The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has appealed to government to immediately pay all outstanding arrears owed to waste management contractors by November 7, 2025, or risk a total shutdown of sanitation services across the country.

The Association in a presser warned that if the government fails to release the funds by the deadline, its members may be forced to suspend operations nationwide.

According to ESPA, such an action could lead to a national sanitation and health crisis, with possible outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria.

The group explained that the non-payment of arrears has left many waste management companies struggling to operate, making it difficult to pay workers, maintain equipment, or sustain daily waste collection activities.

ESPA equally called on the Ministry of Finance to urgently release all pending payments to its members to prevent a breakdown in sanitation services.

The Association also wants government to review the current policy on the national sanitation and pollution levy.

According to ESPA, the levy should be restructured into a dedicated fund to support and sustain waste management operations across the country.

The Association noted that for years, the sector has operated without a clear and consistent budgetary allocation, leaving its financial sustainability at risk.

ESPA warned that if these issues were not addressed immediately, service disruptions could occur, endangering public health and the environment.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has called on the African Union (AU) and sub-regional bodies to take a stronger stance against leaders who undermine democratic processes on the continent.

His comments come amidst the controversial elections across three African nations this month. In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), is maintaining dominance amid reports of opposition suppression. Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya secured another term in a disputed election marked by unrest, while Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara won a fourth term in a poll criticised for excluding major opposition candidates.

Dr. Asah-Asante warned that unless continental and regional institutions act decisively to enforce democratic standards, Africa risks entrenching a culture of impunity and electoral manipulation.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday October 29, Dr. Asah-Asante said the AU and regional organisations must ensure African leaders adhere to electoral rules and principles that guarantee free, fair, and credible elections.

“AU has a role to play by making sure that they talk to leaders of Africa so that they go according to those rules and regulations that guide the conduct of elections in Africa,” he said. “The sub-regional bodies must be up and doing and be able to take leaders on and hold their feet to political accountability and respect for the rules of the game.”

Dr. Asah-Asante criticised what he described as the tendency of African leaders to “pamper democratic lunatics” who manipulate electoral systems and disregard democratic norms without consequence.

He stressed that such leniency emboldens leaders to act with impunity, eroding confidence in governance and weakening the continent’s democratic development.

“The third one is the people,” he added, saying “We must be vigilant and put pressure on the government in order to ensure that we establish a system we call our own — a system that provides the dividends of democracy, improvement in our lives, freedom, and liberty.”

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Ayisha Zakaria, a 24-year-old guardian, has allegedly inflicted burns on the private part and inner thighs of a seven-year-old girl for bedwetting.  

Eyewitnesses said the suspect, a resident of Mamobi in the Ayawaso North Municipality, allegedly heated a metal object, suspected to be a spoon, and applied it to the victim’s private part as punishment.  

The injuries drew the attention of school authorities, who followed up on the matter, which had initially been kept discreet.  

Following community concern, the case was reported to the Nima Division of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), leading to the suspect’s arrest last Thursday.  

However, the complainant, Sarki Musah Umar, a youth leader, withdrew the case on Monday after what he described as intense pressure from the victim’s family and community leaders.  

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said, “Financially I was incapable because I was the only one spending money from going to the hospital to the police station.”  

Imam Abdul Razak Iddriss of the Hamburg Mosque in Mamobi, during a lecture on Monday, called on well-meaning Ghanaians to intervene and demanded justice for the child.  

He criticised the police and community leaders for failing to protect the victim, stating, “No matter how poor you are, it is better to have your children closer to you and cater for them. Only a few children who grow up with guardians excel in life.”  

The Imam disclosed that GH¢2,000 had been raised to support the victim’s medical care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.  

When contacted, DOVVSU at the Nima Division confirmed the case had been withdrawn but said they were monitoring the situation to ensure the child’s welfare.  

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ama Ofori Antwi is the Executive Secretary of ESPA

The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has sounded the alarm on the impending collapse of Ghana’s waste management system, warning that immediate government intervention is necessary to avoid a national sanitation and public health emergency.

Speaking at a conference on October 29, 2025, the Executive Secretary of ESPA, Ama Ofori Antwi, emphasised that service providers were on the verge of shutdown due to mounting financial pressure.

She noted that service providers who have borrowed from banks, creditors, suppliers, and other partners to sustain operations over the years now find themselves in positions where such support has ceased, and in many cases, they are being threatened with court action.

“If immediate government attention and intervention are not provided, these compounded challenges could cripple Ghana’s waste management system in a few days’ time, reversing years of progress made in keeping our cities clean and protecting public health and the environment,” she warned.

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Ofori Antwi stressed that these efforts have yielded little progress and implored the government to urgently make payment to avoid shutdown by November 7, 2025.

In light of the above, Ofori Antwi called on the government to expedite the release of all pending payments to ESPA members through the Ministry of Finance by the stipulated deadline.

She also urged a policy review of the Sanitation and Pollution Levy as a dedicated fund to support and sustain the existing waste management infrastructure.

“There has been an absence of a dedicated budgetary allocation for waste management over the years. The sector’s financial sustainability, therefore, remains at risk, with the possibility of service disruptions if urgent attention is not given,” she stressed.

Furthermore, she asked that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) review the current fixed cost recovery rates paid to waste collectors, transporters, and transfer station operators.

She explained that this stems from the fact that the existing rates have become economically unsustainable, rendering operations unprofitable for many members.

“A fair and realistic adjustment is essential to ensure business viability and the continued provision of effective sanitation services across the country,” she pointed out.

While urging the government to act on their concerns with a sense of urgency, Ofori Antwi emphasised that ESPA fully supported President John Dramani Mahama’s re-launch of the National Sanitation Day.

ESPA is a coalition of private waste management companies in Ghana, working in partnership with government and local authorities to promote efficient, sustainable, and inclusive environmental services for all.

SP/MA

All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates | BizTech:

The Ghana Medical and Health Awards has opened nominations for its third edition, offering healthcare professionals across the country a chance to be recognized for their contributions to a sector that’s fighting to deliver quality care despite chronic underfunding. The nomination window, which runs from October 5 through December 10, comes as Ghana’s health system grapples with significant challenges that make celebrating excellence more important than ever.

Organized by Apex Africa Concept, the 2026 awards ceremony will honor individuals, institutions, and initiatives that have made exceptional contributions to healthcare delivery and public health advancement. Categories span doctors, nurses, pharmacists, midwives, laboratory scientists, health administrators, public health advocates, and community health initiatives, recognizing the breadth of talent keeping Ghana’s health system functioning.

The public and healthcare stakeholders can submit nominations through apexafricaconcept.com before the December deadline. Winners will be selected through what organizers describe as a comprehensive, merit-based process, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 2026.

It’s worth putting this recognition effort into context. Ghana’s healthcare sector faces serious structural challenges that make honoring excellence particularly meaningful right now. The 2025 national budget allocates only 6.32 percent of total spending to health, falling far short of the Abuja Declaration’s 15 percent commitment that African Union member states pledged in 2001.

Compensation for health workers consumes 74 percent of Ghana’s health budget, leaving only 6 percent for capital expenditure, which means limited investment in infrastructure improvements. The government announced a recruitment freeze in the 2025 budget, a decision with serious implications for human resources in a sector already struggling to meet recommended nurse-to-patient and doctor-to-patient ratios.

Ghana has approximately 4,300 doctors and 68,000 nurses serving a population of over 30 million, numbers that highlight the workload healthcare professionals carry. The country’s health infrastructure includes over 91 public hospitals and more than 200 private facilities, but distribution remains heavily skewed toward urban areas.

Healthcare worker migration presents another challenge. The nurse-to-population ratio has declined primarily due to migration abroad in search of better opportunities, along with a backlog of trained nurses yet to be employed despite increasing demand. These aren’t just statistics but real people whose absence affects service delivery, particularly in rural communities.

Patient safety challenges in Ghana include inadequate healthcare infrastructure, workforce shortages, medication errors, hospital-acquired infections, and poor reporting and monitoring systems, according to recent research. Limited public awareness and weak regulatory enforcement exacerbate these risks, making the work of exceptional healthcare professionals all the more vital.

Yet there are bright spots. Ghana achieved a 97 percent reduction in malaria deaths over the past decade, demonstrating what’s possible when programs receive sustained attention and resources. The country has made strides in expanding access to health services, even if quality concerns persist.

About 69 percent of Ghana’s population is covered by either the National Health Insurance Scheme or private health insurance, with higher coverage for females at 73 percent compared to males at 65 percent. Coverage varies significantly by region, from a low of 52 percent in Oti Region to a high of 86 percent in the Upper East Region.

The National Health Insurance Scheme, introduced in 2003, provides coverage for limited health issues, primarily treatment against the most prevalent diseases like malaria. However, an estimated 36 percent of healthcare expenditures are wasted due to inefficiencies and financial misappropriation, according to research on Ghana’s health system. With appropriate financial management, the government could theoretically save enough to employ approximately 23,000 nurses.

Ghana relies on imports for approximately 85 percent of its total healthcare consumption, with very limited local production of pharmaceuticals and even less manufacturing of medical equipment and devices. This dependency makes the health system vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations.

The awards organizers say the initiative seeks to acknowledge “the everyday heroes of Ghana’s health sector whose service, innovation, and commitment have positively transformed lives and strengthened healthcare delivery systems.” That language might sound promotional, but it reflects genuine appreciation in a sector where recognition often comes second to firefighting crises.

Ghana’s healthcare system operates as a decentralized, mixed delivery model comprising public, private, and faith-based providers. The Ministry of Health oversees policy while the Ghana Health Service implements programs through a three-tiered system: primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Community-based health planning and services compounds, district hospitals, and teaching hospitals form the backbone of service delivery.

Urban centers are well served, hosting most hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the country. Rural areas often have limited modern healthcare services, forcing patients to rely on traditional African medicine or travel significant distances for care. This geographic disparity means healthcare professionals working in underserved areas face particularly challenging conditions.

There’s growing middle-class preference for private health facilities, which clients value for quality and convenience. Ghana’s medical device market is projected to reach $111 million by 2026, reflecting increasing private sector participation. The most dynamic growth and exciting opportunities are found in privately funded hospitals and clinics, though this creates a two-tier system where ability to pay determines care quality.

The SafeCare Quality Improvement programme, launched in 2009 by PharmAccess Foundation, has enrolled over 600 private and public healthcare facilities and is being adopted for nationwide rollout. The government recognized SafeCare’s contribution to healthcare financing in the 2024 budget statement, highlighting how partnerships can support system improvements.

Mental health remains critically underfunded, with no concrete budgetary commitment for expanding services beyond the three major psychiatric facilities in Accra and the central region. This gap affects vulnerable populations who often have nowhere to turn for specialized care.

For healthcare professionals considering whether to submit nominations or recommend colleagues, the awards represent more than just recognition. They’re an opportunity to shine a light on innovation and dedication that often goes unnoticed. In a sector facing brain drain, limited resources, and infrastructure challenges, celebrating those who stay and excel sends an important message.

Interested parties can reach organizers at 059 822 5556 or through the awards’ social media pages at @GhanaMedicalAndHealthAwards. The comprehensive selection process promises fairness and merit-based recognition, though specifics about judging criteria haven’t been publicly detailed.

The Ghana Medical and Health Awards joins other recognition initiatives like the Ghana Wellness and Healthcare Awards, scheduled for August 2025, in trying to boost morale and motivation within the health sector. Whether awards alone can address systemic challenges like funding gaps, workforce shortages, and infrastructure deficits remains questionable, but they at least acknowledge that excellence persists despite obstacles.

As Ghana works toward universal health coverage and improved health outcomes, recognizing the individuals and institutions driving progress becomes part of building a culture of excellence. The awards ceremony in 2026 will celebrate those who’ve made exceptional contributions, reminding everyone that behind the statistics and challenges are dedicated professionals transforming lives daily.

Culture Management Group has unveiled the lineup for AfroFuture Ghana 2025, bringing Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake to El Wak Stadium on December 28 and 29. The announcement, made on October 23, marks another chapter in what’s become Accra’s most influential year-end cultural celebration, powered by Afreximbank and Martell.

Asake headlines a roster that includes South African duo TxC, Ghana’s rising star Moliy, rapper King Paluta, and Afrobeat innovator Mavo. The festival will also feature DJ sets from Obi’s House, ADDJ, DJ Loft, and the duo K-Dawg & EZPass, each promising to keep crowds moving deep into the night.

This year’s theme, “African Nostalgia,” explores the collective memory that connects Africans across generations and borders through food, music, fashion, art, and community. It’s about honoring traditions that have endured despite migration and separation, transforming them into a global cultural force.

“African Nostalgia is the heartbeat of AfroFuture 2025,” says Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO and Co-Founder of Culture Management Group. The theme celebrates what shaped African identity yesterday while fueling the African Dream of tomorrow, he adds.

For Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, the Accra performance comes amid an extraordinary year. The 30-year-old artist recently launched his independent label, Giran Republic, after departing YBNL Nation in February 2025. His debut album “Mr. Money with the Vibe” broke Apple Music records for African albums in 2022, while his follow-up “Work of Art” matched its Billboard 200 success, debuting at number 66.

The festival has evolved significantly since its inception as Afrochella. Previous editions have featured heavyweight performers including Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Burna Boy, Black Sherif, and Ayra Starr. Ghana’s tourism ministry named the AfroFuture team goodwill ambassadors in 2019 after the festival was credited with fueling 16 percent of the country’s visitors that year.

Beyond the two-day main event, AfroFuture will host a series of immersive experiences designed to celebrate African creativity and innovation. The Battle of Jollof Basketball Game on December 27 at Bukom Arena, produced in collaboration with the Basketball Africa League, merges sports, entertainment, and community impact in what’s become an anticipated annual tradition.

Fashion takes center stage on December 30 at the Nubuke Museum for Fashion Night Out, a curated day-to-night journey highlighting African designers. Guests will enjoy interactive installations, runway shows, panel discussions, a multi-brand trunk show, and live performances.

The celebration continues on New Year’s Eve at La Palm with AfroFuture’s eighth annual party featuring Positive Vibes Only, offering music, food, fashion, and high-energy fun to ring in 2026.

Perhaps most ambitious is Afro Expo, running December 18 through 31 across various Accra locations. The month-long initiative will spotlight African innovation and creativity through master classes, wellness experiences, book talks, film screenings, and networking mixers. It’s designed to bridge culture and commerce while amplifying visionaries shaping Africa’s future.

“Every AfroFuture Festival is a reminder that the future of Black culture is being written right here, in Africa,” says Akosua Ayim, Director of Operations at Culture Management Group. She emphasizes that the 2025 edition builds on that vision by bringing together artists, innovators, and dreamers shaping what’s next for the continent and the diaspora.

The festival’s impact extends beyond entertainment. It’s become a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural diplomacy, driving tourism dollars and positioning Accra as a creative hub on par with Lagos and Johannesburg. Forbes reported that attendance has ballooned from 2,500 guests to more than 15,000 annually, with almost half of tickets purchased by visitors from North America.

The success also demonstrates the global appetite for African pop culture. Afrobeats has gone mainstream, and Western promoters now actively court African talent for international stages. By combining music, heritage tours, and business networking, AfroFuture helps build bridges between continental artists and diaspora audiences, aligning with broader Pan-African movements to reclaim narratives and cultural ownership.

For Asake specifically, the Accra performance comes between major international dates. He’s already performed at AfroFuture’s Detroit debut in August 2025, and has a Nairobi concert scheduled for December 20. His ability to sell out venues like London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Barclays Center highlights his growing influence on the global music scene.

The artist’s journey from releasing freestyles on social media while studying Theatre and Performing Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University to becoming one of Afrobeats’ leading voices resonates with AfroFuture’s broader narrative. His story embodies the festival’s mission: celebrating African creativity while inspiring the next generation.

Asake’s recent Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, his fusion of Afrobeats, amapiano, and Fuji influences, and his fashion-forward persona make him an ideal headliner for a festival centered on African Nostalgia. His music doesn’t just look backward but transforms cultural heritage into contemporary innovation.

Tickets for AfroFuture Ghana 2025 are available at afrofuture.com, with early-bird passes traditionally selling out quickly. Media accreditation applications close on December 1, with space limited and early submissions encouraged.

The festival represents more than just another concert series. It’s a homecoming for Africans and the diaspora, a space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the continent’s creative excellence. As Culture Management Group continues expanding the AfroFuture brand internationally, the Accra edition remains its cultural heartbeat, reminding everyone that Africa isn’t just consuming global culture but actively shaping it.

The Organising Committee of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has updated its travel arrangements for the tournament.

Starting from today, nationals from four countries that do not possess biometric passports — namely Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and Zambia — are now able to use the manual data entry option on the YALLA app.

This measure will allow them to obtain their Fan ID as well as their eVisa/AEVM (Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco), a mandatory step before purchasing match tickets through CAF’s official ticketing platform.

The Organising Committee reminded prospective travelers that each FAN ID entitles its holder to one ticket per match, and it is mandatory to obtain a FAN ID via the Yalla app to purchase match tickets.

It said the official CAF ticketing website is accessible at: https://tickets.cafonline.com and the official website of Yalla app to obtain the FAN ID is https://www.yallamorocco.ma

It indicated that any other platform or application claiming to sell tickets is fraudulent and must not be used under any circumstances.

“We wish to remind the public that, to better support applicants, a dedicated customer service line (+212 5 30 30 20 30) has been made available. It operates in three languages (Arabic, English, and French) and is operated by a dedicated team working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer inquiries and assist users.

Applicants may also contact the support team via email at: [email protected]

The Organizing Committee thanks all supporters, media representatives, delegations, and partners for their enthusiasm, and reaffirm his commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for all,” the  committee stated.

The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has constituted a seven member independent committee to investigate Tuesday’s construction incident at “The Address” project site in Roman Ridge.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday October 29, the Ayawaso West Municipal Chief Executive, Dr Michael Mensah said the decision followed an emergency meeting with key stakeholders after the incident.

“We have set up a seven-member independent investigative committee made up of experts from the Engineering Council, Architects Registration Council, NADMO, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly,” he said.

“Their mandate is to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the root cause of the failure and make recommendations to prevent future occurrences.”

The Assembly clarified that the event, which occurred at about 12:15 pm on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, did not involve a total building collapse as earlier reported. Instead, part of a first-floor podium concrete slab being cast gave way.

Fourteen workers sustained injuries and were rushed to the 37 Military and Ridge Hospitals following the incident. Twelve have since been treated and discharged, while two remain in stable condition.

The project is owned by Devtraco Plus Limited, and the Assembly confirmed that the developers possess a valid building permit.

“We want to assure the public that the site owners, Devtraco Limited, have a building permit. However, all work remains suspended pending the outcome of the investigation,” the MCE added.

The committee’s findings are expected to be concluded within two weeks and will be made public.

“The final report will guide stronger enforcement and compliance mechanisms across the municipality,” the MCE emphasised.

Authorities are urging the public and media to rely on official updates for accurate information as the Assembly works to ensure safety and accountability in the built environment.

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Cardinal Wilfred Fox Napier (L) and Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang (R)

Cardinal Wilfred Fox Napier, OFM, the Special Envoy of Pope Leo XIV, has praised Ghana for its vibrant church and progressive national development.

The Cardinal, who is on an official visit to Ghana as part of his mission from the Holy See, paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang as part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Ghana.

Speaking during the visit, the Archbishop Emeritus of Durban, South Africa, Cardinal Napier, lauded Ghana’s commitment to faith, integrity and national progress.

“Ghana should continue doing the wonderful things it is doing. The Church here is vibrant a true sign of how much the country is moving forward,” he remarked.

“Ghana stands out as a leader in Africa. It must continue to show the continent how to run a nation devoid of corruption and filled with purpose,” he added, extending the Holy Father’s blessings to the Government and people of Ghana.

The Vice President, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, in return, expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for its enduring contributions to Ghana’s human development.

“We thank the Catholic Church for its immense role in shaping education, health, and moral development in Ghana,” she said.

“The Government remains determined to play its part and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” she affirmed.

The courtesy call underscores the Vatican’s goodwill toward the Government and people of Ghana and reflects the Church’s long-standing collaboration with the State in promoting faith, education, peace and national development.

The 75th anniversary marks a historic milestone, recalling April 18, 1950, when Pope Pius XII elevated Cape Coast to the rank of an Archdiocese and created the Dioceses of Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Keta, thereby formally organizing the Catholic Church’s hierarchy in Ghana.

Adding his voice, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, commended the strong bond between the Church and the State, describing it as “a model for faith-based collaboration in Africa.”

“This visit by the Papal Envoy is not only symbolic but deeply spiritual. It reaffirms the Church’s historic role in nation-building and social transformation,” Afriyie Ankrah stated.

“Ghana’s example of religious tolerance and unity continues to inspire hope across the continent. We shall continue to deepen this relationship in the spirit of mutual respect and shared service to humanity,” he added.

The event forms part of a series of national and ecclesiastical activities celebrating the diamond jubilee of the Catholic Church’s hierarchical establishment in Ghana, reaffirming the enduring partnership between faith and governance in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve of the United States

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered interest rates for the second time this year in a continued bid to prevent unemployment from surging.

Fed officials voted for another quarter-point rate cut, lowering their benchmark lending rate to a range between 3.75% and 4%, the lowest in three years.

It is the first time since the Fed’s rate-setting committee was established in the 1930s that officials have set monetary policy while lacking an entire month of crucial government employment data due to a government shutdown.

While most Federal Reserve officials converged around a quarter-point cut at this month’s monetary policy meeting, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that officials are already beefing about what to do at the next monetary policy.

“There were strongly differing views about how to proceed in December,” he said at his post-meeting press conference, while stressing that no decisions have been made.

“I always say that. It is a fact that we don’t make (advanced) decisions, but I am saying something in addition here: That it is not to be seen as a foregone conclusion. In fact, far from it.”

The Dow and S&P 500 dipped into the red after Powell’s comment. The Dow fell by more than 200 points, or 0.45%. The broader S&P 500 fell 0.5%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.2%.

The Minority in Parliament has questioned the government’s urgency in proceeding with the vetting to appoint a new Chief Justice while legal proceedings over the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkonoo remain unresolved.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, said the Minority’s concern is rooted in constitutional propriety and respect for judicial processes, not politics.

He questioned the rationale behind moving to fill the office of the Chief Justice while the legality of Justice Torkonoo’s removal is still before the courts.

“If you haven’t completed the process of reviewing the propriety and legality of her removal, how do you fill the office?” he asked.

He added, “It is very possible that the court may rule that the procedures leading to her removal were flawed, meaning she would have to be reinstated. So, what happens then?”

Mr. Tampuli stated that the country currently has an Acting Chief Justice, ensuring there is no vacuum or paralysis within the judiciary’s operations.

“Since Justice Torkonoo’s suspension in April 2025, the judiciary has continued to function. So we are saying, what is the haste? Whose wishes are we in a hurry to fulfill when there are pending cases before the same judiciary?” he questioned.

The Minority has since filed a motion urging the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to suspend the vetting of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been nominated as the new Chief Justice.

They argue that proceeding with the vetting process while the matter is before the courts could breach due process and prejudice ongoing legal proceedings, potentially undermining public confidence in the judiciary and Parliament’s constitutional oversight role.

The Minority insists that the appropriate course of action is to allow the court process to conclude before any permanent appointment is made, in order to safeguard the integrity of both the judiciary and Parliament.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a former energy minister

The former energy minister and 2024 presidential running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has charged the youth of the party to remain united and committed to the NPP’s ideals as it positions itself for the 2028 general elections.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the NPP UK Mega Manchester Youth Conference held on October 4, 2025, Dr Opoku Prempeh popularly known as Napo underscored the critical role of the youth in sustaining the party’s legacy and ensuring continued political success.

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According to him, the NPP’s strength lies in the vitality and dedication of its youth, adding that, “our ability to win and sustain power depends on unity. A formidable youth wing within a united NPP will stand the test of time and carry our tradition into the next generation.”

The conference, which brought together young members and supporters of the party from across the United Kingdom, sought to energize the youth base and inspire leadership rooted in service and patriotism.

Dr Prempeh further reminded attendees that the future of the NPP rests in their hands, urging them to uphold the party’s core values of hard work, integrity, and unity as the surest path to victory in 2028 and beyond.

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The event was themed “Leadership in Service — With Our Own Hands, Hope for Ghana” and featured vibrant discussions on political engagement, volunteerism, and the role of the diaspora in strengthening the party’s electoral fortunes.

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Sustaining Ghana’s recent macroeconomic gains will depend on tightly linking currency stability with increased domestic production and innovation, the Bank of Ghana has stated.

This was stressed in a speech delivered on behalf of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, by his advisor, John Kwakye, at the 14th Ghana Economic Forum in Accra organized by the Business and Financial Times.

According to the central bank, the progress made in consolidating macroeconomic stability must now be translated into structural competitiveness.

“Stability without production is unsustainable, and production without innovation stagnates,” Kwakye stressed.

He noted that recent improvements in sentiment, tighter monetary discipline, and recovery in key sectors demonstrate that Ghana’s macro framework has strengthened. However, he cautioned that stability on its own is not an end, and must now serve as a platform for productive transformation.

He said the value of a currency cannot be defended forever by intervention. It must be earned by what the economy produces.

The Bank of Ghana said its next phase of policy direction is to deepen the link between the real sector and macro stability by promoting value addition and supporting industrial growth. The Governor’s representative cited the emerging reforms in gold trading and reserves management under the new Gold Board Act as one example of how natural resources are being converted into strategic national assets rather than mere export commodities.

He added that innovation, particularly digital financial infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for fintechs, will be a core driver of competitiveness, lower transaction costs, and inclusion. These efforts amplify trust, transparency, and efficiency and when paired with a stable currency and a productive base, turn resilience into sustained growth, he said.

Beyond internal policy actions, the Bank also underscored the need for collaboration with government, financial institutions, and the private sector, especially in long term credit provision to manufacturing and agri processing.

Kwakye also warned that as Ghana approaches an election year, discipline must remain the guiding principle of economic management, observing that fiscal loosening or policy reversals could undermine recent gains. The gains achieved are not trophies to display but responsibilities to defend, he said.

The Bank of Ghana stressed that the continued expansion of productive capacity, supported by reliable energy, consistent regulation, and innovation adoption, will ultimately determine whether the cedi’s stability is durable. When stability, production, and innovation reinforce each other, growth becomes self sustaining, he emphasized.

Apple’s new record comes in a blockbuster year for tech stocks

Apple has just joined an exclusive club: It just became one of the few publicly traded companies to surpass $4 trillion in market value, joining fellow tech giants Nvidia and Microsoft, both of which reached that milestone earlier this year.

Shares of Apple (AAPL) rose 0.1% Tuesday, continuing a sharp rebound, buoyed by strong iPhone 17 sales, including in China, a key market where the company has previously underperformed.

The trend is a reversal of Apple’s fortunes from earlier this year, when the company’s stock tumbled as it navigated a myriad of challenges, from President Donald Trump’s tariffs to AI product delays and pressure to build its smartphones domestically. It lost over $310 billion in market value in one trading day in April.

But the tech juggernaut’s rebound can be taken as a sign that the iPhone is still enough to excite consumers and Wall Street, even as the company falls behind in the AI race. Still, Apple shares are up just over 7% this year, a far cry from the 30.7% gain it saw in 2024, and less than the 17% broader-market gain.

Apple’s new record comes in a blockbuster year for tech stocks, as the AI frenzy has sent tech giants soaring to new heights.

That Nvidia, a critical AI chip provider, and Microsoft, a major player in the cloud market, beat Apple to $4 trillion underscores just how important AI has become to Wall Street. Record-breaking valuations have historically been Apple’s territory.

The company in August 2018 became the first publicly traded company to reach a $1 trillion valuation.

In August 2020, it became the first $2 trillion company, then crossed the $3 trillion threshold in January 2022 – but didn’t close at that level until June 2023.

Wall Street has been eager to cash in on the technology that some believe could be as foundational as the smartphone or the internet, with AI playing a bigger role in everything from office work to health care and education.

For now, however, the iPhone continues to propel Apple to new heights.

“It’s clear to us that (CEO Tim) Cook & Co. has finally found success with iPhone 17, and now the Street awaits for the grand strategic AI roadmap to be unveiled,” Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives wrote in an Oct. 20 note.