The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has stated that the government is poised to run the operations of the Damang Gold Mine.
This comes after the government announced its decision not to renew Gold Fields’ Damang mining lease, which expires on April 18, 2025.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Isaac Tandoh mentioned that several mines within Damang were largely operated by Ghanaians.
Therefore, claims that Ghanaians lack the technical know-how for the job were inaccurate.
“In all the meetings I have been in and all the discussions I have had, we are looking at the state running the mine. No individual will be made to do that,” he said.
“The whole of the Damang stretch is run by only one expatriate. In Tarkwa, Ghanaians are running the mines, and the same applies to Ahafo. So, the issue of human capacity or technical know-how is neither here nor there,” he added.
The decision not to renew the mining lease comes as the current 30-year lease, originally granted on April 18, 1995, is set to expire on April 18, 2025.
The government has stated that this move aligns with its broader mission to reset the nation’s economic landscape.
A 2023 Annual Report by Gold Fields revealed that mining in Damang ended in 2023 after the depletion of the Huni pits.
According to the report, the mine intended to process stockpiles until the end of 2025.
SA/MA
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Ghanaian actor and football academy owner Yaw Dabo has sent two players from his academy to France for trials. The actor, who ventured into football, established his academy in 2020 to help develop and nurture young talent.
In a video shared on X by Zion Felix on April 15, 2025, Dabo was seen with the two academy players and their guardians at Kotoka International Airport, preparing to board a flight.
This opportunity for the two academy players stems from Dabo’s recent European tour, during which he visited several top clubs, including FC Nantes in France.
During the tour, Dabo engaged with club officials, leveraging the platform to build connections and highlight the potential of his academy.
The trials in France are a direct outcome of the relationships he cultivated during this tour, demonstrating his growing influence in linking Ghanaian grassroots talent with European opportunities.
Dabo continues to create opportunities for young Ghanaian players. This latest move adds to his impressive record of giving promising footballers international exposure and a chance to pursue professional careers abroad.
Watch the video below:
Yaw Dabo arrives at airport, about to fly two players from his Dabo Soccer Academy to France for trials pic.twitter.com/9XhMouR3DO
Political analyst Dr. Kwasi Amakye Boateng has criticized the committee led by Prof. Mike Oquaye, which was tasked with investigating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 general elections as per reports from Ghana Web.
Dr. Boateng accused the committee of breaching the NPP’s constitution, pointing out several constitutional violations that have occurred under the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He stated that the formation and actions of the committee reflect a disregard for the party’s internal rules and governance structures.
Dr. Boateng stressed that the NPP’s leadership has shown a consistent pattern of ignoring constitutional principles, which has significantly undermined internal discipline and public trust.
“The NPP no longer wants to uphold their constitution, they should openly say so,” he said, criticizing Prof. Oquaye’s leadership of the committee.
Dr. Boateng also raised concerns about potential biases within the committee, particularly referring to the controversies surrounding Oquaye’s son, Oquaye Jnr, and his dealings with Adwoa Safo.
Dr. Boateng argued that the party’s poor handling of governance and resources during their time in power, along with a lack of ethical standards, played a crucial role in their defeat.
He further emphasized that the NPP’s loss was not due to a stronger campaign by the National Democratic Congress but rather to the NPP’s “gross disrespect” for its own constitution.
He called for immediate reforms within the NPP, including emergency elections, to restore accountability and constitutional order.
Dr. Boateng’s remarks, made in an interview with Accra-based Kessben FM on April 14, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for the party to regain its credibility and direction.
The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has indicated that industry players will oppose the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recent upward rates for electricity and water tariffs if the government fails to rescind the decision.
Mr. Amoah opines that the recent tariff hikes are unjustifiable and unreasonable.
“If you look at the circumstances surrounding the ECG, there are issues of accountability that render even public procurement processes and laws moot and ineffective. We have almost 2,000 containers unaccounted for, running into hundreds of millions of Cedis.
“Then, we turn back and claim we don’t have money, hence being unable to sustain operations. Therefore, we are raising tariffs. This doesn’t add up, and PURC needs to backtrack on the decision,” he said.
The COPEC Executive Secetary further added that “coming back to the consumer to insist we pay more, I can assure will be resisted fiercely”.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an upward adjustment in the average end-user tariff for electricity by 14.75%, and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs across the board for all categories of consumers.
The revision follows the Commission’s quarterly tariff review process for the first and second quarters of 2025.
The PURC attributed the adjustments to factors, including the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation projections, fuel costs (particularly natural gas), and the current hydro-thermal generation mix.
Fuji music veteran, Saheed Osupa, has withdrawn the defamation case against controversial hiphop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
The charges by the police, bordering on “criminal defamation”, were dropped following a private reconciliation effort led by mutual associates in the entertainment industry.
Cape Coast, April 15, GNA – Ghana has set the wheels in motion for the local manufacturing of HIV commodities including condoms, test kits and anti-retroviral medications, the Ghana AIDS Commission has announced.
Plans are afoot and officials are already in talks with pharmaceutical companies in the country to commence production in earnest from next year.
The move is part of a grand domestic HIV response sustainability programme to make the country self-reliant in the wake of the recent decline in foreign funding for the disease.
Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, the Acting Director-General of the Commission, observed that about 80 per cent of the commodities used for HIV care services were imported, making local manufacturing extremely necessary.
He made the remarks when he met stakeholders in the Central Region to introduce himself as the new Director General and to rekindle collaborations in the response to HIV.
The meeting discussed achievements, setbacks, and new strategies to drive down the disease in Ghana.
Dr Akanbong noted that there were some existing pharmaceutical factories that had the capacity and would be supported with adequate technology.
“We are collaborating with GIZ who are bringing them technology, and we are looking at the challenges that affect the local manufacturers and with the support of the technology, those pharmaceutical companies should be able to produce those commodities that we want,” he said.
Aside from the HIV commodities, the Acting Director-General explained that the move also included the local manufacturing of vaccines through the West Africa Vaccines Centre, to save foreign exchange on the importation of medications, commodities, and vaccines.
“In the long term, we need to also strengthen our health system where we can have the capacity to do viral load, drug resistance and laboratory tests,” he stressed.
Dr Mrs Agnes Achiama Anane, the Acting Central Regional Director of Health, indicated that new HIV infections had increased in the region and it required all stakeholders’ participation to mitigate it.
She expressed worry over the worsened incidence of drug abuse and risky sexual behaviours among the youth, calling for intensified education on the virus.
She suggested that HIV clubs in various basic and secondary schools must be reactivated to drive behavioural change among students.
Dr Anane further raised concerns about the increasing number of patients on free treatment who were defaulting, citing stigma as leading cause.
Mr Bless Darkey, the Acting Regional Coordinating Director, acknowledged the progress made in the region over the years but was quick to admit that they were not out of woods yet.
He observed that despite the hard efforts by stakeholders, there had not been any serious behavioural change with new cases being recorded daily, stressing the need to strengthen the fight.
He commended the Director General for embarking on the exercise to whip up interest to combat HIV aids in the region.
Mr Emmanuel Essuman, the Central Regional Director of Education, pledged the commitment of the Ghana Education Service to the HIV response but urged stakeholders to follow due process to access the schools.
Dr Fred Nana Poku, the Director for Technical Services of the Ghana AIDS Commission, emphasised the need for Ghana AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Gender, human rights institutions, CSOs, MMDAs, the private sector, corporate institutions, and all relevant groups to strengthen the response.
“We need to collaborate and complement one another’s strength to drive down the new infections and the prevalence rate,” he said.
Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has stated that he would possibly have been an avowed NPP member if political affiliation were based on lineage.
According to him, his grandfather was one of the founding fathers of the UP tradition; the main opposition party in the First Republic of Ghana.
He made the disclosure during an interview with Metro TV on April 14, 2025.
In his estimation, his grandfather’s role in the formation of the United Party (UP) tradition, which has evolved to become the New Patriotic Party (NPP), could have influenced his affiliation to the party, but he opted to join the National Democratic Party (NDC) instead.
“Politics is a matter of choice and interest at any point in time. And I say it with all seriousness. I always tell people that if political association was based on heritage, I would have been more NPP than most of the NPP guys,” the Tamale Central MP said.
In furtherance of his point, he stated that his own exploration of the political history of the country, led him to aggravate towards the ideologies of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which guided his choice of political association.
“As a young man growing up, I developed the interest of understanding by reading around the political history of Ghana. While at it, nothing could be more convincing than associating myself with Nkrumah, his ideologies and what he did for this country,” he recounted.
He added that the controversy about the naming of the Tamale International Airport revolved around his grandfather (Yakubu Tali), but he fully supports the stance taken by President John Mahama to rename it after Naa Gbewaa.
“My grandfather was one of the founding fathers of the UP tradition. The battle over the renaming of the Tamale International Airport revolved around my grandfather, but I think President Mahama did the best thing by changing it,” he said.
The minister underscored that though his grandfather’s contribution to politics was clearly established, he found the renaming of the Tamale Airport after Naa Gbewaa more compelling.
“Clearly, everyone appreciates the contribution my grandfather made to the UP tradition in the politics of this country, but I think that the reasons for which we think that the airport should be named after Naa Gbewaa was more compelling,” he said.
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below:
PRESIDENT JOHN Mahama has reiterated his commitment to taking all allegations of crime seriously, vowing to trigger the security services’ investigative machinery to pursue criminals, regardless of their status.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Officer Cadets of Regular Career Course 63, on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Ghana Military Academy Parade Square, President Mahama pledged that his government is bent on investigating all allegations raised by citizens to ensure accountability and transparency.
He stated that as Ghanaians, we must recognise that contemporary threats demand a collaborative approach to security, emphasising that the security services are not the only institutions responsible for the country’s safety, saying, “individuals, organisations, and the government all play critical roles. To effectively safeguard security, citizens must discharge their complementary duty responsibly, avoiding actions that distract security services from their critical job.”
He was of the view that when reporting security concerns, citizens should avoid false alarms or actions driven by partisan or parochial interests. Such actions can divert attention from genuine security threats and undermine the effectiveness of security services, he stressed.
President Mahama further emphasised that resources are a significant constraint, stating, “We do not have the resources. I don’t have time to engage in any smoke and mirrors.”
A 17-member Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) board was last Friday inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, in Accra.
The board, chaired by Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has Masawudu Mahama, representative from the Ministry of Finance; Rev. Dr Cyril Gershon Kwao Fayose representative of religious bodies; Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the Revenue Agencies Governing Board; Mr Paul Adjei, Administrator of GETFund; Mrs Mamle D. Andrews, representative of the Ministry of Education; Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and Mr John Awuah of the Ghana Bankers Association as members.
Other members include; Ghana Insurers Association, Mr Seth Kobla Aklasi; National Pensions Regulatory Authority, Patience Ablah Ganyo; Technical Universities Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun; Ghana National Association of Teachers, Ms Philippa Larsen; National Union of Ghana students and the Ghana National Union of Polytechnics students in rotation, Mr Daniel Nii Korley Botchway.
The rest are the Association of Ghana Industries, Grace Amey-Obeng; the National Council on women and development, Ms Francisca Atuluk; Ghana Employers’ Association, Mr Alexander Frimpong and Ghana Education Service Council, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis.
Inaugurating the board, Mr Iddrisu noted that the newly constituted board must to work to realign funding allocation of the fund.
He said this alignment must reflect the President’s agenda on the education sector and in particular the pursuit of policies that guaranteed that the country trained learners that were in tune with 21st century competencies, values and aptitudes.
“In that regard, it is my wish to request your Board that basic education is fundamental to the success of any education pursuit. Indeed, I have no fear of contradiction that if we don’t get it right at the basic education level, we are not likely to get it right at free senior high school and higher education,” he stressed.
The Minister also indicated that the board must prioritise the funding of basic education, stressing that, “30 years on, after the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution, it’s not acceptable for Ghana to say that we have not attained free, compulsory, universal basic education.”
He said ideally, the sharing quota should have been 35 per cent towards basic education, 40 per cent into higher education and 25 per cent to free senior high school.
This, he emphasised, was based on condition that we still had some financing support from the Ministry of Finance from the annual budget funding amount, which remained a primary source of the financing of education, even by the proponents and those who introduced free senior high school.
On his part, the board chairman of the fund, Mr Bedzrah, said they considered the opportunity given them as a privilege to serve the country but also a call to duty.
He recalled that the infamous Mombrawa Struggle at the University of Ghana in 1999 when the issue of cost sharing was introduced at the tertiary level of our education in Ghana leading to the establishment of GetFund as an innovative approach to funding not only tertiary, but public education in Ghana.
Mr Bedzrah again noted that the capping of the fund rendered its operations ineffective, saying that “It however, came as a great relief when the President, through the Minister of Finance, requested Parliament to uncap the Fund, and thankfully, this has been done.”
IMF Mission staff and Ghanaian authorities on April 15, 2025, reached a staff-level agreement on a package of economic policies and reforms to conclude the fourth review of the 36-month ECF-supported program.
Once the review is approved by the IMF Executive Board, Ghana will have access to about US$370 million in financing.
Notwithstanding higher-than-expected growth and a further significant improvement in Ghana’s external position last year, the program’s performance deteriorated markedly at end-2024, according to the Fund.
Additionally, fiscal slippages in the run-up to the general elections led to a large accumulation of payables; inflation exceeded program targets, and several reforms were delayed.
Since the beginning of the year, the new government has taken bold measures to address policy and reform slippages and ensure achievement of program objectives.
This includes enacting a strong budget and public financial management reforms; tightening monetary policy; and adjusting electricity prices.
See the IMF’s press release below:
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, held meetings in Accra from April 2 to April 15, 2025, to discuss progress on the authorities’ policy and reform priorities in the context of the fourth review of Ghana’s three-year program under the Extended Credit Facility. The arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board for a total amount of SDR 2.242 billion (about US$ 3 billion) on May 17, 2023.
At the end of the mission, Roudet issued the following statement:
“IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of Ghana’s economic program under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement. This staff-level agreement is subject to Executive Board consideration. Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 267.5 million (about US$370 million), bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the arrangement since May 2023 to SDR 1,708 million (about US$2,355 million).
“Growth in 2024 was higher than expected, underpinned by strong mining and construction activity. The external sector has seen a considerable improvement, driven by solid exports—particularly gold and to a lesser extent, oil—and higher remittances. As a result, international reserves accumulation has far exceeded the ECF-supported program targets.
“Notwithstanding these achievements, overall performance under the IMF-supported program deteriorated markedly at end-2024. Preliminary fiscal data point to slippages in the run-up to the 2024 general elections on account of a large accumulation of payables. Inflation exceeded program targets. Several reforms and policy actions were delayed across the fiscal, financial, and energy sectors.
“Against this backdrop, the new authorities have taken bold measures to address policy slippages and ensure the program objectives remain within reach. On the fiscal front, the government has launched an audit of the payables to firm up the size and nature of the slippages. Based on preliminary estimates of new payables, the primary balance posted a deficit of some 3¼ percent of GDP (compared to a targeted surplus of ½ percent of GDP). To address these slippages, the authorities have enacted a 2025 budget that targets a 1½ percent of GDP primary surplus and adopted several public financial management reforms. The latter includes an enhanced fiscal responsibility framework and new rules to tighten expenditure commitments.
“Discussions with the authorities centered on possible additional measures needed to address structural weaknesses in the public financial management and procurement systems as well as steps to ensure fiscal execution remains consistent with program objectives. Engagement with the authorities also focused on measures aimed at strengthening key social protection programs to cushion the most vulnerable from the impact of high inflation and ongoing policy adjustment.
“The Bank of Ghana has recently increased its policy rate and is reviewing its liquidity management operations. The ensuing tightening in the monetary policy stance, together with the ongoing fiscal consolidation, is expected to bring inflation down.
“The mission also engaged the authorities on their wide-ranging structural reform program, with a focus on enhancing governance and transparency and strengthening State-Owned Enterprises management in the gold, cocoa, and energy sector. On the latter, the resumption of quarterly electricity tariff adjustments, combined with structural reforms, will help reduce the energy sector shortfall and stop the accumulation of new arrears. Financial stability is being maintained as recapitalization progresses and the authorities are committed to strengthening public banks.
“Ghana remains committed to completing its comprehensive public debt restructuring to restore sustainability. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghana’s Official Creditors Committee (OCC) under the G20 Common Framework has been signed by all parties, and the focus is now on finalizing the bilateral agreements to implement the MoU. The authorities are also pursuing good-faith efforts in reaching an agreement with other commercial creditors on a debt treatment that is in line with program parameters and the comparability of treatment principles.”
IMF staff met with Finance Minister Forson, Bank of Ghana Governor Asiama, and their teams, as well as representatives from various government agencies, and other stakeholders. The IMF team would like to express its gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities and other counterparts for their continued open and constructive engagement.
SSD/MA
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
From L to R: Amaarae, Rocky Dawuni, Moliy and Wiyaala
For many Ghanaian artistes, the love and support from fans at home can be overwhelming.
However, for some, the biblical verse, “No prophet is accepted in his hometown”, feels too real.
Despite gracing global stages and appearing on international charts, these artistes often go unrecognised or underappreciated in their home country.
With that being said, here are four Ghanaian creatives who have achieved international recognition but are yet to receive the same level of recognition in Ghana.
Amaarae
Amaarae, known for her unique voice and bold aesthetic, gained global attention with her viral hit “Sad Girlz Luv Money.”
In April 2018, she was named one of Apple Music Africa’s favorite new artistes and became a featured artiste for her debut project Passionfruit Summers.
That same year, Vogue Online recognised her as one of the Top 100 Style Influencers.
Amaarae has collaborated with Stonebwoy, Wande Coal, and others. On April 14, 2025, she made history as the first Ghanaian female artiste to perform a solo set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Her two studio albums, ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ (2020) and ‘Fountain Baby’ (2023), have been critically acclaimed worldwide, yet she remains under-celebrated in Ghana.
Rocky Dawuni
Rocky Dawuni is a multiple Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer known for his blend of reggae, Afrobeat, and highlife.
In 2015, he became the first Ghanaian artiste to be nominated for a Grammy Award for his album ‘Branches of the Same Tree’ (Best Reggae Album).
The album was also listed among the Top 10 Most Essential Reggae Albums of All Time.
His global recognition continued with two more Grammy nominations: one in 2021 for Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1 (Best Global Music Album) and another in 2022 for Neva Bow Down featuring Blvk H3ro (Best Global Music Performance).
Despite these milestones, Rocky Dawuni remains relatively overlooked in Ghana.
Wiyaala
In 2018, BBC listed Wiyaala on the list of “Amazing African Women”, alongside international figures like Ilhan Omar and Sahle-Work Zewde.
Wiyaala has performed at major festivals across Europe and North America, including Afrikadey (Canada) and the African Festival (Netherlands).
She won “Most Promising Artiste in Africa” at the 2013 AFRIMAs and followed up with “Revelation of the African Continent” in 2014 for her hit Rock My Body.
Despite her global footprint, Wiyaala often flies under the radar in Ghana’s mainstream media.
Moliy
Moliy Ama Montgomery, born on October 4, 2001, is a rising Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter who gained attention after featuring on Amaarae’s global hit ‘Sad Girlz Luv Money’.
In 2020, she released her debut EP ‘Wondergirl’, which gained traction across Africa.
Her 2024 single ‘Shake It To The Max’, produced by Silent Addy, went viral, topping the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and peaking at No. 70 on the UK Singles Chart.
On April 12, 2025, she performed at the Reggae Fest concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, sharing the stage with Jamaican stars Shenseea and Skilibeng.
While her international profile continues to rise, Moliy remains relatively underappreciated in Ghana.
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
The John Dramani Mahama government will mark its 100th day in office on Tuesday, April 16, 2025.
The president himself and his appointees have hit the ground running, trying to honour his promise to Ghanaians to ‘reset Ghana’.
In their bid to help him achieve his manifesto promises to the people of Ghana, some of President Mahama’s appointees have issued directives that have attracted some negative sentiment for his government.
These directives, though aimed at solving challenges, have been heavily criticised by a section of the public.
Here are some of the directives of Mahama appointees that have not sat well with a faction of the public:
Beating up traders who refuse to leave pavements:
The most recent directive of a Mahama appointee that has been heavily criticised is that of the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, who has said that he is going to whip offenders who flout the law of trading on pavements.
Speaking at a press conference on April 14, 2025, Agyemang Boadi said that he issued a two-week notice to traders operating on pavements, urging them to find alternative spaces for their businesses.
“I have my own military-democratic style, which I will be implementing. When we say leave the space and you don’t leave the space and I get there, and you’re not there and my boys are with me, there and then, we will beat you,” he warned.
He further stated, “In the middle of Adum, if I’m alone, you will be lucky, but if I’m with my ten boys, in their pick-up with their whips, trust me, we will beat you. If you don’t want to experience that kind of situation, do what is right and lawful.
“This is Otumfuo’s city, this is the Garden City of West Africa, and we have to preserve it. If you want the job to be difficult for me, I will let your body feel the difficulty you are giving to me.”
Deportation of illegal miners:
The government was also heavily criticised after the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, announced a directive not to prosecute foreigners who are caught engaging in illegal mining (galamsey).
The minister indicated that the government will no longer prosecute foreigners who engage in galamsey activities, fraud, and other illegal activities but will deport them and ban them from ever entering Ghana.
“What we found, the kind of activities that were purely destroying citizens around the world, using a system that was set up, that was so sophisticated. Many of them are in our forests. Many of them are cutting our trees unlawfully. Others are involved in galamsey activities. And many, many other crimes.
“For these two crimes, when we arrest any foreigner, we are not interested in prosecuting him. Our first option is to take them back to their country. And this is something that we are very serious about,” he said.
This announcement was corroborated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said that foreigners caught engaging in illegal mining will face immediate deportation.
Limiting the age of ‘okada’ riders to 25 years:
A directive of the government, although it has not been made official yet, is the move to limit the age requirement for commercial riders of motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia,’ to 25 years.
The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, on April 7, 2025, announced a move to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), to fulfil the promise of regularising the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
According to reports, the proposed amendment includes a minimum legal age of 25 years to qualify as an ‘okada’ or ‘pragyia’ rider.
It also introduces the issuance of commercial riders’ licences to all qualified ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’ operators, along with a requirement to pass a proficiency test, which will include oral, theoretical, and eye examinations.
The proposal includes strict penalties; riders who operate outside of licensed unions or companies could face a fine of 100 penalty units, imprisonment, or both.
Termination of contracts at Ghana Post:
The government has also been bashed over the termination of 100 appointments at Ghana Post by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.
He described such appointments as a mess that he would not want to inherit.
“If you are a minister and you take over a ministry that has 3,117 staff in the ministry and its agencies and 600 were recruited after December 7, you cannot expect me to come and inherit such a mess, and so the rationalisation is ongoing,” he told the press on Tuesday, March 24, in Parliament.
He added, “Today, I have authorised a termination of a few more at Ghana Post, almost 100 that were done post-election.”
BAI/MA
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:
Many Chinese nationals have been active in Ghana’s informal mining sector
Ghana has banned all foreigners from trading in its local gold market as part of efforts to boost national revenue and streamline the country’s mining sector.
It follows the enactment of a new law earlier this month that grants exclusive authority of gold mining to a new state body, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
“All foreigners are hereby notified to exit the local gold trading market not later than 30th April, 2025,” said GoldBod spokesperson Prince Kwame Minkah in a statement.
Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer and the sixth largest in the world, but it is struggling to address widespread illegal gold mining, locally called “galamsey”.
The mineral-rich West African country has been facing harsh economic times with a high cost of living. It is the world’s second largest cocoa producer but sees little of the profits from chocolate.
Fuelled by rising gold prices and youth unemployment, illegal gold mining has been growing in Ghana, despite military operations to shut down galamsey activities. It was a big campaign issue in the lead up to last December’s elections.
Ghana’s illegal gold mining industry causes environmental disaster
The deadly dig for Ghana’s gold – Galamsey
Chinese nationals have been active in Ghana’s informal mining and along with Ghanaian nationals, they have been repeatedly accused of ignoring environmental concerns.
Under the new law passed by parliament last month and assented to by President John Mahama on 2 April, GoldBod is the sole buyer, seller and exporter of all gold produced by the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
However, foreigners are allowed to apply to buy or off-take gold directly from the GoldBod but can no longer operate within the local gold value chain.
The licenses of local dealers have also been revoked but given a grace period to allow a smooth transition before the directive takes effect next month.
During this period, gold transactions would only be carried out in Ghana cedis, the local currency, and priced based on the Bank of Ghana rates.
GoldBod warned that “it shall constitute a punishable offence for a person to purchase or deal in gold in the country without a licence issued by the new board.
The government has allocated $279m (£212) to the new body to purchase and export at least three tonnes of gold per week.
The move is meant to help boost foreign exchange inflows and stabilise the local currency, said Finance Minister Cassel Ato Forson.
But Kwaku Effah Asuahene, the chairman of the Chamber of Bullion Traders Ghana, fears that the government may not be able to raise enough revenue to purchase all the gold.
He told BBC that while they support the initiative, they would have preferred to be allowed to partner with foreign investors to purchase the gold and export it through GoldBod.
Although GoldBod has not been created to specifically deal with illegal mining, the new directive could also make it difficult for illegal miners to sell gold in the country.
Ghana has been dealing with severe environmental pollution caused by the activities of illegal miners, and over 60% of the country’s water bodies have been affected.
The ban is seen as the first concrete step by the new administration of President Mahama to tighten regulation and control of the gold sector and deliver on its anti-galamsey campaign promises.
“It sends a strong message to foreign actors – especially Chinese operatives – who have circumvented local laws for years,” Nana Asante Krobea, a mining governance consultant, told the AFP news agency.
He said if properly applied, the new law could bolster government revenue and “bring some order to the chaos in the gold sector”.
Ghana’s gold exports grew by 53.2% to $11.64bn last year – nearly $5bn of that was from legal small-scale miners.
Gold prices shot up to $3,200 per ounce last week due to trade tensions between the US and China, which has forced investors to seek refuge in the commodity because of uncertainties.
The African Boxing Union (ABU) has announced the appointment of new members to the Western Region Title Committee.
Nigeria’s David Ikpaibi has been named the new chairman of the committee, following the dismissal of Remi Aboderin.
Ikpaibi will lead a newly formed committee, as confirmed in a statement released by the ABU on Monday, April 14, 2025.
“Hello, ABU members and all members of the boxing fraternity. Hopefully, you are all in good health. Please take note that, as earlier stated in the last press release, the following individuals have been appointed to the new ABU Western Region Title Committee (WABU),” the statement read.
In addition to Ikpaibi, three other members have been appointed to support the work of the committee: Jean-Paul Dago (Côte d’Ivoire), Dr. Kosovo Adote (Togo), and Patrick Johnson (Ghana).
The newly appointed members have been tasked with assisting the chairman in the effective administration of WABU’s activities.
Remi Aboderin, along with other WABU members, was dismissed following corruption allegations involving financial misappropriation and the exploitation of boxers and promoters.
EE/MA
Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
Patrick Yaw Boamah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, has responded to his recent electoral victory by claiming the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) underestimated his political influence as per reports from MyNewsGH.
In what was seen as one of the most competitive parliamentary contests in the Greater Accra Region during the 2024 general elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator triumphed over Baba Sadiq, a high-profile entertainment entrepreneur fielded by the NDC.
According to Boamah, the NDC misjudged his strength, assuming that bringing in a popular figure like Sadiq would be enough to turn the tide in their favour.
“The NDC thought I was a pushover,” he remarked in an interview, emphasizing that his longstanding relationship with the constituents and consistent track record were key to his success.
Baba Sadiq generated excitement with a vibrant, youth-driven campaign and a strong social media presence.
Political observers regarded his candidacy as a serious challenge to Boamah’s hold on the seat.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Sadiq’s campaign, Boamah’s emphasis on continuity and local development efforts appeared to resonate more deeply with voters.
Having represented the constituency since 2012, he leveraged his experience and grassroots engagement to secure another term.
Boamah’s win, which was his fourth consecutive term in Parliament, reinforced the NPP’s presence in Okaikwei Central and demonstrated the limits of star power in Ghanaian politics when not paired with strong community ties.
The Minority in Parliament has donated GHS200,000 to support victims of the Kantamanto Market fire outbreak.
The fire, which occurred on January 2, 2025, destroyed parts of the Kantamanto Market in Accra, resulting in the loss of goods and property for several traders.
During a visit to the market in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, the Minority Caucus, led by its leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called on the government to access funds from the Contingency Fund to provide additional support to affected traders.
“We appeal to the government to come to your aid. Recently, we approved the budget, and we are aware that the contingency fund is available to assist in times of crisis.
“We also urge the companies from whom you have taken loans to consider the situation and reduce interest rates, giving traders some financial relief.
“This is GHS200,000, it is a modest contribution from us, the mighty minority, to support you,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He was seen partying with Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This socializing event surprised many fans and observers.
Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, is under fire from fellow citizens after being seen partying with Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On Monday, April 14, 2025, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, commissioned 453 recruits under the Ministry’s Blue Water Guards initiative after they completed four weeks of intensive training at the Naval Operating Base in Ezilinbo, located in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The newly trained guards, equipped with skills in surveillance, survival swimming, boat handling, and basic combat, will collaborate with the Ghana Navy to combat illegal mining (galamsey) on major water bodies, including the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa rivers.
In his address, Armah-Kofi Buah charged the recruits to uphold integrity and professionalism as frontline protectors of Ghana’s water resources.
“Your role is critical,” he emphasized. “You are the eyes, ears, and first point of contact, working with traditional leaders and local communities to safeguard our water bodies from illegal mining. Your duty is to observe, report, and escalate threats to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Unit promptly.”
The Minister clarified that the Blue Water Guards will not engage in confrontations but will serve as intelligence gatherers, relaying real-time information to the Navy for swift action. He warned that breaches of the Code of Conduct would attract strict sanctions and urged the guards to maintain the highest level of discipline.
To enhance rapid response, Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) have been established along the Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and downstream Pra rivers to enable coordinated surveillance. The Minister also announced plans to expand the initiative to the Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Bono, and Savannah Regions—creating over 2,000 direct jobs while protecting water bodies and forests from illegal mining.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon. Brogya Genfi, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the guards in patrolling rivers and forests.
“Illegal mining is one of the greatest threats to our nation,” he stated. “Its devastating effects—poisoned water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and intergenerational harm—demand urgent action. The Blue Water Guards are fully empowered and backed by strong institutional support.”
Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, stressed the need for collective effort:
“Government leadership alone cannot win this fight. It requires the commitment of every citizen, traditional leader, and stakeholder. Protecting our water resources is a duty we all owe to future generations.”
Citizens are encouraged to join the fight as Water Guard Volunteers, reporting suspicious activities to help safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
The commissioning of the Blue Water Guards marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, balancing enforcement with economic empowerment. As the government rolls out these measures, the focus remains on preserving the environment while ensuring responsible and sustainable mining for all Ghanaians.
Accra, April 15, GNA – Songstress Amaarae became the first Ghanaian artiste to deliver a solo performance at one of the world’s biggest music festivals, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the USA.
The singer did not only make history but also projected Ghanaian music after performing several Ghanaian songs from La Même Gang, Asakaa Boys, Joey B, among others.
“A lotta the music you just heard is from my home country, Ghana. I love my country so much,” Ammarae told fans during her performance,” she told the crowd.
Amaarae also shared during her set that her new album, “Black Star,” would be released this summer.
Her remarkable exploits on the Coachella stage have earned her massive praise from fellow Ghanaian artistes, including Sarkodie, Guru, Efya, Kojo Blakk, among others.
Sarkodie, in a social media post, said, “Big shouts to @amaarae; the homeland beautifully represented a queen and more.”
Born Ama Serwah Genfi and formerly known as Petrah, the American Ghanaian singer-songwriter emerged on the scene in 2017 when she released her EP “Passionfruit Summers.”
She gained further prominence around the world with her EP’s “The Angel You Don’t Know” and “Fountain Baby”.
Growing up, Amaarae spent time living in Ghana, as well as Atlanta, Georgia, and New Jersey. She was signed by Concord Music Publishing in 2023.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed concern following the government’s decision to decline the lease renewal application for Gold Fields’ Damang Mine.
In a statement released on April 15, the Chamber acknowledged the government’s authority in granting and renewing mining leases, noting that such decisions are vital to ensuring the sustainable and responsible utilisation of the country’s mineral resources.
However, the Chamber cautioned that decisions of this nature carry wide-reaching implications for the mining sector, investor confidence, and the broader economic development of the nation.
“The mining sector remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and national revenue. In 2024 alone, gold exports brought in approximately US$11.5 billion, accounting for over 50% of the country’s total export earnings,” the statement emphasised.
The Chamber urged the government to consider the potential unintended consequences that may arise from such decisions, stressing the need to avoid negative outcomes that could affect all stakeholders involved.
It added that maintaining a predictable and transparent regulatory environment is essential to attracting and sustaining the investments needed to support long-term growth in the mining industry.
Reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement, the Chamber called on all parties to engage in open, transparent dialogue to understand the rationale behind the decision and to work collaboratively towards a fair and pragmatic resolution.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Chamber’s dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable mining through continued collaboration with the government, regulators, and industry partners — to ensure outcomes that serve the interests of both Ghanaian citizens and investors alike.
Four suspected armed robbers have been gunned down in a fierce shootout with police on the Bekwai–Fomena Highway in the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred on Saturday around 7:00 pm, when the gang attempted a second robbery at the Adansi Rural Bank.
According to police sources, the five-member gang had earlier attacked the same bank last Wednesday, making away with a safe box containing an undisclosed amount of money after tying up the security guard on duty.
Prior to that, the suspects had also robbed a group of illegal miners in the area, seizing large sums of cash.
Their second attempt on the bank proved fatal. Acting on intelligence, police officers mounted a rapid response operation, confronting the gang on the highway.
A gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of four of the suspects. One gang member managed to flee into a nearby bush and is currently on the run.
A manhunt is underway to apprehend the escapee, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a nearby hospital morgue.
The Ashanti Regional South Police Command confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing to unravel the full extent of the gang’s criminal activities.
The community, which has been plagued by increasing highway robberies in recent months, has welcomed the swift police action.
Residents praised the security forces for their decisive intervention, which they say has restored a sense of safety along the highway.
Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation has demanded a reset of Zoomlion’s contracts after accusations of non-performance and lack of transparency by the AMA.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources has called for a major reset in Ghana’s sanitation sector, citing long-standing concerns about underperformance and a lack of accountability in contracts awarded to Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group.
CorpsAfrica/Ghana held its third successful Pitch Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the British Council in Accra.
The event featured powerful presentations by current Group 3 Volunteers, each pitching innovative, community-led projects to a distinguished audience of potential funders, development partners, alumni, and supporters.
Inspired by the popular TV show Shark Tank, Pitch Day is more than just a showcase—it’s a transformative platform aimed at funding sustainable, high-impact initiatives developed by young African leaders.
The event also strengthens CorpsAfrica’s mission of promoting local ownership in development, fostering African philanthropy, and building the leadership capacity of youth through real-world experiences in proposal development, public speaking, fundraising, and networking.
Five inspiring Volunteers from across Ghana’s Central, Volta, and Northern Regions took the stage, each highlighting urgent needs within their communities:
Cyprian W. Awiah – School Block Renovation in Pagazaa, Northern Region
Bellama Gado – Mechanized Borehole in Effutu Kokoado and Tayido, Central Region
Mildred A. Adeaba – Grasscutter Rearing & Tricycle Transportation in Effutu Kokoado, Central Region
Benjamin A. Lugu – Tilapia Fish Farming in Kpeve Tornu, Volta Region
Mudasir M. Abubakari – Stream Dredging for Irrigation in Moglaa, Northern Region.
The “Sharks” panel—comprising respected leaders from the African Women’s Development Fund, CAMFED, Farrelly Mitchell, and Prudential Bank Limited—offered valuable feedback, encouragement, and potential support to these bold changemakers.
CorpsAfrica/Ghana country director, Jessica Musey said in the opening speech that “this is not just an event, this is a celebration of human potential.”
Key individuals also present included Michael Abbiw, President of CIMG and CEO of MGA Consulting Ghana, and Jerry Adjorlolo, who served as Master of Ceremonies and skillfully led the fundraising session.
This event underscores CorpsAfrica’s dedication to empowering local communities and redefining development through grassroots leadership.
Now in its third year in Ghana, CorpsAfrica currently has deployed 41 Volunteers into 41 communities, each one working hand-in-hand with local residents to identify pressing needs and co-create meaningful solutions in the areas of WASH, education, health, and infrastructure.
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.
Popular Ghanaian actor, Prince David Osei, has described as “disheartening” the news of attacks on police officers in the Upper East Region.
This comes after the fatal shootings of two policemen and the shooting of the vehicle of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
According to a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service, the two officers who were traveling by motorbike from Bongo to Binduri were ambushed and killed by armed assailants on April 13, 2025.
Also, the official vehicle of the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, was attacked by gunmen during his visit to Bawku in the Upper East Region.
Reacting to the news on his X, Prince David Osei expressed shock at the news, asking how citizens could be bold enough to carry out such acts.
“It is truly concerning that ordinary citizens feel emboldened enough to open fire at the vehicle of the IGP. May God help Ghana,” he wrote.
He also reacted to the killings of the two police officers, stating, “This is disheartening.”
Meanwhile, the Police Service has launched a manhunt for the officers and has vowed to apprehend the perpetrators.
The injured officer, whose identity is not yet disclosed, is currently receiving medical attention.
See the posts below:
This is disheartening 🙏🏾 https://t.co/gWdKTL55Lr
— H.E Prince David Osei (@PrinceDavidOsei) April 15, 2025
It is truly concerning that ordinary citizens feel emboldened enough to open fire at the vehicle of the IGP. May God help Ghana 🇬🇭
— H.E Prince David Osei (@PrinceDavidOsei) April 15, 2025
ID/EB
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Entertainment WhatsApp channel
10,000 residents including foreigners were found in the Subri River Forest Reserve
An illegal mining task force stormed the Subri River Forest Reserve in the Western Region to arrest about 2,000 illegal miners, following intelligence reports about ongoing operations in the forest.
However, to their surprise, they discovered a sprawling community of about 10,000 residents, including nationals from nearly every country in the West African sub-region.
One of the soldiers, speaking to the media in a video shared on X by JoyNews on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, expressed shock at the number of people living in the forest and the extent of illegal activities taking place.
He revealed that the community had been set up by illegal miners to facilitate their operations and said they found evidence of child prostitution, human trafficking, and money laundering, among other crimes.
“So, we are here in Abrewa Ne Nkran, a section of the Subri River Forest Reserve… and this place is an eyesore. It’s full of illegal miners engaged in all sorts of criminal activities. We’ve seen cases of child trafficking, child prostitution, drug abuse, money laundering, counterfeiting, you name it.
“And we are encountering nationals from across the West African sub-region. It’s like a mini ECOWAS. We’ve seen people from Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mali, and other Sahelian countries. And this is supposed to be a rural community, why are they here?” he asked.
The soldier emphasised that while there was no mining within the community itself, the surrounding Subri Forest Reserve had been heavily exploited.
“You can tell that there’s no actual mining taking place inside the community. All the mining is happening in the forest, and the environmental impact is devastating.”
He also disclosed that the task force rescued several children who had been trafficked into the forest.
“As you can see, we raided the community and dismantled the entire illegal hub set up by the miners. We managed to rescue a few young foreign nationals, Nigerians, Nigeriens,” he said.
The video captured hundreds of wooden structures built deep within the Subri River Forest Reserve, some of which were shown burning after being destroyed by the soldiers.
Scores of residents could be seen packing their belongings and evacuating the area.
Watch the video below:
Hidden deep in the Subri River Forest Reserve in the Western Region was a sprawling illegal mining settlement known as Abrewa Ne Nkran, home to over 10,000 people.
What began as a small village had grown into a lawless mining enclave with its own shadow economy — rife with child… pic.twitter.com/ARscuW7VZk
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:
MTN Mobile Money Limited has responded to a customer whose account was compromised, resulting in the unauthorised withdrawal of GH¢11,000 from her wallet.
According to the company, their investigation indicates that the incident may have been a case of social engineering.
In a social media post shared by MTN Ghana, the company stated, “Our findings suggest that this was a case of social engineering, where a person unknowingly shares sensitive information (i.e., One-Time Password (OTP), one-time verification link, and PIN) with fraudsters.”
Background
A visibly distressed woman took to social media to lament the unauthorised withdrawal of GH¢11,000 from her mobile money wallet.
According to her, she did not approve any transaction of the sort, only to discover that the amount had been debited from her account.
She also noted that she contacted MTN Ghana to report the incident but was told to wait for 15 working days.
Narrating the ordeal on her TikTok account on April 12, 2025, she said, “MTN Ghana, I was just lying here when I realized someone had withdrawn GH¢11,000 from my mobile money account. Nobody contacted me, no one asked for any transaction ID or my mobile money PIN, so how is this possible?
“I called MTN Ghana after seeing the transaction, and they told me to wait for 15 working days. Are we safe? What is the problem, MTN Ghana? I called and the lady who answered was even rude to me. Is this kind of money easy to come by these days? I called your office, and all they could say was to wait for 15 working days. Every day it’s fraud, fraud, fraud. MTN, please do something about it,” she pleaded.
Recently, the CEO of MTN Ghana assured the public that the company is taking steps to address challenges related to mobile money fraud.
MobileMoney LTD responds to social media post about alleged unlawful withdrawal. pic.twitter.com/w0JimAAgON
Ras Mubarak is a former MP for the Kumbungu Constituency
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kumbungu Constituency, Ras Mubarak, has sparked outrage online after describing Ghanaian football lovers as “mentally colonised.”
His comments, which many have criticised as disrespectful and out of touch, have ignited a wave of backlash on social media, with fans accusing him of undermining the passion and pride associated with the beautiful game.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Mubarak claimed that Ghanaians are more passionate about European football than the local league because they are “mentally colonised”.
He argued that this misplaced loyalty reflects a lack of pride in local institutions and called for a mindset shift to support and develop homegrown football, despite its flaws.
However, these assertions have been poorly received by some Ghanaians, who expressed their displeasure in the comments section.
Many argued that their support for European football is not due to mental colonization, but rather a preference for quality, professionalism, and safety, qualities they say are lacking in the local game due to poor leadership and mismanagement.
As a result, some have called for sweeping reforms in the management of football in the country, a step they believe could reignite national interest in the local league.
Read the comments below:
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
For anyone who grew up attaching meaning to the words “Made in Italy” or “Crafted in France,” this one might sting a bit. Because the more you scratch at the surface of the luxury industry, the more you realize just how much of that “European craftsmanship” was quietly outsourced. Not to lower-tier suppliers or specialized artisans in Europe, but to factories across China, where the real work—not just the duplication, but the creation—happens first. Social media didn’t invent this story, but it definitely brought it into sharper focus.
Dior Knitwear
Credit: Instagram
According to factory insiders and TikTok whistleblowers, Dior’s beloved cardigans and ready-to-wear knits often begin their life in China. Brands like Beyond Garments in Ho are allegedly involved in production. Your pricey mohair blend may get its finishing touches in France, but the core work? All done far from the Champs-Élysées.
Coach and Michael Kors
Credit: Instagram
These brands have long been open secrets in the outsourcing game. TikToks have shown Chinese workers stitching Kors bags with practiced precision, sometimes cheekily pointing out the “American Heritage” tag stitched in last. Coach too. If you’ve ever bought from an outlet, you’ve likely bought direct from Asia—logo and all.
Prada Bags
Credit: Instagram
Prada has been relatively transparent, acknowledging that a large portion of its goods are made in China. But what’s hitting people now is the detail: same leathers, same zippers, same threads as the European pieces—just minus the passport. It throws the whole “Italian excellence” thing into question, especially for knitwear and basic bags.
Dior Cosmetics
Credit: Instagram
You might assume your Dior lipstick was whipped up in a sleek lab somewhere in Paris. More likely, it came from factories under the Taikoo Group umbrella in China—the same supplier used by Lancôme and L’Oréal. Packaging comes from Shenzhen. So even if it feels luxury, it’s still largely a Chinese production.
Gucci’s 80% Factory Leak
Credit: Instagram
Several TikToks claim as much as 80% of Gucci’s goods are assembled in China, then finished in Europe for that final stamp of prestige. The work is legitimate—same leather, same specs—but the “made in Italy” label only tells half the story. You’re paying for the plane ride.
Lululemon Leggings at $5 a Pop
Credit: Instagram
Not quite luxury, but definitely expensive for gym wear. Videos from Chinese factory workers have shown that Lululemon leggings cost under $6 to produce. Retail price? Around $100. The clips aren’t about exposing poor quality—they’re saying the quality’s actually quite good. It just doesn’t have to be expensive.
Dior Packaging and Accessories: From 24-Hour Shenzhen Plants
Credit: Instagram
You know that perfectly shaped box with the embossed gold font? Odds are, it came from one of the 24-hour factories in Shenzhen. These places also handle the branded shopping bags and ribbons. Presentation is half the price in luxury retail—but the work is often standard issue factory precision.
Balenciaga’s Quiet Outsourcing
Credit: Instagram
While Balenciaga markets itself with brutalist runway aesthetics and avant-garde irony, some of its most basic products—t-shirts, hoodies, and even shoes—have been traced back to Chinese factories. They don’t deny it outright, but they don’t spotlight it either. Streetwear markup meets offshored reality.
Hermès: The Materials Origin Debate
Credit: Instagram
While Hermès prides itself on French-trained artisans, much of the base leather and hardware is believed to originate from China. TikToks allege some bags are 90% complete before they’re sent to France for final assembly. Whether that changes the quality is up for debate—but it certainly reframes the value.
Maj, Sandro, and Other Mid-Luxury Names
Credit: Instagram
These Paris-based labels are marketed as elevated but accessible. Turns out, many of their core products come from the same Chinese factories that produce for high-end names. So the factory floor that makes your Dior cardigan might also be where your Maj wool coat is born.
LVMH and the Birkenstock Surprise
Credit: Instagram
LVMH acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock, which markets its footwear as made in Germany. But videos claim at least some of the production—or nearly identical versions—exist in China. It could be fakes, or it could be quiet OEM production. Either way, the origin debate has spilled well past leather goods.
Beyond the Bags: Chinese Cashmere’s Rise
Credit: Instagram
Cashmere sweaters used to be a European hallmark, but most of the world’s supply comes from China and Mongolia. TikTok artisans showcase machines knitting Lisa Yang-style sweaters for a fraction of retail. The twist? Some of the highest quality comes from the same goats, same mills, and often, the same staff.
The Packaging Scam No One Talks About
Credit: Reddit
Luxury isn’t just about the item—it’s about how it’s presented. But packaging technology, including rigid boxes, magnetic closures, and flocked trays, often comes from the same Shenzhen vendors used by mass-market brands. That tissue paper and ribbon? Same vendor as your $30 candle.
AI-Boosted TikToks Roasting American Factories
Credit: flickr
Chinese social media isn’t holding back. Some viral AI-generated TikToks show Americans assembling bags at comically slow speeds compared to Chinese workers. The tone is mocking, but the point is clear: China believes it’s mastered production at a level the West can no longer match. The videos sting because they hit close to home.
Fake or Not, It Feels the Same
Credit: Getty Images
Several TikTokers are testing dupes side-by-side with the originals and finding they can’t reliably tell the difference. A fake Dior bag made in the same factory, with the same hardware, might be just as durable. The question becomes less about quality and more about what that brand name really means anymore.
“I believe the NDC cannot do anything new. The budget is clear. I mean, there’s nothing inspirational about it. People are talking about the E-levy being abolished. Beyond that, what else?” he questioned.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Upper East Regional Youth Organizer, Salahudeen Musah, has strongly endorsed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s best hope for reclaiming power in the 2028 general elections.
The Ghana Hotels Association is pushing back against the upcoming utility tariff adjustments set to take effect on May 3, 2025, warning that the move could significantly strain the hospitality sector.
This follows the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s announcement of a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% hike in water charges.
According to the Association, electricity alone already accounts for more than 20% of operational expenses for hotels. Any further increase, they argue, will erode profit margins and threaten the sustainability of many businesses in the sector.
Speaking at a press briefing to launch the Association’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in Accra, President of the Ghana Hotels Association, Dr. Edward Nyameke Ackah, urged regulators to reconsider the decision in light of the fragile recovery the industry is still undergoing post-COVID.
“We need to appreciate this issue about tariffs. A study has been done somewhere says that the percentage of the revenue inflows of the hotel industry for electricity should not exceed 6 percent but we here are in a situation of over 20 percent of our inflows goes into electricity alone so now that there has been another announcement of a hike the impact will be serious,” he said.
He added that: “the Government must find away to support as the cost build up must be critically relooked.”
The theme for the Ghana Hotels Association 50th Anniversary is “ 50 Years of Advocacy, Perseverance and Impacting the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Ghana”
The Ghana Hotels Association has outlined a series of events to mark its 50th anniversary, beginning with a 10-kilometer health walk in Ho on April 24, 2025. The walk, which will cover key landmarks in the Volta Regional capital, will feature a brass band, police escort, ambulance services, aerobics, health screening, and refreshments. This will be followed by the unveiling of the official anniversary cloth and a donation to a department at the Tema General Hospital on July 24, 2025.
A national symposium will then be held in Cape Coast on October 23, 2025, under the theme: “50 Years of Advocacy, Perseverance and Impacting the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Ghana.” The celebrations will climax with an Honorary and Competitive Awards Night on January 24, 2026, to recognise outstanding contributions within the tourism and hospitality sector.
In a recent post on TikTok, Mo Bimpe shared a video featuring Lateef Adedimeji, dressed in cultural regalia.
Mo Bimpe, wife of popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji has broken her silence after a troll claimed her husband is planning to take a second wife.
It all started after she took to TikTok to share a video featuring Lateef Adedimeji, dressed in cultural regalia.
Mr. Martin Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, has disclosed that an ongoing review of Ghana’s mining laws aims to introduce a nine-year limit on prospecting licenses to ensure accountability.
He revealed that Ghana remains one of the few African countries with no limit on prospecting licenses and that the measure aims to encourage companies to actively work on their licenses instead of holding them indefinitely.
Ghana has secured a critical staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), unlocking the release of a $370 million fifth tranche under the country’s $3 billion bailout programme.
The agreement, reached after two weeks of intensive talks with IMF officials, marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to stabilise its economy and accelerate reform.
Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announcing the deal in Accra on Tuesday, April 15, described it as a “significant milestone” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability, achieving debt sustainability, and protecting vulnerable populations.
“What rather started as the most difficult review of the programme has ended successfully,” he said during a joint press briefing with IMF officials.
Once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, the disbursement will bring Ghana’s total receipts under the programme to approximately $2.3 billion.
Dr. Forson acknowledged that his administration inherited a programme that had derailed from several fiscal and structural benchmarks by the end of 2024, with inflation overshooting targets and key reforms stalling. In response, the government has moved swiftly to reorient policy and correct course.
Among the actions taken is an independent audit of a large stockpile of arrears accumulated in 2024, led by the Auditor-General and two international firms.
The report, expected within eight weeks, aims to verify the arrears’ legitimacy and recommend corrective actions.
Legislative reforms have also been introduced. Parliament has amended Ghana’s Public Financial Management Act to include a debt ceiling of 45% of GDP by 2035 and mandate an annual primary surplus of at least 1.5%.
A new independent fiscal council will oversee compliance, while procurement rules now require Finance Ministry certification for all central government contracts.
The IMF welcomed these measures, though noted Ghana’s recent challenges. Mission chief Stéphane Roudet said preliminary data pointed to fiscal slippages ahead of the 2024 general elections, with arrears accumulating and inflation exceeding targets due to delayed policy implementation.
To regain momentum, the 2025 budget projects a primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP, reversing the 3.25% deficit recorded the previous year. The Bank of Ghana has also raised its policy rate to reinforce the fiscal tightening and help curb inflation.
Progress has also been made in reforming the energy sector. The resumption of quarterly electricity tariff adjustments, the operationalisation of a single account mechanism, and further rollout of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism are expected to reduce fiscal risks and prevent new arrears.
Dr Forson vowed to fully implement all programme commitments, saying, “We have made great progress and are determined to stay the course. This is how we build the Ghana we want.”
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, Eric Twum, has called for an end to politicising the ongoing conflict in Bawku, urging all stakeholders to focus on resolving the matter rather than using it for political point-scoring.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, April 15, he stated that resolving the longstanding issues in Bawku demands a united national approach, free from political interference or bias.
“I think that the political aspect of it should be taken away from it so that we deal with the issue, we fix it, we get to the bottom of the matter.”
Amid ongoing public discussions over comments made by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, during a recent visit to Bawku, Eric Twum weighed in on the matter and called for a non-political approach to resolving the conflict.
The IGP was captured in a viral video suggesting that youth in Bawku would be given priority in police recruitment if they laid down their arms.
Following a backlash, the IGP clarified that his comments were not meant as a reward for violent behavior but were intended to emphasise decentralizing police recruitment to include individuals from remote and conflict-affected communities.
The Bawku conflict, which has spanned years, has continued to claim lives and displace residents. Despite multiple security operations, tensions remain high, with periodic outbreaks of violence.
Speaking on Atumpan on AsaasePa 107.3MHz on Monday (14 April), the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri said the conduct during that session had upset many of his supporters and followers, acknowledging the public outcry that followed
The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has issued an unreserved apology following the chaotic scenes that unfolded earlier this year during the vetting of President John Mahama’s ministerial nominees.
Following last Sunday’s dastardly killing of two police personnel near Binduri in the Upper East Region by unknown assailants, the police administration has identified that police personnel and their families have been targeted for possible assassination and attacks in the Bawku, Pusiga and Binduri areas.
The police administration, with immediate effect, has, therefore, banned the movement of police personnel and their families in the Bawku, Pusiga and Binduri areas.
It has also advised that police personnel, both indigenes and non-indigenes, should immediately stay away from traveling to the Bawku , Pusiga and Binduri areas.
Apart from police personnel who are on operational duties, who have been advised to always be in personnel protective equipment (PPE) and only move under armoured escort, all other police personnel have been advised against moving without wearing uniform.
In a wireless message, a copy of which has been seen by Graphic Online, the police administration indicated that there was a surge in violence in the three areas in addition to Garu, with the latest being a target at police personnel.
In the wireless message, the police warned of a “dangerous development” in the Bawku enclave, where personnel and their relatives have become targets of unknown attackers.
The directive asked police personnel to treat the wireless message as urgent.
Some residents of Adum in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, have criticized the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, for spending too much time on social media.
They have accused him of having fun on such platforms instead of working hard to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in their daily lives.
Critics of the young trained medical doctor turned politician have been accusing him of spending excessive time on social media.
However, during a recent public event where he addressed members of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN), the student wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Amoakohene stated categorically that he had no intentions of leaving social media while continuing to serve as the President’s representative in the second most populous region in Ghana.
“Now, they come in with another one: ‘He is a social media minister.’ I have a question—who are the people on social media? Is it not you? And is it a sin for a minister to be on social media? I am not leaving that space because I was there with you during the campaign. So now, should I become a minister and abandon you on that platform, without anyone getting to hear your voice and what you think should be the development direction of this country? No. So, I will be there with you and encourage you,” he said.
However, some locals—interviewed in a video shared on social media during a visit by the Minority Caucus to donate to victims of the Adum market fire on Monday, April 14, 2025—reiterated their disapproval of the Minister’s active presence on social media.
“With Kumasi burning, the Regional Minister is on social media dancing and claiming to be the best regional minister. How can he be the best with such an attitude? He is always online. He is a regional minister only on social media. He spends time on those platforms where he’s praised, while the people of Kumasi go through difficulty and suffering. Come 2028, the NDC will go out of power. That is non-negotiable,” a male resident stated.
The residents of Adum also blamed the government for the Adum market fire, citing frequent power outages, and questioned why Dr. Amoakohene is being praised as the best regional minister despite what they describe as poor performance.
“With Kumasi burning, he’s always on social media claiming best regional minister. They will go, come 2028”
Locals at Adum have blamed government for the Adum market fire, citing frequent power outages, and criticized the Ashanti Regional Minister’s performance, questioning why… pic.twitter.com/AfrvNZhxqY
Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement on the disbursement of the next tranche of $370 million under the ongoing bailout programme.
According to the IMF’s Mission Chief to Ghana, Stéphane Roudet, the Fund’s Executive Board will make a final decision on the disbursement.
This development follows the current government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and expenditure rationalisation in a bid to revive the economy.
The upcoming disbursement will bring the total funding received from the IMF under Ghana’s $3 billion programme, launched in May 2023, to $2.36 billion.
The Minister of Finance addressed the press on April 15, 2025, where he noted the government’s drive to ensure the success of the programme.
See the full text below:
STATEMENT BY DR. CASSIEL ATO FORSON, MP, MINISTER FOR FINANCE ON THE OCCASION OF THE MOF-BOG-IMF JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 4TH REVIEW OF THE IMF-SUPPORTED PROGRAMME
15th April 2025
Acknowledgments:
•Colleague Hon. Minister(s)
•Hon. Deputy Minister
•The IMF Mission Chief, Stephane Roudet, and the IMF Team
•Management and Staff of the Ministry of Finance
•Management and Staff of the Bank of Ghana
•Distinguished Members of the Media
•Invited Guests
•Ladies and Gentlemen
1. You are warmly welcome to the joint GoG-IMF press briefing on the 4th Review of the IMF-ECF Programme conducted by the IMF staff, led by Mission Chief, Stephane Roudet.
2. The IMF mission, which began on the 2nd of April 2025, has been successfully concluded today, the 15th of April 2025.
3. Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been two (2) weeks of hard work and commitment. What initially seemed like the most difficult review of the programme has ended successfully, with the IMF and the Government of Ghana reaching a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) on the 4th Review today.
4. This marks a significant step in our collective effort towards resetting the economy for the Ghana We Want, in our quest to restore and sustain macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, build resilience through strong and ambitious structural reforms, and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth and job creation, while protecting the poor and vulnerable.
5. We remain fully committed to the implementation of the programme and will do all it takes to ensure that its objectives remain on track, despite the challenges faced in implementation.
6. Although several structural benchmarks and quantitative targets under the programme were breached at the time we assumed office,
7. We have worked tirelessly to reverse the situation and, in some cases, fast-tracked the implementation of certain structural reforms ahead of schedule, while embarking on additional reforms.
8. To begin with, pragmatic and bold measures have been put in place to address the large buildup of payables in 2024, which resulted in a large primary deficit compared to the programmed modest surplus.
9. These measures aim to strengthen our spending commitment control system, eliminate the accumulation of payables, enhance budget credibility, and promote fiscal and debt sustainability.
10. These measures include:
i. We have commissioned the Auditor-General, together with two (2) international audit firms, to audit the payables and commitments to validate their legitimacy and values, and provide recommendations for corrective measures. The audit is expected to be completed within eight weeks.
ii. We have passed an amendment to the Procurement Act to ensure that the issuance of commitment authorisation (e.g., commencement certificate) by the Minister for Finance is a prerequisite for all central government procurements under the Authority or the Central Tender Review Committee.
iii. We have amended the PFM Act 2016 (Act 921) to introduce a debt rule to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 45% by 2035, and an operational rule to post an annual primary surplus on a commitment basis of at least 1.5% of GDP. The amendment also legislates the establishment of an independent fiscal council to monitor adherence to these fiscal rules.
iv. We have commenced the operationalisation of the Compliance Desk at the Ministry of Finance to monitor MDAs’ compliance with their fiscal commitments under the PFM Act.
v. We will soon begin publishing a PFM Commitment Control Compliance League Table, ranking MDAs based on their level of compliance and non-compliance with PFM commitment controls and expenditure monitoring measures.
11. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have also addressed and implemented several structural reforms that were expected to be completed by end-December 2024 and end-March 2025, including the following:
i. We migrated 549 MDAs and MMDAs’ spending units’ accounts into the GIFMIS.
ii. The PURC has published on its website the validation report of the ECG revenue/collection accounts audit for Q4 2023 and the full year 2024, even though the structural benchmark conditionality was for H1 2024.
iii. The implementation of the recently announced quarterly tariff adjustments by PURC was executed to satisfy the Structural Benchmark conditionality under the programme.
12. Ladies and Gentlemen, I must acknowledge that fiscal risks in the energy sector remain a challenge, but we have instituted measures to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the shortfall.
13. We have now operationalised the single account mechanism and ensured that the Cash Waterfall Mechanism is being implemented according to the guidelines, to guarantee minimum contractual payments to the IPPs, among others.
14. I would like to use this opportunity to assure the Ghanaian people, the IMF, and other key stakeholders that I will personally lead the charge to ensure the implementation of all our commitments under the Fund-supported programme, which are necessary for the approval of the 4th Review by the IMF Board.
15. This approval will trigger the immediate disbursement of the 5th Tranche of US$370 million, bringing total disbursements under the programme to US$2.3 billion.
16. Ladies and Gentlemen, reaching a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) on the 4th Review marks significant progress towards building the Ghana We Want.
17. On behalf of H.E. President John Mahama, I wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the people of Ghana for their patience, resilience, and unwavering support.
18. We fully recognise the sacrifices made by every Ghanaian as we work together to restore macroeconomic stability, promote inclusive growth, and secure a brighter future for our nation.
19. We are equally grateful to the IMF Mission Team for their continued support, professionalism, and constructive engagement throughout this 4th Review Mission.
20. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership as we advance our economic recovery and reform agenda.
21. Thank you for your attention.
SSD/MA
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel
Taufik Seidu, the Ghanaian-born footballer who currently captains Spain’s U-17 team, is quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the game.
With his impressive skills and leadership on the field, he’s already making waves at Atlético Madrid and on the international stage. Let’s take a closer look at the journey of this exciting midfielder.
Taufik Seidu Zanzi Awudu was born in Ghana on January 20, 2008. At a young age, Seidu moved to Malaga, Spain, where he joined Malaga’s youth team.
His impressive performances led Spanish giants Atlético Madrid to sign him in 2018.
At Atlético Madrid, Seidu played for the youth team for about five years. In 2023, the midfielder earned a promotion to the club’s U-17 side.
Eager to make a name for himself, Seidu raised his game, showcasing exceptional technical skills, sharp vision, and a commanding presence in midfield.
These qualities earned him comparisons to Paul Pogba and led to another promotion, this time to Atlético Madrid’s U-19 side in 2024.
He has since played four senior games for Atlético Madrid and appeared in nine matches for Spain’s U-17 team, captaining them to a 2-0 victory over Italy in September 2024.
Seidu made his debut for Spain’s U-16 team in September 2023, where he made five appearances. He also featured four times for Spain’s U-15 side.
Although Seidu has represented Spain at the youth level, he remains eligible to play for the Black Stars.
However, given his rapid development in recent years, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will need to act quickly to persuade him before Spain secures his commitment to their senior national team.
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch part 2 of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong
The Minister of Education and Sports has asked companies in the construction sector to provide more job opportunities to female engineers because they are diligent workers. Speaking at the inaugural Women in Construction symposium held at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds last Friday, Ms Janet Museveni praised the quality of work delivered by women in construction and other key sectors.
The Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers, and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) in partnership with the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce (South Africa), organised the symposium to celebrate and promote women’s participation in Uganda’s construction and infrastructure development.
Ms Museveni, who is also the First Lady, said she can attest to the work of females involved in construction projects. “When I joined the Education and Sports Sector nearly nine years ago, among the first groups of stakeholders that I interfaced with were those handling the projects we were working on at the time.
These projects were facing various challenges and delays. So, I thought that I would listen to what the issues were causing the delays in implementation.”
“As we went along to finding solutions to some of the pressing challenges in that project, I identified some competent and committed young ladies to come and work alongside the technical people in that project. And to cut the long story short, I must say that it was that team of committed ladies that did a lot to turn around the project and ensure that we delivered One hundred and forty-five (145) primary schools all over the country,” she said.
The First Lady, thereafter, urged all company directors “to open more doors for women. They are equally capable of delivering high-quality services” because she has “not only heard but also witnessed what competent and committed women of integrity can do out of conviction for a noble cause”.
She also applauded the growing role of women in Uganda’s construction industry, commending companies like SMS Construction, Steel & tube for their outstanding service and commitment to gender inclusion.
“We believe in quality service delivery as a government, and SMS Construction, along with Steel & Tube, Roofings, Uganda Bati, Simba Cement, and others, have demonstrated that commitment under the guidance of UNABSEC,” the First Lady said.
“I encourage you all to continue your good work. The government is ready to walk this journey with you.” Under the theme “Levelling the Ground to Upscale Effective Participation of Women in Construction and Infrastructure Development,” the event emphasised the need to empower more women in engineering, surveying, and other technical fields traditionally dominated by men.
UNABSEC President Kiara Binta Nkuranga, the association’s first female president, echoed the call for inclusivity.
“We need to see women beyond roles like flag bearers and tea girls. It’s time to empower them as project managers, site engineers, and leaders. We want to ensure visibility and connectivity for women plumbers, welders, and other skilled workers,” she said.
Ms Nkuranga also launched the Women in Construction Uganda Chapter, an initiative designed to support, mentor, and advocate for women professionals in the sector. She urged Ms Museveni to help make construction-related courses more attractive to young girls arguing that her presence in the event as the highest-ranking woman in the country, inspires confidence in women.
SMS Construction Director Ainea Ashaba expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s support and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality services while promoting gender equality.
“At SMS Construction, we are committed to excellence across Uganda and the East African region. We also pledge to continue offering opportunities to women in our industry,” said Ms Ashaba, The 2025 symposium marks a significant step forward in setting the stage for sustained efforts toward inclusivity and quality service.
The Consumer Protection Agency has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to immediately halt its planned utility tariff adjustments, scheduled to take effect on May 2, 2025.
The CPA argues that the tariff hike is premature and lacks the necessary consultation and consumer representation required by law.
According to a statement issued by Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, Director of Mediation and Arbitration at the CPA, the agency has taken notice of a publication announcing proposed adjustments of 14.75% for electricity and 4.02% for water.
The CPA, however, insists that the PURC should not proceed with the implementation of these increases until its Technical and External Committees are reconstituted.
“These two important committees were dissolved following the assumption of the new government,” the statement read. “We strongly believe that the PURC didn’t do much consultation and also the interest of consumers was not properly represented.”
The CPA emphasized that the PURC’s Technical Committee plays a crucial role in reviewing utility tariff applications, tariff methodology, benchmarking, and technical audits.
Similarly, the External Committee acts as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” in communities, helping to gather consumer feedback and recommend service improvements.
“These committees are mandated by the PURC Act, 1997 (Act 538), and must be in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in decision-making,” the CPA stressed.
The agency also raised concerns over ongoing consumer complaints regarding service delivery by utility providers, which it says have not received adequate attention.
“There are several concerns raised by consumers in relation to utility services in the country which have not been given the needed attention by the PURC and therefore need to be addressed before any tariff increases will be accepted by consumers,” the CPA stated.
The CPA concluded by reminding the PURC of its statutory obligation to guarantee uninterrupted electricity and reliable water supply to the public and urged the Commission to act in good faith by suspending the proposed hikes until proper stakeholder engagement is undertaken.
Actor Freddie Leonard stated that he had come to the conclusion that people who have sense are not in the comment section neither are they on social media.
He made this assertion after reading a comment of a young lady insulting an older man who shared his take on a particular story.
Leave the NPP to the corrupt leaders – Dr Amoako Baah hints at breakaway party
Political scientist and senior member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Amoako Baah, has called on party supporters to prepare themselves to join a new breakaway political movement.
According to him, the NPP, once led by individuals of integrity, has now been hijacked by corrupt leaders.
The Ministry of Finance has begun an eight-week forensic audit into GH¢4.4 billion in outstanding government payables, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced at a press conference on April 15 2025.
The event was held jointly with officials from the Bank of Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The exercise will be carried out by the Auditor-General’s office in collaboration with two international accounting firms.
Its objective is to verify the authenticity and actual amounts of unpaid government obligations that have accumulated over time.
This is in line with corrective actions under Ghana’s programme with the IMF, which is supported by the Extended Credit Facility.
“These steps are meant to strengthen our public expenditure controls and stop the continued build-up of arrears,” Dr Forson said.
He added that the audit team will provide recommendations for addressing any irregularities that may be discovered.
The move follows the government’s failure to meet several targets under the IMF programme, including missing the 2024 primary surplus target.
The Ministry has blamed this on what it describes as a “large buildup of payables”.
The audit comes as part of a broader fiscal effort by the government, which includes recent amendments to the Public Financial Management Act.
The revised law introduces a debt ceiling of 45 percent of GDP to be achieved by 2035, requires annual primary budget surpluses of no less than 1.5 percent of GDP, and establishes an independent Fiscal Council to provide oversight.
The audit is expected to conclude in June, ahead of the IMF Executive Board’s review of Ghana’s next tranche disbursement of $370 million.
If approved, this would bring the country’s total receipts under the current programme to $2.3 billion.
Dr Forson’s announcement followed the end of a two-week IMF review mission, which concluded with Staff-Level Agreement between the Fund and the government.
The Minister described the agreement as a step forward in efforts to restore macroeconomic stability and put public debt on a more sustainable path.
Meanwhile, arrears in the energy sector which have long posed challenges to the budget will be addressed separately through new payment systems.
These include the cash waterfall mechanism and a single treasury account structure designed to regularise payments to independent power producers.
In a related measure, the Ministry of Finance will begin publishing quarterly rankings of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, based on their compliance with new spending rules.
From L-R -Oliver Safo, Franka-Maria Andoh and Kwame Boadi are the producers of the film
Film fans who missed the captivating docu-drama, Omo Ghana – Man for Chop when it opened last February at the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra, now have another chance to catch it online and on television.
Through a special arrangement with the Multimedia Group Limited, there will be a digital premiere of the film on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 6:00pm on Joy News’ YouTube Channel, followed by a television premiere on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 8:00pm on Joy Prime.
1983 was a particularly difficult period for Ghana as it endured a combination of drought, economic difficulties and political instability. That delicate situation was made more depressing with the expulsion of over a million Ghanaians from Nigeria.
AI Media Limited and Lemon Tree Publishing & Film, producers of the film, have cleverly fused archival footage, dramatic recreations and personal testimonies to whip up a film about that forced exodus from Nigeria and how it echoed across West Africa.
“This is not just a Ghanaian story. It is a West African story, an African story, a global story and a human story,” says Kwame Boadi, the film’s director. “We made this film to preserve memory, spark conversation and ask important questions about migration, belonging, and dignity.”
The film is a compelling narrative of survival, identity and resilience of the human spirit. It grabs viewers, no matter their backgrounds.
According to Kwame Boadi (director), Franka-Maria Andoh (assistant director) and Oliver Safo (technical director), they decided to have an online premiere because millions of people can access it from any part of the world and appreciate the noteworthy issues it raises.
So the online premiere will stream exclusively on the Joy News’ YouTube Channel at 6:00pm on April 18, inviting a global audience to experience the film together. Viewers are encouraged to join the live chat and participate in the #OmoGhanaFilm Watch Party during the screening.
The television premiere airs on Joy Prime at 8:00pm on April 19, bringing the powerful, well-told story to homes across Ghana and beyond.
AI Media Limited and Lemon Tree Publishing & Film are Ghanaian film production companies that have decided to collaborate to tell genuine African stories through innovative and emotionally relevant content.
The producers point out that apart from the general public, it would also be extremely beneficial for educators, researchers and development agencies to see Omo Ghana – Man for Chop.
They are grateful to several people including Aloysius Acquah, Akosua K. Darkwa, Faisal Garba, Geraldine Asiwome Ampah, Dr. Gameli Tordzro and Naa Densua Tordzro for their invaluable input into the Omo Ghana – Man for Chop project.
Accra, April 15, GNA – Ms Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, Coordinator of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, has urged the public to protect and support female aspirants elected to positions, including legislators.
“Some are in Parliament and feel they are left alone after being given the mandate. Now we have 40 MPs—30 NDCs, 10 NPPs. Some even say, ‘If we have given her the position, let’s just watch her deliver.’
“Some even wave flags in our faces, saying, ‘If they have given you a female as a Vice President, what else do you need again?’” she said at a Post-Elections Consultative Forum in Accra.
The forum, organized by the Network for Women’s Rights (NETRIGHT) with support from the Star-Ghana Foundation, brought together about 50 participants, including academics, civil society members, politicians, gender advocates, electoral observers, government agencies, media, and development partners.
Discussions focused on Ghana’s democracy, accountability, and gender-responsive governance.
Ms Ahadzi emphasized that having a female Vice President was a significant step, but more effort was needed to ensure women in leadership excel.
She called for funding support for institutions like the Ministry of Gender to implement the Affirmative Action Law effectively.
“Everything is money, nothing is free, bringing together different knowledges, doing rounds come at a cost, media spaces are not free,” she added.
She also advocated for constitutional amendments to strengthen the Act and safeguard women in leadership roles.
Ms Cynthia Sunu, Programmes Manager at NETRIGHT-Ghana, highlighted that women remain underrepresented in Parliament, making up only 14.1% of MPs, with one constituency yet to be declared.
She called for deliberate action to move beyond tokenism and prioritize women’s representation structurally.
Dr Gloria Afful-Mensah, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, discussed “Gender and Taxation,” noting that the now-scrapped electronic-transaction levy disproportionately impacted women’s businesses.
She urged policymakers to consider gender differences in taxation.
Mr Frank Owusu Frimpong of the Ghana Union Movement criticized the predictable pattern of election outcomes and urged the Electoral Commission to ensure timely delivery of electoral materials in future elections to prevent delays.
“It’s as if the election outcome is easily predetermined by anyone, but that shouldn’t be the case,” he said.
Some Ghanaians have questioned the rationale behind the government’s decision not to renew Gold Fields’ mining lease for the Damang Mine in the Western Region.
They raised concerns over whether a stronger influence may be behind the government’s decision.
In a post shared on social media, former Corporate Affairs Manager for Ghana COCOBOD, Fiifi Boafo, expressed worry about the potential impact of the move on investor confidence in Ghana.
“Particularly, amid claims that some mining companies, frustrated by recent developments, are already exiting the country,” he said.
He was more worried at the possible adverse effect the decision could have on employees, locals, and the broader community that has, over the years, benefited from Gold Fields’ presence.
“Why is Gold Fields struggling to get its Damang Mine lease renewed? Is there a powerful hand frustrating the process in order to take over the mine?
“What will be the effect on investor confidence in the country. Who stands to benefit from the potential refusal of the lease renewal. Will it be the government, employees or the local community? Interesting days ahead,” he wrote in the post.
Meanwhile, DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the company is currently engaging with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in an attempt to resolve the situation.
In the meantime, Gold Fields has informed its workers to begin preparing for the expiry of the lease.
A memo to the staff of the gold mining company indicated that its current lease at Damang will expire on April 18, 2025.
A joint task force made up of military personnel and officers from the Forestry Commission has destroyed a hidden village of over 10,000 residents, suspected of engaging in illegal mining—known locally as galamsey—in the Western Region.
The village, identified as Abrewa Ne Nkran Community, was discovered deep within the Subri River Forest Reserve. It is reportedly inhabited by both Ghanaians and foreign nationals from Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
2025-04-15T12:00:14+00:00
Former Germany goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller reveals his favourite dish is a Ghanaian food, despite living most of his life in Europe. Here’s his surprise choice…
2025-04-15T08:44:06+00:00
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was impressed by Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo’s impressive talent. He praised him using Ghanaian foods in his comment…
2025-04-15T10:29:58+00:00
In a dawn operation carried out on Tuesday, 14 April 2025, the task force raided the settlement, expecting to find approximately 2,000 inhabitants. However, they were shocked to discover over 10,000 residents living in the village.
The operation also revealed that the settlement lacked basic social amenities, with video footage showing makeshift wooden structures and poor living conditions.
One of the military officers who spoke to the media disclosed alarming evidence of child prostitution:
We managed to rescue a few young foreign nationals, mostly Nigerians. One of them confided in us that her ‘madam’ brought her here and explained the kind of work she was expected to do. Clearly, such a minor has been trafficked and is being forced into prostitution right here in this village. This is the impact of illegal mining—these are the consequences it brings into communities.
The operation forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining in a bid to restore the country’s water bodies, forest reserves, and environment.
Tanyigbe-Etoe (V/R), April 15, GNA – The fifth Hilz FM Football tournament comprising 20 Clubs has ended at the Tanyigbe-Etoe Agasco park on Sunday with a Togolese side, JS Bisalam emerging as the winners.
They beat Akame Shining Stars from Shia in the final game by a two-one goal margin to lift the giant golden tournament trophy, GHC3,000, a set of jersey, two footballs and gold medals for their feat.
Second place, Akame Shining Stars from Shia received a silver trophy,
GHC2,000 cash, a set of Jersey, two footballs, and silver medals
Aflao Young Boys, who placed third took home a bronze trophy, GHC 1,000, one ball, bronze medals with the fourth position going to Abutia Forsime Black Hunters, who picked GHC500 cash, and a ball.
All participating teams received certificates.
Micheal Ciano from Aflao Young Boys notched the Goal-king, Madougou Kalilou from JS Bisalam Lome, Togo, snatched the Golden Glove; Aberjo Junior from Aflao Young Boys became the best player with best coach going to Aminou Moufid from JS Bisslam Togo.
Most behaved team: went to Hodzo Ocean City, a 14-year-old Haruna Bilali from JS Bisalam, Togo, was adjudged Youngest Player with Best behaved coach going to Torgbui Akorli from Volta Green Eagles, Alabama-Kasoa in Greater Accra.
Mr Charles Suglo, Manager of Hilz FM, who introduced these Tournament series told the Ghana News Agency, the Hilz Cup 2025, running since 2021 is targeted at creating opportunities for budding stars in rural areas as a platform to unearth talents for national discourse.
He said another is to bring the local communities closer – even across borders – through football, the Tournament being like a festival for the local host.
In a chat, Mr Dziko-Kwame Akumah, whose household provided the “DZIKO-DEBU” trophies and awards said that from the words of the Tanyigbe Etoe Chief, Togbe Ameworkunu, “our host township couldn’t have been more joyful, having to cater for twenty teams and their handlers, in accommodating them, watching over their safety all through, means a lot.”
Mr Akumah said Togbe Ameworkunu expressed his total appreciation to the Local Planning Committee; to all citizens home and abroad for their support in numerous ways and to the Security services for the supporting role.
He said that Togbe said that Hilz FM is already planning for next year, believing it to be improved, while thanking the financiers of the tournament and is hopeful that Tanyigbe Etoe would still host several more.
The event was graced by Mr Edem Kofi Kpotosu, Member of Parliament for Ho Central.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh
