Voice of America goes off air in Ghana, Nigeria, and several other African countries

The United States-funded Voice of America (VOA) has gone off air in Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and several other African countries after President Donald Trump cut financial support to the global broadcaster.

The shutdown, first noticed by millions of listeners in northern Nigeria, sparked panic when music began playing in place of scheduled broadcasts, a haunting reminder in the region of military coups or political takeovers.

“People started calling in, worried that there had been a coup in America,” said Babangida Jibrin, a journalist who previously worked with VOA’s now-defunct Hausa-language service, as quoted by Daily Trust.

The station’s abrupt disappearance from the airwaves last month left stunned reporters scrambling to explain what had happened to their loyal audience.

Founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA later became a major player in Cold War-era broadcasting, offering an American perspective against Soviet disinformation.

Over the decades, it evolved into a beacon of credible journalism worldwide, especially in authoritarian regions where press freedom is under threat.

In northern Nigeria, where insurgency, banditry, and government corruption are part of daily life, VOA Hausa provided in-depth, unbiased coverage often missing in local media.

Its disappearance has now left a gaping hole in a media landscape already struggling with state repression and misinformation.

Critics blame Trump’s ideological war on independent institutions and his administration’s push to dismantle U.S.-backed international media.

The US president slashed VOA’s funding as part of a broader effort to bring the outlet under tighter political control, effectively killing off several regional language services.

Sahara Reporters also reported that more than 1,100 “Hands Off!” protests and meetings were scheduled to take place across all 50 states in the US on Saturday.

These were in response to the significant cuts to the federal workforce, reportedly overseen by Trump adviser and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

SP/MA

By Dennis Peprah

Sunyani, (Bono), April 6, GNA –The various Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been urged to always defend the party, and propagate achievements of the government.

Mr Vincent Antwi Agyei, the President Nominee for the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive who gave the advice, asked the student bodies to remain loyal and serve the party, encouraging them to make their presence felt in the party activities at their respective constituencies. 

He said the TEIN remained the lifeblood of the NDC, assuring that the NDC would also reward their hard work accordingly. 

Mr Agyei gave the advice when addressing the annual freshers summit (Akwaaba) of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) branch of the TEIN in Sunyani. 

The summit, on the theme, “Empowering the next generation: strengthening leadership and activism for a brighter future” sought to welcome and induct the ‘level 100’ students who were loyal members of the NDC into the Network. 

Mr Agyei emphasised that the NDC acknowledged and appreciated the immeasurable contributions of TEIN towards the party’s electoral victory in the 2024 General Election. 

However, he asked them to avoid complacency, instead continuing working hard in sensitizing the masses about the good policies of the government, as they also learn their books. 

“In fact, you will never regret working for the NDC because the government will definitely reward you. 
I was sacked by the previous administration in 2017 as the Public Relations Officer of the Municipal Assembly however my dismissal inspired me to work hard for the NDC. 

I never dreamt of becoming a Municipal Chief Executive, but our President John Dramani Mahama just rewarded my hard work with that position,” Mr Agyei inspired the network. 

The President Nominee said, “indeed hard work truly pays” and asked the network to remain faithful to the party, saying the government would also create opportunities for them too. 

Describing the TEIN as the lifeblood of the NDC, Mr Seid Abdul Basit, the President of the branch, said the network played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the NDC, and the future of the nation. 

“As the youth wing of the NDC, TEIN is not just a student organisation, but the beating heart of youth activism, leadership and progress,” he stated, and stressed the network’s commitment to remain loyal and promote the course of the party. 

GNA 
DEN/LAA 

The United States-funded Voice of America (VOA) has gone off air in Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, and several other African countries after President Donald Trump cut financial support to the global broadcaster.

The shutdown, first noticed by millions of listeners in northern Nigeria, sparked panic when music began playing in place of scheduled broadcasts, a haunting reminder in the region of military coups or political takeovers.

“People started calling in, worried that there had been a coup in America,” Babangida Jibrin, a journalist who worked with VOA’s now-defunct Hausa-language service, was quoted by Daily Trust.

The station’s abrupt disappearance from the airwaves last month left stunned reporters scrambling to explain what had happened to their loyal audience.

VOA’s Hausa service, a lifeline for millions of listeners in rural and conflict-prone areas of Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Niger, had become a trusted source of international and regional news, especially in places where local media is either censored, inaccessible, or compromised by state influence.

With internet access unreliable or non-existent in these regions, shortwave and radio broadcasts like VOA filled a crucial void.

“People are now cut off from the world, especially from critical international news,” lamented Moussa Jaharou, a listener from southern Niger.

He described the shutdown as a “deliberate silencing of the poor.”

Founded during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA later became a major player in Cold War-era broadcasting, offering an American perspective against Soviet disinformation.

Over the decades, it evolved into a beacon of credible journalism worldwide, particularly in authoritarian regions where press freedom is under attack.

In northern Nigeria, where insurgency, banditry, and government corruption are everyday realities, VOA Hausa provided in-depth, unbiased coverage that is often missing in local media.

Its disappearance has now left a gaping hole in a media landscape already struggling with state repression and misinformation.

Critics blame Trump’s ideological war on independent institutions and his administration’s push to dismantle U.S.-backed international media.

The US president slashed VOA’s funding as part of a broader effort to bring the outlet under tighter political control, effectively killing off several regional language services.

SaharaReporters had also reported that over 1,100 “Hands Off!” protests and meetings were scheduled to take place across all 50 states in the U.S. on Saturday.

This was in response to the significant cuts to the federal workforce, reportedly overseen by Trump adviser and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

These nationwide demonstrations aim to voice opposition to the dramatic reductions in the federal workforce, which organisers believe are part of a broader effort to dismantle public services, including Social Security, Medicaid, and public education.

The protests are being organised by a coalition of over 150 organisations, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Service Employees International Union, and the American Civil Liberties Union, according to Yahoo News.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them,” the organisers say on their website. “They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them.”

By Solomon Gumah

Tamale, April 05, GNA – Mr Abubakari Iddrisu Saeed, Northern Regional Director, Centre for National Culture, has emphasised need for restaurants and chop bars across the country to prioritise traditional cuisines on their menus to popularise the eating of nutritious local meals. 

He said promoting traditional dishes was essential in preserving the Ghanaian culture and showcasing the country’s rich tourism potential, which could lead to job creation and business opportunities especially for the youth. 

He made the call at the third edition of the traditional food exhibition, held in Tamale as part of activities to mark this year’s Ghana Month celebration.  

The event, themed: “Display Your Cooking Pot,” was organised by the Centre for National Culture with support from Nkulenu Industries Limited and Tasty Tom. 

The exhibition provided a platform for various groups to compete in cooking local dishes, allowing them to showcase their culinary skills while encouraging members of the public to embrace Ghanaian meals. 

Mr Saeed said “We are gathered here to honour our rich and time-tested cultural heritage through one of its most essential elements, our traditional foods.” 

He added that “Food is not just sustenance; it reflects who we are, where we come from, and the values we uphold. The dishes prepared and displayed here tell the stories of our ancestors, our communities, and the traditions that have shaped our identity.” 

He urged the citizenry to embrace the diversity of local cuisines, engage in meaningful conversations about culture, and remain committed to preserving and promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage for future generations. 

Six groups representing different ethnic backgrounds participated in the cooking competition.  

They prepared dishes such as rice balls, tubani, local snacks, drinks, jollof rice amongst others, each showcasing the richness of their cultural backgrounds. 

Mr Alhassan Abdul-Waris, a judge for the event, commended all participants for their exceptional culinary skills and encouraged them to keep improving. 

Madam Susanna Sampana, Northern Regional Activation Representative of Tasty Tom, also urged members of the public to embrace traditional Ghanaian dishes to improve their overall well-being. 

Participants expressed gratitude to the Centre for National Culture and partners for providing the platform, which encouraged the cooking and consumption of local meals. 

GNA 

EA/LAA 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the government to provide transparency and accountability regarding concerns over suspected drug trafficking and money laundering activities in the country.

The party has raised questions about the unexplained presence of two foreign aircraft in the country, AirMed flight N823AM and the Cavok Air Antonov An-12B.

In a statement released on Sunday, April 6, the NPP condemned the government’s response to concerns raised by the opposition.

“The NPP vehemently condemns the government’s intimidation of the minority, who have expressed valid concerns regarding the unexplained presence of specific foreign aircraft in Ghana, AirMed flight N823AM and the Cavok Air Antonov An-12B,” the statement read.
“Considering their origin, a satisfactory explanation of these aircraft’s mission in our country is required.”

The NPP expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation.
“Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s explanation regarding the aircraft’s presence and operations in Ghana has not met public expectations. His response was scanty and primarily defensive, deepening public suspicion and concern,” the statement read.

The NPP pointed out the strange circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s operations.

“Curiously, both aircraft developed faults while in Ghana. The story about the two jets is baffling, and the idea that the government will politicize citizens’ legitimate desire to know that the aircraft were not on an illegal mission reinforces the suspicion that the government’s explanation is contrived,” the statement said.

The NPP also highlighted that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged the Ghanaian government to investigate the flights’ mission.

“The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has urged the Ghanaian government to investigate the flights’ mission,” the statement noted.

Additionally, the NPP demanded updates on two high-profile drug trafficking cases.

“In addition, we demand the government provide an update on the status of two major drug trafficking cases, the S350 million cocaine bust in Cape Coast and the S150 million cocaine seizure in Sekondi, allegedly belonging to a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),” the NPP said.

The party criticised the government’s failure to address these cases effectively.

“The political explanation Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu offered failed to address the request for an update on these drug arrests,” the statement read. “The silence on these high-profile arrests undermines public trust, particularly given the alleged involvement of a senior member of the NDC.”

The NPP concluded by warning the government not to downplay the seriousness of drug trafficking and money laundering issues.

“We wish to caution the government that it should not trivialize issues concerning drug trafficking and money laundering, as we have witnessed thus far. These are matters of international interest, and Ghana’s credibility and compliance with international obligations are at stake,” the party said.

The party reiterated its commitment to holding the government accountable.

“We will not relent in our duty to hold this government accountable. Ghana deserves better.“

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DC Kwame Kwakye Blog of Sunday, 6 April 2025

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The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has presented a memorandum to the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), outlining key proposals for constitutional amendments and institutional reforms.

The presentation took place on Friday during a sitting of the CRC in Accra. IDEG’s memorandum highlights proposed reforms in four key areas: Local Governance, Political Parties, Public Service, and Public Enterprises.

Making the presentation on behalf of the Institute, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of IDEG, was accompanied by Professor Kwesi Jonah, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute.

Receiving the document, Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh, Chairman of the CRC, acknowledged IDEG’s long-standing commitment to research, advocacy, and policy development in the promotion of good governance and democratic practices in Ghana.

He expressed appreciation for IDEG’s active participation in the constitution review process and welcomed its contribution to the ongoing national dialogue.

The CRC, established by President John Dramani Mahama in January 2025 as part of his campaign pledge, is currently soliciting views and recommendations from citizens, institutions, and civil society organizations across the country.

With a six-month mandate, the committee is tasked with reviewing Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, addressing gaps, and providing actionable recommendations to the government. The exercise also includes revisiting earlier works, such as the 2010 Constitution Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee.

IDEG’s submission forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen democratic governance through inclusive and participatory constitutional reform.

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Apr – 06 – 2025 , 13:01

2 minutes read

Residents of the Eastern Region witnessed a significant public health intervention as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) safely disposed of approximately 2.5 tons of unwholesome products.

The exercise was conducted with the consent of product owners and under strict supervision.

The items destroyed included a wide range of products, drugs, cosmetics, canned foods, beverages, and medical equipment confiscated from information centres, supermarkets, over-the-counter medicine sellers, food retail joints, and pubs across the region.

The disposal exercise took place at the Akwadum dumping site near Koforidua, under tight security and expert monitoring to ensure public safety.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Anita Owusu-Kuffour, the Eastern Regional Head of the FDA, emphasized the Authority’s mandate to ensure the safety of all products under its regulatory scope. She noted that while the FDA actively monitors market products, manufacturers and vendors also have the responsibility to report unsafe or expired goods for safe disposal.

“The FDA seeks the services of the management of the landfill site and uses appropriate equipment to burn, bury, crush, or churn the non-conforming products to prevent the activities of scavengers,” she explained.

Specialized equipment, including excavators and bulldozers, was deployed during the destruction process to ensure thorough and environmentally safe disposal.

Owusu-Kuffour reiterated the FDA’s broader role in protecting public health by ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of human and veterinary medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and biological products. The Authority also regulates the safety of Ghana’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and tobacco products.

The FDA’s latest operation underscores its ongoing commitment to ridding the market of harmful goods and ensuring consumer safety across the country.

The sub-divisional chief of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume, Togbe Kwasi Amedor III, has expressed concern over a communicable skin disease outbreak affecting many children and adults in Avetakpo enclave, a farming community in Ghana’s Volta Region. 

According to the chief, the infected residents are experiencing sleep deprivation, acute, and prolonged bodily pains.

Despite the severity of the outbreak, he indicated that affected individuals are unable to access medical treatment due to a lack of funds. 

Based on the request by the Queen Mother of the area, Mama Aku Seme II, officials from the Ho East District Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service (GHS) visited the area, but a budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 was set for the community to pay before treatment could begin.

Unfortunately, the community couldn’t raise the funds.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Chief Togbe Amedor III stated. 

He disclised that the disease has spread to neighboring communities, with over 46 people affected so far.

Togbe Amedor III is calling for immediate government intervention to support the community with funds for mass medical treatment. 

He emphasized the need for contingency measures to prevent infections and maintain residents’ well-being.

The chief expressed frustration that health officials didn’t provide the actual name of the disease or its source, leaving the community uncertain about the situation. 

The lack of access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing sources with cattle and animals, may be contributing to the outbreak.

The chief’s appeal highlights the need for government support to address the skin disease outbreak in Mepe-Avetakpi. 

With the situation becoming increasingly serious, urgent action is required to provide medical treatment and prevent further spread of the disease.

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The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has announced plans to implement a 24-hour shift system in its terminal operations.

The introduction of this system, as highlighted in the March 2025 edition of TOR’s newsletter, aims to enhance and streamline the refinery’s operations.

This move is part of a broader strategy to maximize the utilization of TOR’s assets and improve overall efficiency.

It is believed that the systematic roll-out of the three-shift system will initially focus on the loading gantry, a key area of the Refinery Terminal Operations.

The loading gantry plays a critical role in the refinery’s operations, where refined petroleum products are loaded onto tankers for distribution.

With the implementation of the 24-hour system, TOR’s management hopes to significantly enhance the terminal’s operations, increase productivity, and ensure a continuous supply of refined products to meet domestic demand.

The 24-hour system will be divided into three shifts, allowing staff to work in rotations around the clock. This will not only help TOR to operate more efficiently but also create employment opportunities by increasing the number of shifts and staff required to manage the operations.

The shift system forms part of a broader initiative by the government of President John Dramani Mahama to foster a 24-hour economic system in Ghana.

The government aims to encourage businesses and state institutions across the country to adopt shift systems, thereby increasing productivity and contributing to a more dynamic economy.

The Tema Oil Refinery is Ghana’s premier oil refinery. With an ideal refinery configuration and sufficient storage tank capacity, it ranks among the best refineries in Africa and plays a critical role in supporting the country’s economic growth and investment initiatives.

However, despite its strategic importance, operational risks and managerial challenges have left the refinery in disarray in recent years.

Issues such as outdated infrastructure, inconsistent maintenance, and financial mismanagement have hindered its full potential and led to fluctuating performance, thereby impacting its ability to meet the increasing demand for refined products.

MA

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Apr – 06 – 2025 , 12:01

2 minutes read

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the ministry allocates US$15 million annually to cover rent for Foreign Service Officers, a financial burden that has significantly strained the ministry’s budget over the years.

In addressing this challenge, Okudzeto Ablakwa announced a strategic plan to purchase two properties each year.

This initiative is aimed at reducing long-term rental costs while enhancing investments in the welfare of the ministry’s staff.

However, he raised concerns about the deteriorating state of several state-owned properties abroad, attributing the issue to poor maintenance practices.

These conditions, he noted, pose serious safety and welfare concerns for staff.

Ablakwa further disclosed that Foreign Service Officers stationed in challenging environments will be reassigned every two years, ensuring their well-being while maintaining efficiency.

During his engagement with staff at the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, the Minister reassured them that their welfare remains a top priority.

He emphasised his commitment to addressing their concerns and improving their working conditions.

The Minister’s visit to Nigeria is part of a broader working tour of Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, an initiative aimed at fostering connections with Ghanaians living abroad.

SP/MA

In a move reflecting heightened diplomatic tensions, the United States has imposed a sweeping ban on romantic and sexual relationships between its government personnel in China and Chinese nationals.

According to an AP report, the directive, introduced in January 2025 by then-U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, extends to American diplomats, their family members, and contractors with security clearances stationed across mainland China and Hong Kong. 

It prohibits any intimate involvement with Chinese citizens — a stark departure from previous protocols.

Previously, U.S. staff were only required to report romantic contact with Chinese nationals or avoid relationships with specific individuals, such as embassy guards. Under the new guidelines, however, such associations are outright forbidden unless formally exempted.

“This is a Cold War-era level of restriction,” said one diplomatic analyst, commenting on the policy’s breadth. “American diplomats commonly date or even marry locals in host countries, but this new rule makes clear the U.S. sees China as a unique threat.”

The policy stems from growing concerns about espionage, particularly China’s alleged use of “honeypots” — romantic traps designed to extract intelligence from foreign officials. Peter Mattis, a former CIA analyst, said, “Chinese state security agents have been known to seduce American diplomats, and even ordinary Chinese citizens who date them could be vulnerable to coercion.”

According to reports, personnel with pre-existing relationships may apply for exemptions. If denied, they must either end the relationship or vacate their post. Violation of the policy would lead to immediate expulsion from China.

The rule applies to U.S. government personnel stationed at the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Hong Kong. It does not, however, affect diplomats based outside of China.

The Chinese government has remained tight-lipped about the move. When asked for comment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would be “more appropriate to ask the U.S. about this question.”

Ironically, China already maintains stringent controls over the private lives of its own officials. Civil servants with foreign spouses are barred from senior appointments, while diplomats are not permitted to remain in any one country for extended periods. Chinese government staff are similarly forbidden from engaging in romantic relationships with foreign nationals.

The new U.S. directive comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, security, and global influence — a geopolitical rivalry that continues to reshape foreign policy on both sides.

By Emelia B. Addae

Koforidua, April 06, GNA – The Eastern Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has carried out a massive disposal of about 2.5 tonnage unwholesome products from some places with the consent of their owners. 

The disposed products which included drugs, cosmetics, canned foods, drinks, and medical equipment, were seized from places such as the information centers, supermarkets, Over the counter, food retail joints, and pubs. 

The items were safely disposed of at the Akwadum dumping site near Koforidua amid tight security and expert watch. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency Mrs. Anita Owusu-Kuffour, Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, said that the authority was mandated to check on the safety of products under their regulatory control. 

But the manufacturers and producers too had the right to report the unsafety status of their products to the FDA for proper disposal. 

“The FDA seeks the services of the Management of the Landfill Site and uses the appropriate equipment to burn, bury, crash or churn for safer and successful disposal of the non-conforming products to prevent the activities of scavengers,” she said. 

The equipment used for the destruction exercise included an excavator and bulldozers. 

The FDA protects public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices.  

It is also responsible for the safety and security of Ghana’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and regulating tobacco products. 

GNA 

DL/KOA