Right to Dream won the World’s Best Academy at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards
Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy received global recognition on Sunday, December 28, 2025, after being named Best Academy at the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards held in Dubai, marking a landmark moment for African youth development.
The award celebrates Right to Dream’s unique model of combining elite football training with academic education and character building, a philosophy that has transformed the lives of young talents from Ghana and beyond.
Founded in 1999, the academy has become one of the most respected talent factories in world football, producing players who now star at the highest level in Europe and on the international stage.
Right to Dream’s success stood out on a night dominated by European giants and global superstars.
Watch highlights of Asante Kotoko’s 6-0 victory over Bechem United
Paris Saint-Germain dominated the awards, with Ousmane Dembélé winning Best Male Player, Vitinha named Best Midfielder, Désiré Doudé taking Emerging Player, and PSG crowned Best Men’s Club.
Barcelona also left Dubai with major honours, as Aitana Bonmatí claimed Best Female Player, Lamine Yamal was named Best Forward, and the Catalan side won Best Women’s Club.
Cristiano Ronaldo picked up the award for Best Middle Eastern Player.
Charles Opoku, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) member and deputy National TESCON coordinator, has called on the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Kwaku Baako to forgive the party for their sins.
According to the NPP’s deputy TESCON coordinator, the party stood by and allowed Kennedy Agyapong, a former Assin Central legislator and now presidential aspirant, to insult and criticise Kwaku Baako when he had not committed any crime.
On December 26, 2025, the Ghana Formed Police Unit (GHFPU 1, Rotation 9) conducted a Medical Outreach Programme in Bieh in the Guit County of Sudan.
The exercise provided medical relief and helped to foster community relations during the festive season.
The mission was led by the Deputy Field Office Police Coordinator (DFOPC) and Acting Field Office Police Coordinator, Anke Lute, accompanied by Doaa Elnagar from the FPU Coordination Office in Bentiu.
The GHFPU 1 contingent was led by the Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO), Chief Superintendent Rosina Adwoa Donkor Gariba, supported by six Senior Police Officers and other ranks (comprising 14 Inspectors).
Chief Superintendent Rosina Gariba extended seasonal greetings on behalf of the Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent Bismark Achaab.
She emphasized the importance of civil-military cooperation and the spirit of giving.
Anke Lute (UNPOL) reaffirmed UNMISS’s commitment to supporting communities within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). She urged residents to prioritize personal health and security and to maintain close communication with the police.
The Head of the Bieh Community Hospital expressed gratitude, noting that the supplies arrived at a critical time of scarcity.
The December 2025 National Tracking Poll by Global InfoAnalytics offers a comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s political, economic and social climate as the year closes, depicting a country broadly confident in its direction yet sharply polarised along partisan lines and increasingly impatient for systemic reform.
The survey, conducted among 13,495 voters across all 16 regions and 83 constituencies, highlights strong public approval for President John Dramani Mahama, growing optimism about living standards, and widespread support for constitutional change, even as party loyalty continues to shape perceptions of national progress.
Broad Optimism, Deep Political Fault Lines
At the national level, 66 per cent of respondents say Ghana is headed in the “right direction”, a figure unchanged from the previous quarter and consistent across all regions. The strongest optimism is recorded in the Upper West (81 per cent) and Savannah (79 per cent) regions. Even in the Ashanti Region, a traditional opposition stronghold, 45 per cent share this positive outlook.
However, the data expose a pronounced partisan divide. While 91 per cent of NDC supporters believe the country is on the right path, 61 per cent of NPP supporters hold the opposite view. Floating voters, who now represent a growing share of the electorate, lean toward optimism, with 68 per cent endorsing the country’s current direction.
Mahama Retains Solid Mandate
President Mahama’s job approval stands at 67 per cent, unchanged from the previous quarter, underscoring sustained confidence in his leadership. His support cuts across all regions, including areas traditionally aligned with the opposition.
Yet, party allegiance remains decisive. Approval reaches 93 per cent among NDC supporters but drops to 28 per cent among NPP voters. Among floating voters, the president records a robust 69 per cent approval. Although disapproval has edged up slightly to 24 per cent, the overall figures confirm a firm governing mandate.
Economy Anchors Public Confidence
Economic sentiment continues to underpin the government’s popularity. The 2026 budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, is approved by 66 per cent of respondents, with just 18 per cent dissatisfied and 16 per cent neutral.
This confidence is reflected in household conditions. A majority of voters (56 per cent) report an improvement in their standard of living over the past year, while 27 per cent see no change and 12 per cent say conditions have worsened. Looking ahead, optimism deepens: 70 per cent expect further improvements in 2026, compared with 18 per cent who anticipate decline.
Governance: Corruption and Galamsey
On governance, the poll records incremental gains. For the first time, a clear majority—60 per cent—say the government is doing enough to combat corruption, up from 58 per cent in the last survey. In addition, 56 per cent believe the overall corruption situation is improving, while 17 per cent think it is deteriorating.
Perceptions around illegal mining, or galamsey, also suggest cautious approval. Nationally, 47 per cent of voters do not believe the problem has worsened under the current administration, a view echoed by 43 per cent in mining regions. Overall, 56 per cent say the government’s response has been adequate.
Strong Backing for Constitutional Change
Perhaps the clearest signal from the poll is the public’s appetite for structural reform. Voters express strong support for key proposals from the Constitutional Review Commission, including:
Extending the presidential term to five years (57 per cent).
Preventing MPs from holding ministerial positions to strengthen separation of powers (58 per cent).
Direct election of MMDCEs to deepen decentralisation (63 per cent).
Lowering the minimum age to contest the presidency to boost youth participation (55 per cent).
Abolishing the death penalty (58 per cent) and restricting campaigns to 120 days before elections (56 per cent).
Youth Redefining the Political Landscape
The poll underscores a profound demographic shift. Gen Z and Millennial voters—those under 44—now constitute nearly 78 per cent of the electorate. This cohort is driving demands for generational renewal, with 64 per cent of voters expressing a preference for younger national leaders.
At the same time, party allegiances are in flux. The NDC leads with 41 per cent affiliation, despite a slight dip, while the NPP has declined for a third consecutive period to 26 per cent. Floating voters have risen to 19 per cent, reinforcing their growing influence.
Educational patterns reveal a decisive NDC advantage among tertiary-educated voters, leading the NPP by 22 points, and a similar edge among JHS and SHS graduates. The NPP’s strongest base remains among voters without formal education, where the gap narrows to a single point.
Outlook: Confidence with Conditions
Overall, the December 2025 Global InfoAnalytics poll portrays a nation that is confident in its immediate direction and broadly supportive of its leadership, particularly on economic management and governance. Yet the entrenched partisan divide and the strong endorsement of constitutional reforms suggest that this confidence is conditional.
With a youth-heavy electorate demanding accountability, inclusion and institutional change, Ghana appears to be entering a phase in which political legitimacy will be increasingly measured not only by performance, but by the willingness of leaders to undertake deep, structural reform.
Amidst public discourse concerning the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) reported financial losses, a critical operational distinction in its gold strategy is frequently overlooked. This analysis clarifies that the BoG manages two functionally separate gold supply chains: one for immediate foreign exchange (forex) generation and another for long-term reserve accumulation. Failure to apply such disaggregation risks overstating operational losses while understating Balance-sheet strength. It posits that a comprehensive assessment of the BoG’s total gold position—including significant unrealized gains on its monetary reserves—could substantially alter the interpretation of reported losses. The note concludes by questioning whether the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) reported loss figure of US$214 million accounted for this bifurcated structure through rigorous Metallurgical Accounting.
Introduction
Recent analyses of the Bank of Ghana’s financial performance have homed in on losses linked to its gold trading activities. However, these discussions often conflate two distinct operational streams with different objectives, participants, and accounting treatments. This conflation risks leading to an incomplete or misleading conclusion about the overall financial impact of the central bank’s gold strategy.
The Dual Supply Chain Model
The Bank of Ghana’s gold operations are strategically segmented:
Stream A: Forex Liquidity & Market Intervention
Source: Purchases of unrefined gold doré from Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM).
Intermediary: Procured via the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
Destination & Purpose: This gold is excluded from the official monetary reserves. It is traded in international markets for a rapid turnover, with the explicit goals of:
Shoring up the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
Supplying forex to oil importing companies and commercial banks to alleviate market pressures.
Financial Model: Operates on high-volume, short-term trading margins.
Stream B: Official Reserve Accumulation
Source: Purchases of refined, certified gold from Large-Scale Mining Companies (LSM).
Standard: The gold is refined and hallmarked by London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-accredited refineries, ensuring investment-grade quality.
Destination & Purpose: This gold is directly added to Ghana’s official gold reserves, which currently stand at approximately 40 tonnes. This serves as a long-term store of value and a strategic monetary asset.
The above two streams as indicated above are functional and not for merely sourcing segregation.
Financial Re-evaluation of the Reserve Portfolio
A holistic view of the BoG’s gold activities must account for the value of Stream B. As of the time of analysis:
The mark-to-market value of the 40 tonnes of reserve gold is approximately US$6.1 billion, based on a world gold price of US$4,530/oz and a typical sales premium.
The carrying/book value of this reserve, assuming a conservative average acquisition cost of US$1,600/oz, is approximately US$2.06 billion.
This implies an unrealized holding gain of roughly 200%, representing latent financial strength that could be utilized for forex market interventions or other central bank obligations.
Unrealised gains do not fund budgets but they improve reserve adequacy, swap capacity and collateral strength.
Critical Inquiry into the IMF’s Assessment
The IMF’s conclusion of a US$214 million loss attributed to the BoG’s gold activities prompts a fundamental methodological question: Was the assessment based on a complete Metallurgical Accounting?
Metallurgical Accounting in this context would entail a full-chain audit that:
Physically and financially segregates gold flows from ASM (Stream A) and LSM (Stream B).
Tracks the transformation, refining, and transaction costs for each stream independently.
Recognizes both the realized losses/gains from trading (Stream A) and the unrealized gains from reserve revaluation (Stream B).
If the IMF’s loss figure solely pertained to the trading losses from Stream A (ASM gold for forex) without considering the substantial embedded gain in Stream B (official reserves), then the public narrative reflects only a fragment of the Central Bank’s consolidated gold position. This distinction is not merely academic but is central to a fair evaluation of the policy’s net financial impact.
Conclusion
The Bank of Ghana operates a sophisticated two-pillar gold strategy. One pillar is a tactical forex tool, while the other is a strategic financial reserve. Meaningful analysis requires this disaggregation. Therefore, any authoritative verdict on losses—including that of the IMF—must be scrutinized against the methodology used. It remains an open and critical question whether a comprehensive Metallurgical Accounting framework was applied to reach the concluded loss figure, or if the assessment was based on an incomplete view of the BoG’s dual-track system.
The ADC’s timely alerts ensured that the president adhered to Ghana’s official ceremonial etiquette
President John Dramani Mahama has twice been prompted by his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Abdul Wahab Issah, to observe the national anthem during a recent public function.
Footage from the event shows President Mahama proceeding with the programme and exchanging pleasantries when his personal security officer subtly intervened, reminding him to stand in respect for the national anthem.
On both occasions, the ADC’s timely alerts ensured that the president adhered to Ghana’s official ceremonial etiquette.
In the videos circulating on social media, President Mahama can be seen responding promptly to the ADC’s cues, standing respectfully as the anthem is performed.
President Mahama promotes Aide-de-Camp Abdul Wahab Issah to Colonel
The national anthem is a symbol of Ghana’s sovereignty and unity and its observance during official events is mandatory for all dignitaries.
The ADC, responsible for the president’s safety and protocol guidance, acted with precision to ensure that Ghana’s highest office maintained the decorum expected at such functions.
Watch the video below:
The moment the President’s personal security swiftly alerted him to observe the national athem🇬🇭🙏. pic.twitter.com/Jo2Gf6hwpq
The Minority in Parliament has called for a bipartisan investigation into the reported $214 million loss by the Bank of Ghana under the Gold-for-Reserves programme.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi addressing journalists in Accra on Monday December 29 stated that the enquiry should be conducted by a parliamentary ad-hoc committee with the power to subpoena all contracts, licenses, intermediaries, and related entities.
He said the committee should require the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to disclose their fee structures, pricing formulas, aggregator selection criteria, and foreign exchange arrangements linked to the programme.
He further called for the suspension of permits in forest reserves and the introduction of strict traceability measures, citing concerns that state funds may have been used to purchase gold from illegal mining activities.
He added that where negligence or corruption is proven, prosecutions must follow and all recoverable funds returned to the state.
“We are demanding the following: a bipartisan parliamentary enquiry into the circumstances under which the republic of Ghana has lost $214 million heading to $300million to be done here by the parliament of Ghana. We are asking for a parliamentary adhoc investigative committee with power to subpoena all contracts, licences, intermediaries including this power rock monopoly.
“Under this bipartisan enquiry we will be expecting the BoG and the GoldBod to publish the fees structure, the pricing formula, the aggregator selecting criteria and all foreign exchange arrangement that they have tied to this scheme which has led to this loss.
“…One of the things we will be asking for is the suspension of permit in forest reserves and the introduction of serious measures on traceability because as at now we have every reason to believe that state money is being used to buy Galamsey gold…Where negligence or corruption is proven, prosecutions must follow and all recoverable funds must be given back to the state,” Nkrumah stated.
The call by the Minority comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised concerns over the reported losses, describing them as a potential risk to Ghana’s macroeconomic stability. The IMF attributed the losses to transactions involving artisanal and small-scale mining dore gold and referenced alleged “GoldBod off-taker fees.”
GoldBod, however, has denied incurring any losses, describing the IMF claims as inaccurate. In a response issued earlier this month, the Board’s CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, stated that GoldBod expects an income surplus of no less than 600 million cedis for the 2025 financial year and clarified that it does not charge off-taker fees. He explained that GoldBod’s role is limited to purchasing, assaying, and exporting gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana, while all trading and sale agreements with off-takers fall under the central bank’s mandate.
Mr. Gyamfi highlighted that GoldBod has contributed over 10 billion dollars in foreign exchange in 2025 through the purchase of more than 100 tonnes of artisanal and small-scale mining gold for the Bank of Ghana. He also noted the Board’s support in purchasing output from large-scale mining companies, which has helped boost Ghana’s foreign reserves and strengthen the cedi.
Read also
Majority of voters support extension of presidential term to 5 years – Poll
The Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has expressed concerns over the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) decision to suspend the rollout of the new vehicle number plate system, initially scheduled for 1 January 2026.
According to him, the move raises serious legal and public safety concerns.
DVLA delays implementation of Ghana’s new vehicle number plate system
The suspension follows concerns raised in Parliament regarding institutional readiness, stakeholder engagement, and the absence of legislative amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
The High Court also granted an injunction on 23 December 2025, restraining the implementation of the proposed system.
While acknowledging that the suspension was appropriate, the MP, in a statement dated December 29, 2025, highlighted that the DVLA’s directive allowing vehicles with Drive from Port (DP) and Defective Vehicle (DV) plates to continue using them “until further notice” is incompatible with Ghana’s insurance laws.
“DP and DV plates are, by their nature, temporary and conditional. Insurance cover issued in respect of such plates is limited in duration and scope, pending inspection and full registration. They are not intended to permit prolonged or indefinite use of vehicles on public roads,” he argued.
The MP stressed that sections of the law impose statutory duties on insurers and drivers to protect third parties in the event of accidents.
“Administrative directives cannot lawfully override these statutory obligations,” the MP warned.
He has therefore called on the Minister for Transport to intervene immediately to regularise the status of DP and DV plates in compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act; ensure that no vehicle operates without valid insurance; issue clear directives to the DVLA to prevent uninsured road use; and safeguard public confidence in vehicle registration and road safety.
“The continued use of DP and DV plates without clear legal and insurance regularisation, therefore, places motorists, pedestrians, and passengers at unacceptable risk and undermines the integrity of Ghana’s compulsory motor insurance regime,” he said.
DVLA announces new charges for vehicle registration and related services
He added, “Compulsory motor insurance exists to protect the public, not to accommodate administrative uncertainty. The law is clear, and compliance is not optional, the National Insurance Commission must therefore rise to ensure strict enforcement of insurance provisions.”
A law lecturer and aide to Kennedy Agyapong has stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is playing a critical role in helping Ghana’s economy thrive, not only through financial assistance but also by restoring market access and policy credibility.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, December 29, Kobby Amoah said the government must take deliberate steps to strengthen and sustain the economy, even as it benefits from IMF support.
“Government has to make sure that the right steps are taken to improve the economy,” he said.
Mr Amoah explained that Ghana’s participation in an IMF programme provides more than just loans, noting that it opens doors to international markets and enforces economic discipline through technical support and strict benchmarks.
“Under the performance of the economy, the IMF programme is also supporting and helping because it gives market access to borrow and do business,” he explained.
“There is also greater discipline through technical support and benchmarks, which require governments to be disciplined before funds are released.”
According to him, the true performance of the economy cannot be attributed solely to ministers or current economic managers, stressing that Ghana will only be able to fully assess their effectiveness by August 2026.
“This may seem good now, but when governance is left entirely in the hands of those in charge, that is when we will see their true performance and know whether they are managing the economy well,” he said.
Mr Amoah noted that Ghanaians should take some comfort in the relative stability of the cedi against the dollar, expressing hope that the government would put measures in place to sustain this stability.
He further argued that Ghanaians often vote out governments during periods of economic crisis without fully appreciating the cyclical nature of IMF programmes and their effects.
“Any time there is an IMF programme, it usually follows a severe economic downturn. People vote out the government, and the new government inherits the benefits of the programme,” he said.
“When the new government starts, people praise it because the economy and currency appear to be doing well, forgetting that the country is still under support.”
According to Mr Amoah, the real test of economic management comes after IMF support ends.
“When the support stops, that is when we truly know the strength of the economic managers and how well the economy is being run,” he added.
He cautioned against measuring the value of IMF programmes solely by the size of the loans Ghana receives, stressing that their real benefit lies in restoring economic health and international confidence.
“The mistake we make is quantifying the value of an IMF programme by the loans. Before a country goes to the IMF, it is often close to bankruptcy and lacks credibility. But once the programme is in place, it restores confidence and allows others to do business with you again,” he said.
Mr Amoah noted that the IMF’s ultimate value lies in the economic and policy credibility it confers on participating countries.
“The goal is not just the loans. Market access means you are no longer seen as a country that cannot be dealt with. It gives you economic and policy credibility,” he added.
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.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has hinted at retiring from frontline politics, saying his sustained investment in education is aimed at grooming future leaders for North Tongu.
North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hinted at his eventual retirement from frontline politics, saying he is proud to be grooming the next generation of leaders through sustained investment in education.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian attends a press conference in Beijing, China April 10
China opposes any attempt to split territories in Somalia, the foreign ministry said on Monday, affirming Chinese support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the East African country.
“No country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a regular press conference, urging authorities in Somaliland to stop “separatist activities and collusion with external forces”.
Israel became the first country on Friday to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, seeking immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Ghana’s petroleum revenue collapsed by 56 percent in the first half of 2025 as the country faced a double blow from declining production and falling global oil prices, threatening fiscal stability while paradoxically easing pressure on consumers.
The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) reported that petroleum receipts dropped to $370.3 million in the first six months of 2025, down from $840.8 million during the same period in 2024. The sharp decline represents the lowest mid-year earnings since 2022 and marks a reversal of the previous year’s gains.
Crude oil production tumbled nearly 26 percent to 18.42 million barrels by June 2025, compared to 24.86 million barrels in the first half of 2024. The decline stems from natural reservoir depletion at mature fields and scheduled maintenance shutdowns, particularly at the flagship Jubilee field.
The Jubilee field, which began production in December 2010, experienced the steepest fall among Ghana’s three producing offshore developments. Output dropped 32.8 percent from 16.41 million barrels to 11.02 million barrels, with average daily production declining from 90,755 barrels per day to 60,898 barrels per day.
PIAC attributed the Jubilee decline to planned shutdowns from March 26 to 31, followed by continued maintenance from April 1 to 8. The field recorded its highest monthly output in January at 2.40 million barrels, while April marked the lowest at 1.27 million barrels.
The Tweneboa Enyenra Ntomme (TEN) field saw production decline 14 percent, falling from 3.45 million barrels to 2.97 million barrels. Average daily output dropped from 19,065 barrels per day to 16,420 barrels per day due to a mini shutdown for flare tip replacement and persistent reservoir performance challenges.
The Sankofa Gye Nyame field experienced the smallest decline at 11.6 percent, with output falling to 4.42 million barrels compared to 5.00 million barrels in the first half of 2024. Average daily production decreased from 27,600 to 24,463 barrels per day.
Compounding the production decline, the average realized price achieved by Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) fell 13 percent to $74.93 per barrel, down from $86.12 per barrel a year earlier. The combination of fewer barrels produced and lower prices per barrel created immediate fiscal pressure.
Petroleum revenue sources for the first half of 2025 broke down as follows: Carried and Additional Participating Interest (CAPI) contributed $178.48 million, representing 48 percent of total receipts. Corporate Income Taxes generated $148.75 million, accounting for 40 percent. Royalties yielded $40.15 million, approximately 10.8 percent of inflows.
Interest on the Petroleum Holding Fund amounted to $2.10 million, while surface rentals brought in just $863,000, less than one percent of total revenue. The breakdown reflects Ghana’s heavy reliance on upstream production taxes and profit sharing rather than direct extraction fees.
PIAC warned that no new petroleum agreement has been signed since 2018, creating structural risks to the sector’s long term viability. As of June 2025, Ghana maintained 13 active petroleum agreements, with only the Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa Gye Nyame fields currently in production.
The Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points block has received approval for its Plan of Development, but field work has yet to begin. Other contract areas remain at varying stages of exploration with no guarantee of commercial viability.
Despite the revenue shortfall threatening government finances, lower global crude prices have provided relief to Ghanaian consumers. Reduced fuel costs at the pump have contributed to declining inflation and prevented pressure for transport fare increases, benefiting households and businesses.
Lower fuel prices reduce overhead costs for sectors heavily reliant on diesel and petrol, including manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. The economic stability from affordable fuel helps offset the government’s lost export revenue by increasing purchasing power and lowering production costs.
Government has responded to the production crisis by securing commitments for major upstream investments starting in 2026. A Memorandum of Understanding signed with Tullow Oil, Kosmos Energy, PetroSA, and GNPC extends production licences for the Jubilee and TEN fields until 2040.
The agreement includes plans to drill 20 new wells in the Jubilee field alone, projected to unlock material gross proven and probable reserves. The drilling campaign is expected to mobilize approximately $2 billion in investment, according to a KPMG and United Nations Development Programme report on the 2026 budget.
A further $1.5 billion has been allocated to expand operations at the Offshore Cape Three Points block. The $3.5 billion total investment commitment represents a strong signal of renewed investor confidence, the report stated.
Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor described the licence extensions as a significant step forward demonstrating commitment to fostering a stable and attractive investment climate. The agreement includes commitments to ramp up gas supply to 130 million standard cubic feet per day from Jubilee and TEN fields.
GNPC is set to commence drilling in the onshore Volta Basin in October 2026, opening a new frontier for domestic production. The initiative aims to diversify Ghana’s producing assets beyond offshore fields and reduce dependence on mature reservoirs.
However, analysts caution that converting investment commitments into sustained production increases requires substantial capital deployment and effective field management. The lag between drilling new wells and achieving commercial production means near term revenue improvements remain uncertain.
Ghana’s crude oil production has declined consistently since peaking at 71.44 million barrels in 2019. Total output fell to 48.24 million barrels in 2024, continuing a five year downward trend attributed to over dependence on mature fields and insufficient exploration investment.
PIAC urged government to act with urgency to reverse the decline and create conditions that can attract new investors. The committee recommended selecting fewer infrastructure projects for full completion under the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) and branding them appropriately upon delivery.
Since oil production commenced in 2011, Ghana’s cumulative petroleum revenue has reached $11.58 billion. The sector’s peak revenue year was 2022, when receipts hit $1.4 billion driven by elevated global prices during the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The production decline poses risks not only to government revenue but also to Ghana’s energy security. Natural gas output fell 6.7 percent to 130.4 million standard cubic feet in the first half of 2025, affecting domestic power generation and industrial fuel supply.
Ghana exported 44.6 percent of its gas production, up marginally from 43.3 percent in the first half of 2024. Gas flaring decreased to 10.6 percent from 11.3 percent over the same period, showing modest improvement in utilization efficiency.
The petroleum revenue decline complicates Ghana’s fiscal consolidation efforts as the country implements an International Monetary Fund supported programme. The government had projected 16.5 billion cedis ($1.35 billion) in petroleum revenue for 2025, but actual collections are tracking well below target.
Total petroleum revenue receipts were distributed according to the Petroleum Revenue Management Act. GNPC received its share for operational expenses, the ABFA supported infrastructure and social programmes, while the Ghana Stabilisation Fund and Ghana Heritage Fund received allocations for fiscal buffers and future generations.
Looking ahead, Ghana’s petroleum sector faces a critical juncture. Sustaining production levels requires continuous investment in existing fields while successfully developing new discoveries. The ultimate financial success will still depend on volatile global oil prices, but higher production volumes provide stronger fiscal cushioning regardless of market fluctuations.
Recent positive developments include Eni declaring commerciality for the Eban Akoma offshore development in July 2025. Tullow Oil and partners also secured license extensions for Jubilee and TEN fields, indicating continued investment interest despite production challenges.
The association commended his professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to duty
The Dagbamba Youth Association (DAYA) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to DSP Bawa Abdul Jalil on his promotion from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
In a statement dated December 25, 2025, and signed by Alhaji Jagbo Baako, General Secretary of DAYA, the association praised DSP Jalil’s outstanding service and dedication to combating crime in Ghana.
DAYA highlighted DSP Jalil’s instrumental role in addressing complex security challenges, including illegal activities, violent conflicts, and organized crime, through his leadership and the efforts of the Special Operations Team.
The association commended his professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to duty, qualities that have earned him this well-deserved recognition.
The promotion is seen as a testament to DSP Jalil’s hard work and dedication to serving Ghana. DAYA noted that his efforts have had a significant impact on the community, boosting public confidence and deterring criminal activities in the Northern Region, particularly in Tamale.
The association expressed pride in DSP Jalil’s achievements and wished him continued success in his new role. The congratulatory message, addressed to all media houses, underscored the significance of DSP Jalil’s promotion and DAYA’s support for his continued service to Ghana.
Aseibu Amanfi (born as Kwabena Owusu) was a Ghanaian highlife legend
The music world is in mourning following the loss of Kwabena Owusu, affectionately known as Aseibu Amanfi, who passed away on the morning of Sunday, December 28, 2025, after a brief illness.
In a video shared on X on December 28, Amanfi’s passing served as a poignant reminder of his influence and the impact he had on generations, as his death marks the end of an era for Ghana’s vibrant highlife music scene.
His iconic hit, “Kakra b3ka wo” (“a little will tell you” or “little by little will reveal to you”), encapsulates the wisdom of patience and the truths that unfold with time.
Aseibu Amanfi was a monumental figure in the Ghanaian music industry, renowned for his soulful voice and the infectious rhythms that defined his songs.
He made statements like, “We have somewhere to go or a journey to embark on,” at a time he reflected on the journey of life and death during one of his performances honoring the late Daddy Lumba.
With timeless hits like “Kakra Bɛka Wo,” “Bamaso,” and “Asoko,” Amanfi’s music has become a treasured part of Ghana’s cultural scene, representing an era of music that connects with audiences of all ages.
His songs served as more than mere entertainment; they became cultural touchstones that connected generations.
“In life, when a child is born, joy fills the air, celebrated with white cloth and gifts during naming ceremonies. However, when death strikes, we are left with sorrow and sympathy as we bid farewell,” he expressed in one of his performances, underscoring the deep emotions surrounding life and loss.
Aseibu Amanfi’s contributions transcended music; he was a mentor and source of inspiration for many aspiring artistes, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of highlife music, serving as a guiding light for those who follow in his footsteps.
While his passing is a profound loss, the melodies he crafted will forever echo in the hearts of many.
Watch video below
Kwabena Owusu, widely known by his stage name Aseibu Amanfi, passed away on the morning of Sunday, December 28, 2025, following a brief illness.
He was celebrated for his significant contributions to Ghana’s highlife music industry, with notable hits including “Kakra Bɛka Wo,”… pic.twitter.com/nN6qR6dHhw
56 percent of Ghanaians say their standard of living has improved in 2025
A nationwide survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics in December 2025 indicates growing optimism among Ghanaian voters about their standard of living.
The survey, released on Monday, December 29, 2025, found that 56 percent of respondents said their standard of living had improved in 2025 compared to the previous year.
a href=”https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/68-confident-Ghana-will-hit-4-GDP-growth-target-for-2025-PwC-Survey-1993560″ target=”_blank”>68% confident Ghana will hit 4% GDP growth target for 2025 – PwC Survey
However, 27 percent reported no change in their living conditions, while 12 percent said their standard of living had worsened. Five percent of respondents expressed no opinion.
The positive sentiment reflects increasing public confidence in the economy, which many respondents attributed to relative macroeconomic stability, easing inflationary pressures, improved access to goods and services, and expectations of higher incomes and better employment opportunities.
According to the Government Statistician, Alhassan Iddrisu, the economy expanded by 5.5 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, driven by improved performance in the agriculture and services sectors.
a href=”https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/66-of-voters-believe-Ghana-is-headed-in-right-direction-Global-InfoAnalytics-poll-2014892″ target=”_blank”>66% of voters believe Ghana is headed in right direction – Global InfoAnalytics poll
However, growth slowed from a revised 7.0 percent recorded in the same period last year, largely due to weaker performance in the industrial sector, which expanded by only 0.8 percent.
JKB/MA
TrendingGH: Citizens spread holiday wishes for 2025 Christmas
Bills, Ghana’s leading microfinance institution, marked a strong close to 2025 with its End-of-Year Dinner and Awards Night, recognising outstanding performance across its nationwide operations and rewarding excellence among its approximately 1,700-strong workforce.
Held under the theme of “Gratitude and Growth,” the event brought together management, staff, partners, and stakeholders to reflect on a year of significant achievement and steady transformation within the microfinance sector. It also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the people whose work continues to drive the institution’s impact across the country.
In his address, Romeo-Richlove Kweku Seshie, Chief Executive Officer of Bills Microcredit, highlighted the institution’s 2025 performance, including the disbursement of almost GH¢2 billion in loans across all 16 regions of Ghana.
He emphasised that these figures represented more than financial outcomes, pointing instead to the real impact on entrepreneurs, small business owners, and families who rely on access to finance to grow their livelihoods.
“This year, we chose to get closer to our customers. We sat with the provision store owner in Takoradi, the poultry farmer in Ho, the seamstress in Tamale. We listened. And in listening, we understood something important: when people feel seen, they grow,” he said.
Kojo Dei Kwarteng, Board Chairman of Bills Microcredit, underscored the institution’s governance strength and long-term positioning.
He stated that the Board’s confidence lies not only in performance outcomes, but also in how those outcomes are achieved, through strong systems, disciplined governance, and careful attention to risk, compliance, and accountability.
He further commended management and staff for their professionalism, noting that trust remains the cornerstone of financial services and must be earned consistently.
Founded by Richard Nii Armah Quaye, President of RNAQ Holdings and Foundation, Bills has evolved from a belief in supporting everyday people into a nationwide financial services institution serving entrepreneurs and small businesses across Ghana.
Earlier in the day, at a Staff Durbar held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the Founder announced a 100% end-of-year bonus to staff, a declaration met with excitement and jubilation.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance reports reviewed since his exit from active leadership, noting that major targets for the year had been met and, in several cases, exceeded.
He disclosed that in Ghana alone, nearly GH¢2 billion was disbursed to over 350,000 customers in 2025, while across the group, more than US$400 million supported close to 700,000 small businesses and individuals.
“What gives me the greatest satisfaction is seeing an institution that serves people with dignity continue to grow beyond any one individual. That is when you know the systems are working and the purpose is intact. When customers continue to trust the organization, even in my absence, that trust belongs to the people who show up every day,” Quaye said.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards recognising excellence at team, operational, and individual levels.
Twelve outstanding sector teams were honoured for collective performance, discipline, and service delivery, with each team receiving a cash award of GH¢20,000. Individual excellence was also recognised in key operational and customer-facing roles.
The Most Outstanding Operations Manager received GH¢20,000, while the Most Outstanding Customer Experience Executive received GH¢10,000 in recognition of measurable impact on operational efficiency and service quality.
The climax of the ceremony was the presentation of ten Toyota Vitz vehicles to five top-performing staff across key operational functions, including Credit Risk Analysis, Recovery, Cluster Management, General Monitoring, and Employee of the Year, as well as five long-serving employees whose dedication has contributed significantly to the institution’s growth since 2016 and 2017.
The awards night was complemented by live performances from Nacee, Moliy, Mona4Reall, Medikal, Shatta Wale, and international Afrobeats star Davido, adding to an atmosphere of celebration and appreciation for the year’s achievements.
As Bills Microcredit looks ahead to 2026, the institution remains focused on deepening customer relationships, strengthening technological capabilities, and expanding financial inclusion across Ghana, while upholding the highest standards of governance, integrity, and responsible growth.
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates | BizTech:
FIFA has officially unveiled the list of Ghanaian referees approved to officiate international matches for the 2026 calendar year, reaffirming Ghana’s strong representation on the global officiating stage.
The approved roster comprises 23 officials, made up of 10 Centre Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee, and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Heading the list is seasoned official Daniel Laryea, who has been retained both as a Centre Referee and a VAR.
The contingent also welcomes new assistant referee Richard Kwaku, while Portia Oppong earns recognition in the Beach Soccer category.
In accordance with FIFA regulations, Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for new referees or renew the appointments of existing officials on the FIFA list.
This process is managed by the Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association, which ensures that all nominees meet FIFA’s stringent eligibility requirements, including the successful completion of FIFA-approved fitness and medical assessments.
Once the internal vetting process is completed, the nominations are submitted to FIFA for final validation.
The world football governing body retains the authority to approve or reject any nominee based on its established standards.
Referees approved by FIFA are authorized to wear the FIFA badge from January 2026 to December 2026. Retention on the list in subsequent years will depend on individual performance, with the FIFA badge remaining the exclusive property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.
The full list of officials approved by FIFA is attached.
A respected Islamic cleric based in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital, his wife and another Hajia have been busted for illegal drug trade.
The Muslim leader who is said to be the wholesale supplier of the contraband substance, uses his Hajia wife and another accomplice as retailers unknown to him his activities were closely monitored by the IGP’s Special Operations Taskforce, currently based in the Region.
The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has said the resumption of operations at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), while commendable, represents only the first of three critical phases required to make the refinery economically viable and environmentally compliant.
Read also: TOR resumes crude oil refining operations with about 28,000 barrels per stream daily
Acknowledging that the successful turnaround maintenance (TAM) had helped dispel a long-standing perception that the refinery was too old to function effectively, Mr Amoah cautioned that the current phase alone was insufficient to sustain operations or meet Ghana’s modern fuel standards.
“The integrity of the plant has been proven. TOR is not as obsolete as some had suggested,” he said, noting that the refinery could still play a vital role in Ghana’s energy security if the right investments are made.
Speaking on TV3’s morning programme on Monday [December 29, 2025] monitored by Graphic Online, Mr Amoah explained that Ghana has, since 2015–2016, most vehicles in Ghana have transitioned away from high-sulphur “dirty fuels” and now require cleaner fuels, which burn more efficiently and significantly reduce environmental pollution to help meet Euro IV and Euro V specifications, with a sulphur content ranging between 10 and 50 parts per million (ppm).
He said TOR’s existing Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) units were only capable of producing fuels with sulphur levels of about 1,500 ppm at best.
This, according to COPEC, falls far below Ghana’s current fuel standards and poses serious environmental and public health risks.
Whenever TOR resumed operations, he said a large portion of its output had to be exported to neighbouring Sahelian countries because the local automotive fleet could not safely consume such high-sulphur products.
TOR would therefore require major upgrades, including the installation of a desulphurisation unit, estimated to cost about US$150 million, to reduce sulphur content in refined products, he added.
In addition, he stated that a reformer unit, costing between US$25 million and US$50 million, would be required to improve petrol quality and meet Ghana’s minimum 91-octane requirement.
New technology
To address this challenge, Mr Amoah said TOR would require major upgrades, including the installation of a desulphurisation unit, estimated to cost about US$150 million, to reduce sulphur content in refined products.
In addition, he stated that a reformer unit, costing between US$25 million and US$50 million, would be required to improve petrol quality and meet Ghana’s minimum 91-octane requirement.
He warned that without these investments, TOR would struggle to compete with newer and more advanced refineries such as Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and other regional facilities.
Economic entity
Mr Amoah also stressed the need for TOR to be run strictly as an economic entity, free from political interference.
He argued that political decisions, rather than economic considerations, have historically undermined the refinery’s performance.
“For sustainability, private sector participation is critical,” he said, advocating for a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
He said private investors would ensure efficiency, control operational costs, and make decisions based on commercial viability rather than politics.
On the broader economic impact, Mr Amoah said Ghana currently spends about US$400 million every month in foreign exchange to import finished petroleum products.
Potential
Investing in TOR, he argued, would help reduce this burden while retaining skilled labour and strengthening the local economy.
He recalled that at its peak in the late 1990s, TOR contributed about five percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), demonstrating the refinery’s potential if properly retooled and managed.
Mr Amoah said TOR was currently doing about 28,000 barrels per stream day, with a plan to scale up the capacity to 45,000 barrels. It has a historical peak of 60,000 barrels per day and Ghana’s daily petroleum demand, he said, is about 100,000 barrels.
“If TOR can supply even half of national demand, supported by other local refineries, Ghana can significantly reduce its dependence on imported fuel,” he said.
While commending TOR’s management for restarting operations, Mr Amoah maintained that sustained investment and long-term planning are essential if the refinery was to fully support Ghana’s energy security and economic development.
The Party has announced its intention to contest Ghana’s 2028 general elections
The African Continental Unity Party (ACUP) has unveiled an ambitious Pan-African political vision, positioning Ghana as the starting point for what it describes as a continent-wide political movement anchored on youth and women participation.
The Party has announced its intention to contest Ghana’s 2028 general elections, describing the move as a strategic first step toward advancing African unity, self-reliance and people-centred governance across the continent.
Speaking to the media during an End of Year Pan-African Health Walk organised by the Party on December 27, 2025, the Interim Chairman of ACUP, Ken Ameovi Gbeve, said the Party was born out of the desire to unite African youth around a shared political and ideological purpose.
According to him, ACUP’s vision goes beyond national politics, seeking to build a new political consciousness that empowers Africans to take control of their governance and development agenda.
“We are not here to make up the numbers. We are here to win political power, starting from Ghana, and to rule Africa beginning from Ghana,” Gbeve said.
He disclosed that ACUP already had an operational presence in several African countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, supported by a global coordinating team to drive its expansion.
Gbeve confirmed that Ghana would serve as the Party’s first electoral testing ground in 2028.
On the Party’s legal status, he said ACUP was granted a provisional certificate by the Electoral Commission (EC) in July 2023 and had since met most of the requirements for full registration, including the establishment of structures nationwide and the drafting of an original party constitution.
“We have gotten to the zenith of our preparation. When there is a glitch, the EC calls us and we fix it. Now we are only waiting for gazetting,” he stated.
The Interim General Secretary of ACUP, Kwadwo Agyei Yeboah, said the Party distinguished itself from other political groupings by placing emphasis on what he termed an “organised people’s agenda” rather than personality-driven politics.
“ACUP is not a party for one individual. The vision is the leader,” he said, arguing that Africa’s governance challenges required a fundamental restructuring of citizen participation.
He attributed Ghana’s political stagnation to decades of power alternation between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), without meaningful transformation in governance outcomes and urged citizens seeking change to rally behind ACUP.
Addressing the Party’s gender agenda, the Interim Women’s Organiser, Nana Ama Dankwa Konadu, said ACUP was committed to grooming women for substantive leadership roles rather than offering symbolic representation.
“We are not giving women quota. We are grooming women to become a substance of decision-making,” she said, stressing that women would play critical roles before, during and after elections.
At the regional level, the Interim Eastern Regional Chairperson, King Augustine Kumakuma Sarpong, described ACUP’s Pan-African message as a response to leadership failures and political instability across parts of Africa, including the recent spate of military coups in West Africa.
He said the Party was focused on empowering the youth to drive political change and pledged to work towards breaking the dominance of the two major political parties in the region.
AM
Also, watch below Amnesty International’s ‘Protect the Protest’ documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, has urged Ghanaian artistes to pay greater attention to the local music market and embark on consistent nationwide tours, just as they do when promoting their work internationally.
Reflecting on developments in the entertainment industry as part of the 2025 wrap-up, Mr Klah questioned why many Ghanaian artistes choose to tour abroad immediately after releasing songs or albums, while neglecting structured tours within the country to consolidate their local fan base.
Speaking on The Chat on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 27, 2025, he observed that most artistes do not deliberately plan sustained tours across Ghana when they release new music.
“Many of the artistes do not really think about a consistent touring of the Ghanaian space. So, many of them wait for gigs in different parts of the country before they go to those places. However, when they release their songs or albums, for the most part, you don’t see their actions when we talk about touring places in Ghana,” he said.
Mr Klah stressed that Ghana’s population presents a strong opportunity for artistes to grow their fan base locally if they intentionally target key areas with live performances and listening sessions.
“But I have maintained that that is one of the key areas we have to start focusing on because you have 34 million people in this country, and you need to be able to focus on the specific hotspots and take your music to them. When you release your music, yes, they will hear it, but you need to engineer some live listening sessions that will quickly push your song up,” he explained.
He added that combining strong local touring with international promotions would enable artistes to make a meaningful impact both at home and abroad.
“If artistes were embarking on that level of tour, there is not going to be any flaw. You do this, and you do the touring internationally as well, and you know you are making an impact both locally and internationally,” he noted.
Adding to the discussion, the Managing Director of DrupZ Universal, Miss Eugenia, explained that financial incentives often drive artistes to focus on international tours.
According to her, streaming revenues from international markets are significantly higher than those generated within Africa, making overseas promotion more attractive.
She added that an artiste’s musical style and long-term vision also play a role in determining whether they prioritise global exposure or begin by consolidating their local presence.
“The reason why many of our persons are also touring internationally is that over there, when they stream your music, the pay is much higher than when you stream here in Africa.
“Also, the type of music and the vision you have as an artistes will inform your decision to go global, most of the time starting from the local market,” she said.
KiDi lines up top music stars at ‘Likor On The Beach’ 2025
President of Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra
General elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) concluded on December 28, 2025, in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, according to post-election assessments released this morning by the Réseau Arc-en-Ciel (RAC).
The nation’s leading domestic observation network reported that the voting process, which closed at 6:00 p.m. local time, was marked by orderly conduct and significant civic participation across the country.
Approximately 2.4 million eligible voters had the opportunity to cast ballots for the presidency, legislative seats, and local authorities.
Voting took place at 6,700 polling stations nationwide, with the RAC confirming that polls were accessible even in remote regions. The National Elections Authority (A.N.E.) is scheduled to announce the preliminary results on January 5, 2026.
The RAC’s assessment of a peaceful process aligns with reports from international observers, including missions from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).
No serious security incidents were recorded during the voting hours. Both domestic and international experts have highlighted the high voter turnout as a key feature of this election cycle.
Seven candidates competed for the head of state. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who is seeking a third term, is viewed as the dominant figure in the race, running with the support of the United Hearts Movement (MCU).
Under the current constitution, the presidential term lasts seven years. To secure an outright victory in the first round, a candidate must win an absolute majority (50% plus one vote). Should no candidate meet this requirement, a runoff election is scheduled for February 2026.
President Touadéra’s main challengers are former Prime Ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé (Union for Central African Renewal – URCA) and Henri-Marie Dondra (UNIR).
The ballot also included independent candidates Serge Djorie, Aristide Briand Reboas, Eddy Symphorien Kparekouti, and Marcellin Yalamende. International media analysis leading up to the vote noted Touadéra’s strong standing regarding national security and popular support.
Voters also elected members of the National Assembly, the country’s unicameral parliament comprising 140 seats. The legislative mandate is also seven years.
The parliamentary race featured 685 candidates, nearly half of whom ran as independents, with the rest representing over 40 political parties.
Analysts predict the ruling MCU will likely strengthen its position and retain its majority, aiming to exceed the 61 seats it held in the previous convocation. A potential second round for parliamentary seats is scheduled for April 5, 2026.
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah has expressed concerns that the Constitution Review Committee is focusing much more on the Presidential tenure and not enough on the judicial system.
He believes the judiciary should operate independently without interference from the Executive.
Baffour-Awuah emphasised on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, that, the committee’s priorities seem skewed, and the Judiciary’s independence is crucial for Ghana’s democratic framework.
He cautioned that undermining the Judiciary could make it a subsidiary of the Executive, compromising its ability to check and balance the government.
According to him, institutions are not ready for the extension of a President’s tenure and that the report lacked emotional sentiments.
He argued that Ghana’s governance challenges require legal provisions that ensure continuity of presidential leadership, rather than extending presidential term limits.
This follows a summary of the Constitution Review Committee’s report submitted to the President which recommends an extension of presidential tenure from four to five years.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has formally reached out to Nigerian music star and entrepreneur Mr. Eazi following his public proposal to contribute an initial US$2 million towards the development of an ultra-modern indoor-outdoor events centre in Ghana.
The confirmation was made by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, via a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to him, the Authority has initiated engagement with the artiste and expressed appreciation for his interest in supporting Ghana’s creative and tourism infrastructure.
Mr. Eazi first floated the idea during a live performance at the just-ended Detty Rave Concert in Accra, where he highlighted the need for a world-class venue capable of hosting large-scale concerts, festivals and international events. His proposal forms part of a broader private sector-led vision to strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading entertainment and cultural destination in Africa.
The announcement sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many creatives and industry stakeholders welcoming the move as a timely intervention to address the long-standing lack of purpose-built, large-capacity event venues in the country.
The proposed indoor-outdoor events centre is expected to support year-round programming, improve event safety and logistics, and attract more international acts and festivals to Ghana, boosting tourism, job creation and the creative economy.
Sign up for the 3Music Newsletter for breaking news, events, and unique stories.
A former armed robber who says he has left his criminal life behind has made shocking claims about alleged spiritual practices involving some pastors and politicians in Ghana.
In a video seen by GhanaWeb and shared on X on December 27, 2025, the young man, whose identity is unknown, claimed that some people in positions of power engage in occult and ritual activities in their quest for wealth, fame, and political influence.
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah has expressed concerns that the Constitution Review Committee is focusing much more on the Presidential tenure and not enough on the judicial system.
He believes the judiciary should operate independently without interference from the Executive.
Baffour-Awuah emphasised on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, that, the committee’s priorities seem skewed, and the Judiciary’s independence is crucial for Ghana’s democratic framework.
He cautioned that undermining the Judiciary could make it a subsidiary of the Executive, compromising its ability to check and balance the government.
According to him, institutions are not ready for the extension of a President’s tenure and that the report lacked emotional sentiments.
He argued that Ghana’s governance challenges require legal provisions that ensure continuity of presidential leadership, rather than extending presidential term limits.
This follows a summary of the Constitution Review Committee’s report submitted to the President which recommends an extension of presidential tenure from four to five years.
Special Aide to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, has called on executives and stalwarts of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rally behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a leader whose values align with the party’s most successful electoral moments.
Speaking at a gathering of polling station executives, constituency and regional officers, former ministers, CEOs, campaign team members and former parliamentary candidates, Ms Manu said the NPP has historically won elections when its flag bearer embodies three core beliefs: putting the nation first, being principle-driven and remaining people-centred.
“Our party has always had success in the polls when we represent a flag bearer who puts the nation first, is principle-driven and people-centred,” she said, arguing that Dr Bawumia best represents those values among the party’s current crop of leaders.
To illustrate her point, Ms Manu referenced key moments in the party’s history, beginning with the 1996 elections, when then-candidate John Agyekum Kufuor accepted defeat and attended the inauguration of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
“He showed exceptional maturity, and Ghanaians saw it and said, ‘This is a true gentleman’. Four years later, President Kufuor won the election,” she noted.
She also recalled the aftermath of the 2012 presidential election, which she described as one of the most controversial in Ghana’s political history. According to her, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo resisted pressure to incite public unrest after losing the polls and instead pursued legal redress at the Supreme Court, with Dr Bawumia playing a key role in the process.
“Four years later, having put the nation first, Ghanaians rewarded Nana Akufo-Addo with power,” she said.
Ms Manu further pointed to events surrounding the December 7, 2024, general elections, claiming intelligence reports suggested attempts to foment unrest by accusing the NPP of refusing to hand over power. She said Dr Bawumia’s response once again reflected restraint and national interest over personal ambition.
“He believed that not a single drop of blood should be shed on account of his personal ambition,” she said.
Describing Dr Bawumia as an exemplary former Vice President, Ms Manu praised his loyalty to the party, saying he had never denigrated the NPP or placed his personal ambitions above its core values.
“At no point in time did Dr Bawumia put his ambition above the party. He has always remained loyal to the party and its true values,” she stated.
She described him as “the best vice president we have seen” and expressed confidence that he would perform even better as president if given the opportunity.
As the NPP looks ahead to future elections, Ms Manu urged party members to remember the three guiding principles she outlined and to support Dr Bawumia’s leadership bid.
“I am asking for your votes,” she said, predicting that Dr Bawumia would lead the party to victory in 2028, before inviting party members to welcome him with a standing ovation.
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 Johnson Asiama is the Governor of the Bank of Ghana
Ghana’s economy is showing strong signs of recovery, with inflation falling to 6.3 per cent in November 2025, the lowest level in years and foreign reserves rising to US$11.4 billion.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the reserve position provides nearly five months of import cover.
The cedi has appreciated by more than 24 per cent year-to-date, supported by tighter monetary policy, improved fiscal discipline, and stronger external buffers.
Economic activity has responded positively, with GDP growth reaching 6.3 percent in the first half of 2025, while non-oil growth accelerated to nearly eight per cent.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, said the gains reflect coordinated policy efforts following one of the most difficult macroeconomic episodes in recent history.
“Just three years ago, inflation surged to 54.1 percent, reserves fell to half a month of import cover, and confidence was severely eroded. Today, the recovery is real, measurable, and meaningful,” he stated.
Dr Asiama made the remarks at the listing of First Atlantic Bank on the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra, following a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO).
He emphasised that reform must follow recovery, describing the bank’s listing as a critical step toward building economic resilience.
“Bank listings broaden ownership, deepen accountability, and strengthen governance. They are not just capital-market exercises; they are stability instruments,” he said.
The Governor noted that Ghana’s pension sector now holds over GH¢100 billion in assets, creating significant opportunities for domestic investment beyond government securities.
“The oversubscription of recent equity offers shows that when credible assets are available, domestic capital responds,” he added.
Dr Asiama called on more banks and corporates to access the equity market, stressing that a diversified ownership structure would reduce concentration risks and support sustainable growth.
“By 2026 and beyond, deeper capital markets and broader domestic participation will enhance resilience and align the financial system with national development objectives,” he said.
The Bank of Ghana pledged continued collaboration with regulators, market operators, and institutional investors to encourage additional listings and strengthen overall financial stability.
Dr Johnson Asiama is the Governor of the Bank of Ghana
Ghana’s economy is showing strong signs of recovery, with inflation falling to 6.3 per cent in November 2025, the lowest level in years and foreign reserves rising to US$11.4 billion.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the reserve position provides nearly five months of import cover.
The cedi has appreciated by more than 24 per cent year-to-date, supported by tighter monetary policy, improved fiscal discipline, and stronger external buffers.
Economic activity has responded positively, with GDP growth reaching 6.3 percent in the first half of 2025, while non-oil growth accelerated to nearly eight per cent.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, said the gains reflect coordinated policy efforts following one of the most difficult macroeconomic episodes in recent history.
“Just three years ago, inflation surged to 54.1 percent, reserves fell to half a month of import cover, and confidence was severely eroded. Today, the recovery is real, measurable, and meaningful,” he stated.
Dr Asiama made the remarks at the listing of First Atlantic Bank on the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra, following a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO).
He emphasised that reform must follow recovery, describing the bank’s listing as a critical step toward building economic resilience.
“Bank listings broaden ownership, deepen accountability, and strengthen governance. They are not just capital-market exercises; they are stability instruments,” he said.
The Governor noted that Ghana’s pension sector now holds over GH¢100 billion in assets, creating significant opportunities for domestic investment beyond government securities.
“The oversubscription of recent equity offers shows that when credible assets are available, domestic capital responds,” he added.
Dr Asiama called on more banks and corporates to access the equity market, stressing that a diversified ownership structure would reduce concentration risks and support sustainable growth.
“By 2026 and beyond, deeper capital markets and broader domestic participation will enhance resilience and align the financial system with national development objectives,” he said.
The Bank of Ghana pledged continued collaboration with regulators, market operators, and institutional investors to encourage additional listings and strengthen overall financial stability.
The Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has expressed concerns over the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) decision to suspend the rollout of the new vehicle number plate system, initially scheduled for 1 January 2026.
According to him, the move raises serious legal and public safety concerns.
DVLA delays implementation of Ghana’s new vehicle number plate system
The suspension follows concerns raised in Parliament regarding institutional readiness, stakeholder engagement, and the absence of legislative amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
The High Court also granted an injunction on 23 December 2025, restraining the implementation of the proposed system.
While acknowledging that the suspension was appropriate, the MP, in a statement dated December 29, 2025, highlighted that the DVLA’s directive allowing vehicles with Drive from Port (DP) and Defective Vehicle (DV) plates to continue using them “until further notice” is incompatible with Ghana’s insurance laws.
“DP and DV plates are, by their nature, temporary and conditional. Insurance cover issued in respect of such plates is limited in duration and scope, pending inspection and full registration. They are not intended to permit prolonged or indefinite use of vehicles on public roads,” he argued.
The MP stressed that sections of the law impose statutory duties on insurers and drivers to protect third parties in the event of accidents.
“Administrative directives cannot lawfully override these statutory obligations,” the MP warned.
He has therefore called on the Minister for Transport to intervene immediately to regularise the status of DP and DV plates in compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act; ensure that no vehicle operates without valid insurance; issue clear directives to the DVLA to prevent uninsured road use; and safeguard public confidence in vehicle registration and road safety.
“The continued use of DP and DV plates without clear legal and insurance regularisation, therefore, places motorists, pedestrians, and passengers at unacceptable risk and undermines the integrity of Ghana’s compulsory motor insurance regime,” he said.
DVLA announces new charges for vehicle registration and related services
He added, “Compulsory motor insurance exists to protect the public, not to accommodate administrative uncertainty. The law is clear, and compliance is not optional, the National Insurance Commission must therefore rise to ensure strict enforcement of insurance provisions.”
MAG/EB
Christmas Festivities: Avenor traders, buyers speak on livestock sales
Sudan head coach, Kwasi Appiah has made it clear that his side has its sights firmly on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the Falcons of Jediane are not in the tournament merely to make up the numbers.
After suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening Group E fixture, Sudan bounced back in emphatic fashion with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Casablanca.
Speaking after the match, Appiah praised his players but stressed that the team’s ambitions extend far beyond a single victory.
“I am happy with the win, but our ambition is to win the title, not just to achieve a single victory. We have experienced players, and their performance was strong,” the Ghanaian gaffer said after the game.
He acknowledged the challenges his side faced during the encounter but commended their resilience and quality.
“We faced some difficulties, but we always try to show good quality in our matches to achieve victories. I thank everyone who supported us in this match, especially the fans.”
Sudan will now turn their attention to a decisive final group fixture against Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve at the Mohammed V Stadium, with a place in the Round of 16 firmly at stake.
“When you take part in any tournament, the main ambition is to get through the group stage and go as far as possible. We achieved what mattered most, and we are mindful of these objectives of reaching the furthest stage possible. We are not here to just participate,” he added.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has exempted informal cross-border traders from the requirement to obtain a Letter of Commitment (LOC).
In a public notice, the central bank outlined guidelines governing the use of the LOC for exports, stating that traders engaged in informal cross-border transactions are not required to secure the document.
According to the guidelines, the LOC, generated through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), is mandatory only for formal exporters who receive foreign exchange proceeds, are resident in Ghana, are licensed by relevant government agencies, and hold a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
The Bank explained that traders who conduct business with buyers in neighbouring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso, without registration on ICUMS or the use of formal invoices, are not required to present an LOC.
It further clarified that the LOC should not be included in documentation for such informal transactions.
The notice also cautioned freight forwarders and customs house agents against using their own credentials to generate LOCs on behalf of traders who do not qualify for the document, stressing that the practice must be eliminated.
Estimates from the Ministry of Trade and international bodies, including the International Trade Centre, indicate that Ghana earns several billion dollars annually from informal cross-border commerce.
A recent assessment suggests that the value of informal trade with neighbouring countries could exceed $3 billion each year, providing livelihoods for millions of people and ensuring the steady flow of essential goods across the sub-region.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central, Mr. Richmond Kofi Kpotosu, has announced that the construction of two bridges linking Sokode and Akrofu is expected to be completed and opened to traffic by the end of January 2026.
Mr. Kpotosu gave the assurance after inspecting the Sokode–Akrofu Road and Bridge Project, emphasising that the exercise aimed to ensure the works met engineering standards and project specifications.
He described the project as a critical transport corridor for residents of Ho Central and the wider Volta Region, noting that timely completion would boost mobility and economic activity.
The Managing Director of Bumecom Investment Company Limited, the contractor, Mr. Eric Agbley, stated that the project had made significant progress, with concrete works on the two bridges approximately 90 percent complete and only the casting of the bridge decking remaining.
He added that, barring unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather, the bridges would be ready by the end of January 2026.
Mr. Kpotosu expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work and urged the contractor to maintain momentum. He also noted that major construction works on the Sokode–Akrofu road were currently under procurement and would commence soon.
The MP commended the contractor and thanked residents and stakeholders for their continued support and prayers toward the successful completion of the project.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed two new Mpox-related deaths, pushing the country’s cumulative death toll to six.
According to the latest Mpox update released by GHS dated December 22, 2025, 13 new cases have also been recorded, bringing Ghana’s total Mpox cases to 947 since the outbreak began.
They added that there are currently no patients on admission, urging the public to avoid crowded places during this festive season if possible.
The GHS also encouraged the public to report symptoms early and seek medical attention promptly to help contain the spread of the virus.
The Mpox spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and tiredness.
Head of IGP’s Special Operations Taskforce fighting the alarming illegal drug trade and consumption in the Northern Region, DSP Ahaji Jalil Bawah has served notice that some chiefs may soon be handcuffed and shamed over their involvement in the menace.
He indicated that the move is not intended to undermine the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, but rather aimed at injecting sanity into the system, given that some traditional rulers appear complicit in the fight against the menace.
As part of activities marking his annual Christmas celebrations, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has awarded 50 tertiary scholarships to students from the constituency.
The scholarships are aimed at supporting beneficiaries who will be returning to school in January 2026, easing the financial burden on families and promoting access to higher education.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the initiative forms part of his broader commitment to investing in education and human capital development in North Tongu.
“I also provided 50 tertiary scholarships for students going back to school in January 2026,” he announced, emphasising that education remains a key pillar of his development agenda for the constituency.
He thanked his wife, friends and the Volta Regional Minister for their continued support, noting that such partnerships are crucial in sustaining impactful social interventions for the benefit of constituents.
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.
NACOC officers on patrol which dismantled drug dens
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has dismantled multiple drug dens across the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions, seizing large quantities of illegal substances and arresting dozens of suspects.
Dubbed “Operation White Ember,” the crackdown targeted areas including Mamfe, Tutu, Madina Redco Flats, Zongo Junction, and the railway slums of Airport City.
According to NACOC, it extended the raids on December 26, 2025, to Tema Community 1 and Teshie Nungua, with the support of the commission’s K9 unit, resulting in 72 arrests.
“Officers struck drug hubs spanning from Mamfe, Tutu in the Eastern Region to the Madina Redco Flats, Zongo junction to the railway slums of Airport City. On Boxing Day, the Commission conducted similar raids in Tema Community 1 and Teshie Nungua, where dozens of arrests were made, and drugs were seized with the help of the NACOC K9 dogs,” NACOC stated.
NACOC stated that it believes its dismantling of the dens and seizure of drugs have saved lives.
“NACOC believes the exhibits seized, ranging from ecstasy and methamphetamine to cannabis-laced alcohol, represent “thousands of lives saved from the brink of addiction” this December,” it noted.
The operation included patrols in high-traffic public spaces, such as shopping malls and beaches, and officers engaged directly with residents. Many community members cheered as drug peddlers were removed from their streets.
NACOC officers also conducted on-site public education sessions, briefing citizens on the dangers of drug abuse and its impact on neighborhood safety.
Text
The seized substances included ecstasy, methamphetamine, and cannabis-laced alcohol, reflecting the diversity and scale of illegal drugs circulating in the regions.
The Commission said that it will continue these raids in the coming days and months to ensure a sustained environment of security in the country.
MAG/EB
#TrendingGH: Mixed reactions greet church members on 2025 Christmas celebration
The Ghana cedi has remained largely stable against major trading currencies, recording slight marginal gains on the interbank market as the year draws to a close.
Data from the Bank of Ghana show that the cedi was holding steady at GH¢11.10 to the US dollar as of Monday, December 29, 2025, with just three days remaining in 2025.
The relative stability of the local currency is expected to help moderate the cost of imported goods such as food, clothing, electronics, and household items, which typically see increased demand during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
A stable cedi also offers some relief on fuel prices, as petroleum products are imported in dollars. This could help contain transportation costs and ease operational expenses for businesses.
Overall, while the gains remain modest, the cedi’s performance during the Christmas week is expected to support purchasing power and provide some relief to households during the festive season.
Cedi holds at GH¢11.51 to $1, a week to Christmas
Here’s how the cedi is faring on the Bank of Ghana interbank market:
⦁Dollar – Buying at GH¢11.09, Selling at GH¢11.10
⦁Pound – Buying at GH¢14.98, Selling at GH¢14.99
⦁Euro – Buying at GH¢13.06, Selling at GH¢13.07
Here’s how the cedi is trading at the forex bureaus:
⦁Dollar – Buying at GH¢12.10, Selling at GH¢12.45
⦁Pound – Buying at GH¢15.90, Selling at GH¢16.80
⦁Euro – Buying at GH¢13.90, Selling at GH¢14.80
SP/EB
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates | BizTech:
Former Ghana coach, Claude Le Roy has openly criticized the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to alter the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule.
CAF president, Dr Patrice Motsepe recently announced that, starting after the 2028 edition co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, the AFCON will be held every four years instead of every two.
Speaking to Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, Le Roy did not hold back, questioning FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s influence on African football.
“What does [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino know about anything? What does he know about life? Look at how he has become so close to Donald Trump. It’s sickening.”
Le Roy also criticized Infantino’s behavior during the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony.
“Football in Africa is under serious attack. It is very wrong to change the AFCON from a two to a four-year event.”
“Look at the way Infantino was acting during the AFCON 2025 opening ceremony, like he owns the place. Can he do this at a UEFA event?. When Issa Hayatou was president, these things would never have happened,” he added.
This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.
Attractive News Blog of Monday, 29 December 2025
Source: Andre Mustapha NII okai Inusah
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged arson incident at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.
In a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, on December 27, the Police confirmed the arrest of a Canadian national, Jennifer Mae Tomlinson, and her Ghanaian boyfriend, Mohammed Issah, following investigations into the incident.
Confirming the arrests, the Police said, “The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with a case of causing unlawful damage at Oyarifa Anointed Down in the Greater Accra Region.”
The statement explained that preliminary investigations point to a deliberate act by the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment at the time of the incident.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects, who were tenants occupying the apartment, deliberately set the property ablaze on December 23, completely destroying it without any apparent provocation,” the statement added.
The Police also provided further details on how the suspects were apprehended. “Suspect Mohammed Issah was arrested by the Ayimensah Abokobi Police on the same day the incident occurred, while suspect Jennifer Mae Tomlinson went into hiding and was later arrested from her hideout on December 25,” it stated.
The Command said both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“Both suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, and they will be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.
Energy expert, Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, has expressed concern over the state of the economy, saying conditions on the ground do not reflect government claims that the economy is improving under the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, economic activities in the markets remain slow, with ordinary Ghanaians struggling to cope with the high cost of living.
“Things are very tough. When you go to the market, you realise that business is very slow. The government says the economy is doing well and that there is no hardship but that is not the situation on the ground,” he said.
Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku questioned official inflation figures, arguing that regardless of the percentages announced, prices of basic goods remain high.
“They talk about inflation, whether it is 6 percent or 24 percent but inflation is inflation. The reality is that prices are still high,” he stated.
Using food prices to illustrate his point, he noted that expectations of relief under the government’s much-publicised reset agenda have not materialised.
“I thought by now kenkey would be selling at two cedis but it is still five cedis. This is the first Christmas under this government, yet some people cannot even afford to buy fowl. We are not feeling the reset agenda. Things are still hard,” he added.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has confirmed that a technical issue disrupting electricity credit purchases for MMS-compliant meters has been fully resolved.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 29, 2025, ECG said affected customers can now buy electricity credits without difficulty via the ECG Power App, the short code *226#, and authorised third-party vendors.
The company thanked customers and the public for their patience and cooperation while the issue was being addressed, noting that their support was crucial to the swift resolution.
ECG also urged customers to continue using its official platforms to help enhance nationwide service delivery.
A new poll by Global InfoAnalytics suggests broad public support for several key recommendations contained in the Constitutional Review Commission’s report, released earlier this month.
According to the findings, a majority of voters back the proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years. The poll released on Monday, December 29, shows that 57 percent of respondents approve of the change, while 36 percent oppose it.
The remaining seven percent said they did not have an opinion on the issue.
The survey also indicates strong support for a recommendation to prohibit members of parliament from holding ministerial positions.
On this proposal, 58 percent of voters expressed approval, compared with 32 percent who disapprove. Ten percent of respondents said they had no opinion.
Public opinion is similarly favourable toward lowering the minimum age required to run for president. The poll found that 55 percent of voters approve of reducing the age threshold, while 35 percent disapprove. Another 10 percent reported having no opinion.
Global Info Analytics conducted the poll between December 1 and December 21, 2025. The survey used a mixed-method approach, combining web-based questionnaires, telephone interviews, and face-to-face interviews. In total, 13,495 voters from across the country were sampled.
Matchday Two of the group stage rolled on yesterday, with four matches across Groups E and F, as teams pushed to strengthen their knockout hopes.
In Group E, Sudan faced Equatorial Guinea in a crucial encounter here in Casablanca, with both sides coming off opening defeats. With knockout hopes on the line, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere in the stands reflected it. Sudan edged a 1–0 victory, giving supporters back home something badly needed to celebrate.
Two Sudanese fans spoke to our microphone following the match:
“Our players did their best. They’re doing the best with the things that we have in our country. The mid-war we are going through”.
“We from Sudan. We support our team Sudanese. We hope to make it to the final, semi-final. I mean we’re so proud of our team to be here in Morocco. And I hope to reach the final”.
Elsewhere in Group E, Algeria beat Burkina Faso to secure top spot and confirm their place in the knockout rounds.
Algeria tops Group E with six points, while Burkina Faso remains second, tied with Sudan, who earlier defeated Equatorial Guinea 1-0. Algeria now faces Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, while Burkina Faso meets Sudan in a decisive clash on New Year’s Eve.
In Group F, one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes saw Côte d’Ivoire face Cameroon. The heavyweight encounter lived up to its hype, with both sides fighting out a 1–1 draw.
Here in Morocco, Matchday Two is complete. The group stage is tightening, the final round is coming, the last chance for teams to book their place in the knockouts.
Ghana’s military is bolstering its presence in the north, where people are moving south due to the rising threat of terrorist attacks originating in Burkina Faso.
Ghana’s military recently deployed 400 troops to the northern town of Bawku due to bitter, ongoing ethnic violence between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities. Burkinabe terror groups, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, known as JNIM, and those linked to the Islamic State group, have fueled the fighting in recent years by smuggling weapons into the area through illicit networks.
Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a governance expert with the John A. Kufuor Foundation, warned that northern Ghanaian conflicts could provide an opening terrorists seek.
“The traditional conflicts in the north can be infiltrated by these extremists and turn into another war,” Agyeman-Duah told The Africa Report. “If our military is not properly equipped, and if the Bawku problem is not resolved, then we risk creating space for infiltration.”
Although Ghana has not suffered a major terror attack, Burkina Faso-based terrorists used northern Ghana as a logistical base from which to launch attacks into other areas, according to reports. They also use northern Ghana as a medical base to treat injured fighters. Analysts say terror groups also are involved in northern Ghana’s illicit cattle market.
In July, Ghana announced plans to build more forward operating bases in the Upper East and Upper West regions on the Burkina Faso border. Militaries use forward operating bases to support strategic and tactical operations. They often are located closer to the front lines than main bases. Additionally, Ghana’s Air Force announced it’s building a tactical air base in Jogboi, which will support troops operating at the northern border.
“We have extended our military presence a bit north of Tamale,” retired Col. Festus Aboagye, a security consultant, told The Africa Report. “Intelligence personnel have been deployed within the communities, using their natural senses, eyes and ears.”
In early September, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) patrolled Bongo and Soe in the Upper East Region to deter terrorist infiltration, monitor civilian activities, and identify possible sleeper cells and terrorist base camps. GAF Brig. Gen. Worlanyo Agbebo urged residents there to monitor and report infiltration by unfamiliar people and suspicious activities. He also asked them to provide accurate information to the military.
Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst at Control Risks, cautions that a military presence alone cannot resolve northern Ghana’s evolving terrorist threat.
“The heavy militarization of the northern region may end up being counterproductive because it fails to address some of the issues that could lead to civil unrest, whether it’s lack of employment opportunities, illegal mining [galamsey] or marginalization,” Ochieng told the magazine.
She added that community engagement is vital and that authorities might consider involving young people and cultural and religious leaders to stem militant activities and infiltration. Such approaches have been successful in Côte d’Ivoire, where local prefects vet incoming refugees and register displaced families to prevent militant infiltration, Ochieng said.
Aboagye agreed that stopping the spread of terrorist groups requires a holistic effort.
“Development is part of the effort,” he told The Africa Report. “If the people don’t have grievances, they are less likely to join terrorist ranks.”
Ghanaian President John Mahama has made regional diplomacy a priority and appointed retired Army officer Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, the bloc formed by military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
“Diplomacy is the only way we can go,” Vladimir Antwi-Danso, an international relations scholar, told The Africa Report. “Whether you like the regimes or not, you need to cooperate. Intelligence sharing, military cooperation, support for each other — that is essential.”
In mid-September, Ghanaian and Burkinabe officials met to discuss joint boundary management. Yusif Sulemana, Ghana’s deputy minister of lands and natural resources, said the countries were committed to bolstering stability and prosperity along their shared 583-kilometer border.
Mamoudou Tapily, West Africa regional coordinator with the German Corporation for International Cooperation-African Union Border Program, said preventing conflict and improving governance, social cohesion and economic development is critical in border areas.
“Cross-border cooperation is no longer a mere necessity,” Tapily said in a report by Ghana’s Graphic Online. “It is an essential strategy to face common challenges such as insecurity, climate change and economic underdevelopment. This meeting aims to provide us with the tools to achieve this.”
Written by Africa Defense Forum and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.
Asante Kotoko delivered a ruthless performance at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, dismantling Bechem United 6-0 to extend their winning run and strengthen their title push.
The Porcupine Warriors set the tone early, with Morifin Donzo opening the scoring in the eighth minute, bundling the ball home from close range after sustained pressure.
Kotoko doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute when captain Samba O’Neil rose highest to head in, his effort taking a slight deflection off a Bechem United defender to wrong-foot the goalkeeper.
Donzo was not done yet, completing his brace in the 38th minute to cap a dominant first-half display and send Kotoko into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Kotoko showed no signs of easing off after the restart. Eight minutes into the second half, Hubert Gyau made it 4-0, ending a six-game goal drought with his first strike since scoring against Young Apostles in November.
The goals continued to flow, and in the 61st minute, Johnson Owusu added the fifth, making it two goals in two games for the forward.
Substitute Kwame Opoku put the finishing touches on a one-sided contest, calmly chipping the Bechem United goalkeeper after coming off the bench to register Kotoko’s sixth goal of the afternoon.
Bechem United did fashion a rare opening late on, but goalkeeper Mohammed Camara produced a brilliant save in the closing minutes to preserve a clean sheet.
The emphatic victory sends Asante Kotoko to the top of the Ghana Premier League with 30 points as they continue their quest to reclaim the title.
Accra, Dec 29 (London Dailys/GNA) – The Global Entrepreneurship Festival has honoured Amar Deep Singh Hari, Executive Chairman of IPMC, with the prestigious Global Recognition Award, celebrating his outstanding contributions to technology, entrepreneurship, and human development over the last four decades at this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
A visionary leader and one of West Africa’s most influential tech pioneers, Hari has dedicated more than 40 years to building and scaling enterprises that have transformed industries and empowered communities. Arriving in West Africa at just 18, he went on to establish IPMC, now widely regarded as the region’s leading technology conglomerate and a driver of Ghana’s digital revolution.
Under his leadership, IPMC has become a foundational pillar in West Africa’s tech ecosystem — powering major data centres, automating thousands of businesses, and training tens of thousands of young professionals through its ICT education programmes. Hari’s commitment to sustainable development is also evident in IPMC’s wide-reaching CSR initiatives, from medical infrastructure support to ICT labs for rural communities and solar streetlight projects that have improved everyday life across underserved regions.
His exemplary work has earned him multiple national and international honours, including recognition as Ghana’s Best Entrepreneur of the Decade. His entrepreneurial footprint spans IT distribution, software development, hospitality, entertainment, real estate, retail, and agriculture, with ventures established across Ghana, India, the USA, Canada, and neighbouring West African countries.
Beyond business, Hari has served on the founding teams and boards of numerous organisations across technology, science, and education. He is widely respected for championing arts, culture, and sports initiatives, as well as mentoring emerging entrepreneurs across the continent. Known for his values of purpose-driven leadership and community upliftment, he continues to be a guiding influence for the next generation of African innovators.
A global traveller and lifelong student of cultures, Hari remains committed to empowering others while promoting excellence and social impact.
The GEF 2025 Global Recognition Award celebrates not only his enduring legacy but also the remarkable global impact of his work in advancing technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Techiman (Bono) Dec. 29, GNA – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has unveiled its Bono East Regional Branch, marking a significant milestone in the region’s media landscape.
The event, attended by GJA National President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, Mr Francis Owusu Antwi, Bono East Regional Minister, traditional authorities, stakeholders, and media practitioners, was under the theme: ” Fostering ethical journalism, using the power of a story telling to drive development to Bono East Region”.
President Dwumfour, who led the unveiling ceremony, urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethic saying, “Journalism is not a weapon of chaos, but a voice of conscience.”
He called on non-members to join the GJA and contribute to building a strong and credible media front in the Bono East and praised the effort of journalists in the region for their dedication to bringing the branch to life.
Mr Dwumfour also promised to protect and ensure the welfare of members and appealed to local chiefs to support GJA in acquiring land and for the construction of a GJA office in the region.
In his address, Frederick Antwi, Bono East Regional Chairman, expressed gratitude to President Dwumfour and the national executives for the support in establishing the branch. “Today, we stand proud because our collective effort met visionary leadership,” he said.
The Bono East Regional Branch aims to promote responsible journalism, press freedom, and ethical standards in the region and driving development in the Region.
Mr Antwi emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to drive development and address challenges facing the region, including poor road networks and chieftaincy disputes.
The newly elected executives for the Bono East Regional branch are Frederick Antwi as Chairman, Dominic Baffoe as Vice Chairman, Anass Sabit as Secretary, and Mavis Asante as Treasurer.
The event was crowned with a cake-cutting ceremony for officially launching the Bono East GJA branch.
A law lecturer and aide to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed confidence that the former Assin Central MP stands a strong chance of defeating the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) should he emerge victorious in the party’s flagbearership contest.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, December 29, Kobby Amoah said Mr Agyapong embodies the kind of leadership many Ghanaians are currently yearning for, particularly at a time when unemployment remains the country’s most pressing challenge.
“I think that Kennedy is the kind of leader that Ghanaians are yearning for as of now,” Mr Amoah stated.
“We are in a country where our biggest problem is unemployment. Every national security report and even issues surrounding galamsey all point to unemployment as a major concern.”
According to him, Mr Agyapong has consistently demonstrated a strong passion for addressing joblessness, noting that the flagbearer aspirant has, over the years, taken practical steps to create employment through private initiatives.
He explained that Mr Agyapong often highlights his personal track record in job creation during campaign engagements, pointing to factories he has established and the various value chains in which he has invested.
“He comes and tells people that as a politician, he has created thousands of jobs. He shows his factories and what he has done in certain value chains,” Mr Amoah said.
“In every constituency he visits, he explains what can be done there to improve the lives of the people.”
Mr Amoah further cited the flagbearer aspirant’s proposal to relocate the Ministry of Agriculture to the northern part of the country as an example of his job-centred vision.
According to him, the move would harness the region’s vast arable land and transform it into a major agricultural hub capable of feeding not only Ghana but the wider continent.
“He looks at the potential of the northern regions and believes governments over the years have failed to put in place the right policies to fully utilise that potential,” he added.
He stressed that Mr Agyapong’s emphasis on jobs aligns with the NPP’s philosophy of private sector–led development, arguing that his experience as a successful entrepreneur positions him well to lead national job creation efforts.
“As someone who is a titan in private sector job creation, he believes that as President, he knows how to help others succeed,” Mr Amoah said.
“His model is to support other entrepreneurs to also create jobs, using his experience and understanding of the industry.”
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.
Right to Dream won the World’s Best Academy at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards
According to her, streaming revenues from international markets are significantly higher than those generated within Africa, making overseas promotion more attractive.
