Despite the challenges he has faced under the Mahama-led administration, Chairman Wontumi has privately assured Hon. George Oduro that he has no plans to seek revenge when political power shifts.
Hon. George Oduro, the former MP for New Edubease, revealed that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, personally told him he would not retaliate against individuals who have used political power to harass him.
Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Simone Giger
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Simone Giger, has urged Ghana to broaden its economic base by venturing beyond traditional exports, enhancing trade and production.
This, she believes, will unlock Ghana’s economic potential and amplify its global market presence.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Ambassador Giger emphasised the importance of diversification and expansion into new areas to unlock Ghana’s full economic potential.
She added that she is optimistic about Ghana’s economic potential and believes the country can further boost its growth by adding value to its local products.
She encouraged Ghana to explore new sectors that can penetrate global markets, thereby increasing the presence of Ghanaian goods internationally.
In her words, she said; “I would be super happy if one day I could go to a Swiss market and buy clothes made in Ghana, handicrafts made in Ghana, or even chocolate made in Ghana.”
DR/AE
Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament
Alexander Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader in Parliament
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has urged Ghanaian politicians to be mindful of their actions when in power and avoid making everything too partisan.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on June 4, 2025, he pointed out that in Ghana, success is often based on connections rather than hard work.
He warned that this approach weakens the country and that politicians should focus on fairness and merit.
He also advised lawmakers to learn from struggling nations, saying that many have failed because their leaders took things for granted.
He cautioned that when disaster is about to strike, it often comes without warning.
“We cannot come and everything is being polarized — everything is partisan. Ghana is not celebrating hard work, industry, and merit. It has to be whom you know. If I get power, I’m looking for who, because I’m an NPP. I’m looking for who is an NDC for me to destroy. And when the time comes and you also get yours, you will now say, ‘It is our time. It is also NDC’s time. Let’s destroy.’
“All we have is our country, Ghana. If you see the way other countries are failing — if you see the way some of the democracies in the subregion are having challenges — it is because the politicians in those jurisdictions took things for granted. And it becomes sudden, Mr Speaker. When you are about to suffer a calamity, you don’t get any form of notice — it just comes,” the MP for Effutu added.
He also urged politicians to be aware of current events, especially in the subregion, where ongoing issues have become a key topic of discussion.
He emphasised that these developments should serve as a guide and reminder for how they should conduct themselves in leadership.
He said, “So, the Ghanaian political class should take note. The concerns about what is happening in the subregion, which has become the subject matter of our discussions today, should guide us. It should remind us in how we posture.”
Watch his comments on GhanaWeb TV below:
VKB/AE
Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament
Ghana is set to become a leading force in Africa’s digital economy with the launch of a $1 billion innovation hub, funded entirely by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corp. (PCFC), a government-owned entity of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reports People of Color in Tech (POCIT).
The outlet shares that the project, scheduled to break ground next year, will be constructed on a 9.7-square-mile site in Ningo Prampram, situated in the Greater Accra Region. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027.
Sam George, Ghana’s minister of communication, digital technology, and innovation, stated that the initiative directly supports President John Mahama’s national vision of positioning the country as Africa’s next hub for artificial intelligence (AI) through the One Million Coders program.
Launched in April 2025, the program aims to equip Ghanaian youth with software development skills to help close the country’s digital gap and prepare the workforce for a tech-driven future, according to a press release from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The participation of PCFC is a key factor in making that vision a reality. George told Impact Newswire the organization will bring a network of more than 11,000 companies from the UAE to invest and operate in Ghana.
PCFC, which played a pivotal part in Dubai, UAE’s digital transformation, currently operates more than 11 innovation hubs in collaboration with global technology leaders, including Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM, according to POCIT. Its expansion into Ghana marks the organization’s first major venture in Africa.
Beyond infrastructure development, the project is a long-term partnership aimed at growing local talent, strengthening Ghana’s tech capabilities, and creating thousands of jobs.
The upcoming Ghana innovation hub is expected to attract major players in business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing, AI engineering, and other emerging technologies, according to POCIT.
Afrobeats artiste, Kay 9ice
Ghanaian Afrobeats sensation Kay 9ice has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kumasi’s media and entertainment community following the success of his recent promotional tour for his latest single, “No Worry.”
The tour, orchestrated by renowned entertainment pundit and event MC David Germain Portfolio, saw Kay 9ice engaging with numerous radio and television stations, as well as performing at popular nightclubs across the Ashanti Region’s capital.
The initiative aimed to bolster the reach of “No Worry,” a track that has been gaining traction among Afrobeats enthusiasts.
“The love and support I received in Kumasi were truly overwhelming,” Kay 9ice remarked. “From the media personalities to the fans who called into shows and attended the events, I am deeply appreciative of the warm reception.”
Listeners actively participated during his media appearances, offering words of encouragement and expressing admiration for his music. This enthusiastic response underscores Kay 9ice’s rising prominence in Ghana’s music scene.
Born Philip Kay Kissi in Tema, Kay 9ice has been steadily building his career with a unique blend of Afro-pop, Afrobeat, and highlife influences.
His collaborations with artistes like Yaa Pono and performances alongside industry heavyweights such as Sarkodie and R2Bees have solidified his reputation as a dynamic performer.
The successful Kumasi tour not only amplified the reach of “No Worry” but also reinforced Kay 9ice’s commitment to connecting with fans across Ghana.
With the continued support of media and music promoters, he is poised to achieve greater heights in his musical journey.
Yaw Asante Agyekum was wrongfully jailed for being Ataa Ayi’s accomplice
Yaw Asante Agyekum, who was wrongfully convicted as an accomplice of convicted robber Ataa Ayi, has opened up about his ordeal after the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged him on June 5, 2025, granting him his freedom.
Speaking to the media at the court premises after the verdict was delivered, Asante Agyekum said he was sentenced to over 30 years and imprisoned despite his innocence, noting that he went to jail when his daughter was just a month old.
According to him, he was not part of the robbery gang he was convicted of, but acknowledged that he knew Ataa Ayi as a commercial driver whose vehicle he used to repair.
“I’m a mechanic who repairs motorcycles. I receive lots of people at my shop who come there to fix their motorcycles. I knew Ataa Ayi and where he lived because I repaired his vehicle, but I never knew he was an armed robber. All I knew was that he was a taxi driver,” he told journalists.
Asante Agyekum further stated that on the fateful day of his arrest, he had travelled to Kwahu to visit his sick mother when he was apprehended by the police.
He added that his pleas of innocence and claims of having no knowledge of the crimes he was accused of seemingly fell on deaf ears, leading to his arrest after spending eight years on remand.
He also revealed that some of his family members suffered as a result of the accusations, with some being detained for over six months at WAJU.
“I travelled to Kwahu one day to visit my sick mother when I was arrested in church. They told me that I was part of the robbery gang. All my pleas were ignored and I was sent to remand for 8 years and jailed 35 years.
“My sister and aunt were all arrested and detained at WAJU for over six months. I used to have a shop but it collapsed. I have a son and a daughter who was just a month old when I went to jail. I have always maintained my innocence and I have never engaged in robbery,” he added.
Asante Agyekum has been acquitted and discharged by the Court of Appeal after spending over 20 years in jail for conspiracy to commit robbery.
This follows the court’s judgement on the case on Thursday, June 5, 2025, after determining whether Agyeman’s conviction should stand or if his sentence should be reduced after 8 years of legal battle.
Agyekum, a wrongfully convicted mechanic, was sentenced to 35 years in prison in December 2002 for conspiracy to commit robbery, serving over 20 years of his sentence.
Watch the video below:
“My daughter was just a month old when I went to jail”- Yaw Asante Agyekum, once jailed as Ataa Ayi’s accomplice, speaks after winning an appeal after serving 20-years of his 35-years sentence for robbery conspiracy. #TV3GH pic.twitter.com/PA4LmGzVy8
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) June 5, 2025
MAG/EB
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Ekow Rhule is Country Director of I-DIEM Africa
The Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) Africa has lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of a national ban on the importation and manufacturing of Styrofoam in Ghana.
The policy, declared on World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5th, marks a crucial step in the country’s fight against environmental degradation and disaster vulnerability.
In his address, the President noted that Styrofoam would be replaced by more sustainable alternatives such as paper and aluminum packaging, signaling a shift toward environmentally responsible consumer practices.
Styrofoam, commonly noted with what we call the “takeaway box” in Ghana, has long posed serious environmental and public health threats.
Its non-biodegradable nature leads to the clogging of drains, worsens urban flooding, pollutes water bodies, and contributes to mounting sanitation challenges. I-DIEM Africa considers the announcement of the ban not just timely, but a visionary move toward environmental justice and disaster risk reduction.
Ekow Rhule, Country Director of I-DIEM Africa, welcomed the decision, saying, “This is a powerful signal that Ghana is ready to confront the environmental risks that threaten its people and cities.
The banning of Styrofoam would reflect a commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction, something I-DIEM Africa strongly advocates for. We are especially encouraged because this aligns directly with our mission to build resilience through equitable and inclusive emergency management policies.”
I-DIEM, headquartered in the United States, is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all phases of emergency management and disaster response. Its Africa office supports capacity building, community resilience, and policy advocacy that place vulnerable populations at the center of disaster preparedness and climate adaptation efforts.
He noted that I-DIEM Africa stands ready to support this policy’s rollout by engaging communities, partnering with local governments, and encouraging innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions.
“This ban is not just about removing Styrofoam; it’s about changing mindsets and building a culture of environmental responsibility. We are committed to helping drive that change”, he stated.
I-DIEM Africa plans to incorporate this milestone into its environmental risk campaigns and resilience education initiatives, especially among youth and informal sector groups.
The organisation also called on other African governments to emulate Ghana’s example by implementing bold, preventive environmental measures to safeguard public health and reduce climate-related disasters.
“We cannot wait for disasters to strike before we act. Banning Styrofoam is a preventative measure, and we applaud Ghana for leading the way,” Rhule concluded.
Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament
Pep Guardiola is the manager of Man City
Pep Guardiola has admitted with a touch of humour that he is glad Carlo Ancelotti is no longer in charge of Real Madrid, joking that the Italian tactician always beats him whenever they meet.
Speaking during the off-season, the Manchester City manager didn’t shy away from praising his long-time rival while acknowledging the sting of repeated Champions League exits at Ancelotti’s hands.
“I am very happy that Carlo Ancelotti is not at Real Madrid anymore because he always beats me,” Guardiola quipped, alluding to their recent encounters in Europe.
City were knocked out by Real Madrid in the 2024/25 Champions League Round of 16, adding to a growing list of painful exits inflicted by Ancelotti’s Madrid in recent seasons.
While Guardiola’s City did get the better of Madrid in 2023, the Italian has otherwise proven to be a persistent thorn in Pep’s European ambitions.
Ancelotti has since stepped down as Real Madrid boss after a trophyless final season at the Bernabéu and is now leading the Brazil national team.
Despite ending his Madrid tenure without silverware, his legacy, especially in the Champions League, remains untouchable, with multiple triumphs including wins over Guardiola-led teams.
Though Pep’s comment was made in jest, it underscores the mutual respect between two of the greatest managers of their generation, and a rivalry that, for now, takes a pause as Ancelotti shifts focus to international football.
FKA/EB
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Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68, his party has said in a statement
Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68, his party has said in a statement.
He had “been receiving specialized treatment in South Africa” for an undisclosed illness, the Patriotic Front added.
Lungu led Zambia for six years from 2015, losing the 2021 election to the current President Hakainde Hichilema by a large margin.
After that defeat he stepped back from politics but later returned to the fray and appeared to have ambitions to run for the presidency again.
Lungu’s daughter Tasila said that the former head of state, who had been “under medical supervision in recent weeks”, died at 06:00 (04:00 GMT) on Thursday.
“In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s service to our country,” she added in an emotional statement.
Lungu first became president in January 2015 after winning a special presidential election triggered by the death of Michael Sata.
After completing Sata’s term, he won a further five years in power in 2016 taking just over 50% of the votes.
But after six years at the helm, Lungu was blamed for a struggling economy and high unemployment. He lost in 2021 by close to a million votes with Hichilema tapping into widespread dissatisfaction among the electorate.
In the vibrant culture where rhythm and movement take center stage, the CEO of Dancetera—organisers of the Ghana Dance Festival—Robert Klah is making a powerful plea to event organisers, musicians, and all players within the creative industry to honour dancers with the respect and compensation they deserve.
For far too long, dancers have been treated as mere accessories, with their vital contributions to Ghana’s cultural and entertainment landscape overshadowed by other creatives.
Despite their pivotal roles—whether electrifying high-profile performances or bringing music to life through captivating choreography and viral dance challenges—dancers remain undervalued and underappreciated.
In a recent conversation with , Klah voiced deep concern about this oversight.
“The marginalisation of dancers isn’t a new issue,” Klah stated passionately. “These artistes are consistently overlooked, even though they are the driving force behind many musical successes. Think about it: yes, artistes may have unique sounds identifying them, but at the mention of Adowa, Agbadza, Borborbor, etc., what readily comes to mind? It’s not just the music—it’s the dance that brings it to life. For Africans, dance is intertwined with every celebration and cultural expression. It is our heritage.”
Yet, the dance industry in Ghana faces significant challenges, from structural issues that hinder progress to the lack of dedicated platforms that showcase talent, and the absence of sustained media attention on dance as a legitimate art form.
“How many platforms truly celebrate dance?” Klah questioned. “We need the media to step up and broadcast the rich tapestry of our dance culture. What the public sees is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Klah passionately urges the media to shine a spotlight on dancers—their stories, their artistry, and their events.
“Mainstream media do not have enough programmes to project dancers. We lack dedicated journalists with an interest in dance-related activities, and there is little funding for dance events, affecting both their organisation and publicity. We need TV shows that celebrate dance beyond competitions. Print and online media must publish articles, interviews, and regular coverage dedicated to dancers and their invaluable contributions. It’s essential for our collective progress.”
The Constitution Review Committee has made significant headway in its ongoing stakeholder engagements as part of efforts to reform Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Sharing an update on social media, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), revealed that the Committee recently held “a series of very productive meetings” with key political figures including former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and former Majority Leader and ex-Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu.
Kumasi, June 5, GNA- The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on Decentralisation has concluded its sub-national level stakeholder consultations on the formulation of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy for 2025–2029.
The sub-national level consultations, which began on May 26, 2025, in Cape Coast brought together key stakeholders from across the country.
They included Coordinating Directors, Metropolitan Municipal District Coordinating Directors, Budget Officers, Planning Officers, Agricultural Officers, Health Directors, Education Directors, CSOs, PWDs from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as Traditional Authorities.
A statement issued by the Committee said the 16 regions were divided into four zones, with workshops held in Cape Coast, Ho, Tamale, and Kumasi.
It said each zone hosted participants from several adjoining regions to promote inclusive participation and regional balance.
It said the final zonal event brought together stakeholders from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Western North Regions, and was attended by the Executive Secretary of the IMCC, Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, Lead Consultant Dr. Esther Ofei Aboagye, and a representative of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, Mrs. Beatrice Kwarteng Osei-Asare.
Also present were prominent traditional authorities from the Ashanti regional house of chief, such as the Offinso Omanhene, Nana Dwamena Akenten, the Sabronum Manhene, Nana Kofi Asante, and the Adankrangya Manhene, Nana Oppong Frenyam II.
Dr. Hoedoafia reiterated the Government’s commitment to revitalising Ghana’s decentralisation agenda.
“The Government has already signalled its strongest commitment to repositioning local governance as a pillar of inclusive development,” he said.
He emphasised the goal of creating a “robust, forward-looking, and responsive decentralisation policy” grounded in evidence and stakeholder input.
Mrs Beatrice Kwateng Osei-Asare, speaking on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, commended the Committee for leading the participatory process but also acknowledged existing implementation challenges within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana.
“We are not without challenges, including capacity constraints, inadequate funding, and coordination issues,” she noted, urging participants to confront these barriers with boldness and pragmatism.
The stakeholder consultation follows an earlier call for position papers on the six thematic areas of the policy: Political Decentralisation, Fiscal Decentralisation, Decentralised Planning, Local Economic Development, Administrative Decentralisation, and Popular Participation and Accountability.
These thematic areas are also shaped by six cross-cutting issues, such as Climate Change and Environmental Management, Gender and Social Inclusion, Technology and Innovation, Ethics, Values, and Change Management, the 24-Hour Economy, and Local Safety and Security.
It said the Zonal consultations provided useful inputs to enrich the national policy and plans were underway to organise a National Policy Dialogue on Decentralisation to broaden perspectives on shaping Ghana’s Decentralisation journey.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie
The eight-member committee set up by the President to organise the National Education Dialogue has submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama.
The committee, led by the former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor George K. T. Oduro, noted that the 148-page report contains a total of 212 recommendations from stakeholders and surveys.
According to the committee, the recommendations include 31 on basic education, 19 on the Free SHS policy, and 29 on tertiary education.
“I present 212 recommendations from stakeholders. This is distributed as follows: basic education – 31 recommendations, SHS – 19 recommendations, TVET – 27 recommendations, tertiary education – 29 recommendations, cross-cutting on quality education – 77 recommendations, sustainable financing – 7, accountability and governance – 13, research and utilisation of data and evidence – 5, and partnership between government and fixed-based organisations – 4,” Prof Oduro disclosed.
He also noted that the document includes the committee’s expert suggestions on how to shape the future of education in Ghana.
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A/R: Illegal fuel station for galamsey discovered at Jimmirah Forest Reserve
Singer Davido had a proud dad moment today as his daughter, Imade, represented their hometown, Ede, Osun state, at her school’s cultural day.
The singer attended the programme dressed in Yoruba attire. He shared videos of Imade introducing herself as a Yoruba girl from Ede, Osun state, which is Davido’s home state.
This comes days after he reunited with Imade after two years of being separated from each other.
Watch the video below…
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a weather warning for today, forecasting thunderstorms and localized rainfall across several regions in Ghana. The update, released in its latest 24-hour weather outlook, highlights the need for public caution—especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Early morning weather conditions across the country included mist and fog patches, particularly along the coastal, forest, and mountainous zones.
Editor’s Note: The story has been updated to reflect the exact number of excavators the minister indicated was sea-borne en route to Ghana.
Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has disclosed that approximately 1,200 excavators are currently stranded at the Tema Port, awaiting clearance.
This development follows a government-imposed halt on the clearance of excavators as part of efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Speaking to the Evans Mensah on JOY FM’s Top Story news programme, Mr. Nikpe revealed that intelligence reports suggest close to 3,000 additional excavators are sea-borne and en route to Ghana. The influx, he warned, poses a serious threat to the country’s environment and its ongoing fight against illegal mining.
The Government of Ghana has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of excavators. The Transport Ministry, in a statement signed by Mr. Nikpe, announced the implementation of a new policy dubbed “No Permit, No Excavator”, which takes effect immediately.
Under the directive:
“The directive is aimed at protecting our water bodies and forest reserves,” the statement said, citing the devastating environmental impact of unregulated mining activities, particularly the use of heavy-duty earth-moving equipment in unauthorized mining operations.
Mr. Nikpe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing maritime laws and working with the Ghana Maritime Authority to monitor all incoming shipments.
He also called on stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations, stressing that the government will not tolerate actions that compromise the nation’s natural resources.
This clampdown forms part of a broader national agenda to restore degraded lands, preserve water bodies, and uphold the rule of law in Ghana’s extractive sector.
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.
Separate delegations from two banks operating in Ghana have paid business calls on the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The first was Ecobank Ghana Limited, led by Mr. Joseph Ankamah, Ag. Head of Corporate Banking, who called on GCAA’s Ag. Director-General Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur and his executive team at the Authority’s premises on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
On Thursday, 5 June 2025, a delegation from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), led by Deputy Managing Director Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor, followed suit with a similar call.
At both meetings, the Ag. Director-General of GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, warmly welcomed the delegations and underscored the vital role of the banking sector in supporting the operational and strategic objectives of GCAA.
Rev. Arthur also expressed optimism that the existing transactional relationship between the Authority and the banks would deepen and evolve to the desired level of partnership.
Both banks congratulated Rev. Arthur on his appointment as Ag. Director-General and extended their best wishes for success in the new role.
They emphasised that the visit formed part of their respective banks’ broader initiative to foster and enhance strategic business relationships with key public institutions such as the GCAA.
Ntim Fordjour, the Assin South Member of Parliament and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee has accused the John Mahama-led NDC government of Scamming Ghanaians with the introduction Dumsor levy.
The lawmaker noted that the NDC said they had abolished Dumsor but turned to impose a hefty Dumsor Levy on Ghanaians before they could keep our lights on.
Plan International Ghana has officially launched the She Leads Social Movement, a bold new platform to sustain advocacy for girls’ rights and leadership following the successful completion of its three-year She Leads Project.
The launch, held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Monarch Hotel in East Legon, Accra, brought together development partners, civil society actors, traditional leaders, and girls from across Ghana’s regions to mark a transition from project to movement.
Speaking at the launch, Project Manager for the She Leads Project, Joyce Obenewaa Darko, said the decision to launch the She Leads Social Movement stems from the overwhelming impact and momentum the project generated since 2021.
“It has been very transformative. We have touched lives and built the capacities of girls across senior high schools and communities,” she said.
She credited the movement’s success to the collaborative work with religious and traditional authorities, whom she described as “champions of change” for using their platforms to promote girls’ leadership and speak out against harmful gender norms.
Darko emphasized that the movement is not only a legacy of the project but a sustainability strategy to ensure that girls’ voices remain strong and unified even beyond donor funding.
“In all our engagements, we were able to mobilize groups from school clubs, community clubs, and regional platforms into a national movement. We believe it is time they come together as one She Leads Social Movement to champion the cause of girls’ rights and women’s leadership,” she explained.
“We see the She Leads Social Movement as a sustainability plan beyond the She Leads Project. The needs of girls will not disappear because a project ends. This movement gives them one big voice to continue advocating for education, equality, and leadership,” she further added.
Madam Joyce also praised the recent passage of Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, which the She Leads Project had actively advocated for. She revealed that the movement would play a role in educating girls and young women about the new law to ensure they are prepared to benefit from the spaces it opens up.
“We contributed to the bill’s passage through petitions, consultations, and by creating spaces for girls to input into the legislative process. We are now working to ensure its implementation by sensitizing women and girls to prepare themselves for the leadership roles it supports,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo reaffirmed government’s support for the movement, noting: “We are committed not only to listening, but to acting.”
She announced several key government initiatives, including the GH¢51.3 million Women’s Development Bank and the GH¢292.4 million Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, aimed at breaking systemic barriers to girls’ empowerment and inclusion.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Wendy Van Mel, applauded the She Leads partners for their coalition-building efforts and celebrated Ghana’s milestone in passing the Affirmative Action law.
She encouraged the next generation to use technology to amplify their advocacy: “The Dutch government remains your reliable partner in advancing gender equality now and in the future.”
The She Leads Social Movement now serves as a unified national platform for over a thousand girls and young women across Ghana to push forward the unfinished agenda of gender equality, inclusive leadership, and protection of girls’ rights.
Popular Ghanaian pastor Nicholas Osei, popularly known as Kumchacha, has taken a swipe at gospel musician Diana Asamoah amid her ongoing feud with Adom Kyei Duah.
In recent weeks, Diana Asamoah and Adom Kyei Duah have been at ‘each other’s throats’, with Diana accusing him of not being a true man of God.
But speaking on this development, Kumchacha has expressed disappointment in Diana Asamoah’s actions, stating that she should be ashamed for attacking a man of God.
He argued that Adom Kyei Duah has never coerced anyone into supporting his ministry, and therefore, Diana Asamoah should refrain from tarnishing his image.
“Adom Kyei Duah is from my hometown… Diana Asamoah, has he ever begged you to attend his church or asked you to buy his sobolo before?
“Many of you are hypocrites. In some churches, pastors are selling stickers, keyholders, and books, why doesn’t she criticise them? You cannot bring down Adom Kyei Duah because he is anointed and blessed,” Kumchacha stated.
Kumchacha also accused Diana Asamoah of being bitter, stating that she should focus on her personal life instead.
“Diana Asamoah, what you are doing is unnecessary. Focus on getting married. Haven’t you noticed that no man is interested in you anymore? You should be grateful to whoever invented makeup,” he added.
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as victims of June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:
Participants at the event in a group photograph
The Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has suspended the celebration of the 2025 Gyogyi Yam Festival in the Nkwanta South Municipality over heightened security concerns in the area.
The ban by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) forms part of a series of strategic security measures aimed at addressing the escalating tribal tensions that have, in recent times, characterised the celebration of the festival, fuelled by a chieftaincy dispute, disagreements over the appropriate venue for the celebration and its associated traditional rites.
These unresolved issues have often escalated into violent clashes, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and deepening divisions within the affected communities.
Speaking after meeting traditional authorities from Adele, Akyode, and Challa, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, explained that the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of the current security landscape in the municipality, which revealed heightened tensions and potential threats to public safety.
“In light of the prevailing security concerns in Nkwanta, we have engaged with traditional leaders from the Adele, Challa, and Akyode communities. They have agreed with the decision of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to suspend the celebration of the festival until all outstanding issues in Nkwanta are thoroughly addressed.”
John Kwadwo Gyapong emphasised that the decision, fully endorsed by the traditional authorities, is a proactive measure intended to prevent any potential disturbances or outbreaks of violence during the festival period.
“Together with the traditional leaders have reached a consensus that suspending this year’s festival is a necessary step toward safeguarding peace and stability. They recognise that, rather than risking further clashes as has unfortunately been the case in recent years, this decision will help calm tensions and create an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation among the communities.”
The traditional leaders, Nana Boafo Amoah III, Sahene of the Adele Traditional Area, Nana Addo Kanewu, Paramount Chief of Challa, and Nana Obombo Lumpu-Wura, Paramount Chief of Akyode Traditional Area, who were present at the meeting, have all pledged to abide by the decision to promote peace and stability in the area.
The Gyogyi Festival is the annual Yam Festival celebrated by the people of Akyode, in the Oti Region of Ghana. The festival has a unique culture, which is very pivotal for socio-politico-economic development.
The origin of the celebration, which starts in August through to October, is the conscious acknowledgement of the blessing bestowed on men through yam by the supernatural and the Brukum Stool.
GSE dips on June 5 amid surge in market activity
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) closed trading session on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in red, as the benchmark GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) extended its downward trajectory, shedding 23.14 points to settle at 5,989.15 points.
This brings the index’s Year-to-Date (YTD) return to 22.51%.
The Financial Stock Index (FSI) also saw a mild decline, losing 2.56 points to close at 3,242.25 points with its YTD return standing at a notable 36.18%.
Total market capitalisation fell by GH¢264.06 million bringing the bourse’s total valuation to GH¢133.92 billion.
Despite the dip in indices, market activity surged significantly.
A total of 5,759,793 shares changed hands, representing a 198.80% jump over the previous session’s volume.
The surge in trading activity amounted to a total transaction value of GH¢16,925,222.28.
On the price movers chart, GLD emerged as the sole gainer, rising by GH¢8.02 to close at GH¢358.88.
However, CAL Bank and MTN Ghana (MTNGH) both continued on their losing paths, closing at GH¢0.55 and GH¢2.80 respectively.
MTNGH dominated trade activity with 5,654,705 shares traded valued at GH¢15,837,946.81.
SP/AE
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Salis Samed will return to Lens after his loan spell with Sunderland
Abdul Samed is heading back to RC Lens following the end of his loan spell at Sunderland, the English club has confirmed.
The Ghanaian midfielder joined Sunderland on transfer deadline day during the 2024/25 season and, while his time on the pitch was limited, his presence proved valuable in other ways.
Samed featured in 11 matches, starting only three but played an influential role behind the scenes as Sunderland secured promotion to the Premier League.
His return to Lens comes with three years still left on his contract at the French club.
With Lens set for a fresh start under new manager Pierre Sage, Samed’s future remains uncertain but he could be given a chance to stake his claim during pre-season, depending on whether Sage includes him in his plans.
Despite his limited minutes, Samed’s short stint at Sunderland adds his name to a small but notable list of Ghanaian players to have worn the club’s red and white stripes, joining the likes of Asamoah Gyan and John Mensah, who both made strong impressions during their own spells in the North East.
For now, Samed returns to France with valuable experience under his belt and a clearer idea of what top-level English football demands.
What’s next for him will largely depend on how he fits into Sage’s blueprint at Lens.
FKA/AME
Watch as Techiman Eleven Wonders crowned 2025 Division One League Champions
Chairman Abeiku has made shocking allegations about media personality, Kevin Taylor.
Chairman Abeiku has stated that Kevin Taylor is gay and engages in numerous evil bedeviling acts.
Chairman Abeiku’s allegations come after Kevin Taylor labeled him a wicked Ghanaian who has been engaging in Galamsey activities.
According to Chairman Abeiku, Kevin Taylor has been paid to denigrate him because he, Chairman Abeiku tried to bring to the limelight the evil the DCE has been engaging in.
Chairman Abeiku stated that
President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that funds generated from the newly approved GHC1 fuel levy will undergo regular audits.
He explained the move is to ensure accountability and transparency.
“Funds from this levy will not be subject to the hazards of the Consolidated Fund. The fund will be regularly audited and audit reports made public to ensure its transparent use.”
News Hub Creator13min
Renowned Ghanaian news anchor Ayisha Yakubu has once again proven her status as a style icon with her latest fashion statement ahead of the highly anticipated Eid ul-Adha celebration. Known for her calm presence on screen and graceful elegance off it, Ayisha gave her fans and followers something to admire with a breathtaking display of vibrant Ankara fashion that beautifully blends tradition and sophistication.
In the photos released ahead of the festive season, Ayisha Yakubu is seen confidently rocking a perfectly tailored Ankara outfit that celebrates the richness of African prints while offering a fresh and contemporary twist. The colors of the fabric rich, bold, and earthy speak volumes of her refined taste. Her outfit, with its structured fit and flattering silhouette, radiates elegance while remaining modest and appropriate for the upcoming religious celebration.
What made the look even more striking was Ayisha’s effortless styling. From her neatly styled hair, soft-glam makeup, and minimal accessories, everything about her look was the perfect embodiment of subtle luxury. The ensemble offered the perfect inspiration for ladies looking to embrace their roots while showing up in style for Eid festivities.
With her latest style moment, Ayisha not only celebrates her fashion sense but also sends a strong message about embracing one’s culture and identity with confidence. Her look serves as a reminder that modest fashion can be equally stylish, regal, and modern.
As we gear up for Eid ul-Adha, Ayisha Yakubu’s stunning Ankara ensemble will undoubtedly inspire many ladies to step out looking their best—authentically African, beautifully modern, and unapologetically stylish.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that an amount of GH¢987,965,073 has been transferred to the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) as the first quarter disbursement for the year 2025.
Addressing Parliament yesterday, Dr. Forson emphasised that the release reflects the Mahama administration’s unwavering commitment to fiscal decentralisation and the revitalisation of local governance structures.
“This government, under President John Mahama, is resolute in its determination to reverse the unfortunate trend of centralisation that severely weakened our Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) over the past eight years,” he stated.
He stated that, between 2017 and 2024, only 40% to 50% of DACF allocations reached the assemblies directly, which he noted, undermined their ability to support local economic development.
However, the minister said the current administration has instituted a policy to ensure that at least 80% of DACF allocations are transferred directly to MMDAs going forward.
“This measure will empower assemblies to drive economic growth at the local level and deepen the process of decentralisation,” he added.
According to the Finance Minister, this year alone, each district assembly will receive a minimum of GH¢25 million, and the government has taken decisive steps to ensure that the funds are used effectively and transparently.
He outlined that 10% of the funds is earmarked for constructing educational infrastructure, including a KG block, a primary school block, and a JHS block per assembly.
He added that another 10% is allocated for the provision of potable water, including at least 10 boreholes per rural assembly, as well as an additional 10% which is dedicated to procuring school furniture.
Dr. Forson stressed that the Administrator of the Common Fund is required to ensure the direct transfer of 80% of the disbursed amount to the assemblies and submit expenditure returns to the Ministry of Finance before subsequent releases are made.
He urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to monitor the use of funds in their constituencies in accordance with Cabinet-approved guidelines.
The minister revealed that, for the first time in months, all transfers to statutory funds have been made in full and on time.
This, he said, includes GH¢2.03 billion disbursed to the National Health Insurance Fund for January to March 2025, and GH¢2.71 billion released to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), covering allocations for January to April 2025.
Dr. Forson said the timely releases have helped the NHIS clear arrears owed to healthcare providers and enabled the rollout of the Mahama Cares initiative, which offers free primary healthcare.
Additionally, he noted that the Free Senior High School programme is now fully funded under GETFund, which is helping resolve challenges such as student feeding.
“These payments are a clear reflection of our commitment to meet all statutory obligations in priority sectors of the economy,” he concluded.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
Kenyan President, William Ruto, has humorously raised concern over the increasing number of Kenyan women marrying Nigerian men, including his own daughter.
Speaking at a wedding ceremony, Ruto pointed to what he described as a noticeable trend of Kenyan women choosing Nigerian partners, and jokingly questioned why Kenyan men seem to be missing out.
“My daughter is married to a Nigerian, and this one is now again married to a Nigerian. And our guys are around; I don’t know, are you slow? I don’t know.”
He went on to joke that if the trend continues, Kenya might experience a “brain drain” as more women leave the country through marriage.
“We need to balance this scale because at this rate, we are going to have a brain drain.”
June Ruto, the daughter of President Ruto, tied the nuptial knot with a Nigerian, Dr Alexander Ezenegu, on May 27, 2021.
However, despite expressing support for his daughter’s union with her Nigerian husband, President Ruto admitted it was difficult at first to come to terms with her decision to marry a Nigerian.
He said at the event, “It is both an exciting and anxious moment. It is not easy as a parent to give away your daughter. It is much more difficult if you are giving away your daughter to Nigerians.
“It is much more difficult when you are giving your daughter to Igbos.”
Operations at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital, have been severely disrupted following a strike action by members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).
According to the Medical Director of the facility, Dr Leslie Issah-Zakaria, the absence of GRNMA members has left critical departments without staff, forcing doctors to take on additional roles beyond their normal duties.
By Albert Futukpor
Accra, June 05, GNA – Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships (CLIP), an NGO, has engaged Ministers of Environment, and Climate Change as part of its advocacy efforts on issues of climate change and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable farmers and communities.
Discussions centered on CLIP’s interventions over the years, its current focus on issues of climate change, government’s programmes and policies in addressing the impact of climate change, and how CLIP and the two Ministries could collaborate to drive meaningful change.
The engagement was in line with CLIP’s implementation of the climate change component of the Empowerment for Life (E4L) Programme, which seeks to ensure that climate vulnerable communities use climate resilience strategies and technologies to increase agricultural adaptability and have improved livelihoods.
Mr Lukman Yussif, Director of CLIP, who led a team from the organisation to pay courtesy calls on the two Ministers in Accra, emphasised need for strong collaboration and engagement between government and NGOs in policy formulation to ensure that policies and programmes reflected the interest of the people.
CLIP, which is based in Tamale, has been working for the past 30 years in empowering vulnerable communities through integrated programmes that ensure climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and community development.
Mr Yussif emphasised need for programmes and policies that would ensure that climate vulnerable communities had improved adaptive strategies and resilience to climate change as well as need for vulnerable farmer communities to have improved resilience and livelihoods, and vulnerable communities’ perspectives reflected in national climate change policies and programmes.
Mr Abdallah Mohammed, Technical Advisor, Food Security, Climate Change and Resilience, E4L Programme, CLIP, accentuated the need for views of vulnerable smallholder farmers to be incorporated into the National Adaptation Plan as well as ensure that issues of climate change were factored into the Medium-Term Development Plans of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation acknowledged the role of NGOs in national development and gave assurance that his Ministry would deepen collaboration with CSOs because government could not do it alone.
He commended CLIP for its work over the years in empowering vulnerable communities for sustainable livelihoods and community development and assured the forum of the Ministry’s readiness to work with the organisation to address issues of climate change and food security.
Mr Seidu Issifu, Minister of State in-charge of Climate Change and Sustainability was happy about CLIP’s work especially in the areas of renewable agriculture, climate sustainability and livelihoods saying, “These are sensitive areas that we need to focus on.”
He gave assurance of collaborating with CLIP to expand its work saying he had established Climate and Sustainability Relationship Framework with all government ministries to put in place a technical working group to ensure that the right things were done with regards to issues of climate change.
The E4L Programme seeks to ensure that civil society organisations in northern Ghana contribute to improved resilience, equity, and more accountable governance in the country.
It is being implemented in the Northern, North East and Savannah Regions by four local partners; Ghana Developing Communities Association, School for Life, CLIP, and YEFL-Ghana with funding support from Civil Society in Development, through Ghana Venskab, a Danish organisation.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh
John Dramani Mahama is Ghana’s president
President John Dramani Mahama has assented to the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Act, 2025, marking a major step in his administration’s effort to address longstanding debt challenges in Ghana’s energy sector.
Speaking during the assent of the Act on Thursday, June 5, 2025, he stated that the initiative forms parts of efforts to reset the energy sector and bring relief to Ghanaians through reduced tariffs and improved service delivery.
“Energy Sector Levy Amendment Act 2025. The energy sector debt has been the actual scale of economic growth and sustainability for many years. And there have been many attempts to try to resolve it from the time of the (sic) Levy to the Energy Sector Levy Act, ESLA. Today, we are signing the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Act.
“All this in a view to trying to eliminate the energy sector debts and stop the crisis in the energy sector, and create an energy sector that delivers lower tariffs and better service for our people. I wish to pledge to the Ghanaian people that we are determined to solve this energy sector crisis once and for all and resolve the issue of the energy sector debt, with the recent performance of the Ghanaian economy,” he stated.
President Mahama continued that; “This act that has been christened the D-Levy will not be forever. It is a temporary solution to try and resolve our crisis in the power sector. And I’ll sign it now, but I’m sure that by the grace of God, we’ll resolve the energy sector crisis and we’ll be able to relieve Ghanaians of the levy that I’ve just sent. So, I hereby append my signature to the bill.”
President Mahama also took the opportunity to speak about recent improvements in the economy, particularly in the pricing of petroleum products. He acknowledged the cooperation of drivers and transport unions, who have responded to falling fuel prices by reducing fares.
“We have seen a drop in the price of petroleum products. I want to thank the transport unions and the drivers for their cooperation in passing on the savings to the Ghanaian people. Since then, the petroleum prices have dropped further at the pump. We believe that it will be a useful use of the extra savings that has occurred to try and pay down the energy sector debt and also pay for the expensive liquid fuel that we use to generate power.
“The fuel components of power generation is not captured in the tariff. And my understanding is that if we capture the full cost of the fuel component, it will lead tariffs to go up by 50%. But our current trajectory is not sustainable. We are determined to achieve macroeconomic stability, have a strong currency, low inflation. But to do that, we must make sure that the energy sector does not destabilise the economy,” he added.
The amended levy is expected to bring renewed confidence in the energy sector, support debt recovery, and ease the burden on consumers.
Watch the video below:
Watch how President Mahama assents to Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025
D-Levy: A Solution for Power Fluctuations. pic.twitter.com/44ab5OPDRt
— Popo🇰🇼🇬🇭 (@Popony_J) June 5, 2025
JKB/AE
Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament
Bishop Kwabena Asiamah is the founder of the Ajagurajah Movement
Bishop Kwabena Asiamah, popularly known as Ajagurajah, has made a revelation amid his recent playful social media exchange with Malik Basintale.
As many may recall, the CEO of the National Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, and Ajagurajah sparked social media buzz with their humorous back-and-forth over who owns the fattest Sallah cow ahead of the upcoming Eid celebrations.
However, in a recent development, Ajagurajah, in a video shared on Instagram on June 5, 2025, stated that while he viewed the exchange as light-hearted fun, he was spiritually warned by an unknown spirit.
“I am saying that Basintale is spiritually fortified. Just because I was playing with him on social media, I was warned by a spirit,” he said.
Ajagurajah further explained that he had to plead with the spirit and clarify that the online banter was not meant as a threat.
“The spirit thought what I was saying on social media was a threat. I saw a very tall man wearing a smock. I had to explain to him that it was a joke,” he added.
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as victims of June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is the Minister of Foreign Affairs
A policy analyst in energy, Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu, has called out Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over bedevilling the issue of tidal waves in the Volta Region.
In a post shared by the JoyPrime X account, he is heard questioning the minister’s silence on the issue, which according to him, he fiercely campaigned on against the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He accused the minister of lieing his way into power, and has suddenly gone silent after his government was handed power.
“Ablakwa told Akufo-Addo to focus on local issues. Now, he is silent on Ketu South’s tidal waves because he lied his way to power. The crisis is exposing NDC’s double standards,” he said.
He slammed the NDC which actively campaigned against the NPP on the same matter and challenged them to tackle the issues.
See post below
Ablakwa told Akufo-Addo to focus on local issues, now he’s silent on Ketu South’s tidal waves because he lied his way to power – Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu says the crisis is exposing NDC’s double standards #PrimeMorning pic.twitter.com/TsUaNQla8D
— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) June 4, 2025
VKB/AE
Watch as Muntaka Mubarak criticises Afenyo-Markin in Parliament
Prof Godfred Bokpin is an economist
Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Prof Godfred Bokpin, has noted that the stability of the local currency is far important for the economy and businesses than its appreciation.
He noted that the cedi stabilising at GH₵10 was predicted by industry players earlier.
According to him, it is more important to have currency stability instead of aggressive fluctuations.
“It’s also good that there’s now some level of clarity that yes, we need to stabilise beyond the aggressive strengthening. We need to stabilise it. Stability is preferred over swings, whether appreciation or depreciation. It’s neither good for businesses nor central banking in the first place,” he was quoted by myjoyonline.com.
Prof Bokpin explained that economic stability does not mean a fixed exchange rate, but rather predictable and moderate variations.
“Of course, we also do know that stability in economics is not the same as the same price or fixed price over time. We still expect that there will be some kind of variation in the rate, but it should not be significant enough to cause disruptions or uncertainty when it comes to planning,” he noted.
According to him, the Central Bank should have communicated a target earlier to allay fears and regulate the market.
He described the president’s mention of GH₵10 and GH₵12 as the true value of the cedi as the right path.
“I have indicated much earlier that the central bank was targeting the exchange rate. They didn’t want to communicate that to the market at the initial stage, so it was not just a more recent meeting where they decided on it. They knew largely where they were heading,” Prof Bokpin added, the report said.
The economist further noted that the cedi’s appreciation was being manipulated by the Central Bank, and not solely due to forces of demand and supply.
He also added that the rate of appreciation was too aggressive and did not make room for business owners to plan properly.
“That is why we said that what we witnessed in terms of the strengthening of the local currency was not just the forces of demand and supply. There were some interventions to cause the strengthening.
“We confirmed that the rate of facilitation was too aggressive to enable planning and the entire economy to adjust to the strengthening of the currency. And to that extent, you could not describe that as stability. That was more of a disruption. The disruption could cause negative or positive effects, and it was very difficult for people to play along or even plan. It was quite unsettling,” he added.
SSD/AE
Thomas Partey headlines All Star Festival, Accra 2025
Arsenal and Black Stars midfield maestro, Thomas Partey, has been officially confirmed as the headline act for the 2025 All Star Festival set for June 18 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Thomas Partey, one of Ghana’s most celebrated football exports, will lead a star-studded line-up of Ghanaian professionals and local heroes in this year’s edition, organized by The BAC Group.
His participation marks a major boost for the event which has gained significant popularity since its inception and is now in its fourth year.
The festival will feature a high-profile exhibition game between Southern Sector Stars and Northern Sector Stars, highlighting Ghana’s regional talents.
Thomas Partey will be joined by other notable names such as Felix Afena-Gyan, Osman Ibrahim, Sulemana Ibrahim, and confirmed local stars including Kwame Opoku Bayie, Benjamin Asare, Stephen Amankona, Razack Simpson, and Kevin Osei Assibey.
The All Star Festival aims to give fans unmatched access to their football icons while celebrating the strength and unity of Ghanaian football culture.
SB/AME
The Managing Editor of Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr., has criticized the government’s austerity measures, including the freeze on public sector recruitment, as fundamentally conflicting with the principles enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution as reported by Ghana Web.
He argues that these policies undermine constitutional commitments aimed at protecting the welfare of ordinary citizens, especially the vulnerable.
In a statement shared on his X account on June 5, 2025, Pratt referenced Article 36(1) of the Constitution, revealing the clear mandate for the government to manage the national economy in a way that “maximizes the rate of economic development and secures the maximum welfare, freedom, and happiness of every person in Ghana.”
He emphasized that the Constitution explicitly requires the state to provide “adequate means of livelihood and suitable employment and public assistance to the needy.”
Pratt contends that current government policies have changed away from these obligations, focusing instead on profit-making and economic strategies that fail to alleviate the struggles faced by the working class.
This change, he argues, is a result of successive administrations’ alignment with neo-colonial interests rather than a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare.
“The governing laws of the country sought to place a responsibility on the government to protect the ordinary citizen, a responsibility that appears to have been overlooked,” Pratt stated, revealing the disconnect between constitutional ideals and present-day economic policies.
Glamour, sunshine, and high fashion — that’s the vibe Edwina Akufo-Addo and Deborah Vanessa brought to Senegal as they turned heads and sparked social media frenzy with their stunning vacation looks and infectious energy. Dubbed by fans as the “Ministers of Enjoyment,” the two style icons are serving inspiration, relaxation, and full-on luxury during their West African getaway.
The duo — a perfect blend of political royalty and pop culture flair — were spotted enjoying the best of Senegal’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and breezy beach resorts. From colorful kaftans to designer swimwear, the ladies made every outfit a moment, with followers praising their effortless grace and travel goals.
Edwina Akufo-Addo, daughter of Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Deborah Vanessa, popularly known as Sister Derby, have long been known for their fashion-forward styles. But this trip? They took things up several notches. Whether it was flowing linen ensembles in the streets of Dakar or sparkling accessories against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, their aesthetic was pure vacation luxury.
Their Instagram stories and posts show them soaking up sun by infinity pools, enjoying local delicacies, and exploring historic landmarks like the African Renaissance Monument and Goree Island.
One viral comment summed up the mood:
We definitely NEED more African holidays!
Celebrating African Luxury and Friendship
More than just a vacation, their trip has been widely viewed as a celebration of African excellence, female friendship, and soft living — a concept gaining traction among young Africans who aspire to balance hustle with moments of peace and indulgence.
Deborah Vanessa captioned one of her posts,
We work hard, so why not enjoy hard? Africa is beautiful. Let’s explore it more.
Fans have been flooding the comments with love and admiration, praising the duo for highlighting the beauty of African destinations and encouraging intra-African tourism.
Travel influencers and lifestyle bloggers have quickly jumped on the trend, sharing curated lists of top African travel spots and fashion guides inspired by the pair’s outfits. Some travel agencies even reported an uptick in inquiries about Senegal vacations following the viral posts.
Kofi Asante, a tourism consultant, noted:
This is the kind of cultural diplomacy we need — fun, glamorous, and impactful. They’ve sold Senegal better than a tourism board could.
As the “Ministers of Enjoyment” continue to wow followers with their sun-kissed adventures, they’re doing more than sipping cocktails — they’re reshaping the narrative around African luxury, inspiring self-care, and reminding us all that joy is not a luxury, but a right.
So here’s to black girl joy, continental adventures, and the soft life done right. Senegal will surely miss this dynamic duo — and the rest of us? We’re taking notes.
Source
The suspects
Three suspects who were wanted in connection with series of armed robbery cases in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem enclave of the Western Region, have been apprehended.
They were arrested at their hideout in Axim on Monday, June 2, 2025 by the Axim Division Police Command in an intelligence-led operation.
The names of the suspects were given as Emmanuel Arthur, also called ‘Possible’, 21; Elisha Arthur, alias ‘Sconzy’, 21 and David Agyarko, also known as ‘Big Man’, 22.
Information gathered by the police indicated that the suspects were wanted for a number of robberies within the enclave.
According to a statement issued by the police, the three suspects have since been handed over to the Western Central Police Command for further investigations.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi
Sophia Momodu is a prominent social media figure known for her fashion sense.
She recently engaged in a question-and-answer session that generated public interest.
Sophia expressed that she is unaffected by public opinion.
Sophia Momodu, known for her social presence and fashion-forward persona, has once again sparked conversation with a new video from her question-and-answer session.
As part of measures to stabilise the cedi, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has initiated plans to tighten controls and block all leakages in remittance inflows.
The central bank believes this move will help curb the hoarding of foreign currencies, particularly the dollar, and discourage speculative activities.
Addressing members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, stressed the need for a renewed mindset regarding the cedi. He called on businesses to support the BoG in efforts to close loopholes in the remittances sector.
“Our objective is to ensure that every dollar that is remitted is made to count,” he stated.
Dr. Asiama disclosed that the BoG will soon roll out several measures to sanitise and monitor the remittances sector to ensure proper accounting of foreign currency inflows.
“I wouldn’t go into details about the platforms we intend to put in place, but our objective is to ensure that every dollar that is remitted is properly channelled into the economy,” he added.
On efforts to boost Ghana’s gold reserves, Dr. Asiama described the GoldBod initiative as a strategic step that will continue to shield the cedi from external shocks.
“I’m beginning to see those two things play out,” he said, referring to reforms in the remittances space and the establishment of GoldBod.
He reiterated that the BoG’s drive to stabilise the cedi is expected to positively impact the economy by reducing inflation and fostering growth. By addressing leakages in the gold and remittances sectors, the central bank aims to ease pressure on the cedi and promote stability in the foreign exchange market.
Dr. Asiama affirmed the BoG’s commitment to ensuring the cedi remains stable and competitive, supporting both businesses and individuals.
Concerns Over Remittances
In 2024, banking consultant Dr. Richmond Akwasi Atuahene raised concerns about fintech companies operating in Ghana’s remittance sector, calling for stricter oversight.
He pointed to discrepancies in reported figures and their potential impact on Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves.
Dr. Atuahene urged the BoG to commission international audit firms to conduct forensic audits on all fintech companies, retroactive to 2019. He also suggested that the Ministry of Finance and the BoG ensure fintech firms reimburse BoG Nostro accounts or authorised dealer banks with all foreign exchange components derived from international remittances.
“Foreign exchange from inward remittances can help reduce the current account deficit and stabilise the local currency against major trading currencies,” he noted.
To strengthen oversight, he proposed that BoG acquire digital tools to monitor all inward remittances. “The Bank of Ghana must acquire software that can be linked with the fintech companies’ digital apps to track, trace, and capture all inward remittances,” he said, proposing a middleware platform using APIs and Ethernet-APL technology.
These recommendations come amid growing concerns about discrepancies between World Bank remittance data and figures from authorised dealer banks in Ghana.
“The central bank has consistently failed to address the gap between World Bank data on inward remittances and that of the 23 authorised dealer banks for the period between 2019 and 2023,” Dr. Atuahene said.
Citing the BoG’s 2023 Annual Report, he questioned the fate of significant remittance inflows: “The Governor reported that fintech companies received GH¢22 billion (US$3 billion) in 2022 and GH¢57 billion (US$5 billion) in 2023. Where were these foreign exchanges held?”
While the BoG has denied claims of losing US$8 billion through inward remittances, it acknowledged a shortfall, indicating that newly licensed money transfer operators (MTOs) and fintech companies have withheld approximately US$8 billion over the past two years.
Dr. Atuahene also called for enhancements to the international remittance data framework, urging both the BoG and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to improve their BPM6 and RCG frameworks to better reflect the evolving nature of the remittance sector.
Yaw Asante Agyekum
After serving 22 years in prison, the Court of Appeal has acquitted Yaw Asante Agyekum who was accused of being an accomplice to notorious armed robber, Ataa Ayi.
Agyekum was arrested in 2002 and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery which led to a conviction and a 35-year jail term handed to him.
But after serving almost 23 years in prison, the Court of Appeal has held that he was wrongly convicted and sentenced.
The court in its decision on an appeal filed by his counsel, George Bernard Shaw, said it was convinced that the purported confession by some of the suspects arrested in connection with Ataa Ayi and later convicted, against Agyekum did not carry any weight.
A 3-member panel presided over by Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo and assisted by Justices Aboagye Tanoh and Stephen Oppong, after a careful consideration of the evidence concluded that the Prosecution had failed to give enough evidence to warrant the conviction and sentencing of Yaw Asante Agyekum.
The court subsequently acquitted and discharged him. Agyekum who wore a white T-Shirt to the proceeding could not hide his excitement.
He told journalists after the acquittal that life and prison have taught him a lot, but he has forgiven any person who played a role in his wrongful conviction and sentencing.
He confirmed that he used to repair Ataa Ayi’s motorbike prior to his arrest but he had no idea he was an armed robber.
“I was a motor repairer and I used to fix Ataa Ayi’s motorbike. I did not know that he was an armed robber. I only knew him as a taxi driver in the town, he told journalists.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak
Asante Kotoko are set to embark on a pre-season training tour in South Africa ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, GhanaSportsPage understands.
The club’s technical team, led by head coach Abdul Karim Zito, is expected to use the South African trip to assess new signings, fine-tune tactics, and build team chemistry.
The training camp is expected to feature a series of friendly matches with some South African clubs, as Kotoko aims to put together a strong unit capable of challenging both domestically and in continental competitions.
The tour is also expected to offer new recruits—such as Hubert Gyau, Zakaria Fuseini and Joseph Esso a chance to integrate into the squad and impress the coaching staff ahead of the new season.
Further details, including the exact dates and itinerary of the tour, are expected to be announced by the club in the coming days.
Nigerian tech influencer Sapphire Egemasi has been arrested by FBI
Nigerian tech influencer Sapphire Egemasi has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for her alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar internet fraud and money laundering scheme.
She was arrested in New York with Samuel Kwadwo Osei, who is believed to be the leader of the alleged fraud operation.
They are being accused of targeting various U.S. government agencies in a series of sophisticated cyber fraud and money laundering activities.
According to court documents, the illegal operations reportedly took place between September 2021 and February 2023.
Sapphire Egemasi, a software developer at Devpost, a platform for developers, is alleged to have played a critical role in the cybercrime ring.
Investigators revealed that she helped create fake websites that closely resembled official U.S. government portals.
These fraudulent websites were used to trick victims into disclosing their login information. Once the attackers gained access, they allegedly transferred large sums of money into bank accounts they controlled.
One such incident involved the theft of $965,000 from the government of Kentucky, which was transferred into a PNC Bank account in August 2022.
Around the same time, another $330,000 was reportedly funnelled into a Bank of America account also linked to the group.
The arrests followed a federal grand jury indictment in 2024, which charged the suspects with multiple offenses, including internet fraud and money laundering.
Sapphire Egemasi and the others are currently in federal custody and are being held pending trial in Lexington, Kentucky.
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
AK/EB
Dada Joe is a Ghanaian business mogul
Following the alleged arrest of Ghanaian business mogul Joseph Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe, by the FBI, new details have emerged.
On May 27, 2025, social media reports claimed that Dada Joe had been picked up by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with suspected fraudulent activities.
In the aftermath of his arrest, Showboy stated that the FBI had been investigating Dada Joe as far back as 2017/2018.
He further alleged that the authorities had been unable to arrest him earlier because he was being protected by the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“He was wanted by the Feds since 2017/2018… The NPP government protected him… He paid a lot of money to keep himself in Ghana, yet he didn’t stop showing off. He took the world into his own hands and kept abusing the power of the universe.
“It’s a spiritual punishment, and he has to endure it alone. Don’t cry for anybody who shed blood and used bad voodoo to ruin others’ lives!” he said.
In a new development, excerpts from documents circulating on social media regarding Dada Joe’s arrest indicate that the business mogul is accused of defrauding individuals of approximately $2.9 million.
The documents also reveal that individuals who allegedly worked with Dada Joe confirmed that the bank accounts used for the wire transfers were in his name.
“A review of Boateng’s bank account records received from EOCO reflects that Boateng used a phone number linked to him in this scheme.
“These bank account records also show that between May 2016 and May 2018, Boateng received wire transfers totalling approximately $2.9 million.
These transfers all came directly from known fraud suspects or admitted co-conspirators,” the document states.
Also,, documents sighted by GhanaWeb indicate that Dada Joe faces two charges:
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, the maximum penalty for this offense is 20 years in prison.
Conspiracy to commit money laundering, this offense also carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as victims of June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:
Nii Lantey Vanderpuye supports the government’s decision to impose a GH¢1 levy on fuel
The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has said that the government’s decision to impose a GH¢ 1 on fuel levies is a step in the right direction.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, he said that to be able to resolve the issue of recurring debt in the energy sector, the government’s decision, which is to introduce a GH¢1 fuel levy, expected to generate substantial revenue to help clear debts and stabilise the power supply, is “a good step.”
The former Member of Parliament emphasised that a small contribution from every Ghanaian towards the fuel levy can collectively make a huge difference.
He added that the accumulated funds will help address the country’s energy challenges and ensure a reliable power supply.
“If every Ghanaian is willing enough to give GH¢1 on a litre of fuel, we will be able to accrue so much; almost 57 billion, to be able to take care of the difficulties and challenges we have in meeting the demands of the energy sector,” he added.
According to him, the government, through such policies, is making a thoughtful and intelligent approach in tackling the difficulties and challenges of the country.
DR/AE
Salifu Ibrahim is a former player of Hearts of Oak
Former Hearts of Oak midfielder, Salifu Ibrahim, has shed light on the circumstances that prevented him and Afriyie Barnieh from joining the national U-23 team in 2021, revealing that the decision came directly from the club’s top hierarchy as Hearts pushed for a historic league title.
In an interview with Fakye TV, Salifu recounted how both he and Barnieh were withdrawn from a national team call-up despite being named in the squad for friendly matches against Japan under then-coach Paa Kwasi Fabin.
“They called three of us, including Richmond Ayi and Barnieh. But Barnieh and I were called by our owner that because of the league we didn’t have to go and we agreed,” Salifu said.
The incident happened in May 2021 during Hearts of Oak’s title-chasing campaign. Salifu had initially been left out of the Ghana Football Association’s announcement, which sparked significant public backlash.
The uproar led to his late inclusion in the U-23 squad, but he never made it to the camp due to the club’s intervention.
At the time, Hearts were in a tight race to end an 11-year Ghana Premier League drought, and the management’s decision to keep key players from international duty ultimately paid off, as the Phobians went on to win the 2020/21 league title.
However, while Barnieh would later earn multiple call-ups to the national team, Salifu never featured again, leading to suggestions that pulling out of the U-23 matches may have hurt his national team prospects. But the midfielder firmly rejected that claim.
“I don’t agree that that’s the cause of me not being called up because I wasn’t the only player that Hearts didn’t allow to leave when I got called up. But after that, Barnieh was called again to the national team, so that can’t be the cause,” he explained.
Despite being one of the most consistent midfielders in the Ghana Premier League at the time, earning league MVP honours and helping Hearts to multiple trophies, he never earned a senior national team appearance.
He has since moved on from Hearts, signing a two-year deal with FC Drita in Kosovo, where he featured 24 times in the 2024/25 Superliga e Kosovës season, scoring once and assisting once.
He also played in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers and the Kosovar League Cup.
FKA/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Eleven Wonders beat RTU 2-1 in the Division One League play-off final
Zambia former President Edgar Lungu don die
Zambia former President Edgar Lungu don die at di age of 68, im party announce for statement.
E bin dey “receive specialized treatment for South Africa” for one undisclosed illness, di Patriotic Front add.
Lungu lead Zambia for six years from 2015, e lose di 2021 election to di current President Hakainde Hichilema wit big margin.
Afta e lose, e step back from politics but e later return to politics and show say im get ambition to run for presidency again.
For inside one video statement, Lungu daughter Tasila say di former head of state, wey bin dey “under medical supervision in recent weeks”, die at 06:00 (04:00 GMT) on Thursday.
“For dis moment of grief, we summon di spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – di timeless creed wey guide President Lungu service to our kontri,” she add.
Edgar Lungu: Profile
Lungu first become president for January 2015 afta e win one presidential by-election wey dey triggered by di death of di former President Michael Sata.
Afta e complete Sata term, e win anoda five years in power for 2016, e get ova 50% of di votes.
But afta six years as di kontri leader, pipo blame Lungu for di struggling economy and high unemployment. E lost for 2021 by close to one million votes to Hakainde Hichilema, wey tap into di widespread dissatisfaction among di electorate.
E tok say im dey retire from politics afta di election, but e return to frontline politics for 2023 as im successor popularity begin dey reduce.
“I ready to fight from di front, no be from di back, in defence of democracy. Those wey ready for dis fight, abeg come join me, I dey ready for anything,” Oga Lungu bin tell supporters at di time.
Lungu na lawyer by training but e enjoy fast rise in politics afta e win seat in parliament as Patriotic Front Member of Parliament for 2011.
E enta goment as deputy minister for di vice-president office dat same year and e rise to become minister of home affairs in just ova 12 months.
E later become minister of defence and den justice. One close friend describe Lungu as a “good foot-soldier, lawyer and politician, father, husband and grandparent”.
Dem born am on 11 November 1956. Lungu graduate wit law degree from di University of Zambia for 1981. E also do military training for di den Miltez army college for Kabwe.
E later work for Andre Masiye and Company Advocates, Barclays Bank, and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines.
Nigerian nail technician Silva is celebrating her union with a man who stole her phone number from her Curriculum Vitae.
@nailsbysimsilva, known on TikTok, shared a heartwarming video from her wedding photoshoot session, detailing her unique yet romantic backstory.
Love has once again blossomed in the most unexpected of ways—this time involving a Nigerian nail technician, Silva, who recently tied the knot with a man who got her phone number from her Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Old Tafo MP, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised eyebrows in Parliament by questioning whether the scope of a search warrant obtained by National Security includes searching household appliances such as refrigerators as reported by Ghana Web.
The issue arose following the recent raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.
Assafuah, who is also a lawyer, demanded clarity from the Interior Minister, seeking specifics on the warrant’s legal boundaries.
“May you educate me on the scope of that search warrant? Does it include searching the fridges of persons?” Assafuah queried, emphasizing the need for public understanding of such legal procedures.
The question, however, did not sit well with Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who presided over the session.
He appeared taken aback, questioning why a lawyer would raise such a point. In response, Ahiafor remarked, “Does a search warrant specify that you search a pocket or what?”
Despite the pushback, Assafuah maintained his stance, stating it was a straightforward question meant to clarify whether the agents acted within their legal bounds during the raid. “I want to understand the scope… Did it include permission to search fridges?” he added.
The Deputy Speaker, while dismissing the concern, explained that a general search warrant grants broad authority to inspect premises without listing specific items like pockets or fridges.
Though the Interior Minister did not provide a direct response during the exchange, the moment has sparked public interest around how search warrants are executed and whether certain personal spaces or items are protected from scrutiny.
The MP’s question remains unanswered, but it has reignited conversations around the boundaries of legal searches and privacy.
Dr Osei Kwame Despite’s beautiful wife, Awurama Despite, made a bold fashion statement at the launch of his museum
The gorgeous style influencer turned heads with her classy two-piece ensemble and hairstyle at the event
Some social media users have commented on her trending video that bloggers posted on Instagram
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite’s wife, Awurama Despite, made a striking impression at the official launch of her husband’s automobile museum.
Awurama Despite wore a custom-made outfit that showcased her impeccable style. Known for her reserved public presence despite her husband’s high-profile status, she turned heads at the upscale event with her captivating spaghetti-strap peplum top, tailored to perfection.
Prominent Ghanaian lawyer and the General Manager of Despite Media, Kennedy Osei’s mother exuded elegance, pairing her top with a vibrant lemon green floral-design long skirt that not only elevated her overall look but also added a refreshing pop of colour to the occasion.
Awurama Despite complemented her ensemble with a luxurious long frontal lace hairstyle that cascaded down her back, enhancing her graceful demeanour as she mingled among family and friends.
Her makeup was flawlessly executed, harmonising beautifully with her complexion, while she adorned her ears with striking round gold earrings that sparkled with every movement.
To complete her sophisticated look, Awurama accessorised with an assortment of elegant bracelets and matching rings, all hinting at her refined taste and status within the event’s high-society atmosphere.
She expertly chose a pair of designer shoes that not only matched her ensemble but also added to her poise and confidence as she navigated the venue.
Source: yen.com.gh
