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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read also

Police interdict officers caught in alleged bribery video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a former energy minister

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

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

NAPO details attempts by top party gurus to block his selection as Bawumia’s running mate

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

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

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

NAPO reaffirms support for Bawumia, slams Mahama government over CJ saga

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

Short hair won’t stop double-salary scandals’ – Ras Mubarak fires back at Haruna Iddrisu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly and the Engineering Council, has clarified that the reported building collapse at The Address project site in Roman Ridge on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, was inaccurate.

The incident, according to the two institutions, involved the failure of a first-floor concrete slab being cast — not the collapse of a ten-storey structure.

In a joint press engagement on Wednesday, Ing. Isaac Bedu, Registrar of the Engineering Council, and a representative of the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly explained that the incident occurred during the casting of a podium slab.

“Contrary to initial reports, there was no structural collapse of a ten-storey building. The event involved the failure of the first-floor podium concrete slab being cast.”

They confirmed that fourteen construction workers sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the 37 Military Hospital and Ridge Hospital for treatment.

As of Wednesday morning, twelve had been treated and discharged, while two remained in stable condition under observation at Ridge Hospital.

“We extend our best wishes for their full and swift recovery.”

Following the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive convened an emergency stakeholder meeting, which resulted in the formation of a seven-member independent investigative committee.

The committee, comprising technical experts from the Engineering Council, Architects Registration Council, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, has been tasked with conducting a “Thorough and transparent investigation to determine the root cause of the failure and to propose preventive measures.

“The committee will issue a comprehensive public report upon the conclusion of its work. Its findings will help strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms within Ghana’s construction sector.”

The public and media are urged to refrain from speculation and to rely on verified information from official sources.

“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and accountability in the built environment within the Ayawaso West Municipality.”

The contractor, Devtraco Plus Limited, one of the country’s leading real estate developers, has also clarified that the incident at its Roman Ridge project site involved a temporary formwork failure and did not affect the building’s permanent structural integrity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, the company explained that “A localised section of temporary formwork supporting freshly poured concrete gave way, affecting approximately 50 square metres of wet concrete during the casting of the first-floor podium slab.

There has been no structural failure. The incident was limited to temporary works (formwork props) used to support the slab during casting. The permanent structural integrity of the building remains intact.”

Devtraco further stated that all works on the project are being executed in accordance with approved designs supervised by certified consultants.

The company emphasised that its immediate priority was the safety and welfare of all personnel on site.

According to Devtraco, the affected area has since been cordoned off, and a joint investigation involving project consultants, safety officers, and contractors is ongoing.

The firm assured stakeholders of its “Unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and professional integrity,” adding that the company remains dedicated to delivering a world-class development to its clients.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed that its rescue team responded swiftly to the incident after receiving a distress call at 12:18 p.m. on Tuesday.

A team led by ADO I Minnoh from the National Headquarters arrived on site at 12:29 p.m.

The building was under construction by Fabrico Builders, a subsidiary of Devtraco 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.

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 government is positioning women in agribusiness as key drivers of economic transformation, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare announced at the BAWCOF Annual Festival in Techiman.

Speaking at the Brong Ahafo Women Co-operative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Central Union (BAWCOF) Annual Festival in Techiman, Ofosu Adjare commended the Union for advancing women’s empowerment and promoting sustainable cocoa production under the theme Nourishing Women, Cultivating Lives.

Since its establishment in 2021, BAWCOF has supported more than 7,000 rural women cocoa farmers across nine cocoa districts, strengthening their role in cooperative marketing, leadership, and sustainable farming. Ofosu Adjare said this achievement aligns with government’s broader objective of building resilient agribusiness value chains that generate jobs and increase productivity.

She explained that restructuring the Trade Ministry to include Agribusiness and Industry was a strategic move to create stronger linkages between production and processing sectors, positioning women as central players in Ghana’s industrial growth.

“This is a symbol of the power of Ghanaian women to create value from the soil to the table,” Ofosu Adjare said.

The Minister outlined several flagship initiatives, including the Feed the Industry Programme, which aims to raise factory capacity utilization from 30 to 80 percent by directly connecting smallholder farmers, especially women, to agro processors through structured contracts.

Government interventions also include tax incentives for agro processing machinery, support for local equipment manufacturing through the GRATIS Foundation and the Rural Enterprise Programme, and value chain financing under the Ghana Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL). Ofosu Adjare added that ongoing investments in cold chain infrastructure could generate nearly 900 million dollars annually from the fruits and vegetables sector.

She revealed that her Ministry is finalizing a National Agribusiness Policy to integrate value chains, promote inclusiveness, and ensure that women farmers and agripreneurs have a strong voice in national policy design.

During her visit, Ofosu Adjare toured an agribusiness exhibition and praised the creativity of women entrepreneurs. She also presented trophies to winners of a cooking competition.

Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, also lauded women’s contribution to Ghana’s agriculture, noting that they account for 52 percent of the agricultural labour force, 70 percent of food production, and 90 percent of the processing and marketing workforce.

He donated 40,000 cedis to support BAWCOF’s operations and emphasized the importance of value addition in maximizing returns for farmers. Opoku said the integration of agribusiness into the Trade Ministry was a critical step toward ensuring that Ghanaian farmers benefit more fully from their produce.

The festival drew hundreds of women farmers, cooperatives, traditional leaders, and stakeholders from across the cocoa value chain to celebrate progress and explore new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth in the sector.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis.

The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.

It is expected to bring together residents, traders, and transport operators to help make Kumasi cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

According to the Assembly, the clean-up will focus on key parts of the Central Business District and surrounding areas.

The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.

During the exercise, all trading activities and vehicular movement within these areas will be suspended to ensure smooth operations.

The KMA urged all traders, commercial drivers, and residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in cleaning their surroundings.

The Assembly announced that if traders and shop owners participate fully, the exercise will end at 11:00 a.m.

However, those who fail to take part will have their shops and trading activities remain closed until 2:00 p.m.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Ghana’s pension adjustment policy is deepening income inequality among retirees and threatening system sustainability, a new study by the Africa Center for Retirement Research warns.

The Africa Center for Retirement Research (ACRR) analysis shows that Ghana’s pension adjustment method, which awards the same fixed rate of increment to all pensioners regardless of income level, disproportionately benefits high income retirees while offering little financial protection to low earners. According to the report, this practice is worsening poverty among older Ghanaians and undermining the social security scheme’s fiscal balance.

Abdallah Mashud, head of the ACRR research team, said the current indexation policy fails to protect the poor and puts pressure on the financial sustainability of the pension system.

“Reform is urgently needed to ensure equity and adequacy,” Mashud said.

The study, which surveyed 1,700 pensioners across all 16 regions, revealed that three in every five Ghanaian pensioners live below the poverty line, struggling to survive on less than two dollars a day. More than 70 percent of respondents said their current benefits are insufficient to meet daily expenses, while 78 percent believe the pension indexation policy does not reflect real cost of living increases.

The ACRR notes that although the minimum pension value has increased periodically since 2000 and even doubled in some years, such as 2013 and 2014, the overall impact on poverty reduction remains limited. The current minimum pension, pegged at 300 cedis per month, is considered grossly inadequate given inflationary pressures and rising living costs.

The existing indexation method lacks an inflation adjustment mechanism and fails to account for the financial vulnerabilities of low income retirees. Awarding a uniform fixed rate to both privileged and poor pensioners ignores income disparities and exposes the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to inflationary risks, Mashud warned.

The report highlighted that this approach has led to financial stress within the SSNIT scheme, as benefit adjustments are not aligned with revenue growth or actuarial projections. ACRR’s findings further cited the last three actuarial valuation reports from 2014, 2017, and 2020, which all raised concerns about the scheme’s medium to long term solvency if reforms are not implemented.

Speaking at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) ACRR stakeholder engagement on Alternative Pension Indexation Models held in Accra, experts, trade union representatives, and policymakers agreed that Ghana’s pension policy requires a comprehensive overhaul. Participants recommended a differentiated indexation system that ties benefit adjustments to inflation trends and wage growth, a model already adopted by several Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Mashud emphasized that such a reform would not only reduce old age poverty but also strengthen social protection and restore confidence in Ghana’s pension administration. Ghana must transition toward a more progressive and fiscally responsible indexation policy that balances adequacy and sustainability, he noted.

Experts are urging the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, SSNIT, and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to implement the recommendations of past actuarial reports and establish a clear framework that aligns pension adjustments with macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, GDP growth, and wage trends.

File photo of the Kejetia Market

Kejetia Market has fully settled a GH¢3.5 million legacy electricity debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), ending a six-year stand-off that strained relations between traders and market authorities.

The settlement marks a significant milestone for the Kejetia Market, restoring its creditworthiness and paving the way for improved collaboration between traders, management and ECG to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the bustling commercial hub.

The debt, described as a legacy liability, had persisted due to mistrust between traders and the previous leadership of Kumasi City Markets Limited (KCML), the company managing the facility.

Traders reportedly withheld payments for years, fearing that funds collected would be misappropriated rather than used to settle the debt.

Public Relations Officer of the Kumasi City Market Traders Union (KCMTU), Emmanuel Kwarteng, told the Business & Financial Times (B&FT) that the breakthrough came after the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, intervened by establishing an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to restore confidence and address the impasse.

“The traders lost trust in the former management and refused to contribute toward the payment. The Regional Minister set up an interim team, led by Ofori Atta as Chairman, with James Nyarko in charge of operations and Nana Amankwah Prempeh as Security Coordinator. Chairman of KCMTU, Johnson Kwabena Ankrah, representing the traders, met with ECG and renegotiated the debt into instalments,” Kwarteng explained.

He added that under the new arrangement, traders made consistent monthly payments, successfully clearing the GH¢3.5 million debt within six months. The final instalment was paid in September 2025 to ECG’s Adum District Office.

Meanwhile, the ECG confirmed the full settlement of the amount, noting that Kejetia Market now stands debt-free. During a recent public hearing by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in Kumasi, Ashanti West Regional Manager of ECG, George Amoah, answering a question, disclosed that the company has made progress in addressing arrears owed by various institutions, including metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs).

He noted that as of the end of December 2024, no ministry, agency or department owed ECG since most of them are now on a prepaid metering system.

However, with regard to sensitive government agencies—such as hospitals, military units and research centres, the government is fully covering their electricity consumption, ensuring ECG’s financial sustainability.

“Kejetia Market, which used to owe several millions of cedis, has cleared all existing debts as of September this year. They no longer owe ECG,” Amoah said.

By Victoria Agyemang 

Dunkwa-on-Offin(C/R), Oct 29, GNA- The people of  Dunkwa-on-Offin and its surroundings communities are filled with excitement and anticipation as they prepare to welcome Odeefo Boa Amponsem IV, the newly enstooled Denkyirahene. 

This follows his successful enstoolment at Jukwa, the traditional seat of the Denkyira Kingdom. 

The historic homecoming on Wednesday, October 29, is expected to draw thousands of residents, traditional leaders, and well-wishers from across the Denkyira State and beyond.  

The journey from Jukwa to Abankesieso marks a significant cultural event, symbolizing the continuation of Denkyira’s royal lineage and the reaffirmation of unity among its people. 

In preparation for the grand arrival, residents of Abankesieso and surrounding communities have been cleaning streets, decorating homes, and rehearsing traditional dances to showcase their cultural heritage.  

The town’s atmosphere is already charged with joy, as drumming and singing echo through the streets in anticipation of the Omanhene’s arrival. 

“We have been waiting for this day with great excitement, said Mr Smith Ansah, a retired head teacher of Mfuom Primary School.  

“The installation of Odeefo Boa Amponsem IV represents a new dawn for Denkyira, and we are ready to receive him with open arms,” he added. 

Market women, youth groups, and cultural troupes have also pledged to play active roles in the ceremony.  

The event is expected to feature a colourful durbar of chiefs and people, where the new Omanhene will be officially received, blessed, and introduced to the larger Denkyira community. 

A historic visit to the ancient river ‘River Offin’ will be witnessed as the King makes his first appearance to the river gods.  

Odeefo Boa Amponsem IV’s journey to Abankesieso follows the time honoured tradition of Denkyira kings, who after being enstooled at Jukwa, proceed to Abankesieso to be presented to their people as the legitimate ruler of the Denkyira Kingdom. 

The Denkyirahene succeeds the late Odeefo Boa Amponsem III, who reigned for over five decades and left behind a legacy of peace, wisdom, and development.  

Many residents believe that Boa Amponsem IV will build on his foundation to promote unity, culture, and progress across Denkyira. 

As the town of Abankesieso prepares to host one of the most anticipated royal events in recent memory, the spirit of pride and togetherness among the Denkyira people remains strong, and a testament to their enduring respect for tradition and their optimism for a brighter future under the leadership of Odeefo Boa Amponsem IV. 

GNA 

Edited by Alice Tettey/George-Ramsey Benamba  

Kejetia Market has fully settled a 3.5 million cedi legacy electricity debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana, ending a six year standoff caused by mistrust between traders and market authorities.

The settlement marks a significant milestone for the Kejetia Market, restoring its creditworthiness and paving the way for improved collaboration between traders, management, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the bustling commercial hub.

The debt, described as a legacy liability, had persisted due to mistrust between traders and the previous leadership of Kumasi City Markets Limited (KCML), the company managing the facility. Traders reportedly withheld payments for years, fearing that funds collected would be misappropriated rather than used to settle the debt.

Emmanuel Kwarteng, Public Relations Officer of the Kumasi City Market Traders Union (KCMTU), told the Business and Financial Times that the breakthrough came after the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, intervened by establishing an Interim Management Committee to restore confidence and address the impasse.

“Traders lost trust in former management and refused to contribute toward the payment,” Kwarteng explained.

The Regional Minister set up an interim team, led by Ofori Atta as Chairman with James Nyarko in charge of operations and Nana Amankwah Prempeh as Security Coordinator. Johnson Kwabena Ankrah, Chairman of KCMTU representing the traders, met with ECG and renegotiated the debt into instalments.

Under the new arrangement, traders made consistent monthly payments, successfully clearing the 3.5 million cedi debt within six months. The final instalment was paid in September 2025 to ECG’s Adum District Office.

ECG confirmed the full settlement of the amount, noting that Kejetia Market now stands debt free. During a recent public hearing by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in Kumasi, George Amoah, Ashanti West Regional Manager for ECG, disclosed that the company has made progress in addressing arrears owed by various institutions, including metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.

He noted that as at the end of December 2024, no ministry, agency, or department owed ECG since most of them are now on prepaid metering system. However, with regards to sensitive government agencies such as hospitals, military units, and research centres, the government is fully covering their electricity consumption, ensuring ECG’s financial sustainability.

Amoah confirmed that Kejetia Market, which used to owe several millions of cedis, has cleared all existing debts as of September this year and no longer owes ECG.

The Bono Regional Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the brutal killing of two security guards working with ADRAS Timber Company and the burning of a vehicle at Mpamso Forest near Nsuhia in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region.

According to a police statement signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, the incident occurred on October 26, 2025, when a group of about 200 suspected illegal chainsaw operators, armed with guns and machetes, attacked the guards at the timber concession site.

The complainant, identified as Ibrahim Issah, a 41-year-old security guard with the company, reported the attack to the police.

The deceased have been named as Sani Aliyu, aged 34, and Ibrahim Musa, aged 35. Both were reportedly killed during the violent assault.

Police officers who visited the scene found the two bodies lying approximately 100 meters apart, each with multiple gunshot wounds. A Toyota pickup truck with registration number GT 3079-17, belonging to the company, was also discovered burnt beyond repair.

The bodies of the deceased have since been conveyed to the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

The Bono Regional Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. It further cautioned the public against engaging in violent and unlawful activities, urging individuals and groups to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.

Chief Inspector Akeelah reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.

Read also  

Galamsey: EPA bans fabrication, importation, and use of “Changfan” machines

Osei Asare particularly praised Nelson for displaying both honesty and technical depth

The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, Abena Osei Asare, has commended the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Justina Nelson, for her forthrightness, competence, and commitment to institutional reform.

At the Committee’s sitting on October 29, 2025, to review the Auditor-General’s Report on MIIF for the year ended December 31, 2024, Nelson impressed members with her detailed responses to audit queries, demonstrating a sound grasp of financial regulations and proactive efforts to address infractions inherited from the Fund’s previous management.

Osei Asare particularly praised Nelson for displaying both honesty and technical depth as she answered a barrage of questions from committee members.

“I’m not commending you because you are a woman but because you’re competent,” she said.

“You came well prepared. You quoted the sections; you knew what you had done, what you hadn’t done, and what you couldn’t do in your capacity,” she added.

Why Ghana prints its cedi notes abroad – BoG explains

Reforms

Nelson appeared before the Committee with members of her management team, including Chief Finance Officer, David Awuah Mensah; Director of Internal Audit, Martin Adjei; Head of Procurement, Theresa Gyasi Antwi; and Head of Legal, Louisa Quaicoe. She outlined significant measures introduced to strengthen MIIF’s governance and compliance framework.

She disclosed that MIIF had established a Compliance Unit and a Risk Department as part of broader reforms to enhance internal controls and prevent future breaches in procurement and financial management.

Addressing the matter of a US$3.8 million advance payment made to Commodity Monitor Limited for mercury-free gold processing equipment, an amount that exceeded the statutory 15 percent threshold, Nelson admitted that the transaction contravened the Public Financial Management (PFM) Regulations but clarified that it occurred before her tenure.

However, she noted that the contract had since been fully executed, with the equipment delivered and operational. Lessons from the incident, she said, now inform MIIF’s strict adherence to procurement laws.

Gold trade and royalties recovery

Touching on MIIF’s gold trading activities, Nelson explained that the Fund piloted gold trading in 2023 with three aggregators and later expanded to five, generating approximately GH¢8 million in revenue.

She stated that following the establishment of the Gold Board, MIIF transitioned the aggregators to the new agency and ceased direct gold trading to remain within its legal mandate.

Nelson further confirmed that all outstanding royalties amounting to GH¢29 million cited in the audit report had been fully recovered, while previously unaccounted payments of GH¢39,043 had now been reconciled with supporting vouchers and receipts submitted to the Auditor-General.

She added that MIIF had discontinued the use of restricted procurement for high-value contracts, and with the recent amendment of the PFM Act, all procurement plans are now submitted to the Ministry of Finance for prior approval in line with regulatory requirements.

Leadership and institutional culture

Responding to questions about her leadership style, Nelson described her relationship with staff as cordial, collaborative, and professional, anchored on mutual respect and teamwork.

She acknowledged previous social media speculation alleging internal friction within the Fund but stated that those concerns had long been resolved. She emphasised that the MIIF team remains cohesive and committed to the Fund’s reform agenda and performance targets.

Nelson reaffirmed MIIF’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of Ghana’s mineral revenues to support national development priorities.

FKA/MA

Samuel Quansah is a player of Heart of Lions

Heart of Lions midfielder Samuel Boamah Quansah has been named in the Ghana Premier League Team of the Week (Matchweek 7) following his standout performance in his side’s 3-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars.

The dynamic midfielder was at the heart of everything for the Kpando-based side, dictating the tempo and orchestrating play from midfield.

Quansah completed 81 minutes of dominant football, capping his impressive display with a well-timed assist, his third of the season.

His consistent performances have been a key factor in Heart of Lions’ bright start to the campaign. The team currently sits third on the league table with 14 points from seven games, with Quansah starting in every single match so far.

Eden Hazard inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame

In the assist rankings, the 23-year-old playmaker now sits second, just one behind Solomon Agyei of FC Samartex 1996, who leads with four.

Quansah’s ability to combine defensive discipline with creative flair has made him one of the most influential midfielders in the league’s early weeks.

Named in Fatau Dauda’s Team of the Week for the second time this season, his first coming on Matchday 3, Samuel Boamah Quansah earned his place alongside some of the league’s standout performers, including Aduana FC’s Maxwell Arthur and Goldstars’ Samuel Attah Kumi.

His recognition reflects not only his technical quality but also his growing leadership within the Heart of Lions setup.

With form and confidence on his side, Samuel Boamah Quansah is emerging as a key figure in Heart of Lions’ push for the top, proving once again that he’s one of the league’s most reliable and creative midfielders this season.

FKA/MA

Tragedy as farmer drowns while seeking loan to send child to SHS

The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has established a seven-member investigation committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a first-floor podium concrete slab at a construction site in Roman Ridge in Accra.

The incident left 14 workers injured.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, October 29, the Municipal Chief Executive, Dr Michael Mensah, announced that the committee will work in close collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service, the Engineering Council of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service and the contractor.

The aim is to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to ensure stricter enforcement of building regulations within the municipality.

Dr Mensah said the committee will begin its investigations on Thursday, October 30, and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks, after which the Assembly will take any necessary administrative or legal actions.

He also clarified that no deaths were recorded, contrary to reports circulating on social media.

According to official records, a section of fresh concrete measuring approximately 50 square metres gave way, not due to permanent structural collapse but a failure in formwork during casting.

Rescue operations were successful and all 14 affected persons, all male construction workers, were transported to the 37 Military Hospital and Ridge Hospital for treatment.

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.