me wherever I go and trying to scare me so I stop talking. I am not safe under Mahama administration and I think Ghanaians must speak up,” he said.
Baffoe indicated plans to reach out to the international community regarding his security concerns, urging citizens to hold the government accountable should anything happen to him.
He affirmed his intention to remain in the country and endure any harassment, stating that he would hold the administration responsible for any potential harm.
Abronye reiterated that the threats he faces will not prevent him from exposing mismanagement within the government.
Dear Sir,
I hope this finds you well. Today marks the 70th day of your return to power — and so far nothing really shows that voters made a mistake in the last election.
Even though your government is still taking shape, you have made some moves which point to a bright future, and though they’re worth discussing, that is NOT the reason why I’ve taken my pen this afternoon.
The purpose of this letter is to draw your attention to a crawling earthworm that can grow to be a monster to destroy the legacy you want and further ruin the NDC’s chances in the next election.
With less than three months into office, one may argue that it’s too early to start discussing the next election, but the reality is that an election is a process and not an event — and thus the battle for 2028 actually started on 8th December when Bawumia conceded.
In this regard, I’m sure you’ll love to hand over power to another NDC President — but that could be a mirage if you don’t take steps to address the internal acrimony about the ongoing appointment process.
Before I continue, I am aware that you cannot appoint everybody — and your appointments can certainly not make everyone happy. Indeed, no leadership decision can excite the entire crowd — yet there is a section of the crowd who should not be plainly offended either — and in this case, it is your party’s grassroots!
In his famous track ‘Meko ama obi aba’, the legendary Boakye Gyan, puts it this way — ‘… Wanya biribi amma w’asew a ɛmmɔ no krɔno’ — to wit if you cannot be kind to your in-law, don’t steal from her either — and in this case, the grassroots represents that in-law.
For the records, over the past few weeks, many of them have had to publicly lament some appointments, yet as understanding as they are, they always wipe their tears with the belief that you know better — even though they don’t necessarily agree with you!
But this trend, Mr. President, seems to be happening too many times — and just like that young lover who finally leaves her boyfriend who can’t stop cheating, a day may come when your party’s base may finally get tired, give up and disappear into oblivion.
Indeed just last night, many of these loyal followers of your party trooped to Facebook and other platforms to lament the perceived ‘mafia’ that has characterised the appointment process so far!
This outpour of grief was triggered by the appointment of Madam Obuobia Darko-Opoku as the Deputy MD for the Ghana Airport Company Limited, and suffice to say, those who hid their pain from the public for the sake of ‘political correctness’, were more than those who came out to weep like mourners.
According to the aggrieved party folks, the appointment of Obuobia is evidence of a worrying pattern, where certain ‘notable instruments of your victory’ are either rewarded ‘late’ or rewarded rather unconvincingly.
While resisting the urge to cite examples, the belief has been that after toiling hard in the desert, ‘donkeys’ like Obuobia didn’t have to wait so long to drink from the river banks — talk more of drinking from the same cup with a donkey from another master.
Ideally, it was expected that all the key personalities in the party would have been rewarded very early to serve as motivation for others to also work hard in the future, but that has not really happened, and though you may eventually sort everybody, your ‘timing’ has been seen as a slowness in rewarding loyalty.
All of these narratives, Mr President, have the potential of weakening the momentum of the grassroots — and being the wise leader that you’ve always been, I believe you would take urgent steps to address these issues.
I shall now turn my attention to another crucial matter which deserves a mention in this letter. At the moment, there is the belief that some of your trusted lieutenants have ‘hijacked’ the appointment process, in furtherance of their future ambitions.
To put it bluntly, the narrative on the street is that your current Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, and his ‘clique’ are deliberately enlisting their favourites to strategic positions ahead of his rumoured presidential ambitions — while sidelining possible contenders like your party’s Chairman, who I understand is the angriest man in the universe, apart from Lucifer himself.
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THESE ARE NOT MY WORDS — and as it appears, I’m only conveying to you, the growing conversation in the NDC which is gradually gaining credibility, and dividing the unity that gave you the biggest electoral victory in the 4th Republic!
Indeed as I write, all the fans of Mr Asiedu Nketia and other prospective flagbearer aspirants who feel ignored or shortchanged have quietly drawn their swords — waiting for an opportunity to strike, and this is not a threat you should ignore.
Just by way of a polite reminder, two ingredients often guarantee the success of any administration. The first is the element of good governance outcomes, and the second is the factor of internal party cohesion — yet as we speak, your party is losing momentum on the latter, and you, more than anybody else, should be concerned about this dissipating unity and I’ll explain why.
If the NDC loses the next election in 2028, that will set a painful record as the first political party in Ghana’s 4th Republic to enjoy a single term — and your name will be the reference point for that unpleasant novelty.
Your dreams of championing a good legacy will also be shattered, and if care is not taken, the NDC itself may dissolve into ashes and dust — with your name as the reason for that misfortune!
All of these possibilities can happen, and that’s why you need to take another look at the concerns surrounding the appointment process — including the widespread perception that your noble Chief of Staff (a man whom I personally admire and respect) is building an army to advance his purported presidential ambitions through some ‘parochial and self-serving appointments’.
At the risk of sounding repetitive, good governance is important in sustaining the life of a party, but when the grassroots is unhappy or divided by disunity and deep internal cracks, the party may die sooner or later.
With the deepest sense of respect, I’ll therefore humbly urge you to revisit the raging concerns with the ongoing appointments and use your unmatched experience as John Mahama to address them, even if not all!
Do have a great day Mr President, and may the Lord be with you for all the good works you’ve started, including the fact that very soon, if I stake a bet on the Red Devils, I’ll enjoy the cash alone!
The author of this advisory piece is Derrick Schandorf Ayirebi-Acquah (Paa Kwesi Schandorf). He is a writer, a journalist and corporate MC — twice nominated by the BBC for the Komla Dumor Award — currently the acting news editor at TV Africa, having worked with JoyNews and The Multimedia Group in the past.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025 has been presented to Parliament, seeking to establish the Gold Board to regulate the buying, selling, and export of gold while generating foreign exchange for the country.
According to the government, the board will play a crucial role in formalising gold trading within the small-scale mining sector, improving traceability, and advancing efforts to secure London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certification.
Following its introduction, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor referred the bill to the Finance and Lands and Natural Resources Committees for further review and reporting.
“Honourable members, the Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025 is presented and read for the first time and accordingly referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and reports,” he announced.
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Ahmed Suale’s murder suspect has never been on the run – Lawyer
COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah has been appointed as the Director-General of Research and Planning as part of a shake-up within the Ghana Police Service.
A statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Service on March 19, 2025, confirmed the changes, which take immediate effect.
Before this reassignment, COP Addo-Danquah recently returned to the Police after serving as the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where she led efforts to combat financial crimes and corruption.
She has also previously held the position of Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
In her new role, she will oversee research, policy development, and strategic planning for the police service, a key department responsible for shaping national policing strategies.
COP Addo-Danquah is among several senior officers affected by the latest reassignments, which the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, says are aimed at improving leadership and operational efficiency within the service.
By Kodjo Adams/Ebenezer Annan
Accra, March 19, GNA – CUTS International Accra, an advocacy research organisation, has called on the Government to enact a comprehensive Consumer Protection Act that consolidated existing sector-specific regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
The Act will create a unified legal basis for safeguarding consumer rights across all sectors of the economy.
Mr Appiah Kusi Adomako, the West Africa Regional Director, CUTS International, said this in a recommendation on a study report dubbed: “The State of the Ghanaian Consumer.”
The report was conducted by CUTS International Accra, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority.
He called for the establishment of an independent, national consumer protection authority to oversee the implementation of consumer protection policies and promote consumer education.
Mr Adomako called for the introduction of a consumer empowerment fund financed through industry levies or the Government budget to support research by civil society organisations.
Madam Patricia Boateng Bannor, Director of Standards, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, said the Government was committed to ensuring that the Consumer Protection Law is passed.
She said the report by CUTS International gave a fresh impetus for the government to move forward with the agenda of enacting the law.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of consumer rights and protection across the country.
The sectors are telecommunication, road safety, e-commerce, banking and financial services, water, electricity, waste management and aviation.
The objective of the study, among others, is to evaluate the level of consumer awareness regarding their rights and responsibilities across the eight sectors.
It used qualitative and quantitative components and data analysis methods with a sample of 1,795 consumers across the 10 regions.
In the telecommunications sector, the report revealed that 60.89 per cent of consumers experienced bad reception, 52.22 per cent experienced low Internet, and 37 per cent experienced low quality.
On road safety, the report showed that over- speeding constituted 76.35 per cent of consumers concerns, 74.66 per cent complained of bad roads, while 53.72 per cent of them complained of faulty vehicles.
With e-commerce, the report revealed that over 70 per cent of consumers are not aware of the consumer rights and protection laws, calling for authorities to take action.
On the satisfaction with banking services, the respondents revealed that 61.2 per cent rate the sector as average, while 52.2 per cent said they are satisfied.
GNA
ABD
Socialite and fashion critic, Charlie Dior
Ghanaian socialite and fashion critic, Charlie Dior, has lamented the negative stereotypes given to sexually active women.
In a discussion on the ‘Freaky Friends’ podcast, he noted how men have been shaped by society into expecting women to be naïve when it comes to sex.
This mindset, according to him, leads men to assume that sexually active women are prostitutes.
“A lot of women in our society get shamed if they are overly sexy. We do that because if you meet a girl and you take the girl in your room and then the girl is giving you all kinds of styles; splits, banana splits, whole barrel, full chicken. Giving you all kinds of positions.
“Then when you meet with your boys. “You’re like ‘Charlie that girl was a freak; she seems like a prostitute,” he said.
Charlie Dior further pointed out the effects of these perceptions on women, who end up pretending to be naive in order to avoid being shamed for having sexual experience.
“They kind of shame these women. So, it kind of plays in your psyche as a woman; they tell themselves, ‘If I go, I’ll pretend I don’t know anything. I don’t want him to feel like I have experience. Because having an experience means I have slept with lots of men.’ So, it’s a whole thing,” he added.
Watch the video below:
ID/EB
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Former gender minister, Sarah Adwoa Safo
Former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has stated that the former president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ordered her to audit the School Feeding Program but later distanced himself from it after the findings revealed widespread corruption and mismanagement.
Speaking in an interview on Movement Radio and monitored by GhanaWeb on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, she alleged that the program has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement.
The former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya urged President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise reforms into the program to ensure its effectiveness.
“The rot and the corruption that is going on at the school feeding sector is serious. This government should pay attention to that sector. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor had a great vision around the School Feeding programme, but the way it has been handled is a serious matter.
“The majority of the rot was coming from the Central Region. The backlash that followed my submission of the audit report made President Akufo-Addo deny that he had asked me to conduct it. He told me to set it aside, and that’s where my problems began,” she stated.
The program was introduced in 2005 to provide free meals to pupils in deprived areas.
JKB/AE
Also, watch the latest Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:
Essien celebrating with his Black Stars teammate after scoring in the 2008 AFCON
Former Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien, has reflected on his career with the national team, revealing some of his most memorable moments.
Essien had a storied career with the Black Stars. Besides being part of the squad that qualified the country for its maiden World Cup tournament in 2006, he also played in multiple tournaments for the team, including the 2014 World Cup.
Although trophies eluded him during his career, Essien still cherishes fond memories of his time with the Black Stars.
During an interview with Sporty FM, the former Chelsea midfielder revealed that his happiest moments were the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“The 2008 AFCON was one of the very special ones, and the 2006 World Cup also,” he said.
The Black Stars made a strong impression in their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006, securing victories over the Czech Republic and the USA to reach the knockout stages.
However, their journey came to a heartbreaking end with a loss to defending champions Brazil. Despite their exit, advancing to the knockout stages established Ghana as a rising force in global football.
Two years later, they earned the bronze medal at the 2008 AFCON, hosted in Ghana.
Essien scored twice in the tournament: once against Morocco in the group stage and once against Nigeria in the quarterfinals.
Though Essien’s Black Stars career was hindered by injuries, the midfielder managed to play 58 matches and scored nine goals for the team.
Meanwhile, watch Black Stars’ first training session ahead of Chad game
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask
FKA/AE
After months of speculation, it seems Medikal and Eazzy have finally confirmed their romantic relationship.
In a new video shared onlinr, the two were spotted in a car, looking affectionate as Medikal playfully touched Eazzy’s cheeks while singing about his love for her.
The former AMG Music singer further fueled the rumors by captioning the video “Baddie.”
Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah has provided insight into the hurdles faced during the early stages of the investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, March 19, Tuah Yeboah disclosed that, during his tenure, the Attorney General’s office found insufficient evidence to prosecute any suspects linked to the case.
“During our time, the police did some investigations and, after the investigations, submitted the docket to the AG’s office for our review.
“After reviewing the docket, we realised that there wasn’t enough evidence on the docket to warrant the prosecution of anyone, and we advised the police to go on with the investigation,” he explained.
Tuah Yeboah expressed cautious optimism regarding recent developments in the case, which have led to the arraignment and remand of a suspect, Daniel Owusu Koranteng.
“So I am happy that today they have been able to get someone who has been arraigned before a court and has been remanded to prison custody,” he stated.
However, he raised concerns about the strength of the evidence against the suspect, posing a critical question: “But the question is, do they have enough evidence?”
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The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly criticised his colleague in leadership, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, over his conduct exhibited in the chamber.
Addressing the floor of Parliament on March 18, 2025, when the Minister of Interior appeared before the House to respond to questions on national security issues, Ayariga criticised Afenyo-Markin for attempting to engage in political gimmicks during discussions on government business.
According to Ayariga, his side has tolerated Afenyo-Markin’s behavior for some time, as they recognised his attempts at political gimmicks. However, he said they believe his actions have now become excessive, with him overstepping the line.
“And coming from you the Minority Leader, who is supposed to offer leadership on this side is quite unfortunate. Don’t use this platform for political gimmicking when it’s not necessary. You have consistently tried to do that and we have accommodated you but we think you are overdoing it,” he said.
Ayariga made this observation when Afenyo-Markin, during the process of questioning the Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, made some wild allegations of some gun-wielding individuals.
He chided his colleague for making unsubstantiated claims, which he argued violated the rules that govern the House regarding how questions should be posed to ministers who appear before the Chamber.
The Bawku Central lawmaker voiced his worry over the conduct of Afenyo-Markin of his perceived abuse of the parliamentary facilities and authority.
“I continue to get worried about the manner in which the Minority Leader uses the facilities in this House [Parliament]. The opportunity to question ministers is closely governed by Order 86 with the type of questions you can ask.
“You cannot ask questions that contain charges which the member asking the question is not in the position to substantiate. These are all matters that governs questions. You just made a statement about some people wielding guns, if we ask you to substantiate that claim with videos, can you do that now on the floor?” he questioned Afenyo-Markin.
Ayariga also lamented Afenyo-Markin’s attempts to undermine the integrity of the Minister of Interior with his statements, which he described as illegal and unconstitutional.
“You just made a statement questioning the character and integrity of the minister, asking him not to condone unconstitutionality. Mr Speaker, this is inappropriate. You can ask him further questions after he gave answers to the earlier ones but to make a statement that condone unconstitutionality and illegality is totally out of place,” he concluded.
MAG/AE
Watch the latest episode of Health Focus below
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask
Armed men numbering about 20 and led by Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, have raided the private residence of the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison.
The raid, which took place on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, in the morning, occurred at the Roman Ridge property in Accra. Dr Addison was at home when the heavily armed men, some in balaclavas, wielding AK-47 semi-automatic rifles, showed up to conduct a search.
Asaase News has gathered that the team from National Security when they first arrived immediately disabled the CCTV system at the property.
They then demanded that Dr Addison lead them to the “vaults” in his house. According to Asaase Radio, the former Governor, told them that he had no vaults or any such cache of cash at home.
This did not, however, deter the security personnel, who, according to eyewitnesses, went ahead to allegedly ransack the house.
No vaults were found and no large amounts of cash were also found, according to Asaase News sources. After their search yielded no results, they decided to take the CCTV monitor and control unit with them.
Dr Addison, his wife, and their entire family are said to be traumatized after the raid, a close associate of the Addison family told Asaase News.
A former retired senior official of the central bank, when contacted about the raid, had this to say: “This is the first time in the history of Ghana that such a thing is happening to a Governor of the Bank of Ghana. This is both scary and messy,” he said.
This is, at least, the second time Mr Jakpa has led a group of armed men to raid the home of high-profile former appointees of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration since President John Mahama was sworn into office on 7 January 2025.
Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s longest-serving finance minister, was the first such high profile person whose home in Labone, Accra, was also raided by over 15 armed men on Monday, 10 February 2025.
The raid was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the property, and the footage was subsequently released to the public.
Gold Stars FC has leapfrogged Asante Kotoko at the top of the Premier League table after a crucial 1-0 win at Basake Holy Stars in an outstanding matchday 20 fixture on Wednesday March 19, 2025.
Michael Nkoah scored the decisive goal in the 69th minute to separate the two teams at the Ampain AAK Arena.
The win has lifted the Miners to the summit of the table with 40 points, one adrift of second-placed Asante Kotoko, who dropped points at Young Apostles.
Defending champions FC Samartex 1996 rallied from behind to beat Medeama SC 2-1 in the Western derby on Wednesday.
Medeama opened the scoring in the 44th minute through Emmanuel Owusu before Akwasi Sarpong pulled parity in the 55th minute.
Emmanuel Owusu Boakye scored from the spot in the 76th minute to give the Timber giants the maximum points at the Nsenkyire Arena.
Aduana FC pulled the chestnut out of the blazing fire with a remarkable 1-0 win at Nations FC on the road on Wednesday March 19. Emmanuel Marfo Adu’s 70th minute strike separated the two teams at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.
Dreams FC recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Heart of Lions to make it back-t0-back wins for the first time this season. The visitors shot ahead courtesy Joseph Esso’s 18th minute penalty before Nana Kwame Oppong pulled parity.
Marshah Kofi sealed victory for the Believers with the decisive goal in the 75th minute to separate the two teams at the Kpando Stadium. The win has lifted Dreams to 12th in the table while Lions remain third with 37 points from 21 matches.
Bechem United recorded a 1-0 win over Hearts of Oak in an entertaining match at the Nana Gyeabour park on Wednesday.
The Hunters bagged maximum points courtesy Kofi Tompuo’s 52nd minute strike. The two teams are now are pegged on 36 points apiece.
Asante Kotoko and Young Apostles share the spoils at Wenchi Sports Complex. Two teams failed to score a goal as Matchday 20 ended in goalless draw.
![My life was threatened – Adwoa Safo [Audio]](https://www.ghanamma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3ee7c2b85706c7787ba987e5b8084a7a.jpeg "My life was threatened – Adwoa Safo [Audio]")
Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP), Sarah Adwoa Safo has expressed deep concerns about the impact of her role on the safety and well-being of her family.
The former Gender Minister has disclosed that her life was threatened with the safety of her children in jeopardy during the 2012 election.
She revealed this in an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, stressing the threats occurred on multiple occasions and she had to take a brave decision.
This, she explained, was the reason she had to send her two children abroad for their well-being and safety.
“I sent my children abroad during the 2012 election because my life was being threatened including that of my children.
“Someone went into my children’s school on two occasions to impersonate my driver in order to pick them. But fortunately, the school called me to verify and I couldn’t watch it happen a third time,” she stated.
Although she did not mention which people were involved, she acknowledged that it could have been from any front, considering that herself and the children’s father are all politically exposed persons.
She made the revelation while recounting the sacrifices she has made for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highlighting a court case over a fraud detected in the parliamentary results in 2012.
“So I have sacrificed a lot for the NPP to deliberately hurt them but once things don’t go well and you speak up, you are tagged as bad,” she said.
Education policy and reform expert Akwasi Addae Boahene has criticized the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, arguing that its implementation lacked a holistic approach.
According to him, the policy failed to address the three crucial drivers of secondary education—access, relevance, and equity—while various challenges hindered efforts to resolve issues related to relevance and equity.
Speaking at the Achimota Speaks program on Wednesday, March 19, under the theme “The Free SHS Concept: What Reforms Are Required?”, Boahene asserted that the politicization of the initiative overshadowed valuable insights, resulting in a series of missteps.
He noted that Ghana missed a critical opportunity to establish a consistent, robust, and sustainable education system capable of supporting the country’s social development.
“With a certain sense of equalization, this policy created uneasiness within the educational landscape and among stakeholders. What began as a promising and transformative policy with the capacity to catalyse our nation’s economic and social advancement became mired in political manoeuvring, administrative obstacles, and political debate, which diluted its benefits.”
He further emphasized, “The politicization of this initiative eclipsed invaluable insights during its execution, leading to cascading errors. As a result, we lost the opportunity to forge a more consistent, robust, cohesive, and sustainable foundation for the social maintenance of Ghanaian society.”
Boahene also reiterated that the policy’s shortcomings stemmed from its failure to fully integrate the key pillars of secondary education.
“Moreover, this policy lacked a holistic approach, failing to encompass secondary education’s three crucial drivers, which are access, relevance, and equity. The myriad challenges attached to its implementation hindered a thorough resolution of relevance and equity issues,” he stated.
Hip-hop star Stormzy will receive an honorary degree from Cambridge where he has launched a scholarship programme for black students, the prestigious British university said Wednesday.
The British grime rapper, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Junior, “will receive a Doctorate in Law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact in a number of fields, including education, music, sport and literature”, Cambridge said on its website.
Stormzy, who has 9.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, will receive his honorary diploma after approval by Regent House, the university’s governing body.
The 31-year-old star has a long relationship with Cambridge.
In 2018, he launched a programme to provide full tuition and living expenses for two black British students to study at the university.
It has since expanded to fund 12 annual scholarships, according to Cambridge, which said a total 55 students had received them so far.
“The ‘Stormzy effect’ has been credited with being a contributor to an increase in applications to Cambridge from Black students across the UK,” it said.
Stormzy made news in January for less lofty reasons, when a London judge banned him from driving for nine months after he was caught using a phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce.
Other laureates slated to receive honorary degrees from Cambridge at the upcoming session include US activist and academic Angela Davis, an icon of the fight against racism.
Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector-General of Police has made his first move by announcing the names of the new Police Management Board for the Ghana Police Service.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, a statement signed by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Director, Public Affairs announced the names of the new Police Management Board.
Evolving events in the recent past have strengthened my wrist to mate quill and parchment. After all, “disuse numbs the wrist”, as Lawrence Darmani philosophically affirmed in The Scribbler’s Dream. The poet suggested that constantly practising one’s craft is a sure way to stay relevant in any field.
Until December 2023, I was a columnist, serving readers with opinions on current issues. My opinions, in the form of articles, were published on Ghanaweb and sometimes in the Daily Graphic. But why the long hiatus? Well, let me say I am back. I have returned to writing duties to perfect my art, and to lend credence to Darmani’s poetic statement.
Oh, was that long introduction necessary? Why not jump straight to link the title of this article to the termination of Dr Akuffo Dampare’s appointment? His appointment was terminated at will by the president of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama. This is trite; it bears no repeating. The foremost and 23rd inspector general of police was not sacked or dismissed. I am an HR practitioner, so I understand the intricacies of recruitment and retention and, even more clearly, the distinction between termination and dismissal. From what I have read, he was not dismissed as an IGP.
This honourable (you may disagree with my description of him as honourable) IGP has been vocally battered after his termination. As they say, ‘videos don’t lie.’ In a video I watched on Facebook, some people, believed to be police officers who ought to work with whoever is appointed IGP, were seen jumping, rolling, and tossing arms, ostensibly celebrating Dr Dampare’s exit!
I cannot pass judgment; I won’t say what they did was fair. And I can’t say it was not fair, either. There are many wise Ghanaians who may be able to pass a verdict on the conduct of those men and women in uniform at that moment. Do you remember the lyrics in Paa Bobo’s AsꜪm mmpꜪ nnipa song? What message did the mother tortoise pass to her young when the hunter smothered them in an old sack, intending to seek the chief’s honour and approval of the village volks?
“Mpanin wↄ fie”, she said.
I am a qualitative researcher. It is widely acknowledged that qualitative researchers make meaning from texts, images, and videos. We wear our epistemic and ontological guards, studying reality by interpreting what we read, see, or watch with a certain philosophical lens.
In this article, I interpret the name-calling, verbal vituperations, and unmasked innuendos targeted at the person of the former IGP from my understanding of organisational leadership or management within the Ghanaian context. I think I am qualified to talk about organisational leadership as I have lived experiences, having worked in leadership in five different private and public organisations in three regions in Ghana. This sample is small but large enough to make extrapolations.
In most organisations in Ghana, good managers, bosses, or leaders are the easy-going ones. These easy-going team leaders immediately attract love and congeniality from the team they lead. I call them the “People’s Bosses”. The people’s bosses’ preoccupation is to save face at the expense of structures or policies. They want to be inwardly and outwardly pleasing to all employees.
“Hello, boss, it’s threatening to rain so I may not come to work, or I may be late”. “My umbrella is weak; no taxis are passing.” The people’s boss responds, “Oh yeah, yeah, that’s fine. No problem”. He would not engage in any critical discussions, lest he courts disaffection.
“Boss, my mother’s sister’s aunt’s church member is at the hospital, so I will be late”, the same employee calls the “People’s Boss” the next day.
“Don’t worry, it’s important. Just make sure you come to work after the visit. Greet her for me and buy me koko and koose when you are returning.”
“What a good boss. Ahh, he understands things”. He is not kyenkyenee. Lol!
Then comes another “bad, wicked leader” whose vision is to steer his team to deliver or even exceed expectations, directing teams, and ensuring that company policies are strictly obeyed. The word ‘strict’ is what makes these bosses bad. I am one of them, anyway. The bad boss says, “Twenty minutes late every day is not normal”. Can we improve on our punctuality, please”?
“Too much traffic in town, boss. The overpass in Lapaz is uncharitably traffic-dazed” (I don’t even understand these words).
The bad leader ‘inhumanely’ responds, “Yes, this situation, hmmm. My route is worse, so I now wake up earlier than usual because I don’t want to be late”.
Do you get the drift, reader? I mean, do you get the satiric cue in the flow of communication between employees and the two characterised leaders? I hope so. When his disciples asked why he was always speaking in parables, Jesus said, “…Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them”. (Matthew 13:11, NIV)
Dr Dampare suffered from his own men and women because he was a bad leader, insisting on standards. “Are you the only IGP?” They quizzed.
“He is too strict. We can’t hold black polyethylene and walk about in town, why?” “We must make sure our uniforms are neatly worn all the time. Aaaba! He is too overbearing.”
“He’s promoting his people, a corrupt man. We want to enter College; let us enter, regardless of circumstances. “My friend, my friend, rank is like blood in the police service, give it to us, hey, hey!”
“You are streamlining and centralizing communication. Why? No degree of freedom, why?”
Bad leader IGP: “We are all citizens and must have equal access to the roads which are constructed with our taxes and resources. We can’t pretend to be Napoleon in George Orwell’s satirical piece, Animal Farm. So, I say, here and now, all road users must comply with road traffic regulations. No unfettered access by a group of people: pastors, lawyers, MPs, ministers”.
“If you misbehave as a man of God, I will rely on the laws of Ghana to bring you to book”.
Those who felt the IGP was becoming a threat to “freedom” used Squealer (in Animal Farm) to spread hate and disinformation. Soon, the tactics caught on. The “bad leader” has fallen at the sword of unprincipled sapiens. Immeasurably disenchanting!
Dear reader, let’s connect back to the organisational leadership scenario I created in the early sections of this piece. As a Human Resource Manager, I was tagged ‘too knowing’ for ensuring strict compliance with policies and procedures that the employees themselves swore to abide by. I was seen as an old-school authoritarian leader who enforces rules, sets expectations, and holds employees accountable.
There were other team leaders, the people’s bosses, who were deemed visionary and understanding. Such bosses say, “Oh but true leadership is bout swearing heaven and earth to keep employees comfortable. Ah, employees must feel the workplace is a resort, for relaxation, no pressure. They can’t kill themselves”.
“Nice, nice boss. He understands human beings! What a good boss!”
The People’s Bosses make their organisations flourish—not in performance or innovation, but in morale. Employees are always smiling, not because they are excelling, but because they know that no matter what they do (or don’t do), they will always be in the good books of their bosses. After all, the people’s bosses understand people.
Missed deadlines? No problem! “You tried your best, and that’s what matters.”
Lack of commitment? That’s just a sign of work-life balance!
Obvious incompetence? Ah, but who are we to judge? Everyone has strengths; perhaps lateness and inefficiency are just hidden talents waiting for the right moment to shine.
Conflict resolution is another area where the People’s Boss truly excels. Instead of addressing workplace disputes with clear directives, he employs his signature technique: neutrality wrapped in excessive politeness. If two employees are at war, he nods at both sides, reassures them that “everything will be fine,” and then swiftly exits the scene before any real decisions must be made.
Discipline is an outdated concept in his world. After all, punishing an employee might make them unhappy, and we cannot have that! A leader’s legacy, in his eyes, is not measured by the results achieved but by how well he is liked. “He was a kind man,” they will say at his farewell party, conveniently ignoring the organization’s steady decline into mediocrity.
And so, the People’s Boss retires one day, leaving behind a workforce skilled in excuse-making, unbothered by deadlines, and perfectly clever at avoiding responsibility. His legacy? A generation of employees trained to expect leadership without consequence, accountability without discipline, and success without effort.
But, dear reader, it’s not like that in the Western world. There are only few-to- no People’s Bosses in many overseas countries, including the UK where I live. Can I say they don’t exist here in the UK? There are only “bad leaders” in advanced countries where most Ghanaian workers would love to live and work.
Dr Dampare, the IGP, lost the battle because he was a “bad leader”. If he wanted to prolong his stay as an IGP, it would have been ideal for him to wrap himself in the garment of the People’s Boss. In any case, most local companies and government agencies have such bosses in charge of leadership.
Have you wondered why Indian, Syrian, Chinese, and other foreigner-owned enterprises, by knowledge, flourish? It is because they have “bad leaders” championing affairs.
Me si ha kyia wo pii.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Ghana is ramping up efforts to enhance local content participation in the mining industry, aiming to maximize the beneficiation of its mineral resources. By supporting small-scale miners, promoting local procurement and ensuring international firms hire and train local staff, Ghana is catalyzing employment creation, revenue generation for local businesses and driving GDP growth through the expansion of the mining industry.
The upcoming Mining in Motion Summit, taking place from 2nd – 4th June 2025, in Accra, will highlight the role of local mining entities in industry expansion, showcasing the collaboration between the government and international partners to accelerate economic growth through increased local participation.
Ghana’s commitment to local involvement is yielding substantial results, with the small-scale gold mining sector employing one million people, indirectly supporting 4.5 million more and generating over US$5 billion in export revenue in 2024 alone.
To further empower local players, the government has introduced key policy reforms and a series of financing and skills training programs. In January 2025, Ghana announced the establishment of the Gold Board, set to launch in March 2025, which will consolidate gold output from small-scale and industrial mining projects for international exports. The initiative aims to streamline gold commercialization for small-scale miners while enabling them to secure funding through certificates of gold sales.
In August 2024, Ghana also unveiled plans for a Cooperative Mining Policy designed to establish community mining cooperatives. The cooperatives will provide training, register miners and issue concessions, fostering job creation and formalizing the sector.
In parallel, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources secured World Bank funding in April 2024, to implement the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project. The project seeks to enhance the formalization of small-scale mining operations through District Mining Committees. Furthermore, the Minerals and Mining (Local Content & Local Participation) Regulations, 2020, require international firms to procure Ghanaian goods and services in their operations, enhancing the participation of local firms in project development and maintenance.
With several large-scale projects underway, including Goldstone’s Homase Mine, Atlantic Lithium’s Ewoyaa Project, the Cardinal Namdini Gold Mine and Newmont’s Ahafo North Project, the policy continues to strengthen local content participation in Ghana’s mining sector.
Amidst these developments, the Mining in Motion Summit will serve as a platform for high-level discussions and networking, addressing key trends and advancements in local content development within Ghana’s mining industry.
This period represents the final opportunity for corrections before the list is finalised
The organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have opened a review period to address potential errors or oversights in its nomination process.
In a post on its official social media platforms, the organisers invited artistes, managers, and music industry stakeholders who have concerns about the recently released nominees list to appeal.
This window, which runs until Sunday, March 23, 2025, allows individuals to scrutinise the nominee list for any inaccuracies or omissions and suggest changes.
“The Errors and Omissions window is open until Sunday, 23 March 2025. Send in your concerns to [email protected] before the deadline,” the post read.
This review period represents the final opportunity for corrections before the official nominee list is finalised.
Artistes and industry professionals are encouraged to take advantage of this window to ensure their work is properly acknowledged.
See the post below:
For the People. For the Culture. For the Music. 🎤🔥#26thTGMA pic.twitter.com/14iBptD9Wi
— Telecel Ghana Music Awards (@GHMusicAwards) March 18, 2025
ID/AE
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You can also watch videos from the unveiling of the 2025 TGMA nominees on GhanaWeb TV below:
MP for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, has accused the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akufo Dampare, of misruling the police service, alleging that he was a victim of that administrative lapse.
He narrated an incident where police officers armed with AK-47 rifles allegedly chased him in his home and even at church, as though he was a common criminal.
In a video shared on X by TV3, on March 19, 2025, the MP said, “I personally was a victim of Dampare’s misruling. When police officers were chasing me in my home, in the church with AK47 as though I was a common criminal and went to court all kinds of peddled falsehood.”
According to Sosu, such treatment was as a result of the accusations leveled against him that he blocked a road during a demonstration.
“I just didn’t finish writing those books. If those charges were correct, I should be behind bars today,” he said.
Francis-Xavier Sosu further suggested that the allegations made against him were politically motivated.
“I’m saying that you can create all the propaganda in the media, but the reality is what will expose you once there’s a change in government; you’ll be exposed. When the frog dies, then we see the length of the frog,” he stated.
The MP condemned the public perception of Dampare, saying that the media painted him as a saviour of the police service but in reality, he failed as a leader.
“Now, we are seeing the length of the man who was portrayed by the media to be the savior of the police service. He simply failed it,” he said.
Watch video below:
I was a victim of Dampare’s unruly behaviour – Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, MP for Madina #Agenda
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) March 19, 2025
RAD/AE
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask
George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment
The government through the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has instituted two technical working committees to oversee the implementation of its flagship employment initiatives; the Adwumawura Programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme.
The 12-member Adwumawura Technical Committee and the 14-member National Apprenticeship Technical Committee have been tasked with ensuring the successful execution of these policies, which are designed to create sustainable employment opportunities for young Ghanaians.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Wednesday, March 19, the sector minister, George Opare Addo, charged the committees to expedite the rollout of the initiatives to address rising youth unemployment.
He has also set a two-week deadline for a comprehensive report on the programme’s implementation progress.
“This Adwumawura programme aims to empower 10,000 Ghanaians every year between the ages of 18 and 35 and to also help them launch their businesses, effectively lowering the employment rate among our young people. Through this programme, we are committed to contributing with the necessary support, in terms of training, financing, and special opportunities to make young entrepreneurs realize their dreams,” he stated.
SP/EK
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President John Mahama visited the team to motivate them ahead of the upcoming games
The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama visited the Black Stars on Wednesday to motivate the team ahead of the upcoming games in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He was received by the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, and engaged the team with encouraging words ahead of the matches against Chad and Madagascar.
During the engagement with the team, President John Dramani Mahama who was accompanied by Sports Minister Kofi Adams assured the players and technical staff of the support of the Nation.
The Black Stars led by head coach Otto Addo and his technical team opened camp in Accra on Monday to begin preparations for the two games.
The national team of Ghana is scheduled to take on Chad and Madagascar in crucial games in Group I in the March international break.
Ghana’s game against Chad is scheduled for Friday, March 21, and will kick off 7pm at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars will subsequently travel to Morocco to face off with Madagascar on March 24.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara don call for calm following di declaration of a state of emergency for di state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and announcement of im suspension and dat of im deputy governor, State Assembly members and all elected officers.
President Tinubu also announce Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas Rtd as di sole Administrator for di state for an initial six months.
For statement wey e sign imsef, Governor Fubara maintain say since e assume office as governor, all im actions and decisions dey guided by im constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
E say e prioritize di protection of lives and property and ensure continuous progress of di State.
“Even in di face of di political impasse, we still remain committed to constitutional order and di rule of law, putting di interest of our pipo above all else.
Dis na why, immediately after Mr. President intervention to broker peace, we no hesitate to implement di agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners wey bin don previously resigned on dia own volition.
Furthermore, we move swiftly to comply with di Supreme Court judgement immediately we receive di certified true copy of di judgement to return di state to normalcy.
Dis steps no dey taken for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at evri turn, members of di Rivers State House of Assembly frustrate our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.” E tok.
Fubara say despite political disagreements, e follow di ethics of good governance, pay salaries and execute projects and ensure say Rivers State dey safe, secure and peaceful under im watch.
At dis critical time, Fubara ask all Rivers pipo to remain peaceful and law-abiding while dem go engage with all relevant institutions to ensure say democracy remains strong and Rivers State continues to thrive.
‘State of emergency na di govnor fault’ – Amaewhule react
Di supended Speaker of di Rivers State House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule don blame di declaration of di State of emergency on Governor Fubara.
For statement e sign in reaction to di declaration of a state of emergency for di state by President Tinubu, Amaewhule say di condition of di state na becos “di govnor don serially disobey judgements and orders of court and fail to govern di state in line with im oath of office and constitution.”
Amaewhule add say di assembly go abide with di declaration even though no be wetin dem pray for as Mr President act in di best interest of di state.
E also call for calm as e say di sole administrator go work in di best interest of di state and dem as an assembly go give am any support e need during di period of di emergency.
NBA say di suspension of Governor Fubara and declaration of of state of emergency dey ‘unconstitutional’
Di Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) say di purported suspension by di president of di governor of Rivers State, di deputy governor, and members of di Rivers State House of Assembly for six months dey unconstitutional.
For statement wey di President of di NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN sign, e say di 1999 constitution no grant di president di power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state legislature under di guise of a state of emergency.
Rather, di constitution provide clear procedures for di removal of a governor and deputy governor as per Section 188. Similarly, e say di removal of members of di House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament dey governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws, none of which appear to dey followed in di present circumstances.
“A declaration of emergency no automatically dissolve or suspend elected state goments. Di constitution no empower di president to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials – such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.”
Di NBA firmly say di situation for Rivers state, though politically tense, no meet di constitutional threshold for di removal of elected officials.
Di NBA President say declaration of a state of emergency for Rivers state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as e dey for im address to di nation on, 18 March 2025 na due to di prevailing political tension in di state and due to di “vandalization of pipelines between yesterday and today:”
Dis development Osigwe say get far-reaching constitutional and democratic implications, particularly in light of di provisions of Section 305 of di 1999 Constitution of di Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), wey govern di procedure for di proclamation of a state of emergency and wey di president say e rely upon.
“Section 305 of di Constitution indeed vests di president with di power to declare a state of emergency, di section give strict conditions and procedural safeguards wey must be followed to ensure say such extraordinary measures no go affect di democratic governance and fundamental human rights.”
Di NBA dey question weda di political crisis for Rivers state don reach di level of a complete breakdown of law and order wey go warrant di removal of di governor and im administration.
Di statement say di purported removal of Governor Fubara, im deputy, and members of di Rivers State House of Assembly diafor dey unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to our nation’s democracy.”
Furthermore, e add say subsection (2) of Section 305 provide say:
“A Proclamation issued by di President under dis section go cease to get effect—
(a) if e no dey approved by a resolution of di National Assembly within two days wen di National Assembly dey in session; or
(b) if di National Assembly no dey in session, within ten days after dem reconvene.”
Dis e say mean say di provisions provide say a state of emergency declared by di president no go assume automatic validity as e require legislative ratification within a defined timeframe to remain in effect.
“Di NBA, diafore, emphasize say unless di National Assembly duly approve di proclamation, di declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State remains constitutionally inchoate and ineffective.” E tok.
In light of all dis, di Nigerian Bar Association stand na say:
Di President no get di constitutional power to remove an elected governor under a state of emergency. Any such action na unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance and di autonomy of state goments.
Dem also call on di National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify di removal of di Rivers State Governor and oda elected officials. Di approval of a state of emergency must be based on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency.
PDP Reject Emergency Rule in Rivers State
Di Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) don reject emergency rule for Rivers State wey President Tinubu announce.
For statement wey di National tok tok pesin of di party, Debo Ologunagba sign, dem say di PDP outrightly reject di attempt by di president to override di Constitution of di Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine di votes and will of di pipo of Rivers State by seeking to remove a democratic goment and force an undemocratic rule in di State.
E say di unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of di suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern di state na clear attack on di nation democracy, and a cancellation of di votes and democratic right of di pipo of Rivers State to choose dia leader under di Constitution.
“Di action of Mr. President clearly border on attempt at state capture. Na di climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State wey di All Progressives Congress (APC) don dey fan di crisis to ensure say democracy dey ultimately truncated for di state.”
Di statement emphasise say Governor Fubara dey democratically elected for a tenure of four years and im tenure no fit dey unconstitutionally abridged.
Di PDP caution Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect di constitution and ensure say e no take any action or step wey dey capable of derailing di smooth democratic governance for Rivers State as Nigeria no dey under a military rule wia governance of a state na by appointment by a junta.
‘We stand in solidarity with Govnor Fubara’ – PDPGF
Di Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum ( PDPGF) say dem dey concerned with di suspension of democratic rule in Rivers state by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For statement wey Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State/Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum sign, dem say di forum stand in solidarity with Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and di pipo of Rivers State at dis time.
“Dia is no oda time wey our philosophy of “TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL” dey more apt dan now. Pesin wey go to di court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on di active role played by your Minister of di FCT in di Rivers impasse dey golden and enabling. E don become a law unto imself becos im dey play out your script. Now we know. Dis dey totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.”
Dem add say di forum stand by wetin NBA don tok about di mata and call on di president to listen to wise counsel and di voice of reason, as well as accept say e make serious mistakes and act in haste, and reverse dis decision before e dey too late.
A New Chapter Unlocked.
Senegalese football star Sadio Mane, known for his humility and philanthropic efforts, has added a new chapter to his life as he welcomes his first child with his teenage wife, Aisha Tamba.
Table of Contents
The couple, who tied the knot in January 2024, recently celebrated the birth of their daughter, Animata, with a traditional naming ceremony in Dakar, Senegal.
Akosua Ago Aboagye, the newly appointed radio manager of Sompa FM, has captured attention not only for her impressive career milestone but also for her impeccable sense of style. The seasoned media personality recently made a bold fashion statement in a stunning African dress paired with a trendy hairstyle, reflecting both elegance and cultural pride.
In a series of photos circulating on social media, Akosua was seen rocking a beautifully designed African print dress that perfectly complemented her figure. The outfit featured vibrant colors and intricate patterns, symbolizing Ghanaian heritage while maintaining a modern touch. Her choice of accessories, including classy earrings and a matching handbag, completed the sophisticated look.
Adding to her elegance, she sported a stylish hairstyle that blended contemporary trends with a natural African touch. The well-styled hairdo accentuated her beauty, making her stand out as a true fashion icon in the media industry. Fans and colleagues have praised her for effortlessly combining professionalism with style.
Beyond her stunning appearance, Akosua Ago Aboagye’s appointment as the new radio manager at Sompa FM has been widely celebrated. With years of experience in the media landscape, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to the station. Many believe her expertise will contribute significantly to the growth and success of Sompa FM.
Her fashion choice at her new role’s announcement event sent a strong message about embracing African culture while remaining stylish and confident. In an era where media personalities often influence trends, Akosua’s elegant look has inspired many women to embrace African prints and unique hairstyles.
Social media has been buzzing with admiration, with fans complimenting both her fashion sense and her achievements. Some have even described her as a role model for young women looking to balance professionalism with self-expression.
As she takes on her new managerial role at Sompa FM, Akosua Ago Aboagye continues to prove that women can be both powerful and stylish. Her bold fashion choices, coupled with her leadership abilities, make her one of the most inspiring figures in Ghana’s media industry today.
Source: YEN.COM
Bernard Ahiafor
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has directed a three-day pre-laying consultation on the Environmental Protection (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (Mining in Forest Reserves), which seeks to revoke the presidential powers to grant mining licences in forest reserves.
According to him, the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation is expected to submit its report by Thursday before the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) can be officially laid before Parliament.
Minority Leader
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, emphasised the need for broader stakeholder engagement before the L.I. is laid.
He cited Article 11 (7) of the Constitution, which mandates that any rule or regulation laid before Parliament will automatically come into force after 21 sitting days unless annulled by a two-thirds majority.
He argued that a pre-laying consultation would allow for necessary amendments and fine-tuning before the instrument is formally introduced.
“We support the government’s commitment to protecting our forests, but it is important to follow due process. The pre-laying procedure allows for broader consultation, ensuring that all concerns are addressed before the instrument is laid,” he stated.
Majority Leader
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, however, opposed the pre-laying consultation, describing the amendment as a straightforward, one-clause provision that withdraws the president’s power to grant mining rights in forest reserves.
He argued that there is national consensus on the matter, and further stakeholder engagement is unnecessary.
“The President has made a firm commitment to Ghanaians that he does not want the power to allow mining in forest reserves. This is a simple withdrawal of authority, and there is no need for further discussion. Let us lay the instrument and move on,” he asserted.
Haruna
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu supported the Majority Leader’s stance, reinforcing that there was an urgency to deal with illegal mining activities.
He stressed the need for consensus-building on the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to devastate Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
On the other hand, the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor supported the need for a pre-laying procedure, highlighting that mining in forest reserves is still ongoing despite the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining.
He emphasised that a comprehensive consultation would ensure the amendment effectively removes presidential discretion in granting mining licences.
Deputy Speaker Rules
The First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, ruled that the amendment must undergo a pre-laying consideration by the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation within three days.
He stressed that while the Constitution does not mandate a pre-laying process, it has become an established parliamentary convention to ensure thorough scrutiny before formal introduction.
“Given the urgency of this matter, I direct that the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation conduct an expedited pre-laying review within three days and submit its report by Thursday. After this process, the L.I. can be laid before the House,” he ruled.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable has dragged veteran Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa for taking down his song from streaming platforms over copyright infringement.
Portable in a viral video on Instagram on Wednesday, blasted Saheed Osupa for reporting his song.
Portable had used one line from Osupa’s song, resulting in its removal from Spotify and Apple Music after complaints by the Fuji singer and his distributors.
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has slammed President John Mahama’s decision to restructure the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
In a social media post, he expressed concern over the dismissal of the Chief of Defence Staff, all Service Chiefs, and 12 senior military officers of the rank of Major-General and above.
Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has challenged the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to complete inherited infrastructure projects, particularly in the health sector.
Commenting on the 2025 Budget Statement during parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Dr Afriye urged the NDC to emulate the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which he noted avoids politicising health infrastructure and commits to finishing inherited projects.
“The beauty of NPP’s thinking; we always continue projects that NDC leaves. Whenever NDC comes, they are unable to continue; they abandon them. Mr. Speaker, they abandon them, and I have a reason to say so. They did so to Euroget projects — the Euroget projects at Wa. It was left until Akufo-Addo came. They did so also to Afari Military Hospital. It was supposed to be in Kumasi; they tried to move it to Accra, they tried to relocate it to the north. Eventually, after two, three years, it came back to Kumasi, and very soon, they will need power there, and when the power goes to the site, it will be fully complete. You are to see to it,” he said.
He emphasised that Ghanaians ultimately have no interest in political affiliations and are more concerned with the quality of healthcare and their lifestyle, stressing the need to avoid politicising the health sector.
“That is the beauty of it, continue it. The people of Ghana don’t care about your NDC and NPP; all they care about is their healthcare and that their lifestyle must change. Overpoliticisation is not good; it is dangerous for healthcare,” he stated.
The NPP has been critical of the contents of the 2025 Budget Statement presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on March 11, 2025.
According to the opposition, the budget, among other shortfalls, fails to outline a source of funding for the completion of the Agenda 111 projects, a key infrastructure initiative of the previous government.
GA/AE
Catch up on the mysterious and historic details of Fort Amsterdam in this final part of our Ghana Month Series on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below:
Gospel musician, Broda Sammy
Popular Ghanaian gospel musician, Broda Sammy, has advised his colleagues in the industry to embrace versatility in their music to maximise their earning potentials.
Speaking in an interview on the ‘Asetena Pa’ show with Akoto Mansa, the artiste testified that there is money in the industry as long as musicians take advantage of their craft.
“There is money in the gospel music industry. I can testify. If you are a gospel musician and you want to make money, study me,” Broda Sammy declared.
He explained that while worship songs are relevant, they are often limited to church events.
However, he said incorporating danceable beats and drumming opens the artiste up to a wider range of events.
“If you compose only worship songs, you only get called to perform in churches. But if you compose songs with a lot of drumming and danceable beats, you will get booked for a lot of events; from weddings to birthdays to even funerals,” he said.
Using himself as an example, Broda Sammy said, “When I used to compose only worship songs, brands like MTN never called me. But when I started composing songs with dancing, I started getting bookings because, at such events, they want people to dance.”
He advised his colleagues who specialise only in worship songs to expand and diversify their craft, stating, “The Lord is not a one-way God. Why would you be one? Add some spice to your craft,” he urged.
ID/AE
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The Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock needs revamping to support the government’s 24-hour economy and provide employment for the youth.
The institution is one of the institutions established by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, but is now struggling to survive.
The shipyard, located at the Tema Port was established in 1965 on 48.45 acres of land as part of the overall infrastructure requirement for Ghana’s maritime industry.
It has two graving docks, with the first one, “Dock 1”, which is rated as the largest dock in West Africa, having a length of 277 metres, a 45 metre breadth, and a deadweight capacity of 100,000 depth width tonnes (DWT), while the ‘Dock 2’ also measures 106 m by 12.6 m, and it’s suitable for docking smaller vessels such as tugboats and fishing vessels.
The shipyard also has a fitting-out quay measuring 245 m for repairs on-float water.
Stephen Ampiaw, General Manager, Fishing Harbour at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), briefing Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, in a recent visit, indicated that in 1996, the government divested all of its interest and shares to the German ship corporation.
Ampiaw, who is an engineer, added that in 2012, the government required all of the shares back, and in 2016, gave the GPHA supervision over the shipyard, seconding staff to it.
He revealed that the institution “all the way through 2022, the staff strength used to be nearly 270; currently we are 22 staff, including the CEO and the deputy CEO,” adding
that, “We have various workshops here: electrical, fabrication, marine, carpentry, and a health facility which is not functioning now.”
According to him, to get the shipyard to operate at its full capacity, there was the need to refurbish its pumps to be able to meet the standard of flooding the docks within a few hours, stating that “because the pumps are not functioning at full capacity, sometimes it takes some days, sometimes between four days to one week, to dewater; it is not acceptable.”
The dry-dock, he added, also needed to replace some of the machines installed by the first president, as some were not working, noting that the cranes also need refurbishment or replacement.
“We need to dredge the entrances of the two docks and the fitting-out quay so that vessels can easily manoeuvre and enter the dock or seal out. We need to work on the structures we have in the yard, warehouses, workshop, slipway, and offices, among others.”
The General Manager for the Fishing Harbour also called for the paving of the yard to be able to receive the weight of the cranes when moving around, in addition to lighting up the yard as soon as possible for total visibility to support the 24-hour service.
Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, regretted the retrogressing of the shipyard, saying that it was part of the government’s intention to run the place as part of the 24-hour economy.
He said the president was committed to revamping the shipyard, adding that if Ghana wants to maintain its gateway status, it should be able to provide repair services for the many vessels using its marine waters.
“As the government is looking for a worthy partner, we are also looking at how we will turn to GPHA. If we can leverage the port to revamp the shipyard, it will be for the benefit of all of us. That is if we are unable to get the right partner to help in the revamping,” he said.
According to him, for the resetting of the country and the 24-hour economy to work, it would depend on the operations of the ports, reiterating that their hopes were with the port community and would therefore work hard to revamp the dry-dock to fulfil its vision and mission of its establishment.
Image from Asante Kotoko’s reverse fixture against Young Apostles
Ghana Premier League debutants Young Apostles host Asante Kotoko for their second clash of the season at the Nana Abrefa Nketiah VII Park in Wenchi.
The reverse fixture between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, and Young Apostles will be eager to cause an upset against Kotoko, who are determined to secure a win and extend their lead at the top of the table.
Young Apostles have been formidable at home, going unbeaten in their last five matches while keeping four consecutive clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko have only failed to score once in their last five away games. During this period, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat.
A victory for Prosper Ogum Narteh’s side will put them back on track after their 1-1 draw against Samartex on Saturday, March 16, 2025.
Young Apostles have turned their home ground into a fortress, remaining unbeaten in Wenchi since November 2004, when they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Medeama.
This season, they have played 10 home matches, winning five, drawing three, and losing two.
With both teams eager for a crucial win, this promises to be an intense battle in the Ghana Premier League.
Watch the live streaming below
EE/EK
Meanwhile, watch Minister of Sports Kofi Adams dismisses criticism of Black Stars’ commitment
Some white South African support President Donald Trump in his criticisms of their country
Close to 70,000 South Africans have expressed interest in moving to the US following Washington’s offer to resettle people from the country’s Afrikaner community, a business group has said.
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (Saccusa) said its website received tens of thousands of registrations from those seeking more information.
In a February executive order, President Donald Trump said Afrikaners – descendants of mainly Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th Century – could be admitted as refugees as they were “victims of unjust racial discrimination”.
Relations between the US and South Africa have become increasingly strained since Trump became president in January.
Saccusa said that in a “pivotal step”, it has handed the list of interested individuals to the US embassy in Pretoria.
An embassy official confirmed to the BBC that it had received the list.
Out of the 67,042 people who registered on Saccusa’s site, most had Afrikaner or English names, the organisation’s president, Neil Diamond, said.
Saccussa – a group representing South African businesspeople living in the US – said most of those who expressed interest in migrating were aged between 25 and 45 and had between two and three dependants.
The US-based business group is not an official government body, but got involved in the registering of interest by accident after it was inundated with requests for more information about resettlement, Mr Diamond told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
Some white South Africans say they are discriminated against, a claim that has caught the attention of right-wing groups in the US.
Simultaneously, South Africa’s white minority possess the vast majority of privately held land and wealth in the country, more than 30 years since the racist system of apartheid ended.
Tensions between South Africa and the US spiked in January, when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law a bill allowing the state to seize land without compensation, provided it was in the “public interest”.
The move followed years of calls for land reform, with activists and politicians seeking to redistribute farmland from the white minority.
In response to the new law, Trump signed the executive order offering refugee status to Afrikaners who were “escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination”.
In March, Trump extended the invitation to all farmers in South Africa, which he called “a bad place to be right now”.
Last month, the president cut aid to the country.
Ramaphosa responded to Trump’s criticisms by saying South Africa has not seized any land and that the new bill ensures “public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution”.
Regardless, the spat between the two countries has worsened. Last week the US expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing him as a “race-baiting politician”.
Social commentator Daniel Regha has voiced his disapproval of Nollywood actor Williams Uchemba’s recent statement regarding internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys.”
Uchemba had previously shared a post advising individuals involved in cyber fraud to redirect their energy into legitimate ventures to achieve financial success.
Former Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has declared her strong support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2028 elections.
According to Ghana Web, Despite his defeat in the 2024 polls, she believes he deserves another opportunity to contest.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Adwoa Safo defended her position by citing historical examples of leaders who faced setbacks before eventually winning.
She pointed to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s perseverance, recalling how critics doubted his chances but he eventually succeeded.
“For me, every person deserves a second chance… Nana Akufo-Addo became president after his third attempt,” she said, emphasizing that electoral losses should not automatically disqualify a candidate.
She also referenced late President John Atta Mills, who failed in his initial bids but later emerged victorious.
Drawing from her own experience, she shared how she lost her first parliamentary primary before winning on her second attempt, reinforcing her belief that persistence leads to success.
With the next general election still three years away, discussions within the NPP about its future leadership are already gaining momentum.
While some party members see Dr. Bawumia as the best candidate to reclaim power, others are rallying behind former Assin Central MP, Ken Agyapong.
Adwoa Safo, however, remains confident that Bawumia’s experience and visibility make him the ideal choice. She believes that if given another chance, he has what it takes to secure victory for the party in 2028.
News Hub Creator10h
Married women can consider wearing attractive clothing if they want to make a lasting impression at a formal event. These outfits strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, making them a versatile option that can be worn in both situations.
Kaftans are an elegant fashion choice due to their flowing shapes and intricate ornamentation. Because of their loose fit, which allows for mobility, they are ideal for occasions like formal banquets or cultural events. When it comes to mixing colours, patterns, and fabrics, the timeless options of blouses and skirts provide you the opportunity to showcase your individual style. Women can wear blouses that match the length of their skirts to complete their appearance, and they can choose from a variety of skirt lengths.
Wearing long gowns to formal events like weddings or galas is the height of style and creates a big impact. A beautifully crafted long gown exudes confidence and elegance while attracting onlookers’ attention with ease. When it comes to fashionable yet functional clothing, details are essential. Accessorising with a pocketbook, chic jewellery, and well-chosen heels can boost the overall look.
Selecting the best outfit also aids in deciding on the topic and location of the event. Regardless of whether you choose to wear a long gown, kaftan, skirt, blouse, or something else entirely, it’s usually a good idea to exude confidence in order to make a good first impression. Wearing clothes that fit properly not only improves one’s physical appearance but also makes it more likely that women will think one attractive and intelligent.
By Iddi Yire
Accra, March 19, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, President Dr Julius Maada Bio in Freetown.
During the talks, both leaders agreed to establish a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation between Ghana and Sierra Leone, to enhance their cooperation.
The one-day working visit to Freetown, forms part of the continuation of President Mahama’s tour of West African states in pursuit of Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of good neighbourliness.
Addressing a joint media briefing in Freetown at the end of the day’s working visit, President Mahama thanked his counterpart, for the honour he did him by attending his investiture as President on the 7th of January, 2025, at the Independence Square in Accra.
President Mahama said they discussed a broad range of issues and one of the most important points they agreed on was to establish the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation as quickly as possible to become the institutional framework for them to build their cooperation on.
He said they could work together in agriculture and food security as they discussed other issues such as power and electricity and how they could work together to enhance the West African power pool.
“We discussed issues of education and exchange, and we believe that the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation is going to be the best avenue on which we can build this cooperation together,” President Mahama stated.
Touching on the West Africa subregion, President Mahama said: “On sub-regional issues, as an old face but a new face in ECOWAS again, we discussed issues to do with the issue of terrorism and the current alliance of Sahelian states and ECOWAS, and we compared notes because he had previously visited the three countries and compared notes and belbelieved t it confirmed the basis for us to continue to cooperate as members of the same sub-region.”
He said President Bio also briefed him on the effort that was being made to get a common African position on security council reform, and that they were much in support of the efforts that he had been making in that regard.
President Mahama pledged to President Bio that Ghana would continue to work with him as advocates.
“At the end of it, he gave me a meal of jollof rice and it was very sumptuous, so I officially invited Sierra Leone to join Ghana and Nigeria in the jollof competition that we’ve been having, but we want to thank the Sierra Leonean people,” President Mahama said.
“I’m not new to Sierra Leone. I’ve done quite a lot of work here. I’ve been an election monitor here and I’m happy to have been able to come back.”
On his part, President Bio once again congratulated President Mahama for his victory in Ghana’s December 7, 2024, general election.
He said during their extensive meeting they discussed a range of issues in the spirit of excellent fraternal relations existing between the Ghana and Sierra Leone.
He said they had reviewed bilateral, regional and international matters of major interest and that they had identified to opportunities to further their development and democratic aspirations within the context of deepening regional cooperation.
During the visit, President Mahama took time to engage the Ghanaian community living in Freetown.
GNA
GRB
Accounting and auditing firm Deloitte has described the government’s 4% real GDP growth target for 2025 as realistic and attainable, considering the 5.7% growth recorded in 2024.
However, the firm warns that the expected slowdown is largely due to the government’s fiscal tightening and aggressive expenditure cuts, which could limit the rollout of key policies and programs.
In its 2025 budget review, Deloitte stressed the need for the government to reverse the trend of high budget deficits, which averaged 7.5% between 2021 and 2024.
With the projected 3.1% deficit for 2025, Deloitte believes this signals fiscal prudence, a key requirement under the IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. The firm also supports the government’s cautious spending approach, noting that it could help restore investor confidence and macroeconomic stability.
Despite the need for spending cuts, Deloitte underscores the urgent need for government-led economic expansion to tackle rising unemployment. The firm commends plans to prioritize investments in high-growth sectors but cautions that achieving a balance between austerity and job creation will be challenging.
Given the moderate growth outlook, Deloitte advises that expectations regarding job creation in 2025 should be measured, as macroeconomic stability is the foundation for long-term sustainable growth.
One major concern Deloitte highlights is the rising debt and arrears in the energy sector, warning that a potential power crisis could derail the projected economic growth.
Since industry is expected to drive growth, ensuring sustainable and consistent power supply is crucial. Deloitte urges the government to swiftly engage key stakeholders and implement a clear roadmap to settle these debts to avoid disruptions that could slow economic progress.
The mother of the late singer Mohbad, Abosede Aloba, is in distress after her son’s younger brother, Adura, was reportedly abducted by unidentified armed men, suspected to be police officers.
The abduction occurred on Wednesday afternoon while Adura was leaving the Magistrates Court in Ogba, Lagos.
Former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Adwoa Safo, has claimed that former President Nana Akufo-Addo withdrew his support for an audit into the school feeding programme after facing internal pressure.
Speaking on Wontumi TV on Wednesday, March 19, the former Dome/Kwabenya Member of Parliament alleged that corruption and mismanagement have severely undermined the programme, which was originally designed to provide meals for students in public schools.
AfCFTA is key towards driving Africa’s trade and infrastructure growth
Five years since the formation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Board Chair of TradeMark Africa and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe has called on the private sector to take a leading role in driving the success of the agreement.
Speaking at a high-level event on ‘Advancing Ghana’s Trade Leadership: Private Sector Strategies within AfCFTA’ in Accra on March 18, 2025, Boshe emphasised that while governments negotiate trade deals, businesses must translate policy into prosperity.
“With a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity for African businesses,” Boshe stated.
“However, intra-African trade remains stuck at just 15%, compared to 50% in Asia, due to structural barriers such as fragmented regulations, high logistics costs, and limited access to trade finance,” he added.
Boshe urged Ghanaian businesses to expand beyond national borders and integrate into regional supply chains, leveraging AfCFTA as a launchpad.
He highlighted Ghana’s growing diversification, citing nearly $4 billion in revenue from exports beyond gold and cocoa in 2023, an 11.4% increase over the previous year.
“We must shift from exporting raw materials to building intra-African value chains,” Boshe stressed, pointing to the recent partnership between the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce as a model for business-to-business collaborations that create new trade corridors.
At the heart of this transformation, Boshe argued, is the need for regulatory harmonization. African exporters currently face compliance costs of up to $6 billion annually due to varying product standards across countries.
“If regulations remain fragmented, trade will remain fragmented. The private sector must push for harmonized standards across economic blocs to create a more seamless trade environment,” he noted.
According to Boshe, logistics inefficiencies remain a major obstacle to intra-African trade.
“Shipping goods within Africa is often costlier than exporting to Europe, with transport expenses in sub-Saharan Africa ranging from six to eleven US cents per ton-kilometer, compared to the global average of two to five cents,” he explained.
He underscored the importance of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, adopted in 2024, which aims to streamline cross-border transactions and eliminate inefficiencies. However, Boshe cautioned that success depends on business adoption.
“The private sector must co-invest in logistics solutions, including warehousing and customs digitization, through public-private partnerships,” he stated.
Drawing on lessons from East Africa, Boshe noted that electronic cargo tracking and digital customs systems have already improved trade efficiency.
:In Kenya’s Mombasa Port, interventions have reduced cargo clearance times from seven days in 2012 to just 3.5 days in 2022, significantly lowering costs and boosting competitiveness,” he mentioned.
Boshe also highlighted Africa’s dependence on the U.S. dollar for cross-border transactions as a critical weakness, exposing businesses to currency volatility.
He pointed to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as a key solution designed to simplify intra-African trade payments.
“We need African financial solutions—regional payment systems, trade finance tailored to SMEs, and investment in industrial hubs to stimulate local production,” Boshe urged, calling on businesses to engage with financial institutions to ensure these mechanisms meet their needs.
The TradeMark Africa Board Chair stated that the organisation is working closely with the private sector to reduce trade barriers, including through a formalized partnership with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to help businesses navigate compliance and maximize AfCFTA benefits.
“Our experience in East Africa has shown that even small gains in efficiency translate into significant export growth. A mix of hard infrastructure investments and digital trade solutions will be the game-changer for Africa’s trade future,” he emphasised.
SP/MA
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Policy analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato
A policy analyst and senior lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato, has criticised the government for its reluctance to declare a state of emergency in response to the fight against illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey.
Speaking on TV3 on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, he questioned the government’s urgency in addressing the menace.
“What prevents President Mahama from declaring a state of emergency this morning, this afternoon, this evening? It is an existential threat, it is that bad, it is destroying our water bodies.
“The former president and the former government have paid their prices. And in political sense, they’ve paid the ultimate price,” he stated.
Dr Zaato further criticised the government for introducing water guards to safeguard water bodies, instead of taking decisive actions against illegal mining.
“Instead of a state of emergency, we are told we have been given water guards. Water guards, river guards. In fact, I will choose ‘mami water’ over these river guards,” he stated.
The government of John Dramani Mahama has launched the Blue Water Initiative that aims at restoring the environment and polluted water bodies.
At the heart of the Blue Water Initiative is the deployment of 2,000 trained river guards who will patrol and protect water bodies from illegal miners who operate in river bodies.
JKB/AE
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask
The move, he said, is part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate Ghana’s environment.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, the minister revealed that a joint review involving several key state agencies found numerous breaches in the issuance of recent licences.
“Based on the advice and recommendations of key committees, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Commission, the Forestry Commission, and the Water Resources Commission, we are proceeding to revoke all licences issued from 7 December onwards,” he stated.
“Whether or not these operations had EPA clearance, the findings are clear—these licences were rushed through without following due process or adhering to proper procedures,” he added.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah also disclosed that equipment confiscated from illegal mining sites is currently in police custody. He noted that these machines would be repurposed if investigations confirm they were used in unlawful operations.
“Once it is established that these machines were indeed used in illegal mining, government will ensure they are put to good use,” he noted.
The minister further disclosed that the government has successfully reclaimed seven out of nine forest reserves that had been encroached upon by illegal miners.
“We are on course to reclaim the remaining two from the thugs. The Ministry is actively working with the Attorney General to explore ways to fast-track the prosecution of illegal miners,” he explained.
Despite these assurances, tensions flared in Parliament over the government’s approach to addressing illegal mining. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the seriousness of the administration’s efforts.
“You, as a cabinet member, are asking me to help you secure funding. Are you truly serious about fighting galamsey?” he asked pointedly.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga quickly responded, pointing fingers at the previous administration.
“Why are we where we are today? We are here because you were sitting here as Majority Leader,” he retorted.
The renewed crackdown comes amidst growing public pressure for the government to take firm and transparent action against illegal mining, particularly activities in rivers and forest reserves. Environmental activists and civil society groups have repeatedly called for greater accountability, stronger enforcement, and a long-term sustainable solution to the galamsey crisis.
