Rapper Sarkodie has praised Senegalese-American music icon, Akon, for his significant role in promoting Afrobeats on the global stage.
In a post on X on May 29, 2025, Sarkodie applauded Akon as one of the few international stars who, during the peak of his career, looked back to support African talent.
Big shouts to the legend, Akon, for what you did for Afrobeats!!! We can’t skip that in history,” Sarkodie wrote. “Few artists in their prime will look back and put their people on from the motherland! He did that in a big way!”
Sarkodie stressed that although Afrobeats has grown into a global powerhouse, Akon’s early efforts laid the groundwork for its success and shouldn’t be forgotten.
This comes shortly after Akon, in a recent interview reflected on his involvement in shaping Afrobeats. The “Lonely” hitmaker explained that after releasing his Freedom album in 2008, he turned his focus to Africa, especially Nigeria, where he began working with local talents.
“Wizkid was the first Nigerian artiste that we signed back in 2008,” Akon said. “We worked with him and Banky W. From there, we started developing artists like PSquare, D’banj and others.”
Akon also highlighted his work on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and how that period marked the beginning of a strong connection between him and African music.
Sarkodie’s recognition of Akon is an acknowledgement of the cross-continental collaborations that have helped shape Afrobeats into the global phenomenon it is today.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has attributed corruption and political miscalculations as major factors behind the failure of the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
He believes these challenges have undermined national efforts over the years to clamp down on the menace despite repeated interventions.
Speaking at the Global Mining Summit held in Accra on Monday, June 2, the Asantehene warned that the continuous destruction of water bodies through illegal mining poses a serious threat to the country’s environment and future.
He called for urgent and sustained action to halt the illegal activities.
“The pollution of our water bodies, the destruction of our forests and the degradation of our virgin lands cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. It cannot be denied that the cocktail of regulatory failures, political miscalculation and corruption has combined to make the curbing of the menace more challenging. We have the opportunity to calmly dissect the policy options and tools available to deal with the problem,” he said.
He also described the government’s introduction of Gold for Oil (Gold4Oil) as a positive initiative that opens new horizons for the mining industry, with the potential to attract increased investment and boost production yields.
“The emergence of the new Goldbod is a creative initiative we need for the rise of the industry, increasing the prospect for more investment and higher yields. It injects a new urgency to the challenges we are trying to address,” he said.
Wontumi withdraws motion to review GH¢50m bail conditions
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Editor of the Newscenta newspaper, Elvis Darko, has slammed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over its approach to handling investigations in the public eye.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, June 2, Darko cautioned that conducting investigations through the media could severely damage the reputation of the institution.
“If an investigative body decides to do their work in the media, they risk a lot of reputational damage. The media wants to hear it from the court that the court has said this on the issue. But when it is about you and not the court, it sometimes comes back to hurt the institution,” he stated.
Darko’s comment comes amid recent developments surrounding the OSP’s directive for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to appear in person at its office on Monday, June 2 or face possible extradition via INTERPOL Red Notice.
Sources close to the former minister have confirmed that he is unable to appear due to medical emergencies. His legal team has since submitted medical documents to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, detailing ongoing treatment and a scheduled surgical procedure.
Meanwhile, Frank Davies, a member of the legal team for embattled former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has dismissed suggestions that his client is deliberately avoiding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), insisting that his failure to appear is due to a well-documented medical condition.
He questioned the widespread scepticism surrounding Mr Ofori-Atta’s health status, arguing that his condition was known long before the OSP initiated its investigations.
“If I tell you that I will come and see you tomorrow, and just on the brink of tonight, I suffer a casualty, would you see me tomorrow?” Mr Davies asked rhetorically. “Why should it be so difficult for people to understand that the person involved has a health challenge?” he questioned on Joy FM on Monday, June 2.
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, outlined a five-pillar strategy for the country’s mining industry at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit. The strategy is aimed at reforming the sector while empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) initiatives.
In a presentation during the opening of the summit, Minister Buah underscored how the strategy is designed to address illegal mining, which has significantly impacted the environment. Illegal mining occupies over 16% of the nation’s forests, degrading more than 5,500 hectares. As such, the strategy seeks to address this issue by enhancing ASGM developments. ASGM operations have grown to account for 52.1% of Ghana’s total gold exports in 2025, and the strategy aims to further optimize the industry’s expansion.
“Of the $4 billion in goods shipped from Ghana in Q1, 2025, 52.1% is from artisanal and small-scale miners – hence the need to ensure that mining is done in a sustainable manner,” stated Minister Buah.
The first pillar of the strategy focuses on reforming the licensing regime. According to Minister Buah, the Ministry is currently overhauling the existing Minerals and Mining Act to attract new investments and bring in fresh ASGM players. This includes reviewing and restructuring licenses to ensure they align with Ghana’s national development agenda.
“The strategy came into implementation four months ago and we want to ensure we do mining right,” stated Minister Buah.
The second pillar centers on enhancing law enforcement. The Ministry is collaborating with various government agencies to intensify the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in illegal mining. This includes the creation of an independent Anti-Illegal Mining Military Task Force and the reorganization of security operations at both district and community levels.
Environmental restoration is also a key priority. Under the third pillar, the Ministry has reclaimed eight out of nine forest reserves previously designated as red zones for illegal mining within just four months. Reforestation programs are now underway to restore these degraded areas and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
The fourth pillar emphasizes stakeholder engagement and public education. The Ministry is working closely with traditional authorities, lawmakers, civil society organizations and the general public to promote sustainable practices and encourage collective responsibility in preserving Ghana’s natural resources.
“Lack of jobs and skills has been the main cause of illegal mining and we are dealing with this directly by diversifying employment. We want to create over 150,000 new jobs,” stated Minister Buah.
The fifth pillar aims to provide alternative livelihoods and job opportunities, especially for youth and individuals previously involved in illegal mining. Through programs such as the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Program for Illegal Miners; the 1 Million Coders Program; and initiatives by the Youth Employment Agency, the government is offering skills training and employment placement. These efforts are designed to reduce reliance on illegal mining and diversify economic opportunities across the country.
The pillars will be achieved through various strategies such as the Ghana Gold Board, the Minerals Development Fund, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Geofencing of Excavators, the Investment in Geological Investigations of Mineralized Areas, Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives, the Blue Water Initiative, the Tree for Life Initiative and the Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat.
The Minority Caucus of Parliament has taken on Accra-based GHOne TV, for hosting Dr Ann Sansa Daly, whose appointment to the Governing Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was recently revoked by President John Dramani Mahama, on their platform.
In a statement addressed to GHOne’s General Manager, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) grilled the media house over laxity in doing due diligence on Dr Sansa Daly’s qualifications before giving her the platform to host a health programme.
The MPs indicated that the media house had serious questions to answer following reports from the Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) that she is not a registered or licensed medical practitioner in the country.
The caucus went on to ask the media house the following questions:
What due diligence was conducted by GHOne TV before offering Dr Daly a platform to host a health-related programme?
What documents or credentials did she present to verify her qualifications as a medical professional?
On what basis did the EIB network give the approval for her to air a show that offers medical information and advice to the public, potentially under the guidance of an unlicensed individual?
What steps is GHOne TV taking to address the potential misinformation or professional misconduct associated with this matter?
BAI/VPO
You can also catch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
Founder and Executive Director of EMY Africa, Kojo Soboh
EMY Africa, has officially announced its 10th-anniversary celebrations.
The event launch was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Thursday, May 29, 2025, under the theme “A Decade of Inspiring Greatness.”
During the event, Kojo Soboh, Founder and Executive Director of EMY Africa, shared the inspiration behind the rebranding of the award scheme from Exclusive Men of the Year to EMY Africa.
According to him, the rebranding reflects the growth and evolution of the brand, which has now expanded to include various initiatives and projects beyond the original awards show.
“This is our 10th-anniversary launch and, first of all, we have rebranded EMY Africa. EMY used to stand for Exclusive Men of the Year because it started with the awards. But over the years, we’ve expanded, evolved, created new products, and launched new projects.
“So we decided to create an umbrella organization and change the meaning to Evolve, Motivate, Yield Africa. EMY Africa now stands for that, and it represents all the events and initiatives we are undertaking,” he explained.
The launch brought together several notable personalities, including business mogul Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, KOD (Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs), actor James Gardiner, and others.
Since its inception in 2016, EMY Africa has grown from an award scheme into a continent-wide brand of influence and inspiration.
As part of the 10th-anniversary celebrations, EMY Africa unveiled a lineup of special events, including:
The Greatness Walk
EMY Africa Expo
The Accra Party
EMY Africa Soirées in Johannesburg and Lagos
10th EMY Africa Awards
Men of the Year Party
Africa Rising Symposiums in New York and London
The nomination process for the 2025 EMY Africa Awards has officially opened.
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
Also watch as EMY Africa unveils anniversary logo celebrating ten years of impact:
The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a kidnapping operation to rescue 25 individuals, including six females from an apartment at Effiakuma in the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality of the Western Region.
The raid was initiated after one of the victims reportedly escaped to report the suspected kidnapping syndicate to authorities.
According to 3news.com report on June 2,2025, the raid was conducted on June 1, 2025, after a male victim in his late twenties escaped to seek help from Effiakuma Zongo in Takoradi.
The victim believed to be a national of Côte d’Ivoire, appeared starved and traumatised.
The man, who reportedly spoke only French, struggled to communicate with locals until a young man named Abdul Ganiyu was called to translate his narration.
According to the narration, the escapee and his wife had been lured by what appeared to be a fraudulent recruitment scheme and were held against their will.
The translator, Ganiyu, contacted the Assembly Member of Effiakuma who with the support of local residents organised a rescue team.
Guided by the escapee, the team proceeded to an eight-bedroom apartment near the Takoradi Technical University main campus.
They forcefully broke into the firmly secured doors to find several individuals, numbering about twenty-five, locked inside the facility.
The unfurnished room had just a luggage, talisman, and other voodoo artifacts.
In a disturbing development, neighbours who rushed to the scene said that they had not seen any unusual activity in the apartment prior to the incident.
While the identities of the victims are still being verified, preliminary information suggests they are from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire.
Investigations by police led to the arrest of five suspects, (four men and one woman) who have since been detained for further questioning.
Assembly Member for Effiakuma Zongo, Hamza Mohammed Ameen Adam said that he personally arranged food and basic care for some of the victims due to their distraught condition.
“The situation was quite alarming. Many of them looked traumatised and hadn’t eaten properly in days,” Adam said.
Authorities are yet to identify the owner of the apartment where the victims were being held captives.
The police have however indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation and apprehend other accomplices linked to the kidnapping.
MRA/VPO
You can also catch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below:
As the first pricing window of June 2025 opens, motorists and private car owners can heave a sigh of relief as prices of petroleum products drop marginally at the pumps.
The drop follows the constant appreciation of the cedi against the dollar on the interbank and forex market.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business reveals that as at Monday, June 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM, Goil, the leading oil marketing company, has adjusted its price to reflect the gains of the cedi.
The new rates are as follows:
Super XP is selling at GH¢12.52
Diesel XP is selling at GH¢12.98
Super XP/RON 95 is selling at GH¢14.34
TotalEnergies has also adjusted its prices from its previous pricing window of May 2025.
Super XP is selling at GH¢13.30
Diesel XP is selling at GH¢13.99
Ron 95 is selling at GH¢16.10.
Also, some smaller OMCs have also adjusted their prices in accordance to that of Goil.
New prices at Star Oil stations are GH¢11.77 for petrol, down from GH₵12.57, and GH¢14.89 for its Ron 95.
Allied Oil, another smaller OMC, is also selling its Super XP for GH¢12.15, Diesel XP for GH¢13.35.
L-R: Mohammed Fuseini, Caleb Yirenkyi and Razak Simpson starred for the Black Stars in the Unity Cup
GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey
Some players who received a call-up to join the Black Stars distinguished themselves during Ghana’s participation in the 2025 Unity Cup, which took place at the GTech Community Stadium in England.
The Black Stars lost to Nigeria 2-1 in the semi-finals before hammering Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 to claim third place.
Some players who received their first call-up to join the national team, as well as those who had been left out for some time, showcased their potential, with some scoring and others making crucial contributions.
This GhanaWeb feature highlights six players who deserve to be given regular call-up to join the Black Stars squad.
Caleb Yirenkyi
The FC Nordsjaelland player was deployed at right-back in the second half and adapted seamlessly against Nigeria.
Composed and energetic, Yirenkyi demonstrated strong defensive awareness, making timely interceptions and tracking runs effectively.
His precise passing stood out, contributing to a smoother build-up from the back and helping Ghana dominate stretches of the second half.
His brilliance saw him play the full-time in Ghana’s massive win over Trinidad and Tobago, blocking penetrations and contributing to the attack.
Razak Simpson
Nations FC defender Razak Simpson was found wanting on several occasions, as he seemed nervous in the initial stages of the game against Nigeria.
The defender was unable to clear the ball in the box, giving Nigeria’s Cyriel Dessers the space to shoot the ball into the net for the opener.
Simpson, who seemed to have lost concentration, scored an own goal when a free-kick was delivered into the penalty box.
However, he turned things around in the second game when he scored a goal and tightened the defense during Ghana’s 5-0 triumph over Trinidad and Tobago.
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Coventry City striker Brandon Thomas-Asante resuscitated the Black Stars’ attack in the second half against Nigeria, constantly threatening the Super Eagles’ defense.
His continuous push paid off as he scored the consolation goal in the 70th minute after latching onto a cross.
Even though he couldn’t score against Trinidad and Tobago, his influence impacted the victory.
With Asante’s brilliant performance, he is expected to be part of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Mohammed Fuseini
Union Saint-Gilloise attacker Mohammed Fuseini was handed his first start against Trinidad and Tobago, having made a substitute appearance in the semi-finals clash against rivals Nigeria.
Putting on an impressive performance, the enterprising attacker registered his name on the scoresheet for the Black Stars.
His strike in the 42nd minute marked his first goal for the West African powerhouse.
Having scored his first goal for the four-time African Champions, Fuseini will be hoping to cement his place in the national team.
Ibrahim Sulemana
Atalanta midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana played a pivotal role during the Black Stars’ 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in the 2025 Unity Cup.
His composure, aggressiveness, and pass accuracy gave the team balance in terms of attacking and defending, which helped maintain control over their opponents.
Christopher Baah Bonsu
Youngster Christopher Bonsu Baah made his debut for the Black Stars in their 2025 Unity Cup game against Nigeria.
The Genk winger played 90 minutes of the game as Ghana missed out on a place in the final of the four-nation tournament.
Despite conceding two goals in the opening 24 minutes of the game, Bonsu Baah looked lively anytime he had the ball at his and never looked shy to have a go at his markers.
The left-footed attacker was also heavily involved in Ghana’s attacking moves in the second half, playing a role in the buildup to Brandon Thomas-Asante’s strike to pull one back for the Black Stars.
Bonsu Baah almost created the leveller but Jordan Ayew failed to connect well with his cross into the far post.
Watch as Techiman Eleven Wonders crowned 2025 Division One League Champions
Local people have told the BBC how the flood waters swept through their town
The official death toll after deadly floods hit the Nigerian town of Mokwa on Thursday has risen to more than 200, officials say.
Another 500 people are still missing in the town in the central Niger State however, local official Musa Kimboku told the BBC that rescue efforts had ceased because authorities no longer believe anyone could still be found alive.
The floods, said to be worst in the area for 60 years, swept through the Mokwa districts of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa after torrential rains.
In an effort to prevent disease in the area, authorities will soon start to dig out corpses buried underground, Mokwa’s district head Muhammadu Aliyu said.
Recounting scenes of catastrophe, local residents told the BBC that they saw their homes and family members get washed away.
One man, Adamu Yusuf, lost his wife and newborn baby.
“I watched helplessly as water washed away my family. I survived because I could swim,” he told the BBC.
Another resident, Saliu Sulaiman, said the floods had left him homeless and destroyed some of his cash business profits.
“I lost at least $1,500 to the floods. It was the proceeds from the sale of my farm produce the previous day. I contemplated going back into the room to get it, but the pressure of the water scared me.”
Some local residents have said that the flooding was so devastating because a nearby dam had burst, however the authorities have not confirmed this.
On Sunday, the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) announced it had started the process of providing relief packages to people affected.
The agency added in a Facebook post that roads and bridges were also affected by the flood, which has had a knock-on effect on the local economy and traffic.
The Nigerian Red Cross also released a statement on Friday saying the floods had caused “significant loss of life and widespread distress”.
Floods are not uncommon during the Nigerian rainy season, which lasts from April until October.
In 2024, Nigeria experienced flooding from heavy rain which caused deaths and drove people from their homes.
There was also severe flooding in 2022, when more than 600 people died and 1.3 million were displaced.
The Acting CEO of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Kwadwo Twum Boafo, has stated that the public outcry surrounding the invitation and subsequent detention of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is “exaggerated.”
Speaking on Pan African TV, Twum Boafo recounted his own experiences and those of fellow NDC appointees during the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration in 2017, drawing a stark contrast.
He pointed out that while NDC officials faced similar EOCO invitations and home ransacking, their cases proceeded silently and without media razzmatazz.
“My home was ransacked. My father’s home was ransacked, even my younger brothers’ homes were ransacked,” he said.
He specifically mentioned Kojo Bonsu, Governor Richardson, and Alex Mould, all of the NDC, as examples.
He attributed Wontumi’s continued detention to a specific legal maneuver, stating that “Wontumi would be walking about freely if not for Gary Nimako running to court for bail variation on the blind side of Wontumi’s lawyers.”
Twum Boafo also took the opportunity to condemn Wontumi’s “unguarded statements” against President Mahama.
He passionately argued for more civility in political discourse.
“People have blood running through their veins. They have emotions. So, you can’t speak such uncouth words about them and think that it’s okay,” he fumed.
Adding another layer to his critique, Twum Boafo alleged a deeper, more sinister motive behind some of the public support for Wontumi.
“Some NPP gurus want him locked up for a number of reasons,” he claimed.
He questioned the presence of high-profile lawyers sitting in protest outside EOCO, suggesting they could have pursued proper legal channels for bail variation.
“Most of them want him locked up first for political vendetta because he got huge contracts that they did not get and some of them do not want him to contest the Ashanti Regional chairmanship,” he asserted, painting a picture of internal party strife.
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit
Ankara Long Gown Styles: Graceful and Glamorous Fashion for Every Occasion
News Hub Creator49min
Ankara long gowns are a staple in African fashion, loved for their vibrant patterns, cultural richness, and elegant silhouettes. These styles offer versatility—perfect for weddings, church services, dinners, and formal events.
1. Flare Gowns: Flowing Ankara gowns with flared bottoms give off a regal and feminine vibe. They suit all body types and offer comfort with class.
2. Mermaid Styles: This fitted design hugs the body down to the knees and flares out, making it ideal for special occasions like weddings or engagement parties.
3. Layered or Ruffled Gowns: These add drama and movement to your outfit. They are great for making bold fashion statements.
4. High-Low Gowns: Perfect for modern fashionistas, high-low Ankara gowns offer a mix of traditional and contemporary flair.
5. Off-Shoulder and One-Shoulder Styles: These show a bit of skin while keeping things elegant. Pair with bold accessories for a standout look.
6. Long Sleeves with Slits: For a blend of modesty and allure, a thigh-high slit on a long-sleeved gown is the perfect balance.
Ankara long gowns continue to evolve with trendy cuts and creative designs. Whether you’re going for a classy, chic, or traditional look, there’s a style that fits every personality and occasion.
RENOWNED RADIO and television personality, Isaac Owusu Ansah (OPD) of Adom FM, has raised a growing concern in Ghana’s entertainment sector, which pertains to the denial of international visas by some embassies in Ghana.
Speaking to BEATWAVES, OPD stated that several hardworking acts in the country, who have been invited to perform in European countries, have been denied visas by some embassies for reasons known to them.
OPD mentioned that he had engaged some embassies and High Commissions on the numerous complaints by music stakeholders about how Ghanaian citizens are treated when they visit Foreign Missions in Accra for visa applications.
“The complaints cover issues such as not providing conducive waiting areas, non-availability of emergency services, long waiting times for appointment dates, as well as challenges using visa application websites,” he stated.
He argued that most Ghanaian musicians and event organisers have been blacklisted by the embassies and High Commissions, and cannot travel to Europe and USA for a period of ten years.
He further revealed that only a handful of music industry stakeholders have access to travel to Europe and the USA for a performance.
While the embassies are yet to respond to some of these assertions, OPD has appealed to embassies and High Commissions in the country to consider granting Ghanaian musicians a visa for performances in Europe and America.
Accra, June 02, GNA – The African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) State Party Review team on Sunday, June 1, arrived in Accra for a Review Mission.
The Review Mission is meant to assess the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) by Ghana as a State Party to the Convention.
A statement issued by the Presidency said the AUSBC Team, which is being led by Madam Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, said the Team was in Accra upon the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama to submit Ghana to a peer review of Ghana’s Anti-corruption regime and performance.
It said the Team had already paid a courtesy call to Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
It said during the weeklong visit the Team would engage various anti-corruption institutions and agencies.
The statement said the Mission would conclude with a National Anti-Corruption Conference on Friday, 6th June 2025 on the theme: “Revitalizing the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa: Ghana’s Accountability Journey.”
“Let’s engage and prepare for this important conference on integrity and accountability,” the statement said.
Prices of cement continue to rise in the oil city of Takoradi in the Western Region, despite claims by some government officials that recent economic stability has led to a reduction in cement prices.
A visit to several cement dealers and hardware stores revealed a sharp contrast between those claims and the reality on the ground.
A recent market survey by DAILY GUIDE indicated that within a span of about five months, the price of a bag of cement has increased by an average of 40 percent.
In January this year, a bag of cement was selling between GH¢80.00 and GH¢90.00 in Takoradi. It now sells for GH¢123.00.
It was revealed that the factory price of a bag of “42.5R” GHACEM cement, the preferred choice of many construction workers and private developers, is about GH¢116.00.
However, retailers sell it at GH¢123.00 due to transportation costs.
Similarly, the factory price of a bag of “32.5R” cement is around GH¢95.00, while the retail price stands at approximately GH¢112.00.
The survey also showed that outside Takoradi, in towns like Agona Nkwanta, Asankragwa, and Tarkwa, a bag of 42.5R cement now sells for between GH¢123.00 and GH¢125.00.
Some dealers made it clear that this is the current reality – even as the government insists that inflation, the rate at which prices of goods and services rise, has been brought under control.
Many residents of the area are finding it difficult to reconcile the appreciation of the Ghana cedi with the continued steep increases in the prices of goods and services.
Some real estate companies in Takoradi expressed concern about the rising cement prices, despite claims that the cedi is performing better against the dollar.
“We haven’t seen any change. Cement prices have kept going up, even after it was announced that the cedi was appreciating against the dollar,” one developer, who pleaded anonymity, noted.
“Ideally, the appreciation of the cedi should have brought down the prices of building materials – especially cement,” another industry player added.
“But what we are seeing now suggests that the stronger cedi hasn’t translated into any real benefit for those of us in the construction sector,” he said.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—widely known as Chairman Wontumi—has quietly pulled back his legal challenge over the stringent bail conditions set against him.
The motion, which sought to review what his lawyers described as an “excessive” GH¢50 million bail, was filed at the Accra High Court on May 30, 2025.
Accra, June 2, GNA-The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, on Monday emphasised the critical need for transparent financial management and strategic institutional reform as the Court navigates a defining moment in its administrative evolution.
Speaking at the 17th Administration and Budget Retreat of the Court, the President said the retreat was not merely a routine institutional exercise, but one that required renewed commitment, clear vision, and adaptive leadership.
“This is not just another meeting,” he said. “It is a decisive moment that will shape the future of the Court. The complex administrative and financial environment we are operating in, demands not only compliance but also innovation, resilience, and courage.”
Justice Gonçalves stressed the importance of building a more efficient and accountable institutional framework.
He called for a renewed sense of purpose among departments, urging managers and staff to embrace transparency and creativity in tackling challenges.
“The Court must reflect a strong strategic direction and realign its priorities to match regional realities. We cannot afford to be passive. We must act decisively to redefine our priorities, streamline our procedures, and reinforce our core mission.”
Highlighting the economic challenges facing the West African region, the President underscored the need for efficient use of financial resources and ensure that all initiatives, are results-oriented, impactful, and aligned with the Court’s long-term vision.
He emphasised that the Court must serve as a model of integrity, foresight, and adaptability.
“We are not only managing numbers; we are shaping the future of regional justice. Our financial and administrative actions must match the responsibility we carry as custodian of community law.”
The President called for the consolidation of strategic plans into concrete, measurable reforms and encouraged collaboration across departments to foster a professional and inclusive working environment, one that motivates, empowers, and attracts talent.
The Director of Administration and Finance of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Chief Dr. William Deiyan Towah, who made a presentation on the «Objectives and Expectations of the Retreat,”emphasised the importance of strategic reflection, data-driven planning, and institutional renewal.
He urged participants to go beyond routine planning and embrace a future-ready approach that prioritised impact, sustainability, and risk management.
“This is not just about doing our best,” he stated. “It is about ensuring our efforts are effective, sustainable, and align with the Court’s evolving realities.”
Participants at the retreat include directors, heads of divisions and units, administrative and finance staff and other key staff of the Court.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of NPP, Benard Antwi Bosiako
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn a motion seeking to challenge the conditions of his bail, on Monday June 2, 2025.
The motion, filed at the High Court in Accra on May 30, 2025, was expected to be heard on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, however, his legal team formally withdrew the application on Monday, June 2, a day before the scheduled hearing.
Through his legal representatives, Chairman Wontumi had requested a review of the GH¢50 million bail granted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), describing the sum as excessive and arguing that it posed a risk to his ability to secure release.
Wontumi has been in EOCO custody since May 28, 2025, in connection with several criminal allegations, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had, on Tuesday May 24, 2025, invited him to assist with ongoing investigations linked to alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
He had previously been cautioned over accusations of mining without a licence, activities that are polluting water bodies and encroachment of forest reserves.
However, after honouring the CID’s invitation, he was subsequently picked up by EOCO officials and transported to their head office for further interrogation.
JKB/AE
Wontumi’s Arrest: Afenyo-Markin raises concerns over human rights abuses
The Overlord of the Ga State, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has publicly lauded the exceptional resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Ghanaian business mogul Dr. Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of the McDan Group.
The King delivered this powerful endorsement during his keynote address at the grand 20th Anniversary celebrations of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Business in Kumasi on Monday (June 62, 2025).
Speaking to a distinguished audience comprising academia, industry leaders, traditional rulers, and students, the Ga Mantse highlighted Dr. McKorley’s journey as a quintessential example of the tenacity required to thrive in Ghana’s dynamic, and often challenging, business landscape.
“Today, as we celebrate two decades of excellence in business education here at KNUST, we must look to the living examples that embody the very principles we teach,” stated the Ga Mantse.
“In the story of McDan, we see the spirit of unwavering resilience. We see a Ghanaian who has faced storms, navigated complexities, and emerged stronger, building an empire that spans continents and industries.”
The Ga Mantse emphasized that McDan’s success – from its roots in logistics and shipping to its significant expansions into aviation (McDan Aviation), ports operations (McDan Ports), salt mining, and agro-processing – was not merely a result of opportunity, but of relentless perseverance and strategic adaptation.
“Resilience is not just about surviving hardship; it is about learning, innovating, and finding opportunity where others see obstacles. Dr. McKorley and the McDan Group exemplify this,” the Ga Mantse continued. “His ability to pivot, to invest boldly in Ghana even during uncertain times, and to create thousands of jobs for our youth, is a testament to a deeply rooted Ghanaian entrepreneurial spirit that we must all celebrate and emulate.”
The Ga Mantse connected McDan’s achievements directly to the mission of institutions like the KNUST School of Business.
He urged the graduating students and future business leaders present to draw inspiration from such homegrown success stories, emphasizing the importance of integrity, local knowledge, and an unyielding commitment to national development alongside profit.
The recognition from one of Ghana’s most revered traditional leaders underscores McDan’s significant contribution to the nation’s economy and its status as a flagship Ghanaian multinational. Dr. McKorley, who was present at the event, received a standing ovation following the Ga Mantse’s remarks.
The KNUST School of Business 20th Anniversary celebrations focused on Building Capability and Resilience for sustainable Development.
Ghanaian songwriter and musician, Sherif Abdul Majeed, popularly known as Maccasio, has announced plans of hosting a musical concert at the Bukom Boxing Arena to entertain his fans very soon.
Maccasio, who is one of the most sought-after performers in the Northern part of the country, will be performing alongside some selected Northern Region artistes on July 12.
Maccasio, who hails from Dagbon in the Northern Region, raps and sings in his native language Dagbani, with the ability to mix it with terms in English and Twi.
Maccasio hosted Shatta Wale at the Tamale Stadium during his ‘Too Big Concert’ in 2016, an event that saw the stadium filled to capacity.
He joined the music industry over a decade ago, and has performed on a number of platforms across the country.
He has shared stages with a number of popular artistes which include Davido, Shatta Wale, Samini, Medikal, Stonebwoy, and VVIP among others.
Nana B presenting the petition on behalf of the parties to the Dean
A coalition of Ghanaian political parties has petitioned the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana, Maher Kheir, seeking urgent diplomatic intervention in what they describe as a grave assault on the independence of the judiciary following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, and also the recent trend of political harassment of members of opposition parties.
In a petition addressed to the ambassador and copied to members of the diplomatic corps, the coalition expressed deep concern over what they believe to be a calculated attempt by the Mahama-led administration to politically capture the judiciary, a cornerstone institution in Ghana’s democratic architecture.
The petition, signed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and the People’s National Party (PNP), described the move by President John Dramani Mahama as constitutionally veiled but dangerously partisan in intent.
The coalition recalled that on April 22, 2025, the President announced the suspension of the Chief Justice following the submission of three petitions, and subsequently established a five-member committee to begin an inquiry. While acknowledging that this action may be seen as constitutionally permissible, the petitioners argued that the broader context and timing of the decision raise serious suspicions of political manipulation, especially given the swift nomination of seven new justices to the Supreme Court in the aftermath.
They warned that this development, if not checked, could erode the public’s trust in the judiciary and pose a significant threat to the balance of power within Ghana’s constitutional democracy. The coalition further noted that Ghana’s track record of peace, constitutional governance, and democratic resilience in a region plagued by coups and political instability is now under severe strain. They referenced the troubling wave of successful military takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger in recent years, cautioning that Ghana’s deviation from democratic norms could invite similar instability.
The petition also highlighted past comments made by President Mahama, particularly during his time as flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2023, where he accused the previous government of appointing partisan judges and openly encouraged party-aligned lawyers to prepare for judicial appointments. According to the coalition, these statements were not only dismissive of the competence and impartiality of the judiciary, but also signaled a long-standing ambition to politicise the bench and reorient the judiciary to serve the interest of the ruling party.
Beyond the suspension of the Chief Justice, the coalition expressed alarm over what they believe is a broader strategy of political persecution. They alleged that the current government is increasingly relying on the coercive power of the state to intimidate political opponents through arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions disguised as investigations. Such actions, they claimed, amount to political witch-hunting and represent a clear affront to due process, the rule of law, and the fundamental human rights enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution.
Appeal
The coalition appealed to the Ambassador to leverage his role as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to rally the international community’s support in urging the government to restore the Chief Justice to her position, uphold judicial independence, and refrain from interfering in the work of the courts. They also called for increased diplomatic engagement with civil society, political stakeholders, and government officials to ensure that Ghana’s democratic institutions remain robust, fair, and free from political manipulation.
The coalition added that they had confidence in the Ambassador’s commitment to democratic values and international norms. They expressed the hope that the diplomatic community would respond swiftly and decisively to their call for action, to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s judiciary and safeguard the nation’s democratic gains.
Action
The Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Maher Kheir, has acknowledged receipt of a petition from a coalition of political parties in Ghana.
Ambassador Kheir assured the delegation that he will take appropriate steps to ensure the concerns raised are transmitted to the broader diplomatic community in Ghana. He affirmed his commitment to ensuring the matter receives the urgent attention it deserves from relevant diplomatic missions.
The Executive Director of Green Tax Youth Africa, Benaiah Nii Addo, has called on the government to close tax loopholes, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and prioritize equity in the national tax system.
During a two-day training for journalists on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and fair taxes, Mr. Addo highlighted serious problems in the country’s tax system, especially in areas like real estate, big retail companies, and the informal economy.
“We are simply not enforcing the policies we already have,” he said, adding, “Take real estate, for example – people can walk in with cash and purchase properties without any paper trail. These transactions bypass the banking system entirely, creating a haven for illicit financial flows.”
Mr. Addo emphasised the need for urgent government intervention in this area, urging policymakers to take a “keen interest” in regulating real estate transactions to improve transparency and accountability.
Beyond real estate, he highlighted tax evasion by some multinational companies operating in Ghana.
“These companies often repatriate all their profits without reinvesting in the country. Their only interest is making money,” he noted.
“This must change. The government must ensure that such businesses are contributing their fair share,” he said,
He also raised concerns about tax avoidance, especially among companies that benefit from tax incentives under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “CSR is voluntary and largely unregulated in Ghana.
“While companies claim to support local communities, there is no policy to monitor or evaluate these projects,” he said.
“We must ensure that these CSR projects align with the tax exemptions they enjoy,” he added.
Mr. Addo called for a more robust paperless financial system, praising the current interoperability of digital platforms, especially in the public sector, where electronic salary payments have become the norm.
Tanzanian superstar, Diamond Platnumz has married his record label singer and long-time lover, Zuchu in a private traditional Islamic ceremony.
The couple were dressed in white Muslim attire for the low-key ceremony that took place on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The Komasava hitmaker took to social media to share a series of photos from the ceremony.
The wedding comes after months of speculation and a previously postponed plan to wed before Ramadan.
In January 2025, Diamond Platnumz publicly stated his intention to marry Zuchu before the onset of Ramadan, but the wedding never took place at the time.
Later, during the wedding of fellow Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, Diamond reiterated his intentions, sparking fresh excitement among his fans.
The Chairman of the Ahafo Regional Peace Council, Most Reverend Peter Kwaku Atuahene, has called on the government to provide adequate resources to enable the council to effectively carry out its mandate.
Speaking to Adom News in Goaso during the inauguration of the 13-member Ahafo Regional Peace Council, Most Rev. Atuahene revealed that the council has been operating under difficult conditions due to a lack of office space and financial support.
“For the past five years, we have been using a residential facility owned by the Church of Pentecost in Goaso as our office,” he said, stressing that this situation hampers the council’s work.
He also noted that financial constraints make it difficult to provide basic refreshments and allowances for council members during meetings.
He appealed directly to the government, particularly the Ahafo Regional Minister present at the event, to provide the necessary resources and logistical support to strengthen the council’s operations.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a member of the National Peace Council who officiated at the inauguration, urged the newly sworn-in members to uphold integrity and serve as role models in their communities.
He emphasised that the council’s credibility and effectiveness depend largely on the personal conduct of its members.
“If you carry yourselves well and demonstrate good character, your work in promoting peace will be easier and more impactful,” he advised.
Kwabena Boateng handing over the desks to Monica Addai Appiah
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, Lawyer Kwabena Boateng, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving educational infrastructure in the constituency, beginning with the donation of 200 classroom desks to Onwe Senior High School.
Presenting the desks during a visit to the school, the MP noted that the gesture was part of a broader effort to create better learning environments across Ejisu.
He assured school authorities of continued support, pledging to use his influence and lobbying skills to attract more resources for schools in the constituency.
“Ejisu is one of the biggest constituencies in Ghana, and it’s not surprising that we face some challenges with educational logistics. But I’m committed to working with our chiefs and the people to seek support and improve teaching and learning in all schools within the constituency,” he said.
The MP also promised to help refurbish the school’s libraries and classrooms and to support the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects, emphasising that students and teachers deserve a conducive environment in which to thrive.
The Assistant Headmistress of Onwe SHS, Madam Monica Addai Appiah, received the desks on behalf of the school and lauded the MP’s swift intervention.
“It was disheartening to see Form 3 students struggling daily with Form 1 students over desks. This donation is not only timely but significant,” she said.
She expressed hope that the MP would also assist in completing stalled projects and renovating key administrative offices at the school.
“Having visited and taken note of our challenges, we believe our MP will help us – just as he graciously donated these desks,” she added.
As part of his inspection tour, MP Boateng also visited Edwenease M/A Basic School, where he inspected a six-unit classroom block initially started by his late predecessor and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah.
The MP revealed that the project, which was at the lintel stage when he assumed office, is now being roofed. He pledged to ensure its timely completion to accommodate more pupils in a safe and comfortable environment.
In a historic moment for Thailand, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, was crowned Miss World 2025 at the 72nd edition of the pageant, which was held on May 31,2025 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
This marks the first time a Thai contestant has won the prestigious title.
Opal, a 22-year-old political science major at Thammasat University, stood out among 108 contestants from around the globe. She was crowned by the outgoing Miss World, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic.
The first runner-up was Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia, followed by Maja Klajda of Poland in third place and Aurélie Joachim of Martinique in fourth.
The event was co-hosted by former Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar. India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, reached the final 20 before being eliminated.
Opal’s victory is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for Thailand in the international pageantry scene.
Member of the NDC’s Legal and Communications Team, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of breaching an arrangement with the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO), which was intended to grant a quiet, dignified visit to detained Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Adawudu’s remarks follow a failed attempt by NPP flagbearer and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin to meet Wontumi at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters, where he was allegedly transferred for security reasons.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 2, Adawudu said the unsuccessful visit by the party’s leadership was a direct result of the NPP’s violation of the agreed terms with EOCO.
“The arrangement and the conditions that they agreed to, they breached. It was agreed to give him the honour that he has served as a former Vice President, so come with your entourage, quietly, and we will allow you to see him. That was why Wontumi was moved from EOCO to NIB, a bigger space”.
“But they breached it and bussed their people to the place. So all these… Wontumi is still languishing there because they have not been strategic in their approach,” he explained.
Chairman Wontumi has been in EOCO’s custody for the past six days over allegations of financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. He was initially arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27 and later picked up by EOCO.
He was granted bail on May 28, set at GHC50 million with two justified sureties, but his release was stalled due to technical and legal complications. Though his legal team insists that bail conditions were met by May 30, Wontumi remained in custody and was subsequently moved to the NIB for logistical and security reasons.
On Friday, May 30, Dr. Bawumia and Afenyo-Markin visited the NIB headquarters in a bid to see him, but were unsuccessful, prompting Bawumia’s public confirmation of the failed meeting.
However, Andy Appiah-Kubi has disclosed that all legal and administrative obstacles are expected to be cleared by Monday, June 2, to allow for Wontumi’s release.
Read also…..
Wontumi withdraws motion to review GH¢50m bail conditions
Government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has explained why former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was not allowed to see Chairman Wontumi when he visited the premises of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
According to him, there was a laid down procedure agreed with the office of the former Vice President, however, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia breached the process, reasons why he could not access Wontumi.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is at the centre of a political firestorm after he approved a law that gives the state the power to expropriate some privately owned land without compensation for owners.
The law, which is yet to be implemented, has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump, who sees it as discriminating against white farmers.
Centre-right political parties and lobby groups in South Africa have also opposed it, saying they will challenge the Expropriation Act – as the law is named – in court on the grounds that it threatens property rights.
Ramaphosa’s government says the law provides for compensation to be paid in the vast majority of cases – and the changes are needed to increase black ownership of land.
Most private farmland is still owned by white people.
When Nelson Mandela came to power more than 30 years ago, ending the racist system of apartheid, it was promised that this would be rectified through a willing-buyer, willing-seller land reform programme – but critics say this has proved too slow and too costly.
So what exactly can be expropriated without compensation? In rare circumstances it would be land that was needed for the “public interest”, legal experts told the BBC.
According to South African law firm Werksmans Attorneys, this suggested it would mainly, or perhaps only, happen in relation to the land reform programme.
Although it could also be used to access natural resources such as minerals and water, the firm added, in an opinion written by its experts in the field, Bulelwa Mabasa and Thomas Karberg.
Mabasa and Karberg told the BBC that in their view, productive agricultural land could not be expropriated without compensation.
They said any expropriation without compensation – known as EWC – could take place only in a few circumstances:
For example, when an owner was not using the land and was holding it for “speculative purposes”
Or when an owner “abandoned the land by failing to exercise control over it despite being reasonably capable of doing so”.
Owners would probably still get compensation for the buildings on the land and for the natural resources, the lawyers said.
Mabasa and Karberg added that EWC was “not aimed at rural land or farmland specifically, and could include land in urban areas”.
However, in cases where compensation is paid, the rules are set to change, with owners likely to get less money.
Why will less money be paid in compensation?
The plan is for owners to receive “just-and-equitable” compensation – a departure from the higher “market value” they have been getting up to now, Mabasa and Karberg said.
The government had been paying market-value compensation despite the fact that this was “at odds” with the constitution, adopted after white-minority rule ended in 1994, they added.
The lawyers said that all expropriations had “extensive procedural fairness requirements”, including the owner’s right to go to court if they were not happy.
The move away from market-value compensation will also apply to land expropriated for a “public purpose” – like building state schools or railways.
This has not been a major point of controversy, possibly because it is “hardly a novel concept” – a point made by JURISTnews, a legal website run by law students from around the world.
“The US Constitution, for instance, provides that the government can seize private property for public use so long as ‘just compensation’ is provided,” it added.
Will it make it easier for the government to acquire land?
The government hopes so.
University of Western Cape land expert Prof Ruth Hall told the BBC that more than 80,000 land claims remain unsettled.
In the eastern regions of South Africa, many black people work on farms for free – in exchange they are allowed to live there and keep their livestock on a portion of the owners’ land, she said.
The government wants to transfer ownership of this land to the workers, and it was “unfair” to expect it to pay the market value, Prof Hall added.
Over the last three decades, the government has used existing powers to expropriate property–- with less than market-value compensation – in fewer than 20 cases, she said.
The new law was aimed at making it easier and cheaper to restore land to black people who were “dispossessed” of it during white-minority rule or were forced to be “long-term tenants” as they could not own land, Prof Hall added.
“It’s a bargaining chip,” she said.
But she doubts that the government will press ahead with implementing the law in the foreseeable future as the “political cost” has become too high.
The government denies that it has discriminated against white farmers
The academic was referring to the fact that Trump has opposed the law, saying it discriminates against white farmers and their land was being “seized” – a charge the government denies.
In February, Trump cut aid to South Africa, and in April he announced a 30% tariff on South African goods and agricultural products, although this was later paused for 90 days.
This was followed by last month’s infamous Oval Office showdown when Trump ambushed Ramaphosa with a video and printouts of stories alleging white people were being persecuted – much of his dossier has been discredited.
What has been the reaction in South Africa?
Like Trump, the second-biggest party in Ramaphosa’s coalition government, the Democratic Alliance (DA), is opposed to the legislation.
In a statement on 26 May, the party said that its top leadership body had rejected the notion of “nil compensation”.
However, it has agreed with the concept of just-and-equitable compensation rather than market-value compensation, adding it should be “adjudicated by a court of law”.
Surprisingly, Jaco Kleynhans of the Solidarity Movement, an influential Afrikaner lobby group, said that while the new law could “destroy” some businesses and he was opposed to it, he did not believe it would lead to the “large-scale expropriation of farmland”.
“I don’t see within the wording of this text that that will happen,” he said in a recent panel discussion at an agricultural exhibition held in South Africa’s Free State province – where a large number of conservative Afrikaner farmers live.
The South African Property Owners Association said it was “irrational” to give “nil compensation” to an owner who held land for speculative purposes.
“There are many landowners whose sole purpose of business is to speculate in land. They do not get the land for free and they have significant holding costs,” the association said, adding it had no doubt the law would be “abundantly tested” in the courts.
Mabasa and Karberg said one view was that the concept of EWC was a “legal absurdity” because “intrinsic in the legal definition of expropriation, is a requirement for compensation to be paid”.
However, the lawyers pointed out the alternative view was that South Africa’s constitution “implicitly recognises that it would in some circumstances be just and equitable for compensation to be nil”.
What does the government say?
South Africa’s Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has defended the legislation, breaking ranks with his party, the DA.
In fact he is in charge of the new legalisation and, on a discussion panel, he explained that while he had some concerns about the law, it was a “dramatic improvement” on the previous Expropriation Act, with greater safeguards for owners.
He said the law could also help end extortionist demands on the state, and in some cases “nil compensation” could be justified.
He gave as an example the problems being faced by the state-owned power utility Eskom.
It plans to roll out a transmission network over about 4,500km (28,000 miles) of land to boost electricity supplies to end the power crisis in the country.
Ahead of the roll-out, some individuals colluded with Eskom officials to buy land for 1m rand ($56,000; £41,000), and then demanded R20m for it, he said.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson says plans to expand Eskom’s transmission network are being held to ransom
“Is it just and equitable to give them what they want? I don’t think that’s in the interest of the broader community or the state,” Macpherson said.
Giving another example, Macpherson said that some of South Africa’s inner cities were in a “disastrous” condition. After owners left, buildings were “over-run” and “hijacked” for illegal occupation. The cost to the state to rebuild them could exceed their value, and in such cases the courts could rule that an owner qualified for “nil compensation”, he said.
“Nil is a form of compensation,” Macpherson added, while ruling it out for farms.
Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero told South Africa’s Mail & Guardian newspaper that he wanted to use the buildings for the “public good”, like accommodating around 300,000 people on the housing waiting list.
He added the owners of nearly 100 buildings could not be located.
“They have abandoned the buildings,” he said, adding some of the owners were from the UK and Germany.
But Mabasa and Karberg told the BBC that in such cases compensation would probably still have to be paid for the buildings, though not the land.
If the state could not locate the owners, it “must deposit the compensation with the Master of the High Court” in case they returned or could be traced later, they said.
What next?
The law is in limbo, as Ramaphosa – about four months after giving his assent to it – has still not set a date for its implementation.
Nor is he likely to do so anytime soon, as he would not want to further antagonise Trump while South Africa was trying to negotiate a trade deal with the US.
And on the domestic front, the DA is spearheading opposition to the legislation. It said it wanted a “judicial review” of it, while at the same time it was pressing ahead with court action to challenge the law’s constitutionality.
The DA’s tough line is in contrast with that of Macpherson, who, a few weeks ago, warned that if the law was struck down in its entirety: “I don’t know what’s going to come after that.
“In politics, sometimes you must be careful what you wish for because often you can get it,” he said.
His comments highlight the deep fissures in South African politics, with some parties, such as Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), believing that the legislation did not go far enough to tackle racial inequality in land ownership.
With land such an emotive issue, there is no easy solution to the dispute – and it is likely to continue to cause tensions within South Africa, as well as with the US president.
The UAE’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Ghana’s government signed a landmark agreement to establish the first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra.
The initiative aims to accelerate the country’s transformation into a “regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa.”
The deal was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.
Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometer area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone’s operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. It also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone.
H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s global outreach and sharing Dubai’s pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. “This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC’s role as a key contributor to Dubai’s knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation”.
He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana’s trust in PCFC’s expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. “This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana’s industrial and technological infrastructure”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana’s economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. “This initiative aligns with Ghana’s vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.”
PCFC will implement and manage the advanced digital infrastructure in the zone to support the growth of local and regional businesses across Africa. The project will provide a robust platform for innovation, investment opportunities that empower global and local expansion.
Dedicated teams from both countries specializing in AI and investment will manage the zone, fostering innovation, business growth and regional connectivity. The collaboration aims to empower local communities, traders, and investors, driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress across the continent.
The partnership marks a major milestone in fostering international partnerships that advance technology and economic development, positioning Ghana at the forefront of Africa’s digital future.
Ghanaian rapper Kojo Cue has revealed that during his battle with depression, he gave away all his studio equipment and stepped away from making music.
Speaking during the Joy Showbiz Roundtable discussion, the Never Mind rapper shared that at the peak of his depression, he lost all desire to be around people or do anything at all.
“When I talk about depression, I’m talking about not wanting to see anybody, not wanting to do anything, not wanting to talk to anybody at any point in time. I gave away all my studio equipment, stopped recording music, didn’t want to engage with anything, didn’t want to be a part of the day-to-day of life and living,” Kojo Cue revealed.
He explained that the situation affected his creativity and his ability to live a normal life. According to the rapper, his decision to give away his studio equipment was a reflection of how detached he had become from everything he loved.
The rapper shared that during this time, he turned to therapy for help. He shared that his therapy sessions were about digging deep to understand the root causes of his emotional struggles.
“Our sessions were mainly talking about my feelings, why I feel like that, going back in time to also explore certain things that led me to that particular place, but then also teaching me mindfulness, meditation practices, teaching me how to separate things that were happening to me from things that I was imagining, and how to be rooted in the now and in reality, and just how to notice when I’m having an episode so that I’ll direct myself towards things that calm me down, things that bring me back to reality,” he explained.
He also clarified that it wasn’t his therapist who advised him to pause his music career, it was a personal decision.
“No, I did that by myself. I just was not in a space where I could create anymore at all,” he said.
Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:
Kwesi Pratt Jr, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper
The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has called on former President John Dramani Mahama to dismantle the US military base in Ghana, arguing that without such action, Mahama’s strong condemnation of Donald Trump’s alleged racist remarks against South Africa will be rendered meaningless.
Speaking on Pan African TV on May 31, 2025, Pratt commended Mahama for his decisive response to the American president.
However, he emphasised that Mahama’s Pan-African stance would be undermined if the US military base, established in Ghana during his previous presidential term, remains operational.
“I fully back President Mahama’s response to Donald Trump on his racism claim against South Africa. I feel proud that an African leader would make such a bold declaration.
“However, I maintain that he must shut the US military base in the country, otherwise, his stance for Africa’s liberation means nothing to us,” he added.
Kwesi Pratt’s remarks follow President John Dramani Mahama’s critique of US President Donald Trump for his unfounded accusations against South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, describing them as deeply offensive to the people of Africa and a distortion of historical truth.
In an opinion piece, President Mahama criticised Trump’s assertion of “White genocide” in South Africa, which was made during a meeting between the two leaders at the White House.
Mahama argued that the claims disregard the legacy of colonisation and apartheid, under which millions of Black South Africans suffered systemic oppression, displacement, and deaths.
VPO/AE
Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit
BoG’s quarter-ounce gold coin selling at GH¢9,316.01 on June 1
The Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) gold coins continue to see a drop in investment prices, following the appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.
The Central Bank introduced the gold coins as a strategic measure to discourage the hoarding of US dollars.
As of Monday, June 2, 2025, the bank reported the following updated prices:
• The 0.25 oz coin is now selling at GH¢9,316.01, down from GH¢9,386.52 on May 29, 2025.
• The 0.50 oz coin is priced at GH¢17,920.38, down from GH¢18,060.97.
• The 1.00 oz coin is selling for GH¢35,171.08, down from GH¢35,451.88.
According to the Central Bank, the initiative is designed to absorb excess liquidity in the market and help strengthen the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies.
The Ghana gold coin is available in three denominations: one ounce, half-ounce, and quarter-ounce, and is being sold through commercial banks.
L-R: Dembele, Yamal and Mbappe have been tipped as favourites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
The conversation about the 2025 Ballon d’Or became a dominant topic on social media trends after Ousmane Dembele helped Paris Saint-Germain clinch the 2025 UEFA Champions League.
Achraf Hakimi scored first then Desire Doue scored twice, Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu were also on the scoresheet as PSG won their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy against Inter Milan 5-0 on May 31, 2025.
After the game, some football fans began to project French attacker Dembele as the deserved winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, having played 38 matches this season, scoring 32 goals with 12 assists.
Others offered a different opinion, arguing that Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal deserves it more, considering his statistics this season: playing 50 matches, scoring 16 goals with 16 assists.
Meanwhile, some supporters took a dig at Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe, who left the club last season in search of a UCL trophy but ended up getting eliminated in the quarter-finals stage with his former team.
They ridiculed the French captain for his former club winning the trophy when he thought they would not be able to do so.
Meanwhile, there has not been a clear favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, as the race remains open ahead of the ceremony, which will be held in September 2025.
Read the comments below:
everybody mentioning mbappe and yamal for ballondor
Imagínate ser culé, apoyar al PSG ( xq Luis Enrique bla bla bla) y que ahora Dembele le gane el Balón de Oro a Yamal, le gane El MVP de UCL a Raphina, y Doué le gane el Golden Boy a Pau Cubarsi 😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8Kva7HjTho
last tweet isn’t a dig at Yamal btw. personally think it should go to Dembele, depending on the result of the UCL final, but Yamal admittedly has been performing at a level above everyone else.
Raph has the better output ofc but without Yamal, Barca don’t win three trophies.
As a football fan, you can’t vote Dembele over Yamal, with his performance at the #UCLFinal2025 & his overall stats in the #UCL campaign as a whole. Yamal is CLEAR !!!
Children float on rafts made from plastic bottles on a flooded street in the Kinyinya III
Asha, a mother-of-four, found herself once again donning rubber boots inside her living room – the recurring cost of residing near Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, where climate change and relentless flooding have become a part of daily life.
The graceful architecture of Gatumba – a town bordering the capital, Bujumbura – serves as a testament to its past prosperity. Yet for many, that memory feels remote.
Increasingly, residents resort to pitching tents atop their roofs, as children drift between homes on makeshift rafts fashioned from plastic bottles.
“We’ve been underwater for years,” said Asha, aged 32.
Lake Tanganyika is known for its cyclical fluctuations in water level, but these have been worsened by global warming, according to Bernard Sindayihebura, an urban planning and environment specialist at the University of Burundi.
He explained that surface temperatures on Africa’s second-largest lake have climbed steadily, leading to heavier rainfall and pushing the lake above its historical average since 2018.
With the lake swollen, the Ruzizi River is unable to drain into it, resulting in persistent floods that inundate surrounding areas like Gatumba on the northern shore.
The situation escalated in 2023, when Asha and her family were forced to flee a particularly severe flood. With water rising as high as her waist, she had to seek shelter in temporary accommodation nearby.
The following year, and again this year, they were displaced repeatedly, as floodwaters engulfed entire neighbourhoods.
Burundi ranks among the world’s poorest nations, standing 187th out of 193 on the United Nations Human Development Index. The UN also lists it as one of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change.
In 2024, pounding rains, magnified by the El Nino phenomenon, displaced nearly 100,000 people and claimed numerous lives, although no official figures have been released.
Ariella, a mother of seven now residing in the Gateri camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in northern Burundi, spoke of losing everything in the 2020 Gatumba floods.
Her house collapsed, and one of her babies was almost swept away by the floodwaters. The family moved between two different camps, only to be hit by floods again.
“We often wonder what our future will look like,” said Ariella.
In Gatumba, community leader Jean-Marie Niyonkuru, 42, said residents are doing their best to cope, but conditions remain dire.
“Children suffer from diarrhoea because the water has mixed with toilet water, flooding the streets,” he said. “There is a lot of cholera.”
Save the Children is now appealing for assistance, but critical funding has dried up. Under President Donald Trump, 83 percent of United States humanitarian projects have been suspended, with climate-related programmes among those most at risk.
The US previously provided 40 percent of global aid, and no other country has bridged the gap.
A house submerged in floodwater Kinyinya III neighborhood
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has officially inaugurated the Despite Automobile Museum, a lavish multi-million dollar facility in East Legon, Accra, dedicated to showcasing some of the most iconic and luxurious vehicles ever manufactured.
Commissioned by Ghanaian businessman and media magnate Osei Kwame Despite, the museum is a culmination of his over 30-year passion for collecting vehicles. It features an impressive mix of antique and luxury automobiles, curated to serve both recreational and educational purposes.
The East Legon-based museum located at the same site as the erstwhile Lizzy Sports Complex, houses some of the rarest and most celebrated vehicles in automotive history.
The collection includes classic Bugattis, a Rolls Royce Silver Wraith LWB, multiple Bentleys, high-end Mercedes-Benz models, Jaguars, and Harley Davidson motorbikes. It also features modern driving simulators to offer an immersive, hands-on experience for visitors.
The museum aims to provide car enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public with an opportunity to explore the evolution of motoring — from its earliest innovations to the sleek, cutting-edge designs of today. Each vehicle on display offers insights into the engineering, craftsmanship and cultural relevance of its era.
According to museum officials, the idea was born out of Mr. Despite’s lifelong interest in automobiles. What began as a private hobby has now been transformed into a public institution, offering a rare glimpse into the personal collection of one of Ghana’s most influential entrepreneurs.
The opening ceremony drew a high-profile guest list including former President John Agyekum Kufuor, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, real estate mogul Nana Kwame Bediako, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and rapper Sarkodie, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the museum as both a cultural and social landmark.
With its blend of elegance, nostalgia, and educational value, the Despite Automobile Museum is poised to become one of Accra’s premier destinations for car lovers and tourists alike. The museum not only celebrates automotive excellence but also adds a new dimension to Ghana’s growing creative and heritage tourism sector.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, could be released today, Monday, June 2, 2025, if his legal team is able to resolve the setbacks that have delayed his bail.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, expressed optimism, saying the outstanding issues would be addressed to allow Wontumi to leave EOCO custody, where he has been held for the past five days.
Chairman Wontumi, has been under investigation for alleged financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Although he was granted GHC50 million bail with two justified sureties on May 28, delays in meeting the terms of the bail, stalled his release despite meeting the conditions by May 30.
One of his legal counsels, Andy Appiah-Kubi said all necessary efforts are being made to resolve the legal issues, for Chairman Wontumi’s bail to take effect today.
“We encountered some difficulties which will be sorted on Monday, then we will have a fresh slate to operate, and work towards the desired result,” he stated.
In many parts of the world, lighter skin is often idealized as a symbol of beauty, success, and social status. This perception has led to the widespread use of skin bleaching products by individuals seeking to lighten their complexion. However, the use of such products carries significant health risks that are often overlooked. This article highlights ten major dangers associated with skin bleaching and underscores the need for public education and regulatory measures.
1. Skin Thinning
Many bleaching products contain potent corticosteroids that, when used over time, cause the skin to become thin and fragile. Thinned skin is more susceptible to bruises, tearing, and other injuries, making it less resilient to environmental damage.
2. Increased Risk of Skin Infections
Compromised skin integrity makes bleached skin more vulnerable to infections. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections are more common among individuals who use harsh bleaching agents regularly.
3. Mercury Poisoning
Some unregulated skin lightening products contain mercury, a highly toxic substance. Mercury can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body, leading to serious health problems, including kidney damage, neurological issues, and harm to developing fetuses during pregnancy.
4. Steroid Dependence and Withdrawal
Bleaching creams containing corticosteroids can cause the skin to become dependent on these drugs. When usage stops, individuals may experience severe flare-ups, rashes, and skin damage, a condition known as topical steroid withdrawal.
5. Acne and Skin Irritation
Common side effects of bleaching include acne breakouts, burning sensations, and irritation. These symptoms can significantly worsen with prolonged or incorrect use of bleaching products.
6. Uneven Skin Tone
Rather than achieving a uniformly lighter complexion, many users develop blotchy, discolored patches on their skin. This mottled appearance often results from irregular application or damage to the skin’s natural pigment-producing cells.
7. Delayed Wound Healing
Bleaching products can interfere with collagen production, a vital protein for skin repair. As a result, wounds on bleached skin may take longer to heal and are more prone to complications.
8. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
Melanin is the skin’s natural defense against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Bleaching reduces melanin levels, thereby increasing the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and raising the risk of developing skin cancers, particularly in areas with high UV exposure.
9. Organ Damage
Toxic ingredients such as hydroquinone and mercury may enter the bloodstream through prolonged skin contact. Over time, this can lead to serious complications involving the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
10. Psychological and Social Effects
The use of bleaching products is often fueled by societal pressure and unrealistic beauty standards. This can lead to long-term psychological effects such as low self-esteem, identity crises, and dissatisfaction with natural skin tone.
Conclusion
Skin bleaching is more than just a cosmetic practice—it is a public health concern. The risks associated with it are severe and far-reaching, affecting both physical health and mental well-being. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities must work together to educate the public, regulate harmful products, and promote the acceptance of diverse skin tones. Beauty should never come at the cost of health.
Ex-President Akufo-Addo in a handshake with Mion Regent, as Dr. Bawumia and others look on
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has described the late Mion Lana Abdulai Mahamudu and Yoo Naa Yakubu Andani as indispensable figures in securing lasting peace in Dagbon.
According to the former President, the two royal brothers played a pivotal role in ending the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy crisis, thanks to their deep understanding of the situation and willingness to support a historic compromise.
“Nyab Mion Lana Abdulai Mahamudu and his brother, Yoo Naa Yakubu Andani, were indispensable to finding a solution to the Dagbon crisis,” the ex-President stated.
He added, “They accepted my advice that the special circumstances required a special solution, which was to allow the then Savelugu Naa to ascend to Yendi as Ya Na Mahama Abukari II. I will always remain grateful to them for their role in restoring peace and reconciliation to Dagbon.”
He made these remarks while addressing mourners at the final funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief of Mion, held in Sambu in the Northern Region.
Mr. Akufo-Addo also reflected on his personal ties with the late Mion Lana and his family, noting the historic bond between their families.
“The late Mion Lana’s family and mine have been close for generations. His grandfather, the late Ya Na Mahamadu Abdullai I, was a friend of my father. His father, Ya Na Mahamadu Abdullai II, was a very good friend of mine. As Bolin Lana, I visited him often in Yendi, whether for political or personal reasons. Ours was a cherished relationship that lasted until his passing,” he recounted.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the Ya Na, the Regent of Mion, and the people of Dagbon.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of Resurrection, when we shall all meet again,” he said.
Among the dignitaries who accompanied the former President to the funeral were former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, and other notable figures.
The late Mion Lana passed away at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra on August 17, 2022, after a short illness. He died at the age of 48.
Born in 1974, Nyab Mion Lana Abdulai Mahamudu became Bolin Lana at the age of 14, a day after his father’s burial. He was enskinned as Mion Lana on March 3, 2019, and under the traditional Dagbon succession system, was next in line to become Ya Na after Ya Na Abukari II.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn his motion challenging the conditions of his bail.
The motion, which was filed at the High Court in Accra on May 30, 2025, was scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, June 3.
However, his legal team formally withdrew the application on Monday, June 2, ahead of the hearing.
Chairman Wontumi had sought a review of the GH¢50 million bail imposed by the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO), arguing through his lawyers that the amount was excessive and could potentially obstruct his release.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP has been in the custody of the EOCO since May 28, 2025, for alleged involvement in multiple criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, has revealed that a second phase of the investigation reportedly links Wontumi to a wider international organised crime syndicate.
Rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent says he plans to speak directly with President Donald Trump about music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, but insists his intent is not to influence any potential presidential pardon.
The rapper, real name Curtis Jackson, sparked headlines after reacting to Trump’s recent comments in a Fox News interview, where the US President said he would “consider” pardoning Diddy if he were convicted in his ongoing federal sex trafficking case. In response, 50 posted on social media: “He said some really bad things about Trump, it’s not ok. I’m gonna reach out so he knows how I feel about this guy.”
Some media outlets interpreted the comment as 50 Cent urging Trump not to grant a pardon to Diddy. However, Jackson later clarified that he simply wants to express his personal views about Diddy and to inform Trump of disparaging remarks the Bad Boy Records founder allegedly made about him.
“I didn’t say don’t pardon him, I just said he’s been disrespectful,” 50 explained in a follow-up post on Instagram, distancing himself from interpretations that he was lobbying for Diddy’s imprisonment.
The remarks follow a string of public jabs from 50 Cent toward Diddy since the music mogul’s legal troubles began. After Diddy was arrested in September amid a federal investigation, 50 has repeatedly mocked him online, including sharing an AI-generated image of himself wearing a “Free Diddy” T-shirt.
Diddy is currently facing serious federal charges, with ongoing trial proceedings including testimony from a former assistant under the pseudonym “Mia,” alleging s3xual misconduct.
Meanwhile, Trump, who recently granted pardons to reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, has not ruled out extending clemency to Diddy. His openness to the idea has stirred widespread debate, particularly in entertainment and political circles.
While 50 Cent has not disclosed when or if the meeting with Trump will happen, he maintains that his goal is simply to voice his perspective, not to interfere with legal decisions.
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed concern and displeasure over how the ban on drumming and noise-making is being enforced by a task force of the Ga Traditional Council in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
It said while the GPCC recognised and respected the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the Ga people, especially the annual observation of the ban as part of the Homowo Festival, “we are disturbed by the increasing reports of intimidation, harassment, and in some cases, the unlawful entry, assault and disruption of church services by certain individuals purporting to be members of the task force”.
Aggression
The council, it said, was particularly concerned that in some instances, churches that had complied with agreed protocols were still being subjected to aggression and assault.
“The GPCC calls for urgent dialogue between the Ga Traditional Council, religious leaders, the local assemblies and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council to review the approach and enforcement strategy.”
“We believe that through consultation and mutual respect, a more peaceful and cooperative atmosphere can be maintained during this culturally sensitive period,” a statement signed by the President of the GPCC, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said.
It also called on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Peace Council to mediate in the matter to avert any further conflicts or religious tensions.
Taskforce
However, the Head of the GTC Task Force, Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata, said it was their duty to ensure that the citizenry complied with the directive of the council.
He said the claim that the taskforce members were harassing churches was incorrect.
Rather, he said it was some of the churches that were not abiding by the directive of the GTC.
“Some are abiding by the rules and regulations but some are not, and when we go round and see that you are not abiding by the rules, we would come to you and issue summons to you to appear before the Judicial Committee of the GTC,” he said.
EPA
Meanwhile, the GPCC said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within the district assemblies had in its by-laws levels of drumming and noise- making which its members complied with during their services.
But it said the traditional council’s task force had taken the law into their hands and was invading churches, taking away musical instruments, even at the slightest strike of the piano, and in some instances, had damaged those instruments.
Such actions, it said, represented a gross overreach of traditional authority and amounted to violations of constitutional freedoms.
The Constitution of Ghana, it said, guaranteed the freedom of worship and assembly under Article 21, and “it is imperative that no cultural practice, however longstanding, be allowed to infringe upon this fundamental right”.
Selective
“The council would like to state that during this period of ban on drumming and noise-making, it appears churches in particular have become the target of the task force of the Ga Traditional Council, which, in the view of the council, is very disheartening,” it said.
The GPCC said churches and, in fact, Christians, who formed approximately 72 per cent of the Ghanaian population, had been peacemakers and law-abiding citizens throughout the years.
The council, therefore, called on the government and the relevant state agencies in charge to regulate the implementation of the ban on drumming and noise-making so that the fundamental human right of freedom of worship, association, and so on shall not be infringed upon.
The GPCC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence between Ghana’s rich cultural traditions and the body of Christ.
“We must all endeavour to protect the harmony that Ghana is known for. “It is our hope that this issue will be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” the statement added.
Traditional council
This year’s ban on drumming and noise-making took effect from Monday, May 12 and would end on Thursday, June 12, 2025 as part of the traditional preparations for the Homowo Festival.
The annual ban, a significant cultural practice among the Ga people, is observed to create an atmosphere of peace, solemnity and spiritual reflection ahead of the festival which celebrates unity, resilience and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
Judicial Committee
Nii Mankata said so far about 19 churches had been hauled before the Judicial Committee of the GTC.
The ban, he said, was not only for churches but Muslims and other persons that used loud speakers and made noise as well.
“You can use the microphone but make sure the sound would be within the church premises and shouldn’t come out,” Nii Mankata explained.
Clapping, he said, was not permitted, but he welcomed the dialogue proposal made by the GPCC.
The Head of the task force said the traditional council was ready to engage in such exercises for the common good to ensure peaceful co-existence between the GTC and others.
Sunyani, (Bono), June 2, GNA – Pastor Dr Edward Kofi Tumsiah, the newly appointed National Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) Ghana, has re-assured their commitment to cater for the welfare and needs of the vulnerable members of the Deeper Life Bible Church.
He said the Church was currently going through restructuring, assuring that the church would cater for the needs and welfare of widows, orphans and vulnerable children and young people.
That, he added, would alleviate their plight and better their socio-economic livelihoods.
Pastor Dr Tumsiah gave the assurance when he addressed special service of the church in Sunyani, saying the restructuring would among other objectives, improve the church’s infrastructural development, youth empowerment and spiritual development.
Attended by leaders, workers and members of the church, the service enabled the church to officially introduce Pastor Dr Tumsiah to the congregation.
Pastor Dr Tumsiah said he was optimistic that with the cooperation and support of the leadership, the spiritual and infrastructural development of the church would be brought to the next level.
In a sermon on the theme “Praying till it happens”, the National Overseer impressed the church members and pastors to pick inspirations from the truly-motivated life stories of Daniel, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and likes, and build and strengthen their daily prayer life.
He said building personal altars in their private homes and workplaces was essential for them to strengthen their relationship with God, experience divine encounters, and thereby deepen their Christian and godly convictions.
Pastor Dr Tumsiah shared personal testimonies of healing and breakthroughs, inspiring the church to build and deepen their faith in God and commended the Pastors and leaders in particular for the holistic growth and development of the church in the Bono Region.
Earlier, Pastor David Obeng Asumani, the out-going Bono Regional Overseer of the church also urged the congregation to endeavour to live godly lives that would draw them closer to God.
The Africa Governance Centre, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, will host the African Political Parties Summit from 12th to 14th August 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana.
This historic continental convening will bring together delegations from over 100 major political parties from over 50 African and Caribbean countries, alongside heads of state, political party leaders, civil society leaders, academic experts, and international development institutions.
The Summit will serve as a strategic platform for dialogue, consensus-building, and inter-party cooperation aimed at strengthening democratic governance and catalyzing economic transformation on the African continent.
H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will deliver the Opening Address. The program will feature plenary sessions, strategic forums, side meetings, and the official adoption of the implementation framework of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI)—a flagship institutional platform for sustained inter-party engagement and capacity development.
African Political Parties Summit Details:
Date: 12th –14th August 2025
Venue: Accra International Conference Centre, Accra – Ghana
Theme: “From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa’s Development and Economic Transformation”
Organized by: Africa Governance Centre in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Ghana
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
All local and international media representatives wishing to cover the Summit are required to apply for official accreditation. Accredited media will have access to plenary proceedings, press briefings, interview opportunities, and photo sessions with Summit leaders and dignitaries.
Accreditation Deadline: 1st August 2025
To Apply: Email [email protected] with the following information:
Financial Consultant and Executive Coach Doris Ahiati has highlighted the urgent need to cultivate a national savings culture as a critical pillar for Ghana’s long-term economic development.
Speaking during Savings 101 on the Citi Business Festival on Citi FM, Ahiati linked Ghana’s low savings rate to a widespread tendency toward high consumption—an issue that, she noted, hampers both personal and national financial progress.
“In Ghana, research shows we have a low savings habit, meaning we have a very high propensity to consume,” she stated.
She explained that adopting even small savings habits could gradually shift mindsets and build a stronger financial foundation.
“That is where the habit of saving comes in—because you will have at the back of your head that even if you earn a Cedi, you must put aside a pesewa for savings.”
Ahiati stressed that if individuals and institutions embraced consistent savings practices, Ghana’s dependence on external financial support, such as Eurobond borrowing, could be reduced.
“If we have that habit as a country, it will reduce our chances of going to the Eurobond Market, or other nations, for us to support the growth of the country. If you want to grow as an individual, a company, or an economy, you need to start a savings habit,” she added.
Delving into the psychology of habit formation, Ahiati noted that developing a savings culture requires consistency and deliberate effort.
“Science and psychology show that when you do something repeatedly for at least 21 days, there are neural pathways that begin to form. So when you wake up and haven’t done what you’ve been doing consistently, you will feel that something is missing,” she said.
She added that human behavior is driven by habit, making it challenging—but not impossible—to adopt new financial disciplines.
“At the beginning, when you have to break away from something you have been doing—which is not saving—you have to replace it with something else. That will mean you have to be intentional,” she said.
Ahiati concluded that building a national culture of saving begins with individuals making conscious, daily choices to prioritise financial responsibility.
Respectfully, I write, not in agreement with the prevailing governmental silence, but in principled departure from it.
The matter before the conscience of the Republic is neither trivial nor forgettable. It is the confirmed appointment—or attempted appointment—of an individual whose academic and professional credentials, once held out as exemplary and sold to the unsuspecting public via national television, now appear fundamentally suspect, or so it has been alleged.
Fitch Solutions has adjusted its end-2025 forecast for the Ghanaian cedi, revising it to GHS13.0/USD, from an earlier estimate of GHS15.5/USD, following a notable appreciation of the local currency in recent weeks.
According to the economic research firm, the cedi has strengthened by 30% between late April and May 2025, primarily driven by higher global gold prices.
Consequently, Fitch now expects the currency to appreciate by 12.9% in 2025, up from its end-2024 level of GHS14.7/USD.
The more robust exchange rate, Fitch explains, will help alleviate inflationary pressures and create room for the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to pivot towards monetary easing in the second half of the year.
As Ghana remains a net importer of major consumer items such as fuel, cereals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics, a stronger cedi is projected to exert a significant disinflationary impact, especially on imported goods.
Although the BoG raised its policy rate by 100 basis points in March 2025 to 28.00% due to persistent inflation earlier in the year, Fitch anticipates a reversal in this stance. It forecasts a total rate cut of 200 basis points in the second half of 2025, which would lower the policy rate to 26.00% by year-end.
On inflation, Fitch highlights that headline inflation is beginning to moderate after a challenging start to the year. April 2025 recorded year-on-year inflation of 21.5%, a decline from 23.5% in January.
The firm projects average inflation of 18.0% for 2025, ending the year at 13.1%, which moves inflation closer to the pre-pandemic average of 12.4% recorded between 2015 and 2019.
The expected slowdown in inflation – alongside cedi appreciation and monetary policy easing—is forecast to improve household spending power and accelerate consumer demand growth in the latter part of the year.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has rejected claims that the central bank is targeting a specific level for the cedi’s appreciation. He emphasized that the Bank’s exchange rate strategy is aimed at reducing excessive volatility, not fixing exchange rate thresholds.
Speaking at a press briefing following the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Dr. Asiama clarified:
“We don’t have such a plan on the table that says when the cedi reaches a certain point, we must move to ease the appreciation,” the Governor asserted.
He further reinforced that the BoG’s actions remain guided by market conditions and the broader macroeconomic environment, not by pre-set exchange rate levels.
Cedi likely to stabilise between GHS11 or GHS12 by end of year – Analyst
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana’s first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country’s transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.
Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometer area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone’s operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone.
H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s global outreach and sharing Dubai’s pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. “This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC’s role as a key contributor to Dubai’s knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation”.
He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana’s trust in PCFC’s expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. “This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana’s industrial and technological infrastructure”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana’s economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. “This initiative aligns with Ghana’s vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.”
PCFC will implement and manage the advanced digital infrastructure in the zone to support the growth of local and regional businesses across Africa. The project will provide a robust platform for innovation, investment opportunities that empower global and local expansion.
Dedicated teams from both countries specializing in AI and investment will manage the zone, fostering innovation, business growth and regional connectivity. The collaboration aims to empower local communities, traders, and investors, driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress across the continent.
The partnership marks a major milestone in fostering international partnerships that advance technology and economic development, positioning Ghana at the forefront of Africa’s digital future.
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