A group of immediate-past and former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have formally petitioned the party’s National Council to grant them voting rights in all internal party elections—from the constituency level to the national executive level.
In a letter dated June 12, 2025, and jointly signed by Solomon Darko-Quarm (former DCE for Gomoa East) and Richmond Amponsah (former DCE for Achiase), the former local government appointees called for the party to recognise their contributions and accord them full participation rights in the party’s internal democratic processes.
The petitioners argue that MMDCEs serve as the face of the party in various districts and wield considerable political influence at the grassroots level—assets they believe could be better utilized if they were empowered to vote during party primaries and executive elections.
“Extending voting rights to MMDCEs at all levels would serve as a significant motivation for them to contribute more to the party’s growth and success,” the statement reads.
The letter also highlights the historical importance of MMDCEs in the NPP’s political victories, citing their roles as former constituency and regional officers during the party’s 2016 landslide electoral win. With the party currently in opposition and facing a tough political landscape, the group suggests that former MMDCEs will likely become key financial and logistical supporters in their constituencies leading up to the 2028 elections.
They contend that recognising MMDCEs as voting members would enable the party to tap into their “wealth of experience and resources to reorganize for victory.”
The letter was copied to all Regional Chairmen and the General Secretary of the NPP, urging party leadership to deliberate on the proposal ahead of internal restructuring efforts.
The National Council is yet to issue a formal response to the petition.
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Ablekuma North: ‘Rerun calls baseless, give EC security to finish its job – NPP
Reality star, Phyna drags Israel DMW, calls him unprintable names, days after she went on vacation with his ex-wife Sheila.
It would be recalled that some days ago, during the birthday of the BBNaija star Phyna, a video surfaced online which captured her and Sheila enjoying their vacation in Mauritius.
A 14-year-old Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate, Awudu Gariba, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Assin Fosu Polyclinic on Friday, June 13.
Assin South District Education Director, Isaac Opoku, is reported to have confirmed his demise to the media.
The Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School student, according to reports, showed unrest on Thursday at the exam hall and was rushed to the Adiembra CHPS compound but was denied medical care as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) still took effect.
American boxer Andrew Tabiti stunned the home crowd at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday night with a dominant fourth-round knockout win over Ghana’s Jacob Dickson to capture the WBC African Cruiserweight title.
The highly anticipated bout headlined the “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event, organized by Legacy Rise Sports and Amir Khan Promotions. But for Dickson, it was a night to forget.
From the opening bell, Tabiti; who once trained under Floyd Mayweather Sr. showed his class and power. An early uppercut sent Dickson crashing to the canvas in the first round, setting the tone for what would be a one-sided affair.
Jacob Dickson after uppercut . Photo Courtesy: Fight talk Africa
Not even the presence of Ghanaian boxing legends Azumah Nelson and Joshua Clottey could lift Dickson’s spirits, as Tabiti continued to dominate, breaking him down with powerful body shots and brutal combinations.
Dickson hit the canvas three times before the end came at 1 minute and 34 seconds into the fourth round, when Tabiti landed another crushing blow to seal the knockout victory.
Andrews Tabiti looking on as Dickson struggles to get up after knockout . Photo Courtesy: Fight Talk Africa X
With this win, Andrew Tabiti improves his professional record to 21 wins in 23 fights, cementing his return to form on African soil.
For Jacob Dickson, it’s back to the drawing board after suffering the first major blemish of his career on home turf.
In a bold and timely response to Ghana’s growing demand for digital talent, ALX Ghana brought together some of the country’s most impactful organizations in youth and digital development at an event held on June 10, 2025, under the theme “Driving Ghana’s Next Generation of Digital Talent”.
The gathering, which took place at ALX’s Tech hub at 1 Airport Square, was more than just a celebration of progress, but an emphatic call for collective action.
At the heart of the event was a shared commitment: to rally around the government’s One Million Coders Initiative, a flagship project of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at equipping one million young Ghanaians with digital skills for the future of work. ALX brought together changemakers from across sectors to share insights, forge partnerships, and most importantly, amplify the work being done in the broader digital ecosystem.
Representing a diverse yet united front, four ecosystem partners: Generation Ghana, JA Africa, Coral Reef Innovation Hub, and Implementers Ghana, together with ALX shared the impactful work they have been doing across communities to build youth capacity in digital literacy and future-forward skills. Although not all partners in the ecosystem could be present, the five who participated painted a vivid picture of a movement already in motion.
Coral Reef Innovation Hub shared their work with community-driven innovation spaces. JA Africa highlighted their entrepreneurial training programs, which primarily focus on junior high school students. Generation Ghana showcased their immersive employment initiatives.
Implementers Ghana spoke about their efforts in developing local talent. Across all the presentations, one message stood out clearly: collaboration is the new currency of transformation.
In the words of Nana Darko Asiedu, Country Manager of ALX Ghana, “We are here to represent a movement. A collective of organizations working to ensure Ghana’s youth are ready, not just for jobs, but for impact.”
The event also drew the presence of influential industry figures whose commitment to youth empowerment and digital progress further amplified the message in the room. Notably, Nana Professor Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II who is the Board Chair of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation and Board Chair of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Otumfuo’s Hiahene.
The international diplomatic community was represented by His Excellency Roey Gilad, Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, whose presence highlighted the value of cross-border partnerships in digital advancement. From the private sector, industry pioneer Prince Kofi Amoabeng, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of UT Holdings, stood alongside Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer of MTN and George Ofosu Boateng, Head of Digital Channels, Ecobank, each reinforcing their organization’s stake in developing a digitally fluent youth population.
The keynote address by Honourable Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, was a blueprint for national advancement. He emphasized that digital literacy is not optional in today’s world. It is foundational.
“Digital technology has become the most democratic tool of empowerment,” Hon. Sam George said. “Our duty as a government is to provide an enabling environment, but we cannot do it alone. We need partners like ALX and every player here today to push forward our One Million Coders agenda.”
He also highlighted a critical truth: that in the past, Ghana’s primary exports were cocoa and gold. In the next chapter of the nation’s story, it must be talent. “The Ghanaian youth must be our greatest export — digital, skilled, and globally competitive.”
His speech was both visionary and pragmatic, urging for synergy between government and private sector stakeholders.
A Marketplace of Ideas: The Panel and Fireside Chat
At the heart of the event was a powerful panel discussion on how partnerships—across government, industry, and international allies—can accelerate digital skills and talent in Ghana. The session, moderated by Esinam Adorkor, Program Lead at the Mastercard Foundation, set the tone for an engaging exploration of innovation, impact, and collaboration.
Ambassador Roey Gilad of Israel emphasized that youth are often the vanguard of technological revolutions, referencing Israel’s own journey. He then went on to praise Ghana’s digital progress, describing the One Million Coders initiative as “a healthy experiment” with strong potential. He said, “There is a lot to learn from Ghana,” and expressed hope that the country could become “a hub for high-tech on the continent.”
From the banking sector, George Ofosu Boateng, Head of Digital Channels at Ecobank, offered a pragmatic view of digital transformation in finance. With Ecobank’s bold vision to reach 100 million customers by 2030, he stressed the need to move beyond isolated efforts. “We are doing great things but often in silos. We need to connect the dots,” he said, highlighting partnerships such as Ecobank’s collaboration with MTN, which has already delivered over $650 million in microloans. “Digitization must be measured by the value it brings to the customer — speed, convenience, satisfaction.”
Adwoa Wiafe of MTN Ghana expanded the conversation, stressing that access is fundamental. “Everyone deserves the benefits of modern connectivity,” she stated, highlighting MTN’s investments in rural infrastructure and its zero-rated Digital Skills Academy with Coursera. MTN’s goal, she said, is to support a future where “the next big thing comes from Africa.”
The dialogue deepened during a fireside chat on mentoring the digital generation, moderated by Nana Adjoa Adobea, Senior Partner at Afrimire Advisors.
Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, as part of this discussion, emphasized the importance of intergenerational responsibility and ethical grounding in an era of rapid digital transformation. “As we advance technologically, our values must anchor us,” he urged, reinforcing the need for strong role models.
Prince Kofi Amoabeng brought a candid, philosophical perspective to the conversation. “We are here to make the world better,” he said, calling for innovation built on integrity, equity, and the spirit of Ubuntu. He warned that a digital revolution without ethics and shared purpose is bound to collapse, and stressed that mentorship must go beyond skills to shape the mindsets needed for national development—supported by strong infrastructure, clear regulation, and access to financing.
The Path Forward
As the event drew to a close with remarks from Nana Darko, there was a unanimous conviction in the room: no single organization can achieve this alone, but together, we are unstoppable.
This event marked a true convergence of purpose. It affirmed that Ghana’s digital future is not a distant vision but a living reality being shaped daily by organizations willing to build bridges, share knowledge, and uplift the next generation.
If the spirit of collaboration witnessed at ALX Ghana’s hub is any indication, then the One Million Coders dream is not only within reach; it is inevitable.
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) serves notice of a nationwide strike if agreed conditions of service are not implemented by June 30th.
CLOGSAG have given the government until June 30 to meet their demands or face nationwide strike action.
On Thursday June 12, in a letter addressed to the sector minister, they revealed that their members are mounting pressure on the leadership.
A major economic announcement was made last week in faraway Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province in China – one with the potential to transform the trajectory of industrial development across Africa, from light to heavy manufacturing, and possibly help lift millions of our people out of poverty if well managed.
Surprisingly, it has so far not generated the level of discourse I was expecting across African media, economic, and social networking platforms.
China has declared its readiness to drop 100% of tariffs on products from all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
This bold move could reshape Africa’s export potential and unlock unprecedented access to a market of over 1.4 billion people, extending into the broader East Asian economic zone.
This moment is the result of years of groundwork. A visit to Hunan Province in 2018 during my tenure as Ghana’s Ambassador to China marked a pivotal turning point in China-Africa economic relations.
During that visit, the then Director General of the Hunan Ministry of Commerce initiated serious discussions on how Hunan could become a gateway for African products into the Chinese market.
He followed up with a crucial meeting at the Ghana Embassy in Beijing, which helped lay the foundation for what would later become the first China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, launched in 2019.
Following Ghana’s early engagement, other African ambassadors—including colleagues from Tanzania, Rwanda, Benin, and Kenya—were brought into the preparatory discussions and follow-ups. The then Ambassador of Tanzania to China, Amb. Mbelwa Kairuki, became my close partner on this initiative. Together with our colleagues, the Dean and members of the African Diplomatic Corps, and key Chinese stakeholders, we worked tirelessly to shape a shared vision for stronger, mutually beneficial trade ties.
Last week’s announcement at the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha is a powerful testament to that vision. The policy shift to eliminate tariffs on 100% of taxable African imports is not just symbolic; it is a game-changing opportunity for African exporters, particularly in sectors like agriculture, textiles, processed goods, and light manufacturing.
However, we must recognise that Chinese enterprises are already deeply embedded across African markets—well-positioned in every sector to benefit from this policy, as well as the broader advantages offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
If Africa does not organise itself by building infrastructure, improving quality standards, supporting local entrepreneurs and communities, and strengthening supply chains and regulatory frameworks, others will seize the space that should be occupied by African producers.
This is a historic opening. Africa must move with strategy, urgency, and purposefulness to ensure that this policy shift translates into real economic transformation for the continent. Our media should hail and talk more about this policy initiative and explore how we can drive it to our advantage.
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Author: Amb. Edward Boateng, Former Ambassador of Ghana to China
Young Raphael (L) opening up about his days in his basic level education
A 10-year-old boy called Raphael Asomani has set tongues wagging and left many in admiration of his remarkable feat as the youngest student at Adisadel College Senior High School in Cape Coast, in the Central Region.
Currently in his first year at one of the country’s renowned A-list senior high schools, Raphael, in a video interview with a colleague, seen on GhanaWeb’s Facebook page, stated how he took his final examination for basic education, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), at the age of 10, an exceptionally-rare achievement.
Sharing some background on his basic education, Raphael stated that he completed Holy Child RC Basic School at Sakumono, Accra, at a young age, gaining admission to his current school after excelling academically.
“I’m from Holy Child RC Business School inside Sakumono and I wrote [BECE] at Global Trust Academy. I wrote BECE at age 10,” he said.
His achievement has been admired by many Ghanaians, who believe that his intelligence and exceptional abilities may have led to his promotion to higher classes ahead of his peers.
As a result, they believe that he sat for the BECE at the age of 10, whereas the average age for taking the exam is typically around 14 years.
Raphael, currently studying General Arts, hopes to make another mark and achieve a new milestone in his secondary education.
Given his age, he is expected to complete his studies between 12 and 13 years old.
Watch the video below;
MAG/AE
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You Will See How Painful It Is To See Others Throwing Mud At You — Sefa-Kayi’s Prediction To Gyamfi
News Hub Creator2h
An old video of broadcaster Kwame Sefa-Kayi forewarning Sammy Gyamfi about the pain of public criticism has gone viral again in light of Gyamfi’s ongoing controversy involving a dollar donation to Agradaa.
The clip, dating back to April 12, 2019, shows Sefa-Kayi chastising Gyamfi over accusations he had made. The conflict arose after a leaked audio recording allegedly captured NDC’s Ofosu Ampofo discussing destabilization strategies. Gyamfi, in response, branded Sefa-Kayi as a dishonest media figure who targeted the NDC and claimed he would have ignored such a tape if it implicated the NPP.
When Gyamfi reappeared on Sefa-Kayi’s show, the host demanded an apology but also shared a reflective message:
“You’re young and intelligent. One day you’ll serve in a significant role and realize how hurtful it is when people throw accusations at you.”
Now, amid criticism over a financial gesture to Agradaa, many believe Sefa-Kayi’s words have come true, as Gyamfi experiences firsthand the sting of public judgment.
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has spoken out about the recent arrest of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
In an interview with Onua TV on June 11, 2025, Asiedu Nketiah explained that Chairman Wontumi was picked up by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to answer charges levelled against him.
Popular Nollywood actress Ani Amatosero has taken to social media to share a deeply personal truth that has surprised many of her fans and followers. Known for her beauty, talent, and strong screen presence, Amatosero revealed that she has been concealing a physical feature about herself for years — her naturally large head.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actress posted a bold, unfiltered photo of herself without a wig, showing her true head shape. The image was accompanied by a candid caption where she opened up about the emotional burden of hiding her reality.
“My head is like this without wigs. I’m tired of keeping it as a secret,” Amatosero wrote.
She further explained that although wigs had become part of her signature look, they were also a mask she wore to avoid scrutiny, judgment, and ridicule. According to her, the decision to finally embrace her natural look came from a place of healing and a desire to promote self-acceptance.
Fans and fellow celebrities have flooded her page with messages of support, praising her courage and vulnerability. Many hailed her as a role model for confidence and authenticity in an industry often driven by appearances and perfection.
Ani Amatosero’s revelation adds to the growing movement within Nollywood and beyond, where stars are choosing to show their real selves, imperfections and all. Her boldness is seen by many as a call for people, especially women, to love themselves fully and unapologetically — wigs off, masks down.
With this declaration, Amatosero has not only broken a long-held silence but has also inspired many to embrace their true selves, no matter the shape or size.
Below is the screenshot of Ani Amatosero’s post on her official Instagram handle.
PHOTOS/NEWS SOURCE; REAL EFFIXZZY BOSS OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM HANDLE
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Elections and Research Officer in the Ablekuma North Constituency, Jones de Graft-Darkwa, has strongly criticised Presidential Advisor Dr. Valerie Sawyerr for demanding a rerun in 62 polling stations insisting such interventions risk compromising the Electoral Commission’s independence and eroding public trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
His sharp response follows a public statement issued by Dr. Sawyerr, in which she accused the Electoral Commission of compromising the integrity of the December 7, 2024, parliamentary election in Ablekuma North. In her commentary, titled “The Saga of the Scanned Pink Sheets & Ablekuma North”, Dr. Sawyerr criticised the EC’s use of scanned pink sheets allegedly provided by the NPP in the absence of original carbonated forms, describing the situation as a “diabolic drama.”
“No ground stomping, no walks from Timbuktu to Accra… will make what is wrong… right,” she charged, calling on EC Chairperson Jean Mensa to “order a rerun at the sixty-two (62) polling stations… and stop wasting our time.”
In a rebuttal issued on Friday, June 14, Jones de Graft-Darkwa pushed back saying “Let me state emphatically that any talk of a rerun in Ablekuma North, whether for the entire constituency or select polling stations, is completely without justification or constitutional basis.”
He emphasised that the EC alone has the legal authority to conduct and conclude elections, stressing that any attempt by political actors to influence the process constitutes dangerous interference. “The recent comments from these high-ranking officials not only undermine that independence but also risk setting a dangerous precedent in which political pressure overrides the law and due process,” he said.
The EC is yet to declare the parliamentary results in Ablekuma North more than six months after voting. It has cited the lack of security support as the primary reason the collation could not be completed—an issue Jones de Graft-Darkwa says must be resolved urgently.
“It is deeply troubling for anyone, especially government officials, to be calling for a rerun when the lawful process has not been concluded simply due to an apparent failure, or refusal, to guarantee the Commission the security it needs to operate,” he said. “Ironically, any rerun (should one occur), would require even greater security arrangements. So why are these calls being made at all?”
He urged the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector-General of Police to give the EC the necessary protection to finish its collation process and declare the results.
“The constituents of Ablekuma North have exercised their constitutional right to vote… it is not for politicians, regardless of their office, to decide whether an election should be rerun,” he said.
“This moment calls for leadership, not political gamesmanship. The EC must be allowed to assert its independence, complete the collation process, and declare the results without further delay. Anything less is a betrayal of our democracy.”
Today, Newsfile host Samson Lardy Anyenini and his panelists will discuss the just-ended Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) strike.
Also to be discussed on the show is the abrupt shutdown of 64 radio stations, including notable outlets such as Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, by the National Communications Authority on June 12, and the clemency offered by President John Mahama.
Also this week, on Friday, June 13, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, addressed the public on the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) probe into the National Service Authority (NSA).
Dr Ayine confirmed that 12 former NSA directors and officials will face charges, including Former Deputy Executive Director, Gifty Oware-Mensah, for fraud, causing financial loss to the state, conspiracy, and money laundering. The AG said some individuals will enter into non‑prosecution agreements in exchange for testimony, under the plea bargaining framework.
This will be tabled for discussion as well on your most authoritative news analysis programme.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The discussions highlighted the potential of cross-border tourism in West Africa
The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), led by its President, Yvonne Donkor, has paid a courtesy call on the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Ifedayo Adeoye, as part of efforts to deepen tourism collaboration between the two countries.
The meeting, held at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra on June 13, 2025, focused on strengthening bilateral ties in the tourism sector, with an emphasis on partnerships between Ghanaian and Nigerian tour operators as well as the respective tourism ministries.
Discussions highlighted the potential of cross-border tourism in West Africa, particularly by leveraging visitor traffic between Ghana and Nigeria to create a more integrated and seamless tourism experience.
President Yvonne Donkor emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, noting that closer ties with Nigeria’s tourism ministry and industry stakeholders would open up opportunities for joint tours, cultural exchange programmes, and increased patronage of tourism offerings in both nations.
“Our goal is to enhance cooperation that allows tourists to experience the rich diversity of West Africa through multi-country packages,” she said.
High Commissioner Ifedayo Adeoye welcomed the initiative and expressed his readiness to support TOUGHA’s objectives.
He noted that improved collaboration between the two countries’ tourism stakeholders would promote regional integration and foster economic development.
play videoThis moment was exactly after Kufuor and the Asantehene had just exchanged a handshake
For the greater part of a few recent years, Ghana’s oldest-living former president, John Agyekum Kufuor, has been confined to a wheel chair. And while that has not inhibited him so much from attending major public events or being seen in one engagement here or there, the typical ‘gentle giant’ of old has not been seen taking steps in that period.
But miracles, or as some may prefer to describe it, all is possible with determination and will power.
And that is exactly what was captured in a video shared on Facebook by Daily Graphic, when the former president approached the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to pay his respects to him.
This was during the final day of the funeral rites of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Nana Osei Bonsu II, during which the Asantehene was sitting in state.
With the help of some strong men, John Agyekum Kufuor was lifted upright, held under his armpits and one person supporting him at the waist, and led to the upper stairs of where the King of the Asantes was seated.
Although the video was not audible, the look and expressions on the face of the Asantehene as the former president approached him were a mixture of pleasant joy and concerns on whether he (Kufuor) was really ok.
The Asantehene also had that look of, ‘You really didn’t need to bother so much,’ but as it would appear, this must have surely been a wish the former president expressly asked for.
Surely, it was a beautiful moment as the two respected statesmen greeted briefly before John Kufuor was carefully helped back to his seat.
Watch it all in the video below:
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In a rare and captivating display of cultural pride and royal unity, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was seen embracing the core values of tradition, heritage, and family during a serene gathering with members of his royal household.
The occasion, which took place at Manhyia Palace, offered a beautiful glimpse into the private yet powerful world of the Ashanti royal family, reinforcing Otumfuo’s lifelong commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom while fostering a sense of familial closeness.
Dressed in regal kente and adorned in the traditional ornaments that symbolize his revered status, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II appeared alongside his children, including his rarely seen youngest daughter, Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem Osei Tutu, who has grown into a graceful young lady reminiscent of her late grandmother, the great queen mother.
The family setting was one of quiet elegance—portraits of ancestry in motion. It was not just a reunion, but a powerful reminder that tradition thrives best through generational continuity. In a world increasingly influenced by Western norms, Otumfuo’s public embrace of heritage and legacy stood as a proud statement: royalty must evolve, but never forget its roots.
“Our heritage is not a museum piece—it is a living tradition passed down through love, values, and responsibility,” Otumfuo is reported to have told close associates during the gathering.
Observers and cultural enthusiasts were quick to commend the monarch for reminding Ghanaians, especially the youth, about the significance of culture in shaping identity. Social media was awash with admiration for the images, with one user writing, “This is royalty redefined—humble, dignified, and full of heart.”
The Asantehene, known not only for his wisdom but also for his global advocacy on peace, education, and development, continues to balance modern leadership with the timeless customs of his people. From hosting world leaders to supporting grassroots initiatives in Ghana, he has become a bridge between ancient authority and progressive vision.
As Ghana navigates rapid modernization, moments like these are invaluable. They are a call to hold fast to what makes the nation unique. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, through his family and his actions, continues to demonstrate that tradition isn’t a relic—it’s a compass guiding the future.
In the embrace of his family, we see not just royalty—but the beating heart of Ashanti heritage, alive and unbroken.
Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has urged President John Dramani Mahama to avoid any form of interference in the ongoing investigations and planned prosecutions linked to the National Service Authority (NSA) payroll scandal.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, June 13, Azeem commended the government for pursuing accountability but warned that political influence from the presidency could undermine public trust in the process.
“I think that there is a sign that he is determined, and he has got an Attorney General who is also able to pursue these things. What I have to say is that President Mahama should not get involved and should not try to influence whatever direction the issue goes. He should leave it to the appropriate institutions to investigate and prosecute when the need arises,” Azeem said.
His comments come on the heels of a major announcement by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who disclosed that 12 former NSA officials would soon face charges over their alleged roles in a payroll fraud scheme that cost the state over GH¢548 million.
According to Dr. Ayine, investigations have concluded, and the suspects are accused of creating and benefiting from the addition of thousands of ghost names to the NSA’s payroll during the 2022–2024 service years.
Those named include:
Mustapha Ussif, former Executive Director
Osei Assibey Antwi, former Director General
Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Deputy Executive Director
Kweku Ohene Gyan, former Deputy Executive Director for Operations
Abraham Bismark Gaisie, former Head of Deployment
Eric Nyarko, former Head of Accounts
Albert Oteng Owusu, former Internal Auditor
Kweku Dekyi Agyei, Accounts Officer
Iddrisu Ibn Abu-Bakr, former Head of Accounts
Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, Koforidua Municipal Director
Prince Agbofa Awuku, District Director
Jacob Yawson, MIS Administrator in the Northern Regional Office
The Attorney General also indicated that several private vendors allegedly conspired with the accused public officers by manipulating the Authority’s Central Management System to defraud the state.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the independence of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions. He has pledged not to interfere with the ongoing investigations or judicial processes surrounding the scandal.
Once upon a time, Nigerian celebrity kids were tucked safely behind the curtains of fame, adorable, unseen, and quietly growing while their superstar parents took the spotlight. But today, the script has flipped. These children aren’t just tagging along to movie sets, music tours, or skit shoots, they’re mini-celebrities in their own right, with fan pages, brand deals, and loyal followings.
Sylvester Mensah (head of the table) with the AfDB team during their engagements
The Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank has announced plans to deepen its cooperation with the African Development Bank (AfDB) following a high-level working visit by Dr Solomon Quaynor, AfDB’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialisation.
The visit, which took place on Friday June 13, 2025, brought together senior executives from both institutions to explore areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating Ghana’s industrial growth, with a special focus on the garment and apparel sector.
In a Facebook post following the meeting, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIM Bank, Sylvester Mensah, described the meeting as “highly productive”, revealing that discussions centred around joint project-specific financing initiatives and broader support for the government’s industrial transformation agenda.
He specifically noted that the garment and apparel sub-sector holds significant potential for job creation and export-led growth.
“Together with members of our executive team, we held productive discussions focused on deepening cooperation between our two institutions. A key highlight was the consideration of joint project-specific financing, particularly within the garment and apparel sub-sector, an area with strong potential for job creation and industrial growth,” he wrote.
“We’re excited about the African Development Bank’s strong interest in co-financing projects in this space, and we look forward to translating these discussions into real investments,” Mensah added.
The discussions also addressed strategic support for President John Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, which aims to stimulate continuous economic activity by investing in infrastructure and expanding employment opportunities in key sectors.
“We are also encouraged by the AfDB’s firm commitment to supporting President John Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, especially through targeted infrastructure investments in collaboration with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF),” the GEXIM Bank CEO noted.
Dr Quaynor’s visit reflects the AfDB’s growing emphasis on private sector development across Africa and aligns with the Bank’s broader goal of accelerating industrialisation through strategic partnerships.
The Ghana EXIM Bank further disclosed that follow-up engagements are already underway to develop concrete proposals and action plans stemming from the meeting.
Both institutions have pledged to work closely in the coming months to deliver tangible outcomes that support Ghana’s economic transformation.
The AfDB has previously provided financing for energy, agriculture, and transport infrastructure in Ghana.
This new phase of collaboration is expected to include technical assistance, policy support, and blended finance models tailored to promote private sector-led growth.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Elections and Research Officer in the Ablekuma North Constituency, Jones de Graft-Darkwa, has strongly criticised Presidential Advisor Dr. Valerie Sawyerr for demanding a rerun in 62 polling stations insisting such interventions risk compromising the Electoral Commission’s independence and eroding public trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
His sharp response follows a public statement issued by Dr. Sawyerr, in which she accused the Electoral Commission of compromising the integrity of the December 7, 2024, parliamentary election in Ablekuma North. In her commentary, titled “The Saga of the Scanned Pink Sheets & Ablekuma North”, Dr. Sawyerr criticised the EC’s use of scanned pink sheets allegedly provided by the NPP in the absence of original carbonated forms, describing the situation as a “diabolic drama.”
“No ground stomping, no walks from Timbuktu to Accra… will make what is wrong… right,” she charged, calling on EC Chairperson Jean Mensa to “order a rerun at the sixty-two (62) polling stations… and stop wasting our time.”
In a rebuttal issued on Friday, June 14, Jones de Graft-Darkwa pushed back saying “Let me state emphatically that any talk of a rerun in Ablekuma North, whether for the entire constituency or select polling stations, is completely without justification or constitutional basis.”
He emphasised that the EC alone has the legal authority to conduct and conclude elections, stressing that any attempt by political actors to influence the process constitutes dangerous interference. “The recent comments from these high-ranking officials not only undermine that independence but also risk setting a dangerous precedent in which political pressure overrides the law and due process,” he said.
The EC is yet to declare the parliamentary results in Ablekuma North more than six months after voting. It has cited the lack of security support as the primary reason the collation could not be completed—an issue Jones de Graft-Darkwa says must be resolved urgently.
“It is deeply troubling for anyone, especially government officials, to be calling for a rerun when the lawful process has not been concluded simply due to an apparent failure, or refusal, to guarantee the Commission the security it needs to operate,” he said. “Ironically, any rerun (should one occur), would require even greater security arrangements. So why are these calls being made at all?”
He urged the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector-General of Police to give the EC the necessary protection to finish its collation process and declare the results.
“The constituents of Ablekuma North have exercised their constitutional right to vote… it is not for politicians, regardless of their office, to decide whether an election should be rerun,” he said.
“This moment calls for leadership, not political gamesmanship. The EC must be allowed to assert its independence, complete the collation process, and declare the results without further delay. Anything less is a betrayal of our democracy.”
Were I to write a book on my investigative journalism career, I would dedicate a chapter to the role you have played in the success of that story.
I began my full-time career after winning the GJA Journalist of the Year award in 2011, a year after graduating from journalism school. But, even then, I wasn’t an investigative journalist. During the studies for my first and second journalism degrees, I did not take a class in investigative journalism. In fact, investigative journalism was not part of the dreams I wanted to pursue after school.
It started in 2013, three months after I joined Joy FM, and a month after you were sworn into office. A man who said he could vouch for my integrity gave me a lead on an act of corruption at the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA). I set out to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the allegation, and it became my first investigative story.
Mr. President, you constituted a committee to probe further, and the committee’s work corroborated my story and revealed even more. Two people went to jail as a result of the GYEEDA scandal. The Parliament of Ghana passed a law to regulate GYEEDA, which was subsequently renamed the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). That bill was initiated by the executive, on your orders.
All the GYEEDA contracts were cancelled except one. The cancellations saved Ghana at least $100 million. Monies were retrieved, and some corrupt officials lost their jobs.
The only contract that survived my GYEEDA investigations in 2013 is the Zoomlion contract, which you said would not be renewed. That obscene contract was signed in 2006 and will mark its 20th anniversary next year.
Those who have followed my work over the years need no reminder of how deeply invested I have been in that shady contract, which has cost Ghana billions of cedis but has left the nation poorer and filthier. I spoke to a 49-year-old widow while investigating the story in 2013, and the anger about the heartlessness of that contract has stayed with me forever.
That unconscionable Zoomlion contract with its dubious terms started during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration and has since survived every presidency.
Your decision to discontinue this contract has reinforced my long-held faith in not giving up on a just and noble cause, even if nobody else believes in it. It’s been 12 years fighting, and your action is the most appropriate response to those who asked why I would not give up and move on, when nobody was prepared to discontinue the contract. After the GYEEDA investigation, my family advised me against pursuing investigative journalism. As they said, it was too dangerous, especially considering the calibre of people and businesses I pursued without covering my face.
But the impact of my first story was enough proof that I could cause change in my own way, and that anchored me in the turbulent seas of investigative journalism. Mr. President, you spearheaded the impact, even though I felt you could have punished more culprits in the GYEEDA scandal.
Another significant way you aided my investigative journalism career was by providing me with the freedom and security to do my work, even when some of the stories directly affected you.
If the insecurity, treachery, and vindictiveness I endured in the Akufo-Addo era had hit me at the beginning of my investigative journalism, before I developed the resilience needed to endure, I might have succumbed to my family’s pressure and left the dangerous arena.
Your latest action on this dubious Zoomlion contract is the kind of fuel investigative journalists and activists need to keep fighting. I’ve reached the stage in my journalism career where awards and recognition no longer matter as much as they once did. And if I wanted money, looking the other way would have been more rewarding than hunting shady enterprises with enough ill-gotten money to seal the lips of their pursuers with millions of dollars without feeling the pinch.
What moves me is impact, and impact does not always emanate from the journalist. Journalists don’t have the power to prosecute or punish. Besides providing an atmosphere for free speech, a president who acts on investigations also oils the wheels of accountability journalism. And that’s what you’ve done for me, while inspiring others.
Mr. President, we cannot agree on everything, and I cannot promise that I won’t criticise your government, but you have relieved me of one of my heaviest burdens. It may be too early yet, but you have so far proven me right on my statement in Bola Ray’s interview last year that “comparing Akufo-Addo and John Mahama is like comparing day and night.” I sent this same issue to the bedroom of President Akufo-Addo, but he didn’t even acknowledge it. (It constitutes the chapter in my book titled “Why I met Akufo-Addo’s Wife with A Brown Envelope.”)
In my book, The President Ghana Never Got, I wrote a chapter titled “Why I Will Not Vote,” and my reason for not voting was because of that singular contract. I didn’t see the essence of a democracy that elects a few people to connive with corrupt entities to treat our people like animals. I once told someone that I hated coups, but if a coup maker would terminate that Zoomlion contract, I wouldn’t object to the usurper’s ascendency to political power. That’s how strongly I felt about this deal.
In a significant way, you have restored my faith in our democracy. If a civilian president could be relied on to act in the interest of the people, then Ghanaians would lose the appetite for populist military rulers and stop drooling over the antics of the young man across our northern border.
I will keep a keen eye on the promises you made in your letter. I will follow up and ask for timelines, when the assemblies will take over and manage the sweepers. The process of resetting the sanitation sector has just begun, and I will keep my part of the bargain as a citizen, not a spectator, especially now that being a citizen appears a worthwhile enterprise under your watch.
While I celebrate your boldness in taking this decision, I want to remind you about the promise you made on the scandalous SML contract. You said the NDC would not recognise the dubious contract. You are in your sixth month, but the contract is still running.
I will continue to play my role as a journalist and help your administration in bringing justice to Ghanaians. I will volunteer information, including evidence, that your administration may require to retrieve money from the YEA contract with Zoomlion and the fraudulent fumigation deals, as well as SML.
Many impressed sceptics of your administration I encounter these days ask whether what they’re seeing in your presidency is what the second coming of Mahama really brings, or if it will be a nine-day wonder.
Like them, I’m impressed, but I cannot assure them that what we are seeing won’t be a short-lived fairy tale. That assurance can only come from you. I pray that you succeed, for if you do, Ghana prospers.
I wish you well, Mr. President.
Yours sincerely,
Manasseh Azure Awuni.
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A photo collage of Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Ghanaian media personality Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady, has criticised the Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over the recent closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D C, citing alleged corrupt practices.
According to Afia Pokua, the minister acted wrongly by shutting down the embassy without conducting proper investigations to substantiate his corruption claims.
Speaking on her Gyaso Gyaso show on Okay FM on June 9, 2025, she argued that there was no corruption at the embassy. Rather, the only issue identified by a committee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a conflict of interest, which, in her view, did not justify the closure or the public embarrassment it brought.
She accused Ablakwa of acting out of a desire for social media popularity, claiming his actions were illegal and politically irresponsible.
Referring to Ablakwa’s own vetting process, during which he was accused of corruption for allegedly living in a luxury home at Airport Hills, Vim Lady recalled how many defended him due to the lack of evidence.
She expressed disappointment that the same Ablakwa was now accusing others of corruption without due process.
“Kudos to President Mahama. The NDC government is in its sixth month, but most of the ministers are already under pressure. If they’re not careful, they will disgrace President Mahama,” she warned.
Vim Lady dismissed Ablakwa’s justification that the embassy was closed due to corruption and pointed out that staff had now been brought in from Ghana’s New York Mission to assist operations in Washington.
“There was a legitimate contract signed between the Ghana Embassy and the company in question. They are lying, there was no corruption. For the minister to sack people based on that is unacceptable. He should be sued,” she stated.
“You went through vetting, and people accused you of corruption because you lived in Airport Hills. We all defended you. What you wouldn’t want others to do to you, don’t do to them.”
She explained that the former Ambassador, Hajia Alima Mahama, had signed a contract with a private company to handle mailing services for embassy applicants.
While the committee from the Foreign Affairs Ministry found that an employee of the embassy had a personal interest in the company, there was a valid contract in place.
Vim Lady stressed that a conflict-of-interest issue does not automatically equate to corruption.
“Even if there was a breach of contract terms, you cancel the contract. That doesn’t mean there was corruption.”
She accused Ablakwa of politicising the issue and using social media for propaganda, which, in her opinion, could damage the image of the current administration.
“This over-politicization of every issue is dangerous. You have rushed into a decision and gotten it wrong. We stood by you when you were falsely accused, and now you’re doing the same to others without evidence…what you are doing you will disgrace President Mahama. You have dismissed people unjustly,” she added.
The facility was shut down on Monday, May 26, 2025, following a purported corruption scandal involving the Embassy’s visa department.
A local IT worker is alleged to have transferred Embassy monies into a personal account, Ablakwa disclosed in a Facebook post.
This link redirected applicants for visa and passport services to his private company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where unapproved fees ranging from $29.75 to $60 were charged and deposited into his personal account. Investigations suggest this scheme operated undetected for at least five years.
In response to the scandal, all Foreign Affairs Ministry staff posted to the Washington D C embassy were recalled to Accra.
The embassy’s IT department was dissolved, and all locally recruited staff were suspended pending further investigation.
However, the facility has been opened to the public.
Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem Osei Tutu, the youngest daughter of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has captured public attention after making a rare public appearance. Her recent photo, which has been widely shared online, shows a noticeable physical transformation that has sparked admiration and discussion among many Ghanaians.
The image, credited to @theasantenation on Instagram, shows Afia Kobi elegantly dressed, standing confidently with a bright smile. Her appearance marks one of the few times she has been seen publicly, as she typically maintains a low profile away from the spotlight. Observers noted how much she has grown and matured, with many expressing warm sentiments about her graceful presence.
Social media users reacted positively to the photo, with many praising her beauty, poise, and resemblance to her royal lineage. Some commenters also reflected on how quickly she has grown, recalling earlier images of her with the King during official ceremonies. The post has since drawn hundreds of reactions and shares, reflecting continued public interest in the Asante Royal Family.
Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem is named after Otumfuo’s late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the former Asantehemaa. Her name and lineage carry deep cultural significance, and any public appearance by her draws respectful attention from the public. While she remains largely out of the public eye, moments like this reveal the admiration many hold for the royal family’s younger generation.
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Kofi Asare of Africa Education Watch has said that the National Service Secretariat Scandal would have been swept under the carpet if the National Democratic Congress had not won the 2024 general elections.
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has exposed what he describes as a “criminal enterprise” within the National Service Scheme (NSS) that cost the Ghanaian state over GH¢548 million through the use of ghost names and systemic payroll fraud.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra on Friday, June 13, 2025, Dr Ayine revealed that the investigation—undertaken as part of the government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative—has uncovered an alleged nationwide fraud scheme involving top-level NSS officials, including district directors, payroll officers, and the CEO of the scheme.
“In the 2022/2023 service year, GH¢350,926,977.12 was lost to the state. For the 2023/2024 service year, GH¢32,881,157.07 was lost to the Republic. In total, as stated, we lost about GH¢548,333,542.65 to the criminal enterprise perpetrated by these executives, directors, and staff, as well as the service providers in the market,” Dr Ayine disclosed.
The staggering revelations have triggered widespread public outrage, with many Ghanaians expressing shock at the amount of money allegedly stolen by the suspects.
According to Kofi Asare, the government would not have gone after the suspects if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had broken the proverbial eight in the immediate past presidential and parliamentary elections.
In a Facebook post, Kofi Asare stated: “All this NSS noise could have been avoided if we Broke The 8.”
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Here is a list of Top 10 Nollywood Actresses Who Have Married More Than Once.
Multiple relationships have stood out as truly newsworthy in Nollywood since the brilliant time of film when entertainers stars started to see their names in lights and their private lives examined by the media.
With US President Donald Trump on a cost-cutting warpath since starting his second term, aid to Africa has been slashed and now defence spending is in his sights – but could these approaches cost more in the long run?
The phrase his administration presses on Europe to assume more of the costs of its own defence is “burden sharing”. This is the challenge that Washington is now throwing down to African armies too – and they are far less comfortably resourced to take it on.
Moreover, having paid dearly in lives and money, in the struggle to hold back the spreading reach of jihadist armed groups across the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin and Somalia over recent years, they could be forgiven for feeling that they already carry much of the burden – and for the sake not just of their own continent but the wider international community too.
Benin, which has lost more than 80 soldiers in jihadist attacks since the start of the year, is just one example.
“The epicentre of terrorism on the globe” is how the Sahel was described a few days ago by Gen Michael Langley, who as head of US Africa Command (Africom) oversees the American military presence south of the Sahara.
In briefings and interviews over the past few weeks, he has graphically outlined the threat that jihadist groups will present if their push southward towards the Gulf of Guinea succeeds.
“One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West African coasts. If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking and arms trading. This not only puts African nations at risk but also raises the chance of threats reaching US shores.”
Gen Langley has admitted that the current upsurge in militant attacks is “deeply concerning”.
Yet he has also repeatedly hammered home a core message: the US is minded to rein back its own sub-Saharan military operations, leaving local armies to take on more of the defence burden.
Some 6,500 personnel are currently deployed in Africa by the US military and a 2019 list published by Africom mentioned 13 “enduring” American bases across the continent and a further 17 more temporary facilities.
But some of these installations, including the purpose-built drone base at Agadez in Niger, have already been shut down, in particular after military juntas seized power in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso since 2020.
And it now looks as if the once-ambitious American operational footprint will be pruned back quite a lot more.
Perhaps we will see more air power deployed from offshore to hit militant targets – Gen Langley says there have been 25 strikes in Somalia this year, double the 2024 total – but a much thinner permanent on-the-ground military presence.
“Some things that we used to do, we may not do anymore,” he recently told a conference in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, that brought together chiefs of defence staff and other senior officers from 37 countries.
“Our aim is not to serve as a permanent crutch, but to achieve US security objectives that overlap with our partners. We should be able to help African nations build the self-reliance they need to independently confront terrorism and insurgencies.”
In the bluntness of his language Gen Langley reflects the stark change of outlook and policy that has come from January’s change of power at the White House.
“We have set our priorities now – protecting the homeland.”
What matters to the no-longer-so-new Trump II administration, the general made clear in a Pentagon publication last week, is fighting terrorists – particularly those who might attack the US.
Other priorities are countering the spread of Chinese military influence across Africa and protecting freedom of maritime navigation through key trade choke points such as the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea.
In some respects, the focus on training and capacity building that Gen Langley now expounds is not so very different from the approach of previous American administrations, Republican as well as Democrat.
He lauds the National Guard State Partnership Program, through which individual US states have been helping to build the capacity of government security forces across Africa and other parts of the world – for the past three decades.
France too is pursuing this approach, with the closure of bases in Chad and Senegal, while those in Ivory Coast and Gabon have been handed over to their governments, with only small French training teams left behind to work alongside African colleagues.
However, in other respects, the Trump administration’s Africa strategy represents a drastic shrinkage in outlook and – critics might argue – a conscious retreat from addressing the factors that drive instability, conflict and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel, which is among the poorest regions on the planet.
For under President Joe Biden the US looked far beyond the military realm alone in its efforts to counter the both the growing reach of jihadist groups and other sources of violence. And Gen Langley, as Africom chief, was an articulate exponent of this much broader thinking.
Only last year, in an interview with the Associated Press news agency, he outlined what he described as a “whole of government” response to the proliferation of conflict, stressing the importance of good governance and action to tackle the fragilities of African states and the impacts of desertification, crop failure and environmental change.
This approach openly recognised that recruitment by armed groups and the spread of violence is fuelled not only by jihadist ideology, but also by a host of social and economic factors, including the stresses now afflicting farming and pastoralist livelihoods.
Gen Langley himself does not seem to have abandoned this analysis, recently noting how Ivory Coast had countered the jihadist threat to its northern border areas by complementing security force deployments with development projects.
He could equally have pointed to the success of a similar approach pursued by the president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, before he was deposed in the July 2023 coup.
Delegates seen here at a 2023 conference in Ghana of the Africa Malaria Task Force, an Africom-established initiative to help co-ordinate the fight against the killer disease
But of course, these days Africom must operate within the context of a US foreign policy radically reshaped under Trump.
There are even rumours that it could be downgraded to become a subsidiary of the US command in Europe and Gen Langley suggests African governments should tell Washington what they thought of this idea.
Already the separate Africa unit at the radically slimmed down National Security Council at the White House is reportedly being wound up and integrated into the Middle East-North Africa section.
Its director, Gen Jami Shawley, an Africa specialist appointed to the role only in March, has now been assigned to more general strategic functions.
Addressing Congress this week, Gen Langley warned about China’s and Russia’s African ambitions: Beijing’s agility at capitalising on the US’s absence and Moscow’s ability to seize military opportunities created by chaos and instability.
Given these concerns, some might wonder if the general is discreetly signally his doubts about a slimmed down Africa strategy.
Meanwhile, under the “efficiency drive” led, until recently, by tech billionaire Elon Musk, the American government’s main international development agencies, USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, have been effectively shut down.
The spine of the new US economic engagement with Africa is now private sector trade and investment.
But business generally needs to operate in a stable and secure context – which Africa’s most fragile and violence-prone regions cannot offer.
And in winding up the American development agencies, the Trump administration has stepped aside from funding the rural projects and social programmes that sought to address land and water pressures and lack of economic opportunity, the key drivers of conflict – and the jihadist groups’ recruitment of frustrated rural young people.
For the fragile regions that are the main sources of jihadist violence the US response is reduced to the purely military, and now it is seeking to shift even most of that on to the shoulders of African states that already struggle to respond adequately to a plethora of challenges and responsibilities.
The US is keen to keep these areas navigable – the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee Dr Nana Ayew Afriye
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee Dr Nana Ayew Afriye has credited the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association’s (GRNMA) decision to halt its statewide strike to the Committee’s tactful and strategic stance during discussions.
After over a week of service interruptions in public health facilities around the country, the GRNMA stopped its strike today. On June 26, a final round of talks is anticipated to decide whether the truce will remain in place and whether the government’s response lives up to the nurses’ expectations.
In a Friday, June 13 interview with Citi Eyewitness News, Dr. Afriye emphasized that the Committee’s cohesive and positive approach was crucial in reducing tensions and promoting collaboration from the GRNMA leadership.
“It is just the posturing… The Parliamentary Committee were of a posture of a kind that we were seeking the cooperation of the nurses,” he stated. “We were a very solid, organised team and we know their rights.”
Citing the fact that other medical professionals had already signed their updated terms of service under the previous administration, he admitted that the nurses’ demands were reasonable.
He claims that the only cadre in the health sector whose agreement has not yet been fully implemented is the nursing profession.
“It is not like anything they are asking for is new… So we told them some first principles — that you are right,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said.
The bipartisan support of the Committee was equally important, Dr. Afriye continued. The minority caucus publicly supported the nurses, he noted, giving them the assurance that their concerns were being fairly considered.
Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has urged President John Dramani Mahama to avoid any form of interference in the ongoing investigations and planned prosecutions linked to the National Service Authority (NSA) payroll scandal.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, June 13, Azeem commended the government for pursuing accountability but warned that political influence from the presidency could undermine public trust in the process.
“I think that there is a sign that he is determined, and he has got an Attorney General who is also able to pursue these things. What I have to say is that President Mahama should not get involved and should not try to influence whatever direction the issue goes. He should leave it to the appropriate institutions to investigate and prosecute when the need arises,” Azeem said.
His comments come on the heels of a major announcement by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who disclosed that 12 former NSA officials would soon face charges over their alleged roles in a payroll fraud scheme that cost the state over GH¢548 million.
According to Dr. Ayine, investigations have concluded, and the suspects are accused of creating and benefiting from the addition of thousands of ghost names to the NSA’s payroll during the 2022–2024 service years.
Those named include:
Mustapha Ussif, former Executive Director
Osei Assibey Antwi, former Director General
Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Deputy Executive Director
Kweku Ohene Gyan, former Deputy Executive Director for Operations
Abraham Bismark Gaisie, former Head of Deployment
Eric Nyarko, former Head of Accounts
Albert Oteng Owusu, former Internal Auditor
Kweku Dekyi Agyei, Accounts Officer
Iddrisu Ibn Abu-Bakr, former Head of Accounts
Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, Koforidua Municipal Director
Prince Agbofa Awuku, District Director
Jacob Yawson, MIS Administrator in the Northern Regional Office
The Attorney General also indicated that several private vendors allegedly conspired with the accused public officers by manipulating the Authority’s Central Management System to defraud the state.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the independence of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions. He has pledged not to interfere with the ongoing investigations or judicial processes surrounding the scandal.
The Israel-Iran military conflict entered second day as both countries fired missiles at each other’s military targets in a major escalation.
As tensions escalated between Israel and Iran for the second night in a row, a barrage of missiles was exchanged, targeting each other’s military installations. Intense air defence activities in Tehran’s Moniriyeh, near the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the country’s presidential office, were seen in a video published by the local media.
Israel-Iran conflict: Both countries fire missiles at each other in major escalation (Photo: AP, X/ @IranIntl_En)
#BREAKING A video published by Iranian media purportedly shows intense air defense activities in Tehran’s Moniriyeh, near the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the country’s presidential office. pic.twitter.com/kxgVDRK67v— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) June 13, 2025
More to follow…
About the Author
Ashesh Mallick
Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes…Read More
Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes… Read More
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Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has dismissed claims of misconduct during his tenure as Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), stating that he is willing to account for his actions before a competent court.
Mr Ussif, who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori, was named by Attorney General Dominic Ayine as one of twelve individuals implicated in an alleged scandal at the NSS.
The Attorney General announced on Friday that the implicated persons would face prosecution.
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GH¢548million ghost names scandal hits national service scheme – Attorney General
In a statement released on Friday night, Mr Ussif declared his innocence and said he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.
“The press conference of the Attorney-General held on 13th June 2025 has come to my attention and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing,” he stated.
He emphasised his commitment to public accountability, saying: “It is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship.”
Mr Ussif further noted that he would embrace the legal process to prove his integrity. “I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021,” he said.
“Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction.”
The former minister appealed to the public and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remain calm and trust in his track record.
“I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends, family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.”
The alleged scandal at the NSS has drawn widespread attention, with political observers anticipating high-profile legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
Read the entire statement below;
STATEMENT BY MUSTAPHA USSIF, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (YAGABA-KUBORI) AND FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (2017-2020)
The press conference of the Attorney-General held on 13th June 2025 has come to my attention and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing.
That said, it is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready willing, and able to account for your stewardship. Therefore, I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.
Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction.
I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.
Mustapha Ussif was the Executive Director of the NSS between 2017 and 2021
Former Minister of Sports and Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Mustapha Ussif has rejected accusation of wrongdoing during his tenure as Executive Director of the National Service Secretariat between 2017 and 2021.
The Attorney General, Dominic Ayine on Friday, June 13, 2025, named Mustapha Ussif among 12 people he claimed had been implicated in an alleged scandal at the NSS, adding that the suspects will be prosecuted.
In a reply, Mustapha Ussif, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Yagaba Kubore Constituency, says he is innocent and ready to render his version of the story, noting he served in public life with “diligence and honesty”.
“I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.
“Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction”, he issued an official statement.
Read full statement below:
STATEMENT BY MUSTAPHA USSIF, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (YAGABA-KUBORI) AND FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (2017-2020)
The press conference of the Attorney-General held on 13th June 2025 has come to my attention and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing.
That said, it is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready willing, and able to account for your stewardship. Therefore, I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.
Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction.
I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.
Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah (L) has been warned by actor Kwaku Manu (R) not to threaten him
Ghanaian Kumawood actor Kwaku Manu has hit back at broadcaster and social commentator Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah following the latter’s recent social media outbursts.
This feud began after Kwaku Manu, in a viral video, accused Okatakyie of having a personal interest in his persistent criticism of self-styled medical practitioner, ‘Dr’ Anne Sansa Daly.
Reacting to the accusation, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah did not hold back.
He harshly criticised Kwaku Manu and even threatened to expose personal secrets about the actor.
According to Okatakyie, once he is done with Kwaku Manu, even market women wouldn’t hesitate to pour urine on him.
“There was a time Kwaku Manu interviewed Tornado, and that guy insulted my mother, I didn’t say anything. Now Kwaku Manu claims I’m only targeting Anne Sansa because I’m interested in her and not for political reasons.
“That’s the same way I warned Anne Sansa Daly and she didn’t listen. I’ll give you a grace period. But if you don’t tread carefully, by the time I’m done with you, market women will pour urine on you,” he warned.
In response, Kwaku Manu has taken to social media lashing out not just at Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, but at his supporters as well.
He maintained that no one, including Okatakyie, can threaten him and accused the social commentator of being a liability to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“May God bless you for saying I have crooked legs. But let me tell you, these ‘left-left’ legs have been to places you’ve never dreamed of. You are just now getting a taste of fame. Not everyone likes what you’re doing,” Kwaku Manu stated.
He added, “Okatakyie, you claimed that after our online exchange, market women in Kumasi would pour urine on me. Let me be clear—no woman in Kumasi would do such a thing. If we ever meet in person, there’s nothing you can do to me.
“You are the real problem of the NPP and Ashanti Region. All you care about is money, and in chasing it, you’re destroying the image of Ashantis.”
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:
An illegal miner, locally known as a galamseyer, has rained curses on some military personnel who stormed his mining site and destroyed machinery and equipment.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the miner invoked the curses using Jeremiah 15:1-3, accusing the military team of unfairly targeting only his site out of ten others in the area.
According to him, he was devastated by the destruction of his property, especially since he claimed his operations did not harm any water bodies.
Out of pain, he recited the Bible passage as he invoked the curses:
“Then the Lord said to me: ‘Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go!
And if they ask you, “Where shall we go?” tell them, “This is what the Lord says:
“‘Those destined for death, to death;
those for the sword, to the sword;
those for starvation, to starvation;
those for captivity, to captivity.’
“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the Lord, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away, and the birds and the wild animals to devour and destroy.’”
He continued:
“If you were here for a general operation, that’s okay. But if you singled my site out for destruction, then you shall not go unpunished. Because of what you have done, I invoke affliction and misfortune upon you and your descendants.
“A disease that has no cure should afflict you. May the Lord cause your enemies to always defeat you in battle. May the Lord afflict your soul with pain. Whenever you board a vehicle, drink water, or eat food, may you know no peace.
“If you spend money from the proceeds of this gold, may you die. May our cries and sorrow turn into fire and consume you and your descendants. Whoever had a hand in this destruction—may a disease with no cure afflict you for the rest of your life.”
This emotional outburst came barely a week after a joint task force comprising the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat launched a major operation against illegal mining syndicates in the Offin Shelter Belt Reserve, within the Nkawie Forest District.
The crackdown, which underscores the government’s determination to end galamsey, led to the seizure of 12 excavators, the arrest of five suspects—including a Chinese national—and the recovery of two pump-action shotguns from the raided camps.
Illegal miner invokes Jeremiah 15:1, cursing military personnel who stormed their site, completely destroying their machinery and equipments.
According to him, the operation was a targeted attack, as out of over ten mining sites in the area, theirs was the only one destroyed. pic.twitter.com/1NSkvfhwgR
Ever heard of Nkofie, the legendary Kwahu cave believed to grant wishes? Join GhanaWeb’s People & Places as we take you on an exclusive tour of this mystical site:
Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah
In fulfilment of his earlier pledge to champion the Petroleum Hub project, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, showcased the initiative to Canadian investors as a prime example of Africa’s commitment to addressing energy sector challenges through innovative solutions.
During a roundtable discussion on the sidelines of the Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada, Gyan-Mensah presented the Petroleum Hub project, emphasising its role as a transformative endeavour aimed at bridging critical gaps in Africa’s energy ecosystem.
He highlighted that, despite Africa’s abundant hydrocarbon reserves, the continent lacks a comprehensive infrastructure project that integrates the refining, storage, and transportation of petroleum and petrochemical products.
He explained that the Ghanaian government, through the development of the Petroleum Hub in Jomoro, Western Region, aims to address this deficiency while generating substantial employment opportunities for its citizens.
Highlighting the planned construction of refineries, petrochemical plants, jetties, and other facilities within the hub, Hon. Gyan-Mensah encouraged Canadian investors to seize the myriad investment opportunities the project offers and urged their active participation.
He emphasised that Ghana’s Petroleum Hub represents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and Ghana, fostering transformation in both nations’ energy and economic landscapes.
“In Ghana, we are pioneering a new concept—the Petroleum Hub. Across Africa, there is no dedicated hub for petroleum products.
“Countries like Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Ivory Coast produce oil, yet other continents, which do not produce petroleum, have established hubs. We have taken it upon ourselves to develop a hub that serves not only Ghana but the entire African sub-region.
“This presents a significant opportunity for Canadian companies. The project requires $60 billion to fully materialise. Beyond refineries, the hub will encompass the entire petroleum ecosystem, including fertiliser factories, gas processing plants, and more,” he stated.
In an earlier address, Gyan-Mensah underscored Ghana’s readiness to partner with Canada to revolutionise its energy sector.
“Ghanaian companies should position themselves as strategic partners, offering local expertise, access, and a commitment to long-term sustainability,” he said.
“Let the connections forged by CEOs in Calgary serve as a launchpad for Canada-Ghana green energy collaborations. Our partnership must prioritise collaboration over competition, fostering innovation, shared expertise, technology transfer, and mutual dedication.
“It should drive economic growth in harmony with environmental stewardship. Ghana is prepared, and the future is sustainable. Let us collaborate, innovate, and transform our energy future. Together, Canada and Ghana can lead the way.”
Ghanaian media personality and social commentator, Mr. Jebi De Mogul, has added his voice to the ongoing public outcry following the shocking death of a young lady known as Yaa Baby, who was allegedly shot by her boyfriend. Speaking during a live panel discussion on Peace FM on Friday, June 13, 2025, Mr. De Mogul condemned what he described as a growing culture of materialism and irresponsibility among young women.
In a passionate submission, Jebi De Mogul attributed such tragedies to what he called the “soft life mentality” – a desire for luxury and comfort without the willingness to work for it.
“Today’s young ladies don’t want to hustle. They’re chasing men with flashy lifestyles without knowing the source of their income. And sadly, this is the price some of them pay,” he lamented.
His remarks followed news reports by GhPage and other platforms confirming that Yaa Baby, a woman in her 20s, was fatally shot in Yeji by her boyfriend, a well-known TikTok personality. The suspect was said to have visited her in the company of two other men. The motive behind the incident remains unclear, and investigations are being handled by the Yeji police.
The tragic event has sparked widespread debate across Ghanaian media, with many calling for greater awareness around issues of domestic violence, toxic relationships, and the dangers of blindly trusting social media figures.
Jebi De Mogul urged young women to be vigilant and self-reliant, emphasizing that not all that glitters is gold.
“I will plead with our young ladies: stop chasing after soft life. Ask questions. Know the people you surround yourself with. Your life is worth more than designer bags and fancy dinners,” he added.
Ghana’s political landscape has been jolted by alarming charges made by Captain Smart, a veteran broadcaster and loud political commentator. These allegations have the potential to profoundly impact talks concerning judicial independence, government accountability, and post-government investigations.
On his morning show on Onua TV, Captain Smart made the assertion that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo privately encouraged President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and to take legal action against NPP officials who are accused of misappropriating state funds during Akufo-Addo’s tenure. Captain Smart’s show is widely viewed.
Captain Smart made the statement that President Akufo-Addo is aware of the corruption that has afflicted his government. “He has instructed Mahama to remove Gertrude Torkornoo, to put the perpetrators behind bars, and to give justice the opportunity to take its course. This is not merely a matter of words; it is time for Mahama to accept responsibility.
Uncovering a Revolutionary Breakthrough
Captain Smart, who is well-known for his fervent criticisms and courageous clashes with political authorities, portrayed this alleged request as a significant turning moment in the political landscape of Ghana. In the midst of increasing public scrutiny about his legacy, Akufo-Addo is believed to be convinced that in order to restore faith in administration, strong measures are required, even if it means holding his former appointees accountable for their actions.
According to Captain Smart, “many people are unaware that the Chief Justice is a component of a judicial system that has frequently protected corrupt individuals and concealed criminals in suits.” Captain Smart made this statement: “Many individuals are unaware of this fact.” Gertrude Torkornoo ought to be the first person to be removed from her position if Mahama is serious about fighting corruption.
The remarks made by Captain Smart have created a great amount of controversy and have brought both the Executive Branch and the Judiciary to a significant amount of public scrutiny, despite the fact that no actual proof was given to substantiate the assertions.
The Executive Secretary of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Issifu Seidu Kudus Gbeadese, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Broto Water Project in Damongo was funded by the Exim Bank of Ghana.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday, June 13, on the status of the Damongo Alternative Water Supply System, Issifu Seidu stated categorically that the project was fully financed by Ghana Water Limited.
He explained that the initiative, which involves abstracting and treating water from an artesian well at Broto and channeling it through Yipala to an existing high-level tank in Damongo, was launched under the leadership of Dr. Clifford Braimah.
The contract was awarded to Danank Engineering Company Limited on December 13, 2021.
“Indeed, as at the end of December 2024, Ghana Water Company Limited paid only GHC 4 million out of the about GHC 17 million,” Issifu Seidu noted.
“Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, since assuming office, has approved a payment of GHC 6.2 million, which is yet to mature,” he added.
Issifu Seidu reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to delivering potable water to Damongo before the end of his four-year term.
Love Island star Laura Anderson was ‘hurt’ about a backlash to her recent luxury holiday with boyfriend Clark, but the devoted single mum is unapologetic about taking time for herself
Love Island star Laura Anderson snapped back at trolls last week who cruelly shamed her for going on her first child-free holiday with her sportsman boyfriend – and now a source claims the 36-year-old is feeling “hurt” about the backlash she has received.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has dismissed claims of misconduct during his tenure as Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), stating that he is willing to account for his actions before a competent court.
Mr Ussif, who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori, was named by Attorney General Dominic Ayine as one of twelve individuals implicated in an alleged scandal at the NSS.
The Attorney General announced on Friday that the implicated persons would face prosecution.
In a statement released on Friday night, Mr Ussif declared his innocence and said he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.
“The press conference of the Attorney-General held on 13th June 2025 has come to my attention and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing,” he stated.
He emphasised his commitment to public accountability, saying: “It is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship.”
Mr Ussif further noted that he would embrace the legal process to prove his integrity. “I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021,” he said.
“Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction.”
The former minister appealed to the public and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to remain calm and trust in his track record.
“I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends, family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.”
The alleged scandal at the NSS has drawn widespread attention, with political observers anticipating high-profile legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
Read the entire statement below;
STATEMENT BY MUSTAPHA USSIF, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (YAGABA-KUBORI) AND FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (2017-2020)
The press conference of the Attorney-General held on 13th June 2025 has come to my attention and I wish to categorically deny any alleged wrongdoing.
That said, it is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready willing, and able to account for your stewardship. Therefore, I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme (NSS) from February 2017 to January 6, 2021.
Consequently, I welcome any opportunity to do so including but not limited to having my day in a Court of competent jurisdiction.
I therefore urge all well-wishers, friends family, constituents, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the general public to be calm, knowing very well that I have, throughout my public life, served with diligence and honesty.
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Unique Trendz Blog of Friday, 13 June 2025
Source: The Blogger Dangote
Get ready for an unforgettable cultural experience as Koby Maxwell Productions brings the heart and soul of Ghana to New York and Atlanta this September! With a powerhouse lineup of artists and authentic cultural flair, this is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of heritage, music, and unity.
Featured Artists:
Bright of Buk Bak fame– A legendary name in Ghanaian music, bringing Afrobeat vibes and timeless hits.
Asafoatse Cultural Whispers– A mesmerizing traditional performance group showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana through music and dance.
Skrewfaze – Known for his energetic stage presence and fusion of hiplife and Afro-pop sounds, he’ll have the crowd on their feet!
New York Show:
Venue: Kaufman Music Center
Address: 129 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Atlanta Show:
Venue: E-Hall
Address: 1550 Beaver Ruin Rd, Norcross, GA 30093
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Ticket Info:
Standard Admission: $30
VIP Experience: $50
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this musical and cultural journey. Whether you’re a fan of Ghanaian music or simply love high-energy, soul-stirring performances, this event is for you!
Legal scholar and constitutional activist Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, has sharply criticised recent comments by a former NPP chairman, Freddie Blay, suggesting that presidential term limits are open to judicial interpretation.
The controversial claim, grounded in what has been dubbed the “bosom theory” — the idea that the law resides in the discretion of judges — has sparked widespread alarm among legal minds and democracy advocates.
Yagaba-Kubori MP and former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Mustapha Ussif, has strongly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the GH¢548 million payroll fraud scandal that has engulfed the Authority (NSA).
In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, Mr. Ussif said he was aware of the Attorney General’s press conference announcing upcoming prosecutions but maintained that he served with “diligence and honesty” during his tenure at the NSS from February 2017 to January 2021.
“It is my fervent belief that once you hold public office, you should at all material times, and at whatever cost, be ready, willing, and able to account for your stewardship,” he said. “Therefore, I wish to state that I am ready, willing, and able to account for my stewardship at the National Service Scheme.”
He added that he welcomed any opportunity to do so, including having his day in court, and called for calm from his supporters and constituents.
Mr. Ussif’s response follows a major announcement by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, that twelve former officials of the NSA will soon face criminal charges for their alleged roles in a large-scale payroll fraud scheme that cost the state over GH¢548 million.
At a press briefing in Accra earlier on Friday, Dr. Ayine disclosed that investigations had been concluded into what he described as “a well-organised network of corruption” within the Authority. He confirmed that prosecution dockets are being finalised.
Among those listed for prosecution are several high-profile former officials of the National Service Authority, including:
Mustapha Ussif, former Executive Director
Osei Assibey Antwi, former Director-General
Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Deputy Executive Director
Kweku Ohene Gyan, former Deputy Executive Director for Operations
Abraham Bismark Gaisie, former Head of Deployment
Eric Nyarko, former Head of Accounts
Albert Oteng Owusu, former Internal Auditor
Kweku Dekyi Agyei, Accounts Officer
Iddrisu Ibn Abu-Bakr, former Head of Accounts
Stephen Kwabena Gyamfi, Koforidua Municipal Director
Prince Agbofa Awuku, District Director
Jacob Yawson, MIS Administrator, Northern Regional Office
The scandal, which dates back several years, involves allegations of ghost names, double postings, and manipulation of deployment data across various NSA district offices.
While official charges have not yet been filed, political and civil society pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent legal process.
NSA Scandal: Mustapha Ussif, Gifty Oware-Mensah, 10 others to be prosecuted – AG
Ghanaian music stars Kwaku Smoke, King Promise, Beeztrap KOTM, and DopeNation are set to headline the 20th anniversary edition of Ghana Party in the Park (GPITP), scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Barnet Playing Fields in London.
Organised by Akwaaba UK, a leading international Ghanaian marketing and communications company, this year’s event will be held under the theme: “20 Years of Reshaping Ghana’s Narrative: The Next Chapter.”
The milestone celebration promises an enhanced experience with a vibrant fusion of music, culture, fashion, and business.
CEO of Akwaaba UK, Dennis Tawiah, stated that this year’s edition will be unlike any before.
“We’re coming back with a bang this year, and I can assure all stakeholders, including patrons, of an unforgettable experience this summer. This year’s event will be bigger and better than any of the previous nineteen editions, with several exciting new additions.”
Joining the star-studded lineup are MOLIY, Cina Soul, Kweku Smoke, Fuse ODG, AratheJay, and the energetic DWP Academy.
Beyond music, the 2025 edition will also feature Expo Ghana—a new business exhibition aimed at deepening trade and cultural ties between Ghana, the African diaspora, and Europe.
A fashion show, food fair, gaming zone, and stakeholder engagement events will also form part of the celebrations.
Tawiah further encouraged Corporate Ghana and African-owned businesses to take advantage of the platform’s unique blend of culture and commerce.
“We’re excited to engage with all businesses in ways that drive mutual growth and visibility,” he said.
Mahama has assured nursing trainees that their long-awaited monthly allowances will soon be paid
President John Dramani Mahama has assured nursing trainees at the Nalerigu College of Nursing and Midwifery that their long-awaited monthly allowances will soon be paid, with arrears from January to June to be fully settled.
Speaking during his Thank You Tour of the North East Region on Friday, June 13, 2025, President Mahama announced that the government has finalized plans to automate the allowance disbursement process to ensure regular and timely payments going forward.
“We have designed it such that your payment will come automatically every month so that there will be no arrears,” myjoyonline.com quoted the President to have said to the trainees.
He noted that although there had been delays, the allowances were already captured in the 2025 budget and beneficiaries would begin receiving payments starting next month.
“The budget was made from January, and so when we start paying you next month, the arrears from January to June will be paid to you,” Mahama assured.
In addition to the update on allowances, President Mahama also announced that the Nalerigu College of Nursing and Midwifery is among several institutions selected for elevation to degree-awarding status, a move aimed at improving healthcare training and professional standards across the country.
“I’m happy to inform my father, the Nayiri, that the Nalerigu College of Nursing and Midwifery is one of the colleges that have been selected for upgrading into a degree-awarding institution,” he said.
The announcement was met with applause from students and staff, many of whom have long advocated for both the prompt payment of allowances and the academic advancement of their institution.
Remember, betting is entertainment, not a source of income
Global brand 1xBet wraps up the 2024/2025 season by highlighting its top African stars, players whose performances lit up Europe’s top leagues.
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Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian icon delivered yet another phenomenal season. With dazzling dribbles, pinpoint passes, and spectacular goals, Salah led Liverpool to their historic 20th English league title.
Scoring 29 goals, he finished as the Premier League’s top scorer, and also topped the assist chart with 18 setups. In total, Salah contributed to 47 goals, matching the record set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer back when the league had 42 matches per season.
He was named Premier League Player of the Season for the third time in his career and also received the FWA Footballer of the Year award.
Had Liverpool advanced further in the Champions League, Salah might have been a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Even without it, he remains one of the greatest African players in history.
Serhou Guirassy
The Borussia striker enjoyed the most prolific season of his career. Guirassy scored 21 goals in the Bundesliga and became the first African footballer to finish as top scorer in the Champions League, sharing the honor with Barcelona’s Raphinha — both netted 13 goals.
The Guinean forward stood out with his physical power, smart positioning, and calm, calculated finishing.
Achraf Hakimi
The Moroccan right-back can rightfully be considered the best in the world at his position. This season, he was a key figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble, helping the official 1xBet partner assert dominance throughout the campaign.
It was Hakimi’s goal that opened the scoring in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. He ended the season with 9 goals and 14 assists, numbers that earned him well-deserved spots in the Ligue 1 and Champions League Teams of the Season.
Amad Diallo
The young Ivorian winger was one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for Manchester United. At just 22, Diallo consistently took initiative, using his explosive pace and refined technique to create danger out of thin air. Against Southampton, he delivered a stunning hat-trick, scoring in a variety of styles.
Solo runs became his trademark, and his stats reflect his influence: 11 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances.
He was named the club’s Player of the Month in January, and fans voted his spectacular strike against Manchester City as Goal of the Season.
Bryan Mbeumo & Yoane Wissa
This dynamic Brentford duo set the Premier League alight in 2024/2025. Mbeumo scored 20 goals, while Wissa added 19. Together, the Cameroonian and Congolese forwards tallied 13 assists, many of which they created for each other.
Their on-pitch chemistry made them a nightmare for any defense. Against Brighton, they combined for three goals, and in the clash with Ipswich, the pair were responsible for all four of Brentford’s goals.
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Just remember: always bet responsibly — betting is for fun, not profit.
In a surprising turn of events, the social media landscape in Ghana has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the unique performances of popular figure Nana Agradaa. Recently, a video of her twerking to a gospel song has gone viral, raising eyebrows and sparking debates about the fusion of traditional gospel music with modern dance forms.
Nana Agradaa, known for her controversial presence in the entertainment industry, has garnered significant attention for her ability to blend seemingly disparate elements of Ghanaian culture. The video, which showcases her dancing energetically to a well-known gospel track, highlights a growing trend where gospel music is increasingly being embraced in contemporary performances that often incorporate popular dance styles.
This phenomenon reflects a broader cultural shift within Ghana, where the lines between traditional religious expressions and modern entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred. Gospel music, traditionally associated with solemn worship and spiritual reflection, is now being reinterpreted in vibrant and dynamic ways that appeal to younger audiences.
Critics and supporters alike have weighed in on this development. Some argue that such performances dilute the spiritual essence of gospel music, suggesting that the incorporation of dance moves like twerking may detract from the intended message of worship. Others, however, see this as a refreshing evolution that makes gospel music more accessible and relatable to the younger generation.
The conversation surrounding Nana Agradaa’s performance also raises important questions about the role of artists in shaping cultural narratives. As influencers in the entertainment space, artists have the power to challenge norms and introduce new interpretations of traditional practices. This capacity for innovation can lead to a richer and more diverse cultural landscape.
Moreover, the reaction to Agradaa’s performance underscores the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of faith and popular culture in Ghana. Many in the religious community are grappling with how to engage with contemporary expressions of faith that do not conform to traditional expectations. This dialogue is crucial as it highlights the need for a more inclusive understanding of what it means to worship in a rapidly changing society.
As the video continues to circulate on social media, it has ignited discussions not only about dance and music but also about identity, faith, and the evolution of cultural practices in Ghana. The reactions from the public have been mixed, with some praising Agradaa for her boldness and creativity, while others express concerns over the appropriateness of her approach.
This cultural moment invites further exploration into how artists like Nana Agradaa are navigating the complexities of modern Ghanaian society. It is a reminder that art often serves as a mirror reflecting societal values, beliefs, and tensions. As Ghana continues to evolve, the dialogue surrounding the fusion of gospel music and dance will likely remain a prominent topic among artists, religious leaders, and the public.
In summary, the recent viral performance by Nana Agradaa is more than just a moment of entertainment; it encapsulates a significant cultural shift within Ghana. As the nation grapples with the convergence of tradition and modernity, it will be essential to continue examining how such performances influence perceptions of faith, identity, and artistic expression in contemporary society.
Kevin Taylor Drops Photo Of Bawumia In His Room; Reveals What He Saw On His Table
News Hub Creator8h
Kevin Taylor made a post on his official Facebook handle about the immediate past Vice President of Ghana, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He released a picture of His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in his sitting room with an exotic whisky on the centre table. Kevin Taylor predicted that, they former Vice President might be drinking the exotic whisky.
“If not the foolishness of NPP why should Bawumia be sipping on some exotic whisky and wine at home be a big deal?
The personalisation of Ghana’s politics is a result of how the NPP has behaved both in government and in opposition
Bawumia is incompetent we all know that and whether he’s seen eating Pork or drinking whisky cannot change that or should not be used to judge him in anything.
We all have things we like and do in secret so it’s no big deal with Bawumia drinking.
Doc forget everybody, anytime you are in Washington DC let us meet and enjoy some good whisky together, Life is Short, Nipa Nso Ye Dien ?
There’s life beyond Politics”. – Kevin Taylor stated on his official Facebook handle today, 13th June 2025.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FF6WPD7fK/
Kevin Taylor is a renowned Ghanaian US-based broadcast journalist. He is married with two children, although his wife’s name is not publicly known. Taylor hosts the popular show “With All Due Respect,” which focuses on exposing corruption within Ghana’s public sector. His work has significant implications for transparency and accountability in the country. Through his platform, Taylor sheds light on important issues, sparking crucial conversations and debates. His commitment to investigative journalism has earned him recognition and respect in the media landscape.
