The minister issued this call during a working visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has urged the Forestry Commission to adopt a commercial approach to reduce reliance on government subvention and enhance operational efficiency.
This directive aligns with the government’s broader reset agenda, aimed at making the Commission more self-sustaining and effective.
The minister issued this call during a working visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, where he charged management and staff to realign their operations with the government’s vision.
Addressing the staff, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the Commission’s critical role in national development, stating: “Your job is so critical, it goes to the heart of what Ghana is. Without you, there is no Ghana.”
After highlighting the Commission’s strategic importance, he encouraged staff to fully embrace President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, promising rewards for hard work while cautioning against sabotage.
The minister also acknowledged key challenges facing the Commission, including illegal mining and logging, and stressed the need for the Commission to uphold the commitments made by President Mahama during the 2025 campaign.
“The government, led by President Mahama, campaigned to Reset Ghana. At the Forestry Commission, this means executing our duties with integrity, commitment, and hard work. We have brought the Resetting Ghana agenda here,” he declared.
As the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, Armah-Kofi Buah pledged to advocate in Parliament for a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to unlock funding for the Commission.
This, he noted, would bolster efforts to protect Ghana’s environment and support global climate action.
A key highlight of his address was the commercialization of some Commission activities to improve revenue generation.
“We must fast-track the formation of a commercial arm for the Forestry Commission. If 50 years ago, the Commission was seen as a charity, today, under the Reset Agenda, we must treat our work as a business,” he asserted.
He called for renewed energy and innovation within the Commission to attract competent youth and investors, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In a presentation to the minister, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown outlined key achievements chalked since in the last quarter since Buah assumed office; Seizure of 101 excavators (with six decommissioned), Confiscation of three bulldozers and six pick-ups and the Arrest of 76 individuals involved in illegal activities.
Brown also highlighted the success of the Tree4Life initiative and assured the Minister of the Commission’s full cooperation with the Ministry to fulfill its mandate.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee for Youth & Sports has disclosed that sports minister Kofi Adams will soon brief the media about the Black Stars’ budget for their recent World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
This announcement comes amid public concern over the delay in revealing the expenses for these matches.
President John Mahama had previously promised that the budgets for national teams would be made public.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Norgbey reassured the public that there was no reason to worry.
“The sports minister is prepping to brief the media very soon on the Black Stars budget for the Chad and Madagascar games. I am not sure there should be any cause for alarm.”
Ghana secured convincing wins over Chad and Madagascar in March, a much-needed boost after struggling in recent years.
The Black Stars’ 5-0 win over Chad and 3-0 victory against Madagascar have placed them at the top of Group I with 15 points, three points clear of Comoros.
Ghana will return to action in June 2025 for their next World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
Before that, they will participate in the 2025 Unity Cup in May, facing Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has expressed disappointment and disbelief over the conduct of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), following a dramatic attempt to arrest the Assin South MP at his Spintex residence in Accra.
In a interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, he revealed that he once personally trusted Charles Alhassan Kipo with a significant and sensitive role in government and would never have expected him to authorise or be associated with such an incident.
“Him, personally, he was my senior. We worked with him. In fact, we gave him a very sensitive job, one way in government. And so there are some things that I would not have expected that they would do,” Mr. Nitiwul said, troubled by the turn of events.
“But be as it may, it was really true when I got there that the NIB had actually sent people to the place.”
The Bimbilla recounted receiving a distressing call about the unfolding situation.
“I got a call from one of my colleagues that the ranking member of the Defence and Interior’s house has been surrounded by people suspected to be from the NIB, ostensibly to arrest him. A lot of police officers. I counted over 15 of them,” he narrated.
Alarmed, he decided to personally assess the situation, partly due to his past experience as Defence Minister and his working relationship with some of the officers involved.
“When I got there, I didn’t believe that was the case. But I just thought I should go there and find out. Also, being the immediate past Defence Minister, I thought that I could be one of the people who could calm situations down if there’s a need. Truly, when I went, I knew a lot of the principal people who were there. I’ve worked with some of them.”
Mr. Nitiwul described the scene as intense and unsettling. He questioned the operatives on the legitimacy of their actions, particularly whether they had a warrant to arrest the MP.
“The first question I asked was, ‘What do they have? Did they have a warrant? They said no.”
More shockingly, he said the NIB official leading the operation claimed his seniority alone justified the arrest.
“The gentleman who led the operation actually said that he’s a senior person. That alone is enough for him—his face is a warrant in itself.”
Mr. Nitiwul said this rationale was immediately challenged by legal minds present.
“We had a lot of lawyers there who clearly disagreed and told them that you cannot say just because you’re a senior person within the NIB, your face alone is a warrant to arrest a Member of Parliament, or any other citizen for that matter. They all have rights.”
He also raised concerns about the conduct and presentation of the operatives, noting that many were masked.
“Some of the NIB officials, those who were not police officers, covered their faces. For whatever reason, I cannot tell why they did that.”
While police officers were also present at the scene, Mr. Nitiwul emphasized that a lawful arrest requires clear legal justification.
“If the police come to say that we believe that we have reasonable suspicion, and based on that, we are arresting you, that’s a different matter. But we just asked them a simple question: Do you have an arrest warrant to arrest him? They said no.”
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Community members said despite their long-standing loyalty, they had not been offered appointments
The Ntrubo community in the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region has expressed their displeasure over perceived government neglect of the area and its people.
Community members said despite their long-standing loyalty to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) they had not been offered appointments and neglected in the provision of essential services.
According to them, the Ntrubo community have remained steadfast in support of the NDC since the era of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkwanta South Gershon Gbediame, who served for 20 years without a single ministerial appointment, leaving them feeling abandoned.
Maxwell Joko, addressing the media at a press conference, said they feel marginalised due to the absence of government appointments since 1992, with no deputy ministerial appointments despite their consistent support for the NDC.
He also mentioned that the residents are also frustrated with the deplorable condition of their roads, hindering access to essential services and economic opportunities.
They are calling on the government to establish a nursing college or a modern Senior High School in their community to promote development and provide better educational opportunities.
They, however, called on the government to prioritise their needs and invest in their development.
Petr Pavel (in Kente dress) and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (next to his R)
President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, have commissioned the Kpone Hospital, located in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The commissioning ceremony, held on April 9, 2025, was attended by key dignitaries including the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo; Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea; and the Member of Parliament for the area, Joseph Akuerteh, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Akandoh described the commissioning as a “milestone achievement in our collective efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare for every Ghanaian.”
“The Kpone Municipal Hospital represents more than brick and mortar. It symbolizes our vision of health-led development,” he said.
“We are committed to completing and operationalizing all hospital projects across the country. We do not believe in cutting ribbons for show or abandoning projects started by previous governments for political gains.”
He also announced the introduction of a free primary healthcare initiative aimed at eliminating financial barriers to basic healthcare access.
The newly commissioned hospital is equipped with an Outpatient Department, including a Public Health Wing, a Surgical Suite, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a 40-bed inpatient block, a Laboratory, Pharmacy, X-ray Unit, and other essential facilities. It also features modern medical equipment, a one-year maintenance plan, and a staff training component.
The project was executed by VAMED Health Projects CZ s.r.o., an international leader in health infrastructure development.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, hailed the event as a bold step toward achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goal on universal health coverage.
“This development moves us closer to our goal of ensuring that no Ghanaian, regardless of location, is denied access to healthcare,” she said. “It reflects the reset agenda of this government under the able leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama.”
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, highlighted the facility’s potential impact on local communities.
“For too long, patients have had to travel long distances in search of care. This facility will bridge that gap and bring healthcare closer to the people,” he said.
In a heartfelt speech, President Petr Pavel reflected on his first visit to Ghana two decades ago.
“If someone had told me then that I’d return 20 years later to open a hospital funded by my country, I’d have thought they had drunk too much,” he joked. “But here we are. I can think of nothing more universally good than opening a hospital. It is my hope that this facility will serve not just the people of Kpone, but anyone who walks through its doors in need.”
The Kpone Hospital is one of twelve modern medical facilities being constructed under an initiative that began during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The project was financed with €71.5 million secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna a.s., backed by an €8.6 million export credit guarantee from EGAP—the Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation of the Czech Republic.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has inspected the site earmarked for the construction of the proposed Bolgatanga Airport in the Upper East Region.
Located at Anateem, a community near Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality, the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) equipment had moved to the site, clearing the vast land of about 2,000 metres long as the runway, at the time of the visit.
The residents had released over 7,000 acres of land for the construction of the airport in the early 1980s, but governments over the years failed to construct the project to facilitate easy travel to the nation’s capital.
After years of failed attempts, Alagumgube Group, an Association of sons and daughters of the Region living within and outside the country, has taken up the initiative to start the project by self-funding the clearing of the land.
The GACL’s inspection of the site follows President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to construct the airport during his “Thank you” visit to the Region.
Yvonne Afriyie Nana Opare, Managing Director (MD), GACL, who led the technical team from the Company to the site, said the inspection was in line with a directive from President Mahama through the transport minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The Manager said the inspection was part of preparations for the construction of the airport, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
She said all necessary requirements would be established to begin the process of construction, and she thanked Alagumgube Group for clearing the land at their own cost and creating a path for a runway of 2,000 metres.
“We thank them that they have started this. This shows a lot of seriousness for this project, and the President also attaches a lot of seriousness to it. As the months go along, you will see some visible signs of us having started this project,” the MD said.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Regional Minister, called for an all-hands-on-deck approach towards the project, devoid of politics, “If this airport is constructed, it will benefit everybody irrespective of political affiliations”.
He said nine Districts out of the 15 Municipalities and Districts had gold deposits, and that apart from ordinary residents, the airport would help the mining companies in the Region to easily transport their products.
“Apart from that, we have about eight border Districts to Togo and Burkina Faso. This means that international business would boom with the construction of the airport, and this airport will supersede all other airports in this country,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the cost of fuel to operate the DRIP equipment released by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) was handled by the Alagumgube Group, and expressed gratitude to them for working to ensure the airport was constructed.
Naba Napariyong Kosom Asaga Yelzoya II, the Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, and spokesperson for the Regional House of Chiefs, noted that for the over 30 years that the land was released for the project, residents never farmed or made any investments on it.
“You can imagine how much we have lost,” he said, and urged the Mahama-led-government not to disappoint the Region this time.
The Okada Riders Association has expressed strong opposition to a new law restricting individuals under the age of 25 from operating commercial motorcycles in Ghana.
In a fiery interview on GHOne TV, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpanaba, issued a sharp warning to the government, calling for the immediate reversal of the policy or risk facing legal and political backlash.
“We knew these things would happen once the 13-member committee failed to involve us. They seem to have lost their logical reasoning in bringing out this legislation,” Akpanaba stated, accusing the government of sidelining key stakeholders during the drafting process.
The law, which seeks to regulate commercial motorcycle operations, has been met with frustration by riders, many of whom view the age restriction as unfair and illogical.
Akpanaba questioned the rationale behind the decision, especially considering that young adults in the same age bracket are already entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as voting.
“Why must someone who voted for John Mahama at 18 now be told by the same administration to wait until 25 before they can work legally as Okada riders?” he asked.
The association has not ruled out taking drastic steps if the government fails to reconsider. Akpanaba made it clear that the riders are prepared to explore all avenues of protest — including legal action and electoral consequences.
“If not, we will demonstrate, we will take them to court, we will curse them — not spiritually, but when it comes to the next election,” he declared.
He further condemned what he described as a disregard for the intelligence and contributions of Okada riders, insisting that their arguments are based on data and experience — not emotion.
“They shouldn’t insult our intelligence. We didn’t come here wearing coats and ties — we came with logic and scientific research. So if they want respect, they should respect us too,” he added.
LeBron James, one of the most iconic figures in modern sports, has made history once again – this time in the toy aisle.
Mattel has announced the release of a new Barbie in Mr James’ likeness, making him the first professional male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll.
“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken,” said Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president of Barbie. She said the doll celebrates “LeBron as a role model,” his ability as an icon to transcend culture and set a “positive example for the next generation.”
The doll features the Los Angeles Lakers basketball player in his pre-game fashion and reflects his height – it’s an inch taller than the standard Ken doll.
In reality, the athlete is 6ft 9in tall.
The new doll comes as the company is facing financial uncertainty amid President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China, where just under 40% of Mattel’s production is based.
Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on goods from China would increase to 125%. He accused Beijing of a “lack of respect” after it retaliated and said it would impose tariffs of 84% on US imports.
In the same announcement, Trump announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs and authorised a universal “lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%” as negotiations continued with roughly 60 countries.
Mattel has said it may have to increase prices and possibly implement changes to its supply chain. Consumer and business groups in the US have warned that the tariffs may disrupt supply chains and lead to higher prices.
The new Ken doll doesn’t show the athlete in his basketball uniform. Instead, he’s dressed in a varsity jacket adorned with “LJ” on the front.
It includes an Ohio patch and a crown patch on one sleeve and the number 23 – his basketball jersey number – on the other. On the back, “LeBron” is boldly printed along with the phrase, “Just a kid from Akron” – the Ohio city where he was born.
Under the jacket, the doll wears a shirt that reads “We Are Family,” a nod to the star’s foundation. The doll includes accessories like a basketball, headphones and sneakers.
In a promotional video released by Mattel, Mr James reacted to see the doll for the first time. “Oh, he dope!” he says as he’s given the figurine. “That’s so cool!”
As he toyed with the doll’s accessories, he joked the LeBron Ken doll “might have to do a little lifting, legs are looking skinny”.
The move is a significant moment for the 65-year-old Barbie brand, which has made a push in recent years to diversify its dolls and reflect a broader range of careers, body types and backgrounds.
Though Barbie has previously honoured athletes like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Megan Rapinoe, Mr James is the first male sports figure – and the first male figure not from the entertainment industry – to join the lineup.
Even with four NBA titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a scoring record to his name, Mr James says his new title of “Kenbassador” hits differently—because it’s about more than basketball.
“It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.”
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Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson [M] in a meeting with senior officials of the ministry
The Ministry of Finance has established a dedicated Compliance Desk within the Ministry to monitor and enforce adherence to the newly upgraded Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2025.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed this during a meeting with the World Bank Africa team, led by Vice President Ousmane Diagana.
The meeting followed the successful National Economic Dialogue, which was held with strong support from the World Bank.
In his remarks, the Minister underscored the need to tackle fiscal indiscipline, particularly among covered entities that have been awarding contracts without obtaining the legally required commencement certificates.
Dr. Forson noted that these practices have led to serious inefficiencies and budgetary shortfalls. To address these challenges, the amendment to the PFM Act now authorises the Ministry of Finance to issue commencement authorisations, marking a significant shift in fiscal oversight.
The Minister explained that the Compliance Desk will not only enforce adherence but will also be accompanied by a Compliance League Table to assess and publicly rank institutions.
He warned that those who consistently refuse to comply will face sanctions.
Dr. Forson also pointed out that the Ministry remains committed to meeting all agreed prior actions and to ensuring efficiency and impact in every programme it undertakes.
Vice President Diagana congratulated the Minister on his recent nomination and praised Ghana’s ongoing fiscal reforms.
He described the country as a beacon of stability and progress in the region, while reaffirming the World Bank’s strong partnership with Ghana.
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has publicly condemned the actions of police officers involved in the shooting of some youth in Bawku earlier today.
In a statement released on April 9, 2025, Ayariga distanced himself from any involvement in the operations of law enforcement officers in the area.
He clarified that he had never instructed any police officer to either permit or prevent individuals from accessing markets or purchasing goods, stating that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies—not elected representatives.
“I totally condemn the actions of the police in shooting some youth in Bawku today,” Ayariga stated. “I have never had any discussion with the police directing them to allow anyone to attend any market or purchase anything from anyone. Such matters are not my responsibility.”
The MP emphasized that operational decisions made by law enforcement should not be attributed to him, underscoring the separation between political officeholders and police authority.
Ayariga also called on law enforcement officers to work closely with traditional leadership in the area, particularly Zugran Abubakari Abugrago Azoka II, the overlord of Kusaug, to help maintain peace and order.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has disclosed that the government has rolled out measures to enhance the quality of telecommunications services across Ghana.
The Ningo-Prampram MP stated that his ministry has taken note of complaints from Ghanaians regarding the quality of service delivered by various telecommunications companies.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Sam George said:
“I have noted several complaints about the quality of service from almost all the network providers in the country.”
According to him, the government has approved technology neutrality for MTN Ghana and has authorised the National Communications Authority (NCA) to offer additional spectrum to both MTN and Telecel Ghana.
He explained that this is to equip telecom providers with the necessary tools to enhance their service delivery, warning that sanctions would be applied should they fail to provide Ghanaians with quality services.
He announced that the NCA will closely monitor improvements and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
“I have taken a decisive policy decision to approve technology neutrality for MTN and additional spectrum for MTN Ghana. I have also directed the NCA to offer additional spectrum to Telecel Ghana,” he stated.
“This will provide operators with more resources to improve their service offerings and the quality of services,” he explained.
“I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of the assignment of this additional spectrum, begin rigorous enforcement of quality of service standards. Failure by network operators to improve service quality will result in stiff fines.”
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its presidential primaries next year, various stakeholders, party stalwarts, and youth groups are beginning to declare their support for potential flagbearer candidates.
In a surprising turn of events, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah—former Deputy Director of the Danquah Institute and ex-Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security—has publicly endorsed the candidature of Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the party’s next presidential candidate. He made this endorsement through a series of posts on his social media platforms.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s declaration has sent ripples through the political landscape, particularly because of his deep connections to the party’s inner circles and his prominent role as a communicator during the Akufo-Addo administration. As a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and a respected royal from the Akyem Abuakwa State, his support is expected to galvanize many young professionals behind the #Ken2028 movement.
The endorsement by Dr. Boakye-Danquah, coupled with similar act by Kwasi Kwarteng, former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, further reinforce the growing perception that Kennedy Agyapong resonates more strongly with the youth and base of the NPP, largely due to his charismatic and relatable personality.
This development also lends weight to ongoing speculation that President Akufo-Addo may not be backing his former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as was previously rumored—especially following recent contentious discussions among Minority MPs at Rock City Hotel in Kwahu.
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Prof Adei [L], Ayikoi Otoo, Baffour Awuah and Janet Nabla
The 10-day deadline for President-elect John Dramani Mahama to decide on the tenure of Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, expired on April 7, 2025.
This followed the submission of three petitions requesting her removal.
On March 28, 2025, the Chief Justice herself formally wrote to the President, a request that was acknowledged in a letter signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, the president’s secretary.
In accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, the Presidency confirmed that the petitions were forwarded to the Council of State for advice.
With the deadline now lapsed, reports indicate that the president has received a formal response from the Chief Justice, enabling the Council of State to proceed with providing its recommendations on the matter.
Key Figures Opposing Removal
Prof. Stephen Adei
A respected academic, renowned economist, and former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Stephen Adei has emerged as one of the most prominent voices warning against the removal of the Chief Justice.
He has expressed concerns about the potential implications, emphasizing the need for stability within the judiciary. He cautioned that any politically motivated removal could undermine Ghana’s democratic foundations and set a troubling precedent for future governments.
Nii Ayikoi Otoo
A former Solicitor-General, Minister for Justice, and Deputy Attorney General, Nii Ayikoi Otoo has also expressed concern.
He has warned that removing the Chief Justice could damage the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary.
He emphasized the necessity of respecting due process and criticized any actions based on unverified political pressure rather than credible evidence.
Janet Nabla
Janet Nabla, the Flagbearer of the People’s National Party (PNP) has stressed the importance of maintaining judicial independence and avoiding actions that could be seen as politically motivated.
In a statement dated March 27, she condemned the decision to involve the Council of State in reviewing the petitions, describing it as “unprecedented” and a clear “betrayal of women.”
Janet Nabla contended that previous administrations upheld the independence of the judiciary and worked collaboratively with the Chief Justice—a standard they argue the current government has failed to meet.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, a respected lawyer has joined others in urging caution.
He highlighted the need for careful consideration and consultation before making any decision that could affect the judiciary.
The legal practitioner warned that removing the Chief Justice without just cause could have long-lasting consequences for the judiciary’s credibility and Ghana’s democratic stability.
He urged the Council of State to consider the long-term implications for the legal system’s integrity.
Raphinha’s journey from Porto Alegre to Barcelona’s dressing room is a story of resilience, discipline, and continuous self-improvement. His transformation into a top-level performer is not just about talent. It’s about mindset, sacrifice, and an unwavering desire to succeed.
Raphinha was raised in the relentless, grinding poverty seen across the sprawling shanty towns that litter the landscape in and around the neighbourhood of Restinga in the city of Porto Alegre.
In a neighbourhood where violence and drug trafficking are often a way of life, Raphael Dias Belloli knew from an early age that football was not just a way out – it was the only way out.
He struggled initially playing for an elite club like Barcelona.
Coach Xavi saw him more as a squad member than an undisputed starter and even when he started to be a regular in the line-up, he rarely played full games.
Barcelona’s inability to buy without selling first due to financial issues put him firmly in the frame as the club’s biggest playing asset and the player most likely to be sold, especially while Barcelona were trying to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams last summer.
Focus was also elsewhere with the precocious and outrageously talented Lamine Yamal the centre of everyone’s attention and effectively undroppable.
In two seasons at the club, Raphinha was used off the bench 11 times and started just 42 games out of a possible 76.
The message coming out of Barcelona was simple. “We don’t want to lose you, but we think you ought to go,” seemed to be the gist of it.
Raphinha had other ideas, although it was a close-run thing.
“There were several moments, not just one [when I considered leaving],” he admitted.
“There was a lot of self-doubt. I have a nasty habit of criticising myself heavily, so to speak, so that pressure made me think about leaving.”
The dismissal of manager Xavi in May and subsequent appointment of Hansi Flick changed everything.
The German coach gave Raphinha a bigger role and allowed him to play with confidence. He is now a player reborn.
Flick focused his work on the importance of making smarter decisions, knowing when to dribble, when to pass, and the more direct style suited him too.
These days he loses the ball less and is more efficient and composed in front of goal.
Nobody should argue his right to be considered one of the top players in the world.
On the way out of the Emirates Stadium, someone asked Kylian Mbappé whether Real Madrid could still do this. “Course we can,” he replied, three words and then he was gone. In front of him, Vinícius Júnior left in silence. Rodrygo passed by unnoticed again. Luka Modric didn’t talk, nor did Fede Valverde. Lucas Vázquez and Raúl Asencio did, then Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham.
“We weren’t good,” Vázquez said. Courtois said: “We forgot to play well.” Asencio said: “It’s not what we expected,” but it wasn’t unexpected either, which is why it was the description Bellingham didn’t use which said it best.
Asked whether he was shocked, Bellingham said: “I don’t know if ‘shocked’ is the right word.”
No one who has watched them all year could have truly been shocked by this, except that they’re Real Madrid, stupid, and somehow Real Madrid always seem to find a way. “There is nothing we can draw from external excuses or anything like that; we have to look at ourselves,” Bellingham said. “These are similar sets of themes to when we have dropped points all season. It’s happened again tonight on a larger scale.”
Courtois wondered whether he might have put an extra man in the wall, but that was such a tiny failing alongside those of the team that it felt slightly absurd. By the end of the 3-0 defeat, it wasn’t even that Madrid were bad exactly, a catalogue of identifiable errors, a long list of mistakes and men to blame, although there are always some of those; it was more that they just, well, weren’t. The goals had been superb and Bellingham spoke of how well Arsenal had played, which they had, but Madrid had been, well, nothing really: a void, 11 empty grey shirts.
They had fallen away mentally and physically after going behind, Ancelotti said, and if everyone could agree with that it was harder to agree with his claim that for an hour they had played well. Until the goals, there had been a familiar passivity; after the first of them, there was no reaction, no resistance, no anything. Instead of being shaken into action, they were overwhelmed. “We were nowhere near it, that’s the fact: they could have had way more, we’re lucky to get away with three,” Bellingham said.
Get away with it is a recurring theme, and they still could, but Madrid looked and ended up like what they are: the 11th team in the league phase playing the third.
That league finish flattered them, too: Lille beat them, Stuttgart, Liverpool and Milan outplayed them. They opened the European season with a comeback against Dortmund and would end up needing so many of them that it came to irritate fans as much as it excited them. They got to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid that would have put them out in the days of the away-goals rule but saw them through in a shootout, with that Júlian Alvarez penalty ruled out. They have faced more shots than any other team, almost three times as many as Arsenal.
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Real Madrid have been out of sorts most of the season. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian
Madrid arrived in London with a treble still on but also having conceded 11 in a week. Arsenal made it three 90-minute defeats in a row: beaten 2-1 by Valencia on Saturday, three days earlier in the Copa del Rey they drew 4-4 with Real Sociedad after extra time having been 4-3 down on the whistle. Nor is it just a recent thing, although they have dropped 13 points since the start of February. This was their fifth Champions League defeat and they have lost five more in La Liga. They were also defeated in the Super Cup final by Barcelona. That night they conceded five; in the league against Barcelona they let in four.
“It is a bit the problem we have had all year; it’s been difficult to find a compact block,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday night. They ran 12km less than Arsenal. Which on the face of it may not sound like much, but think of it like this: that’s 10 lengths of the pitch less than their opponents each. Valverde, who has covered more distance than any Real Madrid player, has 14 footballers ahead of him in the Champions League this season. “We lacked football,” Ancelotti said. Football, personality, structure, sacrifice, solidarity. When it came to it, they even lacked the star quality that’s supposed to come as standard.
Ancelotti had felt this wasn’t right from the beginning. On the first day of the season, when Madrid drew at Mallorca, he said they lacked balance, attitude and commitment, that his players had not understood that pressing was not about “one player, or two or three”. Mbappé’s arrival excited everyone but brought other issues and momentarily eclipsed the significance of Toni Kroos’s departure. Perhaps those calling them the new galácticos forgot how the first galácticos finished up.
Fitting it all together wasn’t easy, in terms of personality or play. Faultlines opened up in the dressing room, a manager not so readily heard now. Injuries hurt too, of course, Dani Carvajal’s especially. So did the squad planning. Ancelotti had called Kroos “irreplaceable” and he wasn’t replaced, no midfielder there to do what he did and no solution found. A glance at the benches on Tuesday tells a story too, a lack of strength in depth. After defeat by Milan in the autumn, the coach admitted he was worried. “We’re lacking something,” he said. Something? Madrid lacked almost everything.
Ancelotti moved players and structures. There wasn’t a clear identity but his team tended to wait deeper. “Madrid’s fans are used to rock’n’roll football, not lots of touches,” he said by way of justification, although there wasn’t much rock to it really; instead, it was passive, the threat not always as significant as it might have been, the vulnerabilities not always hidden. And yet over time, of which there still seemed to be plenty, he appeared to have found some sort of formula in 4-4-2.
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Dani Ceballos momentarily became unexpectedly significant, the only thing even slightly like Kroos, and then got injured again. Mbappé became Mbappé. Vinícius Júnior stopped being Vinícius Júnior. Rodrygo, always the likeliest attacker to be sacrificed for balance, had made a case to be included which was matched only by the case he subsequently made not to be. “It’s a different formation this year but you want the good players on the pitch,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday night but, watching the second half, you might not have spotted them out there.
Rodrygo was anonymous against Arsenal. Photograph: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
And while the lack of a reaction surprised – the failure to do something as time slipped away – the underlying flaws did not. Here, Madrid were exposed more clearly than before – they were playing a better team, after all – but they had been there even when the results were good. “I am confused: I hear people saying we’re playing badly, but we’re league leaders,” Ancelotti insisted not long ago, but he knew better, the feeling lingered that an accident was en route, and they are not leaders any more.
When they beat Manchester City in February, the one genuinely impressive tie to stick in supporters’ minds, a moment to make them think that when it mattered Madrid would be Madrid again, Ancelotti said: “The season starts here.” It didn’t; instead, it went back to the way it had been. When they had lost against Milan on a November night when they hadn’t shown up, a bit like for the Ballon d’Or the previous month, he had admitted: “The reality is what was seen on the pitch,” and that never entirely went away, despite the wins. In week 10, when they won in Vigo, one headline said: “Celta played, Madrid won.” It could have been cut out, kept and used many more times. Until now, their season catching up with them in London. Marca’s cover on Wednesday said: “Humiliated.”
“But,” it added underneath, “for Real Madrid nothing is impossible.” There is still a second leg, a second chance. And so it all builds towards another comeback, another of those nights that defy logic just when it has finally been applied, another lifeline to hold on to for Madrid. “If there is a team in the world that can turn this around it is us,” Vázquez insisted. “If we score one or two early, the third comes on its own,” Courtois reasoned. “We have very little chance but we are going to try,” Ancelotti said.
“We are going to need something unbelievably special, something crazy,” Bellingham said. “But history has proven that it is in not in the character of this club to give up and just roll over. We will need our fans and we have to give them something to grasp on to. We are going to have to show a much better reaction than tonight if we are going to make anything happen. It’s going to take something special to turn it around but special things happen in football and if there is one place where it can, it’s at ours.”
Raphinha delivered a standout performance as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund in a commanding Champions League display
The winger equaled an incredible record previously set by Lionel Messi, highlighting his growing influence on the European stage
The Brazilian’s brilliance helped seal a dominant victory and moved him closer to more historic milestones
Raphinha equalled a record held by Lionel Messi as Barcelona put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.
Barca’s front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal all scored as they thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg at home.
Raphinha equaled an incredible record previously set by Lionel Messi, highlighting his growing influence on the European stage. Photo by Tim Clayton/Alex Caparros. Source: Getty Images
Ex-Leeds winger Raphinha opened the scoring when he got a touch on Pau Cubarsi’s flick a matter of inches before it crossed the line. Barcelona squandered a host of chances in the first half and Dortmund went into the break only trailing by one goal.
But their former striker, Lewandowski, came back to haunt them yet again with a header three minutes after the restart, courtesy of a Raphinha assist after a superb cross from Yamal. Then came the only goal which Raphinha wasn’t involved with.
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Fermin Lopez – the big selection call by manager Hansi Flick – played a one-two with Yamal and set up the Polish marksman to score his 40th goal of the season and 29th in 28 games against Dortmund since leaving them for Bayern Munich in 2014.
Yamal got on the scoresheet in the closing stages when the front three combined once more. Raphinha provided the assist, meaning that the Brazilian already has 19 direct goal involvements in this season’s Champions League (50 in all competitions).
That moves him level with Barca legend Messi, who also hit 19 goal involvements in the 2011-12 campaign. Raphinha is also top of the Champions League goalscoring charts with 12 after just 11 games, memorably scoring a hat-trick against Bayern in October.
Lewandowski is closely behind him on 11, meaning that the pair are the first Barcelona team-mates to hit double figures in a Champions League season since Messi and Neymar did in 2014-15 (10 each). Barca went on to win the treble that season, just as Flick’s side can this term.
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“Today we played as a team,” Lewandowski told Movistar post-match. “It doesn’t matter who scores.. Me, Rapha, Lamine… We all score for Barcelona and that’s what matters.”
Raphinha, meanwhile, added:
“I can’t say we’re in the semi finals. There’s still another game left. It’s always difficult. The next match will be very different. In front of their fans they will be a different team with a lot of quality.”
Flick and Lewandowski shared that sentiment, with the Pole saying:
“It doesn’t matter if we scored four goals today. We have to play at the same level or better in Germany. We have to be ready.”
Boss Flick reiterated:
“Never, we can never think we have already qualified. You never know what can happen. Football is a crazy sport. We have to play exactly like we did today in Dortmund. They’re a very good team, but we trust ourselves.”
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Minister for Employment, Jobs, and Labour Relations, Rashid Pelpuo, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to reducing youth unemployment by creating job opportunities both locally and internationally.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, April 9, Pelpuo stressed the importance of equipping young Ghanaians to find employment regardless of location.
“This term is to reflect the promises we made to the youth, to get them to understand that it’s possible to get them jobs,” he said, adding, “If it’s not in Ghana, it can be somewhere else. So, we’re creating that circumstance of job creation. I’m building confidence in them to know that they can work both in Ghana and outside Ghana.”
Pelpuo also mentioned ongoing engagements with other ministries and agencies to ensure job availability for young people.
“I’m linking up with various ministries and agencies to make sure that if jobs are available in their places, they should be up for young people,” he said.
As part of international efforts, the minister said discussions are ongoing with foreign governments interested in Ghanaian labour.
“I’m also having discussions with governments who are outside Ghana, who are interested in migrating labour from Ghana, creating a condition of labour transfer to them.”
To support this agenda, Pelpuo recently launched the “Ghana World Abroad” programme, aimed at facilitating employment for Ghanaian youth overseas while easing local unemployment pressures.
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Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, has criticised what he describes as inconsistencies in the government’s handling of the ‘suspicious flights’ allegations, saying the contradictory responses only served to heighten the controversy.
The issue began when Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, alleged that certain flights landing at the Kotoka International Airport were transporting drugs and large sums of money.
President John Dramani Mahama subsequently directed national security agencies to work with Rev Fordjour to investigate the claims.
However, the government’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, later contradicted the President’s directive, dismissing the allegations as baseless and insisting that no illegal activity was detected on the flights.
Appearing on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, April 9, Oppong Nkrumah questioned the conflicting messages from government officials.
“Contrary to what the president said, his minister for government communications is the one who came in… rubbishing all of this, saying that an investigation literally was not necessary,” the former Information Minister stated.
He added that the minister had already deemed the concerns “bogus” and suggested there may be an attempt to scapegoat Rev Fordjour.
Nkrumah maintained that the government’s shifting position raises broader concerns about transparency and internal coherence in addressing such sensitive national security issues.
Meanwhile, members of the Minority in Parliament earlier intervened to block an attempt by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest Rev Fordjour in connection with the allegations.
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A police vehicle and the private residence of the Bawku Divisional Police Commander, Adamu Seidu, has been set ablaze by outraged youth of Bawku in retaliation to the killing of a civilian in the area Wednesday morning.
The youth, mainly from the Kusasi faction attempted to prevent the Mamprusi faction from accessing their market centre prompting the intervention of the police.
The police in attempts to disperse the youth shot and killed one person and injured two others.
This angered the youth who went and burnt down the private residence of the divisional police commander situated at Manga and also burnt down a police vehicle around the township.
This incident has escalated tension in the area causing residents to run for shelter.
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US shares have rocketed after US President Donald Trump said he would suspend steep tariffs on goods from most countries, and instead impose a 10% import tax rate.
The White House said it was backing off on higher levies for trade partners that had agreed to negotiate, although Trump said he would raise tariffs on goods from China even further, to at least 125% “effective immediately”.
The S&P 500 soared 9.5% in the biggest one-day rally since 2008, following days of turmoil sparked by the tariffs.
Trump’s decision came less than 24 hours after the latest round of tariffs had come into force, hitting key trade partners, such as Vietnam, which saw its imports facing a new levy of 46%.
The duties, which the president had announced last week, were higher and more far-reaching than many on Wall Street had anticipated.
In the aftermath of the announcement, the S&P plunged more than 10% and many analysts warned of the rising risk of economic recession in the US and globally.
By Wednesday, the fears had hit the bond market, where investors started dumping US government debt.
“Although President Donald Trump was able to resist the stock market sell-off, once the bond market began to weaken too, it was only a matter of time before he folded,” said Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist for Capital Economics.
He said he expected Trump to return to the plan for a 10% universal tariff that he called for in his presidential campaign last year, though warned that it would take time for for the US and China to work out a deal.
“It is difficult to see either side backing down in the next few days,” he said. “But we suspect that talks will eventually happen, although a full rollback of all the additional tariffs applied since Inauguration Day appear unlikely.”
The Dow ended the day up more than 7.8% and the Nasdaq skyrocketed more than 12%.
Companies such as Nike, which makes roughly half its footwear in Vietnam, jumped 11%, while Apple soared roughly 15%.
Despite the gains on Wednesday, the leading indexes in the US remained lower than they were before Trump’s announcement, with the S&P 500 off about 3% and down more than 8% for the year.
The levies on goods from China, America’s third largest supplier of imports, remain an economic challenge.
The country sent more than $400bn in goods to the US last year and was the source of an estimated 60% of footwear imports and roughly 36% of clothing imports in January, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association.
Before Trump’s announcement, the National Retail Federation had warned that shipments handled by US ports in May were likely to be 20% lower than a year earlier due to the tariffs.
In appearances after his decision on Wednesday, Trump said that he hoped to strike a deal with China, and was also considering granting exemptions to tariffs for individual companies, a shift from earlier comments.
“I saw last night where people were getting a little queasy,” he said, acknowledging the concerns, though he has signalled he remains committed to duties on key strategic sectors, such as cars, steel and aluminium, and is eyeing other industries such as pharmaceuticals and lumber.
His decision to offer a respite from the so-called reciprocal duties followed rising political pressure in Washington and from other influential figures that had backed him during last year’s presidential campaign, including Tesla boss Elon Musk, billionaire Bill Ackman and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
But the abrupt climbdown still caught many off-guard.
Almost at the same time as Trump posted his move on social media, Goldman Sachs issued a report predicting a recession in the US economy triggered by the steep duties.
Two hours later, the bank said it was reverting to its earlier forecast, which, even assuming lower tariffs than the president had announced last week, expected minimal growth this year and put the odds of a recession at 45%.
Mr Ackman, who had earlier called for a 90-day tariff pause, praised the president on social media: “Thank you on behalf of all Americans,” he said.
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Nikyema Billa Alamzy, the Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the National Intelligence Bureau’s (NIB) attempted arrest of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South.
Speaking in an interview on Citi FM‘s Eyewitness Newson Wednesday, April 9, Alamzy emphasised that no individual, including Fordjour, is above investigations.
Addressing the Minority’s reaction to the incident, Alamzy remarked, “They shouldn’t be crying more than they are supposed to.”
He referenced past instances where prominent figures, such as John Jinapor and Attorney General Dominic Ayine, faced similar situations. “What was his crime? His crime was that he came out with legal opinion,” Alamzy said of Ayine’s case.
Alamzy questioned the special treatment being demanded for Fordjour, stating, “The question is, who is Honourable Ntim? We were all in this country when they subjected the current president, and he made himself available for investigations. So if the whole president or former president can be investigated, then who is Honourable Ntim?”
This follows the minority foiling the NIB’s attempt to arrest the MP at his residence in Accra on Wednesday, April 9.
They criticised the government for the move and noted that they were not intimidated by such acctions.
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Raphinha was quick to reveal he apologised to Pau Cubarsi after Barcelona’s win over Dortmund in the Champions League.
Cubarsi thought he’d scored the opening goal after flicking home a header from Inigo Martinez, but Raphinha just got a touch before it crossed the line.
Barca then had to endure a nervous wait for an offside check before the goal was eventually given, leaving Raphinha a relieved man.
“I was worried about the play leading to the first goal, that I might be offside. The good thing is that it was valid,” he told the media.
“I touched the ball before the line and apologized to Cubarsí, and he told me it was fine, that it would count as an assist. I thought the ball could have gone out; it’s a quick decision.”
Raphinha went on to play a starring role alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski and spoke about this Barcelona team-mates.
“I love playing with high-level players. We know each other very well, and that’s important. We’re putting up spectacular numbers, and I hope we continue to do so,” he added.
“I’m not going to admit we’re in the semifinals. There’s another game, and playing there is always difficult. They’re a team with a lot of quality. We got a good result and we have to continue like this, and we have to play a good game next week.”
Barcelona’s four-goal win puts Hansi Flick’s side in pole position in the tie ahead of the return next week in Germany.
Nikyema Billa Alamzy, Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, has drawn attention to the pressing infrastructure challenges in his constituency, emphasising the absence of a single tarred road.
Speaking on Citi FM‘s Eyewitness Newson Wednesday April 9, Alamzy described Chiana-Paga as a vast and unique constituency that shares borders with multiple districts and even an international boundary with Burkina Faso.
“My constituency, we have a lot to lobby for. I am running a constituency that is so unique, so large,” Alamzy stated.
He highlighted the borders Chiana-Paga shares with Sisala East, Builsa North, Navrongo Central, Bolga Central, Bongo, and Burkina Faso, underscoring the strategic importance of the area.
Despite this, he lamented, “I cannot boast or we cannot boast of a single tarred road in the whole constituency.”
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Minister for Employment, Jobs, and Labour Relations, Rashid Pelpuo, has disclosed that the previous Akufo-Addo administration employed approximately 12,000 people into the public sector shortly after losing the 2024 general elections.
He revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding these recruitments, particularly amid claims of unfair dismissals.
The committee’s mandate includes examining the timing, processes, and motivations behind the appointments made during the transition period. The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify whether due process was followed and whether the move was politically motivated.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Mr. Pelpuo stated:
“The President has set up a committee to investigate all the people who are complaining of being sacked unfairly. I’m a co-chairman of that committee. We’re working very hard to get them a response.
In that space of time, after they lost the 2024 elections, they [Akufo-Addo administration] employed 12,000 people within a week or two in all sectors. We’re now investigating it, and our results will come out soon.”
Pelpuo reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in public sector employment, noting that the findings of the committee will guide any necessary actions.
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The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, adjourned proceedings in the suit filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the ongoing process for the potential removal of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The MP is requesting that the court declares the consultation process with the Council of State by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the removal of the Chief Justice as unconstitutional.
The court had set April 9 to commence hearing the case, but it was adjourned after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, reportedly failed to appear.
According to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, who is lead counsel for Assafuah, Dr Ayine gave the excuse that state attorneys were attending a conference.
Dame criticised the Attorney General’s absence, arguing that he should have appeared in court or delegated the matter to his deputy, given that neither of them is a state attorney.
“It is quite odd for him to say that state attorneys are at a conference, and for that matter, all the cases in the country should be adjourned. He (Dr Ayine) is not a state attorney. He could have come to court for a matter as important as the removal of the Chief Justice,” Dame said.
Details of the case:
In the application filed through his legal team, Dame and Partners Unlimited, Assafuah argues that based on a proper interpretation of the 1992 Constitution by the apex court, the Chief Justice must be furnished with copies of the petitions submitted to the president for her removal before any consultation with the Council of State can occur.
Assafuah maintains that Article 146 of the constitution mandates the president to notify the Chief Justice of the petition seeking her removal and to obtain her response before initiating the consultation process with the Council of State.
He is, therefore, asking the court to declare that President Mahama’s failure to comply with this constitutional requirement, and his decision to forward the petitions to the Council of State for further action, is null, void, and of no effect.
The MP made this known on his social media platforms, sharing a copy of the writ filed at the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
His suit follows the president’s announcement, made through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, that three petitions demanding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo would be referred to the Council of State for consultation.
Assafuah’s reliefs before the court:
(i) A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), 23, 57(3) and 296 of the Constitution, the President is mandated to notify the Chief Justice about a petition for her removal and obtain her comments and responses before referring the petition to the Council of State or commencing the consultation process.
(ii) A declaration that failure by the President to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before triggering the consultation process constitutes a violation of Article 146(6), and infringes on the constitutional protection of the Chief Justice’s security of tenure, as stipulated in Article 146(1).
(iii) A declaration that such failure amounts to unjustified interference with the independence of the judiciary, in breach of Articles 127(1) and (2).
(iv) A declaration that the failure to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her response constitutes a violation of the right to a fair hearing, under Articles 23 and 296, and renders the consultation process initiated by the President null, void, and of no effect.
(v) Any other order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem appropriate.
BAI/AE
Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has charged old students of various senior high schools to support the government’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative to improve the quality of education in the country.
He spoke during the unveiling of a refurbished chemistry laboratory for students at the Accra Girls Senior High School by the 1984/1985 year group.
Delivering his keynote speech at the event, he reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing quality education through the STEM initiative, citing it as a very necessary tool to compete in the 21st century.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s government is prioritising STEM education. We also know that the government alone cannot do it, so we want to call on other old boys and girls to emulate this shining example by the AGOSA 1984/1985 women’s group to do the same in their various alma maters.
“Together, we can produce the labour force that is required to be competitive in the 21st century,” he said.
Dr. Apaak further urged teachers in the various schools to maintain their unwavering commitment to teaching the students even in the absence of requisite teaching and learning materials.
Raphinha equalled Lionel Messi’s club record for goal involvements in a single Champions League campaign as Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund to take command of their quarter-final tie.
The Brazilian forward scored and assisted twice to reach 19 goal involvements in the competition this term, the same as Messi achieved in the 2011-12 campaign.
Raphinha’s 12th European goal of the season gave Barcelona a deserved first-half lead, before Robert Lewandowski struck twice after the break and Lamine Yamal added a fourth to put the Spanish side on course for the semi-finals.
The hosts ran riot in the early stages and could have scored three times inside the opening seven minutes, with Yamal and Lewandowski forcing Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into smart saves.
Barca’s pressure told in the 25th minute, although the goal was a touch fortuitous.
Fermin Lopez’s free-kick – awarded when Karim Adeyemi pulled the hair of Jules Kounde – found Inigo Martinez at the far post, who headed the ball across the six-yard box.
Pau Cubarsi poked the ball towards the far corner past the dive of Kobel, with Champions League top scorer Raphinha just about staying onside for a sliding finish on the line.
Dortmund grew into the game as the half progressed, with Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy going close as the break approached.
Lewandowski, though, doubled Barca’s lead three minutes after the restart from a yard out, converting Raphinha’s header across the face of goal following Yamal’s cross to the far post.
Dortmund began to struggle as mistakes on the ball gifted the La Liga leaders several more chances. Fermin hit the outside of the post with a fizzing low strike from 16 yards out, before blazing over a rebound a minute later.
Lewandowski put the first leg beyond doubt with his 99th goal for the club, finishing off a lightning counter-attack in the 66th minute with a ruthless first-time strike under Kobel.
Raphinha matched Messi’s record by sliding the ball across for Yamal to finish in the 77th minute following another ruthless break.
Barcelona will travel to Germany for the second leg on Tuesday, 15 April.
Much-feared forward line fire Barca to commanding lead
In some ways the scoreline does not tell the full story of a quite remarkable game.
Barcelona could and should have been out of sight in the first half, such was the ease in which they cut through Dortmund’s backline.
Raphinha and Yamal caused the German side endless problems on the flanks, although the latter wasn’t quite at his lethal best.
The 17-year-old – who became the youngest ever player to make 20 starts in the Champions League – forced Kobel into a comfortable save, before lashing wide from a tight angle when he could have set up Lewandowski for a tap-in moments later.
Hansi Flick’s side produced 10 shots on target on the night and dominated possession, but despite repeatedly playing themselves into trouble, Dortmund should have scored themselves.
Guirassy – who has scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season – was caught out by Barcelona’s high defensive line on several occasions, and when he did stay onside, the frontman was thwarted by a string of blocks.
Barcelona showed little sign of switching off and defended heroically to maintain their four-goal buffer, with substitute Ronald Araujo producing a fine double block in the final minutes.
Dortmund thought they had a goal back when Maximilian Beier slotted home Giovanni Reyna’s 89th-minute cut-back, but once again the offside flag went up.
The visitors never gave up, but in the end it was a night for Raphinha and Barcelona’s much-feared forward line.
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The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has confirmed that the party will proceed with disciplinary action against former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, despite the recent postponement of her scheduled hearing.
The confusion arose over the April 7, 2025, hearing at the party’s headquarters, where Adwoa Safo arrived to find that the Disciplinary Committee was not in session. She expressed frustration, stating that she had not been informed of any changes to the meeting schedule.
However, Haruna Mohammed clarified that formal notification of the postponement had been sent to Adwoa Safo’s legal representatives.
Speaking with Channel One Newsroom’s Frema Adunyame on Wednesday, April 9, Haruna Mohammed emphasized that disciplinary proceedings are not solely punitive but are intended to address and resolve internal party matters.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to due process in such cases.
“The whole essence is about postponement. They will still invite her. We all know that she’s a respected senior member of our party, and we will give her those particular protocol and respect,” he stated.
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Kofi Amankwa-Manu, Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency
The Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, Kofi Amankwa-Manu has stated that the fight against illegal mining is ineffective because the key illegal miners have not been dealt with.
Speaking to Joy News on April 8, 2025, he stated that the directive by the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, to deploy police commanders to the mining areas is not feasible in the fight against illegal mining.
He disclosed that some perpetrators of the illicit mining are influential people in society who remain untouchable to security operatives.
“What do you achieve by just transferring police officers? How are they going to fix the problem when the actors of the problem, themselves, are not being arrested or not being dealt with?
“You and I know that there are also bigwigs behind this thing. I agree that the law is no respecter of persons but you will also agree with me that some people are bigger than the law. If indeed, we are to apply the law equally, then we would be dealing with this issue,” he explained.
He emphasised that the illegal mining problem has been politicised for years but expressed relief over the sudden consciousness of the citizenry about the menace.
“This illegal mining issue has been with us for a very long time and so, when people politicised it year after year, it was very scary for me. But I’m glad that, now, we’ve all come to the realisation that if we do not do something drastic about it, trust me, there will be no Ghana in coming years”, he said.
Watch video below
Kofi Amankwa-Manu questions how a problem unresolved for years can be fixed by a police officer in just three months.#PMExpresspic.twitter.com/Bv4G8Dio7x
The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has announced a new Gazette processing system and revised fees for its Gazette publication services.
In a statement issued on April 7, the company explained that the new structure is part of efforts to improve service delivery, reduce turnaround times, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Under the revised system, GPCL has introduced three levels of Gazette processing services: Regular Service, which is processed within three weeks; Premium Service, completed within seventy-two (72) hours; and Premium Plus Service, a newly introduced express option processed within twenty-four (24) hours.
According to GPCL, the different service options are designed to provide clients with greater flexibility and convenience based on their specific time and service needs.
GPCL further called on all stakeholders, including legal practitioners, corporate clients, and the public, to take note of these changes and plan accordingly.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards in customer service and efficiency.
Dazzling Desire Doue inspires transformed PSG as Aston Villa taught Champions League lesson
But then Nuno Mendes provided the coup de grace, the third goal PSG fully deserved. Villa have a colossal task to overturn a deficit next week. Beaten by the youthful brio of Desire Doue and the idiosyncratic virtuosity of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, any comeback would have to come at the expense of a PSG side staking their claim to be Europe’s finest.
Richard Jolly at Parc des Princes9 April 2025 22:22
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to TNT Sports:
“It was more or less the expectation I had before the match – 2-1 or 3-1. We will play at home next week and it will be a huge challenge for us, but we will feel strong at home with our supporters at Villa Park.
“Today, we needed to be disciplined in defence and even when we were losing 2-1, we had three approaches in their box. More or less, we are right in our momentum to be close to a result. The last goal we conceded, we have to accept it. Our mind doesn’t change a lot – we have to win at home and by more than one goal.
“In the first half, we had three or four chances to get in their box, maybe only one chance to score. We needed to be clinical and we were in the first half, not in the second.
“We believe in our supporters, we believe in Villa Park and that the players can get the best performance next week.”
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:52
More from Enrique:
“Well, they are all quality players with a lot of ambition. We try to win and fight every single match. Our supporters are great every single match. Today, it’s a really nice day for us.”
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:48
PSG manager Luis Enrique on TNT Sports:
“They scored that goal that felt a little difficult to accept but we just had to win that match and to score in the last minute was great for us and our confidence. We have to think about the second leg and it’s going to be difficult for sure.
“It’s important to believe in ourselves and the three goals were great, a lot of quality. We’re very happy with the result. It will be difficult [at Villa Park] but we will try to play the same way – it’s our DNA.”
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:45
Morgan Rogers insists Aston Villa ‘not done yet’ despite defeat to ‘deadly’ PSG
Rogers opened the scoring with goal of lovely construct in the first half but PSG soon showed their class, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia producing standout moments of individual quality.
The attacking pair put the hosts ahead at the Parc des Princes before Nuno Mendes added a third, and potentially crucial, goal late on to increase the lead the French capital club will take to Villa Park next week.
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:38
Aston Villa goalscorer Morgan Rogers to TNT Sports:
“It was difficult. They’re a really good team and have stars all over the place. It’s difficult when you have to defend so much and battle. We did but in the end it was the quality from them and maybe some mistakes from us.
“We knew it would be difficult and knew how deadly they are. We didn’t want to just come here and be spectators.
“Obviously the scoreline is not in our favour but we’ve got another game and we’ll try and turn it around.
“We’re here for a reason, we’re not here to just compete. We want to keep fighting and normally we have the quality to compete with any team in the world.
“There’s loads of belief in the changing room. We have nothing to lose, nobody thought we’d win the tie in the first place. Why not just go for it? We’ve definitely got the quality to turn things around. It’s not done yet.”
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:34
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“It was a difficult side.
“We are happy with this result, but we have to keep going as there is the second game and the job is not finished.
“This will be a difficult game [at Villa Park], but we have to try play our game and we will see what is happening there.”
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:29
Paul Robinson reacts to Villa defeat
The former England goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Aston Villa were outplayed in every single department. Villa couldn’t live with the quality that PSG have.
“Paris St-Germain swarm all over a team. It is the whole team, every single person, they almost go man-to-man everywhere.
“It’s such a difficult team to play against.”
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:26
Bringing George to Villa match in Paris is a big deal, William tells pundits
The Prince of Wales said bringing Prince George to Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final in Paris was a “big deal”, as he spoke to pundits Ally McCoist and Rio Ferdinand.
William said he was “pretty terrified” and “nervous” during the conversation at the Parc des Princes before the match against Paris St Germain on Wednesday, adding: “I’m wearing all my lucky clothes.”
The royal was pictured punching the air and hugging George, who was wearing an Aston Villa scarf, as he celebrated Morgan Rogers giving the Birmingham side a first-half lead.
Mike Jones9 April 2025 22:18
Kvaratskhelia named Player of the Match
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been named Player of the Match.
The Uefa Technical Observer Group said: “He worked very hard during the whole game.
“He made himself available and brought the biggest threat, plus he delighted everyone with a piece of magic for the second Paris goal with a finish that had quality and showed individual talent.
“It was an example of how to pause and control the tempo of the game when an attacking player enters the opposition’s box. Everything he did was with intent and quality, both on and off the ball.”
Natasha Osaworu, the fiancée of singer 2Baba, said Idibia is her maiden name during a plenary session at the Edo state house of assembly when she introduced herself.
“My name is Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osaworu, née Idibia,” she said in a video seen by TheCable before getting into her speech during the state assembly plenary.
Management of Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region have refused to work on resolving and bringing an end to an illegal activity that have been transpiring in the vicinity of Regimanuel and Manet estates which have brought an end to once peaceful and serene environment residents enjoy in the past 4 decades.
The unauthorized establishment of Beirut Café, a coffee shop allegedly operated by people of ‘Middle Eastern origins’ which has trespassed on public land, and also disrupted the peace of the gated community has proven not to be of serious concern to the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly.
The illegal edifice which is located in the Assembly’s area of supervision has been of no concern by the Assembly heads to help bring an end to the activities of Beirut Café which has attracted an influx of commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as okada riders, as well as sex workers, creating an atmosphere that is both unsafe and unsuitable for the community.
When the Assembly heads were approached by journalists after several complains by homeowners of both Regimanuel and Manet Estates, many of whom are retired professionals on what has been done to bring an end to the illegal operation of the Beirut Café, they refused to speak with the narration that, they are working on it, something they have refused to do from beginning of the year.
Madam Glady’s – who is the head of physical planning at the LEKMA Assembly told journalists, the Assembly is not ready to speak on the issue.
Madam Glady’s further explanation dueled on the fact, order from above has instructed her not to speak on the issue. When she was pushed further with the question that, when will the gated community have their freedoms back, bringing an end to the criminal activities ongoing in the area, she said boldly, “I have been told not to speak so don’t push me”.
Her refusal to speak on such a sensitive issue, raises urgency by state workers to work diligently in addressing matters of pressing concern by residents who by all understanding don’t deserve such illegal edifice near them which has caused a distain on their over 4 decades of living in such neighborhood.
When she was made to understand that, the residents are typical Ghanaians in their soil land, which no foreigner, and specifically, no ‘middle east origin’ has no legal and moral rights to distract their peace and security, her urgency in the response was low and something that can break an individual to its lowest moment.
“Gentleman, Mr Journalist, you’re still pushing me to speak which I’ve already indicated to you that, order from above says I should not speak” she indicated.
Meanwhile recent official letter written to the Municipal Coordinating Director of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly – specifically MS. RHODALINE ADWOA CONDUAH reads, “we write on the instructions of our client (RGEA Homeowners’ Association) and refer to the above subject matter, our client’s letters to you dated 16th January 2025 and 24th January 2025 and your reply dated 20th January 2025.
“Our client informs us that by letter to you dated 16th January 2025, it expressed dissatisfaction regarding the operation of a coffee shop (Beirut Coffee Shop), which had been recently constructed at the confluence of the Palace/LeKMA highway and Emmanuel highway. According to the complaint lodged with you, the use of the pavement and the shoulder of the road as a parking space by the shop’s patrons has caused an obstruction to the free flow of traffic, poses a danger to other motorists as well as pedestrians and has the tendency to breed crime at the junction as well as the nearby neighbourhood. Additionally, it has resulted in the establishment of an informal station by commercial motorbike operators, thereby causing a nuisance and inconvenience to our client.
“We are further informed by our client that in your reply dated 20th January 2025, an invitation was extended to them by your outfit for a meeting which took place on Thursday 23rd January 2025. According to our client, it was during this meeting that LeKMA stated that it had not granted a permit for the construction of the coffee shop at the junction as required by your bye-laws, and The Gosnen, No.l 0 Adomi Link (formerly 3rd Close), off Volta Stret Airport, Residential Area, Accra, you then assured our client that the municipal will take the necessary measures to address the concerns raised.
“Our client is not satisfied with the outcome of the situation because as stated above, the continuous operation of the coffee shop poses a danger not only to motorists but also pedestrians and has the tendency to breed crime at the junction. It has also come to our notice that no scoping notice was issued regarding the construction of the coffee shop, again as required by law, and the coffee shop appears to have been built on the road reservation, also contrary to the law.
“We have the instructions of our client to DEMAND, and we do hereby DEMAND that the municipal should take immediate steps to abate the nuisance by causing the coffee shop to cease its operations forthwith, and the shop dismantled and towed away. Our client reserves all its rights in law. Yours faithfully,
Another letter addressed to the Director General of the National Road and Safety Authority also reads, “we write on behalf of the RGEA Homeowners’ Association, representing approximately six hundred (600) Homeowners within the Regimanuel Gray Estates along Spintex Road. We bring to your urgent attention a pressing road safety issue that requires immediate intervention.
“Recently, a roundabout was constructed at the intersection of the Palace/LEKMA Highway and Emmanuel Highway to improve traffic flow and safety. However, soon after its completion, a private entity established a coffee shop (Beirut Coffee Shop) on what is effectively the road reservation. This unauthorized construction has significantly disrupted traffic movement and created hazardous conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.
Key concerns include:
Traffic Obstruction – The location of the coffee shop impedes smooth vehicular movement, leading to congestion and confusion at the roundabout. Safety Hazard – Pedestrians navigating the area are at risk due to the lack of proper walkways and the obstruction caused by the coffee shop. Lack of Parking Facilities – Customers visiting the establishment park haphazardly along the roadside, worsening traffic flow and increasing accident risks. Non-Compliance with Regulations – The local authority, Ledzekuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LeKMA), has confirmed that no permit was granted for the construction of this coffee shop, and it does not conform to the approved layout of the area.
5 Numerous Accidents Recorded – There have been several accidents recorded on this stretch of road due to the obstruction and confusion caused by the unauthorized coffee shop, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
“Given these concerns, we respectfully urge the National Road and Safety Authority to take immediate action to rectify the situation before it results in avoidable accidents and further road congestion.”
In a shift that signifies the government’s cautious approach to borrowing, a significant portion of bids totalling GH¢2.36 billion was rejected out of the GH¢4.05 billion bids tendered for the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day bills auctioned on April 4, 2025.
The total bids received fell short of the government’s target of GH¢4.39 billion by GH¢334 million, marking a continuation of undersubscription trends.
Despite this, the government accepted GH¢1.69 billion in bids, with the 91-day bill attracting the highest demand at GH¢3.38 billion, of which GH¢1.44 billion was accepted.
This is the third consecutive time in 2025 that the government has returned bids, signalling a potential shift in investor sentiment towards short-term government securities.
Analysts say this selective acceptance pattern suggests that the government is being cautious about the interest rates it is willing to pay.
However, this conservative stance may also be discouraging investors who are seeking better returns in a high-inflation environment.
The 182-day and 364-day bills recorded bids of GH¢ 501 million and GH¢176 million, respectively, with the government accepting GH¢ 81 million and GH¢ 161 million.
Yields on the 91-day bill declined by seven basis points to 15.64 per cent while the 182-day bill saw the highest decline of 23 basis points to 16.50 per cent.
The 364-day instrument declined by one basis point to 18.83 per cent.
This development comes as the government prepares to raise an additional GH¢ 6.67 billion at its next short-term debt sale scheduled for April 11, 2025.
Fiscal implications
The consistent underperformance of T-bill auctions poses significant challenges for fiscal planning. If the government continues to struggle in raising domestic funds, it may be compelled to explore alternative funding sources, which could be costlier.
This might involve reverting to commercial loans or expediting external borrowing, options that entail higher interest rates and increased exposure to exchange rate risks.
In the context of Ghana’s ongoing IMF programme and the broader efforts towards fiscal consolidation, the government faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining borrowing discipline and addressing pressing expenditure needs.
The rejection of a significant portion of the bids suggests that the government remains cautious about borrowing costs despite ongoing financing needs.
The rejection of a significant portion of bids suggests that the government is prioritising fiscal discipline and prudent borrowing practices to manage debt levels and maintain macroeconomic stability.
However, this approach may also impact Ghana’s ability to meet its financing needs and maintain investor confidence.
Investor fatigue
Analysts caution that persistently rejecting investor bids in an already weary market may lead to a sharp decline in investor confidence. If investors perceive the government as unwilling to offer competitive interest rates, they may opt out of future auctions or insist on higher returns to compensate for the perceived risk.
The outcome of the upcoming debt sale will be closely watched, as it may impact Ghana’s ability to meet its financing needs and maintain investor confidence.
The government should closely monitor market sentiment and adjust its borrowing strategy accordingly. Maintaining fiscal discipline and prudent borrowing practices will be crucial in managing debt levels and ensuring macroeconomic stability.
Analysts want the government to prioritise maintaining investor confidence by ensuring transparency, predictability and stability in its economic policies.
Exploring alternative funding sources, such as foreign investors or domestic capital markets, may help reduce reliance on short-term debt instruments.
With investor interest dwindling and yields on the decline, the government is at a crossroads in managing its short-term debt.
Amidst a challenging economic landscape, finding the delicate balance between affordability and investor participation is crucial to maintaining stability and liquidity in the treasury market.
The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to provide comprehensive printing and publishing services suited to Ghana’s educational needs.
Ag. Managing Director of GPCL, Nana Kwasi Boatey, met with the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, on April 2, to formally discuss partnering with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the parties to discuss how GPCL’s capabilities could support the Ministry’s mandate to enhance education delivery nationwide.
The Minister, on his part, commended the GPCL on the implementation of 24-hour operations in line with the government’s 24-hour economy policy and expressed his willingness to facilitate a progressive partnership between GPCL and the Ministry of Education.
GPCL, Ghana’s premier state-owned printing and publishing institution, brings over six decades of experience in producing official government publications, including the Ghana Gazette, Acts of Parliament, and the Parliamentary Hansard.
The GPCL can produce a wide range of educational materials such as textbooks, exercise books, exam answer sheets, and specialized learning tools like the “My 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Copy Books,” for which it holds sole rights.
The GPCL was the 1st state-owned company to implement the government’s 24-hour economy policy, and by operating in shifts around the clock, the company ensures the timely production and distribution of materials, while also contributing to economic growth.
The Ag MD for GPCL, Nana Kwasi Boatey, expressed optimism about the collaboration and hopes that it would not only ensure the delivery of high-quality educational materials but also support national development goals.
He reiterated GPCL’s commitment to being a reliable partner to the Ministry of Education, the GES, and all Ministries, departments, and Agencies of the Government of Ghana.
The major averages have all moved sharply higher, partly offsetting the steep losses posted over the past few sessions.
Currently, the major averages are just off their highs of the session. The Nasdaq is up 1,384.14 or 9.1% at 16,652.05, the S&P 500 is up 343.18 points or 6.9% at 5,325.95 and the Dow is up 2,268.60 or 6.0% at 39,914.19.
Stocks skyrocketed after Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that he has authorized a 90-day pause on new tariffs for some countries.”
“I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately,” Trump said.
While it was not immediately clear which countries the pause would apply to, Trump noted the decision came as more than 75 countries have called representatives of the U.S. to “negotiate a solution.”
However, it is clear the pause will not apply to China, as Trump announced he is raising the tariff on the country to 125% due to the “lack of respect” they have shown to the world’s markets.
In an earlier Truth Social post, Trump urged investors to “be cool,” claimed “everything is going to work out well.”
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has authorised the National Communications Authority (NCA) to allocate additional spectrum to telecommunications networks MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
According to him, the move is aimed at equipping operators with more resources to enhance their service delivery and improve the overall quality of telecommunications services across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the minister stated that telecommunications companies that fail to provide quality service will face penalties.
“I have taken decisive action to approve technology neutrality for MTN and additional spectrum for MTN Ghana. I have also directed the NCA to make an additional spectrum offer to Telecel Ghana,” he announced.
He further added, “I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of assigning this additional spectrum, begin a rigorous enforcement of quality-of-service standards. Failure by network operators to improve service quality will result in stiff fines.”
These initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance the reliability and performance of telecommunications services nationwide.
SA/MA
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General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has condemned the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for its attempted arrest of Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, when NIB officials reportedly surrounded the MP’s residence to detain him. This followed his recent claims about suspicious flights at Kotoka International Airport, allegedly linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Members of the Minority in Parliament, alongside some NPP executives, intervened during the standoff, arguing that the NIB operatives had no arrest warrant and failed to follow legal procedures.
Speaking to the media, Kodua Frimpong backed the Minority’s position, stressing the importance of due process in such sensitive matters.
“The chaos this morning [Wednesday, April 9] was needless, unwarranted. If they were showing good faith, they should have gone through the due process by writing to the Speaker of Parliament [Alban Bagbin], requesting the MP for invitation for questioning, interview or help in investigations.
“But not this Rambo style. Due process has to be followed. Has he committed any crime? We’re even expecting the government to even commend him,” Justin Frimpong Kodua stated.
The attempted arrest has raised concerns about political intimidation, especially toward opposition members who speak out on national issues. The NIB has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
NIB officials besiege Ntim Fordjour’s residence
…..
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Elizabeth John has responded after her ex-husband Yomi Black remembered their wedding anniversary, despite their divorce.
Actor Yomi had shared a photo from their wedding which held 13 years ago and stated that even though they are no longer together, we would still commemorate the day.
Responding, Elizabeth John shared the same photo from their wedding and wrote: “Happy Ex Anniversary yomiblack.
The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has reiterated the party’s commitment to liberating Ghana from the threat of drug trafficking and abuse.
His comments come in the wake of a botched attempt to arrest Assin South Member of Parliament, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, by the National Investigative Bureau (NIB) on Wednesday, April 9.
This incident followed narcotics trafficking allegations made by Ntim Fordjour against the government.
The arrest attempt was thwarted by the Minority in Parliament, alongside key NPP members who rallied in support of Fordjour during the ordeal.
In an exclusive interview with Channel One Newsroom on April 9, Haruna Mohammed underscored the damage that past drug-related incidents have done to the country’s image, noting that some individuals implicated in these issues are still serving in the current administration.
He stressed that the NPP’s interest in the narcotics trafficking case is driven by a desire to protect Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.
“We just want to have a free country that is free from drug-related issues. The biggest drug issue that happened in this country was in 2014. The same president was the president at that time,” he said.
“It is for the image of the country. In 2021, Ghana was taken off the blacklist in terms of drug trafficking under the leadership of His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo. Are we risking going back there because we are not being sincere? The UN has also come out to say that the government should help with the investigations,” he added.
Habib Iddrisu demands probe into ‘suspicious flights’ controversy
The Northern Region currently has just one meningitis case on admission at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, marking a significant improvement compared to previous years—particularly during the heat season when cases usually surge.
Between November 2024 and March 2025, the Northern Region recorded only eight cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)-with no fatalities reported.
Of the eight cases, seven patients have been treated and discharged, while the remaining case—a nine-month-old child—is still on admission at TTH.
During a working visit by the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service on April 9, it was revealed that only seven out of 16 districts in the region reported meningitis cases—representing a significant improvement from previous years.
Speaking during the presentation, the Deputy Director of Public Health at the Regional Health Directorate, Dr. Hilarious Abiwu, assured that there is no cause for alarm regarding the current situation.
“As far as meningitis is concerned for the northern region, the picture we are seeing for the three or four years now doesn’t give us any cause for concern, but it doesn’t mean we should be complacent.
“We are increasingly seeing declining numbers of even suspected cases of meningitis in the region. If you look at 2024, for instance, we recorded about 12 cases the whole year. So, technically, on the average, every month, we had one person developing meningitis, and even with these people, we haven’t lost any life, they were all treated and discharged”.
Dr. Abiwu, however, raised concerns about operational challenges, particularly the lack of a dedicated funding source for routine public health activities.
He cited the withdrawal of support from USAID as a major gap that needs to be addressed urgently.
“We’re not working in a vacuum, and we need to work with other agencies to achieve results, and all this requires financial resources. But we don’t have a dedicated funding source. Some of this funding was coming from USAID, and this has gone off the radar for now, and so we have to figure out how to fill that gap“.
In an interview with Channel One TV, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, emphasized that while the numbers are down, Ghanaians should not become complacent, as meningitis remains a threat in some areas.
“We’ve been following the incidence of meningitis in the country and visited all the regions within the meningitis belt, and we believe that it is not over, and we don’t want people to start thinking it is over. We need to create more awareness so that people don’t lose sight of taking precautions“.
Dr. Abiwu further stressed the importance of early medical intervention when meningitis symptoms appear, as it significantly improves the chances of recovery.
As part of his visit, the Director-General engaged with District Directors of Health Services and Medical Superintendents and also visited the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to explore deeper collaboration with health professionals, all in a bid to enhance healthcare delivery in the Northern Region.
Minority foils attempted arrest of Ntim Fordjour by NIB officials
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NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko, criticizes the delayed arrest of MP Rev. Ntim Fordjour and demands accountability for what he calls irresponsible cocaine allegations.
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Once seen as diseases of the rich, conditions like hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease are now affecting people of all backgrounds in Ghana. These Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are quietly claiming lives, devastating families, and putting pressure on the healthcare system. But one district is not giving up without a fight.
In the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region, health officials are stepping up efforts to fight the rise of NCDs through education, early detection, and community outreach. The District Director of Health Services, Dr. Justice Ofori-Amoah, says they are determined to address the issue head-on, stressing that “no stone will be left unturned” in the battle to protect lives and improve public health.
“We are doing everything possible to continue to bring the numbers down,” said Dr. Ofori-Amoah. According to him, the District Health Management Team, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is committed to tackling the rising burden of NCDs.
He noted that many of these conditions are linked to poor diets and have become a growing concern in Sekyere East. “These diseases have existed for some time, but now more than ever, we need strong advocacy and widespread public awareness,” he emphasised.
A family’s painful loss, living with fear and the daily struggles
Akwasi Boateng was just 61 years old when he died from high blood pressure. According to his younger brother, Samuel Wiredu, Akwasi never took his medication seriously, and his condition was left untreated. His death has left a huge gap in the family.
“Our mother is also battling hypertension now. We are doing all we can to help her,” Samuel said.
Their story is not unique. Many families across Ghana are losing loved ones to NCDs.
57-year-old Akua Tiwa has been living with high blood pressure for years. She takes her medicine every day and tries to stay active, but she admits that the fear of complications never goes away.
“It’s scary. I try to do everything the nurses say, but sometimes I wonder if it’s enough,” she said.
Another resident, 73-year-old Akua Boakyewaa, suffered a stroke that changed her life completely. She now depends on her daughter, Patricia Wiredua, for everything.
“She can’t walk or do anything by herself anymore,” said Patricia. “Stroke runs in our family. My aunt had it too.”
Esther Kusi, 34, is a diabetic patient who battles daily to stay healthy. Her life now revolves around managing her blood sugar and avoiding triggers.
“I try to eat well and take my medicine, but it’s not easy. Some days are really tough,” she explained.
Health workers interventions
A health worker at the Ntunkumso CHPS compound, Rose Mary Aboagye, has been helping patients like Esther manage their conditions. She says many people wait too long before seeking help.
“The ages of clients that come here range between 35 and 60 years. We give them drugs, counsel them and guide them on their diet through education,” she said.
The district has transformed one of its offices into a dedicated cervical cancer clinic to offer services to women and raise public awareness. Public health nurse Belinda Darkuwa, who supports women battling breast and cervical cancer, says many of the cases she handles could have been prevented through early screening.
“People fear going to the hospital. But by the time they come, the cancer is already advanced,” she said.
The Ghana Health Service and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate are not standing still. With support from officials like Dr. Fred Adomako, they are rolling out health campaigns to raise awareness about NCDs and promote healthy living.
“With the current holistic assessment that we have done for the region, the figures are good,” Dr Adomako said.
Both global threat and local trend
Globally, NCDs kill 41 million people each year—around 70% of all deaths. In Ghana, NCDs account for 43% of deaths, with cardiovascular diseases being the most common cause.
Health authorities in the Sekyere East District report a steady decline in hypertension cases over the past five years. In 2020, the district recorded 6,764 cases. This dropped slightly to 6,234 in 2021, then declined further to 4,046 in 2022. By 2023, the figure had fallen to 2,296 cases. As of October 2024, only 1,660 cases have been documented. Between 2020 and 2021, hypertension cases dropped by 7.84%. The downward trend continued with a 35.09% reduction from 2021 to 2022, followed by a sharper 43.27% decline in 2023. From 2023 to October 2024, the cases further decreased by 27.7%.
There has been a 75% overall drop in recorded hypertension cases from 2020 to October 2024. Each year has shown significant progress, especially between 2021 and 2023. This trend may reflect improved early detection, increased awareness, and better treatment adherence. However, health officials remain on high alert, possibly due to underreporting, risk of relapse, or undiagnosed cases still present in the population.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if nothing is done, NCDs will become the leading cause of death in Africa within the next 15 years.
“The awareness is being created and people are reporting to health facilities. Most of them are being kept under medication and therefore we will live to have any complications including death,” Dr Ofori-Amoah said.
Hope through Prevention
Despite the declining numbers in Sekyere East, health experts believe that with the right actions, NCDs can be prevented or managed. Healthy diets, regular exercise, routine check-ups, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking can save lives.
Dr Ofori-Amoah said the fight is far from over, but the progress in places like Sekyere East shows that Ghana can win the battle—if communities, health workers, and individuals work together.
As Samuel Wiredu puts it, “If my brother had taken his condition seriously, maybe he would still be here. I don’t want to see others go through the same pain.”
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play videoSam George, Minister of Communications Digital Technology, and Innovation
The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that a new SIM registration exercise will commence on July 1, 2025.
Unlike previous efforts, this exercise will be a “proper” registration of SIM cards, not a re-registration, as was conducted under the previous administration.
Addressing the media on April 9, 2025, Sam George emphasised that this registration would be comprehensive and driven by technology, aiming to ensure a more secure and accurate process.
“We will begin the education and sensitization campaign for the SIM registration exercise, which will include the introduction of a central equipment identity register. We are confident that the rollout will begin on July 1st this year,” he said.
The Minister explained that although the exercise will be human-centered, it will be facilitated through digital platforms. This approach is designed to minimize inconvenience for the public, with no long queues expected.
“Let me be clear, there will be no long queues. Ghanaians will not have to leave their jobs to go and queue. This is not a re-registration; it is a full registration,” he assured.
The new process, he noted, will enable Ghanaians to register their SIM cards from the comfort of their homes.
Sam George stressed that the goal of the SIM registration is critical to ensuring the collective security of the nation.
He also emphasised that the process would be technology-driven, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
This new SIM registration comes after a similar exercise was conducted under the previous administration, which aimed to synchronise phone numbers with personal data to combat fraud and improve the integrity of the telecommunications system.
SSD/MA
Proper SIM registration begins July 1 with streamlined process – Sam George
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The Black Satellites have resumed camping in Accra yesterday, as they intensify preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
This comes after a one-week break following their return from Morocco, where they competed in a three-nation tournament in Rabat.
Led by head coach, Desmond Ofei, the team will undergo intensive training sessions in the capital and participate in a number of friendly matches as part of their final phase of preparation.
The squad will then travel to Egypt for the tournament, scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025.
Ghana has been drawn in Group A, where they will face Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, DR Congo, and a representative from the Central African Football Federations Union (UNIFFAC).
The Black Satellites will be aiming to secure their 5th continental title, having previously triumphed in 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2021. They also hold the distinction of being the only African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup, a feat they achieved in Egypt in 2009.
With history on their side and a rich legacy to uphold, the team will be looking to make another strong statement on the continental stage.
I Was Travelling To Ibadan With My Wife And Children, And The Gunmen Beat My Wife Badly—Olaiya Igwe
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Veteran Yoruba movie star Ebun Oloyede, widely recognized as Olaiya Igwe, has expressed one of his deepest regrets related to an incident with gospel singer Tope Alabi. In a heartfelt interview on the Kasnastysugar1 YouTube channel, he disclosed that he declined to lend his car to Alabi for her wedding, a choice that has weighed heavily on him ever since.
Oloyede admitted his sorrow over the decision, stating, “One of my biggest regrets in life is that I refused to lend Tope Alabi my car for her wedding. Anytime I see her, I always find a way to apologize, acknowledging that my decision was wrong.”
His reluctance to lend the car stemmed from concerns that it might get stolen during the wedding. Ironically, just a week later, Oloyede found himself a victim of car theft.
Describing the terrifying incident, Oloyede recounted traveling to Ibadan with his wife and children when they were confronted by armed robbers. The attackers violently assaulted his wife, forced his children out of the car, and took Oloyede to a prayer ground.
“I was on the way to Ibadan with my family when the gunmen attacked us, beating my wife and ordering my children out of the vehicle,” Oloyede recalled, his voice heavy with emotion. “They took me to a prayer ground, asking me about the car’s fuel level before stealing it.”
Watch the video from (5:43 to 8:50). https://youtu.be/A6yUWci-9rE?si=TDOou24xtl74jTLS
THE Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE) wants a diversification of export destinations following the sudden imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the United States (U.S) by the Trump administration.
It said the U.S has been one of Ghana’s key export destinations, especially under preferential trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
However, the new tariff measure, which many exporters did not anticipate, has forced exporters to reconsider their strategies and explore alternative markets.
In an interview with Graphic Business, the President of FAGE, Davis Korboe, described the development as a “big blow” to Ghana’s export sector, noting that the move has disrupted trade flows and raised concerns over the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s heavy dependence on the U.S. market.
“Our cost of production is already very high in Ghana. Adding a 10% tariff makes our products uncompetitive in the U.S. market. This is why we’ve always advocated diversification. We can’t keep all our eggs in one basket,” he said.
Tariff
The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on April 2, 2025 announced a unilateral 10% tariff, effective April 5, 2025, covering imports from all countries, including Ghana, into the United States.
However, goods that are in transit as of the date were exempt from the announced tariffs. In addition, reciprocal tariffs were also imposed on over 50 countries, with rates ranging from 11% to 50% effective April 9, 2025.
According to President Trump’s Executive Order, the tariffs were being imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) due to economic and national security implications of the country’s global trade deficits.
The Executive Order specifically exempts certain products from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. These products include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy and energy products and certain critical minerals.
The US market provides a ready-made complementary market destination for several important priority export products from Ghana such as apparel, cocoa derivatives, gold jewellery, shea butter, horticulture products, including root crops (yam), fruits, vegetables and cashew.
AfCFTA
Mr Korboe said rethinking and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an alternative trade strategy and wind towards the African market will be a viable platform for growth for exporters.
However, he said significant barriers such as poor transport infrastructure, long customs procedures and inconsistent trade regulations which makes intra-African trade costly and inefficient must be addressed for the continent’s trade potential to be fully realised.
“There’s a $3.7 trillion market right here on the continent. We should be deploying efforts to access those opportunities, it is time to prioritise regional trade fairs, cross-border logistics, and targeted market intelligence to understand what the African market demands.”
We believe in the AfCFTA, but the practical issues on the ground—like delays at the borders and logistics challenges—are killing our competitiveness, Mr Korboe said.
Exporters in limbo
He disclosed that the unexpected nature of the tariff has left many exporters scrambling to renegotiate contracts and clarify cost burdens with U.S. buyers.
According to him, several shipments were already en route, and there is uncertainty about whether Ghanaian exporters or their American partners will absorb the added cost.
“This is not just a trade policy issue—it’s a livelihood issue, for many exporters, their margins are already thin. If they have to take on the 10% cost, it could drive them out of business,” he said.
Govt engagement underway
He added that FAGE has begun engaging key state institutions, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to explore both diplomatic and trade remedies.
While negotiations continued, he encouraged members of FAGE to use the moment to rethink Ghana’s export strategy.
“This is not the time to panic, but to plan. We must use this disruption to realign our trade priorities and strengthen intra-African trade,” Mr Korboe added.
Govt’s response
In a statement issued last Saturday, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry assured the Ghanaian private sector, especially major exporters, investors and the public of the government’s commitment to engage the United States of America on the imposition of tariffs on Ghanaian products to avoid trade disruptions and investment decisions in the country.
The ministry said it was also engaging relevant stakeholders to determine the extent, and to assess the full impact of the US tariffs on the country’s economy.
It added that various strategies were under consideration to mitigate the immediate impact on Ghana’s trade.
Development
The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, held a meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss the details of the tariffs and explore ways U.S and Ghana could further strengthen partnership.
Ambassador Palmer offered a hint of possible compensatory measures, suggesting Ghana might benefit relative to others.
“I hope Ghana will get some advantages vis-à-vis its competitors,” she said.
From the stables of Isolirium Entertainment, Ataman Nikita has voiced another soothing musical masterpiece. Known for his penchant for thought-provoking songs, the R&B crooner has struck a chord with a new song, “My Way.”
Coming on the heels of his first performance in the USA, the artiste acknowledges the journey of self-discovery, albeit the struggles to find a way.
In explaining the spirit behind the song, Ataman Nikita said “The song is a story of working through life and trying to find one’s path. A central underlying concept is a helping hand that one may find or need to reach the destination, either one’s loved one(s) or one’s God. The song was written to be less amorous, fitting that Christian song genre and being kosher enough for such stations and ears.”
The song “My Way” by Ataman Nikita vividly describes emotional turmoil, confusion, and the search for guidance and clarity amidst overwhelming darkness. Here’s my understanding and appreciation of this musical masterpiece.
The Battle with Self-Discovery
“My Way” is an emotionally charged R&B track that delves deep into feelings of isolation, confusion, and longing. The lyrics depict a person trapped in a storm of emotions, struggling to navigate the overwhelming challenges of life. The recurring theme of “the sun is blinding, storms confining” evokes a sense of being trapped in a literal and metaphorical storm, unable to see a clear path forward.
The song’s protagonist is caught in a battle within their mind, echoing a sentiment of being stuck inside their thoughts, unable to break free from the cycle of inner turmoil. “Wading through the clouds” and “Stuck inside this sound” represent the weight of the mental fog, further emphasizing their inability to find a way out.
The Plea to remain steady
The Plea for help is central to the track, with the protagonist reaching out to someone—perhaps a loved one or a higher power—for guidance and support. “Stretch your hand and help me find my way” is repeated throughout the song, symbolizing the desperate need for connection and the hope that someone can offer clarity in the darkness.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of dependence, with the protagonist admitting their vulnerability: “Lost without you, I cannot let you go.” This portrays an emotional dependency on the other person, someone who holds the key to their escape from the mental labyrinth they find themselves trapped in.
The repetition of the line “Where is the day when I find my way?” reinforces the longing for resolution, for the moment the protagonist will finally overcome their inner conflict and discover a sense of direction and peace.
With its soulful melodies and poignant lyrics, “My Way” strikes a chord with anyone who has ever felt lost, uncertain, or in need of guidance. Ataman Nikita masterfully blends vulnerability with hope, making this track an anthem for anyone seeking a way through the darkness.
The Rise of Ataman Nikita
Ataman Nikita is a Ghanaian musician known for blending diverse musical styles, including classical, Russian folk, R&B, hip-hop, Kologo, highlife, and hiplife. His unique fusion of genres creates a distinctive sound that resonates with a broad audience.
Despite honing his talent for years, his primary entry was in 2024. He officially out-doored his persona on a song by Dr Pushkin and Strongman titled “Still Here”. It marked the start of his musical career. After that song, he released the people’s favourite, “Enigma.”
Enigma embodied a vocal prowess unique to this immensely talented artist. For many, the mind-boggler has been, “Where has Ataman Nikita been hiding?”.
However, for all who have listened to the several releases from Isolirium Entertainment, he was blessing every song from the label from behind the scenes. However, 2024 was the decider. And here we have it, a best male vocalist waiting for his flowers. Before the flowers, fans will continue to be treated to some of the finest musical pieces to be created.
In February 2025, Ataman Nikita and Dr. Pushkin released the single “Peace,” a track that melds traditional African elements, such as the Kologo guitar from Ghana’s northeast, with modern hip-hop influences.
Ataman Nikita is a Ghanaian musician known for blending diverse musical styles, including classical, Russian folk, R&B, hip-hop, Kologo, highlife, and hiplife. His unique fusion of genres creates a distinctive sound that resonates with a broad audience.
For a deeper insight into his background and musical journey, you might find this interview enlightening:
You can also find it on all digital stores via https://music.isolirium.com/find-myway
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The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that the government is taking steps to phase out the Double-Track system at the Senior High School level by 2027.
He made this known during an engagement with members of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) at a meeting held in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
Haruna Iddrisu explained that the government will undertake key reforms, including curriculum revisions and restructuring of the administration of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), to facilitate the process.
“We are working to revise the curriculum…If the government is to succeed in ending the double-track system, not later than Monday, you should have a board so that all expenditures are properly approved by the board.
“We expect that by the year 2027, the double-track system will be a thing of the past,” he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in education and human capital development, noting that the GETFund will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing school infrastructure nationwide.
Ghana is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, a move that reflects a broader trend among African nations to regulate digital content.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced plans to present this specialised legal framework to Parliament in its upcoming session. The bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for law enforcement to address the proliferation of false information, particularly on digital platforms.
George emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling the challenges posed by misinformation, stating, “Once the law is passed, we will clamp down on you if you are engaged in mis and disinformation.”
He further highlighted the collective responsibility of citizens to communicate responsibly and called for increased transparency and collaboration to address the issue.
The initiative comes at a time when misinformation has become a significant concern across Africa, often leading to social unrest and undermining trust in public institutions.
The rise of digital platforms has facilitated the rapid spread of false information, prompting several African governments to consider or enact legislation aimed at curbing this trend.
For instance, countries like South Africa, Tunisia, and Ethiopia have introduced laws targeting fake news and disinformation, though these measures have sparked debates about their implications for free speech and press freedom.
While the Ghanaian government asserts that the proposed bill is necessary to maintain political stability and social cohesion, critics express concerns about potential overreach and the suppression of dissenting voices.
The challenge lies in balancing the need to combat harmful misinformation with the imperative to uphold democratic principles and protect civil liberties.
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As Ghana moves forward with this legislation, it will be crucial to engage with stakeholders, including civil society organisations and media practitioners, to ensure that the law is implemented in a manner that effectively addresses misinformation without infringing on fundamental rights.
The outcome of this legislative process may set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues in the digital age.
The minister issued this call during a working visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday
![Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson [M] in a meeting with senior officials of the ministry](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/757/75784019.295.jpg "Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson [M] in a meeting with senior officials of the ministry")
![Prof Adei [L], Ayikoi Otoo, Baffour Awuah and Janet Nabla](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/483/48355074.295.jpg "Prof Adei [L], Ayikoi Otoo, Baffour Awuah and Janet Nabla")
